cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effects of electrical stimulation on neuropathic symptoms in diabetes patients

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is utilized for relieving pain in the diabetes peripheral neuropathy. Previous studies were short-term and did not document sustained beneficial effects. In this study, the authors evaluated long-term effectiveness of electrotherapy administered by proprietary equipment, an H-wave machine. A detailed questionnaire concerning patients' symptoms prior to and following electrotherapy was mailed to the users of H-wave machine. The responses of 34 individuals who had diabetes mellitus were analyzed (age 74.1 ± 1.6 SEM years, body mass index 28.5 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 , duration of diabetes 15.8 ± 2.0 years and duration of neuropathic symptoms 8.0 ± 1.8 years). Telephone interviews were conducted with 20 additional diabetes patients selected randomly from the persons who did not return the questionnaire. Forty-one (76%) patients reported a 44.0 ± 4.0% subjective improvement in their neuropathic pain. The overall improvement in pain was also significant on an analog scale of 10 ( p r 2 = .65). These data suggest an effectiveness of electrotherapy in managing neuropathic pain as an adjunct to the analgesics. It appears to provide continued benefit as the responders have used this nonpharmacological treatment modality for an average period of 1.7 ± 0.3 years.
Carcinoma of kidney. Benign-appearing calcified cyst.

Abstract A case of a calcified, simple cyst of the kidney with an unusual lining epithelium is presented. A possible etiologic basis is suggested.
Use of cluster analysis with monoclonal antibodies for taxonomic differentiation of phytopathogenic fungi and for screening and clustering antibodies

Cluster analysis of ELISA (A405) values resulting from tests using all possible combinations of 43 monoclonal antibodies (raised againstPhytophthora megasperma f.sp.glycinea) and 14 phytopathogenic fungi separated these fungi into taxonomically appropriate clusters. Two distance measurements (Pearson's correlation coefficient and normalized Euclidean distance) and five linkage methods (single, complete, median, centroid, and average) were evaluated. The combination of Pearson's correlation coefficient and complete linkage produced the most “natural” clusters. A modification of the data matrix allowed clustering of the monoclonal antibodies by specificity. Numerically coded ELISA values clustered identically with the orginal data. The taxonomic and evolutionary implications of using monoclonal antibodies specific to carbohydrates are discussed.
Enhanced migration of glucose from water into chloroform in presence of phospholipids.

Abstract The necessity for the exclusion of water in the preparation of previously reported sugar-phospholipid complexes in highly nonpolar vehicles was found not to apply when chloroform was used as the organic solvent. The apparent chloroform/water partition coefficient of glucose was markedly raised by addition to the chloroform of any of the major fractions of the phospholipids extracted from human erythrocyte stromata, but not by the neutral lipids. This induced migration of the sugar was not accompanied by comparable entrapment of water in the organic phase; sugar levels in the chloroform could attain more than 200 times the control figure, resulting even in higher glucose/water molecular ratios than in the aqueous phase. Characteristic quantitative differences among the major classes of phospholipids in respect to this sugar interaction were apparent. The extent of the sugar solubilization from a given aqueous solution by a given phospholipid preparation was directly proportional to the concentration of lipid throughout the range tested (up to nearly 10 mm); however, no evidence of approaching saturation was seen even at glucose levels exceeding 1.5 M.
Real time monitoring of the effects of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan (HSPG) and surface charge on the cell adhesion process using thickness shear mode (TSM) sensor

The effects of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan (HSPG) and surface charge on the cellular interactions of the cell membrane with different substrates to determine the kinetics of cell adhesion was studied using thickness shear mode (TSM) sensor. The TSM sensor was operated at its first, third, fifth and seventh harmonics. Since the penetration depth of the shear wave decreases with increases in frequency, the multi-resonance operation of the TSM sensor was used to monitor the changes in the kinetics of the cell-substrate interaction at different distances from the sensor surface. During the sedimentation and the initial attachment of the cells on the sensor surface, the changes in the sensor resonant frequency and the magnitude response were monitored. First, HSPGs were partially digested with the enzyme Heparinase III to evaluate the effect of HSPG on the cell adhesion process. The results indicated that HSPG did not have any effect on the kinetics of the initial attachment, but it did reduce the strength of steady-state cell adhesion. Next, we investigated the effect of the electrostatic interactions of the cell membrane with the substrate on the cell adhesion. In this case, the sensor surface was coated with positively charged Poly-D-Lysine (PDL). It was observed that electrostatic interaction of the negatively charged cell membrane with the PDL surface promoted the initial cell adhesion but did not support long-term cell adhesion. The multi-resonant TSM technique was shown to be a very promising method for monitoring specific interfacial effects involving in cell adhesion process in real-time.
Mechanical loading, cartilage degradation, and arthritis

