cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition of cerebellar Purkinje neurons: relationship to GABAb receptor input.

BACKGROUND Electrophysiological recording reveals that only a portion of cerebellar Purkinje neurons are sensitive to ethanol enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses. Although activation of beta-adrenergic receptors permits ethanol enhancement of GABA function from some cerebellar Purkinje neurons, other neurons remain insensitive to ethanol. These findings are consistent with the finding that other external neural inputs are required to allow ethanol enhancement of GABA responses from Purkinje neurons. Because of a high expression of GABA(B) receptors on Purkinje cells, we tested whether activation of GABA(B) receptors might modulate the action of ethanol on GABA responsiveness. METHODS Extracellular single-unit electrophysiological recording was used to investigate the effects of ethanol on responses to GABA and muscimol (a GABA(A) agonist) from cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Drugs tested were baclophen (a GABA(B) agonist) and CGP35348 (a GABA(B) antagonist). RESULTS Ethanol did not enhance responses to GABA and muscimol from all Purkinje neurons. Systemic administration of the GABA(B) agonist, baclophen (3 mg/kg intravenously), permitted ethanol to enhance GABA inhibition from approximately 75% of cerebellar Purkinje neurons not initially enhanced by ethanol. Local iontophoretic application of baclophen to Purkinje neurons also allowed ethanol to enhance GABA and muscimol responsiveness from a portion of neurons in which ethanol initially did not affect their actions. An inhibitory action of ethanol on responses to GABA and muscimol, which was also influenced by baclophen, was observed from some Purkinje neurons. From Purkinje neurons initially sensitive to ethanol enhancement of GABA and muscimol function, administration of CGP35348, a GABA(B) antagonist, diminished the effect of ethanol on the responsiveness of these agonists from the majority (9/15) of neurons. CONCLUSIONS The present findings demonstrated that baclophen allows ethanol enhancement of GABA and muscimol responsiveness from some, but not all, cerebellar Purkinje neurons initially not sensitive to ethanol. Likewise, a GABA(B) antagonist can diminish ethanol enhancement of GABA and muscimol responses from some ethanol-sensitive neurons. Thus, these results emphasize that GABA(B) receptors on a portion of Purkinje neurons act as an auxiliary neural input that allows ethanol enhancement of GABA responses. Consequently, receptor structure alone does not account for the action of ethanol on GABA(A) receptor function on this cell type.
Modulation of neurotrophic growth factors as a therapeutic strategy for neuropathic pain

Neurotrophic growth factors have tremendous untapped potential for the treatment of neurological injuries and diseases. In contrast to specific neurotransmitter modulators or ion channel blockers, a neurotrophic growth factor profoundly impacts multiple molecular pathways within a cell, with the possibility of exerting broad, and potentially “disease-modifying” effects that may counteract the underlying pathology. Although numerous clinical trials have been carried out with the prototypic neurotrophic growth factors, including most notably NGF for diabetic neuropathy and GDNF for Parkinson's disease, none of these trials have been successful to date in providing compelling data for drug approval. The apparent lack of translation from the bench to the clinic may be considered in the context of our current understanding of the neurotrophic growth factors, especially mechanism of action, efficacy in animal models of disease, and safety and tolerability, and how these factors relate to clinical trial design. The application of this new knowledge to future clinical trials of neuropathic pain may provide opportunities for successful clinical development of neurotrophic growth factor modulators. Drug Dev. Res. 67:389–403, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Golfing injuries : an overview

Golf is becoming an increasingly available and popular sport. It is played by people of all ages and abilities, which accounts for a wide spectrum of injury. Few reports of injuries exist, but increasing media attention of the golfing injuries of professional players has raised the profile of these medical conditions. Numerically, the vast majority of problems occur from soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries rising principally from overuse. The injury pattern seen is influenced by the age, ability and amount of play. Anatomically, most injuries are localised to the back, wrist, elbow and shoulder. In addition to causing new injuries the game may cause recrudescence of old injuries and exacerbate pre-existing degenerative disease. A different injury pattern is seen among elite players compared with recreational players, and this relates to skill and amount of practice. Appropriate conditioning and attention to technique may help to reduce the incidence of injury. There are no injuries exclusive to golf, however fracture of the hamate bone is an uncommon injury seen in sports involving the use of a club or bat. The high number of childhood golf-related head injuries is disturbing. Most of these arise from blows to the head from a golf club and highlight the need for early tuition in the safety aspects of the game.
The role of the dorsal funiculus of the primate in tactile discrimination

