cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of the Cytochrome c Gene by Electrical Stimulation in Neonatal Rat Cardiac Myocytes ROLE OF NRF-1 AND c-Jun

Activation of cytochrome c (cytc) transcription in electrically stimulated neonatal rat cardiac myocytes is preceded by transient expression of the activating protein-1 family of transcription factors, c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB, as well as nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1). Mutations in either the NRF-1 or in the two cyclic AMP response elements on the cytc promoter significantly reduce cyt c promoter activation produced either by electrical stimulation (Xia, Y., Buja, L. M., Scarpulla, R. C., and McMillin, J. B. (1997)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 11399–11404) or by transfection of c-jun into nonpaced cardiac myocytes. Electrical stimulation of cardiac myocytes activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (McDonough, P. M., Hanford, D. S., Sprenkle, A. B., Mellon, N. R., and Glembotski, C. C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 24046–24053) so that the fold-activation of the cyt c promoter is increased by pacing when either c-jun or c-fos/c-jun were cotransfected. Physical association of NRF-1 protein with the NRF-1 enhancer element and of c-Jun with the cyclic AMP response element binding sites on the cytc promoter was demonstrated by gel shift competition assays and by antibody super shifts. This is the first demonstration that induction of NRF-1 and c-Jun by pacing of cardiac myocytes directly mediates cyt c gene expression and mitochondrial proliferation in response to hypertrophic stimuli in the heart.
1727 DIFFUSE PROTEIN LEAK IN PREMATURE LAMB LUNGS DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH VENTILATION

Premature lambs with RDS have an increased leak of intra-vascular protein into their lungs. We studied 12 lambs to determine the relationship between this protein leak and ventilation. A balloon catheter within a major bronchus was used to protect an area of lung from ventilation since birth in 6 lambs (G1) and after 2 hrs of ventilation in 6 lambs (G2). The lambs were ventilated to maintain normal pCO2 values. At 3 hrs, 125I-albumin was injected intraarterially to measure the protein leak, and at 2 and 4 hrs radiolabeled microspheres were injected into the right ventricle to assess pulmonary blood flow (PBF) distribution. Three min prior to sacrifice 131I-albumin was injected and used to correct for intravascular blood within the lung pieces. At 4 hrs the lambs were sacrificed, the balloon protected areas were separated from the remaining aerated lung, and the lungs were divided into ∼ 60 1 g pieces. The results for the balloon protected areas as % of the total lung are: An area of lung protected since birth from inflation or baro-trauma had the same magnitude of protein leak as lung that was subjected to ventilation, despite a reduction in blood flow to the protected area. We postulate that circulating vasoactive agents, and not barotrauma, may be a major cause of the increased protein leak seen in RDS.
A one sweep method for linear difference equations with two point boundary conditions

A new method is proposed for reducing two point boundary value problems for systems of linear difference equations to initial value problems. The method has the advautage that only one sweep is required. Comparisons against classical reduction methods are made.
On the singularity induced by certain mixed boundary conditions in linearized and nonlinear elastostatics

Abstract This study concerns the local character of the elastostatic field in plane strain near a point that separates a free from an adjoining fixed segment of a rectilinear boundary-component. The well-known singular field behavior predicted by the linear theory, as such a point is approached, exhibits oscillatory deformations and stresses. It is shown here by means of an asymptotic analysis that the foregoing anomalous behavior does not occur within the nonlinear theory of harmonic elastic materials. In preparation for this task certain general aspects of the latter theory are reviewed. The results obtained in the nonlinear asymptotic treatment of the class of mixed boundary-value problems considered are discussed in detail with particular attention to the problem of a bonded flat-ended rigid punch.
Feldspar dissolution in acidic and organic solutions: Compositional and pH dependence of dissolution rate

The steady-state dissolution rates of plagioclase feldspars into inorganic acid solutions in a flow-through reactor increased with Al content of the mineral from 1.4 · 10−11 mol Si/m2/s for albite to 5.6 · 10−9 mol Si/m2/s for bytownite. A similar trend was observed for minerals dissolved in neutral solutions although the rates were lower. The results of these experiments are used to develop a simple empirical equation to describe the dissolution of tectosilicates (quartz + feldspars): RH=kHaH+nH where RH is the dissolution rate of tectosilicates in acid solution, aH+ is the activity of H+ ion, and kH and nH are dependent on the aluminum fraction in the tectosilicate framework [AlAl+Si]:logkH=−11.24+25.98*[AlAl+Si]2andnH=−0.052+4.23*[AlAl+Si]2. This model, with its strong dependence on Al fraction, suggests that tectosilicate dissolution in acid solution results primarily from attack at Al sites at the mineral surface. In acidic oxalate solutions the steady-state dissolution rates were, in some cases, up to a factor of 10 higher than dissolution rates in inorganic solutions at the same pH and appeared to have a similar dependence on pH and mineral composition, at least away from the extremes in aluminum fraction (quartz and bytownite). On the basis of the results of the experiments with acidic oxalate and previous experiments showing a linear dependence of feldspar dissolution rate on organic ligand concentration, an empirical expression for the ligand-promoted component of tectosilicate dissolution rates as measured by silica release (RL) is proposed: RL = (κHL [L] − kH)aH+n + ℝHL(Si) where the first term describes the effect of competitive proton and ligand attack at Al sites at the mineral surface leading to silica release to solution and RHL(Si) reflects the smaller rate of attack at Si sites (κHL is a factor depending on the ligand, [L] is the ligand concentration, kH and aH+ are as given above, and n describes the pH dependence of ligand- and proton-promoted dissolution and is taken to be equal to nH away from the extremes of aluminum fraction). The strong dependence of dissolution rate in acidic organic solutions on aluminum fraction indicates that both protons and ligands attack the mineral surface at the same, presumably Al, sites.
The Nanomechanics of Tetrahedral Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon (ta-C) MEMS

