cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in children: II. Long-term follow-up, with comparison to adults.

We previously reviewed the presentation, initial clinical course, and electrodiagnostic features of children with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). We now report the long-term follow-up of 12 children with idiopathic CIDP, and compare these to 62 adults with idiopathic CIDP. Children often had more rapidly fluctuating courses than adults. A relapsing course was significantly more common in children than in adults. The recovery of children from each episode of deterioration was usually excellent, and better, on average, than in adults. Ventilatory support was never required for children with slowly evolving illness; only 2 children with a precipitous onset clinically resembling Guillain-Barre syndrome required ventilatory support. Prednisone, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) usually were effective in children. Multiple courses of IVIg could be given with continued efficacy. Treatment often could be discontinued in children with relapsing courses. The prognosis for children was excellent. Adults demonstrated a good, but more variable, outcome.
Magnetically Controllable Cooperative Jahn-Teller Distortion in TmAs O 4

TmAs${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ undergoes a cooperative Jahn-Teller distortion at 6.0 K. At $Tl6$ K there is a temperature-dependent critical field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}}_{c}$ at which a cooperative distortion back to the high-temperature phase occurs. For $Bl{B}_{c}$, the distortion directions in the basal plane are the (110) and the ($1\overline{1}0$) directions and are magnetically controllable.
Relativistic effects on the polarization of line radiation emitted from He-like and H-like ions following electron-impact excitation

The radiation emitted from ions excited by a directed electron beam can be strongly linearly polarized. According to Itikawa, Srivastava, and Sakimoto [Phys. Rev. A. 44, 7195 (1991)] the degree of polarization should be independent of atomic number in an isoelectronic sequence when expressed as a function of incident-electron energy in threshold units. We used a distorted-wave computer code to calculate cross sections for electron-impact excitation to specific magnetic sublevels of H- and He-like ions with Z=13, 18, 22, 42, 56, 79, and 92. We found that the polarization of the resulting radiation is indeed independent of atomic number in the nonrelativistic limit. But when relativistic effects are properly taken into account, the polarization is markedly Z dependent. We show how the differences between the relativistic and nonrelativistic results vary with the incident-electron energy, as well as with increasing atomic number.
Diagnostic labels and perceptions of children's behavior

Abstract The use of diagnostic labels with children has been widely criticized in recent years on grounds that these have damaging side effects. However, a review of labeling studies reveals that many are flawed and inconclusive. Furthermore, other studies have demonstrated beneficial consequences of labeling, including greater tolerance for deviant behavior. The hypothesis that labels help people feel they better understand a child's behavior problems and that in turn, they become more accepting of the child was examined in a laboratory and a field study. Both studies provided evidence in support of the hypothesis. Theoretical explanations for the finding that labels provide closure and acceptance are considered and implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Economic feasibility study of polyelectrolyte-enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF) for water softening

Abstract In polyelectrolyte-enhanced ultrafiltration (PEUF), a water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte (in this study sodium polystyrene sulfonate or PSS) is added to hard water. The calcium and magnesium bind to the polymer which has a high enough molecular weight to be rejected by an ultrafiltration membrane. The permeate is softened water. Economically, the PSS needs to be recovered from the retentate for reuse. Three methods of recovery developed in this study were addition of NaCl, Na2CO3 or HCl to PEUF to regenerate PSS. Of the three PEUF processes considered, NaCl/PEUF as compared to Na2CO3/PEUF and HCl/PEUF provided the best scheme for the water softening process. PEUF is shown in this study to be competitive with lime softening at low flow rates. The PEUF process is more expensive than ion exchange for a stream containing only hardness ions. However, PEUF becomes nearly comparable with ion exchange for a stream containing hardness ions as well as bacteria, viruses and pyrogen. The cost comparisons are based on fully continuous operations and include treatment of waste streams from each process.
Hydroxylation of 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol by rat prostate microsomes: Potent inhibition by imidazole-type antimycotic drugs and lack of inhibition by steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors

5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone, the principal androgen mediating prostate growth and function in the rat, is formed from testosterone by steroid 5 alpha-reductase. The inactivation of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone involves reversible reduction to 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol by 3 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase followed by 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 7 beta-hydroxylation. 5 alpha-Androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation represents the ultimate inactivation step of dihydrotestosterone in rat prostate and is apparently catalyzed by a single, high-affinity (Km approximately 0.5 microM) microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme. The present studies were designed to determine if 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation by rat prostate microsomes is inhibited by agents that are known inhibitors of androgen-metabolizing enzymes. Inhibitors of steroid 5 alpha-reductase (4-azasteroid analogs; 10 microM) or inhibitors of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (trilostane, azastene, and cyanoketone; 10 microM) had no appreciable effect on the 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 7 beta-hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (10 microM) by rat prostate microsomes. Imidazole-type antimycotic drugs (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole; 0.1-10 microM) all markedly inhibited 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas triazole-type antimycotic drugs (fluconazole and itraconazole; 0.1-10 microM) had no inhibitory effect. The rank order of inhibitory potency of the imidazole-type antimycotic drugs was miconazole greater than clotrimazole greater than ketoconazole. In the case of clotrimazole, the inhibition was shown to be competitive in nature, with a Ki of 0.03 microM. The imidazole-type antimycotic drugs inhibited all three pathways of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation to the same extent, which provides further evidence that, in rat prostate microsomes, a single cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzes the 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, and 7 beta-hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol. These studies demonstrate that certain imidazole-type compounds are potent, competitive inhibitors of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation by rat prostate microsomes, which is consistent with the effect of these antimycotic drugs on cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of other androgens and steroids.
Amelanchier alnifolia vegetation in eastern Idaho, USA and its environmental relationships