Abstract The critical role of the dorsal funiculus for tactile discriminations requiring active exploration of the stimulus object was tested in the monkey. Pairs of discriminanda (patterned disks) were constructed with geometric designs of such size and shape as to require active palpation for successful discrimination. For comparison, other discriminanda with tactile qualities which could be recognized by a more passive response topography were also examined. Section of the dorsal funiculus resulted in severe, long-lasting deficits in discrimination of the patterned disks, while discrimination of the tactile qualities not requiring active exploration was retained. No significant motor impairment was observed. Lesions in the spinothalamic or spinocervical systems had no effect on either type of cutaneous discrimination. The results support the view that the afferents from the monkey hand which travel in the dorsal funiculus are critically and possibly exclusively involved in the perception of tactile stimuli requiring a spatiotemporal transformation by the introduction of movement. It is further suggested that such movement need not be self-initiated.
Coiled Body Heterogeneity Induced by G1 Arrest with Amiloride + Bumetanide

Ki67 is a nuclear protein expressed in proliferating cells, but not in quiescent or G(0)-arrested cells. Similar to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and several other well-characterized molecules, Ki67 exhibits a repeating pattern of regulated expression and redistribution during the cell cycle, making it a useful marker for cell cycle phase. In addition to other structures labeled, concentrated foci may be observed in the nucleus and sometimes the cytoplasm. We observed that these Ki67 foci can be found at any stage of the endothelial cell cycle. They are not coincident with coiled bodies (CB), as determined in double-label immunofluorescence experiments with anti-Ki67 and antibodies to the CB marker protein pigpen. However, arrest of BPA47 endothelial cells in G(1) with amiloride + bumetanide induces colocalization of pigpen and Ki67 in 40% of cells exhibiting Ki67 foci. We conducted a series of experiments to examine the possibilities that pigpen was exported from CB and into unique, Ki67-containing foci or that Ki67 was imported into pigpen-containing CB. Our results showed us that although CB typically contain both coilin and pigpen, amiloride + bumetanide-induced G(1) arrest reconfigured the CB compartment into three populations of foci: one containing pigpen without coilin, the second containing coilin without pigpen, and a third containing both pigpen and coilin together. Furthermore, G(1) arrest resulted in Ki67 redistribution into both coilin- and pigpen-containing foci. The results suggest that under certain conditions, "resident" CB proteins can be differentially redistributed, and proteins not previously recognized as resident in CB can be driven into that compartment. Our observations underscore the fluid nature of CB. They demonstrate that previously reported heterogeneity in the CB compartment can be amplified by a specific experimental manipulation. This may be useful in future analyses of protein trafficking within the CB compartment and between CB and other cellular compartments. Finally, the redistribution of Ki67 into CB represents a new finding for a widely expressed but poorly understood molecule, one that may be useful in elucidating function.
Modafinil improves antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism but not excessive daytime sleepiness, psychiatric symptoms or cognition in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract Objective To examine the efficacy and safety of modafinil on parkinsonism and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), as well as on negative symptoms and cognitive abilities in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-IV criteria) in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled 8-week study. Methods Twenty-four male patients, who were aged 20–63 years and on stable dose of second generation antipsychotic medications and with a negative symptom score of ≥ 20 on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), were randomized into either the modafinil (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) group. The modafinil group received flexible does of modafinil 50–200 mg/day. Primary measurements were the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS) for extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the PANSS and a neuropsychological (NP) test battery. Data were collected on Days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 for rating scales, and on Days 0, 28 and 56 for NP tests. Results Mixed model analyses showed a significant group-x-time interaction for total SAS scores (P 0.5). No significant adverse events were observed. Conclusion The data suggest that modafinil was a safe adjunctive treatment which improved parkinsonian symptoms and signs in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Further studies in larger samples and with longer study time are needed to test/confirm the beneficial effects of modafinil on motor function.
Gating-enhanced Accessibility of Hydrophobic Sites within the Transmembrane Region of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor's δ-Subunit A TIME-RESOLVED PHOTOLABELING STUDY

General anesthetics often interact more strongly with sites on open than on closed states of ligand-gated ion channels. To seek such sites, Torpedo membranes enriched in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were preincubated with the hydrophobic probe 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-iodophenyl) diazirine ([125I]TID) and exposed to agonist for either 0 ms (closed state), 1.5 and 10 ms (activated states), 1 s (fast desensitized state), or ≥1 h (equilibrium or slow desensitized state) and then rapidly frozen (
Covalent Attachment of Nickel Clusters to Gold Electrode Surfaces. Formation of Rectifying Molecular Layers

