cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refractoriness in the maintained discharge of the cat's retinal ganglion cell

When effects due to refractoriness (reduction of sensitivity following a nerve impulse) are taken into account, the Poisson process provides the basis for a model which accounts for all of the first-order statistical properties of the maintained discharge in-the retinal ganglion cell of the cat. The theoretical pulse-number distribution (PND) and pulse-interval distribution (PID) provide good fits to the experimental data reported by Barlow and Levick for on-center, off-center, and luminance units. The model correctly predicts changes in the shape of the empirical PND with adapting luminance and duration of the interval in which impulses are counted (counting interval). It also requires that a decrease in sensitivity to stimulation by light with increasing adapting luminance occur prior to the ganglion cell and is thus consistent with other data. Under the assumptions of the model, both on-center and off-center units appear to exhibit increasing refractoriness as the adapting luminance increases. Relationships are presented between the PND and PID for Poisson counting processes without refractoriness, with a fixed refractory period, and with a stochastically varying refractory period. It is assumed that events unable to produce impulses during the refractory period do not prolong the duration of the period (nonparalyzable counting). A short refractory period (e.g., 2% of the counting interval) drastically alters both the PND and PID, producing marked decreases in the mean and variance of the PND along with an increase in the ratio of mean to variance. In all cases of interest, a small amount of variability in refractory-period duration distinctly alters the PID from that obtainable with a fixed refractory period but has virtually no effect on the fixed-refractory period PND. Other two-parameter models that invoke scaling of a Poisson input and paralyzable counting yield predictions that do not match the data.
Tissue-Specific and Light-Dependent Expression within a Family of Nuclear-Encoded Sigma-like Factors fromZea mays1

Abstract The principal transcription machinery functioning in chloroplasts of higher plants is encoded in two subcellular compartments. Subunits of the RNA polymerase catalytic core are plastid encoded, while sigma factors required for promoter recognition are encoded in the nucleus. We have isolated nuclear-encoded cDNAs,sig1, sig2,andsig3,specifying three sigma factors from maize (Zea mays). The three deduced polypeptides have extensive sequence identity with the principal sigma factors of eubacteria. Two of the maize cDNAs,sig1andsig3,encode NH2-terminal transit peptides which direct the uptake of a heterologous protein into chloroplastsin vitro.Transcripts for thesig3gene were more abundant in green leaves than in roots and in light-treated seedlings than in dark-grown seedlings. In contrast,sig1transcripts were readily detectable in all tissues examined. Thus, at least two promoter-selectivity factors function with the maize chloroplast RNA polymerase, one of which is constitutively expressed and the other is light activated.
Reactivities of a Bis(alkylidene) Complex. Synthesis of a Silyl Bis(alkylidyne) Complex and a Reaction Cycle among Symmetric Bis(alkylidyne), Bis(alkylidene), and Nonsymmetric Bis(alkylidyne) Compounds

An unstable bis(alkylidene) complex (RCH2)4Ta2(CHR)2(Cl)2 (R = SiMe3, 1), prepared by the addition of 2 equiv of HCl to a symmetrically bridging bis(alkylidyne) complex (RCH2)4Ta2(μ-CR)2 (2a), deco...
The Nationalization of State Policy Revisited

Jewell (1982) has recently called for even more comparative study of the states. He speculated that major changes in the last two decades may make the knowledge accumulated from earlier studies obsolete. Empirical evidence of this phenomenon has already begun to appear in print (Tucker 1982a, 1982b; Robey and Jenkins 1982)1 A number of studies published in the mid-1960s and early 1970s found that the states are becoming more alike in their socioeconomic and political attributes, and in their policies (Hofferbert 1966; Sharkansky 1970, 1971). Kemp (1978) has argued that the phenomenon of increasing homogeneity has slowed or ceased for some policies. This note seeks to build upon past research in two ways. First, the research will be updated and expanded. Data on socioeconomic and political attributes of states from the 1970s and 1980s will be examined to determine whether trends
Is obesity contagious

Evaluation of: Christakis N, Fowler J. The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. N. Engl. J. Med. 357(4), 370-379 (2007). A recent article using longitudinal data from the Framingham Heart Study found that weight gain was similar between friends. The influence of friends was found to be stronger than that of siblings or spouses. If this association reflects an underlying relationship, it implies that social norms, shared experiences and similar environments might be more important in weight gain than underlying strict biologic or genetic factors. It may also imply that new intervention strategies that use social marketing or peer-group efforts to reduce obesity might lead to successful weight control. A goal should be to enlist the help of friends to assist people to keep from gaining weight. Given the high prevalence of obesity in the USA and elsewhere, this study provides an interesting alternative foundation for addressing this important public health concern.
Completeness of solutions in the double porosity theory

