cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Legitimacy and Organizational Sustainability

The literature regarding social and environ- mental sustainability of business focuses primarily on rationales for adopting sustainability strategies and opera- tional practices in support of that goal. In contrast, we examine sustainability from a perspective that has received far less research attention—attitudes that inform manage- rial decision-making. We develop a conceptual model that identifies six elemental categories of attitudes that can be held independently or aggregated to yield a meta-attitude representing the legitimacy of sustainability. Our model distinguishes among three types of internally held attitudes and externally perceived subjective norms: pragmatic, moral, and cognitive. We propose a refinement of Ajzen's (In: Kuhl J, Beckmann J (eds) Action control: from cog- nition to behavior, 1985; Organ Behav Hum Decis Process 50:179-211, 1991) Theory of planned behavior (TPB) that incorporates these sub-categories of personal attitudes and subjective norms. Practical implications are discussed including how organizations considering adopting sus- tainability programs might use the model as a conceptual tool to help achieve and assess program success.
Efficiency of lower threshold criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Objectives To determine the incidence of adverse outcome in normal untreated gravidas with minimal hyperglycemia, classified as having gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by threshold criteria lower than current standards; to determine how efficient the different criteria are in identifying infants at risk for morbidity; and to explore the pathophysiology of minimal hyperglycemia using the glucose tolerance test (GTT) periodicity concept. Methods Seven hundred eight subjects considered nondiabetic by current ACOG criteria were reclassified by the criteria of Coustan (fasting 95, 1 hour 180, 2 hours 155, and 5 hours 140 mg/dL), Sacks (96,172,152, and 131 mg/dL), or Langer (at least one abnormal ACOG value). Glucose tolerance test periodicity, the incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates, and macrosomia were then determined for each gravida diagnosed as having GDM by these criteria. Results Both Coustan and Langer criteria identified a significantly greater incidence of LGA infants compared with non-GDM (23.6 and 25.3%, respectively, versus 14%, P Conclusion Using lower threshold criteria to diagnose GDM identified morbidity at an incidence and efficiency comparable to current standards. These newly diagnosed GDM gravidas had abnormal GTT characteristics, with each group exceeding the 3.5-hour GTT periodicity limit previously found for nondiabetic gravidas. Sacks's conversion of existing standards may be too low to efficiently identify pregnant subjects at risk for increased morbidity.
Radioactive iodine therapy in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer

Poorly differentiated thyroid cancers (PDTCs) are usually aggressive tumors with high rates of recurrence and distant metastases that are often resistant to radioactive iodine therapy. Tuttle and colleagues present the case of a 55-year-old man who was diagnosed with metastatic PDTC and was managed with radioactive iodine therapy. The authors discuss the current management options for patients with PDTCs that are nonresponsive to RAI therapy and highlight the need for the discovery of new systemic treatments for these patients. Background A 55-year-old male was diagnosed with poorly differentiated thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy, which was performed because of progressive enlargement of a dominant thyroid nodule. He developed an early cervical recurrence that was treated with modified neck dissection. He subsequently developed biopsy-proven progressive pulmonary metastases. Investigations Neck and chest CT scans, laboratory tests, CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET scan, lesional dosimetry using 124I PET scan, diagnostic radioactive iodine (RAI) scanning, whole-body and blood RAI dosimetry, and single-photon-emission CT. Diagnosis Stage IV poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. Management Surgical resection of cervical recurrence, RAI therapy.
Understanding Evaluation Training in Schools and Programs of Public Health

This study provides an understanding of how the coursework required for attaining a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology or health education from accredited schools or programs of public health prepares students to evaluate programs or interventions. Study data were generated using a content analysis of required coursework documented on websites of academic institutions and an online survey of professors who instruct courses that focus on educating students about program or intervention evaluation. Information was abstracted from websites for over 1,000 required courses associated with completing an MPH degree in epidemiology or health education at 51 academic institutions. The survey response rate for courses with a primary focus on evaluation was 60.5% and for courses with a partial focus on evaluation was 39.8%. One academic institution required that students pursuing an MPH degree in epidemiology successfully complete a specific course that has a primary focus on program or interventi...
Aging: Silence is golden

A pioneering genetic analysis of aging in yeast has revealed that a protein complex known to play an essential role in transcriptional silencing at mating-type loci and telomeres also controls aging and stress resistance.
A Conserved Signal-Responsive Sequence Mediates Activation-Induced Alternative Splicing of CD45

Alternative splicing of nascent transcripts is a widespread mechanism for altering protein expression in response to extracellular stimuli. However, little is known about the sequences that mediate signal-induced alternative splicing, complicating efforts to identify genes whose splicing may be regulated in response to a particular stimuli. Here we define a sequence element that is both the primary determinant of CD45 variable exon exclusion following T cell stimulation by PMA and is sufficient to confer activation-induced skipping of a heterologous exon. Additionally, we show that this regulatory element has homology to sequences in other signal-regulated genes, suggesting that the alternative splicing of large families of genes may be regulated by common signaling pathways.
Biomarkers of environmental tobacco smoke exposure.