Attachment of electroactive triangular nickel clusters to gold electrodes was accomplished with 4-isocyanophenyl thiolate linkages. The disulfide linked “dimer of trimers” cluster [{Ni3(μ3-I)(μ2-dppm)3(μ3,η1-C⋮NC6H4S-)}2]2+, 5, was prepared by reaction of 2 equiv of [Ni3(μ3-I)2(μ2-dppm)3], 2, with 1 equiv of 4,4‘-bis(isocyano)diphenyl disulfide, 4. Films of [Ni3(μ3-I)(μ2-dppm)3(μ3,η1-C⋮NC6H4S-)], 6, on gold electrodes were formed by electrochemical deposition or by immersing the electrode in a methylene chloride solution of 5. After deposition, persistent oxidation and reduction of the adsorbed cluster was observed via cyclic voltammetry with peak current (ip) proportional to the scan rate. The electron acceptors methyl viologen (MV2+) and the methyl ester of cobaltocenium carboxylate [CoCpCpCOOMe][PF6] were used to demonstrate rectification in the interfacial electron transfer from nickel cluster modified gold electrodes to the electron acceptors. Surface coverage was estimated by both electrochemistry a...
The Effects of Size, Shape, and Orientation of an Impermeable Region on Transient Pressure Testing

A practical consideration of the effects of the shape, size, and orientation of an impermeable reservoir region on transient pressure testing is presented. The constant-rate production well is external to the impermeable region. Impermeable regions may be in the form of sealing fractures of finite length that have little volume associated with them and that are only a local restriction to fluid flow. These regions may also be shale lenses or reduced-permeability regions, that, in addition to being a restriction to flow, occupy a significant reservoir volume. The key issue of this paper is the detectability of large-scale impermeable reservoir regions by transient pressure analysis. The presence of an impermeable region causes the pressure response to deviate from the homogeneous line-source response. This pressure deviation is the indication that the reservoir is heterogeneous. Four major parameters affect the pressure response of the active source well in the presence of an impermeable region: (1) the shortest distance between the well and the impermeable region, (2) the size of the region, (3) the shape of the region, and (4) the orientation of the region. This paper presents combinations of these four parameters that significantly affect the transient pressure response, as well asmore » some criteria for deciding what impermeable regions may be uniquely detected.« less
Beyond Recognition: The Promise of Biometric Analytics

In the near future, we might be able to use biometric analytics to help answer everyday questions such as: Is the speaker on TV being honest? How much money will I need for retirement? Will using this cosmetic really make me look younger?
A Genetic and Viral Load Analysis of the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus during the Acute Phase in Macaques Inoculated by the Vaginal Route

ABSTRACT A comparative genetic analysis of SIV-infected female macaques during the first 120 days postinfection was undertaken. The same dose of a macaque-passaged SIVmac239(nef open) was administe...
The “Triple Point” on 24 May 2002 during IHOP. Part I: Airborne Doppler and LASE Analyses of the Frontal Boundaries and Convection Initiation

An analysis of the initiation of deep convection near the triple point between a cold front and dryline is presented. High-spatial-resolution Doppler wind syntheses combined with vertical cross sections of mixing ratio (q) and aerosol scattering ratio retrieved from a lidar flying over the triple point provide an unprecedented view of the initiation process. The Doppler wind synthesis revealed variability along the dryline similar to the precipitation core/gap structure documented for oceanic cold fronts. Vertical cross sections through the dryline suggest a density current–like structure with the hot and dry air being forced up and over the moist air. Double thin lines associated with moisture gradients were also resolved. The vertical profile of retrieved q, approximately perpendicular to the dryline, showed a pronounced jump in the depth of the moisture layer across the triple point. Analyses of dropsonde data show the existence of virtual potential temperature (V) gradients across the cold front and the dryline. Although the vertical velocity was strong at the triple point, deep convection initiated 50 km to the east. The location where convection first developed was characterized by a prominent aerosol and moisture plume, reduced static stability, and the largest potential instability. An internal gravity wave may have provided the lift to initiate convection.
Measuring solar wind interactions in Mars's exosphere

On 14 September 1997, NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft dipped into the red planet's thin atmosphere, the first of many passes meant to shorten the satellite's orbital path. For the next 5 months, the satellite periodically cruised through the thicker layers of the upper atmosphere and the wispy exosphere. The satellite's elongated orbit gave its sensors a good look at a broad swath of Mars's extended hydrogen exosphere.
Contrasting developments in Italian libraries

(1976). Contrasting developments in Italian libraries. International Library Review: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 33-49.
Non-empirical SCF studies of the ring and open forms of ozone

Abstract Non-empirical SCF calculations have been used to investigate the relative stabilities of the open and closed forms of ozone. In these studies several different sized basis sets have been employed, the best basis set being at about the level of a double-zeta set plus d-polarization functions. In contrast to the predictions of the CNDO/2, INDO and MINDO methods, the non-empirical SCF studies correctly predict that the open form of ozone is more stable. Thus these results show that the area of deficiency in the CNDO/2, INDO and MINDO results for this system is not in the SCF approximation.
A fine-structural analysis of normal and modulated cells in myogenic cultures.

