cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protection of the rat retina from ischemic injury by brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor

Purpose. The protective effects of three survival-promoting agents on ischemia-induced retinal injury in the rat were investigated. The agents included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Methods. Retinal ischemia was induced in Lewis albino rats by increasing intraocular pressure to 160 mm Hg for 90 minutes. The agents or buffer controls were injected intravitreally at different times, either before or after the ischemic insult, and the postischemic survival time was either 7 or 14 days. The degree of retinal damage was assessed from plastic-embedded sections by cytologic analysis, measurement of the thickness of several layers, and neuronal counts of the ganglion cell layer. Results. Retinal ischemia thinned and reduced cell numbers in the inner retinal layers, but not in the photoreceptor nuclear layer. Each agent transiently ameliorated the degenerative changes when it was injected 2 days before ischemia. At 7 days postischemia, the inner retinal layers were far less damaged, and more ganglion cells were present than in buffer-injected or uninjected eyes. The protective effect was no longer evident at 14 days postischemia, except in the inner nuclear layer of the BDNF-treated eyes. If a second injection of BDNF was made 5 days after the ischemic insult, then the inner retinal layers were more preserved than buffer controls at 14 days postischemia, but the survival of ganglion cells was not enhanced. A single injection of BDNF at either 1 or 3 days postischemia reduced the degree of inner retinal damage and increased the number of surviving ganglion cells over that in buffer-injected controls. (CNTF and bFGF were not studied with postischemic injections.) Conclusions. BDNF, CNTF, and bFGF transiently protect the retina from pressure-induced ischemic injury when given 2 days before ischemia, and a second injection of BDNF given postischemically can prolong the protective effect. Moreover, protection afforded by BDNF can be seen even when applied only 1 or 3 days after the ischemic insult, although the protective effect is greater at 1 day than at 3 days postischemia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994;35:907-915.
The optimal therapeutic use of ixabepilone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Background. The epothilones are a new class of microtubule-stabilizing drugs that exert potent antitumor activity against taxane-resistant and multidrug resistant cell lines. The most clinically advanced member of this class is the semisynthetic epothilone B derivative ixabepilone.Purpose. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical data on ixabepilone in patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and provides guidance for pharmacists on its optimal use. Data sources. PubMed and conference proceedings through August 2008.Results. In preclinical studies, ixabepilone has demonstrated potent antitumor activity and low susceptibility to mechanisms that confer tumor resistance. Clinically meaningful benefits have been achieved with ixabepilone monotherapy in phase 2 trials of patients with MBC who have failed previous chemotherapies (anthracyclines, taxanes, or capecitabine). In a randomized, phase 3 trial, the combination of ixabepilone and capecitabine proved more effective than ...
Three-Dimensional FinFET Source/Drain and Contact Design Optimization Study

The optimization of dopant-segregated Schottky (DSS) and raised source/drain (RSD) FinFETs is investigated through a 2-D and 3-D TCAD study. ldquoSilicide gatingrdquo due to fringing fields extending from a flared silicide contact degrades DSS and RSD FinFET performances. Thus, for a multifin DSS device, the individual source/drain fins should have minimal silicide flaring and be strapped with a metal bar. For large fin pitches (FPs), this results in lower intrinsic delay and much lower delay dependence on FP than optimized RSD FinFETs, which have source/drain fins strapped using lateral epitaxial growth and accessed with vias. However, RSD FinFETs achieve lower delay for small FP and fin heights (H fin) due to low via-to-gate fringing capacitance. Thus, a new structure is proposed, called the recessed strap DSS FinFET, which combines the merits of optimized DSS and RSD FinFETs in a way that provides equivalent or improved performance over all ranges of FP and H fin.
Perylene‐Based Bis‐, Tetrakis‐, and Hexakis(terpyridine) Ligands and Their Ruthenium(II)–Bis(terpyridine) Complexes: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

A series of metallodendrimers 9–11, as well as their corresponding ligands, were designed and synthesized. These materials integrate perylene as a functional core with tpyRu II tpy termini; both chromophores are known for their photovoltaic properties. The products were fully characterized by a combination of 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spec
Assessment of Endothelial Function in the Radial Artery Using Inhaled Albuterol

Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of developing atherosclerosis and is a strong predictor of future heart attack and stroke. At present, evaluation of endothelial function (EF) (specifically, EF mediated by nitric oxide, NO) is too technically difficult to form part of a routine clinical examination. Non-invasive methods that measure NO- dependent EF in arteries make use of a 4-5 minute blood pressure cuff occlusion of the arm in order to induce reactive hyperemia (RH) upon cuff release. The increased blood flow that results from the RH stimulates the endothelial cells to release NO and relax the surrounding vascular smooth muscle. The magnitude of the change in arterial caliber or stiffness provides a measure of EF. The cuff occlusion is uncomfortable and inflation and release inevitably move the arm, increasing the technical difficulty of obtaining reliable measurements. In addition, the measured endothelial response is dependent on the degree of RH, which is influenced by many confounding physiological mechanisms. Studies have shown that the beta2-adrengergic agonist albuterol induces NO-mediated vasorelaxation in resistance vessels of humans. We examine, for the first time, the effect of albuterol on conduit vessels (radial artery) by measuring changes in the transit times of artificial pulses observed after inhalation of albuterol. We conclude that albuterol is able to relax the radial artery and that this correlates with the effects of RH (r=0.62, p=0.04). However, the response to a dose of 360 mug is smaller and more variable when compared to the response to RH-based stimulus.
NECABs: a family of neuronal Ca2+-binding proteins with an unusual domain structure and a restricted expression pattern

Ca(2+)-signalling plays a major role in regulating all aspects of neuronal function. Different types of neurons exhibit characteristic differences in the responses to Ca(2+)-signals. Correlating with differences in Ca(2+)-response are expression patterns of Ca(2+)-binding proteins that often serve as markers for various types of neurons. For example, in the cerebral cortex the EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding proteins parvalbumin and calbindin are primarily expressed in inhibitory interneurons where they influence Ca(2+)-dependent responses. We have now identified a new family of proteins called NECABs (neuronal Ca(2+)-binding proteins). NECABs contain an N-terminal EF-hand domain that binds Ca(2+), but different from many other neuronal EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding proteins, only a single EF-hand domain is present. At the C-terminus, NECABs include a DUF176 motif, a bacterial domain of unknown function that was previously not observed in eukaryotes. In rat at least three closely related NECAB genes are expressed either primarily in brain (NECABs 1 and 2) or in brain and muscle (NECAB 3). Immunocytochemistry revealed that NECAB 1 is restricted to subsets of neurons. In cerebral cortex, NECAB 1 is highly and uniformly expressed only in layer 4 pyramidal neurons, whereas in hippocampus only inhibitory interneurons and CA2 pyramidal cells contain NECAB 1. In these neurons, NECAB 1 fills the entire cytoplasm similar to other EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding proteins, and is not concentrated in any particular subcellular compartment. We suggest that NECABs represent a novel family of regulatory Ca(2+)-binding proteins with an unusual domain structure and a limited expression in a subclass of neurons.
Helix induction by dirhodium: access to biocompatible metallopeptides with defined secondary structure.

The use of carboxylate side chains to induce peptide helicity upon binding to dirhodium centers is examined through experimental and computational approaches. Dirhodium binding efficiently stabilizes α helicity or induces α helicity in otherwise unstructured peptides for peptides that contain carboxylate side chains with i, i+4 spacing. Helix induction is furthermore possible for sequences with i, i+3 carboxylate spacing, though in this case the length of the side chains is crucial: ligating to longer glutamate side chains is strongly helix inducing, whereas ligating the shorter aspartate side chains destabilizes the helical structure. Further studies demonstrate that a dirhodium metallopeptide complex persists for hours in cellular media and exhibits low toxicity toward mammalian cells, enabling exploitation of these metallopeptides for biological applications.
Nonlinear Features for Classification and Pose Estimation of Machined Parts from Single Views

A new nonlinear feature extraction method is presented for classification and pose estimation of objects from single views. The feature extraction method is called the maximum representation and discrimination feature (MRDF) method. The nonlinear MRDF transformations to use are obtained in closed form, and offer significant advantages compared to nonlinear neural network implementations. The features extracted are useful for both object discrimination (classification) and object representation (pose estimation). We consider MRDFs on image data, provide a new 2-stage nonlinear MRDF solution, and show it specializes to well-known linear and nonlinear image processing transforms under certain conditions. We show the use of MRDF in estimating the class and pose of images of rendered solid CAD models of machine parts from single views using a feature-space trajectory neural network classifier. We show new results with better classification and pose estimation accuracy than are achieved by standard principal component analysis and Fukunaga-Koontz feature extraction methods.
A high-speed adaptive equalizer for magnetic disk drives

The design of a high-speed adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is described for detection of magnetic disk data. A RAM is used in the feedback path instead of the usual transversal filter, and the equalizer is referred to as the RAM-DFE. The RAM compensates for trailing nonlinear distortion in the disk data. However, use of the RAM makes the equalizer more sensitive to latency in the adaptive update and can slow training considerably when using LMS adaptation. A technique is presented for training the RAM which reduces convergence time to near that of a transversal feedback filter. The RAM-DFE design is targeted for a VLSI implementation using BiCMOS technology. Simulation predict clock speeds in excess of 50 MHz, corresponding to data rates in excess of 50 Mb/s. The design also includes circuits to perform digital timing recovery and initial synchronization. >
Quality of Object Relations and Security of Attachment as Predictors of Early Therapeutic Alliance.