A Boussinesq-Papko vitch-Neuber (BPN) representation for the displacement field is used to establish completeness of solutions for the theory of consolidation with double porosity.
Remarks on a model forS-wave meson-nucleon scattering

In a recent paper byLomon, an attempt was made to produce an exact solution of the field theoretic model forS-wave meson-nucleon scattering in which the interaction is the sum of a scalar pair term and. of an isotopic spin-orbit coupling. The solution in question is shown to be exact only in the classical limit,i.e., to correspond to the linear or onemeson approximation. It is also shown that the attempt to take the point source limit of the renormalization encounters difficulties similar to those found in the Lee model and in the simple pair theory.
Molecular adaptation and the origin of land plants

The origin and diversification of land plants was one of the most important biological radiations. Land plants are crucial components of all modern terrestrial ecosystems. The first land plants had to adapt to a wide array of new environmental challenges including desiccation, varying temperatures, and increased UV radiation. There have been numerous studies of the morphological adaptations to life on land. However the molecular adaptations to life on land have only recently gained attention. These studies have greatly benefited from the recent advances in our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships between and among the charophycean algae and the basal land plant groups. In this review I summarize the current knowledge of a variety of physiological and biochemical adaptations to land including plant growth hormones, isoprene, phenolics, and heat shock proteins.
Pharmacologic MRI (phMRI) as a tool to differentiate Parkinson's disease–related from age-related changes in basal ganglia function

The prevalence of both parkinsonian signs and Parkinson's disease (PD) per se increases with age. Although the pathophysiology of PD has been studied extensively, less is known about the functional changes taking place in the basal ganglia circuitry with age. To specifically address this issue, 3 groups of rhesus macaques were studied: normal middle-aged animals (used as controls), middle-aged animals with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonism, and aged animals (>20 years old) with declines in motor function. All animals underwent the same behavioral and pharmacologic magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) procedures to measure changes in basal ganglia function in response to dopaminergic drug challenges consisting of apomorphine administration followed by either a D1 (SCH23390) or a D2 (raclopride) receptor antagonist. Significant functional changes were predominantly seen in the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) in aged animals and in the striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen) in MPTP-lesioned animals. Despite significant differences seen in the putamen and GPe between MPTP-lesioned versus aged animals, a similar response profile to dopaminergic stimulations was found between these 2 groups in the internal segment of the GP. In contrast, the pharmacologic responses seen in the control animals were much milder compared with the other 2 groups in all the examined areas. Our phMRI findings in MPTP-lesioned parkinsonian and aged animals suggest that changes in basal ganglia function in the elderly may differ from those seen in parkinsonian patients and that phMRI could be used to distinguish PD from other age-associated functional alterations in the brain.
Encouraging influenza vaccination for nursing home staff reduced mortality and influenza-like illness in the residents.

Source Citation Hayward AC, Harling R, Wetten S, et al. Effectiveness of an influenza vaccine programme for care home staff to prevent death, morbidity, and health service use among residents: clus...
Transport properties and dielectric constant of DSeDTF-TCNQ

Abstract The d.c. conductivity and microwave conductivity of the di-substituted Se derivative of TTF-TCNQ are reported at temperatures from 4.2 to 300 K. The low temperature dielectric constant is unusually large, ϵ 1 =3500. The results are similar to earlier observations in TTF-TCNQ and imply that a similar mechanism is involved in this class of one-dimensional conductors.
Methyl mercury and selenium interaction in relation to mouse kidney γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, ultrastructure, and function