Abstract It has formerly been reported that muscle and nonmuscle progenitor cells in clonal culture could be distinguished from one another on the basis of their distinctive morphologies. In light of recent studies critical of this interpretation, this investigation was concerned with identifying whether one could truly discriminate between myoblasts and fibroblast-like cells. The results reveal that not only is cell morphology a reliable criterion, but myoblasts and fibroblasts can also be distinguished on the basis of their fine-structural characteristics. Cytologically, spindle-shaped myoblasts exhibit an unusually dense concentration of free ribosomes and polysomes, a Golgi of variable dimensions, and a paucity of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Flattened, stellate fibroblasts show an extensive elaboration of RER, multiple Golgi complexes, actomyosin stress fibers, and dense accumulations of intermediate (10 nm) filaments. A third cell type, the mesenchyme-like cell, exhibits the morphology of the fibroblast and has a myoblast-like cytology. The morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of myoblasts are dependent upon culture conditions. In less than optimum culture environments, myoblast morphology, cytology, and differentiation can be reversibly altered or “modulated.” Myoblast modulations induced by both bromodeoxyuridine and by culture conditions which simulate an ischemic environment are analyzed. Myoblast modulation and its implication to muscular dystrophy are discussed.
Translation of Small Open Reading Frames within Unannotated RNA Transcripts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary High-throughput gene expression analysis has revealed a plethora of previously undetected transcripts in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we investigate >1,100 unannotated transcripts in yeast predicted to lack protein-coding capacity. We show that a majority of these RNAs are enriched on polyribosomes akin to mRNAs. Ribosome profiling demonstrates that many bind translocating ribosomes within predicted open reading frames 10–96 codons in size. We validate expression of peptides encoded within a subset of these RNAs and provide evidence for conservation among yeast species. Consistent with their translation, many of these transcripts are targeted for degradation by the translation-dependent nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway. We identify lncRNAs that are also sensitive to NMD, indicating that translation of noncoding transcripts also occurs in mammals. These data demonstrate transcripts considered to lack coding potential are bona fide protein coding and expand the proteome of yeast and possibly other eukaryotes.
Duality Results for Discrete Capital Budgeting Models

ABSTRACT The application of linear and non-linear programming duality theory to capital budgeting models had resulted in the identification of various properties of optimal solutions and has provided economic interpretations of the models. This paper illustrates that similar results may be obtained for discrete capital budgeting models by applying recent advances in duality theory for integer programming problems (1), (2), and (3).In addition, a dual solution method is developed that permits a degree of decentralization of a firm's capital budgeting decision.
High-performance anion exchange of small anions with polyethyleneimine-coated porous zirconia

The preparation and chromatographic characterization of an ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatographic support by deposition and crosslinking of polyethyleneimine (PEI) on the surface of porous zirconia is described. Adsorption and evaporation methods were used for coating PEI onto the zirconia particles. These two stationary phases were compared by elemental analysis, ion-exchange capacity and by chromatography. High efficiency and good selectivity were observed for inorganic and organic anions. The addition of a strong, hard Lewis base to the mobile phase dramatically improved the peak shape and efficiency of para benzoic acid derivatives. PEI-coated zirconia showed a distinct elution sequence for organic anions when compared to bare zirconia or silica-based phases. The polyamine coated zirconia was stable over a pH range from 2.75 to 9. Flow studies, using nitrite as a probe solute, showed that both coating procedures produced packed columns with good mass-transfer properties.
Struggling to be noticed: The civil rights movement as an academic agenda setter

While the study of Black politics in the American context has not been a top priority in political science, it is indisputable that this topic in general is more likely to be discussed in the discipline's journals in recent decades than in the more distant past. What accounts for this noticeable increase in prominence? How did the study of Black politics move from total obscurity to occupying a more significant (although still relatively marginalized) position within mainstream political science? To answer these questions, we draw a parallel between politics and political science. Specifically, we posit that the increased focus on African American politics is due to Black agency in the form of social movement activity, which reached its zenith during the civil rights movement. Before the civil rights movement, we note as numerous others have, that the racially conservative views of American society in the nineteenth century resulted in Black politics being an understudied area. We argue, however, that as social movement activity increased the salience of racial issues in America, so too did it raise the importance of race for political scientists.
Experimental therapeutics in transgenic mouse models of Huntington's disease

Despite important advances in understanding and elucidating the molecular and mechanistic pathways that mediate progression in Huntington's disease (HD), effective pharmacotherapy remains elusive. Insights into disease pathogenesis have come from studies using tissue culture, yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and transgenic mouse models. Here, we present a brief overview of HD pathogenesis and discuss the efficacy of therapeutic agents in transgenic mouse models of HD. We conclude by considering issues that affect the translation of findings in transgenic mouse models of HD to human clinical trials.
Attenuation effects in the propagation of traffic noise

Abstract The theory of traffic noise in terms of a generalized shot noise model has been developed by several authors. This paper considers the effects of nongeometric attenuation, represented as a negative exponential absorption factor, on the calculation of cumulants of the noise intensity. This absorption would arise from sound propagation through tree zones or shrubbery.
The duplication cycle in Aspergillus nidulans.