Joint tissues are exquisitely sensitive to their mechanical environment, and mechanical loading may be the most important external factor regulating the development and long-term maintenance of joint tissues. Moderate mechanical loading maintains the integrity of articular cartilage; however, both disuse and overuse can result in cartilage degradation. The irreversible destruction of cartilage is the hallmark of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In these instances of cartilage breakdown, inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases (ADAMTSs), enzymes that can degrade components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. In order to prevent cartilage destruction, tremendous effort has been expended to design inhibitors of MMP/ADAMTS activity and/or synthesis. To date, however, no effective clinical inhibitors exist. Accumulating evidence suggests that physiologic joint loading helps maintain cartilage integrity; however, the mechanisms by which these mechanical stimuli regulate joint homeostasis are still being elucidated. Identifying mechanosensitive chondroprotective pathways may reveal novel targets or therapeutic strategies in preventing cartilage destruction in joint disease.
Need to prevent and control high-normal and high blood pressure, particularly so-called "mild" hypertension: epidemiological and clinical data.

The need to prevent and control high blood pressure (HBP), including so-called "mild" hypertension [diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90-104 mm Hg in adults age 30+] stems from the extensive data on the increased risks due to these common blood pressure (BP) levels, including risk of catastrophic cardiovascular events (coronary, cerebrovascular, etc.), both nonfatal and fatal. Prospective population data from the national cooperative Pooling Project and the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry illustrate the extensively documented facts. They also show that only a small minority of middle-aged and older Americans have optimal low-normal BP levels, i.e., DBP less than 80 mm Hg (SBP less than 120). Thus, the problem of BP above optimal level for health over a long life span is a population-wide problem. The data also show that the great majority of excess catastrophic events attributable to elevated BP occur among people with DBP 90-104 and 80-89 mm Hg, levels very common in the population. Most people with such BP levels also have one or more other major risk factors (e.g., hypercholesterolemia, cigarette use, ECG abnormalities) and thus are at markedly increased risk, both relative and absolute. In addition to these excess risks for major illness, disability, and death, people with BP above optimal levels are more highly prone to other events, clinical and subclinical, that have adverse effects on long-term prognosis, including development of target organ damage and severe hypertension. These data lead to the following inferences about medical care and public health strategy: (a) A key task is, by safe nutritional-hygienic means, to shift the entire population distribution of BP downward, for both primary and secondary prevention of HBP. Such means include prevention and control of obesity, high sodium and alcohol intake, and sedentary habit, from early childhood on. (b) People with DBP 80-89 mm Hg need to be identified promptly, with institution of nutritional-hygienic measures to prevent development of frank hypertension and to correct other risk factors. (c) People with DBP 90-104 and higher need to be identified promptly, with institution of measures to normalize BP and control other major risk factors, by nutritional-hygienic means alone whenever possible or in combination with drug treatment for HBP when necessary to prevent organ system damage, serious illness, disability, and premature death.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A branch exposure chamber for fumigating ponderosa pine to atmospheric pollution

The investigation of the effects of atmospheric pollution on metabolism and growth of woody species has long been hampered by the very difficult task of exposing mature individuals to controlled environments of air pollutants. This paper describes the design, construction, and testing of an alternative tool to whole-tree enclosures for measuring pollution response in mature woody tissue. The chamber is a new design, though not a new concept, and is referred to as a branch exposure chamber. Designed primarily for ozone and acid precipitation exposures (and used additionally for CO₂ measurements), the branch exposure chamber incorporates four major parts: support structure, fan-air supply unit, charcoal filter unit, and exposure chamber. The exposure chamber is a 1.5-m long by 0.7-m diam. cylinder. The chamber is constructed of Teflon sheeting stretched over an aluminum frame; the aluminum frame is totally wrapped with nonreactive, aluminum-backed Teflon tape. Three zones in the chamber affect exposure of the experimental tissue: an initial buffer region for mixing, a main exposure region, and an exhaust frustrum. Aerodynamic testing of the chamber-mixing characteristics show that mixing is uniform and complete within the main exposure region. Thermal buildup within the chamber was a maximum of 3 °C under a wide range of ambient meteorological conditions. Based on current field trials of the chamber, material deterioration due to environmental variables (e.g., ultraviolet radiation, heat oxidants), is not expected to affect operation of the chamber for 24 mo. The BEC is inexpensive to build and operate, and represents a viable alternative to a whole-tree chamber.
Reactions between Tunichrome Mm-1, a Tunicate Blood Pigment, and Vanadium Ions in Acidic and Neutral Media†