Biomarkers are desirable for quantitating human exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and for predicting potential health risks for exposed individuals. A number of biomarkers of ETS have been proposed. At present cotinine, measured in blood, saliva, or urine, appears to be the most specific and the most sensitive biomarker. In nonsmokers with significant exposure to ETS, cotinine levels in the body are derived primarily from tobacco smoke, can be measured with extremely high sensitivity, and reflect exposure to a variety of types of cigarettes independent of machine-determined yield. Under conditions of sustained exposure to ETS (i.e., over hours or days), cotinine levels reflect exposure to other components of ETS. Supporting the validity of cotinine as a biomarker, cotinine levels have been positively correlated to the risks of some ETS-related health complications in children who are not cigarette smokers.
A New Optical Phenomenon: Exciton Surface Polaritons at Room Temperature

Abstract Excition surface polaritons (ESP's) have been detected by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy on three organic solids at room temperature. This is the first time that ESP's have been observed at room temperature on nay material. The three solids are: CTIP for γ-cyclopropylbis (1,3,3-trimethyl-indolenine-2-yl) pentamethinium fluoroborate. PTS for poly-2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol bis(p-toluene sulphonate) and TCNQ° for tetracynaoquinodimethane. These three materials are chemically very different, the first being an ionic crystal, and second a crystal of macroscopically long polymers, and the third a molecular crystal. The common property that allows all three to support ESP's is the existence of electronic transitions of very high intensity. These transitions have very wide polariton stop-bands within which one component of the dielectric tensor assumes negative values. This is a necessary condition for the existence of the surface polaritons.
Frozen soil subsurface barriers: formation and ice erosion

Abstract Before and during soil remediation, frozen soil barriers are used to provide containment of liquid contaminants so as to prevent their migration to adjacent areas. Questions concerning formation of frozen gravelly sand barriers in the vadose zone and barrier resistance to ice erosion by liquid contaminants provided the impetus for this study. Bench-scale barriers with full and partial ice saturation were studied. For comparison, one barrier was formed in gravelly sand using water injection via a bentonite-water slurry. The bentonite increased the slurry viscosity, thereby providing a water retention period suitable for freezing. Liquid contaminants included a sodium nitrate solution (freezing point of −5°C) and an antifreeze solution (freezing point of −33°C). Results showed that ice erosion in the bench-scale barriers occurred when the contaminant freezing point depression was lower than the temperature of the frozen soil. When liquid contaminants entered the voids of partially ice saturated frozen soil, the rate of ice erosion was significantly increased. Full ice saturation and barrier temperatures below the freezing point depression of the contaminant are needed to minimize ice erosion.
Critical factors in assessing risk from exposure to nasal carcinogens

Abstract Anatomical, physiological, biochemical and molecular factors that contribute to chemical-induced nasal carcinogenesis are either largely divergent between test species and humans, or we know very little of them. These factors, let alone the uncertainty associated with our knowledge gap, present a risk assessor with the formidable task of making judgments about risks to human health from exposure to chemicals that have been identified in rodent studies to be nasal carcinogens. This paper summarizes some of the critical attributes of the hazard identification and dose–response aspects of risk assessments for nasal carcinogens that must be accounted for by risk assessors in order to make informed decisions. Data on two example compounds, dimethyl sulfate and hexamethylphosphoramide, are discussed to illustrate the diversity of information that can be used to develop informed hypotheses about mode of action and decisions on appropriate dosimeters for interspecies extrapolation. Default approaches to interspecies dosimetry extrapolation are described briefly and are followed by a discussion of a generalized physiologically based pharmacokinetic model that, unlike default approaches, is flexible and capable of incorporating many of the critical species-specific factors. Recent advancements in interspecies nasal dosimetry modeling are remarkable. However, it is concluded that without the development of research programs aimed at understanding carcinogenic susceptibility factors in human and rodent nasal tissues, development of plausible modes of action will lag behind the advancements made in dosimetry modeling.
Annihilation of positrons trapped at the (100) and (111) surfaces of Si

Abstract We present results of theoretical studies of positron surface states and positron annihilation characteristics at the clean non reconstructed (100) and (111) surfaces of Si performed within the modified atomistic, superposition method. It is found that in the case of non reconstructed semiconductor surfaces, the positron surface state is localized mainly on the vacuum side of the topmost layer. The computed positron surface state energies E b at the (100) and (111) surfaces of Si are −2.81 and −2.69 eV. In addition, calculations of the positron work functions with respect to the vacuum for bulk Si(100) and Si(111) yielded 2.34 and 2.23 eV, respectively demonstrating the stability of positron surface state on these surfaces. The positron surface state lifetime as well as probabilities for a positron trapped in a surface state to annihilate with relevant core-level electrons are computed for both surfaces, and compared with available experimental data.
Implementing Change at the Pre-Primary Level in a School in India.