Fifteen shrub stands of Amelanchier alnifolia vegetation were studied using ‘Braun-Blanquet’ procedures, tabulated, and ordered by Twinspan, Decorana, and field experience into 5 groups of stands. The stands occurred on the lower slopes of the southwestern Teton and southeastern Big Hole mountains of eastern Idaho and in-and outside a U.S. Forest Service exclosure above the Hoback River in adjacent Wyoming. The ecology of this Amelanchier vegetation as a whole and of the 5 groups of stands is discussed using Jenny's factors of soil formation (1941, 1958, 1980) as a framework. Plant indicator values (Ellenberg 1979, 1988) which rank species on their occurrences in relation to light, temperature, continentality of climate, water availability, soil reaction (pH), and soil nitrogen supply, were independently assigned to the 121 species of vascular plants encountered in the described stands.
Dendritic growth in the aged human brain and failure of growth in senile dementia

Golgi-stained dendrites of single randomly chosen layer-II pyramidal neurons in the human parahippocampal gyrus were quantified with a computer-microscope system. In nondemented aged cases (average age, 79.6 years), dendritic trees were more extensive than in adult cases (average age, 51.2), with most of the difference resulting from increases in the number and average length of terminal segments of the dendritic tree. These results provide morphological evidence for plasticity in the mature and aged human brain. In senile dementia (average age, 76.0), dendritic trees were less extensive than in adult brains, largely because their terminal segments were fewer and shorter. Cells with shrunken dendritic trees were found in all brains. These data suggest a model of aging in the central nervous system in which one population of neurons dies and regresses and the other survives and grows. The latter appears to be the dominant population in aging without dementia.
Invariant measurement of strange sets in terms of cycles.

We argue that extraction of unstable cycles and their eigenvalues is not only experimentally feasible, but is also a theoretically optimal measurement of the invariant properties of a dynamical system.
Rearing Difficult Children: Parents' Personality and Children's Proneness to Anger as Predictors of Future Parenting

SYNOPSIS Objective . This multimethod study of 102 mothers, fathers, and children examined children's difficult temperament as a moderator of the links between parental personality and future parenting. Design . Parents described themselves on the Big Five traits and on optimism. Children's difficult temperament was observed at 25 and 38 months in paradigms that assessed proneness to anger. Each parent's responsive, affectively positive parenting was observed in lengthy naturalistic interactions at 67 months. Results . Regardless of child temperament, for mothers, low neuroticism, and for fathers, high extraversion, predicted more positive parenting. For difficult, anger-prone children, mothers' low and high optimism and fathers' low and high openness were associated, respectively, with less or more positive parenting. Conclusions . Challenges resulting from children's difficult temperaments appear to amplify links between parental personality traits and parenting.
Three techniques for implementing digital fractal analysis of particle shape

Abstract Of all the image analysis techniques proposed in the literature, fractal analysis provides the simplest method of examining particle structure over a wide range of scales. Although fractal analysis can be conducted easily by hand on an image which is sufficiently large, the need to deal with large numbers in a powder sample requires the implementation of fractal analysis on a digitizer. In the literature, dilation technique, an exact technique, and the Schwarz and Exner fast technique have been proposed. A hybrid technique has been used to approximate closely the exact technique while avoiding some of the errors in the fast technique and the cumbersome interpolations in the exact technique. An algorithm which is both rapid and accurate for digitized fractal analysis results.
WHY FAMILY THERAPY SHOULD GO BEYOND HOMEOSTASIS: A KUHNIAN REPLY TO ARIEL, CAREL AND TYANO

The thesis of “Beyond Homeostasis” is (a) that the discourse of family therapists unquestionably shows that family therapists have tended to see homeostasis as a trait of families; and (b) that such a view of homeostasis is inconsistent with the systemic paradigm. Therefore, family therapy should go beyond such an understanding of homeostasis. Ariel et al. may have failed to grasp this argument; they have certainly chosen to ignore it. Ariel et al. have provided a logical empiricist explication of the nonsystemic version of homeostasis which is portrayed in the discourse of family therapists. I still argue that family therapy should go beyond such an understanding of homeostasis.
Bulgaria at the Cross‐Roads of Post‐socialism and EU Membership: Generational Dimensions to European Integration

Socialist ideology in Eastern Europe strived to remodel all aspects of social life and to provide a framework for political, economic, and moral authority. For twenty years after the fall of socialism in 1989, Eastern Europeans have been entangled in dynamic transitions from socialism to democracy, from nationalized to privatized economies, and from ‘thinking local’ to ‘thinking global.’ Now, they are struggling with a new set of transformations: becoming part of the European project for politico-economic and socio-cultural integration. This multifarious process affects people in different ways according to their age, economic status and gender, among other factors. This paper investigates how age affects the experiences and conceptualizations of European integration of citizens in one post-socialist EU member-state—Bulgaria. It attempts to reveal differences in ideological motivations, degree of intensity and nuances in experiencing, conceptualizing, and engaging with the European Union. Exploration of these various experiences and conceptualizations suggests the existence of significant conceptual and metaphoric discrepancies between the pre-and post-1980s generations and within the youth generation of the 1980s itself. Both disappointment with the failure of the Soviet model of social engineering and nostalgia for the socialist past inform anticipation of the effects of and reaction to European integration. However they do not capture or explain new ways of reconstructing the past or emerging narratives of the present and the future, influenced by the differential access to a range of new economic opportunities, social realities, and domains of knowledge enabled by European integration.
Acquisition of membrane lipids by differentiating glyoxysomes: role of lipid bodies.

Glyoxysomes in cotyledons of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) seedlings enlarge dramatically within 48 h after seed imbibition (Kunce, C.M., R.N. Trelease, and D.C. Doman. 1984. Planta (Berl.). 161:156-164) to effect mobilization of stored cotton-seed oil. We discovered that the membranes of enlarging glyoxysomes at all stages examined contained a large percentage (36-62% by weight) of nonpolar lipid, nearly all of which were triacylglycerols (TAGs) and TAG metabolites. Free fatty acids comprised the largest percentage of these nonpolar lipids. Six uncommon (and as yet unidentified) fatty acids constituted the majority (51%) of both the free fatty acids and the fatty acids in TAGs of glyoxysome membranes; the same six uncommon fatty acids were less than 7% of the acyl constituents in TAGs extracted from cotton-seed storage lipid bodies. TAGs of lipid bodies primarily were composed of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids (together 70%). Together, these three major storage fatty acids were less than 10% of both the free fatty acids and fatty acids in TAGs of glyoxysome membranes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) constituted a major portion of glyoxysome membrane phospholipids (together 61% by weight). Pulse-chase radiolabeling experiments in vivo clearly demonstrated that 14C-PC and 14C-PE were synthesized from 14C-choline and 14C-ethanolamine, respectively, in ER of cotyledons, and then transported to mitochondria; however, these lipids were not transported to enlarging glyoxysomes. The lack of ER involvement in glyoxysome membrane phospholipid synthesis, and the similarities in lipid compositions between lipid bodies and membranes of glyoxysomes, led us to formulate and test a new hypothesis whereby lipid bodies serve as the dynamic source of nonpolar lipids and phospholipids for membrane expansion of enlarging glyoxysomes. In a cell-free system, 3H-triolein (TO) and 3H-PC were indeed transferred from lipid bodies to glyoxysomes. 3H-PC, but not 3H-TO, also was transferred to mitochondria in vitro. The amount of lipid transferred increased linearly with respect to time and amount of acceptor organelle protein, and transfer occurred only when lipid body membrane proteins were associated with the donor lipid bodies. 3H-TO was transferred to and incorporated into glyoxysome membranes, and then hydrolyzed to free fatty acids. 3H-PC was transferred to and incorporated into glyoxysome and mitochondria membranes without subsequent hydrolysis. Our data are inconsistent with the hypothesis that ER contributes membrane lipids to glyoxysomes during postgerminative seedling growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Protection of PC12 cells by glutathione peroxidase in L-DOPA induced cytotoxicity

Abstract L-DOPA may cause side-effects during the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. We investigated the role of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in cellular defense against L-DOPA cytotoxicity. A line of PC12 cells overexpressing GSHPx with plasmid pRc/CMV-GSHPx was established and stable transfectants overexpressing GSHPx were used for this study. GSHPx activity was found to be 1.5-fold higher in GSHPx-transfectants than in mock-controlled transfectants. Transfectants over expressing GSHPx were also significantly more resistant to exposure to either L-DOPA or t-butyl hydroperoxide than mock-transfected cells. Results suggested that L-DOPA may cause neuronal cell death by an oxidative pathway and GSHPx may play an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress.
A specific dileucine motif is required for the GGA-dependent entry of newly synthesized insulin-responsive aminopeptidase into the insulin-responsive compartment.

In muscle and adipose cells, the insulin-responsive aminopeptidase (IRAP) is localized to intracellular storage sites and undergoes insulin-dependent redistribution to the cell surface. Following expression, the newly synthesized IRAP protein traffics to the perinuclear insulin-sensitive compartment and acquires insulin sensitivity 6-9 h following biosynthesis. Knockdown of GGA1 by RNA interference prevented IRAP from entering, but not exiting, the insulin-responsive compartment. Mutation of the dileucine motif at positions 76 and 77 (EGFP-IRAP/AA76,77), but not the dileucine motif at positions 53 and 54, resulted in the rapid default of the reporter to the cell surface beginning at 3 h following biosynthesis. Alanine substitution of 9 residues amino- or carboxyl-terminal to LL76,77 did not perturb basal intracellular sequestration or abrogate insulin-stimulated IRAP translocation. Moreover, a dominant interfering GGA mutant (VHS-GAT) potently inhibited insulin-stimulated translocation of EGFP-IRAP/WT but did not block the constitutive exocytotic trafficking of EGFP-IRAP/AA76,77. In addition, the EGFP-IRAP/WT and EGFP-IRAP/AA76,77 constructs occupied morphologically distinct tubulovesicular compartments in the perinuclear region. Taken together, these data indicate that LL76,77 functions during the GGA-dependent sorting of newly made IRAP into the insulin-responsive storage compartment.
Altered function of the tobacco mosaic virus movement protein in a hypersensitive host.

Abstract The N gene in Nicotiana sp. confers hypersensitive resistance to all strains of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and limits the rate of virus spread in infected leaves. To examine the role of the movement protein (MP) of TMV in the hypersensitive reaction (HR), transgenic Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi-nc (genotype NN) plants that express the MP gene were produced and the molecular size exclusion limit of plasmodesmata in leaf mesophyll cells was monitored. At the HR-permissive temperature (24°) movement from cell to cell of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran of molecular mass 3.9 kDa was detected while 9.4-kDa molecules failed to move. At the HR-non permissive temperature (33°) the 9.4-kDa probe moved readily from cell to cell. In contrast, in transgenic Xanthi (genotype nn) which express the MP gene the 9.4-kDa probe moved from cell to cell at 24 and 33°. These results suggest that the N gene may modify the ability of the MP to alter plasmodesmata molecular exclusion limits, although expression of the TMV-MP gene alone did not induce the HR. Furthermore, when MP(+) Xanthi-nc tobacco lines were inoculated with a TMV that lacked a MP gene the HR was induced, and the concentration of MP in the transgenic lines was correlated with the degree of the HR.
An XPS study of the passive and transpassive behavior of molybdenum in deaerated 0.1 M HCl

Abstract Pure molybdenum was polarized in deaerated 0.1 M HCl solution at 22°C. Molybdenum was found to be passive in the range between −396 mV to +125 mV(SCE). Variable angle XPS was employed to detect the nature of passive and transpassive films formed at specified potentials on Mo. The passive film was found to be comprised of MoO 2 and MoO(OH) 2 . In the early stage of passive film formation, lower valence species, probably MO 2 O 3 , were observed. In the lower potential range of the transpassive region, Mo 2 O 3 was formed, which coincided with a loss of protection from MoO 2 and MoO(OH) 2 , and the formation of a thick oxidation product. At higher potentials, in the transpassive range, the film was found to consist of trivalent, tetravalent, pentavalent and hexavalent species. HMoO 4 was detected in the anolyte of the transpassive region.
Anorexia Nervosa and "Reverse Anorexia" Among 108 Male Bodybuilders

Two disorders of body image encountered in a study of 108 bodybuilders are described. In a study of the psychiatric effects of anabolic steroids, structured interviews were administered to 55 bodybuilders who had used anabolic steroids and 53 non-user controls. Three (2.8%) of the subjects reported a history of anorexia nervosa--a rate far higher than the 0.02% rate typically reported among American men (P < .001). Nine (8.3%) of the subjects, two of whom were former anorexics, described a "reverse anorexia" syndrome, where they believed that they appeared small and weak even though they were actually large and muscular. Reverse anorexic subjects reported that they declined social invitations, refused to be seen at the beach, or wore heavy clothes even in the heat of summer because they feared that they looked too small. All nine reverse anorexia cases occurred among steroid users; none occurred among non-users (P < .003). Four subjects reported that their reverse anorexic symptoms contributed to their decision to start using steroids. Disorders of body image, including both anorexia nervosa and its reverse form, may occur frequently in men who lift weights regularly. Reverse anorexia may precipitate or perpetuate the use of anabolic steroids in some individuals.
Selective activation of satellite virus strains by strains of tobacco necrosis virus.

Abstract Eight serologically distinct strains of TNV were differentiated among 11 isolates. Separation of the strains into A and D serotypes was impracticable because of the variability in the apparent relative serological relationships in comparative tests with different antisera. Three serologically distinct strains of SV were demonstrated. Two of them, SV-A and SV-B, were activated by seven of the TNV isolates and the third, SV-C, was activated only by the four other TNV isolates which did not activate SV-A or SV-B. Ability to activate the SV isolates was not correlated with apparent serological relationships of the TNV isolates. Several of the TNV isolates were free from SV when received, but all isolates were capable of activating at least one of the serotypes of SV. Some isolates could be separated from SV relatively easily; in contrast, we have never obtained some other isolates free of SV despite repeated attempts. Thus it appears that TNV isolates differ with regards to their affinity for SV.
Three-dimensional anatomy of the conduction system of the early embryonic rabbit heart.

The complete embryonic cardiac conduction system is difficult to view in three dimensions, primarily because there has not been a marker of all segments of the normal system throughout all stages of development. Imaging of the conduction system components within the atria has been particularly controversial because different markers reveal different pathways that may or may not represent conduction system components. The conduction system of the adult and embryonic rabbit, however, can be labeled in its entirety with the neurofilament marker, NF-160. The conduction system of rabbit embryos at several stages of development spanning cardiac septation was therefore investigated. Optical mapping of the electrical signature of the conduction system previously revealed a close correlation between the cardiac activation patterns and the anatomy as shown by serial sections. The 3D relationship between the components of the conduction system could only be inferred from the 2D sections. The sections were consequently reconstructed using a commercial software program (AutoQuant). This is the first demonstration of the three-dimensional complete normal rabbit embryonic cardiac conduction system at several stages of development. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Promising Rationally Derived Combination Therapy with PI3K and CDK4/6 Inhibitors

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Vora and colleagues demonstrate that persistent CDK4 and pRB activation underlie acquired resistance to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines, suggesting that clinical evaluation of rational combination therapy with PI3K and CDK4/6 inhibitors to mitigate resistance to PI3K inhibition is warranted.
Lean blowoff of bluff body stabilized flames: Scaling and dynamics

Abstract This paper overviews the dynamics of bluff body stabilized flames and describes the phenomenology of the blowoff process. The first section of the paper provides an overview of the fluid mechanics of the non-reacting and reacting bluff body wake flow. It highlights the key features of the flow (the boundary layer, separated shear layer, and wake), the flow instabilities that influence each of these features, and the influences of the flame on these instabilities. A key point from these studies is the large differences between the non-reacting wake (dominated by an absolutely unstable, sinuous instability associated with vortex shedding from the bluff body) and the reacting wake of high dilatation ratio flames. The latter are dominated by the lower intensity, convective instability of the shear layer. Very low dilatation ratio flames begin to approach the behavior of the non-reacting wake, as might be expected. Next, the paper presents a compilation of bluff body blowoff data from the literature and shows that the basic Damkohler correlations developed from prior studies are recovered, but without the need for semi-empirical fits or adjustable constants for chemical time estimation. The third section considers in detail the dynamics and phenomenology of near blowoff flames. It is shown that spatio/temporally localized extinction occurs sporadically on near blowoff flames, manifested as “holes” in the flame sheet that form and convect downstream. However, these extinction events are distinct from blowoff – in fact, under certain conditions the flame can persist indefinitely with certain levels of local extinction. The number of these events per unit time increase as blowoff is approached, eventually leading to large scale alteration of the wake. We hypothesize that simple Damkohler number correlations contain the essential physics describing the intial stage of blowoff; i.e., they are correlations for the conditions where local extinction on the flame begins, but do not fundamentally describe the ultimate blowoff condition itself. However, such correlations are reasonably successful in correlating blowoff limits because the ultimate blowoff event is related to the onset of this first stage. Key conclusions from this review are that blowoff occurs in multiple steps – local extinction along the flame sheet, large scale wake disruption, and a final blowoff whose ultimate “trigger” is associated with wake cooling and shrinking. A key challenge for future workers is understanding these latter processes that lead to ultimate blowoff of the flame.
Improving corporate performance by enhancing team dynamics at the board level

Board performance research conducted over the last 50 years has focused on individual directors’ economically-motivated behaviors and outcomes, and has generated inconsistent and disappointing results. Most research does not consider the board as a team, despite recent calls for a focus on collective board processes and behaviors. A recent survey revealed that 90 per cent of directors rate their individual performance as very effective but only 30 per cent rate overall board performance at an equivalent level, exposing a gap that needs to be addressed. The discrepancy between individual and team performance effectiveness was the focus of this research, based on original data from 182 directors and their assessment of their board’s dynamic, team task performance efficacy, team potency and the impact of their activities, as a board, on firm profitability. Our findings show that director experience, social network and cultural intelligence quotient, as well as their ability to achieve high levels of team interaction – thereby lowering information asymmetry – have a significant impact on corporate profitability. Our study demonstrates that the impact of board functioning as a team is an eight times greater predictor of corporate performance than individual director demographics. We found that this team dynamic as well as team potency has a positive impact on profitability, while the focus on compliance-oriented tasks has a significantly negative effect on profitability. The insights of this study should help boards and their advisors better focus their efforts to improve team dynamic, optimize board interactions and refocus their attention on value-creating activities. We also believe that improving board team dynamics will have an unintended consequence of bringing a level of individual and team satisfaction back to the boardroom.
Effect of moist-incubation and microbial inhibition on changes in DTPA-extractable Mn

Abstract Effect of incubation and microbial inhibition at field capacity level on changes in DTPA‐extractable Mn in acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils was examined. Incubation decreased and microbial inhibition increased the level of Mn in soils with high pH (>5.7) and high microbial activity. The change was apparently partially associated with microbes since the level of Mn did not change in soils with low microbial activity and/or low pH.
Application of coolants in deterministic microgrinding of glass

ABSTRACT Current literature is rich with information on the interaction between coolants and metals in metal working. This includes thestudy of optimum coolant velocities, nozzle positioning, and coolant formulations. Very little information exists on the roleof coolants in glass grinding. The CNC deterministic microgrinding machines at the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM)utilize water based coolants to provide lubrication at the partltool interface, to remove heat from the metal bonded diamondtool, and to help keep the tool surface free of debris. We show that the angle of coolant delivery and the coolant velocity donot affect the rms microroughness of a variety of glasses when ground at commercially relevant in-feed rates. We discuss apreliminary experiment utilizing a high pressure coolant delivery system.Keywords: glass, deterministic microgrinding, coolant velocity, coolant 1. COMMERCIAL COOLANT SURVEY Coolants used in modern optics manufacturing are greater than 90% water, with the remainder consisting of commercialadditives to prevent rusting, foaming, and bacterial growth. When mixed to the recommended dilution, the resulting coolant isbasic and has a unique color. A given formulation may contain some mineral oil which leaves a protective coating on machineparts, and it may have a unique fragrance. Most other properties of the diluted mixture, like electrical resistivity, totaldissolved solids, viscosity, and specific gravity are dominated by the water. The quality of water is important', and it varies bygeographic region within the United States. The tap water used in the Opticam® machines at COM and in the experimentsreported here is considered "good" by industry standards, and it has the following characteristics:
Cell surface expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein H in recombinant baculovirus-infected cells

Abstract DNA encoding the complete sequence for the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein H (gH) was inserted into a baculovirus transfer vector under control of the baculovirus polyhedrin gene promoter. After co-transfection with wild-type baculovirus DNA, recombinants expressing gH were isolated by plaque purification. The baculovirus-expressed HSV-1 gH represented a significant portion of total cellular protein and was several hundred fold more abundant than gH in HSV-1-infected Vero cells. The expressed gH appeared to be glycosylated, since it was similar in size to wild-type HSV-1 gH, was susceptible to both tunicamycin and endoglycosidase-H treatment, and was labeled by [ 3 Hjmannose. In contrast to previous reports of gH expressed in mammalian cells, the baculovirus recombinant-expressed gH was abundant on the cell surface as judged by indirect immunofluorescence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of expressed HSV-1 gH being transported to the cell surface in the absence of other HSV-1 gene products and the first report of expressed gH with an apparent molecular weight similar to authentic HSV-1 gH.
Anti-CD4 antibodies are associated with HIV-1 seroconversion and may be detectable before Anti-HIV-1 antibodies

We examined the sera from 14 HIV-1 seroconverters for the presence of autoantibodies against CD4. Anti-CD4 antibodies were detected in the serum of 11 of 13 HIV-1-infected persons at the time of HIV-1 seroconversion. In 6 of 14 persons from whom a serum was obtained prior to HIV-1 seroconversion, anti-CD4 antibodies were found 90 to 540 days before antibodies to HIV-1 were detectable. In comparison, anti-CD4 antibodies were present in only 7 serum samples from 62 HIV-1 seronegative individuals, including 50 from a seronegative homosexual male cohort. These results suggest that anti-CD4 antibodies are generated in response to early HIV-1 infection and possibly could be used as a marker for HIV-1 infection in some infected persons who are seronegative for HIV-1.
Use of 13Cα chemical shifts for accurate determination of β-sheet structures in solution

A physics-based method, aimed at determining protein structures by using NOE-derived distance constraints together with observed and computed 13Cα chemical shifts, is applied to determine the structure of a 20-residue all-β peptide (BS2). The approach makes use of 13Cα chemical shifts, computed at the density functional level of theory, to derive backbone and side-chain torsional constraints for all of the amino acid residues, without making use of information about residue occupancy in any region of the Ramachandran map. In addition, the torsional constraints are derived dynamically—i.e., they are redefined at each step of the algorithm. It is shown that, starting from randomly generated conformations, the final protein models are more accurate than existing NMR-derived models of the peptide, in terms of the agreement between predicted and observed 13Cβ chemical shifts, and some stereochemical quality indicators. The accumulated evidence indicates that, for a highly flexible BS2 peptide in solution, it may not be possible to determine a single structure (or a small set of structures) that would satisfy all of the constraints exactly and simultaneously because the observed NOEs and 13Cα chemical shifts correspond to a dynamic ensemble of conformations. Analysis of the structural flexibility, carried out by molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water, revealed that the whole peptide can be characterized as having liquid-like behavior, according to the Lindemann criterion. In summary, a β-sheet structure of a highly flexible peptide in solution can be determined by a quantum-chemical-based procedure.
The Distribution and Exchange of Information in Problem-Solving Dyads

The effects on the outcomes of problem-solving of homogeneous and heterogeneous distribution of information and the use of perspective-taking and egocentric-presentation processes of information exchange within problem-solving dyads were examined. Subjects were given incomplete information relevant to solving a complex problem and were instructed to engage in perspective-taking or egocentric-presentation behaviors while discussing the problem with a confederate. The confederate presented either similar or different information and engaged in either perspective-taking or egocentric-presentation behaviors, depending upon the condition. The results indicate that perspective-taking as a process of information exchange affects the quality of problem-solving, perceptions of the extent to which problem solvers value and attempt to understand and consider each other's information, interpersonal trust, and attitudes toward fellow problem-solvers and the problem-solving experience. Heterogeneity of information did ...
Probing the Interplay of Size, Shape, and Solution Environment in Macromolecular Diffusion Using a Simple Refraction Experiment.

The diffusion coefficient of polymers is a critical parameter in biomedicine, catalysis, chemical separations, nanotechnology, and other industrial applications. Here, measurement of macromolecular diffusion in solutions is described using a visually instructive, undergraduate-level optical refraction experiment based on Weiner’s method. To reinforce concepts in polymer science, synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers are used for diffusion-coefficient measurements. The role of molecular size and conformation on the transport properties of polymers is illustrated. By changing the pH of the solution to influence the protein shape, the impact of solution environment is also demonstrated. In addition, features such as digital capture of data using a webcam, data digitization, and multivariable data regression are incorporated into the experiment to broaden the learning opportunities for students in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental and biological sciences.
Ictal Behaviors During Nonepileptic Seizures Differ in Patients with Temporal Lobe Interictal Epileptiform EEG Activity and Patients Without Interictal Epileptiform EEG Abnormalities

Summary: Purpose: Ictal behaviors during psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (NES) vary considerably among individuals, and can closely resemble common semiologies of epileptic seizures (ES). We tested the hypothesis that behaviors during NES in patients who have temporal spikes would more closely resemble behaviors during ES in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy than would behaviors during NES in patients who do not have EEG spikes. Methods: We identified 20 patients who had interictal temporal EEG spikes and EEG-video recorded NES (Study Group), 133 patients with temporal EEG spikes and recorded ES, without NES (Epileptic Group), and 24 patients with recorded NES and no epileptiform EEG abnormalities, without ES (Nonepileptic Group). Results: The hypothesis was supported with regard to ictal motor behaviors. Motionless staring or complex automatisms occurred mainly during NES in the Study Group and during ES Epileptic and nonepileptic seizures often manifest similar ictal behaviors ( 1,2), although bizarre behaviors are more characteristic of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (NES) than of epileptic seizures (ES). Some patients have both ES and NES (3-3, although most patients with seizures that cause global impairment of awareness have either ES or NES. Ictal recording with long-term EEG-video monitoring (LTM) is essential to exclude NES before epilepsy surgery; an important minority of patients have interictal epileptiform EEG abnormalities and have ES that are fully controlled with medications, but have ongoing NES that mimic ES in ictal behaviors reported by witnesses of the seizures (5). Stereotyped motor activities during psychogenic NES presumably represent learned behaviors. A patient who
Long-Range Signal Transmission in Autocrine Relays

Intracellular signaling induced by peptide growth factors can stimulate secretion of these molecules into the extracellular medium. In autocrine and paracrine networks, this can establish a positive feedback loop between ligand binding and ligand release. When coupled to intercellular communication by autocrine ligands, this positive feedback can generate constant-speed traveling waves. To demonstrate that, we propose a mechanistic model of autocrine relay systems. The model is relevant to the physiology of epithelial layers and to a number of in vitro experimental formats. Using asymptotic and numerical tools, we find that traveling waves in autocrine relays exist and have a number of unusual properties, such as an optimal ligand binding strength necessary for the maximal speed of propagation. We compare our results to recent observations of autocrine and paracrine systems and discuss the steps toward experimental tests of our predictions.
Coordinate down‐regulation of cartilage matrix gene expression in Bcl‐2 deficient chondrocytes is associated with decreased SOX9 expression and decreased mRNA stability

The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 has been shown to function in roles unrelated to apoptosis in a variety of cell types. We have previously reported that loss of Bcl-2 expression alters chondrocyte morphology and modulates aggrecan expression via an apoptosis-independent pathway. Here we show that Bcl-2 is required for chondrocytes to maintain expression of a variety of cartilage-specific matrix proteins. Using quantitative, real-time PCR, we demonstrate that Bcl-2-deficient chondrocytes coordinately down-regulate genes coding for hyaline cartilage matrix proteins including collagen II, collagen IX, aggrecan, and link protein. The decrease in steady-state level of these mRNA transcripts results, in part, from decreased mRNA stability in Bcl-2-deficient chondrocytes. Transcriptional regulation is also likely involved because chondrocytes with decreased Bcl-2 levels show decreased expression of SOX9, a transcription factor necessary for expressing the major cartilage matrix proteins. In contrast, chondrocytes constitutively expressing Bcl-2 have a stable phenotype when subjected to loss of serum factor signaling. These cells maintain high levels of SOX9, as well as the SOX9 targets collagen II and aggrecan. These results suggest that Bcl-2 is involved in a pathway important for maintaining a stable chondrocyte phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 941–953, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immediate laparoscopic adrenalectomy versus observation: cost evaluation for incidental adrenal lesions with atypical imaging characteristics

Abstract Background Because of controversy in the management of nonfunctional adrenal masses Methods A total of 370 patients who were evaluated for incidental adrenal masses between January 1999 and December 2007 were identified, and 32 (8.7%) patients had lesions with imaging characteristics that were inconsistent with a benign adenoma (ie, atypical appearing). Sixteen patients underwent immediate surgery and 16 had observation with serial imaging and biochemical studies. The associated total costs were subjected to intention-to-treat analysis. Results In the observation cohort, 7 patients converted and underwent adrenalectomy after a mean of 13.1 months. Initially, costs of immediate surgery exceeded those of observation ($12,015.72 vs $11,601.18, P = .10). After projecting costs of annual surveillance, a cost advantage for immediate surgery was demonstrated after 9 years ( P = .02). Conclusions In patients with
Words and Deeds: Foreign Assistance Rhetoric and Policy Behavior in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom

Alternative hypotheses involving self-interested versus benevolent motives have played an important role in the study of foreign assistance policy behavior. Most often, such studies infer motives from data regarding the foreign assistance expenditures of a donor state. This study moves beyond such inferences. First, donor self-interest can take different forms that are likely to be expressed in different policies. Second, inferences about motivation derived from aid expenditure data infer motives from the observation of actions only. This study seeks to address both points. First, it proposes a typology of aid motivation. Second, it proposes separate indicators of motivation and behavior. The proposed national role conception framework hypothesizes that certain motivations, as expressed in rhetoric, and certain behaviors, as expressed in the foreign assistance expenditures, co-vary. The study focuses on the foreign assistance debate in and policy behavior of the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. It finds that there is a congruence between the rhetoric and policy behavior of the foreign assistance decision makers of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, but that the Belgian data lack such congruence.
Reactive oxygen species-mediated TRPC6 protein activation in vascular myocytes, a mechanism for vasoconstrictor-regulated vascular tone.

Both TRPC6 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating vascular function. However, their interplay has not been explored. The present study examined whether activation of TRPC6 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by ROS was a physiological mechanism for regulating vascular tone by vasoconstrictors. In A7r5 cells, arginine vasopressin (AVP) evoked a striking Ca2+ entry response that was significantly attenuated by either knocking down TRPC6 using siRNA or inhibition of NADPH oxidases with apocynin or diphenyleneiodonium. Inhibition of TRPC6 or ROS production also decreased AVP-stimulated membrane currents. In primary cultured aortic VSMCs, catalase and diphenyleneiodonium significantly suppressed AVP- and angiotensin II-induced whole cell currents and Ca2+ entry, respectively. In freshly isolated and endothelium-denuded thoracic aortas, hyperforin (an activator of TRPC6), but not its vehicle, induced dose- and time-dependent constriction in TRPC6 wide type (WT) mice. This response was not observed in TRPC6 knock-out (KO) mice. Consistent with the ex vivo study, hyperforin stimulated a robust Ca2+ entry in the aortic VSMCs from WT mice but not from KO mice. Phenylephrine induced a dose-dependent contraction of WT aortic segments, and this response was inhibited by catalase. Moreover, H2O2 itself evoked Ca2+ influx and inward currents in A7r5 cells, and these responses were significantly attenuated by either inhibition of TRPC6 or blocking vesicle trafficking. H2O2 also induced inward currents in primary VSMCs from WT but not from TRPC6 KO mice. Additionally, H2O2 stimulated a dose-dependent constriction of the aortas from WT mice but not from the vessels of KO mice. Furthermore, TIRFM showed that H2O2 triggered membrane trafficking of TRPC6 in A7r5 cells. These results suggest a new signaling pathway of ROS-TRPC6 in controlling vessel contraction by vasoconstrictors.