cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dependence of collision complex lifetime on product internal state: Laser fluorescence detection of the Ca + NaCl crossed beam reaction

Abstract The reaction Ca + NaCl → CaCl + Na has been studied by the crossed molecular beam technique through the use of tunable laser fluorescence detection of CaCl and Na. Both the CaCl internal state distribution and the laboratory angular distributions of several CaCl vibrational states have been determined. The derived center-of-mass angular distributions differ significantly with vibrational level: for CaCl v = 2–3, near symmetric forward—backward peaking is observed, while for v = 0–1 the scattering is predominantly forward with respect to the incident Ca direction, with only a secondary maximum in the backward hemisphere. These results are consistent with a collision-complex mechanism, akin to that for the well-studied alkali atom—alkali halide exchange reaction; in the present reaction, higher CaCl vibrational levels are formed by the decay of complexes having longer lifetimes (greater than several rotational periods of the complex). This dependence of complex lifetime with channel exoergicity can be rationalized in terms of simple RRK unimolecular decay theory. The derived CaCl internal state distribution appears statistical in nature and agrees with that calculated by phase space theory.
Review of serotonergic agents and perseverative behavior in patients with developmental disabilities

Studies of blood serotonin concentrations in autism and mental retardation suggest a possible dysfunction of serotonin in substantial proportions of patients. Clomipramine (CMI) and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are documented as effective in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms as well as depression. Some workers construe perseverative behavior as a variant of OCD and certain forms of self-injury as a symptom of underlying depression or OCD, leading to extensive use of these agents in autism and mental retardation. CMI and the SSRIs share common features in terms of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and side effects, but they also have important differences. To date there have been at least 14 reports of CMI use and at least 33 reports of SSRI use to manage perseverative behavior in patients with developmental disabilities. The large majority of these reports suggest beneficial effects on perseverative behavior, but most are case reports or uncontrolled studies. The existing literature suggests that practitioners may use these serotonergic agents on an experimental basis to manage repetitive behaviors in this population. However, properly controlled studies are needed to (a) assess clinical efficacy more objectively; (b) evaluate patient characteristics (age, diagnosis, type of perseverative behavior) in relation to response; (c) compare differential response to these agents; (d) examine dose–response relationships; (e) assess any moderating effect of IQ; and (f) determine whether baseline serotonin profiles predict treatment outcome. MRDD Research Reviews 1999;5:279–289. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Homesteading in the Wild West: An Appreciation of the Pacific Sociological Association

In this very personal essay, I suggest four aspects of the PSA meetings which contributed to the creation of a “wild west” atmosphere, namely the methods used for the creation of sessions, the content of the sessions, the high level of social interaction, and the focus on student involvement. I conclude with a concern about the increased focus on making the meetings more prestigious and professional.
The Pedagogical Experiences and Practices of Family Child Care Providers

The work in family child care is becoming increasingly more professional, moving from an image of ‘mothering’ toward one of educare. The growing demand for expertise and competence in family child care providers can be examined in light of their pedagogical experiences and the ways in which children engage in learning in providers’ homes. This article is based on a phenomenological study conducted with four certified family child care providers, each with 10 or more years of experience with a wide age range of children. Data revealed that providers foster a pedagogical relationship with children along five dimensions of learning: children’s skills for learning, essential opportunities for learning, two forums for learning, socio-emotional learning, and meaningful learning. The authors conclude with implications for further research.
Influenza Viruses Expressing Chimeric Hemagglutinins: Globular Head and Stalk Domains Derived from Different Subtypes

The influenza virus hemagglutinin molecule possesses a globular head domain that mediates receptor binding and a stalk domain at the membrane-proximal region. We generated functional influenza viruses expressing chimeric hemagglutinins encompassing a variety of globular head and stalk combinations, not only from different hemagglutinin subtypes but also from different hemagglutinin phylogenetic groups. These chimeric recombinant viruses possess growth properties similar to those of wild-type influenza viruses and can be used as reagents to measure domain-specific antibodies in virological and immunological assays.
Approximate Hahn decompositions, uniform absolute continuity and uniform integrability

Abstract This paper contains an approximate Hahn-type decomposition for disjoint sequences of finitely additive measures; a different proof of a recently obtained lattice theoretic characterization of uniform absolute continuity; a refinement integrability characterization of uniform absolute continuity; and an exact Hahn-type decomposition (of the field of sets) for disjoint sequences of finitely additive measures.
Numerical solution of unsteady incompressible viscous flows in generalized moving coordinate systems