Abstract The duplication cycle encompasses the spectrum of events required for the growth and division of individual cells within a fungal hyphae. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms which underlie nuclear division and cellular morphogenesis in the filamentous fungusAspergillus nidulanshave shown that in many respects, the duplication cycle differs significantly from the cell cycles of both budding and fission yeast. The purpose of this review is to summarize these advances and to highlight the fundamental differences between the duplication cycle and the yeast cell cycles. In addition, it is argued that the duplication cycle is controlled by cellular regulatory networks which integrate the processes of nuclear division, cellular morphogenesis, and cell growth with each other. Functional dissection of these networks should help to reveal features that are unique to the hyphal mode of growth.
On symport/antiport P systems with a small number of objects

We look at the computational power of symport/antiport system (SA) acceptors and generators with small numbers of membranes and objects. We show that even with a single object and only three membranes, a SA acceptor can accept the non-semilinear set L={2 n | n≥0}. L can also be accepted with two objects and only one membrane. This latter model can accept all unary semilinear (i.e. regular) sets. We also show that, for any k≥1, the class of sets of k-tuples of non-negative integers accepted by partially blind (multi-) counter machines is a subclass of the class of sets of k-tuples accepted by one-object multi-membrane SA acceptors. Similarly, the class of sets of k-tuples of non-negative integers generated by partially blind counter machines is a subclass of the class of sets of k-tuples generated by one-object multi-membrane SA generators. As a corollary, the unary semilinear sets are a proper subclass of the unary sets of numbers accepted by SA acceptors with one object and five membranes. Whether or not...
Chlorophyll inhibition and growth regulation by several tetronic acid derivatives.

IT has been shown that coumarin derivatives are particularly active as inhibitors of germination and root-growth1–3, and it has been suggested4 that this action is at least partially due to the unsaturated lactone ring. Since other compounds, hexenolactone5,6 and protoanemonin7, containing this unsaturated lactone ring have clearly exhibited some influence on the growth of plants, it seemed interesting to test the simplest compounds having this structure. As an approach to this simple ring, several tetronic acid derivatives were selected which have been synthesized by J. Lecocq8, to whom we are indebted for the supply of the samples tested.
The relative proximity principle and the postreinforcement pause

According to the relative proximity principle, a response measure should vary monotonically with the relative amount of time elapsed in an interreinforcement interval. Average response rate on fixed-interval schedules does increase monotonically with relative time, but response rate is nonmonotonically related to relative elapsed time on conj FT FR1 schedules. The present paper shows that certain characteristics of the postreinforcement pause distribution are consistent with the relative proximity principle on both fixed-interval and conjunctive schedules: The probability of terminating the postreinforcement pause, given the opportunity, increases monotonically with relative time in the interreinforcement interval on both types duration by relative time in an interreinforcement interval seems to hold over a wider range of conditions than does the control over average response rate by relative proximity.
Anesthetic and surgical improvements and pitfalls in endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass grafting.

THE TECHNIQUE OF minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been extensively modified since 1995; at present, the procedure has evolved significantly and is referred to as endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo ACAB). In this procedure, the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is harvested, and identification of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery is performed endoscopically with robotic assistance. The MIDCAB is then performed through a smaller incision that directly overlies the LAD. The learning experience continues, and there is constant improvement in the tools used. Many of the modifications have been made to overcome technical difficulties associated with port-access harvesting of the LIMA and endoscopic stabilization of the LAD, and although the Endo ACAB is performed without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) like the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedure, there are many differences in the anesthetic management of these patients. The purpose of this article is to help accelerate the learning curve of this procedure.
Effect of the Pretreatment of Corn Germ Protein on the Quality Characteristics of Frankfurters

The effects of methods of corn germ protein (CGP) pretreatment on the quality characteristics and storage stability of frankfurters were studied. CGP was incorporated in formulations of frankfurters as a powder, a stabilizer in a CGP-fat-water emulsion, and a stabilizer in preemulsified fatty tissue (PEFT). Incorporation of CGP and the method of CGP pretreatment did not affect meaty aroma, flavor and amino acid composition of frankfurters. Water-holding capacity and yield of experimental products increased. The PEFT products had higher shear force values than control. Chemical tests indicated that amino nitrogen and total volatile nitrogen increased with time of storage at the same rate as for the control.
Parenting Expectations and Concerns of Fathers and Mothers of Newborn Infants