The mechanics of hydrogen-free tetrahedral amorphous diamond-like carbon (ta-C) MEMS structures have been investigated in connection with their elastic and failure properties. For this purpose, micro-tension specimens of thicknesses between 1.2 μm and 1.8 μm and gage widths of 10 μm or 50 μm have been fabricated by the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The mechanical characterization has been conducted via in situ AFM measurements and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) data strain analysis and the deformation fields of uniform tension specimens and internally notched specimens with acute notches (K=27) have been experimentally obtained. The elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio were measured for the first time directly from the specimens averaging 750 GPa and ν=0.16 respectively, while the tensile strength was found to be very consistent averaging 7.0 GPa. Stressed material domains with smaller dimensions in the vicinity of micronotches exhibited even higher failure strength reaching an average of 11.5 GPa with about 10% scatter. AFM images of specimens under high tensile stresses have also indicated the possibility of an sp3 to sp2 phase transformation on the film surface at very high tensile stresses (>6 GPa).© 2003 ASME
The hydrogen molecule ion in the old quantum theory

The ground state of the H 2 + molecule is studied using the equations of classical mechanics and the Einstein quantum condition, J ζ+J μ = h, where J ζ and J μ are the action integrals over a complete cycle of the elliptic coordinates. Strong bonding is found, but the quantitative results are good only for R 4a 0. The greatest error comes at R eq and results from the coalesence of two classically allowed regions where the electron can exist.
Lunar Navigation and Communication System Implementation Concept

The NASA exploration Initiative provides a defining vision for the U.S. space program that will include a series of human and robotic missions to the Moon, thereby enabling ultimate exploration of Mars and other destinations. Exploration combines robotic and human mission elements that should ideally support each other in terms of advancing the ability to discover, operate, and support a sustained human presence in the lunar environment. In support of these missions, NASA has considered the implementation of a system to realize lunar navigation and communication service essential to assets at the moon. This paper describes the results of JHU/APL's efforts within a joint study between JHU/APL and NASA/GSFC, with support from NASA/GRC and JPL that details an implementation of a Lunar Relay System that could represent a floor capability of such an infrastructure by providing basic communication and navigation service to lunar assets. The approach provides a flow from a reasonable, if basic, set of requirements and desired capabilities, and details space system implementation that meets those requirements. This includes a conceptual mission design, space and payload segment, ground segment, and operational performance.
Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis is a distinct clinicopathologic entity linked to hypertension and smoking.

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING) is an enigmatic condition that resembles nodular diabetic glomerulosclerosis but occurs in nondiabetic patients. We reviewed clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical profiles, and outcomes in 23 patients with ING diagnosed from among 5,073 native renal biopsy samples (0.45%) at Columbia University from January 1996 to March 2001. This cohort, in which diabetes mellitus was excluded, consisted predominantly of older (mean age, 68.2 years) white (73.9%) men (78.3%). Clinical findings at presentation included renal insufficiency in 82.6% (mean serum creatinine = 2.4 mg/dL), proteinuria (> 3 g/d in 69.6%; mean 24-hour urine protein = 4.7 g/d), and-less frequently-full nephrotic syndrome (21.7%). There was a high prevalence of hypertension (95.7%; mean = 15.1 +/- 3.4 years), smoking (91.3%; mean = 52.9 +/- 6.9 pack-years), hypercholesterolemia (90%), and extrarenal vascular disease (43.5%). All 23 patients had prominent diffuse and nodular mesangial sclerosis, glomerular basement membrane thickening, arteriosclerosis, and arteriolosclerosis. Immunohistochemical staining for CD34, a marker of endothelial cells, showed an increased number of vascular channels within ING glomeruli compared with normal controls. Follow-up data were available for 17 patients, 6 of whom reached end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (35.3%). By Kaplan-Meier estimates, the median time after biopsy to ESRD was 26 months. Predictors of progression to ESRD included continuation of smoking (P =.0165), lack of angiotensin II blockade (P =.0007), degree of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (P =.0517), and degree of arteriosclerosis (P =.0096). In conclusion, ING is a progressive vasculopathic lesion linked to hypertension and cigarette smoking.
Quantifying photosynthetic rates of microphytobenthos using the triple isotope composition of dissolved oxygen