A solution method of the time-accurate, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in generalized curvilinear moving coordinate systems is presented in this paper. Accuracy is achieved by a conservative finite-volume discretization which satisfies the geometric conservation laws in generalized moving coordinate systems. The solution method is second-order accurate in space and first-order accurate in time. A fractional step solution method is used to efficiently solve the discrete equations. The unknowns, namely the pressure and the volume-fluxes, are chosen to facilitate the formulation of a consistent Poisson equation and to obtain a robust Poisson solver with favorable convergence properties. The method is validated by comparisons to other numerical and experimental solutions. The comparisons show good agreement.
A Stability Indicating Proton NMR Spectroscopic Assay Method for Succinylcholine Chloride Injections

Abstract A simple, accurate, and specific -1H-NMR spectroscopic method is presented for the assay of succinylcholine chloride injections. After freeze-drying the sample solution, a mixture of the residue with acetamide, serving as the internal standard, is dissolved in deuterium oxide, and the spectrum of the solution is recorded. The quantity of drug in the dosage form is calculated from the integral values for the resonance signals at ca. 2.01 ppm (acetamide) and ca. 3.27 ppm (succinylcholine chloride). The mean ± SD recovery value from synthetic formulations was 99.93 ± 0.60% (n = 10), with a corresponding CV of 0.60%. Assay values for a group of 10 commercial samples ranged from 86.1 to 100.7 (mean = 98.01)% of declared. Injection additives such as methyl paraben and benzyl alcohol did not interfere with the assays. The proposed method will also permit the simultaneous monitoring of the hydrolytic degradation of succinylcholine to its ester components.
Smoking as a risk factor for choroidal neovascularization secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.

Purpose To investigate the relationship of smoking to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS). Design Retrospective, case-control study. Participants A total of 568 patients 18 to 50 years of age, 142 of whom were diagnosed with CNV secondary to POHS in a private retina practice between July 1, 2000, and August 1, 2010. Four hundred twenty-six were controls selected from a private comprehensive ophthalmology practice at the same location. Methods A retrospective medical record review was performed for all participants. Age, gender, zip code, CNV diagnosis date, insurance status, and smoking status at CNV diagnosis date were collected first for the POHS patients. For each of these 142 patients, 3 randomly selected comprehensive clinic patients, whose visit date fell within 3 months of the corresponding POHS patient's CNV diagnosis date, served as controls. Age, gender, zip code, visit date, reason for visit, insurance type, and smoking status were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated for cases and controls. Main Outcome Measures Logistic regression analyses were performed for both univariate and multivariate models, with CNV secondary to POHS as the main outcome variable and smoking as the main predictor variable, while adjusting for age, gender, insurance type, median household income, and education level. Results The mean age of patients with CNV secondary to POHS was 39.0±7.1 years, whereas that of the control patients was 35.7±9.1 years. Of the patients with CNV secondary to POHS, 47.2% were current or former smokers (42.3% current, 4.9% former). Of the control patients, 22.5% were current or former smokers (21.8% current, 0.7% former). Age, insurance type, median income, educational attainment, and smoking status were significant in the univariate models. In the final adjusted logistic regression model, only age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.07; P = 0.001), level of educational attainment by zip code (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92–0.98; P = 0.001) and smoking status (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.86–4.31; P Conclusions The odds of a smoker having CNV secondary to POHS are almost 3 times that of a nonsmoker. In this study, the odds of having CNV secondary to POHS increased with age and decreased with increasing level of educational attainment. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Agricultural risks and risk management in the current context of Chinese economy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a big picture of the current context of Chinese economy, the government policies on agriculture, and the role of agricultural risks and risk management against this background.Design/methodology/approach – The new Chinese economic challenges are laid out upfront. Relevant agricultural issues are then provided, with statistics; next, risks and risk management topics are introduced and controversial issues in agriculture are discussed. Relevant policies reflected in the State Council's No. 1 documents in both 2012 and 2013 are introduced and filled in each section.Findings – The Chinese economy may slow down after decades of fast development. Food security is still a top priority, even with the income rise. Increased labor cost may transform Chinese agriculture from the traditional labor intensive field management into a modern agriculture characterized by high input use and larger scale.Research limitations/implications – The research implication is directi...
Sleep differences among children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing peers: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:Objective:Sleep problems such as difficulties in sleep initiation, nighttime awakening, and shortened sleep time are often subjectively reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, results of objective studies have been mixed. Our goal was to evaluate the existing data
Alternative splicing during chondrogenesis: cis and trans factors involved in splicing of fibronectin exon EIIIA.