Mothers and their partners were interviewed in the Labor and Delivery units of two hospitals in Tennessee. An association was found between level of mother's concern about caring for her child and a mismatch between partners' expectations for father's helpful involvement in certain aspects of parenting. The perinatal period while parents are in health care settings provides opportune time for family life education approaches that explore couples' expectations for paternal involvement and their parenting concerns.
A conversation on guidelines for the process of facilitating systemic change in education

The International Systems Institute held its sixth annual conversation at Asilomar on November 14–19, 1993. At that meeting, seven participants self-selected themselves into a conversation group that met intensively over 4 days to develop some guidelines or principles for the process of facilitating systemic change in education. This is a report on how that group functioned and what it produced. The trigger questions addressed included: What are the major stages in the systemic change process? Can you do systems design with only a part of the “system”? How important isscale (e.g., number of people, schools)? What is an educational system? Can you use the same design process in any culture? How can one best create the idealized design? What are the major goals, obstacles, guidelines? Can we design the process without knowing the product? and Are there big differences between working within the system and outside the system? A large portion of the effort focused on guidelines for facilitating the first two phases of the systemic change process: preparing for design and designing the new system.
Oscillator strengths and photodissociation cross sections for Li2+ and Na2+

Abstract Electronic transition moments and oscillator strengths for three valence transitions in Li2+ and in Na2+ have been computed as a function of internuclear distance using wavefunctions obtained from a model potential description. Band oscillator strengths and photodissociation cross sections for the X 2Σg+-2Πu, X 2Σg+ - 2Σu+(ns) and X 2Σg+ - 2Σu+(np) transitions where n = 2 and 3 for Li2+ and Na2+, respectively, are presented.
Contrasting modulations of gene expression by a juvenile hormone analog

Decapitation altered the pattern of in vitro protein synthesis by the fat body of adult female Blaberus discoidalis cockroaches. Several polypeptides showed marked diminution, whereas two polypeptides showed markedly increased synthesis. The polypeptide profile was restored to normal in decapitated cockroaches by treatment with the juvenile hormone analog (JHA) methoprene. Cloned cDNAs that were isolated represented two fat body transcripts: one transcript was strongly stimulated and the other strongly suppressed by JHA. JHA acted on fat bodies in vitro to modulate the levels of the two transcripts. These studies indicate a system where juvenile hormone may provoke vividly contrasting gene expressions in the same tissue at the same time.
Reaction kinetics of non-reciprocal photo-base generator (NRPBG) patterning

We present a simple reaction rate analysis of lithographic patterning using the Non-Reciprocal Photo Base Generation (NRPBG) scheme of Bristol (Bristol, et. al., to be published in Proceedings of the SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2010, presentation 7639-4). Multistep reaction kinetics simulations demonstrate that the NRPBG scheme produces clear pitch division upon 193 nm double-exposure, over a range of photochemical reaction rate constants.
Visual attention toward food-item images can vary as a function of background saliency and culture: An eye-tracking study

People often purchase food products on impulse and their visual impression of such products plays an important role in impulse buying. Consumers are also likely to buy food items based on the images as displayed on mobile devices like smartphones. Food-service and dining industries have therefore begun to pay closer attention to improving the visual impression of the foods they offer. This study focused on determining whether participants’ visual attention directed toward food-item images can vary depending on the background saliency. Differences in patterns of visual attention with respect to food-item images between North American and Chinese participants were also compared. During the time participants were looking at pictures of food items with varying backgrounds in the absence of a particular task, their eye movements were traced with an eye-tracker. As background contexts such as table setting and decoration became more salient, participants’ visual attention toward the food items decreased. Chines participants also looked at food items significantly later than American counterparts, implying that Chinese participants were relatively more influenced by background contexts. In conclusion, our findings provide empirical evidence that background context and culture can affect participants’ visual attention while they are freely looking at pictures of food items.
EFFECTIVENESS OF "BEGGING" AS A PERSUASIVE TACTIC FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE RATE ON A CLIENT/AGENCY MAIL SURVEY '.

Surnmnary.-This experimental study tested the assumption that ingratiation through the researcher's frank request for compliance yields higher response rates to mail surveys. The hypochesis was tested by insercing a cartoon of the researcher "begging" the recipient within the treatment group to respond. Results suggest chat begging achieved a reduction in nonresponse within the treatment group (n= 116). Also, begging made no significant difference along the dimensions of job function, gender, or seniority. Although researchers have examined the effects of various lunds of ingratiation on response rate of survey questionnaires (Hendrick, Borden, Giesen, Murray, & Seyfried, 1972; Rucker , Hughes, Thompson, Harrison, & Vanderlip, 1984), no research to date has addressed drectly the issue of "begging" the respondent to help the researcher. This exploratory study tested to see if the response rate for the group receiving the "begging" would be significantly higher than the response rate for the control group. Given that females are more kely than males to respond to dependency by giving help (Berkowitz, 1970; Gruder & Cook, 1971), the study also tested whether the response rate for women receiving the begging treatment would be higher than the response rate for men and whether the response rate for women in the treatment group would be significantly higher than the response rate for women in the control group. Research indcating mature audences to be more responsive to mail solicitation (Thistlethwaite & Fmlay, 1993) suggests that more senior professionals in both control and treatment groups would respond than lower-level professionals. Since our treatment has an implied urgency, we tested to see if respondents receiving the "beg" treatment would reply at a significantly faster rate than respondents in the control group.
Response of a new soil water sensor to variable soil, water content, and temperature