Microphytobenthos are important mediators of nutrient and carbon fluxes in coastal environments. However, quantifying production rates by microphytobenthos is difficult, and existing methods necessitate perhaps erroneous assumptions that dark respiration equals light respiration. Here we present a new method for quantifying photosynthetic rates of microphytobenthos, i.e., gross primary production, by using the triple isotope composition of dissolved oxygen in benthic flux chambers. Because the triple oxygen isotope signature is sensitive to photosynthesis, but not to respiration, this method allows quantification of gross photosynthetic oxygen fluxes by microphytobenthos without assumptions about respiration. We present results from field experiments in Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts, that illustrate the method.
Urodynamic Findings in Children with Spinal Cord Ischemia

AbstractPurpose: We identified urodynamic patterns of lower urinary tract dysfunction in children after anterior spinal artery injury.Materials and Methods: Between 1981 and 1993, 6 boys and 1 girl in whom ischemic spinal cord injuries developed after umbilical artery catheterization (4), cardiovascular surgery (2) and spontaneous bleeding from an arteriovenous fistula (1) were evaluated radiologically, neurologically and urodynamically.Results: Neurological assessment revealed a motor level from T8 to S1 in all 7 children, whereas only 3 had sensory denervation ranging from T8 to L4. Urodynamic studies demonstrated a mixed upper and lower motor neuron pattern in 3 patients, a lower motor neuron lesion only in 3 and a pure upper motor neuron deficit in 1. Treatment consisted of oxybutynin in 5 cases, Crede voiding in 1 and close observation in 1. All children are dry and kidney function has remained stable.Conclusions: Spinal cord ischemia in children is a rare condition that can arise from a variety of c...
Predicting RV Failure after LVAD Implantation: Utility of Echocardiographic Strain and Defining RV Failure

Purpose Post-operative right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Predicting and defining RVF is challenging. Methods and Materials Prospectively collected pre-op echo and hemodynamic data of LVAD recipients were analyzed including RV mid free wall longitudinal myocardial strain (LMS) by speckle tracking. Four definitions of RVF were used: 1) permanent right ventricular assist device (pRVAD), 2) pRVAD or temporary RVAD (any RVAD), 3) any RVAD or 14 days of post-op inotropic therapy (14d), or 4) any RVAD or 7 days of post-op inotropic therapy (7d). Results Of the 41 pts, 8 (20%) had RVF defined by pRVAD, 14 (34%) by any RVAD, 19 (46%) by 14d, and 32 (78%) by 7d. RVF was associated with lower LMS and cardiac index (CI) and higher right atrial pressure (RAP) in all outcome groups except 7d (table). ROC analysis yielded increasing LMS cutoffs for RVF defined by pRVAD (LMS −9.7%: sensitivity/specificity 75%/85%), any RVAD (LMS −11.4%: 71%/70%), and 14d (−13.2%: 79%/50%). By multivariate analysis, LMS independently predicted RVF defined by pRVAD (HR 1.41, p=0.02), any RVAD (HR 1.28, p=0.03), or 14d (HR 1.24, p=0.04). Conclusions The incidence of RVF differs considerably depending on the definition. Among echo and hemodynamic data, LMS seems most useful to predict RVF in LVAD candidates for most definitions, with progressive cutoffs for more severe RVF. Outcome LMS (%) TAPSE (cm) RV FAC (%) RAP (mm Hg) CI (L/min/m2) pRVAD -7.3±4.1 vs -12.9±4.3 p=0.005 1.5±0.4 vs 1.7±0.4 p=0.4 19±8 vs 24±10 p=0.3 20±12 vs 12±5 p=0.049 1.6±0.5 vs 2.1±0.6 p=0.03 Any RVAD -8.9±4.4 vs -13.4±4.3 p=0.006 1.5±0.5 vs 1.7±0.4 p=0.3 21±8 vs 24±11 p=0.5 18±9 vs 12±5 p=0.03 1.8±0.4 vs 2.2±0.6 p=0.04 14d -10.0±4.8 vs -13.4±4.2 p=0.02 1.5±0.4 vs 1.7±0.4 p=0.1 23±9 vs 23±11 p=0.9 16±9 vs 11±5 p=0.06 1.8±0.5 vs 2.2±0.6 p=0.03 7d -11.0±1.8 vs -14.8±5.4 p=0.14 1.6±0.1 vs 1.8±0.1 p=0.3 22±9 vs 25±12 p=0.6 14±8 vs 11±5 p=0.3 2.0±0.6 vs 2.1±0.4 p=0.7 (+) Outcome vs (-) Outcome
Transcendence, guilt, and self-control

Transcendence, defined as the capacity to perceive the immediate stimulus environment in relation to long-range or abstract concerns, is a key aspect of self-control, and indeed self-regulation often breaks down because attention becomes focused exclusively on the immediate stimuli (i.e., transcendence fails). Factors that restrict attention to the here and now will weaken self-control, whereas factors that promote transcendence will enhance it. Guilt may be one example of the latter.
Perception of emotions by accepted and rejected children