Tunichromes are yellow, polyphenolic tripeptides prevalent in blood cells of tunicates (suborders phlebobranchia and stolidobranchia). Spectrophotometric studies of reactions between tunichrome Mm-1 and VV or VIV ions were conducted in vitro in various media to crudely approximate cellular conditions: deionized water, aqueous methanol, and aqueous buffers at pH 2 and 7. Catechol was used in parallel studies for comparison to tunichrome and was found to be a good model for tunichrome reactivity. For VIV in pH 7 buffer, both catechol and Mm-1 formed complexes with VIV ions, and no redox products were found. For VV in pH 2 buffer, both catechol and Mm-1 were oxidized by VV ions. Room temperature EPR qualitatively showed that Mm-1 in pH 2 buffer reduced VV ions to free VIV ions. For VV in pH 7 buffer, Mm-1 was oxidized by VV ions and formed VIV complexes. At higher concentrations, the VIV complexes were observed by low temperature EPR [Grant, K. B. (1994) Dissertation, Columbia University; Grant, K. B., et a...
ATTITUDES TOWARD APPROPRIATE CLOTHING IN PERCEPTION OF OCCUPATIONAL ATTRIBUTES

The objectives of the study were to (a) investigate college students' perceived importance of occupational attributes related to the work of salespersons, clerks, and waiters/waitresses, jobs which students themselves often hold, and (b) explore the perceived role of appropriate dress in enhancement of the perception of occupational attributes associated with these occupations. Statistical analyses of the data from 134 men and 202 women supported the notion that the importance students placed on perceived occupational attributes increased as perceived job status increased; expectations for salesperson were higher than those for clerk or waiter/waitress. The results also support the notion that appropriate dress often enhances perception of occupational attributes and especially reflects the workers' perceived professionalism, intelligence, and competence.
Invited Paper Recent Developments In Microscopic Descriptions Of The Nonlinear Optical Properties Of Organic And Polymer Structures

Microscopic descriptions from recently developed many-electron theory of second and third order nonlinear optical susceptibilities are reviewed for several important conjugated organic structures. Electron correlation effects result in a symmetry controlled mechanism of highly correlated, charge separation in n-electron densities during virtual excitation processes.
The effects of sex, structure and social interaction on preschoolers' play behaviors in a naturalistic setting

Play behavior of preschool children was observed in their natural environment. The study focused on the general demographic of free-play behavior, sex differences in the uses of various play areas, the effect of different play areas on the incidence of make-believe versus exploratory play, and the differential influence of play area on social interaction. Results indicated that both boys and girls used areas that have been thought of traditionally as sextyped. For example, both sexes appeared with equal frequencies in the household area and the block and truck area. Within these areas the sexes apportioned their time equally in terms of play activities. Overall, the household area elicited more make-believe play and social interaction than did the other play areas.
Recyclable chemosensor for oxalate based on bimetallic complexes of a dinucleating bis(iminopyridine) ligand

Herein we describe bimetallic di-nickel and di-copper complexes [Ni2(L)Br4] (1) and [Cu2(L)Br4(NCMe)2] (2) (L = (1E,1′E)-N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(1-(6-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)pyridin-2-yl)methanimine)) that bind oxalate intramolecularly to form [Ni2(L)Br2(C2O4)(NCMe)] (3) and [Cu2(L)Br2(C2O4)] (4). For the di-nickel complex 1, oxalate incorporation is accompanied by a significant colour change, from red-pink (1) to deep green (3). Mass spectrometric experiments demonstrate that the compound 1 is selective for oxalate versus related mono- and di-carboxylates tested. Oxalate can be released by the addition of slight excess of calcium bromide that forms insoluble calcium oxalate and restores the original Ni2(L)Br4 species. The product of the oxalate release was crystallized as [Ni2(L)Br4]·CaBr2(THF)4 species.
Breast carcinoma with amplified HER2: a gene expression signature specific for trastuzumab resistance and poor prognosis.

Recent trials have shown remarkable efficacy from combined trastuzumab and chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting of breast cancer. In spite of these successes, refractory breast cancer has emerged as a clinically problematic outcome for a subset of patients managed this way. In an effort to clarify and optimize the treatment regimens for breast cancer patients who are candidates to receive trastuzumab, we sought to analyze whether a distinctive genetic signature could be characterized that would reliably predict the treatment outcome. The ability to predict who will respond and who will become refractory to this agent will allow for improved, rational clinical management of these patients and further stratify the personalized nature of this treatment regimen. In this study, 41 consecutive cases of breast carcinoma with well-documented amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 gene and corresponding banked fresh-frozen tissue were identified and divided into two separate groups based on whether they received trastuzumab or not. The first group consisted of 12 patients who had received trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting, of which three later experienced tumor recurrence. The second group consisted of 10 patients not treated with trastuzumab, of which 6 were later found to have recurrence. Differentially expressed genetic profiles were determined using human genome-wide Illumina Bead Microarrays. The differentially expressed genes for non-recurrence vs recurrence in the trastuzumab-treated group were distinct from those in the same comparison group in the untreated group. Differential expression of key genes indentified in this study might offer an insight into a possible mechanism of trastuzumab resistance in breast carcinoma, and may emerge as potential predictive biomarkers indicative of trastuzumab resistance.
Diagnostic criteria and cancer risk of proliferative breast lesions