Security of attachment and quality of object relations were measured as predictors of initial impressions of the therapeutic alliance as well as dropout. Fifty-five individual psychotherapy clients were administered the Revised Adult Attachment Scale and the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory prior to their initial therapy session. Thirty of these participants completed the Working Alliance Inventory following their 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd sessions. Security of attachment and quality of object relations were strongly related. Security of attachment and quality of object relations showed relations to early alliance that decreased over time. Attachment and object relations were not related to dropout. Limitations include small sample size and low research compliance rate.
Rotational dynamics of naphthalene-labeled cross-link junctions in poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomers

A series of end-linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) networks were prepared with different cross-link functionalities and molecular weights. This was achieved by simultaneous end-linking and self-condensation of a trifunctional silane cross-link precursor. These networks had a nonpolar naphthalene chromophore covalently attached to a fraction of the cross-link junctions. We probe the time-dependent reorientation of the naphthalene, and infer reorientation of the cross-links, by determining the time-dependence of the fluorescence depolarization in the picosecond time domain. A two-step relaxation model describes the orientational dynamics. Fast, partial depolarization in a restricted geometry is superimposed on a slower relaxation that completely depolarizes the fluorescence. We determine the two rotational diffusion constants at temperatures varying from 235 to 298 K, while we vary network parameters such as cross-link density, molecular weight, and macroscopic strain. These diffusion constants have an Arrhenius activation energy of 11.4 ( 0.8 kJ/mol. The fast relaxation is driven by motions of a few chain segments; this process is dominated by the density of the network polymer around the labeled cross-links. The slower, complete reorientation is driven by cooperative motions of a larger number of chain segments connected to the cross-link that are insensitive to steric constraints in the immediate vicinity of the cross-links. I. Introduction Model networks of known molecular weight between crosslinks, Mc, and cross-link functionality, , are used to test molecular theories of rubber elasticity. These networks can be prepared by end-linking telechelic polymers using a-functional cross-linking precursor. For this study, we prepared PDMS elastomers through the condensation reaction of hydroxyterminated PDMS with hydrolyzed trifunctional alkoxysilanes. In the presence of water and a catalyst this reaction is not quantitative, since the hydrolyzed alkoxysilanes will react with each other in a self-condensation reaction, forming silane clusters with an effective average functionality avg > , resulting in an elastically active cross-link density, Ia. The relative rates of the end-linking and homopolymerization reactions will determine the size and functionality distribution of the cross-link junctions and other network structure parameters. By manipulation of the stoichiometry, the resulting PDMS network structure and, hence, the mechanical, transport, and swelling properties can be controlled. We determine the swelling behavior of the various PDMS networks and use swelling theory to make assumptions about the network structure.
Effects of Experienced Success or Failure on Self-Esteem and Problem-Solving Ability

The effects of experienced success or failure on self-esteem and problem-solving ability were studied. 54 female subjects aged 18 to 22 yr. were tested. Two manipulative tasks were performed on pairs in which both either experienced success, failure, or in mixed pairs where one experienced success and the other failure. After the manipulation of success or failure each subject was asked to complete an amended version of the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory. The subjects were then asked to solve 10 five-letter anagrams following a 14253 pattern. Two 2 × 2 factorial analyses of variance were performed on self-esteem scores and anagram performance. The main effects of success and failure were significant, successful subjects had high self-esteem and solved more anagrams than subjects who failed. No interaction between subjects' success and partners' success occurred. Expectancies about performance, cognitive dissonance, and social comparison processes are discussed.
From mounds to maps to models: Visualizing ancient architecture across landscapes

Since the onset of settlement pattern studies in the 1950s, landscape mapping projects have become an archaeological mainstay. Remote sensing technologies such as lidar, photogrammetry, and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) steadily reveal new archaeological sites. For landscape archaeology, the detection and mapping of small architectural complexes and households offers important data to contextualize larger (often already known) sites and perform regional analyses. However, because the majority of sites remain unexcavated, analysis is limited, and yet Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D Visualization are expanding the possible uses for older and newly-acquired data on unexcavated mounds. This paper describes a GIS approach to interpolate architectural data from maps of unexcavated mounds into 3D models useful for landscape archaeology. The case study is the ancient Maya city of Copan-today a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Honduras.
Synthesis of Several N-Haloacyl Analogs of α,α-Diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol as Potential Antineoplastic Agents

Eight new derivatives of α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol have been prepared to evaluate their anticarcinogenic activity: 1 -(3-chloropropionyl)- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-(2-chloropionyl)- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-chloroacetyl- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-(3-bromopropionyl)- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-(2-bromopropionyl)- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-bromoacetyl- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, 1-(3-iodopropionyl)- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol, and 1-iodoacetyl- α,α -diphenyl-4-piperidinemethanol.
Gender‐specific inbreeding depression in a gynodioecious plant, Geranium maculatum (Geraniaceae)

In gynodioecious species, females coexist with hermaphrodites in natural populations even though hermaphrodites attract more pollinators, are capable of reproducing through pollen, and can self-fertilize. This study tests the hypothesis that inbreeding depression helps to maintain females in natural populations. It also examines whether gender lineages that differ in selfing rates might experience different levels of inbreeding depression. Female and hermaphroditic lineages of the gynodioecious species Geranium maculatum were used in self, sib-cross and outcross experiments to examine inbreeding depression levels and to determine whether these levels differ between hermaphroditic and female lineages. Six fitness correlates were measured in the greenhouse and compared among pollination types and between genders. Severe inbreeding depression was found for both individual fitness traits and cumulative fitness in early life history stages. Inbreeding depression levels were slightly higher in hermaphroditic than in female lineages, but this difference was not statistically significant. Because females are unable to self-pollinate and are less likely to experience inbreeding than hermaphrodites under natural conditions, these results suggest that severe inbreeding depression could confer a selective advantage for females that could help to maintain females in natural populations.
The design context of concurrent computation systems

The design for performance optimization of programmable, semicustom SoCs requires the ability to model and optimize the behavior of the system as a whole. Neither the hardware-testbench style nor the software-benchmark style is adequate to capture completely the design interactions required in concurrent software-on-hardware systems. We use a formal relationship between a computer system design content and its external context to motivate the need to consider a more effective modeling framework to which concurrent software-on-hardware computer systems are designed.
Ethnic or Racial Differences Revisited: Impact of Dosage Regimen and Dosage Form on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Ethnic or racial differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been attributed to the distinctions in the genetic, physiological and pathological factors between ethnic/racial groups. These pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences are also known to be influenced by several extrinsic factors such as socioeconomic background, culture, diet and environment. However, it is noted that other factors related to dosage regimen and dosage form have largely been ignored or overlooked when conducting or analysing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in relation to ethnicity/race. Potential interactions can arise between the characteristics of ethnicity/race and a unique feature of dosage regimen or dosage form used in the study, which may partly account for the observed pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences between ethnic/racial groups. Ethnic/racial differences in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics can occur from drug administration through a specific route that imparts distinct pattern of absorption, distribution, transport, metabolism or excretion. For example, racial differences in the first-pass metabolism of a drug following oral administration may not be relevant when the drug is applied to the skin. On the other hand, ethnic/racial difference in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics can also happen via two different routes of drug delivery, with varying levels of dissimilarity between routes. For example, greater ethnic/racial differences were observed in oral clearance than in systemic clearance of some drugs, which might be explained by the pre-systemic factors involved in the oral administration as opposed to the intravenous administration. Similarly, changes in the dose frequency and/or duration may have profound impact on the ethnic/racial differences in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic outcome. Saturation of enzymes, transporters or receptors at high drug concentrations is a possible reason for many observed ethnic/racial discrepancies between single- and multiple-dose regimens, or between low- and high-dose administrations. The presence of genetic polymorphism of enzymes and/or transporters can further complicate the analysis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data in ethnic/racial populations. Even within the same dosage regimen, the use of different dosage forms may trigger significantly different pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic responses in various ethnic/racial groups, given that different dosage forms may exhibit different rates of drug release, may release the drug at different sites, and/or have different retention times at specific sites of the body. It is thus cautioned that the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data obtained from different ethnic/racial groups cannot be indiscriminately compared or combined for analysis if there is a lack of homogeneity in the apparent ‘extrinsic’ factors, including dosage regimen and dosage form.
Deep Sequencing of a Dimethylsulfoniopropionate-Degrading Gene (dmdA) by Using PCR Primer Pairs Designed on the Basis of Marine Metagenomic Data

In silico design and testing of environmental primer pairs with metagenomic data are beneficial for capturing a greater proportion of the natural sequence heterogeneity in microbial functional genes, as well as for understanding limitations of existing primer sets that were designed from more restricted sequence data. PCR primer pairs targeting 10 environmental clades and subclades of the dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) demethylase protein, DmdA, were designed using an iterative bioinformatic approach that took advantage of thousands of dmdA sequences captured in marine metagenomic data sets. Using the bioinformatically optimized primers, dmdA genes were amplified from composite free-living coastal bacterioplankton DNA (from 38 samples over 5 years and two locations) and sequenced using 454 technology. An average of 6,400 amplicons per primer pair represented more than 700 clusters of environmental dmdA sequences across all primers, with clusters defined conservatively at >90% nucleotide sequence identity (95% amino acid identity). Degenerate and inosine-based primers did not perform better than specific primer pairs in determining dmdA richness and sometimes captured a lower degree of richness of sequences from the same DNA sample. A comparison of dmdA sequences in free-living versus particle-associated bacteria in southeastern U.S. coastal waters showed that sequence richness in some dmdA subgroups differed significantly between size fractions, though most gene clusters were shared (52 to 91%) and most sequences were affiliated with the shared clusters (90%). The availability of metagenomic sequence data has significantly enhanced the design of quantitative PCR primer pairs for this key functional gene, providing robust access to the capabilities and activities of DMSP demethylating bacteria in situ.
Effects of IPO mispricing on the risk and reputational capital of commercial banks

Abstract We provide direct evidence regarding the risk and reputational capital implications of commercial bank securities underwriting activities. Using a large sample of commercial bank underwritten initial public offerings (IPOs) and comparisons with investment bank underwritten issues, we find that (1) commercial banks are no more likely to misprice IPOs than are traditional investment banks, and (2) the market reaction to mispriced IPOs is no greater for commercial banks than for traditional investment banks. Our evidence, thus, is consistent with the policy implications of other research justifying repeal of the Glass–Steagall Act. Specifically, we find no evidence that bank shareholders or the public are exposed to greater risk when banks are allowed to underwriter securities.
Tracheal suctioning is associated with prolonged disturbances of cerebral hemodynamics in very low birth weight infants.

Examining the effects of tracheal suctioning on cerebral hemodynamics of normotensive ventilated very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with normal cranial ultrasounds; determining the factor(s) influencing changes in mean cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) after suctioning. Seventy-three VLBW infants had continuous monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), PaCO2, PaO2 and mean CBFv before, during, and after 202 suctioning sessions during the first week of life. Peak (or nadir) and relative changes of the four variables for 45 min after suctioning were calculated. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the factor(s) influencing changes in mean CBFv after suctioning. Birth weight was 928±244 g; gestational age was 27.0±2.0 weeks. Mean CBFv increased to 31.0±26.4% after suctioning and remained elevated for 25 min. PaCO2 was highly associated with mean CBFv (P<0.001), whereas MABP and PaO2 were not. We observed prolonged increases of mean CBFv following suctioning in ventilated VLBW infants that were previously unrecognized. This is concerning since disturbances of CBF may be associated with subsequent brain injury.
Comparison of Short-Term and Long-Term Variability in Nasalance Scores

Abstract Objective: To evaluate long-term nasalance score variability while accounting for short-term variation associated with subject performance and headgear change variability. Stimuli: Turtle and Mouse Passages. Design: Short-term immediate test-retest nasalance score variability was assessed with no headgear change (NCHG) and with change of headgear (CHG). Long-term variability was assessed with scores obtained in the morning and afternoon of the same day, 1 day apart, and 1 week apart. Scores from the long-term conditions necessarily reflect variability associated with headgear change plus variability, which may be attributed to time. Participants: Twenty-six adults (19 to 70 years of age) with normal speech and resonance. Main Outcome Measures: Forty-six nasalance scores per subject. Results: Mean nasalance difference scores across conditions were compared. Three contrasts were significantly different, each involving comparison of nasalance difference scores in the NCHG condition to difference sco...
Peritoneal fluid cellular patterns in obstetrics and gynecology

Cytologic specimens were obtained by culdocentesis in women and by abdominal aspiration in mice. All specimens were processed by Papanicolaou’s technique and subjected to cytodifferential and morphologic examination. The mouse represents a suitable experimental model for the study of peritoneal fluid cells. We believe cellular patterns of peritoneal fluid can aid in the diagnosis of human ovulation, fetal sex, uterine myomas, pelvic inflammatory disease, and intra-abdominal lymphatic obstruction due to cancer. In addition, cellular patterns during radiation therapy for cervical cancer and therapy for pelvic inflammatory disease provide a notable advance in evaluating treatment. Our work offers new opportunities for future studies in obstetrics and gynecology.
Studies on the Sodium Requirement of Growing Japanese Quail

Abstract The response of Japanese quail, fed a purified diet, to dietary increments of sodium chloride was studied. Birds fed the basal diet (0.042-0.051% sodium) displayed poor growth, high mortality, depressed plasma sodium levels, elevated blood hematocrit and increased relative adrenal gland weights. Growth plateaued and the other parameters reached normal values at a total dietary sodium level of approximately 0.10 percent.
Immune cells and type 1 IFN in urine of SLE patients correlate with immunopathology in the kidney

The immunopathological events in the kidneys of lupus nephritis (LN) patients are poorly understood due in part to the difficulty in acquiring serial biopsies and the inherent limitations in their analysis. To identify a means to circumvent these limitations, we investigated whether immune cells of kidney origin are present in patient urine and whether they correlate with kidney pathology. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on peripheral blood and urine cells of 69 SLE patients, of whom 41 were LN patients. In addition, type I IFN (IFNα/β) levels were determined in plasma and urine by bioassay. Approximately 60% of non-LN patients had urine lymphocytes. In these patients, T cells were always present and predominantly CD8(+), while B cells were either absent or a mixture of naive and memory B cells. In contrast, >90% of LN patients had urine lymphocytes. In half, the B and T cells resembled those in non-LN patient urine; however, in the remaining patients, the B cells were exclusively Ig-secreting plasmablasts or plasma cells (PB/PCs) and the T cells were predominantly CD4(+). In addition, pDCs and IFNα/β frequently accompanied PB/PCs. The majority of patients with urine PB/PCs presented with proliferative nephritis and a significant loss of kidney function, which in some cases had progressed to end stage renal disease (ESRD). In conclusion, urine can provide access to cells of kidney resident populations for phenotypic and functional characterization. Analysis of these cells provides insight into the kidney immunopathology and may serve as biomarkers to identify patients at risk for developing LN and progressing to ESRD.
Publish and Perish

The Utterance of America: Emersonian Newness in Dos Passos' U.S.A. and Pynchon's Vineland, by David Dickson. Goteborg: Acta Universitatis Gothoburgensis, 1998. 215 pp. 180 SEK.
Effects of the interrelationship between genotype, sex, and dietary lysine on growth performance and carcass composition in finishing pigs fed to either 104 or 127 kilograms

One hundred twenty pigs (initially 44 kg BW) were used to determine effects of the interrelationship between genotype, sex, and dietary lysine on growth performance and carcass composition in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Genetic comparisons were made between pigs characterized with either a high or medium potential for lean tissue gain. Within genotype, barrows and gilts were separately fed either a .90 or .70% lysine diet until the mean weight of pigs in each pen of three reached 104 kg. One pig per pen was slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics and chemical composition. From 104 to 127 kg, dietary lysine was lowered to .75 or .55% for pigs fed .90 or .70% dietary lysine, respectively. When the pigs' mean weight met or exceeded 127 kg, both pigs were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics and chemical composition. Carcass length, longissimus muscle area, average backfat thickness, and 10th rib fat depth were measured 24 h postmortem on the chilled carcasses. The right side of each carcass was then ground and chemically analyzed to determine protein and lipid accretion rates. No interactions were detected from 44 to 104 kg; therefore, main effect means will be discussed. At 104 kg, high-lean pigs had increased ADG (P < .01) and gain:feed ratio (G/F; P < .05) compared with medium-lean pigs. Barrows had increased (P < .05) ADG and ADFI but exhibited a poorer (P < .01) G/F than gilts. Pigs fed .90% lysine had improved (P < .01) ADG compared with pigs fed .70% lysine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Different Migratory Strategies of Invasive Common Carp and Native Northern Pike in the American Midwest Suggest an Opportunity for Selective Management Strategies

AbstractInundated floodplains, backwaters, and wetlands are important spawning habitats for many freshwater fish. In Midwestern North America and areas of northern Europe, the Common Carp Cyprinus carpio and Northern Pike Esox lucius inhabit many of the same watersheds and perform migrations to interconnected wetlands during the spring to spawn. In this study, the movement patterns of adult Northern Pike and Common Carp from lakes into adjoining wetlands were assessed in Minnesota to determine how and when these species moved, and if Common Carp might be blocked or trapped without disrupting the Northern Pike. Adult Northern Pike migrated over an extended several-week period starting early each March, when temperatures were greater than 4oC and when the fish were fully sexually mature (i.e., females were ovulated and running with eggs, and males were spermiating). In contrast, adult Common Carp migrated over relatively short time periods that lasted just a few days between April and June, and whose specif...
Student Motivation: Current Theories, Constructs, and Interventions Within an Expectancy-Value Framework

Understanding student motivation, and its relationship to learning outcomes, is a central task for both researchers and practitioners. The expectancy-value framework offers a multidimensional approach to describing student motivation within educational contexts. Both expectancy and value have their own rich, independent bodies of literature. In an effort to help organize existing knowledge of this research area, the first purpose of our chapter is to offer separate, historical reviews of expectancy and value constructs. The second purpose of our chapter is to consider integrative approaches that combine expectancy and value constructs within the same model. The final purpose of our chapter is to highlight an emerging body of intervention work designed to influence and improve students’ expectancies and values. By identifying the sources of expectancy and value that are amenable to change, we can help teachers and schools diagnose why students struggle and what practitioners can proactively do to enhance student motivation.
Dynamic Multi-Point Rational Interpolation for Frequency-Selective Model Order Reduction

As process technology continues to scale into the nanoscale regime and overall system complexity increases, the reduced order modeling of on-chip interconnect plays a crucial role in characterizing VLSI system performance. In this paper, we develop a dynamic multi-point rational interpolation method based on Krylov subspace techniques to generate reduced order interconnect models that are accurate across a wide-range of frequencies. We dynamically select interpolation point by applying a cubic spline-based algorithm to detect complex regions in the system's frequency response. The results indicate that our method provides greater accuracy than techniques that apply multi-shift Krylov subspace methods with uniform interpolation points.
A new species of Cactopinus Schwarz from central Mexico (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

A new species in the genus Cactopinus Schwarz is described from central Mexico bringing the total of known species to 22.
INTRODUCTION: ULTRAFAST REACTIONS IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The present issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology deals with the “ultra-fast reactions” in the primary process of photosynthesis. The definition of what one calls “ultra-fast reactions” was left to the individual authors; it ranged from picoseconds (ps) to microseconds (μs). All of the papers were invited for this issue; these include those presented by the various speakers (to be cited at appropriate places) at the symposium on “Primary Photoprocesses in Photosynthesis: Ultrafast Reactions” held at the 5th annual meeting of the American Society for Photobiology, May 11–15, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. All the papers in this issue were reviewed by three authorities in the field, and the authors have incorporated as many of their suggestions as possible. I thank all the reviewers for their help and their names will be included in the annual list of the reviewers of the entire journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology.
Integrating learning and environmental sustainability in a living, learning community

Integrative learning in higher education is a rapidly developing area. At the University of South Carolina, a Living, Learning community led by a faculty principal is exploring new ways to connect students both within and beyond the classroom for the marine sciences. The Green Quad Living, Learning community has developed and implemented a co-curricular approach to marine science as part of the larger mission of educating residents on the environment and sustainability. Through the unique collaborations between two nationally recognized programs (University 101 and USC Connect), the Green Quad has become a leader in developing the Common Course program for marine science freshmen. We will illustrate the connections and lessons learned over the three year history of this program as well as future plans to grow the program.
Artificially sweetened beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, plain water, and incident diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women: the prospective Women's Health Initiative observational study

Background: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have been associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), whereas the association with artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) is unclear.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the associations of ASB and SSB consumption with the risk of developing DM and the potential benefit of replacing SSBs with ASBs or water.Design: The national Women's Health Initiative recruited a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women between 1993 and 1998. ASB, SSB, and water consumption was measured by lifestyle questionnaires, and DM was self-reported.Results: Of 64,850 women, 4675 developed diabetes over an average of 8.4 y of follow-up. ASBs and SSBs were both associated with an increased risk of DM with an HR of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.36) comparing ASB consumption of ≥2 serving/d to never or <3 serving/mo, and an HR of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.75) comparing SSB consumption of ≥2 serving/d to <1 serving/wk (1 serving = one 12-ounce can or 355 mL). Subgroup analysis found an increased risk of DM associated with ASBs only in the obese group. Modeling the substitution of SSBs with an equal amount of ASBs did not significantly reduce the risk of developing DM. However, statistically substituting 1 serving of ASBs with water was associated with a significant risk reduction of 5% (HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99), whereas substituting 1 serving of SSBs with water was associated with a risk reduction of 10% (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.95).Conclusions: ASBs were associated with a 21% increased risk of developing DM, approximately half the magnitude of SSBs (associated with a 43% increased risk). Replacing ASBs and SSBs with water could potentially reduce the risk. However, caution should be taken in interpreting these results as causal because both residual confounding and reverse causation could explain these results.
A novel methodology for electronic design exchange

This paper presents a novel methodology to exchange schematic and simulation information between Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. The schematic, symbol, model and simulation settings are described using standard extensible markup language (XML) format proposed first time in this paper. The standardization process is discussed and algorithm to generate the standard XML format is described. The proposed algorithm is implemented to exchange designs between WEBENCH, Tina-TI, Altium Designer and Allegro Design Entry CIS and conversion results are presented. The proposed methodology has enabled the design exchange a single click error free process and saved several engineering hours.
Serotonin Antagonists Reduce Central Nervous System Ischemic Damage

We have demonstrated that serotonin antagonists preserve neurological function in two different animal models. In one model, reversible occlusion was studied; in the other, irreversible ischemia was produced. In both instances, the protective effects were unequivocal. Alterations of the tissue concentrations of serotonin and its primary metabolite were not demonstrated during the stages of ischemia when irreversible damage was occurring. Thus, a new approach to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of serotonin is required. Although the mechanisms of injury reduction are not yet known, these findings make a compelling case for the utility of serotonin antagonists in the emergency therapy of such problems as cardiac arrest to prevent cerebral damage while the cardiac status is stabilized, and possibly for stroke-in-evolution to prevent continued progressive extension of damage. It may also be possible to give such therapy prophylactically in high-risk situations such as increasingly frequent transient ischemic attacks or before high-risk surgical procedures.
Road salts in urban stormwater: an emerging issue in stormwater management in cold climates

Potential impacts of road salting on the environment have increased by the introduction of certain stormwater management practices. Specific impacts are discussed for four such practices, infiltration facilities, oil and grit separators, stormwater ponds and constructed wetlands. The main concerns about the hazards of chloride-laden stormwater discharges include contamination of groundwater, leaching out of trace metals, densimetric stratification and poor vertical mixing in ponds, direct and indirect toxic effects, benthic drift and reduced biodiversity. The associated environmental risks need to be reduced by chloride source controls, and prevention of excessive chloride accumulations by appropriate design and operation of stormwater facilities in winter months.
Mutants of the EcoRI endonuclease with promiscuous substrate specificity implicate residues involved in substrate recognition

Abstract The EcoRI restriction endonuclease cleaves DNA molecules at the sequence GAATTC. We devised a genetic screen to isolate EcoRI mutants with altered or broadened substrate specificity. In vitro, the purified mutant enzymes cleave both the wild-type substrate and sites which differ from this by one nucleotide (EcoRI star sites). These mutations identify four residues involved in substrate recognition and catalysis that are different from the amino acids proposed to recognize the substrate based on the EcoRI-DNA co-crystal structure. In fact, these mutations suppress EcoRI mutants altered at some of the proposed substrate binding residues (R145, R200). We argue that these mutations permit cleavage of additional DNA sequences either by perturbing or removing direct DNA-protein interactions or by facilitating conformational changes that allosterically couple substrate binding to DNA scission.
Case Study: Business Service Composition for Sustainable Supply Chain

Semantic web service technologies are gaining widespread industry interests because of their great potential for saving time and effort to coordinate supply chain members by automatically composing different services. As a program/project manager, you need to consider the automatic business service composition as an important capability in the current mass customization manufacturing environment in which frequent changes in the corresponding supply chain networks are inevitable. At the same time, you need to understand that a growing pressure of environmental regulations and diverse incentive policies drive firms worldwide to reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, companies have to run “greener” operations in their supply chains and become more sustainable in energy savings and environment protection. In this chapter, you will see how you can use semantic web service technologies to set up an interoperable supply chain network while ensuring sustainability by utilizing a business composition platform based on OWL-S. You will also consider business implications of automatic business information composition technologies. Similar to Chap. 8, this chapter emphasizes the technical aspects to show how a real business problem can be resolved using a technology, rather than repeating prerequisites and project management caveats of technology integration.
Integrating Spiritual Direction Functions in the Practice of Psychotherapy

Recent research and clinical experience suggest that clients are increasingly expecting that psychotherapists will deal with their spiritual concerns that are traditionally addressed in spiritual d...
Interactions of renal cytochrome P450 (CYP), angiotensin (AII) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF): implications for ion transport.

In cells from the rabbit mTALH, arachidonic acid (AA) is metabolized primarily by the CYP pathway1, 2. Rabbit mTALH cells, when incubated with 14C-AA for 30 min, form products that segregate into two peaks, designated P1 and P2 based on their reverse phase HPLC retention times. Structural analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) disclosed three AA products generated by the CYP pathway in the mTALH: 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), 20-eicosatetraenedioic acid (20-COOH-AA), and 19-HETE2. P2, the more polar peak, was comprised of 20-COOH-AA, an inhibitor of Na+-K+-ATPase, that was devoid of vasoactivity. P1 contained vasoactive material that was also capable of affecting Na+-K+-ATPase and yielded two products, 20-HETE and 19-HETE (Fig. 1).
Paul Farmer: Structural Violence and the Embodiment of Inequality

Paul Farmer is one of the most influential advocates for health equity in the world today. His analyses — rooted in both social science and medicine, owing to his training in anthropology and infectious disease — highlight the importance of the social determinants of health. His work has challenged existing orthodoxies in medicine and global health, including the belief — widely held in the 1990s — that treatment for HIV or multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) was impossible in poor settings. Farmer has questioned the reliance on ‘cost-effectiveness’ as a decision-making process in healthcare delivery, arguing instead for the centrality of equity. At the same time, his work has critiqued medical anthropology, medical ethics, and related fields, including human rights, for ignoring the fundamental causes of global health inequities. Farmer’s vision of ‘geographically broad and historically deep’ analysis offers a framework for a political economy of global health equity, a way of working that respects the tremendous benefits of biomedicine, yet highlights the social ‘fault lines’ that negate its discoveries for the majority of the world’s poor.