Primary chicken mesenchymal cells from limb buds and vertebral chondrocytes have been used to study the changes that occur in alternative mRNA splicing of fibronectin exon EIIIA during chondrogenesis. The mesenchymal cell phenotype (exon EIIIA included) and chondrocyte phenotype (exon EIIIA excluded) were preserved in culture. Both primary cell types were transfected with an EIIIA minigene and alternative splicing was monitored by S1 protection assay. Differential cell-specific splicing of the reporter was observed. The roles of two regulatory elements, an exon splicing enhancer (ESE) and an exon splicing silencer (ESS) were examined. Both elements were required for EIIIA inclusion into mRNA in mesenchymal cells. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that both chondrocyte- and mesenchymal cell-derived nuclear extracts contained exon EIIIA binding factors, but the RNA binding factors present in the two cell types appeared to be distinct. The ESE and ESS appeared to cooperate in the formation of both cell type-specific complexes. These results suggest a model in which inhibitory factors enriched in chondrocytes compete with positive factors enriched in mesenchymal cells for binding to exon EIIIA, determining whether the exon is included. J. Cell. Biochem. 76:341–351, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural and spectral studies of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of pyruvaldehyde mixed bis{N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones}

Abstract Pyruvaldehyde mixed bis(thiosemicarbazones) have been prepared in which the two thiosemicarbazone moieties have different N(4)-substituents. The mixed bis(thiosemicarbazones) and their copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes have been characterized with IR, electronic, mass, 1H NMR (Ni) and EPR (Cu) spectra. Representative crystal structures have been solved of nickel(II) complexes with either a pyruvaldehyde mixed bis(thiosemicarbazone) or a bis(thiosemicarbazone) with identical N(4)-substituents acting as a tetradentate ligand. [Ni(Pu4M4DE)] has an N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone substituent on the keto “arm” and N(4)-diethylthiosemicarbazone substituent on the aldehyde arm. [Ni(Pu4M)] contains two N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone moieties. Both bis(thiosemicarbazones) form square-planar N2S2 complexes with nickel(II) and copper(II).
Single-run heat capacity measurement by DSC: principle, experimental and data analysis

Abstract A single-run heat capacity measurement has been proposed based on standard heat-conduction-type differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) equipment. The experimental tests were in the range 130–560 K. The equipment used was the dual sample DSC and autosampler from TA Instruments. The RMS error of all measurements when compared to well-established adiabatic calorimetry is
Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance of gastric ulcers to improve survival.

Background Endoscopic surveillance of presumed-benign gastric ulcers may detect missed malignancy, but its impact on long-term outcomes is uncertain. Objective To estimate the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of follow-up surveillance. Design State-transition model. Setting To simulate the clinical course of presumed-benign gastric ulcers, we estimated prevalence and incidence of undetected gastric cancer, surveillance effectiveness, stage-specific disease mortality rates, and costs from clinical studies and databases. Patients This study involved 60-year-old men diagnosed with presumed-benign gastric ulcers. Intervention Follow-up endoscopic surveillance. Main Outcome Measurements Lifetime gastric cancer risk, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy, lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Results For a cohort of 60-year-old men with presumed-benign gastric ulcers and a 2.6% prevalence of undetected malignancy, the lifetime gastric cancer risk was 4.4%. Surveillance improved (undiscounted) life expectancy by 10.0 days and increased discounted quality-adjusted life expectancy by 3.4 days at a cost of $146,700 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Surveillance cost less than $50,000 per QALY if the undetected gastric cancer prevalence was 6.5%, and it cost less than $100,000 per QALY if the prevalence was greater than 3.5%, endoscopy costs were 40% lower, or the disutility associated with gastric cancer was 30% lower. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY, the probability that surveillance was cost effective was 25.2%. Limitations Data from multiple sources with varied study designs were used. Conclusion Endoscopic surveillance of presumed-benign gastric ulcers may improve overall survival. However, unless the prevalence of having undetected malignancy exceeds 6%, surveillance is unlikely to be cost-effective.
Trace fossils and extended organisms: a physiological perspective

Abstract Organism-built structures have long been useful artifacts for students of evolution and systematics, because they represent a permanent record of a set of behaviors. These structures also represent an investment of energy by an organism, and to persist in the fossil record, the energetic investment in the structure must pay off for the organisms that build it, in either improved survivorship, increased physiological efficiency or enhanced fecundity. A useful way to think about this aspect of organism-built structures is to treat them as external organs of physiology, channeling or tapping into energy sources for doing physiological work. This paper reviews briefly how burrows and nests can act as external organs of physiology at various levels of organization, and introduces the notion of organism-built structures as adaptive structures, in which feedback controls confer adaptability to organisms’ external constructions, and which promote homeostasis of the organism and its local environment. Miller’s concept of trace fossils as behavioral tokens reflects this aspect of animal-built structures, and may illuminate many unanswered questions concerning their origins and persistence in the fossil record.
Social phobia: Relationship to shyness

The characteristics of social phobia and shyness were compared on six dimensions: somatic features, cognitive characteristics, behavioral responses, daily functioning, clinical course, and onset characteristics. The results revealed that shyness and social phobia have a number of similar features. However, as currently conceptualized, the two syndromes differ in a number of important aspects as well. Definitive distinctions are hampered by the lack of empirical studies directing comparing the two conditions and by the heterogeneity of the shy population. Recommendations for clarifying some of the ambiguities are made.
Cytogenetic evaluation of arsenic trioxide toxicity in Sprague–Dawley rats