Breast cancer risk assessment in women following a benign breast biopsy is a promising area with regard to intermediate endpoint determination, and has been particularly fostered by the consensus agreement concerning the risk attributed to specific diagnoses [1]. Several recent studies have largely verified this approach [2-4], and a recent report demonstrates general agreement among most expert pathologists regarding diagnostic criteria for these lesions [5]. However, in a limited number of cases, determining exact levels of risk for individual patients has been problematic as a result of a failure by pathologists to achieve consensus on diagnostic criteria for these same lesions. This situation has arisen primarily because it is much more tenable to disagree over subjective diagnostic criteria, than it is to argue with robustly supported epidemiological data. Without agreement on reproducible diagnostic criteria, widely promulgated consensus risk estimates for these specific histologic entities are no longer applicable. In addition, those individuals who choose different diagnostic criteria for proliferative breast lesions fail to realize that the terminology, epidemiological risk estimates, and diagnostic criteria used by Dupont and Page are inexorably linked. Since the publication of the consensus statement [1], those using the terms of "atypical ductal hyperplasia" and "atypical lobular hyperplasia" have by default accepted the diagnostic criteria of Dupont and Page. Therefore, surgical pathologists who desire to make use of the consensus risk estimates must familiarize themselves with diagnostic criteria for the various histologic entities that comprise proliferative disease of the breast as defined by Dupont and Page [6].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Technology implementation management in law enforcement: COPLINK system usability and user acceptance evaluations

Increasingly, government agencies are facing the challenge of effective implementation of information technologies critical to their digital government programs and initiatives. This article reports two usercentric evaluation studies of COPLINK, an integrated knowledge management system that supports and enhances law enforcement officers' crime-fighting activities. Specifically, the evaluations concentrate on system usability and user acceptance in the law enforcement setting. The article describes the study designs, highlights the analysis results, and discusses their implications for digital government research and practices. Findings from these studies provide valuable insights into digital government system evaluation and, at the same time, shed light on how government agencies can design adequate management interventions to foster technology acceptance and use.
Coherent states and the Jahn-Teller effect

The two Jahn-Teller systems ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}(\ensuremath{\epsilon}+{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{2})$ and $E\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ are studied in the strong-coupling limit. Two methods are used: the first depends on Glauber states to represent the displaced oscillators, the second involves a separation of the vibrational coordinates from the rotational coordinates that are associated with the spatial degeneracies of the systems. The analysis for ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}(\ensuremath{\epsilon}+{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{2})$ is described in detail; that for $E\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ is summarized. The distribution of the angular momentum states among the oscillator levels of the ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}(\ensuremath{\epsilon}+{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{2})$ system is specified. Analytical expressions are given for Ham factors, for relative absorption intensities, and for the energies of the levels in the region near the strong-coupling limit.
Potassium Ions and the Inhibitory Process in the Crayfish Stretch Receptor

The effect of the absence of potassium in the bathing solution on the synaptic inhibitory potentials of the crayfish stretch receptor has been studied. The inhibitory potentials were increased in size, i.e. became more hyperpolarizing, in the absence of potassium. Since the resting potential of the cell is increased in the absence of potassium, the alteration of the inhibitory potentials implies that the potassium conductance of the membrane is increased. While other ions, e.g. Cl(-), may also be involved, it seems that the membrane potential during inhibition is mainly dominated by K(+).
Prenatal diagnosis of 45,X/46,XY mosaicism with postnatal confirmation in a phenotypically normal male infant.

Prenatal detection of chromosome mosaicism has always been a diagnostic dilemma. In 21 reported cases of chromosomal mosaicism in cultured amniotic fluid cells, only two cases had cytogenetic confirmation of the mosaicism. All 21 pregnancies resulted in either phenotypically normal liveborns or grossly normal abortuses. We report a case of XO/XY mosaicism detected prenatally and confirmed postnatally in a grossly normal male infant. The indication for prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis was advanced maternal age (38 years). A diagnosis of XO/XY mosaicism was made from two separate culture flasks of amniotic fluid cells, with 45,X cells predominating (86.4 %). The Y chromosome was of normal size but carried no fluorescent band. The parents were counseled and were advised that the phenotype of XO/XY mosaicism can range from relative normality to sexual maldevelopment. They decided to continue this pregnancy. The infant was born at term and was a grossly normal male with normal penis and descended, normal-sized testes. Leukocyte culture from the cord blood and a skin fibroblast culture confirmed the mosaicism of XO/XY. The father's Y chromosome was of identical size and carried a small fluorescent band. It appears that an altered Y chromosome may be predisposed to anaphase lag leading to mosaicism.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS AMONG NEWLY RETURNED VETERANS WITH AND WITHOUT MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the odds of being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a sexual dysfunction disorder (SDD) among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) American veterans receiving care in the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) in relation to whether or not they have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Among those veterans who experienced MST, the influence of a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, a depressive disorder, or a substance use disorder on the odds of being diagnosed with an STI or SDD was also examined. The study utilized nationwide VHA records of 420,725 OEF/OIF male and female veterans who used VHA services in fiscal years 2002 to 2010. Veterans who reported a history of MST were more likely to have a number of STIs and SDDs compared with veterans without a history of MST. Among veterans with MST, the risk for having an STI or SDD increased with the presence of certain mental health diagnoses. Implications...
On the utility of pictorial feedback in computer-based learning environments