The success of time domain reflectometry (TDR) has led to the development of other instruments that use the soil dielectric constant as the basis for determining volumetric soil water content. An example is the Water Content Reflectometer (WCR; Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT), which is much less expensive than TDR and is used widely, although little has been published concerning its applicability to soil water content monitoring. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the WCR soil water calibration for different soils and to investigate how it is affected by changing temperature. We found the individual sensors to be very precise (CV ≤ 0.05) under the controlled laboratory conditions of this study. Variability among sensors, determined in air and ethanol, indicated significant (α = 0.05) sensor differences that were largely accounted for with a simple additive correction. Sensor soil water calibration was investigated in four soils under varying water contents across a 40°C temperature range. We found that (i) soil water calibration was significantly (a = 0.05) different for each soil tested, (ii) there was a significant (a = 0.05) temperature response for all soils, and (iii) the effect of temperature varied with soil water content and soil type. Both the soil type and temperature sensitivities we observed were probably due to the relatively high electrical conductivity (EC) of the soils tested.
Age of onset of phobic disorders: A reevaluation

Abstract The age of onset of agoraphobia with spontaneous panic attacks (DSM III) was studied in 100 consecutive patients. A uniform unimodal age of onset distribution was found. Mean age of onset was 24 years. Sixty-five percent of cases began in the 15–29 age group. Ninety-six percent first started before age 40 years. The finding in two other studies of a bimodal age of onset distribution may result from artifacts inherent in their small sample sizes. The age of onset of simple single phobias without spontaneous panic attacks or other psychopathology was studied in 62 consecutive monophobic patients. The age of onset in this variety of phobic disorder was evenly distributed over all age groups. No evidence was found for a facilitatory period in the development of phobias for the first decade as compared to the second or third life—although age may determine which environmental stimuli become phobic stimuli at different ages. There was a statistically significant difference between the age of onset distribution and the sex ratio in both groups of phobic disorder. The findings are consistent with the authors classification of phobic disorders, into endogenous and exogenous varieties based on the presence or absence of concurrent spontaneous panic attacks with the phobias. It is also consistent with the model that biological factors are preeminent in the genesis of endogenous phobias, while conditioning by environmental stress is preeminent in exogenous phobias.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Can We Change the Rules of the Game

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is one of the most challenging forms of congenital heart disease to treat. Management of this condition consumes a substantial amount of energy, time, and bed capacity in many congenital heart centers in the Western world today. Simply defined, HLHS is a congenital malformation in which the left ventricle is inadequate and nonviable in its capacity to perform the function of systemic perfusion. The current conventional strategy of staged reconstruction involves the principles of right ventricular recruitment for systemic perfusion, aortic arch reconstruction, and a 2-step process of channeling systemic venous return directly to the pulmonary vasculature absent the use of a ventricular pump (bidirectional Glenn and Fontan operations). Initially promoted by Norwood in the early 1980s, the management protocol continues to evolve, leading to the survival of thousands of children who would otherwise succumb to this lethal condition. Article see p 638 The current management scheme offers the promise of creating survival for HLHS, truly a modern-day medical miracle; however, pitfalls exist at every step along the way. Overall mortality is one of the highest for any of the forms of congenital heart disease treated today. At best, only 2 of 3 neonates born with HLHS will live through completion of all 3 stages of surgery.1 First-stage surgical reconstruction is a technical challenge. Modifications to the style of delivery of pulmonary blood flow in the neonate (Blalock-Taussig shunt versus right ventricle–to–pulmonary artery conduit) were rigorously investigated in a landmark randomized clinical trial and were found to have only a small impact on early survival, with equalization of outcome by 18 months of age.2 Mortality between the first and second stages is still inexplicably and unacceptably high. For the survivors of surgery, the goal of creating a normal duration and quality of life …
Computerized Edge Tracking and Lesion Measurement in Coronary Angiograms A Pilot Study Comparing Smokers with Non-Smokers

Comparison of coronary atherosclerosis change in a pilot angiographic study of retrospectively matched smokers and controls indicates more rapid progression in smokers. The findings indicate the feasibility of small-scale angiographic trials of treatment designed to ameliorate arterial damage in atherosclerotic smokers who cannot quit.
Role of calcium in cholinergic stimulation of lacrimal gland protein secretion.