Abstract Acute exposure to arsenic trioxide has been reported to induce death and/or multiple organ damage with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, tachycardia, dysrhythmias and hypovolemic shock. Its toxic effects are due to its ability to bind to sulfhydryl groups of proteins and to inhibit energy production. Although the chronic exposure to arsenic trioxide has been linked to various types of cancer, such as skin, liver, lung, bladder and kidney neoplasms, studies of its carcinogenic potential in animals have not been conclusive. In this study, we investigated the genotoxic potential of arsenic trioxide in bone-marrow cells obtained from Sprague–Dawley rats; using chromosomal aberrations (CA), mitotic index (MI) and micronuclei (MN) formation as the toxicological endpoints. Four groups of six male rats each, weighing approximately 60 ± 2 g per rat, were injected intraperitoneally, once a day for 5 days with doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) of arsenic trioxide dissolved in distilled water. A control group was also made of six animals injected with distilled water without chemical. All the animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period. Chromosome and micronuclei preparation was obtained from bone-marrow cells following standard protocols. Arsenic trioxide exposure significantly increased the number of structural chromosomal aberrations, the frequency of micronucleated cells and decreased the mitotic index in treated groups when compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that arsenic trioxide has a clastogenic/genotoxic potential as measured by the bone-marrow CA and MN tests in Sprague–Dawley rats.
Continuing Evolution of Aerodynamic Concept Development Using Collaborative Numerical and Experimental Evaluations

AbstractTraditionally, computational predictions and experimental evaluations of aerodynamic concepts have been conducted separately, with little collaboration other than post priori comparisons of results. This has led to distrust and even antagonism between the computational and the experimental communities. These difficulties probably began when early computational fluid dynamic practitioners boasted that wind tunnels would become secondary in aerodynamic concept development within a few short years, a prediction that has not come true. On the contrary, it is believed that a great deal of synergy can be cultivated when computational and experimental evaluations are conducted in an integrative fashion. A variety of projects where this has been done will be reviewed, including a pitching Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, a delta wing with periodic suction and blowing for aerodynamic control, a missile with drag brakes that caused excessive unsteady flow, a C-130 aircraft configured for airdrop, and closed-loo...
A simple method for vapor dosing of charcoal sorbent tubes.

A method for vapor-dosing of charcoal sorbent tubes (CST)that does not require the expense and effort of a test chamber was used to test the desorption efficiency (DE) of seven solvent vapors, representing six classes of solvents as follows: aromatic hydrocarbons (m-xylene); ether/alcohol (2-ethoxyethanol); vinyl monomers (styrene monomer, vinyl acetate); aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-hexane); aliphatic esters (n-butyl acetate); and aliphatic acrylic monomers (methyl methacrylate). The quantities of the solvents used in these experiments would represent eight-hour exposures to concentrations of approximately 0.2 to 10 ppm. The vapor-dosing experimental system consisted of a loaded filter cassette connected directly to a CST. Vapor was generated by injecting liquid solvent onto the glass fiber filter and drawing air through the system. The solvent was desorbed from the filter and charcoal for analysis. Vapor desorption efficiency was determined from the fraction of the injected solvent evaporated from the filt...
Sepsis alters vessel contraction by adrenoceptor-induced nitric oxide and prostanoid.

Abstract Background. Alpha-adrenergic agents contract vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and stimulate endothelial release of secondary factors which modulate VSM contraction. Our study examined constrictor prostanoid (cPN) and nitric oxide (NO) as secondary factors which could alter alpha-1 adrenoceptor-mediated contraction during sepsis. Methods. Sepsis was induced in rats by inoculation of an implanted sponge with Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis . Aortic rings at 24 h from septic ( n = 21) and control ( n = 21) rats were suspended in physiological salt solution (PSS) with or without blockers to NO ( N G -monomethylarginine), cPN (mefenamic acid, MFA), or thromboxane A2 (SQ29548). Contraction dose-response curves were generated to determine maximal contraction force (F max ) and pD2 (sensitivity) to phenylephrine in each experimental group. Results. Sepsis increased F max to phenylephrine (PHE) (1.18 vs 0.90 g, SEM 0.0703). COX inhibition reduced the F max in control (0.63 vs 0.90 g, SEM 0.0675) but not in septic animals (1.19 vs 1.18 g, SEM 0.0433). TXA2 receptor inhibition did not alter F max in control (1.017 vs 0.973 g, SEM 0.0959) or septic animals (1.28 vs 1.12 g, SEM 0.0823). NOS inhibition enhanced the F max in both nonseptic (2.03 vs 0.83 g, SEM 0.0523) and septic rats (1.96 vs 1.15 g, SEM 0.0526), but did less so in the septic animals. Conclusions. PHE-induced F max is determined by a balance between PHE-stimulated VSM alpha-adrenoceptor activity, and PHE-stimulated endothelial release of cPN and NO. Sepsis enhances total PHE-induced F max by increasing VSM alpha-adrenoceptor activity and reducing PHE-stimulated endothelial release of dilator NO. Sepsis abolishes the PHE-stimulated endothelial release of cPN. PHE-stimulated cPN is not thromboxane A2, but could be a nonprostanoid dilator in the lipoxygenase (HETE) or cytochrome P450 (EET) pathways.
Population density and the intensity of sexual selection on body length in spatially or temporally restricted natural populations of a seed bug