This article examines a change initiative in a private school in New Delhi, India. Specifically, the attempt at introducing an approach to early childhood teaching which is more multicultural and whole-language based as opposed to a traditional academic curriculum for 3–5 year olds. The site selected was, in fact, a school in which I had previously taught. I had been away from the Indian school system for two years, during which time I was studying for a Masters degree in early childhood education as well as teaching at the Pre-K level in a private school in New York. At the time this change initiative was implemented, I was back in my school in New Delhi, re-examining the curriculum prescribed for young children. I was more informed about how children learn and think, albeit from a Western perspective. But I was, nevertheless, now able to reevaluate and attempt to transform certain aspects of early childhood education as practiced in this particular school.
Resistance of Rats to Inoculation with Corynebacterium Pathogenic in Pantothenate Deficiency.

SummaryA corynebacterium has been isolated from spontaneous “pseudotuberculous” lesions of pantothenate-deficient rats. In inoculation experiments the organism is not pathogenic for rats on a fully suplemented diet doses which produce progressive disease in deficient animals. This break in resistance can be demonstrated by inoculation of the organism sometimes as early as 16 days after the rats have been placed on the deficient diet, before overt deterioration in physical condition has developed.
Gain of optical distributed sensing in distributed parameter systems

A real time holographic sensing technique is introduced and its advantages arc investigated from the filtering and control point of view. The feature of holographic sensing is its capability to make distributed measurements of the position and velocity of moving objects, such as a vibrating flexible space structure. This study is based upon the distributed parameter models of linear time-invariant systems, particularly including the linear oscillator equations describing the vibration of large flexible space structures. The general conclusion is that application of optical distributed sensors brings gain in the situation where Kalman filtering is necessary for state estimation. In this case, both transient and steady stale filtering error covariance becomes smaller. This in turn results in smaller cost in the LQG problem.
The contribution of drought‐related decreases in foliar nitrogen concentration to decreases in photosynthetic capacity during and after drought in prairie grasses

While stomatal closure usually limits photosynthesis during drought, our previous results suggest that drought-related decreases in foliar nitrogen concentration (N L ) limit photosynthesis during recovery from drought in prairie grasses. Here we estimate the importance of decreases in N L to decreased photosynthetic capacity (PS cap ) during drought and a subsequent recovery period in three perennial C 4 prairie grasses. PS cap (O 2 evolution at light and CO 2 saturation) decreased 69 to 78% during drought in these grasses, and full recovery of PS cap required 8 to 12 days, until younger leaves were expanded or older leaves were repaired, depending on species. Decreases in N L explained 38 to 51% of the loss of PS cap during drought and accounted for 51 to 69% of the total loss of PS cap integrated over the post-drought recovery period. N-related loss of PS cap appeared to result more from decreases in ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (EC 4.1.1.39), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (4.1.1.31), and other soluble photosynthetic enzymes, than from decreases in thylakoid N-containing compounds. Decreases in quantum yield of 02 evolution and F V /F m (variable-to-maximum fluorescence of dark-adapted leaves) during drought were small, so we assumed that little damage to photsystem II (PSII) and thylakoid membrane function occurred. Further, F o (minimum F) decreased or remained unchanged, dark F o was greater than light F o , and decreases in photochemical quenching (the fraction of oxidized PSII) were reversed within 1-3 days after drought. Therefore, prolonged increases in non-photochemical quenching (q n ; thermal dissipation of excess light energy) during and after drought were indicative of protective downregulation and were likely associated with disproportionate loss of soluble photosynthetic proteins during drought. In support of this, post-drought recovery of q n paralleled recovery of N L and PS cap . Thus, in C4 prairie grasses, loss of PS cap during drought is largely the result of decreases in shoot N L and of associated protective downregulation, decreasing carbon assimilation for 1-2 weeks after drought.
Crystal field studies of Ni2+ in α-Zn3(VO4)2

Abstract Complete solid solubility was found in the system Ni3(VO4)2-α-Zn3(VO4)2. Optical spectra of Ni2+ doped α-Zn3(VO4)2 samples were discussed in the light of crystal field theory. The calculated and theoretical frequencies were in good agreement for octahedral symmetry in the zinc sites. The crystal field parameter Dq was consistant with the ionic approximation rule. The Nephelauxetic ratio showed good resemblance with the cation-anion distance.
The effect of inclination angles on foam rheology in pipes

Abstract Foams are regarded as a versatile means in many industrial applications due to its high viscosity and low density. Recent experimental studies in horizontal pipes show the existence of two flow regimes: the high-quality regime exhibits a repetition of fine-textured foams and free gas sections (i.e. “slug flow” pattern) with fluctuating pressure responses; and the low-quality regime exhibits stable foams (either “plug flow” pattern with homogenous foams, or “segregated flow” pattern with upper foam layer and lower liquid layer) with stable pressure responses. In continuation with these previous studies, this study investigates the effects of inclination angles on foam rheology in pipes within the context of two-flow-regime concept. The results showed that foam rheology was not significantly altered as long as the slug flow or plug flow pattern was formed because of a viscous-force dominant environment. However, if flow conditions fell within the segregated flow pattern, foam rheology was governed by the gravitational force rather than the viscous force, and therefore the flow characteristics were sensitive to inclination angles. These findings were supported by visual observations as well as pressure responses.
High-speed laser interferometry applied to transient vibration measurements.