This paper seeks to address the efficacy and utility of pictorial feedback in computer-based learning environments.We conducted two experiments to study the effects of pictorial feedback in computer-based learning environments.We were unable to produce a condition where a pictorial feedback condition outperformed a text-only feedback condition.Our findings lead to many unresolved questions about the nature of pictorial feedback. Extensive research has added to what is known about the nature of feedback and how to best incorporate it into instruction. Yet, many questions related to learner feedback remain unanswered. One problem of practical importance is the utility of incorporating semantically related pictures into the feedback. Decades of research on feedback have largely focused on the use of verbal feedback in written instruction. This research included two experiments. The first experiment (n=63) addressed the incorporation of pictorial feedback into instruction; the second experiment (n=69) extended this study through the use of a more ecologically valid intervention. Results suggest that the use of pictures in feedback did not influence learning any more than text-only treatments. A discussion and recommendations for future research are provided.
The O II /7320-7330 A/ airglow - A morphological study

A statistical study of the 7320-30 A airglow arising from the metastable transition between aP and aD states of atomic oxygen ions was conducted by analyzing the data taken from the visible airglow experiment on the Atmosphere Explorer satellites C and E during the time periods between 1974 and 1979. Averaged column emission rate profiles as a function of solar zenith angle and solar activity variation are presented. The galactic background has been carefully subtracted. The result shows that the rate of decreasing emission as a function of solar zenith angle agrees with the theoretical calculation based upon a neutral atmosphere model and the solar spectrum as measured by the EUV spectrometer on the Atmosphere Explorer satellite. Furthermore, an expected increase with solar activity also appeared in a plot of emission brightness versus solar 10.7-cm flux.
Learning from action: An analysis of the center for army lessons learned (CALL)

In this fast-paced world, skills and competencies must be developed quickly; people must learn from their experience and what they learn must be gathered from throughout the organization, then synthesized, analyzed, and made available where and when it is needed to improve performance. This article analyzes an organization successfully meeting these requirements, the United States Army's Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL). Implications for human resource management are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Normalization of 2-Week Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone Values in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Four-Gland Exploration Compared to Focused-Approach Surgery

Elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is commonly seen in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who have undergone parathyroidectomy. This study evaluates differences in 2-week postoperative PTH levels in patients having focused-approach surgery versus four-gland exploration. Over 6 years, patients at Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) and the Cleveland Clinic (CCF) who had PHPT and underwent localization studies suggestive of single adenoma were analyzed. At RIH patients underwent focused-approach surgery, and at CCF routine four-gland exploration was performed. Postoperative calcium supplementation was routine at RIH and selective at CCF. There were 308 patients at RIH and 370 at CCF. They were similar in age (59.2 ± 13.0 years at RIH and 60.4 ± 12.9 years at CCF), and sex (76.9 and 80.0% female at RIH and CCF, respectively). The mean preoperative serum calcium measured 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/dl at RIH and 11.1 ± 0.7 mg/dl at CCF (P 65 pg/ml in 18.8% at RIH and in 38.7% at CCF (P < 0.001). The 2-week postoperative serum calcium values dropped to 9.2 ± 0.6 mg/dl at RIH and to 9.5 ± 0.8 mg/dl at CCF (P < 0.001). The incidence of multigland disease was 5.8% at RIH and 21.9% at CCF (P ≤ 0.001). Among patients with PHPT who underwent a localizing study indicating unilateral disease, a significant proportion had eucalcemic PTH elevation 2 weeks after parathyroidectomy. The elevation was more frequent in the four-gland exploration group and correlated most strongly with greater adenoma mass.
Subtype Specific Roles of β-Adrenergic Receptors in Apoptosis of Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Y. Shizukuda and P. M. Buttrick. Subtype Specific Roles of β-Adrenergic Receptors in Apoptosis of Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2002) 34, 823–831. We have previously reported that β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation promotes apoptosis in adult ventricular myocytes through PKCe-mediated suppression of ERK. In this study, we investigated differential effects of β-AR subtypes on this signal pathway. The apoptosis induced by the non-specific β-AR agonist isoproterenol was largely blocked by the β1-selective antagonist CGP 20712A, but not by the β2-selective antagonist ICI 118551. A pro-apoptotic effect of β1-AR was also blocked by the PKA inhibitor H89, while the protein kinase A (PKA) activators forskolin and dibutyryl-cAMP both induced apoptosis. These results indicate that β1-AR-mediated PKA activation is largely responsible for the apoptosis induced by β-AR in adult rat cardiac myocytes. This conclusion was also supported by the finding that PKA was preferentially activated by β1-AR over β2-AR. β2-AR selectively induced anti-apoptotic ERK activation in the presence of PKCe suppression, and this ERK activation was sensitive to pertussis toxin. PKCe itself as well as Akt, the other anti-apoptotic factor were activated by both β-AR subtypes. Thus, β1-AR induces pro-apoptotic signals mainly through PKA activation. In contrast, β2-AR is linked to Gi-mediated ERK activation, which is involved in the anti-apoptotic pathway, and is regulated by PKCe. Therefore, our findings suggest a rather complex role for β-AR subtypes in the regulation of apoptosis in adult ventricular myocytes.
Humor in Literature About Children With Disability: What Are We Seeing in Literature?