Population density affects the dynamics of mate acquisition and the opportunity for sexual selection in natural populations of the seed bug, Neacoryphus bicrucis Say (Hemiptera : Lygaeidae). The opportunity for sexual selection and the intensity of directional sexual selection on body length increased as the population density declined within a season for a population in a small, disjunct patch of host plant, Senecio anonymus. In a larger, dispersed population, both measures of selection were greater in host plant patches of low rather than high adult density when the population was sampled at peak density. Under conditions of higher density, males were more likely to share plants, larger males were less likely to monopolize patches of host plant to which females were attracted for mating, and smaller males were more likely to mate in the presence of large males. Thus, resource defense polygyny collapsed under high density, obviating the advantage of size in territory control, and resulted in scramble competition among males for mates. The population exhibited significant additive genetic variation for body length. This suggests that natural selection acting on other components of fitness favors smaller size or that the direction of sexual selection on size fluctuates between generations in response to the between-year variation in population density. Thus, strong sexual selection appears to impose a significant genetic load.
Forkhead Box F1 Is Essential for Migration of Mesenchymal Cells and Directly Induces Integrin-Beta3 Expression

The Forkhead box f1 (Foxf1) transcription factor is expressed in mesenchymal cells of the lung, liver, and gallbladder. Although Foxf1 deficiency causes severe abnormalities in the development of these organs, the molecular mechanisms underlying Foxf1 function remain uncharacterized. In this study we inactivated Foxf1 function in lung mesenchymal cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) by use of either short interfering RNA duplexes or a membrane-transducing Foxf1 dominant negative (DN) mutant protein (Foxf1 DN), the latter of which is fused to the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein transduction domain. Although Foxf1 did not influence DNA replication or cell survival, Foxf1 depletion severely diminished mesenchyme migration. Foxf1 deficiency in mesenchymal cells was associated with reduced expression of the integrin-beta3 (Itgbeta3) subunit. Furthermore, we generated transgenic mice containing a tetracycline-inducible Foxf1 DN transgene. Adenovirus-mediated activation of Foxf1 DN in transgenic MEFs caused diminished cell migration and reduced Itgbeta3 expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that Foxf1 protein binds to the bp -871 to -815 region of the mouse Itgbeta3 promoter. Deletion of the -871 to -815 Itgbeta3 promoter region completely abolished the ability of Foxf1 to activate transcription of the Itgbeta3 promoter in cotransfection experiments, indicating that the mouse Itgbeta3 is a direct transcriptional target of Foxf1 protein. Foxf1 plays an essential role in mesenchyme migration by transcriptionally regulating Itgbeta3.
The HF epidemic: the need for new treatment strategies

The incidence of heart failure is increasing, particularly in older patients. Clinical trials often do not reflect community practice where patients are older and have more co-morbid conditions. Therapeutic agents need to be at least neutral in their effects on these other conditions. Current therapy in heart failure includes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics, with advanced heart failure patients receiving spironolactone and possibly digitalis. Ongoing clinical trials are testing more effective inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with highly selective angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan. Future trials should study diverse racial groups and the elderly, particularly those with preserved systolic function. These should ideally be large multicentre studies with internal substudies to examine mechanisms of heart failure.
In vivo and in vitro effects of epofenonane on juvenile hormone esterase activity in tissues of last stadium larvae of Trichoplusia ni

Abstract Topical application of the juvenoid, epofenonane, to last stadium postwandering larvae of Trichoplusia ni caused a precocious elevation of juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity that was tissue speific and time dependent. This increase in enzyme activity over controls was most dramatic in the hemolymph, whereas increases in the fat body were lower. Antibodies raised against JHE reacted on Western blots with a fat body and hemolymph protein present in epofenonane treated and untreated last stadium day 3 larvae. The abundance of this protein, which comigrated with JHE, closely coincided with the temporal increases in JHE catalytic activity that occurred in response to treatment in vivo with epofenonane. The presence of epofenonane (5–10,000 nM) in the medium at the start of fat body incubations failed to shift the temporal appearance of JHE activity or boost activity levels significantly over those of controls. If larvae were treated in vivo with epofenonane before fat body tissue was removed, only a small, but significant increase in JHE activity was found in vitro . The rate of enzyme secretion was insufficient to account for the rapid increases in enzyme activity that occur in the hemolymph in response to epofenonane, even though tissue held in vitro was deemed viable by monitoring lactate dehydrogenase activity in the medium, fat body intracellular ATP, and the incorporation of [ 35 S]methionine into fat body protein. Fat body tissue removed from various aged last stadium larvae released enzyme at different rates in vitro .
Learning to learn: Theta oscillations predict new learning, which enhances related learning and neurogenesis