Experimental studies of the transient displacement at one endface of suspended bars impacted at the other end by solid objects were performed using a He–Ne Michelson interferometer. Analysis results show that stress waves of various displacement amplitudes and time durations are generated. Results of pendulum impacts on a metal bar were well in agreement with theoretical predictions of the bar face velocity generated at the nonimpacted end. The measured displacement amplitudes vs time measured at the nonimpacted end of the bar are useful in predicting the impact event at the struck end with theoretical impact models.
Bromodomain: an acetyl-lysine binding domain

Bromodomains, an extensive family of evolutionarily conserved protein modules originally found in proteins associated with chromatin and in nearly all nuclear histone acetyltransferases, have been recently discovered to function as acetyl-lysine binding domains. More recent structural studies of bromodomain/peptide ligand complexes have enriched our understanding of differences in ligand selectivity of bromodomains. These new findings demonstrate that bromodomain/acetyl-lysine recognition can serve as a pivotal mechanism for regulating protein–protein interactions in numerous cellular processes including chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation, and reinforce the concept that functional diversity of a conserved protein modular structure is achieved by evolutionary changes of amino acid sequences in the ligand binding site.
The pumping of nitrogen by a Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge in an ultra-high-vacuum system

Abstract The pumping speed for nitrogen of a Bayard-Alpert ionization gauge was measured in an ultra-high-vacuum system with pressures between 10 −9 and 10 −7 mmHg. The highest pumping speed measured was 2l/sec, mainly chemical or non-electronic. After about 10 15 molecules of nitrogen had been pumped, the chemical pump had decayed leaving the pumping speed about 0.25l/sec, almost entirely electronic, at 8 milliamperes electron current. This speed was approximately constant until nearly 10 17 molecules had been pumped, when a major decline in electronic pumping speed was observed. There was no measurable re-emission of chemically pumped nitrogen, and the re-emission probability of electronically pumped nitrogen was 10 −6 to 10 −5 /sec about 1 hr after completion of pumping. It is concluded that the main mechanism contributing to chemical pumping is the formation of a second adsorbed layer on the metal parts of the gauge, in particular the grid.
Enhancement of oxygen transfer by pressure pulsation in aqueous glycerol fermentation.

Aeration plays an important role in the production of glycerol by fermentation with yeast. Effective aeration depends on a number of factors, such as amount of air, fineness of air dispersion, rate of agitation, and time of gas-liquid contact. This investigation dealt with the effect of periodic variation in gas pressure on oxygen transfer measured by sulfite oxidation and glycerol fermentation in stirred tanks. The oxygen transfer rate measured with the sulfite oxidation method was improved by 20–30% under the condition of pressure pulsation (PP) at 30°C. The yield and productivity of glycerol were increased by about 26 and 6.8%, respectively, in 48 h by employing a glucose concentration of 250 g/L with PP at 30°C.
Long-term survival in 618 patients from the Western Washington streptokinase in myocardial infarction trials

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine whether streptokinase treatment improves long-term survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Background. Thrombolytic treatment for acute myocardial infarction reduces early mortality and improves the 1-year survival rate, but the long-term (3 to 8 years) survival benefits of treatment and the relation between survival and baseline clinical characteristics, infarct size and ventricular function have not been established. Methods. We assessed survival status at a minimum of 3 and a mean of 4.9 ± 2.3 years in 618 patients randomized between 1981 and 1986 to receive conventional treatment (n = 293) or thrombolysis with streptokinase In = 325) in the Western Washington Intracoronary (n = 250) and Intravenous (n = 368) Streptokinase in Myocardial Infarction trials. The relation between long-term survival and thrombolytic treatment, admission baseline clinical characteristics and late radionuclide tomographic thallium-201 infarct size and ejection fraction was assessed in a subset of patients. Results. Survival at 6 weeks was 94% in patients who received streptokinase versus 88% in the control group (p = 0.01). However, survival at 3 years was 84% in the streptokinase group and 82% in the control group and for the total period of follow-up, there was no significant survival benefit (p = 0.16). Analysis by infarct location showed a higher survival rale at 3 years for patients treated with anterior infarction (76% vs. 67% for the control group), but no overall survival benefit (p = 0.14). Survival at 3 years for patients with an inferior infarction was 89% in the streptokinase group and 91% in the control group (p = 0.62). By stepwise Cox regression analysis, admission clinical variables associated with decreased long-term survival were anterior infarction, advanced age, history of prior infarction and the presence of pulmonary edema or hypotension. Although streptokinase therapy was associated with improved survival, it was not an independent determinant of survival (p = 0.069). Ejection fraction and thallium-201 infarct size measured approximately 8 weeks after enrollment had a strong association with long-term survival. Univariate analysis in a subgroup of 289 patients with complete data selected infarct size, ejection fraction, age and history of prior infarction as predictors of survival. In the muluvariate model, only ejection fraction (p < 0.0001), age (p = 0.008) and prior myocardial infarction (p = 0.02) remained strong predictors. Conclusions. In these early trials of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction, streplokinase improved early survival, but there was little long-term survival benefit. This failure to show an improvement in the 3- to 8-year survival rate may also reflect the need to study a larger group of patients or to initiate treatment earlier after symptom onset.
Comparative studies of cefprozil in the management of skin and soft-tissue infections