AbstractThis article explores instances of humor in literature as it relates to children with disabilities and offers ways to help children and adolescents build an authentic understanding of disability and disability humor. The prevalent message in the books reviewed is that children with disability not only appreciate humor but also can produce various types of humor.
Phenobarbital increases rat hepatic prostaglandin F2α, glutathione S-transferase activity and oxidative stress☆

Eight-week-old female F344N rats were fed 3.0 or 6.0% of calories (kcal%) as linoleate with or without 0.05% phenobarbital (PB) for 35 days. PB treatment increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity by 80% and prostaglandin (PG) F2α levels 4-fold (p < 0.05). PB decreased hepatic α-tocopherol significantly. Hepatic linoleate was decreased by PB in rats fed 6 kcal% but not 3 kcal% linoleate. Increased dietary linoleate had no significant effect on hepatic PGF2α or α-tocopherol levels or GST activity. This study suggests that PB hepatotoxicity and tumor-promoting ability may be mediated, at least in part, by PGF2α. PB's effect on PGF2α could be a result of both GST-mediated prostaglandin synthesis and oxidative stress. The removal of significant amounts of hepatic α-tocopherol during oxidative stress induced by PB might diminish endogenous inhibition of hepatic PG synthesis by a-tocopherol.
Facile Synthesis of Iridium Nanocrystals with Well-Controlled Facets Using Seed-Mediated Growth

Iridium nanoparticles have only been reported with roughly spherical shapes and sizes of 1–5 nm, making it impossible to investigate their facet-dependent catalytic properties. Here we report for the first time a simple method based on seed-mediated growth for the facile synthesis of Ir nanocrystals with well-controlled facets. The essence of this approach is to coat an ultrathin conformal shell of Ir on a Pd seed with a well-defined shape at a relatively high temperature to ensure fast surface diffusion. In this way, the facets on the initial Pd seed are faithfully replicated in the resultant Pd@Ir core–shell nanocrystal. With 6 nm Pd cubes and octahedra encased by {100} and {111} facets, respectively, as the seeds, we have successfully generated Pd@Ir cubes and octahedra covered by Ir{100} and Ir{111} facets. The Pd@Ir cubes showed higher H2 selectivity (31.8% vs 8.9%) toward the decomposition of hydrazine compared with Pd@Ir octahedra with roughly the same size.
How to make audio/video as easy to use and share as text

Digital media content is growing exponentially, but audio and video are difficult to search and share. This paper describes Souvenir, a system which offers a flexible and comprehensive way for people to use their handwritten or text notes to retrieve and share specific media moments. Souvenir enables users to take notes on a variety of devices, such as the paper-based CrossPad, the Palm Pilot and standard keyboard devices. Souvenir can segment unstructured handwriting into an effective media index without the need for handwriting recognition. Using Souvenir, people can easily use their notes to create hyperlinks to random-access media stored in a digital library. Souvenir also has web publishing and email capabilities to enable anyone to access or email media moments directly from a web page. Souvenir annotations capture additional and complementary information that can not be easily inferred by automatic media indexing techniques. This paper presents an overview of Souvenir's functionality, offering a brief description of its handwriting segmentation and media synchronization algorithms. It also discusses the design rationale guiding the development of Souvenir and provides an informal evaluation and discussion of Souvenir's effectiveness.
Neurotrophin 4/5 is required for the normal development of the slow muscle fiber phenotype in the rat soleus