Animals in the natural world continuously encounter learning experiences of varying degrees of novelty. New neurons in the hippocampus are especially responsive to learning associations between novel events and more cells survive if a novel and challenging task is learned. One might wonder whether new neurons would be rescued from death upon each new learning experience or whether there is an internal control system that limits the number of cells that are retained as a function of learning. In this experiment, it was hypothesized that learning a task that was similar in content to one already learned previously would not increase cell survival. We further hypothesized that in situations in which the cells are rescued hippocampal theta oscillations (3–12 Hz) would be involved and perhaps necessary for increasing cell survival. Both hypotheses were disproved. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained on two similar hippocampus-dependent tasks, trace and very-long delay eyeblink conditioning, while recording hippocampal local-field potentials. Cells that were generated after training on the first task were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine and quantified after training on both tasks had ceased. Spontaneous theta activity predicted performance on the first task and the conditioned stimulus induced a theta-band response early in learning the first task. As expected, performance on the first task correlated with performance on the second task. However, theta activity did not increase during training on the second task, even though more cells were present in animals that had learned. Therefore, as long as learning occurs, relatively small changes in the environment are sufficient to increase the number of surviving neurons in the adult hippocampus and they can do so in the absence of an increase in theta activity. In conclusion, these data argue against an upper limit on the number of neurons that can be rescued from death by learning.
L-type calcium current in pediatric and adult human atrial myocytes : Evidence for developmental changes in channel inactivation

Animal studies have documented the presence of marked, species-dependent, developmental changes in the properties of the L-type calcium current in cardiac myocytes. In an effort to understand the postnatal changes which occur in the calcium current in human heart, we characterized the calcium current in atrial myocytes isolated from 17 pediatric and older children (ages 3 d to 14 y) and 12 adult (ages 43-79 y) human hearts using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. In contrast to animal models, we found no evidence for age-related changes in calcium current density, steady-state inactivation, or kinetics of recovery from inactivation, suggesting that, in human atrium, calcium channels are in many aspects functionally mature at the time of birth. However, statistically significant differences were found in the kinetics of calcium current inactivation, with calcium current measured in cells isolated from pediatric human atria inactivating approximately 2-fold faster than cells isolated from adult hearts. These results suggest a possible role for age-related changes in calcium current inactivation in the shortened action potential duration observed in pediatric compared with adult human atrium.
Remapping Inequality in Europe: The Net Effect of Regional Integration on Total Income Inequality in the European Union

Research on the determinants of inequality has implicated globalization in the increased income inequality observed in many advanced capitalist countries since the 1970s. Meanwhile, a different form of international embeddedness — regional integration — has largely escaped attention. Regional integration, conceptualized as the construction of international economy and polity within negotiated regions, should matter for inequality. This article offers theoretical arguments that distinguish globalization from regional integration, connects regional integration to inequality through multiple theoretical mechanisms, develops hypotheses on the relationship between regional integration and inequality, and reports fresh empirical evidence on the net effect of regional integration on inequality in Western Europe. Three classes of models are used in the analysis: 1) time-series models where region-year is the unit of analysis, 2) panel models where country-year is the unit of analysis, and 3) analysis of variance ...
Attachment of sheep and goat trophoblast to the sheep-goat chimeric uterus

Sheep and goat pregnancies were established by embryo transfer in three multiparous, interspecies chimeras (two sheep-goat chimeras and one sheep/goat hybrid-sheep chimera). At day 39 of gestation, placentomes were collected for immunohistochemical evaluation using anti-sheep and anti-goat antibodies. The degree of trophoblastic attachment to the maternal endometrium was determined for concepti of the two species, with special attention to areas in which the conceptus trophoblast was the same versus different species as the maternal caruncular epithelium. Goat concepti were dead and sheep concepti alive at sample collection. The goat concepti had fewer (P < 0.01) and smaller (P < 0.01) placentomes than the sheep concepti and the goat trophoblast was less adhered to the maternal epithelium than was the sheep trophoblast. Of particular interest were areas at the conceptus/caruncular interface in the sheep/goat hybrid-sheep chimera. The goat conceptus trophoblast had adhered to the hybrid but not to the sheep caruncular epithelium. The sheep conceptus trophoblast had adhered to areas of the sheep but not to the hybrid maternal epithelium. These results suggest that faulty attachment between trophoblast and maternal epithelium is a major factor in sheep-goat interspecies pregnancy failure. Since sheep-goat chimeras are tolerant to monomorphic sheep and goat species-specific antigens, the results are likely due to inappropriate signalling at the conceptus/matemal interface and not due to classical immune rejection. Selection of embryo/recipient combinations for successful interspecies pregnancies in ruminants, and development of strategies to overcome barriers to interspecies pregnancies that currently exist, might be aimed more productively at concerns for adequate placental formation than at concerns over maternal immunological rejection of the conceptus.
Adaptation to head movements during short radius centrifugation