To characterize the role of Ca2+ in cholinergic stimulation of lacrimal gland protein secretion, the effects of inhibitors of cellular Ca2+ handling on protein secretion were investigated. Protein secretion was measured from rat exorbital glands using either pieces of gland in perifusion or acini isolated by collagenase digestion. Peroxidase was used as a measure of protein secretion. An inhibitor of Ca2+ influx via voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels (verapamil) at 10−5 and 5 × 10−5 M did not alter protein secretion stimulated by the cholinergic agonist carbachol at. 10−5 M. Inhibition of Ca2+ efflux via Na+/Ca2+ exchange by removal of extracellular Na+ or by inhibition of Na+-K+ -ATPase activity using ouabain (10−3 M) or extracellular K+ removal did not stimulate protein secretion. In contrast, inhibition of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores with TMB-8 at 100 μm completely blocked protein secretion stimulated by carbachol at 10−5 M. Similarly, the Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) antagonists W-13 and W-12 decreas...
Comparison Between a Polynomial-Chaos-Based Bayesian Approach and a Polynomial-Chaos-Based EKF Approach for Parameter Estimation With Application to Vehicle Dynamics

Many parameters in mechanical systems cannot be measured physically with good accuracy, which results in parametric and external excitation uncertainties. This paper compares two new computational approaches for parameter estimation. The first approach is a polynomial-chaos based Bayesian approach in which maximum likelihood estimates are obtained by minimizing a cost function derived from the Bayesian theorem. The second one uses an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to obtain the polynomial chaos representation of the uncertain states and the uncertain parameters. The two methods are illustrated on a nonlinear four degree of freedom roll plane vehicle model, where an uncertain mass with an uncertain location is added on the roll bar. Both approaches can work with noisy measurements and yield results close to the actual values of the parameters, except when different combinations of uncertain parameters lead to essentially the same time response than the measured response. In that case, the aposteriori probability densities of the estimated parameters obtained with the EKF approach cannot be trusted. The Bayesian approach identifies that problem since the Bayesian cost function has an entire region of minima, and can use regularization techniques to yield most likely values in that region based on apriori knowledge.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Emotions and Teacher Identity: A poststructural perspective

This article illustrates the significance of teachers' emotions in the construction of teacher identity by invoking a poststructuralist lens in discussing the place of emotion in identity formation. In suggesting a poststructuralist perspective of emotions and teacher identity, it is argued that teacher identity is constantly becoming in a context embedded in power relations, ideology, and culture. In theorizing about teacher identity two ideas are developed: first, that the construction of teacher identity is at bottom affective, and is dependent upon power and agency, i.e., power is understood as forming the identity and providing the very condition of its trajectory; and second, that an investigation of the emotional components of teacher identity yields a richer understanding of the teacher self. This discussion is motivated by a desire to develop analyses that investigate how teachers' emotions can become sites of resistance and self-transformation. The emphasis on understanding the teacher-self thro...
House crickets can accumulate polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) directly from polyurethane foam common in consumer products

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are added at percent levels to many polymers and textiles abundant in human spaces and vehicles, wherein they have been long assumed to be tightly sequestered. However, the mgkg(-1) burdens recently detected in indoor dust testify to substantial releases. The bulk of released PBDEs remain in the terrestrial environment, yet comparatively little research focuses on this compartment. There, insects/arthropods, such as crickets, are the most abundant invertebrate organisms and facilitate the trophic transfer of contaminants by breaking down complex organic matter (including discarded polymers) and serving as food for other organisms. Our experiments revealed that house crickets (Acheta domesticus) provided uncontaminated food and free access to PUF containing Penta-BDE (8.7%drywt) for 28 d accumulated substantial PBDE body burdens. Crickets allowed to depurate gut contents exhibited whole body burdens of up to 13.4 mg kg(-1) lipid ΣPenta-BDE, 1000-fold higher than typically reported in humans. Non-depurated crickets and molted exoskeletons incurred even higher ΣPenta-BDE, up to 80.6 and 63.3 mg kg(-1) lipid, respectively. Congener patterns of whole crickets and molts resembled those of PUF and the commercial Penta-BDE formulation, DE-71, indicative of minimal discrimination or biotransformation. Accumulation factor (AF) calculations were hampered by uncertainties in determining actual PUF ingestion. However, estimated AFs were low, in the range of 10(-4)-10(-3), suggesting that polymer-PBDE interactions limited uptake. Nonetheless, results indicate that substantial PBDE burdens may be incurred by insects in contact with current-use and derelict treated polymers within human spaces and solid waste disposal sites (e.g. landfills, automotive dumps, etc.). Once ingested, even burdens not absorbed across the gut wall may be dispersed within proximate terrestrial food webs via the insect's movements and/or predation.