During normal postnatal development, rat soleus (SOL) muscle fibers undergo a dramatic fast-to-slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform transformation. We exploited this phenomenon to evaluate the role of neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5) in the regulation of muscle fiber phenotype. Intramuscular injections of recombinant NT-4/5 into the SOL muscle of rat neonates significantly accelerated the normal fast-to-slow MyHC isoform transformation. Sequestration of endogenous NT-4/5 with TrkB-IgG prevented this transformation from occurring. Administration of the other TrkB ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), did not affect the normal course of the MyHC isoform transformation in this muscle, indicating that the observed effect is NT-4/5 specific. Botulinum toxin blockade of synaptic transmission significantly disrupted the normal fast-to-slow MyHC isoform switch. Because administration of NT-4/5 to paralyzed muscles failed to restore the normal course of this MyHC transformation, we believe that the effect of NT-4/5 is not directly on the muscle fibers but that it probably activates or forms a type of retrograde signal to motoneurons. The developmental upregulation of NT-4/5 mRNA in rat SOL muscle fibers occurred earlier than the upregulation of MyHC I/b mRNA associated with muscle fiber transformation. This timing is consistent with the idea that NT-4/5 is involved in early events that lead to the upregulation of the slow MyHC isoform in this muscle.
Gender and social change: new forms of independence for Simbu women.

This article discusses gender roles and behavior and changing relationships between the sexes resulting from Western influence on the Simbu people in Papua New Guinea. Sexual segregation and taboos cult secrecy and male domination of women have weakened during 50 years of contact with the West. The observations upon which this paper is based were made during 1958-65 and through individual and group interviews obtained in 1976 1984 1985 and 1987. Simbu women have been self-sufficient while appearing to comply with male dominance and group claims. More younger women are now asserting their individuality. With Westernization many home crafts have been abandoned. Women have responded to new ideas and economic goals by promoting the education of their children. A notable few women have achieved professional positions or business success and have joined a new class of elite citizens with opportunities to expand their lives in ways formerly unimaginable. Both urban men and women retain close ties with their rural families. Urban men depend upon rural support groups to achieve their political ambitions. When successful these men distribute favors to their rural supporters. Urban women may incorporate rural relatives into their urban households but many reject their own domestic roles. This new urban elite is still in the formative stage and it is impossible to predict whether it will ultimately reject its rural foundation to embrace an urban multi-ethnic affiliation.
A new ring opening reaction of N-aminophthalimide hydrazones†

Araldehyde hydrazones III of N-aminophthalimide underwent rapid ring opening reactions initiated by the addition of excess base to their refluxing methanolic solutions. The products were conveniently isolated through liquid-liquid extraction as the stable sodium salts V, and acidification precipitated the resulting phthalic acid congeners VI from aqueous solution. Compounds III readily exchanged one hydrazine moiety for another. For example, IIId reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to give the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone of 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (VIId, 93%). Nonetheless, IIIg reacted exclusively at the carboxaldehyde function to give products VIIIa and VIIIb.
Platinum(II) and platinum(IV) porphyrin complexes: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry

Abstract Platinum(IV) porphyrins of the type [ Pt IV ( p - X ) 4 TPP ] Cl 2 is a para -substituted tetraphenylporphyrin have been synthesized by the direct oxidation of their Pt II precursors with Cl 2 . Both the Pt II and Pt IV complexes have been characterized by visible and 1 H NMR spectroscopy and their electrochemical properties. The Soret, α and β bands of the visible spectra are shifted to longer wavelengths upon oxidation of the Pt II . All 1 H resonances experience a downfield shift upon oxidation of the Pt II to Pt IV . Each [ Pt II ( p - X ) 4 TPP ] complex shows two oxidations and two reductions and their potentials are dependent upon the X substituent on the porphyrin ring. In general, the [ Pt IV ( p - X ) 4 TPP ] Cl 2 complexes show a similar oxidation and reduction pattern and a substituent effect is evident. There is an additional reduction that can be attributed to Pt IV → Pt II .
Simplified modeling analysis of mass flow characteristics in electronic expansion valve

Abstract A mass flow correlation was presented to predict mass flow coefficient in an EEV (electronic expansion valve) based on extensive experimental data for R22, R410A and R407c. Bernoulli equation for short orifice valve is modified by introducing expansion factor and the modified equation can well depict the behavior of fluid through EXV under linear, nonlinear and choked regions. Experimental analysis shows that the mass flow coefficient is dominantly influenced by EEV opening and subcooling value. Therefore, only the two parameters (EEV opening and subcooling) are used to develop the mass flow coefficient correlation. The flow coefficient predicted by polynomial fit in this paper shows a good agreement with experimental data for three datasets of R22, R410A and R407c and the relative errors are within 5% for 98% of experimental data.
The condition of coral reefs in South Florida (2000) using coral disease and bleaching as indicators

The destruction of coral reef habitats has occurred at unprecedented levels during the last three decades. Coral disease and bleaching in the Caribbean and South Florida have caused extensive coral mortality with limited recovery, often coral reefs are being replaced with turf algae. Acroporids were once dominant corals and have diminished to the state where they are being considered as endangered species. Our survey assessed the condition of reef corals throughout South Florida. A probability-based design produced unbiased estimates of the spatial extent of ecological condition, measured as the absence or presence and frequency or prevalence of coral diseases and bleaching intensity over large geographic regions. This approach allowed us to calculate a quantifiable level of uncertainty. Coral condition was estimated for 4100 hectares (ha) (or 41.0 km2) of coral reefs in South Florida, including reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), New Grounds, Dry Tortugas National Park (DTNP), and Biscayne National Park (BNP). The absence or presence of coral disease, ‘causal’ coral bleaching, partial bleaching and coral paling were not good indicators of overall coral condition. It was more useful to report the prevalence of anomalies that indicated a compromised condition at both the population and community levels. For example, 79% of the area in South Florida had less than 6% of the coral colonies diseased, whereas only 2.2% (97.15 ha) of the sampled area had a maximum prevalence of 13% diseased coral colonies at any single location. The usefulness of ‘causal bleaching’ might be more important when considering the prevalence of each of the three different states at a single location. For example, paling was observed over the entire area, whereas bleaching and partial bleaching occurred at 19 and 41% of the area, respectively. An index for coral reef condition might integrate the prevalence and species affected by each bleaching state at individual locations. By establishing these baselines, future surveys can examine changes and trends in the spatial distribution of coral conditions in South Florida and able to score the reefs as to their health status.
Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome: bladder distension and pyelectasis in the fetus without anatomic ooutflow obstruction

We report a case of a 46,XY male infant with a history of normal amniotic fluid levels who was delivered by elective cesarean section at 38.5 weeks' gestation because of progressive bladder distension, hydroureteronephrosis, and what was thought to be a dilated posterior urethra. The child died at 19 days of age of cardiovascular complications. The autopsy revealed megacystis, bilateral megaureters and pyelocaliectasis, congenital absence of ganglion cells in the bladder wall, renal dysplasia, and a microcolon. No dilation or anatomic obstruction of the posterior urethra was found. These findings strongly suggest the diagnosis of megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome. We discuss the ultrasound findings of in utero bladder distension with hydronephrosis and one of its rare etiologies.
Ar/O2 and H2O plasma surface modification of SnO2 nanomaterials to increase surface oxidation

Abstract Tin oxide operates widely as a gas sensor for a variety of molecules via a mechanism that relies on interactions with adsorbed oxygen. To enhance these interactions by increasing surface oxygen vacancies, commercial SnO2 nanoparticles and CVD-grown SnO2 nanowires were plasma modified by Ar/O2 and H2O plasmas. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in nanomaterial morphology between pre- and post-plasma treatment of H2O treated materials but not Ar/O2 treated materials. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the bulk SnO2 showed the Sn4+ is reduced by H2O and not Ar/O2 plasma treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated Ar/O2 treatment results in increasing oxygen adsorption with increasing plasma power and treatment time, without changing Sn oxidation. With the lowest plasma powers and treatment times, however, H2O plasma treatment results in nearly complete bulk Sn reduction. Although both plasma systems increased oxygen adsorption over the untreated materials, there were clear differences in the tin and oxygen as well as morphological variations upon plasma treatment.
Observations of plate martensite in a low carbon steel

It has long been known that there are two predominant morphologies of martensite in steels. These morphologies are currently referred to as plate martensite and lath martensite and are primarily distinguished by the size and shape of individual martensite grains. Plate martensite is typically several microns thick and tens of microns in diameter, while lath martensite is typically less than one-half micron thick, a few microns wide, and tens of microns long. This paper presents evidence of a coarse plate-shaped martensite morphology in a commercial HSLA-100 steel which contains only 0.07% carbon. This morphology was discovered during microstructural characterization of specimens thermally cycled to simulate weld heat affected zones in a steel plate and was reproduced in other specimens subjected to a quench and temper heat treatment.
Recent Polls and Reports Show Strong Support for Maintenance of Quality in Managed Care

The American Heart Association (AHA) supports the principle that all residents of the United States should have prompt access to and coverage for appropriate quality medical care, particularly for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The AHA also advocates the development of guidelines for appropriate patient care and supports research into methods to measure quality, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. With this in mind, the AHA has gone before federal policy makers to express its concern regarding certain practices used in some managed care settings. A recent survey and report sponsored by the Patient Access to Specialty Care Coalition, including the AHA, has indicated a high level of patient concern over some of these practices of managed care providers. The survey found that 95.1% of respondents felt they should have access to more information about whether an HMO offers financial incentives to physicians to restrict care for cost-containment purposes. Nearly 90% of respondents …