cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of cardioselective KATP channel antagonism on basal, stimulated, and ischaemic myocardial function in in vivo failing canine heart

Inhibition of cardiomyocyte-specific ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels prolongs the action potential during intense ischaemia with attendant antiarrhythmic effects. However, this is accompanied by contractile depression in some models. These changes may be particularly troublesome in dilated cardiomyopathic hearts that display basal systolic dysfunction, limited energy reserve, and prolonged repolarization favouring arrhythmia. Mechanical effects of selective myocyte KATP channel blockade on basal, β-adrenergic stimulated, and ischemic responses were therefore tested in dogs with cardiac failure induced by tachypacing. Cardiovascular function was assessed by pressure – dimension relationships in 10 conscious, chronically instrumented dogs (sonomicrometry/micromanometry), with or without cardiac failure. Cardiomyocyte KATP channels were inhibited by HMR 1098, and data obtained under basal conditions, during epinephrine infusion to raise metabolic demand, during regional ischaemia, and with combined ischaemia+epinephrine. HMR 1098 had no effect on baseline cardiac function nor did it induce arrhythmia in normal or failing hearts. Epinephrine raised cardiac work 65% and oxygen consumption 55%, yet HMR 1098 had no functional effect in either heart condition. Regional ischaemia with or without epinephrine co-stimulation depressed regional and global function, yet both were also unaffected by HMR 1098. There was minimal arrhythmia without HMR 1098, and drug infusion did not alter this. Thus, myocyte-KATP channels play a negligible role modulating intact in vivo cardiac contraction or arrhythmia in normal and failing heart with and without increased metabolic demand and/or regional ischaemia. This supports the feasibility of administering such agents to depressed hearts, despite underlying contractile and electrophysiologic abnormalities. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 657–662; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704510
Calling for Participation: Authors, Reviewers and Encouragers

On July 1, 2007, I took the reins of the Journal for Specialists in Group Work from the capable hands of Don Ward, who has led the journal forward for the past six years. I am grateful for the work...
Arterial Smooth Muscle BK Channel Beta1 Subunits Determine Ethanol-Induced Cerebrovascular Constriction

Ethanol at concentrations obtained in circulation after binge drinking (≤50 mM) causes cerebrovascular constriction, which primarily results from ethanol-induced inhibition of arterial smooth muscle voltage- and calcium-gated potassium (BK) channels (Liu et al., 2004). Cerebrovascular myocyte BK channels are made of channel-forming α (encoded by KCNMA1) and smooth muscle-abundant β1 subunits (encoded by KCNMB1). After cloning α (“cbv1”, AY330293) and β1 (FJ154955) subunits from rat cerebral artery myocytes, we set to identify the molecular effector of ethanol-induced inhibition of channel activity and cerebrovascular constriction. Cbv1 and cbv1+β1 channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and channel steady-state activity (NPo) was recorded in inside-out (I/O) macropatches at a wide Ca2+i range (0.3-100 μM). Ethanol potentiated current at Ca2+i 30 μM. Beta1 subunits shifted the crossover for ethanol-induced macroscopic current potentiation to inhibition towards lower Ca2+i (≤3 μM). This shift was paralleled by a similar shift in NPo. To evaluate β1-modulation of ethanol action in native channels, we probed ethanol on BK channels in cerebral artery myocytes isolated from wt (C57BL/6) and KCNMB1 K/O mice. Recordings were performed in I/O patches, at Vm=-20, -40mV and Ca2+i=10 μM. In myocytes from wt mice (having BK made of α and β1 subunits) 50 mM ethanol significantly decreased NPo (-23.4±9%). In contrast, ethanol reversibly increased NPo in KCNMB1 K/O myocytes. Finally, we pressurized isolated mouse cerebral arteries and evaluated the impact of β1 subunit modulation of ethanol action on organ function. In vessels from wt animals ethanol caused a robust decrease in diameter (-14%). In contrast, KCNMB1 K/O vessels were resistant to this ethanol action. Our data indicate that BK β1 subunits are the functional targets mediating ethanol-induced cerebrovascular constriction. NIH Grant AA11560 (AMD).
A Broader Context for Land Use and Travel Behavior, and a Research Agenda

Problem: Planning studies of land use and travel behavior focus on regression analysis of travel as a function of traveler demographics and land use near study subjects’ residences. Methodological debates have tended to focus almost exclusively on the possibility that persons choose their residence based on how they wish to travel. This longer view steps back from the confines of the regression-based literature to explain the historical roots, methods, and results of the literature, and to assess how the land use–travel literature must be transformed to be more relevant to planning. Purpose: There are many summaries and meta-analyses of the impact of land use on travel. The goal here is not to understand how we might better specify a regression or summarize the results of past studies, but rather to explain how a literature that has become fundamental to planning scholarship is failing to be sufficiently planning focused. At the same time, this longer view describes how the literature can be transformed t...
Impact of policy change on US Army combat transfusion practices.

Abstract : Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to keep providers up-to-date with the most recent literature and to guide in decision making. Adherence is typically improved although many have a muted impact. In March 2006, the US Army issued a damage control resuscitation CPG, encouraging 1:1 plasma:red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and limiting crystalloid use. The objective of this study was to determine whether the CPG was associated with a change in the transfusion practices in combat- wounded patients. Methods: All US service members injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom who received massive transfusions (MTs; 10 RBC in 24 hours) were queried from the US Army Institute of Surgical Research transfusion database. Whole blood, when used, was counted as 1 unit of RBC, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet. Subjects were divided into pre- and post-CPG cohorts. Primary outcomes were ratios of FFP:RBC and crystalloid use.
Structural and functional study of the rat distal nephron: Effects of potassium adaptation and depletion

Structural and functional study of the rat distal nephron: Effects of potassium adaptation and depletion. To examine the relationship between tubular transport of potassium and cell structure in segments of the superficial distal nephron, we performed potassium transport and quantitative electron microscopic studies in rats after potassium adaptation and potassium depletion. In distal nephrons continuously microperfused in vivo, potassium adaptation stimulated potassium secretion by 200%. Microperfused distal convoluted tubules (earliest portion of accessible distal nephron) did not, however, secrete potassium in potassium-adapted animals, Morphometric analysis of the distal convoluted tubule also revealed no detectable effect of potassium diet on the structure of the distal cell type. In contrast, examination of the connecting tubule and the initial collecting tubule of the distal nephron demonstrated a striking increase in basolateral membrane in potassium-adapted animals. This change was limited to the connecting tubule cell and the principal cell type. No structural change of the intercalated cell type in either segment was associated with altered potassium transport. We conclude that cells of the distal convoluted tubule do not secrete potassium. Functional and morphologic evidence suggests that potassium is secreted by the connecting tubule cell and the principal cell of the connecting tubule and the initial collecting tubule, respectively. Etude structurale et fonctionnelle du nephron distal du rat: Effets de l'adaptation au potassium et de la depletion en potassium. Afin d'etudier la relation entre le transport tubulaire de potassium et la structure cellulaire dans des segments du nephron distal superficiel, le transport de potassium a ete etudie et la microscopie electronique quantitative realisee chez des rats apres adaptation au potassium et depletion en potassium. Dans les nephrons distaux microperfuses en continu in vivo, l'adaptation a potassium stimule la secretion de potassium par un facteur deux. Chez les animaux adaptes a potassium, cependant, les tubes contournes distaux microperfuses ne secretent pas de potassium. L'analyse morphometrique du tube contourne distal ne montre pas d'effet decelable du contenu en potassium de l'alimentation sur la structure des cellules tubulaires distales. Par contre l'etude du tube connecteur et de la partie initiale du tube collecteur montre une augmentation considerable des membranes baso-laterales chez les animaux adaptes a potassium. Cette modification est limitee aux cellules de type connecteur et de type principal. Aucune modification structurale des cellules intercalaires n'a ete observee dans ces deux segments au cours de modifications du transport de potassium. Nous concluons que les cellules du tube contourne distal ne secretent pas de potassium. Il existe des arguments fonctionnels et morphologiques en faveur d'une secretion de potassium par les cellules du tube connecteur et les cellules principales du tube collecteur initial.
Responding to student diversity amidst tested traditions and testing standards

Using the case of a secondary English department, this article demonstrates how historical barriers to effectively educating diverse students have been reinforced by the current educational climate of curriculum standardization and high stakes accountability. Data derive from in‐depth interviews of English teachers and analysis of curriculum‐related documents. The article argues that educational strategies for responding to diversity should be internally developed by schools and teachers. These internal strategies should be supported by educational policy reforms that move beyond standardization and high stakes assessment by providing teachers with greater autonomy to select curriculum and inviting substantive input from schools in determining how standards are met.
STUDIES ON CILIA : The Fixation of the Metachronal Wave

Upon excision into spring water, the lateral cilia of the gill of the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanatus (Solander) stop beating, but 0.04 M potassium ion can activate the gill so that these cilia again beat with metachronal rhythm. One per cent osmium tetroxide quickly pipetted onto a fully activated gill fixes the lateral cilia in a pattern that preserves the form and arrangement of the metachronal wave, and permits the cilia to be studied with the electron microscope in all stages of their beat cycle. Changes are seen in the fixed active preparation that are not present in the inactive control, i.e., in the packing of the cilia, the position of the axis of the ciliary cross-section, and the diameter of the ring of peripheral filaments. Analysis of these parameters may lead to new correlations between ciliary fine structure and function.
REMNANT TREES AND CANOPY LICHEN COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN OREGON: A RETROSPECTIVE APPROACH

The “New Forestry” practice of green-tree retention is becoming an important management tool for publicly owned lands, yet few data exist to demonstrate that this tool can succeed at enhancing biodiversity. We addressed this issue by using a retrospective approach to compare canopy lichen litter in adjacent, paired stands of rotation age (55–120 yr): one with and one without old-growth (>300 yr) remnant trees. We sampled three functional groups of lichens in 17 stands in western Oregon: alectorioid lichens, cyanolichens, and green-algal foliose lichens. Thirteen stands were low elevation (520–850 m) and four were mid-elevation (1220–1340 m). Biomass of cyanolichen and green-algal foliose lichen litter was greater in low-elevation sites, whereas alectorioid lichen litter biomass was greater in mid-elevation sites. Cyanolichens were absent from all mid-elevation sites. Biomass of alectorioid lichen and cyanolichen litter was greater in low-elevation sites with remnant trees than in those without remnant tre...
Hypercube implementation of the simplex algorithm

Large, sparse, linear systems of equations arise frequently when constructing mathematical models of natural phenomena. Most often, these linear systems are fully constrained and can be solved via direct or iterative techniques. However, one important problem class requires solutions to underconstrained linear systems that maximize some objective function. These linear optimization problems are natural formulations of many business plans and often contain hundreds of equations with thousands of variables. Historically, linear optimization problems have been solved via the simplex method. Despite the excellent performance of the simplex method, the size of the optimization problems and the frequency of their solution make linear optimization a computationally taxing endeavor. This paper examines the performance of parallel variants of the simplex algorithm on the Intel iPSC, a message-based parallel system. Linear optimization test data are drawn from commercial sources and represent realistic problems. Analysis shows that the speedup obtained is sensitive to both the structure of the underlying data and the data partitioning.
In Situ TEM of Two-Phase Lithiation of Amorphous Silicon Nanospheres

To utilize high-capacity Si anodes in next-generation Li-ion batteries, the physical and chemical transformations during the Li–Si reaction must be better understood. Here, in situ transmission electron microscopy is used to observe the lithiation/delithiation of amorphous Si nanospheres; amorphous Si is an important anode material that has been less studied than crystalline Si. Unexpectedly, the experiments reveal that the first lithiation occurs via a two-phase mechanism, which is contrary to previous understanding and has important consequences for mechanical stress evolution during lithiation. On the basis of kinetics measurements, this behavior is suggested to be due to the rate-limiting effect of Si–Si bond breaking. In addition, the results show that amorphous Si has more favorable kinetics and fracture behavior when reacting with Li than does crystalline Si, making it advantageous to use in battery electrodes. Amorphous spheres up to 870 nm in diameter do not fracture upon lithiation; this is much...
The incremental benefits of changes in the timeliness of information

Abstract The managers of all purposeful organizations rely on historical information as an aid to decision making. Information enables managers to formulate expectations about the future. Less timely information is generally inferior because the manager's expectations will contain greater error; and the operating results obtained may therefore be less satisfactory. The timeliness of information often can be improved by incurring incremental systems costs. However, the degree to which such improvements will produce benefits is uncertain. This research uses modeling to explore the relationship between information timeliness and the benefits derived by implementing optimal decisions based upon the information. The most significant finding is that the shape of this relationship is dependent upon the scope of the action set available to the decision maker. If a continuous range of options is available (such as a pricing decision), then the relationship is linear. If only a few discrete options are present (as in linear programming) the relationship is more complex but describable. The decision maker is therefore found to be in a position to offer guidance to the systems designer which will facilitate enhancement of the benefit/cost characteristics of the organization's information resource.
Size functions of subgeometry-closed classes of representable combinatorial geometries

Abstract Let exq(G;n) be the maximum number of points in a rank-n geometry (simple matroid) that is representable over GF(q) and that has no restriction isomorphic to the geometry G. We find exq(G;n) for several infinite families of geometries G, and we show that if G is a binary affine geometry, then lim n→∞ ex 2 (G;n) 2 n −1 =0.
Equine arteritis virus: ferritin-tagging and determination of ribonucleic acid core.

Equine arteritis virus (EAV), Bucyrus strain, has been identified in infected cultures of equine dermis cells by both direct and indirect ferritin-tagging. Furthermore, differential cytological staining in both glycolmethacrylate and Epon embedded thin sections shows that EAV has a ribonucleic acid (RNA) core.
Organoboron compounds—XVIII Alkylbromoboranes and relative disproportionation tendencies of alkylhaloboranes

Abstract The disproportionation tendencies of alkylbromoboranes are significantly different from those of the corresponding alkylchloro and alkylfluoro compounds. Alkyldibromoboranes undergo slow thermal disproportionation to boron bromide and trialkylboranes on fractional distillation while alkyldichloro- and difluoroboranes are completely resistant to disproportionation under the same conditions. Dialkylbromoboranes are completely resistant to thermal disproportionation of dialkylfluoroboranes. That these differences in disproportionation tendencies are the result of thermodynamic rather than kinetic factors has been shown by equilibration experiments. Primary aklyldibromoboranes, dialkylbromoboranes or mixtures thereof are conveniently prepared in high yields by the reaction of appropriate stoichiometric amounts of boron bromide with primary trialkylboranes at 140° or above. Triisopropylborane, even in the presence of diborane, does not react with boron bromide until extensive isomerization of isopropyl to n-propyl groups has occurred. Tri-s-butylborane reacts with only partial isomerization to give appreciable yields of pure di-s-butylbormoborane.
DNA Damage-inducible Replication of the Escherichia coli Chromosome is Initiated at Separable Sites within the Minimal oriC

When Escherichia coli cells are subjected to genetic stress by exposure to agents or conditions that transiently block DNA replication, the mode of DNA replication is profoundly altered. One of the alterations is the induction of inducible stable DNA replication (iSDR) that does not require the initiator protein, DnaA, and occurs despite the presence of rifampin and chloramphenicol, which inhibit the initiation of usual chromosome replication at oriC. It has been demonstrated that iSDR starts primarily from both the oriC and terC regions of the chromosome. To precisely map the iSDR origin (oriM1) located in the oriC region, various oriC fragments were inserted into a plasmid vector derived from pSC101, and the copy number of these plasmid constructs was measured in the presence of rifampin and chloramphenicol after cells were induced for the SOS response by thymine starvation. The results indicated that there are at least two origins for iSDR, within the minimal oriC; one (oriM1A) is located between the BamHI (coordinate +1) and the AvaII(155) sites, and the other (oriM1B) between the AvaII(155) and the Hind III(244) sites. Furthermore, a 263 bp fragment containing oriM1 , which was placed at the attλ site of the chromosome, was found to initiate chromosome replication in the presence of the drugs when cells were starved of thymine. Introduction of additional copies of oriM1 into a cell stimulated initiation of iSDR at oriM1 on the chromosome. The result supported the model that iSDR starts from D-loops created between oriM1 sequences and that the amount of D-loops determines the level of the iSDR activity.
Management of symptomatic intrathecal catheter-associated inflammatory masses

Abstract Objective Intrathecal catheter-associated inflammatory masses (CIMs) are a serious complication of implanted drug pumps. The goal of this study was to review our experience with CIMs, including the pathology of all resected CIMs, and identify objective data which may guide management. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 13 patients who developed symptomatic CIMs during continuous intrathecal opioid therapy for chronic pain. Eight patients presented with pain plus neurologic deficit and 5 patients presented with pain alone. Results CIM resection via laminectomy and intradural exploration was ultimately performed in 8 patients, 3 of whom were initially treated with a non-resective surgical approach (catheter repositioning or pump removal) that failed. All 3 patients who experienced a failure with non-resective surgery had CIMs located in the thoracic spine with a maximum diameter ≥ 13 mm and 2 of these patients had neurologic deficits on presentation. Conclusions Our experience, with the largest reported single-surgeon series of patients harboring CIMs, favors early resection, especially in patients with neurologic deficit. Resection may also be a prudent first-line strategy for patients with larger thoracic masses (≥13 mm) regardless of neurologic status. Neurologic deficits engendered by CIM usually improve after resection and the majority of patients in our series would have still elected to have an intrathecal pump for pain control knowing a CIM would have developed.
An implementation of a moving finite element method

Abstract The moving finite element method, an adaptive gridding procedure for systems of partial differential equations whose solutions contain steep gradients, has been implemented in a very straightforward way. Accurate results can be obtained using fewer nodes than that required by fixed mesh solution methods. Performance of the method, using some minor changes to a standard ordinary differential equation algorithm, is illustrated with solutions to Burger's equation.
Fermion confinement by a relativistic flux tube.

We formulate the description of the dynamic confinement of a single fermion by a flux tube. The range of applicability of this model extends from the relativistic corrections of a slowly moving quark to the ultrarelativistic motion in a heavy-light meson. The reduced Salpeter equation, also known as the no-pair equation, provides the framework for our discussion. The Regge structure is that of a Nambu string with one end fixed. Numerical solutions are found giving very good fits to heavy-light meson masses. An Isgur-Wise function with a zero recoil slope of ${\ensuremath{\xi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$(1)\ensuremath{\simeq}-1.26 is obtained. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Go local: morality and international activism

A step towards constructing an ethics of international activism is proposed by formulating a series of constraints on what would constitute morally permissible agency in the context that involves delivering services abroad, directly or indirectly. Perhaps surprisingly, in this effort the author makes use of the concept of ‘force multiplier’. This idea and its official applications have explanatory importance in considering the correlation between the post-Cold War phenomenal growth in the number of international non-governmental organizations and the emergence of the US as the sole, unchallenged superpower. Four moral constraints useful for morally assessing international activism are formulated and defended. The final outcome is an argument in favor of an overarching duty for any activist-minded Westerner to go local, while developing nations are urged to closely regulate, even criminalize, activities by international activists and ‘human rights organizations’ on their territory when not in solidarity or in support of local movements. The position defended, urging the normative primacy of local over international activism, also finds support in Immanuel Kant’s Third Definitive Article for A Perpetual Peace. Keywords: aid industry; aggression; altruism; force multipliers; international law; human rights discourses; moral phenomenology; criminalization of international activism (Published: 1 March 2013) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 6 , No. 1, 2013, pp. 39-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/egp.v6i1.20017
Maternal Depression, Maternal Expressed Emotion, and Youth Psychopathology

Across development, maternal depression has been found to be a risk factor for youth psychopathology generally and youth depression specifically. Maternal Expressed Emotion (EE) has been examined as a predictor of outcome among youth with depression. The present study explored the associations between youth psychopathology and two predictors–maternal depression within the child’s lifetime and maternal EE–in a study of children at risk for depression. One hundred and seventy-one youth, ages 8–12, and their mothers participated. To assess maternal and youth psychopathology, dyads were administered structured diagnostic assessments, and mothers and children completed self-report measures of their own depressive symptoms. In addition, mothers completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist–Parent Report Version (CBCL) for their children. Maternal EE was assessed based on the Five Minute Speech Sample. History of maternal depression was associated with high maternal EE, and the combination of maternal depression history and maternal EE was associated with children’s own reports of higher depressive symptoms. Current maternal depressive symptoms were associated with mothers’ reports of children’s Internalizing scores on the CBCL, and maternal depression history, current maternal depressive symptoms, and maternal EE were strongly associated with mothers’ reports of children’s Externalizing and Total Problem scores on the CBCL. History of maternal depression and a rating of high or borderline Critical EE (characterized by maternal critical comments and/or reports of a negative relationship) were independently associated with children’s depression diagnoses.
An In-Depth Analysis of Automatic Teller Machine Usage by Older Adults

The present study investigated the usage of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) by older adults. We conducted 100 telephone interviews of older adults wherein we queried subjects about their frequency of ATM usage. From this pool of individuals we chose eight frequent users and eight intermediate users to participate in an in-depth structured interview. The phone and structured interviews provided detailed information about usage patterns and general ATM knowledge of older adults. The interviewing technique provided insight into the concerns of older adults and the problems they encounter when using ATM technology. The results of this study provide information relevant to design and training for ATMs. Although the data are derived from a sample of older adults, any improvements of design, safety, or training will be beneficial to the population of users as a whole.
Bacterial Symbiotes, Their Presence in Head Lice, and Potential Treatment Avenues:

Background:Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) belongs to the order Anoplura, which are blood-feeding ectoparasites that live on human hair. Within these insects reside symbiotic bacteria that enable the insect to flourish on dietary sources of limited nutritional value. These symbiotic bacteria are essential to the survival of the insect.Objective:To assess the feasibility of treating head lice by altering their symbiotic bacteria.Methods:In addition to a literature review of the expanded role of symbiotic bacteria in other organisms, the anatomic localization of their presence in human head lice and molecular characterization of the head louse symbiont were analyzed.Results:Anatomically, the bacterial symbiotes are localized to the midgut mycetome in males and the ovaries in females. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid phylogenetic analysis was presented. Features of this bacterial symbiote may make this symbiont accessible as a target for pediculocidal and ovicidal therapy by altering its habitat and ...
On the Howe correspondence for symplectic–orthogonal dual pairs

We reformulate some of Moeglin's results on the correspondence for the dual pairs (Sp(2n,R), O(p,q)) with p and q even, and fill in the cases where p and q are both odd. We arrive at a complete and detailed description, in terms of Langlands parameters, of the dual pair correspondence for the cases p+q=2n and p+q=2n+2. In addition, we point out and suggest a way to correct an error in Moeglin's paper.
Verbs, events and spatial representations.

Abstract Are concepts expressed in language also represented spatially? To pursue this question we investigated the structure of events. Events are defined as actions with spatial trajectories that can be perceived by our senses and described in language. Events are expressed linguistically in sentences containing verbs which determine the thematic roles of the arguments (e.g., who is doing what to whom, where). Because of previous observations we focused on whether events are represented spatially by location of thematic roles and direction of actions. Location and direction were dissociated by contrasting different kinds of verbs: push vs pull in which actions move toward or away from the agent. To control for spatial effects produced by the surface structure of a left to right written language, we kept the structure of sentences constant and sought for spatial biases produced by differences in the meaning of these sentences. From three experiments using drawing and sentence-picture matching reaction time tasks, we found that normal subjects located agents to the left of patients and represented actions with a left to right directionality. These results are not easily explained by features of the surface structure of language or properties of propositional representations. We suggest that events have spatial representations in addition to their propositional counterparts of verbs and thematic roles. The specific spatial properties observed may relate to functional properties of the left hemisphere.
Experiments by Dattman and Israel on the Attainment of Concepts

(1952). Experiments by Dattman and Israel on the Attainment of Concepts. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 115-136.
Collateral circulation through dilated spinal cord arteries in aortic coarctation and extraspinal arteriovenous shunts. An arteriographic study

Increased flow through dilated spinal cord arteries may occur in aortic coarctation and in paraspinal arterio-venous shunts. Cord compression by these dilated intraspinal vessels can produce a progressive myelopathy. The arteriographic appearance of this collateral pathway is demonstrated in a series of patients with coarctation and extraspinal arteriovenous shunts.
Suffering and sanctification: The religious context of Battered Women's Syndrome

Women who are physically and mentally abused by their partners have been described as suffering from Battered Women's Syndrome. An element of Battered Women's Syndrome is repeatedly returning to the abusive relationship, putting oneself at risk for further harm. Clinical case studies suggest that women who are strongly religious may believe it their duty to remain in abusive relationships to honor their marriage vows or to demonstrate their faith. This paper explores the basis of those beliefs and advocates a counseling perspective that frees abuse sufferers from a sense of obligation to their victimizers.
Binary oscillations in the Kok model of oxygen evolution in oxygenic photosynthesis.

The flash-induced kinetics of various characteristics of Photosystem II (PS II) in the thylakoids of oxygenic plants are modulated by a period of two, due to the function of a two-electron gate in the electron acceptor side, and by a period of four, due to the changes in the state of the oxygen-evolving complex. In the absence of inhibitors of PS II, the assignment of measured signal to the oxygen-evolving complex or to quinone acceptor side has frequently been done on the basis of the periodicity of its flash-induced oscillations, i.e. four or two. However, in some circumstances, the period four oscillatory processes of the donor side of PS II can generate period two oscillations. It is shown here that in the Kok model of oxygen evolution (equal misses and equal double hits), the sum of the concentrations of the S 0 and S 2 states (as well as the sum of concentrations of S 1 and S 3 states) oscillates with period of two: S 0+S 2→S 1+S 3→S 0+S 2→S 1+S 3. Moreover, in the generalized Kok model (with specific miss factors and double hits for each S-state) there always exist such e0, e1, e2, e3 that the sum e0[S0] + e1[S1] + e2[S2] + e3[S3] oscillates with period of two as a function of flash number. Any other coefficients which are linearly connected with these coefficients, % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0dh9WrFfpC0xh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf% ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr% 0-vqpWqaaeaabiGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiqbew7aLzaaja% aaaa!3917!\[\hat \varepsilon \]i = c1ei + c2, also generate binary oscillations of this sum. Therefore, the decomposition of the flash-induced oscillations of some measured parameters into binary oscillations, depending only on the acceptor side of PS II, and quaternary oscillations, depending only on the donor side of PS II, becomes practically impossible when measured with techniques (such as fluorescence of chlorophyll a, delayed fluorescence, electrochromic shift, transmembrane electrical potential, changes of pH and others) that could not spectrally distinguish the donor and acceptor sides. This property of the Kok cycle puts limits on the simultaneous analysis of the donor and acceptor sides of the RC of PS II in vivo and suggests that binary oscillations are no longer a certain indicator of the origin of a signal in the acceptor side of PS II.
Markedly decreased binding of vincristine to tubulin in vinca alkaloid-resistant Chinese hamster cells is associated with selective overexpression of alpha and beta tubulin isoforms.

Vinca alkaloids are among a number of cytotoxic agents which target tumor cell microtubules. Studies described herein document the basis for one form of acquired resistance to these plant alkaloids involving an alteration of tubulin in a variant (DC-3F/VCRd-5L) of DC-3F Chinese hamster cells. Our results revealed a markedly decreased binding of [(3)H]vincristine (VCR) to tubulin extracted from this variant compared to tubulin extracted from wild-type DC-3F cells. This was quantitated as a 10- to 15-fold decrease in on-rate in the presence of GTP for the [(3)H]VCR associating with tubulin in cell-free cytosol and a 10-fold increase in off-rate for GTP-dependent dissociation of the [(3)H]VCR-tubulin complex. Quantitative RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing of poly(A)(+) RNA also carried out with variant and wild-type DC-3F cells documented a different pattern of relative expression, but no base pair differences in the open reading frame of the three alpha and beta tubulin isoforms detected in each cell type. This was accounted for by selective overexpression of one alpha tubulin (alphaII) and two beta tubulin (betaI and betaIV) isoforms in the variant cells. These results would appear to provide an underlying basis for the large decrease in [(3)H]VCR binding by tubulin in these variant Chinese hamster cells and a major component of their acquired resistance to this vinca alkaloid.
Sensitivity analysis of a no-crossflow model for the transient flowmeter test

Logarithmic sensitivities and plausible relative errors are studied in a simple no-crossflow model of a transient flowmeter test (TFMT). This model is identical to the model of a constant-rate pumping test conducted on a fully penetrating well with wellbore storage, surrounded by a thick skin zone, and situated in a homogeneous confined aquifer. The sensitivities of wellbore drawdown and wellface flowrate to aquifer and skin parameters are independent of the pumping rate. However, the plausible relative errors in the aquifer and skin parameters estimated from drawdown and wellface flowrate data can be proportionally decreased by increasing the pumping rate. The plausible relative errors vary by many orders of magnitude from the beginning of the TFMT. The practically important flowrate and drawdown measurements in this test, for which the plausible relative errors vary by less than one order of magnitude from the minimum plausible relative errors, can begin approximately when the dimensionless wellface flowrate exceeds q D =q/Q≈0.4. During most of this stage of the test, the plausible relative errors in aquifer hydraulic conductivity (K a ) are generally an order of magnitude smaller than those in aquifer specific storativity. The plausible relative errors in the skin hydraulic conductivity (K s ) are generally larger than the plausible relative errors in the aquifer specific storativity when the thick skin is normal (K s >K a ) and smaller when the thick skin is damaged (K s <K a ). The specific storativity of the skin zone would be so biased that one should not even attempt to estimate it from the TFMT.
John Friedmann, China's Urban Transition (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2005).

As a distinguished scholar, John Friedmann has long enjoyed an international reputation for his contributions to both the theory and practice of the planning profession. Not one to rest on his laur...
Phase-preserving parametric wavelength conversion to SWIR band in highly nonlinear dispersion stabilized fiber

The first successful translation of a phase modulated optical signal over 80 THz, from the near infrared to the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band is demonstrated. A signal, phase-modulated at 10 Gbps, was received in an error-free manner in the SWIR(1.7–2.2 μm) band. A new class of highly nonlinear fiber with reduced dispersion fluctuation was utilized as the platform for this phase-preserving distant parametric conversion.
Hot‐surface ignition temperatures of dust layers

Minimum dust layer ignition temperatures on a hot surface were determined for several dusts, using a test procedure recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. The dusts included coal, three oil shales, lycopodium spores, corn starch, grain and brass powder. For a few of the dusts the effects of particle size and layer thickness on the minimum ignition temperatures were examined. Test results were repeatable and reliable for the fuels, the lycopodium and the brass powder. The minimum hot-surface ignition temperatures of 12.7-mm thick layers of these dusts ranged from 160°C for brass to 290°C for 20-gal ton−1 oil shale. Flaming combustion was observed only with the brass powder. The minimum ignition temperatures decreased with thicker layers and with smaller particle sizes. Some difficulties were encountered with the corn starch and grain dusts. During heating, the starch charred and expanded; the grain dust swelled and distorted. The test was found acceptable for the purpose of determining the minimum layer ignition temperature of a variety of dusts. To prevent fire hazards due to smoldering or flaming dust layers the temperatures of surfaces on which combustible dusts accumulate should be lower than the minimum hot-surface ignition temperatures of the dusts.
Adrenal cortical activity in depression.

Summary We have presented a pilot study of ten depressed patients as well as preliminary data from another study which suggests alternations in the diurnal pattern of steroid excretion in depression. We found evidence that the patient's own rating of his affect may be an accurate predictor of increased adrenal cortical activity. Limitations of the rating instruments are apparent, and it is suggested that further studies be conducted to investigate correlations of the patient's rating of his depression with that of an observer and with adrenocortical activity.
Periluminal antigen in fetal kidneys.

Extract: Eighty-nine kidneys obtained from human fetuses, 6–31 weeks of gestational age, were studied for the presence of apical periluminal antigen. Sera of rats in which nephrotic renal disease had been produced and which were known to contain considerable amounts of periluminal antibodies were used. Of the less than 12-week-old fetal kidneys, 24% showed the presence of periluminal antigen and this value increased (up to 100%) in older fetuses. Speculation: It is believed that this observation favors the concept that this antigen is synthesized in proximal tubular cells rather than reabsorbed into them. This supports the concept that the experimental model is an endogenous complex disease. In accordance with these results, the disease incidence, using human fetal kidneys and kidneys obtained from newborn rats, was 60% and 62%, respectively.
Computer-Aided Reduction of Zygomatic Fractures

Reconstruction of the craniofacial skeleton after traumatic injury relies on immediate adjacent nondisplaced bone for restoration of contour. In complex fractures, neighboring bone may be lost or significantly fragmented, leaving little guidance to the 3-dimensional skeletal architecture. Recently, image guidance systems have been used in neurosurgery and sinus and spine surgery for intraoperative corroboration using preoperative radiologic images. We report the intraoperative use of an image guidance system for real-time localization of displaced facial skeletal segments during reduction and internal fixation.
A new species of Oxyascaris (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) in the Costa Rica brook frog, Duellmanohyla uranochroa (Anura, Hylidae)

Oxyascaris mcdiarmidi sp. nov. (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) from the small intestine of Duellmanohyla uranochroa from Costa Rica is described. Oxyascaris mcdiarmidi sp. nov. represents the 4th species assigned to the genus and is distinguished from congeners by the distribution pattern of the caudal papillae of the male, spicule length and vulvar position.
Attention enhances synaptic efficacy and the signal-to-noise ratio in neural circuits

In monkeys performing a visual spatial attention task, stimulation of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus and recording of shock-evoked responses from monosynaptically connected primary-visual-cortex neurons shows that attention enhances neuronal communication by increasing the efficacy of presynaptic input, increasing synchronous responses, and by decreasing redundant signals.
Acute alveolar abscess and mumps in an undetected diabetic.

Abstract A case history has been described in which a patient with a triad of diseases presented a difficult problem in diagnosis and management. Superimposed on a basic metabolic disease were separate virus and bacterial infections. Correlation of signs, symptoms, history, and laboratory findings established a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, mumps, and alveolar abscess. Cooperative medical and dental treatment restored a gravely ill patient to health.
Toxicity of Several Insecticide Formulations Against Adult German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Toxicity of bendiocarb, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, hydramethylnon, malathion, propetamphos, propoxur, and pyrethrins against the adult German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), was investigated. At LD50, cyfluthrin was the most toxic insecticide to adult males (0.53 microgram/g), adult females (1.2 micrograms/g), and gravid females (0.85 microgram/g). Malathion was the least toxic insecticide to adult males (464.83 micrograms/g), adult females (335.83 micrograms/g), and gravid females (275.90 micrograms/g). Males and gravid females were generally more sensitive than nongravid females to the insecticides that we tested. In tests with malathion, however, males were more tolerant. The order of toxicity of the insecticide classes varied among the stages of adult German cockroaches. The order of toxicity for males and nongravid females was pyrethroids greater than pyrethrins = organophosphates (except malathion) greater than carbamates = amidinohydrazone. The order of toxicity for gravid females was pyrethroids greater than pyrethrins = organophosphates (except malathion) greater than carbamates greater than amidinohydrazone. These differences in toxicity suggest that sex differences should be considered when determining insecticide toxicity for German cockroaches.
Excitability blockade of the squid giant axon by the venom of Latrodectus mactans (black widow spider).

Abstract External and internal application of Latrodectus mactans venom (1 × 10 −6 g / ml ) to the squid giant axon resulted in complete but reversible loss of excitability. Venom application resulted in a marked shortening of action potential duration with consequent reduction in amplitude and eventual failure. Sodium and potassium conductances were not significantly affected but their kinetics were markedly altered. The onset of the inward sodium current and its inactivation were accelerated, resulting in a reduction of the inward-going current phase duration. The onset of the outward potassium current was markedly accelerated and its amplitude slightly increased. These kinetic changes result in the reduction to a critical level of inward current flow resulting in the loss of excitability.
Strategies Aimed at Nox4 Oxidase Inhibition Employing Peptides from Nox4 B-Loop and C-Terminus and p22phox N-Terminus: An Elusive Target

Although NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is the most abundant Nox isoform in systemic vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, its function in the vascular tissue is not entirely known. The literature describes a pathophysiological role for Nox4 in cardiovascular disease; however, some studies have reported that it has a protective role. To date, specific Nox4 inhibitors are not available; hence, the development of a pharmacologic tool to assess Nox4's pathophysiological role garners intense interest. In this study, we selected peptides corresponding to regions in the Nox4 oxidase complex critical to holoenzyme activity and postulated their utility as specific competitive inhibitors. Previous studies in our laboratory yielded selective inhibition of Nox2 using this strategy. We postulated that peptides mimicking the Nox4 B-loop and C-terminus and regions on p22phox inhibit Nox4 activity. To test our hypothesis, the inhibitory activity of Nox4 B-loop and C-terminal peptides as well as N-terminal p22phox peptides was assessed in a reconstituted Nox4 system. Our findings demonstrate that Nox4 inhibition is not achieved by preincubation with this comprehensive array of peptides derived from previously identified active regions. These findings suggest that Nox4 exists in a tightly assembled and active conformation which, unlike other Noxes, cannot be disrupted by conventional means.
Modeling results for mass production layering in a fluidized bed

Abstract A fluidized bed has been proposed as a layering device for the mass production of inertial fusion energy fuel pellets. During this layering process, the frozen deuterium or deuterium–tritium mixture filled into a hollow capsule (about 2–4 mm in diameter) is redistributed leading to a fuel layer of uniform thickness on the inside of the fuel capsule. Several physical processes have been identified to interact with each other to influence the outcome of the layering process in a fluidized bed, which needs to fulfill symmetry requirements of the fuel layer thickness, smoothness and surface damage requirements of the outside target surface and must be able to produce a large number of targets (500 000 per day). This work describes the development and use of numerical tools to conduct a trade-off study focusing on the influence of different flow conditions of the fluidizing gas on the total layering time, final layer uniformity and outer surface damage.
Pathology teach and tell: malignant rhabdoid tumor of kidney.

A 13-month-old African-American girl presented with a history of constipation and increased abdominal distention for 1 week. Her mother gave her some castor oil and an enema that resulted in one wa...