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of emotions by accepted and rejected children. Peer ratings and peer sociometrics were used to identify accepted and rejected children. All children were administered a task specifically designed to measure their ability to perceive emotions. This task consisted of a series of videotaped interactions involving two individuals—either two adults or two children—portraying one of three affective states: happiness, sadness, and anger. After viewing each interaction, children were asked to identify what the person was feeling. In addition, teachers and peers rated the children on their ability to perceive emotions in others. The results indicated that accepted children obtained significantly higher scores than rejected children on the identification of emotions in the interactions. Teachers and peers also rated accepted children as better perceivers of emotions than rejected children. Implications of the results are discussed.
Stress at Home, Peace at Work: A Test of the Time Bind Hypothesis

Objective. We test the central thesis of Hochschild’s (1997) The Time Bind: people who are unsatisfied with housework, parenting, or their marriage work more hours, or at a minimum prefer to work more hours, especially if satisfaction with work is high. Methods. Using the data from the 1987–1988 National Survey of Families and Households, we analyzed the influence of work and home satisfaction on the actual and desired work hours of 1,533 respondents who were employed, married to an employed spouse, and had one or more resident children under age 18. Results. We found that people who were more satisfied with work than home or who were dissatisfied with home life in general did not work more hours or even desire to do so. Conclusions. Contrary to Hochschild’s assertions, there was little evidence that working parents dissatisfied with home life worked more hours or desired to spend more time at work.
The sticky truth about angiogenesis and thrombospondins

The formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, is important for embryonic development and wound healing as well as the development of cancer and inflammation; therefore, angiogenesis is a valuable target for clinical intervention. Both logic and empiricism suggest that a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory switches is required for orderly formation of blood vessels. Thrombospondins 1 and 2 were among the first natural angiogenesis inhibitors to be identified. However, the cellular origins and mechanisms of action of these important proteins during angiogenesis have remained largely unknown. Studies by Kopp et al., presented in this issue of the JCI, clarify some of these issues by revealing that megakaryocytes and their "sticky" wound-healing progeny, platelets, are important sources of thrombospondins 1 and 2 and that these thrombopoietic cells play key roles in controlling blood vessel formation during hematopoiesis and ischemic wound healing (see the related article beginning on page 3277).
Cause-Related Marketing via the World Wide Web: A Relationship Marketing Strategy

ABSTRACT This paper explores how a small sample of companies are using cause-related marketing and the World Wide Web to support their relationship marketing strategies. The use of corporate social responsibility appeals, whether espousal of or support for socially salient causes, in the design and execution of marketing communication campaigns is developed. The integration of the Internet and company-sponsored websites into cause-related campaigns is discussed. Principles which may govern the use of causes in Web-based campaigns are introduced and the Web efforts of five well-known companies are reviewed. Twelve recommendations are made regarding the effective use of the Web in cause-related marketing efforts.
FLUTAMIDE INDUCED LUPUS

Flutamide is an oral nonsteroidal antiandrogen used in conjunction with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists to treat stages B2 to C and D prostatic carcinoma. We describe a case of drug induced lupus caused by flutamide. To our knowledge no previous reports of flutamide induced lupus syndrome exist in the literature. CASE REPORT E. P., a 66-year-old man in whom stage C adenocarcinoma of the prostate had been diagnosed 2 years previously, presented to our hospital with fever, arthralgia, weight loss, and increasing general weakness and shortness of breath 1 month in duration. Orchiectomy had been performed 5 months after the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Medication consisted of 250 mg. flutamide orally 3 times daily, and iron, naproxen and amitriptyline daily. At hospital admission the patient was febrile to 38.8C. Pulmonary and neurological examinations revealed left basilar rales and proximal thigh weakness, respectively. There was no synovitis, rash or petechiae. Clinical laboratory evaluation revealed normal electrolytes, white blood count 4,200 cells per mm.3 (normal 4,500 to 11,000) and hematocrit 27.9% (normal 42 to 54). Liver function tests were normal, thyroid stimulating hormone was 4.30 mIU/ml. (normal 0.5 to 5.0) and creatine phosphokinase was 32 units per 1. (normal 24 to 195). Two months earlier and at the time of the diagnosis prostate specific antigen had been less than 0.2 and 6.9 ng./ml., respectively. Chest radiography demonstrated a left lower lobe infiltrate with small bilateral pleural effusions. The initial diagnosis was community acquired pneumonia, and treatment with a third generation cephalosporin was begun. Pleural effusion was consistent with an exudate with a negative gram stain. Bone marrow biopsy revealed early myelodysplasia. Cultures of the pleural fluid, bone marrow and blood were negative. Despite 10 days of therapy the patient remained febrile and became increasingly short of breath. Further evaluation revealed that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 77 mm. per hour (normal 0 to 381, the rheumatoid factor was positive at 1:40 and antinuclear antibodies were strongly positive at 1:256, while anti-histone antibody was negative. The diagnosis was lupus erythematosus. A
Nine-year Experience during 1973–1982 with 1,060 Pacemakers in 805 Patients

Our experience with over one-thousand pacemaker implantations resulting in almost 28,000 patient pacing months is reviewed. Data are presented regarding changing indications for pacing, experience with numerous pacemaker types, patient survival, comparative mortality of sick sinus syndrome and complete heart block, and telephone surveillance. Consistent with some previous reports, there were high one- and two-year post-implant mortality rates, and advanced age at implant was associated with decreased survival. Males had a significantly higher mortality rate. The period reported covers the transition from utilization of mercury-zinc batteries to lithium power cells and other new technology; significant differences were observed in device reliability and patient mortality when comparing these eras. Certain patients evidenced disparate survivals, the most notable difference being seen in those who received their primary implants prior to 1976 and subsequent implants of more modern units.
Supramolecular complexes mediate selenocysteine incorporation in Vivo

and two factors identified as binding tRNA [Ser]Sec , termed soluble liver antigen/liver protein (SLA/LP) and SECp43. We report that SLA/LP and SPS1 interact in vitro and in vivo and that SECp43 cotransfection increases this interaction and redistributes all three proteins to a predominantly nuclear localization. We further show that SECp43 interacts with the selenocysteyl-tRNA [Ser]Sec -EFsec complex in vitro, and SECp43 coexpression promotes interaction between EFsec and SBP2 in vivo. Additionally, SECp43 increases selenocysteine incorporation and selenoprotein mRNA levels, the latter presumably due to circumvention of nonsense-mediated decay. Thus, SECp43 emerges as a key player in orchestrating the interactions and localization of the other factors involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis. Finally, our studies delineating the multiple, coordinated protein-nucleic acid interactions between SECp43 and the previously described selenoprotein cotranslational factors resulted in a model of selenocysteine biosynthesis and incorporation dependent upon both cytoplasmic and nuclear supramolecular complexes.
Black female high school students and the use of beverage alcohol

This study deals with a population group which has been neglected in the research literature; namely, Black female high school students from rural backgrounds. Not surprisingly, the proscriptive and abstinence norms in the community resulted in drinking styles of a surreptitious nature in a setting of less restraint. Consequently, there were some signs of problems with alcohol such as experiencing complications, getting high, and drinking for utilitarian reasons. The factors which influenced the girls to drink, however, were similar to those of other studies.
Removal of Out-of-Sequence Measurements from Tracks

In multisensor tracking systems that operate in a centralized or distributed information processing architecture, measurements from the same target obtained by different sensors can arrive at the processing center out of sequence due to system latencies. In order to avoid either a delay in the output or the need for reordering and reprocessing entire sequences of measurements, such latent measurements have to be processed by the tracking filter as out-of-sequence measurements (OOSM). Recent work developed a "one-step" procedure for incorporating OOSM with multiple-time-step latency into the tracking filter, which, while suboptimal, was shown to yield results very close to those obtained by reordering and reprocessing an entire sequence of measurements. The counterpart of this problem is the need to remove (revocate) measurements that have already been used to update a track state. This can happen in real-world systems when such measurements are reassigned to another track. Similarly to the problem of update with an OOSM, it is desired to carry out the removal of an earlier measurement without recomputing the track estimate (and the data association) using possibly a long sequence of subsequent measurements one at a time. A one-step algorithm is presented for this problem of removing a multistep OOSM.
Short echo spectroscopic imaging of the human brain at 7T using transceiver arrays

Recent advances in magnet technology have enabled the construction of ultrahigh-field magnets (7T and higher) that can accommodate the human head and body. Despite the intrinsic advantages of performing spectroscopic imaging at 7T, increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and spectral resolution, few studies have been reported to date. This limitation is largely due to increased power deposition and B1 inhomogeneity. To overcome these limitations, we used an 8-channel transceiver array with a short TE (15 ms) spectroscopic imaging sequence. Utilizing phase and amplitude mapping and optimization schemes, the 8-element transceiver array provided both improved efficiency (17% less power for equivalent peak B1) and homogeneity (SD(B1) = ±10% versus ±22%) in comparison to a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) volume coil. To minimize the echo time to measure J-modulating compounds such as glutamate, we developed a short TE sequence utilizing a single-slice selective excitation pulse followed by a broadband semiselective refocusing pulse. Extracerebral lipid resonances were suppressed with an inversion recovery pulse and delay. The short TE sequence enabled visualization of a variety of resonances, including glutamate, in both a control subject and a patient with a Grade II oligodendroglioma. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Resilient RTN Fast Spiking in Kv3.1 Null Mice Suggests Redundancy in the Action Potential Repolarization Mechanism

Fast spiking (FS), GABAergic neurons of the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) are capable of firing high-frequency trains of brief action potentials, with little adaptation. Studies in recombinant s...
Megaphylls, microphylls and the evolution of leaf development

Originally coined to emphasize morphological differences, 'microphyll' and 'megaphyll' became synonymous with the idea that vascular plant leaves are not homologous. Although it is now accepted that leaves evolved independently in several euphyllophyte lineages, 'megaphyll' has grown to reflect another type of homology, that of euphyllophyte leaf precursor structures. However, evidence from the fossil record and developmental pathways fails to indicate homology and suggests homoplasy of precursor structures. Thus, as I discuss here, 'megaphyll' should be abandoned because it perpetuates an unsupported idea of homology, leading to misconceptions that pervade plant biology thinking and can bias hypothesis and inference in developmental and phylogenetic studies. Alternative definitions are needed that are based on development and phylogeny for different independently evolved leaf types.
Progress report: automated computer software development standards enforcement

The Uniform Development Environment (UDE) is being investigated as a means of enforcing software engineering standards. For the programmer, it provides an environment containing the tools and utilities necessary for orderly and controlled development and maintenance of code according to requirements (DoD-STD-2167A). In addition, it provides DoD management and developer management the tools needed for all phases of software life cycle management and control, from project planning and management, to code development, configuration management, version control, and change control. This paper reports the status of UDE development and field testing. >
Haunting History: Deconstruction and the Spirit of Revision

This essay explores the ways that the specter of deconstruction has been haunting history over the past thirty years, in particular this specter's effects on the revision of intellectual and cultural history. The essay uses the terms "specter" and "haunting" to express the fact that while deconstruction is repeatedly targeted in attacks against the dangers of postmodernism, poststructuralism, or the linguistic turn, very few historians actively use deconstruction as a historical methodology; in this regard the target has always been a phantom. However, some historians have employed the methods of deconstruction, and by examining their work as well as the attacks on it the essay attempts to explain the historiographical reasons behind these attacks. The goal of the essay is ultimately to indicate some of the ways that deconstruction is useful for the historian, as evidenced in the project of historical revision.
The Trophic Ecology of Atlantic Cod: Insights from Tri-monthly, Localized Scales of Sampling

The meso-scale trophic dynamics of cod Gadus morhua were examined based upon tri-monthly stomach sample collections from a nearshore, localized (c. 800 km2) region off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The major objective for this work was to relate any changes in cod diet and amount of food eaten to seasonal variations in prey availability, water temperature and spawning at a spatial scale between broad-scale and laboratory studies. Results suggested that the type and amount of food eaten by cod was generally consistent throughout a year and repeatable across years. Cod feeding was marked by two periods of increased feeding, corresponding to the arrival of small pelagic fishes in the area. This pelagic migration and subsequent increased feeding by cod occurred during important periods in the life history of cod (e.g. spawning and overwintering). Similar annual patterns in food consumption and diet composition were remarkably consistent over the 2·5 years of the project, suggesting important feeding periods for cod that correspond to environmental and biological events. The diet of cod was composed primarily of several species of forage fishes [e.g. herrings (predominantly Atlantic herring Clupea harengus), sand lance Ammodytes sp. and Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus], ophiuroids, Cancer sp. crabs and other small crustaceans. It was inferred that cod exhibited a maintenance diet on local forage fishes and benthic macroinvertebrates, augmenting their diet by seasonally gorge feeding upon migrating pelagic species.
Sudden infant death syndrome: Do ion channels play a role?

It has been more than 30 years since an association between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and abnormal cardiac repolarization was first postulated.1,2 Enormous advances in our clinical understanding of heritable arrhythmia syndromes (aka “the cardiac channelopathies”), our scientific understanding of ion channels and how mutant ion channels impart their proarrhythmic phenotype to the patient, and our laboratory techniques, which include high-throughput mutational analysis, have given us the tools to begin to dissect a complex, multifactorial disease such as SIDS. Now, a clearer picture of how cardiac channelopathies can create the pathogenic substrate for sudden death during the first year of life as well as the prevalence of channelopathic SIDS among autopsy negative sudden infant deaths is emerging. This review highlights the substantial progress that has been made over the last decade, in particular highlighting the most recent findings that solidify the role that ion channels play in SIDS.
Medical Technology and Health Services in South Korea

This article chronicles the adoption of medical technology in twentieth-century Korea. The author suggests that the structure of the present health care delivery system has relied predominantly on small clinic practice and has resulted in a shortage of highly capitalized hospitals and a maldistribution of modern technology. In addition, the author argues that medical practice in small unconnected clinics and hospitals isolate physicians from academic medicine and hamper research. Finally, the highly decentralized structure of Korean medicine is a weak basis for controlling the diffusion of medical technology and leaves most acquisition judgments in the hands of individual hospital owners.
Adaptive LDPC-coded OFDM for radio-over-fiber technologies

We propose a variable-power rate-adaptive LDPCcoded OFDM scheme, suitable for use in radio-over-fiber technologies. The optimum power-rate adaptation is used to compensate for limited bandwidth of graded-index plasticoptical-fiber, while wireless receiver diversity is used to overcome the multipath fading.
THE FATE OF AFLATOXINS IN THE PREPARATION OF PROTEIN CONCENTRATES AND ISOLATES FROM CONTAMINATED PEANUT AND COTTONSEED FLOURS

With the assistance of the laboratories of six major soybean protein producers, simulated commercial protein concentrate and isolate processes were applied to aflatoxin-contaminated peanut and cottonseed flours to determine the fate of the aflatoxins. Processes for producing, concentrate by washing the flour at the protein isoelectric point (pH 4.5) were ineffective in separating the aflatoxin from the products, but a process using an aqueous alcohol wash accomplished a 90% reduction in the aflatoxin level of the concentrate compared to the flour. Processes for producing isolate by protein dissolution in alkali and its recovery by precipitation at the isoelectric point resulted in some aflatoxin loss but an increase in the aflatoxin concentration associated with the protein isolate compared to the original flour. However, a process applying carbon adsorbent to the alkaline solution accomplished a 90% reduction in the aflatoxin level of the isolate.
The clinical utility of lenalidomide in multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Purpose. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical utility, adverse effects, dosage, and cost of lenalidomide are reviewed.Summary. Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue appro...
Mortality While Waiting for Aortic Valve Replacement

Background Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with high mortality without intervention. The impact of waiting time for aortic valve replacement (AVR), either surgically or transcatheter, has not been reported. Methods From January 2008 to December 2012, we identified 1,005 patients with severe symptomatic AS. AVR was recommended for 823 patients (82%). Of these 823 patients, 721 (87.6%) underwent AVR. We modeled overall survival (OS) since AVR recommendation or intervention date using Cox and multistate models. Results Overall, the median (first, third quartiles) waiting time until operation was 2.9 (1.3, 5.1) weeks. Mortality at these times was lower ( p p Conclusions Some patients do not receive AVR in a timely fashion, and prolonged waiting time for AVR is associated with mortality greater than the AVR operative mortality. Although waiting time was not associated with poor operative outcomes after AVR, many patients may die while waiting for AVR. Patients should receive AVR on a semiurgent, not elective, basis.
Physical activity stage of readiness predicts moderate–vigorous physical activity participation among morbidly obese gastric bypass surgery candidates

Abstract Background Despite the ever-growing body of literature linking stage of physical activity readiness (PAR) with physical activity (PA) participation in overweight and obese populations, this relationship has not been examined among individuals seeking gastric bypass surgery (GBS). Furthermore, little is known about the specific intensity of activities undertaken by GBS candidates. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether greater PAR was associated with greater moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation among GBS candidates. Methods The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), administered 2-weeks presurgery to 87 GBS candidates, determined MVPA participation using a formula based on metabolic equivalents (MET)-minutes/week. A stages-of-change measure categorized each candidate into one of five PAR stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance. Results The proportion of individuals in each PAR stage and the corresponding MVPA was as follows: contemplation (5.7%, 48.0 MET-minutes/week), preparation (46%, 394.0 MET-minutes/week), action (34.5%, 1614.0 MET-minutes/week), and maintenance (13.8%, 2056.7 MET-minutes/week). MVPA was significantly greater in candidates in the action or maintenance stages compared with those in contemplation ( P =.008 and .025 for action and maintenance, respectively) or preparation ( P Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate a relationship between PAR and PA among GBS candidates, with 100% of the sample reporting either an intention to engage in PA or actual engagement in PA. This finding, coupled with the recent support for the importance of PA for weight loss/maintenance in GBS patients, warrants an investigation into the effectiveness of presurgical and postsurgical PA interventions matched to patients' PAR levels.
Abrogation of cell‐mediated immunity by hyperimmune alloantiserum: Mechanisms and correlation with allograft enhancement

Alloantiserum blocking of cell-mediated immunity as measured by a 51chromium release cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay has been characterized and correlated with immunological enhancement of tumor allografts across H-2 barriers in mice. Alloantiserum blocking was found to be immunologically specific, quantitative, and highly reproducible. Cytotoxicity could be blocked by adding alloantiserum directly into the reaction mixture or by pretreating the target cells with alloantiserum. Effector cells could also be specifically blocked by pretreatment with alloantigens or with a fraction isolated from a mixture of alloantiserum and ascitic fluid containing alloantibody. Pretreatment of effector cells with alloantibody alone had no blocking effect. Upon purification, this fraction dissociated into IgG and a small molecular species with some biochemical and antigenic properties analogous to H-2 fragments. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the isolated fraction may have been an antigen-antibody complex consisting of alloantibody and H-2 alloantigen. In addition, blocking was shown to be surmountable under certain conditions by increasing the number of effector cells. The implications and mechanism of alloantiserum blocking and its relationship to immunological enhancement are discussed.
Teratogenic effects of cadmium in rats

The teratogenic effects of subcutaneous injections of cadmium in CD rats were investigated. Injections of 4–12 mg/kg CdCl2 on 4 consecutive days beginning on days 13–16 of gestation resulted in a dose-related rise in the fetal death rate, decrease in fetal weight, arid increase in the rate of anomalies. The anomalies included micrognathia, cleft palate, clubfoot, and small lungs. The lung/body weight ratios were significantly reduced in fetuses of animals injected with 8 mg/kg CdCl2 on days 14–17 of gestation. The data indicate that this was a specific retardation and not merely a reflection of differential organ growth rates and overall fetal growth retardation.
An inverted-microstrip resonator for human head proton MR imaging at 7 tesla

As an extension of the previously developed microstrip transmission line (MTL) RF coil design, a high-frequency RF volume coil using multiple inverted MTL (iMTL) resonators for human head imaging at high magnetic field strength of 7 tesla (T) is reported. Compared to conventional MTL resonators, iMTL resonators can operate at higher frequency with lower losses and, thus, are suitable for designs of high-frequency RF volume coils with large coil size for human MR imaging and spectroscopy at high fields. An approach using capacitive terminations was analyzed and applied to the design of the iMTL volume coil for improving RF field homogeneity and broadening frequency-tuning range. A performance-comparison study was conducted between the prototype iMTL volume coil and a custom-built TEM volume coil at 7 T. The iMTL volume coil presents a comparable SNR and intrinsic B/sub 1/ homogeneity to the TEM volume coil. Phantom and the human head images acquired using the iMTL volume coil are also presented. The proposed iMTL volume coil provides an efficient and alternative solution to design high-frequency and large-size volume coils for human MR applications at very high fields.
Identifying work setting profile factors from the Career Pathway Evaluation Program.

Objectives. To describe the work factors associated with 28 different career areas as reported by pharmacists who responded to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Career Pathway Evaluation Program for Pharmacy Professionals, 2012 Pharmacist Profile Survey Methods. Data from the 1,119 completed survey instruments from the 2012 Pharmacist Profile Survey were analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying factors that best represented respondents’ work setting profiles. Results. Eleven underlying factors were identified for the respondents’ work setting profiles: patient care, application of clinical knowledge, innovation, stress, research, managerial responsibility, work schedule flexibility, job position flexibility, self-actualization, geographic location, and continuity of coworker relationships. Findings revealed variation for these underlying factors among career categories. Conclusion. Variation among pharmacist career types exists. The profiles constructed in this study describe the characteristics of various career paths and can be helpful for decisions regarding educational, experiential, residency, and certification training in pharmacist careers.
The microanatomy of the coyote's (Canis latrans) respiratory system.

A Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopic study of the coyote respiratory system was carried out, utilizing ten coyotes of both sexes. The animals ranges in age from 8 to 24 months and were in good health. Comparison of the respiratory tissues of the coyote with other Canid species are made.
Metaphors of Literacy: Dialogues in Inclusive Settings

This article discusses the importance of metaphors in education and in inclusive settings in particular. Metaphors are seen as the fabric of collaboration through dialogue across the curriculum. The article analyzes the dialogues among the Language Arts, Social Studies, and inclusion teacher in a large middle school in the Southwest of the United States in an effort to coordinate literacy planning and instruction in these content areas. From the analysis of the dialogues in the author’s journal, metaphors emerge as a central component to make meaning in literacy instruction. Three main metaphors of literacy were recursive in the dialogues: (a) literacy as a multiple path for learning (b) literacy as a bridge for academic success and (c) literacy as a window to read the social and personal world of students in inclusive settings. The author of the article advocates for a qualitative research approach where metaphors are the core of methodology in the analysis of language data in teachers’ discourses to refine our understanding on how language plays a crucial role in the planning and implementation of literacy instruction in K-12 schools.
Review: occupational risks for voice problems.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a cohesive review of the literature regarding the functional consequences of voice problems and occupational risk factors for them. The salient points are as follows. According to conservative estimates, approximately 28000000 workers in the US experience daily voice problems. Many people who experience voice problems perceive them to have a negative impact on their work and their quality of life. Estimates based on empirical data suggest that, considering only lost work days and treatment expenses, the societal cost of voice problems in teachers alone may be of the order of about $2.5 billion annually in the US. In fact, across several countries, ''teacher'' consistently emerges as the common occupation most likely to seek otorhinolaryngological (ORL) evaluation for a voice problem. Other occupational categories likely to seek ORL examination for a voice problem are singer, counselor/social worker, lawyer, and clergy. Finally, US Census data indicate that keyboard ...
Of Paradigms and Preferences

Brian Rathbun wonders if “the political beliefs of those who study international relations affect their beliefs about international relations and the way they are studied.” In his search for an answer, he turns to a body of literature in social psychology called social dominance theory (SDT) and a psychometric construct called social dominance orientation (SDO). SDT is “a general theory of societal group-based inequality” (Pratto, Sidanius, and Levin 2006;:2 73; for overviews, see also Sidanius and Pratto 1999:31–57; Pratto et al. 2006:273–281). The two SDO scales in use purport to measure “the extent of individuals’ desires for group-based dominance and inequality” (Pratto et al. 2006: 281), on the assumption that individual desires, shared beliefs, and institutional arrangements all reinforce each other in making group-based inequality a pervasive feature of social life whenever there is surplus value to be extracted and distributed. As psychologists, social dominance theorists never tell us whether the groups in question are an institutionalized feature of any given individual's social reality and generally downplay institutional arrangements. Instead they talk a great deal about “psychological and ideological forces that help sustain group dominance” (Pratto et al. 2006:280) and underscore the importance of “legitimizing myths” (defined as “societal, consensually shared social ideologies.”Pratto et al. 2006:275). Rathbun starts with ideology. He wants to know how “political ideology might be associated with one's choice of international relations paradigms.” An ideology is “a configuration of ideas and attitudes” forming a “belief system,” and a paradigm consists of “beliefs about the nature of the world” (all quotations not otherwise identified are from Rathbun's piece). He says that ideologies and paradigms are similar in structure. I fail to see how this might be so, unless we stipulate that paradigms such as we have in the field of International Relations (IR) …