Abstract A fundamental lower limit to the radius of an artificial gravity centrifuge for long duration human space flights is the high rotation rate needed to achieve the acceleration needed at the rim. At high angular speeds, head movements out of the plane of rotation produce unexpected and disturbing Coriolis forces and cross-coupled angular accelerations, which lead to motion-sickness and disorientation. Previous studies in slowly rotating rooms set the practical upper speed limit at 6 rpm. Our research on intermittent repeated exposure to a short (2 m radius) high speed ( 23 rpm , 138 ∘ / s ) centrifuge has shown that most subjects can adapt to such head movements in a short time, and retain adaptation over days or weeks. The practical implications of this include the use of intermittent short radius centrifugation for long duration flights and the possibility of adapting astronauts to the unusual stimulus before flight. Theoretical issues include the possible development of a generalized internal model to describe the effects of Coriolis forces, as opposed to the development of families of stimulus–response relationships.
A Follow-Up Psychometric Analysis of the Self-Regulation Questionnaire

A Follow-Up Psychometric Analysis of The Self-Regulation Questionnaire Self-regulation has been defined as “the capacity to plan, guide, and monitor one’s behavior flexibly in the face of changing circumstances” (Brown, 1998, p. 162). Self-regulation skills facilitate goal-directed behavior; they allow a person to delay gratification in the short-term in order to achieve desired outcomes. Kanfer (1970) articulated a three-step theory of self-regulation. The first step, self-monitoring, involves the ability to observe or become aware of one’s behavior. The second step, self-evaluation, involves comparing that behavior to an internal or external standard, and noting any discrepancy between the two. The perception of discrepancy may trigger efforts to change behavior, which are facilitated by the third step, self-reinforcement. An alternate yet compatible conceptualization of self-regulation is the feedback loop articulated by Carver and Scheier (1982). In this perspective, self-regulation requires three components: ideals or goals for behavior (standards), comparing current self to standards (monitoring), and changing the current state if it falls short of standards (operate). Implicit in these conceptualizations is the idea that deficits in any one of the three stages may result in self-regulation difficulties. Miller and Brown (1991) elaborated on self-regulation theory by expanding the number of processes involved. This conceptualization proposed seven processes: informational input, self-evaluation, instigation to change triggered by perceptions of discrepancy, search for ways to reduce discrepancy, planning for change, implementation of behavior change, and evaluation of progress towards a goal. Brown (1998) argues that deficits in any of these self-regulatory processes can contribute to disorders of behavior regulation, such as addictive disorders. Furthermore, this elaborated model identifies appropriate intervention targets corresponding to specific deficits. Brown, Miller, and Lewandowski (1999) described the development and initial psychometric evaluation of the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ). The SRQ is a 63-item instrument that assesses the seven dimensions of self-regulation as articulated by Miller and Brown (1991). Each scale was rationally derived and contains 9 items; the authors recommend using the total sum score as a measure of self-regulatory skills. The SRQ is internally consistent (alpha = .91) and temporally stable over two days, r (83) = .94. Recently, Carey, Neal, and Collins (2004) conducted an exploratory factor analysis of the 63-item SRQ. Results of the factor analysis did not support a seven factor scale, but yielded a single factor, on which 31 of the 63 items loaded significantly. This led to the development of the 31-item short form of the SRQ (SSRQ; Carey et al., 2004). The SSRQ correlated highly with the original 63-item SRQ (r = .96) and showed good internal consistency (alpha = .92).
Childhood malnutrition and schooling in the Terai region of Nepal

Data on 350 primary school age children from subsistence farm households in the Terai (southern plains) region of Nepal are analyzed to assess the relationship between nutritional status and school participation. Only 15 percent reported attending school. Nutritional status, particularly as measured by percent of median height-for-age, was found to be a significant determinant of both enrollment in school and age-adjusted grade attainment. It is concluded that local interventions or national policies designed to improve child nutritional status could have important educational as well as health benefits.
Social and Behavioral Differences in Extremely Low Birthweight Children† 1257