Six multicenter clinical trials comparing cefprozil with cefaclor, amoxicillin-clavulanate or erythromycin in the management of skin and soft-tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria demonstrate that cefprozil, given once or twice daily, is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in this context. Its pharmacokinetic behavior is compatible with once-daily or twice-daily administration, with a probability of improved patient compliance. Safety and tolerability compare favorably with other agents used in skin and soft-tissue infections.
Selective Attentional Bias Towards Pain-Related Threat in Fibromyalgia: Preliminary Evidence for Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training

The current study investigated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-based meditation training (MMT) intervention on attentional bias, engagement and disengagement of pain-related threat in fibromyalgia patients as compared to an age-matched control group. A well validated dot-probe task was used to explore early versus later stages of attentional processing through the use of two stimulus exposure durations (100, 500 ms) of pain-related threat words. The enduring effects of MMT were assessed 6-months after completion of MMT. Preliminary results suggest that MMT reduces avoidance of pain-related threat at early levels of processing, and facilitates disengagement from threat at later stages of processing. Furthermore, it appears that effects of MMT on early attentional threat processing do not remain stable after long-term follow-up.
Reconstitution of the skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2(+)-pump: influence of negatively charged phospholipids.

Abstract The Ca2+-ATPase of skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum was purified and reconstituted in the presence of phosphatidylcholine using the freeze-thaw sonication technique. The effect of incorporation of negatively charged phospholipids, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol phosphate, into the phosphatidylcholine proteoliposomes was investigated. Various ratios of phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol phosphate to phosphatidylcholine were used, while the total amount of phospholipid in the reconstituted vesicles was kept constant. Enrichment of phosphatidylcholine proteoliposomes by phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol phosphate was associated with activation of Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activities. The highest activation was obtained at a 50:50 molar ratio of phosphatidylserine: phosphatidylcholine and at a 10:90 molar ratio of phosphatidylinositol phosphate:phosphatidylcholine. The initial rates of Ca2+-uptake obtained at 1 μM Ca2+ were 2.6 ± 0.1 μmol/min per mg of phosphatidylserine:phosphatidylcholine proteoliposomes and 1.5 ± 0.1 μmol/min per mg of phosphatidylinositol phosphate:phosphatidylcholine proteoliposomes, compared to 0.9 ± 0.05 μmol/min per mg of phosphatidylcholine proteoliposomes. These findings suggest that negatively charged phospholipids may be involved in the activation of the reconstituted skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-pump.
On imitative behavior. II. Time course of change from one behavior to another

The theory developed in previous papers and based on distribution curves of definite form is generalized to any form of unimodel distributions. The time course of the change from one behavior to another is discussed and a general theorem about the time course is established.
Nomograph and table for Doppler linewidths

A nomograph for finding the Doppler linewidth in terms of a given wavelength, temperature, and atomic mass is described. For a more accurate evaluation in terms of elemental atomic number Z, a table of constants is provided.
Accumulation of amantadine by isolated chromaffin granules

Abstract The accumulation of amantadine and the effect of this pharmacologic amine upon the magnitude of the transmembrane proton gradient (ΔpH) and of the transmembrane potential gradient (ΔΨ) were investigated in bovine adrenal chromaffin granules isolated in isotonic sucrose. Freshly isolated chromaffin granules have an intragranular pH of 5.5, as measured by [ 14C ]methylamine distribution [R. G. Johnson and A. Scarpa, J. gen. Physiol. 68 , 601 (1976)]. The addition of amantadine (1–50 mM) to well-buffered suspensions of granules at pH 7.0 resulted in a dose-related alkalinization of the granule interior. Similar results were obtained with equivalent external concentrations of ammonia. When the time-resolved influx of labeled amines into the granules was studied radiochemically, using low external amine concentrations, the accumulation of [ 3 H]amantadine was quite similar to that of [ 14 C]methylamine with regard to rate and extent over a wide range of magnitudes of the transmembrane proton gradient. However, unlike biogenic amine accumulation into the chromaffin granule, which is driven by both transmembrane proton and potential gradients, the accumulation of [ 3 H] amantadine was not stimulated by the existence of a transmembrane potential, nor was it inhibited by reserpine. Moreover, low concentrations of amantadine did not competitively inhibit biogenic amine accumulation in the isolated granules. These results indicate that amantadine can distribute across the membrane of chromaffin granules according to the magnitude of the endogenous ΔpH, and suggest that in vivo amantadine may be concentrated and stored as a pharmacologic agent in amine containing granules.
Using PET/CT imaging to characterize 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose utilization in fish.

Fish are becoming an increasingly important research species as investigators seek alternatives to mammalian models. Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT) is a powerful new technology that has been extensively applied for high-resolution imaging in mammals but not fish. CT scanning provides detailed anatomical three-dimensional imaging. PET scanning detects areas of cellular activity using radio-labelled molecular probes with specific uptake rates appropriate to the tissue involved. FDG-PET is used in oncology because tissues with high glucose uptake, such as neoplasms, are intensely radio-labelled. PET/CT combines the two technologies, so that images acquired from both devices are merged into one superimposed image, thus more precisely correlating metabolic activity with anatomical three-dimensional imaging. Our objective was to determine if fish can be viable replacement animals in cancer studies using this technique by analysing the similarities between fish and humans in glucose uptake in select organs across multiple fish species. Rapid, quantifiable glucose uptake was demonstrated, particularly in brain, kidneys and liver in all imaged fish species. Standard uptake values for glucose uptake in the major organ systems of fish were more similar to those of humans than mice or dogs, indicating that fish may serve as effective alternative animal models using this technology. Applications for this technique in fish may include oncogenesis and metabolism studies as well as screening for environmental carcinogenesis.
550 EFFICACY AND COST OF INTERMEDIATE LEVEL NEWBORN INTENSIVE CARE (INIC) IN A LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) POPULATION IN CALCUTTA, INDIA

Although intensive care has resulted in an improved prognosis for LBW infants, these benefits have only been realized in prosperous nations. The efficacy and cost of implementing a program of INIC (Level II) was retrospectively evaluated over a four year period in Calcutta, India. The patient population (94.7% ≤2500 g) included all infants admitted to the facilities operated by the International Mission of Hope (India) Society. Survival was compared within 250 gram increments between 1980-81 when infants with major medical problems were hospitalized in outside facilities (mortality rate=100%) and 1982-83 when INIC care was provided completely within the facility. Overall survival increased from 37.9% (n=504) in 1980-81 to 70.5% (n=581) in 1982-83 (p<.005). A statistically significant improvement in survival occurred in all birth weight categories. Survival in infants ≤1250 grams improved least [5.6% (n=89) to 22.9% (n=109) (p<.005)]. Infants between 1251 and 2000 grams benefitted most [40% (n=279), 74.8% (n=322), p<.005]. Average daily cost for the entire period of hospitalization was $7.75 vs. $1,033 for a comparable population in our own institution. These data indicate that the survival of LBW infants, free from significant medical problems (HMD, asphyxia, cong. anom.), can be improved with INIC at a low cost. However, the application of this type of program must still be considered in relation to the long-term health goals and available financial resources in non-industrialized countries.
THz periodic surfaces to enhance spectroscopic measurements

We present a multi-layered frequency selective surfaces (FSS) exhibiting low losses for broad band spectroscopic measurements in THz frequencies. The intent is to replace existing samples holders (e. g. z-cut crystal quartz) with transparent metamaterial layers and increase measurement sensitivity. To enable multiband and broadband responses, a multilayered FSS is proposed, and thus suppress losses in a given range of THz bands.
Participants' perspectives on the feasibility of a novel, intensive, task-specific intervention for individuals with chronic stroke: a qualitative analysis.

Background Evidence-based practice promotes patient-centered care, yet the majority of rehabilitative research fails to take patient perspectives into consideration. Qualitative research provides a unique opportunity for patients to express opinions and provide valuable insight on intervention processes. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel, intensive, task-specific intervention from the patient's perspective. Design A phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry was used. Methods Eight individuals with chronic stroke participated in an intensive intervention, 3 hours per day for 10 consecutive days. Participants were interviewed twice regarding their impressions of the therapy, and a focus group was conducted with participants and family members. Data analysis included an analytical thematic approach. Results Five major themes arose related to the feasibility of the intervention: (1) a manageable amount of fatigue; (2) a difficult, yet doable, level of intensity; (3) a disappointingly short therapy duration; (4) enjoyment of the intervention; and (5) muscle soreness. Conclusions The findings suggest that participants perceived this novel and intensive, task-specific intervention as a feasible therapeutic option for individuals with chronic stroke. Despite the fatigue and muscle soreness associated with intensive rehabilitation, participants frequently reported enjoying the therapy and stated disappointment with the short duration (10 days). Future research should include a feasibility trial of longer duration, as well as a qualitative analysis of the benefits associated with the intervention.
Gene transfer into the central nervous system in vivo using a recombinanat lentivirus vector.

Gene transfer vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) efficiently transduce nondividing cells and may provide for the delivery of their gene products to discrete regions of the brain. We investigated whether stable gene transduction can be achieved in cells of the central nervous system (CNS) in vivo by a potent lentivirus vector. The herpes simplex virus type 1 protein VP22 has been known to facilitate intercellular protein transport and thereby provides an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic genes by enhancing the delivery of their protein products. We developed a lentiviral vector construct expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused at its N-terminus to the herpes simplex virus VP22. In order to determine expression of the fusion protein in specific cells such as neurons in the CNS, a neuron-specific promoter was also placed into the construct. The viral vectors were injected directly into the striatum and hippocampus of mouse brains. We found that the lentivirus vector efficiently and stably transduced nondividing cells in the CNS with transgene expression for over 3 months. We also show that the delivery of VP22-EGFP fusion protein encoded by the lentivirus was effectively transported between neuronal cells via axons in vivo. Doubly labeled experiments revealed that our lentiviral vector is capable of delivering gene products to neurons and astrocytes in CNS. The data also demonstrate that up to 90% of the CNS cells transduced by our lentiviral vector under the control of the neuronal promoter are neurons.
Altered arachidonic acid metabolism impairs functional vasodilation in metabolic syndrome

These studies tested the hypothesis that in obese Zucker rats (OZRs), a model of metabolic syndrome, the impaired functional vasodilation is due to increased thromboxane receptor (TP)-mediated vaso...
A single mutation in the PB1-F2 of H5N1 (HK/97) and 1918 influenza A viruses contributes to increased virulence.

The proapoptotic PB1-F2 protein of influenza A viruses has been shown to contribute to pathogenesis in the mouse model. Expression of full-length PB1-F2 increases the pathogenesis of the influenza A virus, causing weight loss, slower viral clearance, and increased viral titers in the lungs. After comparing viruses from the Hong Kong 1997 H5N1 outbreak, one amino acid change (N66S) was found in the PB1-F2 sequence at position 66 that correlated with pathogenicity. This same amino acid change (N66S) was also found in the PB1-F2 protein of the 1918 pandemic A/Brevig Mission/18 virus. Two isogenic recombinant chimeric viruses were created with an influenza A/WSN/33 virus background containing the PB1 segment from the HK/156/97: WH and WH N66S. In mice infected with WH N66S virus there was increased pathogenicity as measured by weight loss and decreased survival, and a 100-fold increase in virus replication when compared to mice infected with the WH virus. The 1918 pandemic strain A/Brevig Mission/18 was reconstructed with a pathogenicity-reducing mutation in PB1-F2 (S66N). The resultant 1918 S66N virus was attenuated in mice having a 3-log lower 50% lethal dose and caused less morbidity and mortality in mice than the wild-type virus. Viral lung titers were also decreased in 1918 S66N–infected mice compared with wild-type 1918 virus–infected mice. In addition, both viruses with an S at position 66 (WH N66S and wt 1918) induced elevated levels of cytokines in the lungs of infected mice. Together, these data show that a single amino acid substitution in PB1-F2 can result in increased viral pathogenicity and could be one of the factors contributing to the high lethality seen with the 1918 pandemic virus.
Compromised antioxidant status associated with ascites in broilers.

Abstract Tissue infiltration by white blood cells in poultry with ascites has been reported, which could alter endogenous antioxidant status from oxidant stress. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of ascites on ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and glutathione (GSH), which are major intracellular antioxidants. Broiler chicks (1 day) were placed in environmental chambers maintained with normal ventilation (Control) or under low ventilation, which produced a cumulative mortality of 31.3% due to ascites. At 3, 5, and 7 wk, lung and liver tissues were obtained from control birds (n = 5) and from birds in the low ventilation chamber with (ASC, n = 5) or without (NASC, n = 5) overt symptoms of ascites. There were no differences in tissue ascorbate, tocopherol, and GSH between the control and NASC groups with the exception of hepatic tocopherol at 7 wk, which was higher (P
Dynamic properties of a locomotory muscle of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta during strain cycling and simulated natural crawling.

SUMMARY Caterpillars are soft-bodied terrestrial climbers that perform a wide variety of complex movements with several hundred muscles and a relatively small number of neurons. Control of movements is therefore expected to place unusual demands on the mechanical properties of the muscles. The muscles develop force slowly (1–6 s to peak) yet over a strain range extending from under 60% to more than 160% of resting length, with a length-tension relationship resembling that of supercontracting or cross-striated muscle. In passive and active sinusoidal strain cycling, muscles displayed viscoelastic qualities, with very low and stretch-velocity dependent resilience; there was a positive linear relationship between stretch velocity and the fraction of work dissipation attributable to passive muscle properties (20–80%). In linear stretches of unstimulated muscles at velocities bracketing those encountered in natural crawling, the rise in tension showed a distinct transition to a lower rate of increase, with transition tension dependent upon stretch velocity; peak force was exponentially related to stretch velocity. When stretching ceased, force decayed exponentially, with slower decay associated with lower stretch velocities; the decay time constant was exponentially related to stretch velocity. From the kinematics of caterpillars crawling horizontally we determined that the ventral interior lateral muscle (VIL) of the third abdominal segment (A3) is at or near resting length for most of the crawl cycle, with a fairly linear shortening by 25–30% and re-lengthening occupying about 45% of cycle duration. Synchronized kinematic and EMG recordings showed that during horizontal crawling A3 VIL is stimulated as the muscle shortens from about 95% to 75% of its resting length. We subjected in vitro VIL preparations to strain cycling and stimulus phase and duration similar to that of natural crawling. The resulting work loops were figure-eight shaped, with the muscle performing work during the shortest 45–65% of the strain cycle but dissipating work during the rest of the cycle. The muscle remained in the ascending limb of its length-tension relationship throughout the crawl cycle. Peak force occurred at the end of re-lengthening, nearly a full second after stimulation ceased, underscoring the importance of understanding passive muscle properties to explain caterpillar locomotion. Whether A3 VIL functions as an actuator at all during simulated natural strain cycling is highly sensitive to stimulus timing but far less so to stimulus duration. The muscle9s elastomer-like properties appear to play a major role in its function.
The grandparent-grandchild relationship : Implications for models of intergenerational communication

We report two studies which examine the age stereotypes in interactions model of intergenerational communication. We investigate whether stereotyping processes mediate the effects of various predictors on communication outcomes. Support emerges for the mediating role of stereotyping. The studies also examine relational factors finding support for the argument that relational factors deserve more attention in models of intergenerational communication. Central variables emerging as predictive of intergenerational communication or stereotyping include perceived health of an older adult interlocutor, relational closeness, the nature of the relationship (grandparent versus older adult acquaintance), reciprocal self-disclosure, and age salience.
Obesity, race/ethnicity and the multiple dimensions of socioeconomic status during the transition to adulthood: a factor analysis approach.

Racial/ethnic disparities in obesity widen dramatically during young adulthood in the US. Understanding racial/ethnic differences in the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity can provide insight on these disparities. However, the delay and complexity of the transition to adulthood creates challenges for defining SES using traditional, single indicators, such as income or years of education. Our objective was to define a multidimensional measure of young adult SES using exploratory factor analysis and to investigate whether distinct SES dimensions differentially predicted obesity across race/ethnicity in 11,250 young adults (mean age = 21.9 years) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Wave III: 2000–2001). Four factors (social advantage; schooling; employment; and economic hardship) extracted from a principal factor analysis on 38 SES indicators comprised our multidimensional measure of young adult SES. The respondents’ scores on each factor were entered into gender-stratified Poisson regression models to estimate the relative risk of young adult obesity for a contrast of approximately one standard deviation in score. The association of the “Social advantage” and “Economic hardship” factors with obesity differed by race/ethnicity (p<0.05 for Wald test of interaction) in females; high “Social advantage” scores were inversely associated with obesity in white and Hispanic females (9–20% lower) while high scores on “Economic hardship” were positively associated with obesity (7–76% higher) in white and Asian females. In contrast, no significant racial/ethnic differences were detected in young adult males. The “Schooling” factor was significantly protective (RR=0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.98) for females of all racial/ethnic groups. These results facilitate understanding of the impact of multiple, distinct SES dimensions during the complex transition to adulthood and thus provide salient information for reducing racial/ethnic disparities in obesity during this important period for obesity development.
Securitization, Social Identity, and Democratic Security: Nixon, India, and the Ties That Bind

The Democratic Peace stands as one of the most coherent and recognizable programs of study in international relations. Yet despite the pages of research devoted to the subject and claims about its law-like nature, the democratic peace remains a highly contested finding. In large part, this contestation arises out of an enduring question: What exactly keeps democracies from fighting? Drawing on the securitization theory of the Copenhagen School as well as social psychology, this article claims that a critical mechanism of the democratic peace lies at the political junction between policymakers and the public. I argue that the democratic identity of the public, grounded in basic democratic norms essential for the function of any democracy at any time, plays an independent role in the construction of security and foreign policy in the United States. To test the argument, I examine the difficult case of the 1971 Bangladesh War, when President Richard Nixon sent the USS Enterprise carrier group to the Bay of Bengal. Analysis of public statements as well as administration documentation reveals that, while Nixon and national security advisor Henry Kissinger actively saw India as a threat to U.S. interests, they were constrained by their belief that the public would not accept a security argument with respect to a fellow democracy.