Abstract The effects of methyl mercury (CH3Hg) and selenium (Se) on renal ultrastructure were investigated and correlated to changes in renal γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTPase) activity, mercury (Hg) accumulation, and renal function (serum creatinine and urea nitrogen). Three experimental protocols were used to investigate CH3Hg and Se interactions of both Se-sufficient and Se-deficient mice involving ip injection of the following administered alone or in combination: CH3Hg (4.0 mg/kg) and Se (0.16 mg/kg) daily for 7 days, CH3Hg (1.0 mg/kg) and Se (0.08 mg/kg) daily for 20 days, and a single acute dose of CH3Hg (8.0 mg/kg). Acivicin (12 to 50 mg/kg), an antitumor glutamine antagonist, was also used as a highly effective specific inhibitor of the γ-GTPase. Our results show that CH3Hg administered to Se-deficient mice for 7 or 20 days resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.05) but only moderate inhibition (20%) of γ-GTPase activity and extensive renal ultrastructural damage. Acivicin-treated mice had significant inhibition of γ-GTPase activity (80%) following a single injection while ultrastructural damage was substantial only after several days of administration. These results may indicate different modes of action of acivicin and CH3Hg. Acivicin inhibited γ-GTPase prior to renal damage while CH3Hg produced greater pathological effects with only moderate γ-GTPase inhibition. Renal damage from acute and chronic CH3Hg toxicity occurred after distinct neurological signs were present. Selenium administered to Sedeficient mice ameliorated both the neurotoxic effects and nephrotoxic action of CH3Hg. While Se and CH3Hg treatments caused some of the same ultrastructural pathology as the treatment with CH3Hg alone (cytoplasmic vacuolation, increased lysosomal profile, mitochondrial swelling, and extrusion of cellular masses into the tubular lumen), degeneration was not as extensive. Although the total doses administered during both the 7- and the 20-day studies were similar, mice from the chronic 20-day study showed greater ultrastructural pathological effects from CH3Hg. The primary effects of CH3Hg appeared to be on the lysosomal system, while acivicin exerted its effects on the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum systems. The accumulation studies on Hg suggest that dictary Se may have only an initial protective effect against Hg accumulation in the kidney while injected Se offers longer protection. The Hg concentration in the kidneys cannot be used as an index of cellular pathology since chronic CH3Hg exposure produced greater nephrotoxic effects than acute CH3Hg intoxication while having only onethird the concentration of Hg.
Volatile Branched-chain Fatty Acids and Phenolic Compounds in Aged Italian Cheese Flavors

Analysis of cheeses by capillary gas chromatography (GC) revealed adequate concentrations of certain branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and phenols present to contribute distinctive flavors. Butyric acid-like flavors in cow's milk Romano cheese were modified by 2-methyl-butanoic and 2-ethylbutanoic acids which provided sweet, fruity notes. 4-Ethyloctanoic acid provided a characterizing goaty note to Romano cheese made from mixed goats’and cows’milk. 4-Methyloctanoic and 4-ethyloctanoic acids along with p-cresol, m-cresol, and 3,4-Di-methylphenol appeared responsible for sheepy notes in sheep milk Romano cheese. Phenol and cresols (o, m, p) strongly contributed phenolic and medicinal flavor notes to smoked Provolone cheese. Low concentrations of BCFAs and phenols appeared to provide desirable background flavors to Parmesan cheeses.
Social cognition and the anterior temporal lobes.

Abstract Two distinct literatures have emerged on the functionality of the anterior temporal lobes (ATL): in one field, the ATLs are conceived of as a repository for semantic or conceptual knowledge. In another field, the ATLs are thought to play some undetermined role in social–emotional functions such as Theory of Mind. Here we attempted to reconcile these distinct functions by assessing whether social semantic processing can explain ATL activation in other social cognitive tasks. Social semantic functions refer to knowledge about social concepts and rules. In a first experiment we tested the idea that social semantic representations can account for activations in the ATL to social attribution stimuli such as Heider and Simmel animations. Left ATL activations to Heider and Simmel stimuli overlapped with activations to social words. In a second experiment we assessed the putative roles of the ATLs in the processing of narratives and theory of mind content and found evidence for a role of the ATLs in the processing of theory of mind but not narrative per se. These findings indicate that the ATLs are part of a neuronal network supporting social cognition and that they are engaged when tasks demand access to social conceptual knowledge.
Inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity in mouse epidermis by sweetening agents and related compounds.

Abstract The effects of naturally occurring sweetening agents, which inhibited the induction of Epstein-Barr virus-associated early antigen (EBV-EA) induced by 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and related compounds on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) by TPA is examined. Application of glycyrrhetinic acid or steviol to mouse skin 1 h before TPA treatment showed a remarkable decrease in TPA-induced ODC activity. Post-treatment with glycyrrhetinic acid or steviol 1 h after application of TPA also resulted in a considerable depression in the induction of ODC activity. Neither glycyrrhetinic acid nor steviol alone induced epidermal ODC activity. These results suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid and steviol interfere with the process of induction of epidermal ODC by TPA treatment of mouse skin. cis -Abienol, frullanolide and norambreinolide, which have a partially similar structure in the moiety with glycyrrhetinic acid or steviol, were tested. cis -Abienol and frullanolide showed an inhibitory effect when applied 1 h before TPA treatment, but norambreinolide was not effective. A relationship between suppression of ODC activity and inhibition of EBV-EA induction is discussed.
Sociological Images: Blogging as Public Sociology

Sociological Images is a website aimed at a broad public audience that encourages readers to develop and apply a sociological imagination. The site includes short, accessible posts published daily. Each includes one or more images and accompanying commentary. Reaching approximately 20,000 readers per day, Sociological Images illustrates the potential for using websites as a platform for public engagement in the social sciences. This report provides an overview of the site's history, approach, reach, and impact. The authors also discuss some challenges facing academics interested in blogging for a general audience and some of the features that contribute to the popularity of the site.
The impact of distractions on young adult drivers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at higher risk for being involved in automobile crashes. Although driving simulators have been used to identify and understand underlying behaviors, prior research has focused largely on single-task, non-distracted driving. However, in-vehicle infotainment and communications systems often vie for a driver's attention, potentially increasing the risk of collision. This paper explores the impact of secondary tasks on individuals with and without ADHD, a medical condition known to affect the regulation of attention. Data are drawn from a validated driving simulation representing periods before, during, and after participation in a secondary cognitive task. A hands-free phone task was employed in a high stimulus, urban setting and a working memory task during low stimulus, highway driving. Drivers with ADHD had more difficulty on the telephone task, yet did not show an increased decrement in driving performance greater than control participants. In contrast, participants with ADHD showed a larger decline in driving performance than controls during a secondary task in a low demand setting. The results suggest that the interaction of the nature of the driving context and the secondary task has a significant influence on how drivers with ADHD allocate attention and, in-turn, on the relative impact on driving performance. Drivers with ADHD appear particularly susceptible to distraction during periods of low stimulus driving.
Free Convection in a Vertical Annulus With Constant Heat Flux on the Inner Wall

Heat transfer measurements are presented for free convection in a vertical annulus wherein the inner cylinder is at constant surface heat flux and the outer cylinder is at constant temperatuare. Overall heat transfer data re corrected for thermal radiation in the annulus. Rayleigh numbers span the conduction, transition and boundary layer regimes of flow, and average heat transfer coefficients are obtained with air and helium as the working fluids. The range of Rayleigh number is 10/sup 3/
Dynamic operator actions analysis for inherently safe fast reactors and light water reactors

Abstract A comparative dynamic human actions analysis of inherently safe fast reactors (ISFRs) and light water reactors (LWRs) in terms of systems response and estimated human error rates is presented. Brief overviews of the ISFR and LWR systems are given to illustrate the design differences. Key operator actions required by the ISRF reactor shutdown and decay heat removal systems are identified and are compared with those of the LWR. It is observed that, because of the passive nature of the ISFR safety-related systems, a large time window is available for operator actions during transient events. Furthermore, these actions are fewer in number, are less complex, and have lower error rates and less severe consequences than those of the LWRs. We expect the ISFR operator errors' contribution to risk is smaller (at least in the context of the existing human reliability models) than that of the LWRs.
Abstract 3299: Targeting therapy-resistant glioma cells with novel compounds that inhibit action of survivin

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most lethal diseases in adults. Despite intensive treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, recurrence of tumors is inevitable in the majority of cases. It is therefore essential to determine the mechanism of establishment of therapy resistance in glioma cells and their effective targeting. Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) proteins, which functions as a key regulator of mitosis and apoptosis. Here, we sought to characterize survivin as a therapeutic target of GBM and identify a novel anti-glioma agent that inhibits survivin pathway. Methods: Expression of survivin was analyzed immuohistochemically with 11 primary and recurrent GBM samples derived from the matched patients. In silico drug design was used to synthesize novel compounds that target dimerization of survivin. Effects of these compounds were tested with two distinct methods; (1) Treatment of patient-derived tumor spheres, and (2) direct injection into explants from surgical tissues of GBM. Results: In 8 of 11 patients, survivin expression was increased in recurrent GBM samples compared to primary ones. Computational structure-based drug design suggested that two novel compounds, LLP3 and LLP9, inhibit survivin dimerization, which is essential for survivin function. Treatment of two patient-derived tumor spheres with 50 µM of LLP3 completely abolished sphere formation. The IC50 of LLP3 and LLP9 ranged between 25 and 50 µM, and between 40 and 70 µM, respectively, on 4 different GBM patient cells. Direct injection of LLP3 reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in the tested GBM samples. Treatment of mouse tumors derived from GBM patient cells with LLP3 and LLP9 will also be described. Conclusions: Upregulated survivin expression in recurrent tumors after chemoradiotherapy suggests that survivin is preferentially expressed in therapy-resistant GBM cells. Our novel compound, LLP3 strongly arrests tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis both in sphere cultures and in undissociated tumor blocks. Our results indicate a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM and, more specifically, for resistant recurrent tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3299. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3299
Dysfunction of natural killer cells in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children with or without Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

The development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with normal T-cell numbers is contrary to previous experience with HIV-infected adults, in whom low CD4 + T-cell numbers predict susceptibility to PCP. To determine whether PCP in HIV-infected children reflects a qualitative T-cell or other immune defect, we studied four HIV-infected children who also had PCP and 10 others without PCP for T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell function. Most of the HIV-infected children had normal T-cell numbers for age, and all had CD4 + T-cell numbers greater than those predictive of PCP in HIV-infected adults. All HIV-infected children had normal T-cell function in vitro. The HIV-infected children as a whole had deficient NK cell cytolysis. We obtained a significant interactive effect of age by health status for NK cell function between patients and age-matched control subjects. All HIV-infected children with defective NK cell function failed to enhance their NK cell cytoloysis when their mononuclear cells were stimulated with recombinant interferon alfa (r-IFN-α). This NK cell defect in HIV-infected children may facilitate the development of secondary infection.
Observation of low, intermediate, and high spin states in GdBaCo 2 O 5.45

The magnetic and electrical transport properties and relative thermal expansion measurements on ${\mathrm{GdBaCo}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{5.45}$ show the existence of a stabilized intermediate spin state of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{3+}$ in the temperature region $108 \mathrm{K}l~Tl~365 \mathrm{K}.$ A charge ordering effect at 242 K due to Jahn-Teller effect followed by a ferromagnetic transition is observed in the intermediate spin state. Thermal expansion data reveal second and first order phase transitions at 163 and 359 K, respectively. These are explained as due to spin state transition accompanied by a change in the ionic radius of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{3+}$ in different spin states.
Novel Light-Guiding Properties in Photonic Crystals

We present two photonic crystal enabled platforms, exhibiting novel light-guiding properties: a system exhibiting angular photonic bandgap, and a system exhibiting uni-directional light propagation.
Identification of excess 40Ar by the 40Ar/39Ar age spectrum technique

Abstract 40 Ar/ 39 Ar incremental heating experiments on igneous plagioclase, biotite, and pyroxene that contain known amounts of excess 40 Ar indicate that saddle-shaped age spectra are diagnostic of excess 40 Ar in igneous minerals as well as in igneous rocks. The minima in the age spectra approach but do not reach the crystallization age. Neither the age spectrum diagram nor the 40 Ar/ 36 Ar versus 39 Ar/ 36 Ar isochron diagram reliably reveal the crystallization age in such samples.
AVO polarization and hodograms: AVO strength and polarization product

An alternative approach to identifying amplitude‐variation‐with offset (AVO) anomalies is to consider the AVO polarization in the AVO intercept–AVO gradient (A‐B) plane. This method does not require deviations or separations from a background trend exhibited in traditional crossplots such as intercept‐gradient (A‐B) or near trace–far trace (N‐F). A benefit of the hodogram or polarization method is that the wavelet is taken into consideration. Crossplotted intercept and gradient are polarized along a “background trend” for nonanomalous events and at angles different from the “background trend” for anomalous events. This allows recognition of anomalous behavior otherwise buried in a background.Attributes resulting from this methodology include (1) the polarization angle, (2) the polarization angle difference, (3) the AVO strength, (4) the polarization product, and (5) the linear‐correlation coefficient. These different attributes can then be used to enhance AVO interpretation. Synthetic modeling for a succe...
Designing a sustainable usability program

One of the biggest problems associated with establishing a routine usability program in many companies is the perception that such programs are invariably expensive and time-consuming, that the value they yield is not worth the investment of time and money required, and that failure to institute and sustain such a program does not place them at a competitive disadvantage. However, such assumptions are neither valid nor productive. This presentation will outline a management approach to designing usability programs that are a routine part of the product development methodology, are cost effective, and help ensure user satisfaction.
4. Role of Notch1 in Augmenting Intracellular Trafficking and Transgene Expression of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus-2

Adeno-associated virus-2 (AAV) has attracted considerable interest as a gene therapy vector over the past decade. Studies in the past few years have identified several cellular factors, which play key roles in receptor-mediated internalization, nuclear trafficking, and complementary strand synthesis of AAV2. We report here the significance of Notch1 receptor in intracellular trafficking and transgene expression of recombinant AAV2 by RNA microarray, confocal microscopy using fluorescent-conjugated virus, reporter gene expression and blocking assays to determine the roles of proteasome and endosome pathways. RNA profiling of human prostate cancer cell lines PCa2b, DU145, LNCaP with varying degrees of AAV transduction as compared to AAV2 permissive HeLa and non-permissive M07e cells indicated a correlation of the amount of Notch1 transcript to rAAV2 transgene expression. A definitive role of Notch1 in enhancing AAV2 transduction was confirmed by developing clonal derivatives of DU145 cells overexpressing either the full-length or the intracellular domain of Notch. To further discern the stage(s) of AAV2 transduction influenced by Notch1, competitive binding with soluble heparin, endocytic and intracellular trafficking using Cy3-labeled rAAV2, and blocking of proteasome and dynamin pathways were performed. Results indicate that in the absence or low level expression of Notch1, only binding of the vector was found on the cell membrane but internalization was impaired. However, reversal of Notch expression in these cells allowed efficient perinuclear accumulation of the labeled capsids and vector transduction. Although the presence of labeled capsids could not be detected in the nuclear compartment, nuclear transport of vector genome was evident from transgene expression. The addition of proteasome inhibitor doxorubicin did not exert any influence in transgene expression indicating the Notch-influenced enhancement is likely to be independent of proteasome pathway. Interestingly, the effect of Notch1 was not found to influence the transduction of AAV serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. These studies provide additional insights into the underlying mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of AAV2 in different cell types, which may have implications in the optimal use of AAV2 in human gene therapy.
A Descriptive Study of Breastfeeding Practices and Policies in Missouri Hospitals

All Missouri hospitals that offer maternity services were assessed to measure their compliance with WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Representatives from seventy six hospitals responded to a telephone survey relating to hospital breastfeeding practices and policies as defined by BFHI's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. No hospital fully supported the Ten Steps. Compliance with the WHO/UNICEF criteria varied greatly. The least support was for Step 1, only 28% of hospitals had a written breastfeeding policy that was communicated to all staff. The greatest support was for Step 3, 93% of hospitals had staff who informed all pregnant women of breastfeeding benefits. In order to increase breastfeeding rates and duration, administrators of hospitals that offer maternity services must increase their efforts to consistently implement the Ten Steps, to become more baby friendly, and to more fully establish a breastfeeding culture within their institutions.
Spiking phenomena in gyro backward-wave oscillators

A theoretical analysis is presented which is capable of predicting the starting oscillation condition and the eigenmode temporal growth rate of gyro backward wave oscillators. The theoretical predictions are confirmed by computer simulations. The nonlinear saturation mechanism is due to that in the unstable system, the nonlinear electron phase shift induced by the interaction with the wave field results in a virtual end plane which tends to shorten the effective interaction length and brings the system into the marginal stable state. In the system far above threshold, the virtual end plane first oscillates about and eventually approaches the steady state location. This early oscillating behavior of the end plane strongly correlates to the initial pronounced spiking temporal structure in the output power. The spiking structure could be smoothed out if the magnetic field is tapered.
An Average Set Size Theorem

In this paper we prove that, if a collection of sets A is union-closed, then the average set size of $\cal A is at least $\frac{1}{2}\log_2 (\vert{\cal A}\vert)$.
Venous Thromboembolic Disease in the Elderly Patient: Atypical, Subtle, and Enigmatic

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a common medical condition in the geriatric population. Risk factors include congestive heart failure, cancer, orthopedic conditions such as hip fractures, and other debilitating diseases. Clinical presentations of patients who have VTE may be subtle and atypical. Traditional vital sign abnormalities found in patients who have VTE may be absent in the older patient, and presentations such as isolated syncope without chest pain or dyspnea are common. This article provides information that will allow primary care providers to increase their rate of detection of VTE, particularly pulmonary embolism. By having an appreciation for the subtle and atypical presentations of VTE, they will be in a position to significantly lower morbidity and mortality in older patients.
What is the lowest-energy isomer of the C60 dimer?

Abstract The C 60 dimer is studied using fully relaxed Hartree-Fock, local density, and gradient-corrected density functional calculations both for the neutral and doubly charged case (C 120 2− ). In the neutral case, the [2 + 2] cycloadduct is lower in energy than the singly bonded (SB) isomer formed by direct covalent bonding between two C 60 molecules, an isomer for which no minimum in the potential energy surface was found at high levels of theory. With the addition of one electron to each C 60 molecule, however, our best calculations indicate that the relative energy ordering between the [2 + 2] and SB structures reverts. Thus, the SB dimer is predicted to be more stable than the [2 + 2] isomer in mono-anionic fullerides.
Vascular permeability factor mRNA and protein expression in human kidney

Vascular permeability factor mRNA and protein expression in human kidney. Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a potent microvascular permeability-enhancing mediator as well as a selective mitogen for vascular endothelium. In this study, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry co-localized VPF mRNA and protein to glomerular visceral epithelial cells in human kidneys. Northern analysis confirmed the presence of VPF mRNA of expected size. The finding of VPF in renal glomerular epithelium identifies a potent mediator of permeability and endothelial proliferation whose role in renal physiology and pathology requires investigation.
Development of a high angular resolution diffusion imaging human brain template

Brain diffusion templates contain rich information about the microstructure of the brain, and are used as references in spatial normalization or in the development of brain atlases. The accuracy of diffusion templates constructed based on the diffusion tensor (DT) model is limited in regions with complex neuronal micro-architecture. High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) overcomes limitations of the DT model and is capable of resolving intravoxel heterogeneity. However, when HARDI is combined with multiple-shot sequences to minimize image artifacts, the scan time becomes inappropriate for human brain imaging. In this work, an artifact-free HARDI template of the human brain was developed from low angular resolution multiple-shot diffusion data. The resulting HARDI template was produced in ICBM-152 space based on Turboprop diffusion data, was shown to resolve complex neuronal micro-architecture in regions with intravoxel heterogeneity, and contained fiber orientation information consistent with known human brain anatomy.
Observations of large scale spatial gradients in the heliospheric magnetic field

Magnetic field observations by the interplanetary probe Pioneer 11 are used to investigate large-scale spatial gradients in the heliospheric magnetic field. The distance of Pioneer 11 ranges from 1 AU to 24 AU radially, and from -5 deg to + 16 deg heliocentric latitude, providing a view of a small but significant fraction of the three-dimensional heliosphere. To remove the solar cycle variations, the data are normalized using measurements obtained at 1 AU at the corresponding times. To first order, the observations agree with the Parker model for spherically symmetric, radial solar wind flow. However, a second-order deficit in the magnitude and azimuthal component of the magnetic field has been confirmed. Specific issues are addressed which have arisen recently, including an apparent absence of the deficit in the Voyager measurements, the possible influence on the deficit of time and/or latitude variations in the solar wind speed, and the possible effect of latitude asymmetries in the magnetic field strength. This analysis supports the earlier conclusions that the deficit is correlated with radial distance and involves a divergence of magnetic flux away from the equatorial region.
Political fragmentation and land use changes in the Interior Plains

Recent years have witnessed growing interest in the critical role of local/regional governance structures in shaping physical land development and associated natural resource management processes. This article investigates how political fragmentation in local governance can affect land use patterns through a watershed-level analysis of population and employment density changes in the Interior Plains, the largest physiographic division of the US. Population density change rates are found to be negatively associated with a higher degree of political fragmentation, while employment density does not show such a clear relationship with political fragmentation. This finding shows that political fragmentation may present significant challenges to land and water resource management, a result consistent with the previous empirical research.
The Specific Heat of Sodium from 20 to 300 $^\circ$K: The Martensitic Transformation

Measurements on a cast sample and an extruded sample are reported. There is no significant difference in behaviour. No anomaly of the type reported by Dauphinee et al. (1954) was found. A thermal study of the martensitic transformation showed a large specific-heat anomaly in the reversion region and a specific heat dependent on thermal history in the two-phase region. The heat of transformation from hexagonal close-packed to body-centred cubic sodium is deduced to be about 10 cal/g atom and the Debye temperatures of the two phases at 20$^\circ$K to be 160 and 153$^\circ$K respectively. The entropy at 298.15$^\circ$K is 12.24$\pm$0.12 cal/$^\circ$K g atom.
The Lies That Bind: Heteronormative Constructions of “Family” in Social Work Discourse

The social work profession has an enduring history of commitment to American families; in fact, it has often led the way in embracing alternative family arrangements. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) families are gaining more political visibility and lobbying for rights and protections from which they were previously excluded. Therefore, this study is an analysis of social work's contemporary, defining representations of LGBTQ families. Twelve LGBTQ “family” research studies were culled from the database Social Work Abstracts, and subjected to queer discourse analysis in order to illuminate how these alternative family forms are being constructed within the discipline. This analysis details the multiple ways in which heterosexual norms are privileged throughout the research studies. For example, the heterosexual family is often constructed as an unchallenged index for psychological health, appropriate partnering, and child rearing practices, social acceptability, and general normativ...
Comparison of levels of fundamental skill and cardio-respiratory fitness of blind, deaf, and non-handicapped high school age boys.

Groups of 14- to 16-yr.-old males who were blind, deaf or normal were administered selected stunts from the Iowa-Brace Motor Educability Test and the Ohio State University Step Test. The non-handicapped students scored significantly higher on the motor educability test than the deaf students. The deaf students scored significantly higher than the non-handicapped students on the Ohio State University Step Test. The deaf student's problem area on the motor educability test was balance due to damage of vestibular mechanism associated with the etiology of deafness. The blind students scored in between the others on both tests and were not significantly different from either. It was concluded that balance-oriented activities should be in the curriculum of the handicapped and that impaired cardio-respiratory fitness is not to be associated with blindness and deafness.
Heat transfer enhancement in coiled tubes by chaotic mixing

Abstract The present work examines chaotic mixing as a means of enhancing the in-tube convection heat transfer in helical coils. It is shown that simple modifications of coil geometry can be made to take advantage of this phenomenon. The study focuses on a geometry with the axis of the coil being turned through 90° in a periodic manner, and comparisons are made with a coil without this change in axis. Particle paths are calculated using the classical perturbation solution of Dean for the secondary flow. Chaotic mixing is confirmed by a positive Lyapunov exponent. The temperature field is calculated numerically showing that chaotic mixing is responsible for considerable flattening of the temperature profile and an increase in conveetive heat transfer. Experiments are conducted with water on two coiled tube geometries over a Reynolds number range of 3000–10000. The coils are identical in every respect except that one is conventional with constant axis, while the other is with alternating axis. The latter shows a 6–8% higher in-tube heat transfer coefficient due to chaotic mixing, with a corresponding pressure drop increase of 1.5–2.5%.
Immunocytochemical assay for androgen receptors in prostate cancer: a prospective study of 63 cases with long-term follow-up.

Background: Numerous problems are associated with biochemical androgen receptor (AR) assay performance and interpretation in prostatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine if a novel immunocytochemical AR assay performed on intact tissue sections would prove useful in prognosticating endocrine response and survival. Methods: A prospective study was done on 63 prostatic carcinomas maintained in liquid nitrogen for over a decade. The study used the peroxidaseantiperoxidase system and a polyclonal anti-AR antibody. Results: Marked tissue and cellular heterogeneity of nuclear AR was apparent. A cut-off of 10% AR-positive cells maximized assay prognostic efficiency. Frequency of positivity was 48% and correlated significantly with endocrine response (p=0.03), time to progression (p=0.0016), and survival (p=0.02), but not with grade, stage, or ethnicity. Conclusions: This AR assay could be prognostically useful in the clinical management of prostate cancer and is suitable for use in the community hospital laboratory.
Multispectral Mapping of Solar-System Objects

Multispectral mapping is an effective method for determining the spatial extent of geologic units on a planetary surface and of absorption and scattering properties in planetary atmospheres. Groundbased telescopic studies of the moon have been carried out for more than 60 years, but spacecraft missions have seldom included multispectral-mapping experiments. Development in two-dimensional detector technology and image-processing techniques are stimulating activity in this field. Increased understanding of the optical properties of planetary-surface materials is making multispectral maps more meaningful.
Participation in Physical Activity after Consuming Meals of Differing Caloric Content Does Not Alter Appetite Four Hours Post-Activity

The present study assessed children’s appetite after consumption of either a lowcalorie (LC) or high-calorie (HC) meal, followed by a timed bout of physical activity. Children aged six to ten years (N=19) participated in each of two trials, where they were asked to consume a HC or LC meal, and were then given free-choice access to physical and sedentary activities for 30 minutes. Trials were separated by one week, and treatment order of meals was randomized. The two, fast food-style meal conditions were comprised of the same food items and identical in macronutrient proportion, however were designed to contain approximately twice as much energy in the HC (~600 calories) compared to LC (~300 calories) condition. Subjective satiety ratings were collected via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at four time points during each trial (pre-meal, post-meal, post-activity, and four hours post-meal). ANOVA revealed a meal condition by time interaction (p=0.045) for Appetite rating. Compared to HC, Appetite ratings were greater (p≤0.015) in LC both immediately post-meal (71±74, HC versus 131±96, LC) and post-activity session (96±66 HC, 160±57 LC). There were no differences (p≥0.16) in Appetite rating between the conditions at the pre-meal and four hours post-meal time points (p’ s ≥0.16). Therefore, while Appetite was greater immediately after eating the LC meal than the HC meal, that difference is eliminated by four hours post-meal which is likely to be the time the next meal is consumed.
STANDARDS FOR THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: A POLICY PERSPECTIVE1

The public rhetoric about high and rigorous standards has gathered momen-tum steadily since 1989 when the governors blessed the concept as a major tool ofeducational reform in our nation. The success of the curriculum standards in math-ematics (NCTM, 1989) has encouraged policy-makers to support the developmentof standards in other curriculum areas. So active has been this movement withinthe federal policy community that as of July 1993 curriculum standards projectshad been funded in the arts, civics, English, geography, history, science, and, mostrecently, foreign language. Anyone who thought that the 1993 change in presiden-tial leadership might curb the standards frenzy must be disappointed; neither Presi-dent Clinton nor Secretary of Education Riley is any less enthusiastic about standardsthan their predecessors (Smith, 1993).In October 1993, the U.S. Department of Education announced the award of agrant to the Center for the Study of Reading, the International Reading Associa-tion, and the National Council of Teachers of English to develop standards for theteaching and learning of the English Language Arts. As one of the co-directors ofthat project, I have spent a great deal of time trying to understand the phenomenonof setting standards for the English language arts. In doing so, I have tried toanswer several questions for myself:1. What are standards?2. What does the current standards terrain look like?3. What sorts of standards could be set?4. What are the dangers in this whole process?
Perioperative Voice Recovery and the Vocal Folds: Perspectives From the Voice Care Team

Information regarding the significance of wound healing in laryngology is steadily increasing. Vocal fold tissue may be injured by phonotrauma (excessive impact from the opposing vocal fold), chemi...