Longitudinal studies of extreme low birthweight (ELBW) sequelae have most often focused on cognitive rather than on social or behavioral outcomes. Our objective was to examine these latter sequelae which also influence school and academic performance. Methods: We matched 24 children, 3-8 years of age, who were born from 1988-1992 weighing ≤ 1000gm (mean 860 gm, gestational age 27 wks) with 13 same-aged children born at term with birthweights ≥ 2500 gm (mean 3564 gm, gestational age 40 wks). Temperamental, behavioral, and social competency outcomes were assessed by parent report [Temperament Assessment Battery for Children (TABC), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)] and investigator evaluation [Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS)]. Academic skills were assessed using the Test of Early Math Ability-2 (TEMA-2) and the Test of Early Reading Ability-2 (TERA-2). Results: ELBW subjects had more difficulty with attention and social interactions as compared to normal birthweight (NBW) controls. On theCBCL, the ELBW group scored significantly higher than the NBW group on subscales measuring attention problems (59± 8 vs 51± 2, p=0.014) and social problems (57 ± 8 vs 50 ± 1, p=0.02). On theVABS, ELBW children showed poorer development of adaptive behaviors including communication (p=0.003), daily living skills (p=0.002), and motor skills (p=0.002) as compared to NBW controls. In the VABS Socialization Domain, ELBW children had lower standard scores than controls (p=0.001) reflecting poorer social competency. ELBW children were also more likely to score in the “low” range (<2 SD) on the Adaptive Behavior Composite of the VABS (p=0.039). On the TABC, ELBW children were rated by parents to have higher activity levels than NBW children (51 ± 9 vs 43 ± 9, p=0.03). ELBW children scored less well on theTEMA-2 (89 ± 15 vs 106 ± 19, p=0.008) and theTERA-2 (96 ± 16 vs 111 ± 15, p=0.01). Conclusion: Compared to term NBW children, the ELBW group had higher activity levels and demonstrated more difficulty with attention, social competency, and adaptive behaviors. These problems may contribute to low self-esteem and impair socialization skills, adversely affecting success in school and academic performance.
Use of hypertonic saline/acetate infusion in treatment of cerebral edema in patients with head trauma: Experience at a single center

Background Hypertonic saline (HS) recently has been introduced as a new form of hyperosmolar treatment in patients with brain injury from diverse causes. We reviewed our experience with the use of continuous hypertonic saline/acetate infusion in patients with cerebral edema attributable to head trauma. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted with severe head injury, defined as admission Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less, in the neurocritical care unit of a University hospital. Intravenous infusion of 2% or 3% saline/acetate for treatment of cerebral edema was introduced in the unit in April of 1993. The clinical characteristics, interventions required, and outcomes in patients who received HS were compared with patients who received 0.9% saline infusion only. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the impact of HS use on in-hospital mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge. Results Thirty-six patients with cerebral edema caused by head trauma received infusion of HS initiated within 48 hours of admission for a mean period of 72 +/- 85 hours. Compared with 46 patients who did not receive HS, there were no differences observed in age and admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores. Patients who received HS were more likely to have a penetrating injury (p = 0.07) and a mass lesion on initial computed tomographic scan (p = 0.07). There was no difference between frequency of use of hyperventilation, mannitol, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and vasopressors between the two groups. The requirement for pentobarbital coma was higher in HS group (n = 7 patients) versus control group (n = 2,p = 0.04). After adjusting for differences between both groups, infusion of HS was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-10.2). Conclusion HS administration as prolonged infusion does not seem to favorably impact on requirement for other interventions and in-hospital mortality in our experience. Further efforts should be directed toward use of HS as bolus administrations or short infusions.
Salicylates Inhibit NF-κB Activation and Enhance TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells☆

Abstract Introduction. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis is limited by its coactivation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent anti-apoptotic genes. Sodium salicylate (NaSal) inhibits NF-κB activation by limiting phosphorylation and degradation of its bound inhibitor protein, IκB-α. We examined whether NaSal enhances TNF-α-induced apoptosis in cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods. Two cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines were studied. PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells were serum-starved for 12 h, pretreated or not for 1 h with NaSal (5–20 mM), and then stimulated with recombinant human TNF-α (400 units/ml). Western blots of cytoplasmic lysates were performed to demonstrate IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation. Western blots of nuclear extracts were performed to assess nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In separate cultures, apoptosis was measured 4.5 h after TNF-α stimulation by both ELISA detection of interhistone DNA fragments and flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining. Results. TNF-α induced IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation, which was inhibited by NaSal in both cell lines. TNF-α-induced apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) increased significantly when BxPC-3 cells were pretreated with NaSal. Flow cytometry confirmed this, demonstrating increases in apoptotic cell fractions: 8.5% (untreated), 9.3% (TNF-α alone), 14.9% (15 mM NaSal), and 22.9% (NaSal and TNF-α). In contrast, no increases in apoptosis were measured in the PANC-1 cell line among the various treatment groups. Conclusions. NaSal enhances TNF-α-induced apoptosis while inhibiting IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation in BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells.