cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Acrylamide and Other Sulfhydryl Alkylators on the Ability of Dynein and Kinesin to Translocate Microtubules in Vitro

Chronic exposure to acrylamide leads to a dying-back axonopathy afflicting the longest axons of all tested mammalian and avian species. Prior to the onset of acrylamide-induced axonal degeneration, alterations in axonal fast transport have been consistently reported to be more severe for the retrograde than the anterograde direction. The putative retrograde motor protein, dynein, is compromised by exposure to the sulfhydryl-alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) at concentrations far below those required to inactivate kinesin, the putative anterograde motor protein. Since acrylamide is capable of alkylating protein sulfhydryl moieties, we tested whether a direct exposure of purified kinesin or dynein to acrylamide would result in an impairment of either enzyme's ability to translocate microtubules. Motor activity was assayed by sequentially adsorbing either kinesin or dynein to acid-washed coverslips, treating with an alkylating agent or control solution, adding microtubules and ATP, and finally imaging and quantifying the binding and gliding of microtubules using video-enhanced differential interference contrast (VE-DIC) microscopy. In comparison to controls, incubation of dynein with NEM, ethacrynic acid, or iodoacetic acid resulted in dose-dependent decreases in the amount and rate of microtubule gliding, but increases in irreversible high-affinity microtubule binding. In contrast, exposure of dynein to 1-100 mM solutions of acrylamide did not significantly alter either the binding or gliding of microtubules (a molar/hour exposure to acrylamide equivalent to 50 times that which causes retrograde transport deficits in vivo). Likewise, kinesin motility parameters were not significantly affected by acrylamide concentrations up to 100 mM while NEM solutions > 100 microM led to significant losses in the ability of kinesin to bind MT. These data indicate that acrylamide does not significantly interact with bound (adsorbed) kinesin or dynein, implying that the mechanism by which acrylamide interferes with fast axonal transport in vivo is by interaction with other factor(s) that govern the movement of vesicles.
Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne remove blooms of the invasive green algaCaulerpa brachypus formaparvifolia (Harvey) cribb from coral reefs off Northern Palm Beach County, Florida

Coral reefs worldwide are under stress from a variety of anthropogenic activities that can alter or inhibit recovery from catastrophic physical disturbances such as hurricanes. On coral reefs off southeast Florida, land-based nutrient pollution contributed to a successful invasion ofCaulerpa brachypus fornaparvifolia that dominated (up to 90% cover) reefs between January 2003 and August 2004. In September 2004, physical effects from Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne removed virtually all of theC. brachypus from the affected reefs. In July 2005, small patches ofC. brachypus began to re-emerge and the area was affected again by Hurricane Wilma in October 2005. Although these hurricanes provided temporary relief from theC. brachypus invasion, the future of these reefs is uncertain because of competition with other opportunistic macroalgae and biota that may respond to the combination of newly created space and continued nutrient stress.
Open-Loop Neurofeedback Audiovisual Stimulation: A Pilot Study of Its Potential for Sleep Induction in Older Adults

This pilot study tested the efficacy of a 30-min audio–visual stimulation (AVS) program for the treatment of chronic insomnia in older adults. Chronic insomnia has been conceptualized as entailing increased cortical high frequency EEG activity at sleep onset and during NREM sleep. We hypothesized that an AVS program gradually descending from 8 to 1 Hz would potentially reduce the excessive cortical activation that is thought to contribute to difficulties with initiating and maintaining sleep. Accordingly, we conducted an intervention study of AVS using a pre-post design. Eight older adults (88 ± 8.7 years) complaining of chronic insomnia self-administered a 30-min AVS program nightly at bedtime for one month. Sleep was assessed at baseline and throughout the 4-week intervention. After using AVS for 4 weeks, significant improvement was reported in insomnia symptoms (ISI, p = 0.002) and sleep quality (PSQI, p = 0.004); with moderate to large effect sizes (Partial Eta2: 0.20–0.55)(Cohen’s d: 0.7–2.3). The training effect (self-reported sleep improvement) was observed at the end of week one and persisted through the 1-month intervention. The results from this pilot study suggest that further exploration of AVS as a treatment for insomnia is warranted.
Electrocardiographic changes in severe hypokalemia: A reappraisal

Abstract Electrocardiograms were recorded in 24 patients with serum potassium of 2.5 mEq./L. or less. Only 5 (20.8%) had severe-classic changes of hypokalemia. Sixteen (66.7%) had mildmoderate changes and 3 (12.5%) had no changes. It is concluded that, although most (21 of 24, or 87.5%) of these patients had at least some definite electrocardiographic changes, in individual patients there is poor correlation between the severity of the hypokalemia and the electrocardiographic abnormalities. When changes were present, however, they were clinically helpful and evolved as expected during potassium replacement.
Predictors of Anticipating Caregiving in Multigeneration Families: An Exploratory Study:

This study exploredfactors that predict anticipation of future caregiving by aging mothers, their daughters, and their granddaughters in 33 three-generation families. Results indicated that daughters'tendency to discussfuture caregiving with others was predicted by their mother's age but not health. Dyadic relationship quality predicted granddaughters', but not mothers' or daughters'anticipation of care needs. Internal locus of control was associated with more prepa ration for caregiving. The effect offilial obligation was moderated by dyadic relationship quality (for daughters) and health (for mothers). Three implications for practitioners and policy makers are discussed: (a) A complex interplay of variables must be considered when encouraging peo ple to prepare for caregiving; (b) individuals may actively avoid preparation, especially when unfavorable expectations limit their ability to process relevant information; (c) efforts to encour age future planning should take into account the complex networks ...
Reliability of measured tidal volume in mechanically ventilated young pigs with normal lungs.

Objective This study examined whether volumes can be accurately measured at the expiratory valve of a conventional ventilator using pressure support ventilation and positive end expiratory pressure with software compensation for circuit compliance available in the Servo ί ventilator.
EXPERIMENTAL ASPECTS OF TOBACCO CARCINOGENESIS.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that tobacco smoke condensate is carcinogenic to a variety of animal tissues. Chemical constituents have been determined which at least in part may account for the tumorigenic activity. It can also be shown that some of these constituents can be reduced in the smoke. As stated at the beginning, it is not the primary purpose of the laboratory experiment to establish cancer causation in man —a problem which is approached today only with human data—but rather its purpose is an attempt to explain the possible mechanism in terms of laboratory animals. If these results are applied to the human setting, caution must be used. In view of the massive epidemiologic and statistical evidence linking smoking to several types of human cancer, particularly that of lung cancer, the results of the animal work and the chemical analysis gain in importance. The conclusions one may derive have not only academic significance in defining the observed carcinogenic activity in terms of chemical components, but may also some day prove to be of practical importance.
The MFMU cesaraean section registry: Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean delivery

36 37 THE MFMU CESARAEAN SECTION REGISTRY: MATERNAL MORBIDITY ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE REPEAT CESAREAN DELIVERY ROBERT M. SILVER, MFMU Network, NICHD, Bethesda, Maryland OBJECTIVE: There has been a substantial increase in the rate of cesarean delivery (CD) over the past decade, including primary elective cases. In part, this has been justified by the relative safety of CD in modern obstetrics. Although multiple repeat CD often are associated with serious morbidity they account for only a portion of abdominal deliveries and are overlooked when evaluating morbidity. Our objective was to estimate whether morbidity is higher with increasing numbers of CD. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort of 30,132 women with CD without labor in 19 academic centers over 4 years (1999–2002). RESULTS: The risk of accreta, accreta with previa, and hysterectomy increased with increasing numbers of CD (Table; all P ! .001), as did the risk of blood transfusion of 4 or more units (P ! .001). In the 143 women with accreta, the risk of cystotomy, but not other co-morbidity, increased with increasing number of CD (P ! .001). CONCLUSION: Serious maternal morbidity increases with increasing numbers of CD. Thus, the number of intended pregnancies should be factored into consideration of elective cesarean or VBAC attempts. This large series confirms the high risk of accreta in women with previa and 2 or more prior CD. However, the risk of accreta in women with previa and 1 prior CD is less than previously reported. () accretas in women with previas; Hyst – hysterectomy).
Discovery and characterization of human exonic transcriptional regulatory elements

We sought exonic transcriptional regulatory elements by shotgun cloning human cDNA fragments into luciferase reporter vectors and measuring the resulting expression levels in liver cells. We uncovered seven regulatory elements within coding regions and three within 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Two of the putative regulatory elements were enhancers and eight were silencers. The regulatory elements were generally but not consistently evolutionarily conserved and also showed a trend toward decreased population diversity. Furthermore, the exonic regulatory elements were enriched in known transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and were associated with several histone modifications and transcriptionally relevant chromatin. Evidence was obtained for bidirectional cis-regulation of a coding region element within a tubulin gene, TUBA1B, by the transcription factors PPARA and RORA. We estimate that hundreds of exonic transcriptional regulatory elements exist, an unexpected finding that highlights a surprising multi-functionality of sequences in the human genome.
The occurrence of long transcription units among the X and Y ribosomal genes of Drosophila melanogaster: transcription of insertion sequences.

Most of the ribosomal transcription units (rTUs) in Drosophila melanogaster observed by electron microscopy measure about 8 kb; a length which corresponds to the size of the 38S precursor to ribosomal RNA in D. melanogaster. However, interspersed among these rTUs are transcription units that are much longer (up to 14.6 kb) than the 8 kb expected for rTUs. Some of these larger length estimates can be attributed to stretching but an important fraction is significantly larger and has up to 60 more fibers per gene. — The following evidence suggests that these larger transcription units are ribosomal genes consisting of insertion sequences. The long transcription units are within the sizes expected for rTUs containing insertion sequences as reported by other workers. Their RNP fibers cross-react with antibodies raised against ribosomal proteins in a manner similar to that observed for ribosomal RNP. They are interspersed among rTUs in the X chromosome. — These putative ribosomal genes carrying insertions are present both in the X and, although to a lesser extent, in the Y ribosomal chromatin as is indicated by their existence in nurse cells of both Oregon R females and females of the genotype sc 4 sc 8/sc 4 sc 8/y + Y. Analysis of the fiber patterns of “long TUs” supports the hypothesis that the insertion region is being transcribed. — “Long TUs” are found in tandem with non-transcribed spacer regions which are heterogeneous in length with a mean of 1.53±0.61 μm (or 8.5±3.4 kb).
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Xenotime-Type Gadolinium Orthophosphate

Xenotime-type GdPO4 (tetragonal, I41/amd) has been synthesized hydrothermally at 400°C. X-ray powder data have been presented, and the lattice parameters have been calculated as a= 0.6969(2) nm and c= 0.6095(3) nm.
Dependence of heterogeneous charge transfer rate on coordination environment in MoO(LL)(S2CNEt2)2 complexes

Etudes dans le cas de 5 complexes: MoO(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 3 + , MoO(cat)(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 , MoO(NO 2 cat)(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 , MoO(DTBcat)(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 et MoO(Cl 4 cat)(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 avec Cat 2− , NO 2 cat 2− , DTBcat 2− et Cl 4 cat 2− representant un catecholate, un nitro-4 catecholate, un di-tert-butyl-3,5 catecholate et un tetrachlorocatecholate
Design and Experiments of a Robotic Fish Imitating Cow-Nosed Ray

The cow-nosed ray is studied as natural sample of a flapping-foil robotic fish. Body structure, motion discipline, and dynamic foil deformation of cow-nosed ray are analyzed. Based on the analysis results, a robotic fish imitating cow-nosed ray, named Robo-ray II, mainly composed of soft body, flexible ribs and pneumatic artificial muscles, is developed. Structure and swimming morphology of the robotic prototype are as that of a normal cow-nosed ray in nature. Key propulsion parameters of Robo-ray II at normal conditions, including the St Number at linear swimming, thrust coefficient at towing are studied through experiments. The suitable driving parameters are confirmed considering the efficiency and swimming velocity. Swimming velocity of 0.16 m·s−1 and thrust coefficient of 0.56 in maximum are achieved in experiments.
Optimal lot size and configuration

Abstract The developer chooses lot size and shape to maximize profit subject to institutional constraints. The price structure for lots is exogenous and Cobb-Douglas in form. Costs of land development are assumed to be both proportional to frontage and to lot area. The constraints are the minimum lot area from zoning and the minimum lot depth from subdivision ordinances. Numerical and empirical results support this theory of optimal development. One implication is that lower frontage cost from technological change may have led to wider-shallower lots, a result also consistent with lower land rent in a conventional urban model.
Augmenting a hidden Markov model for phrase-dependent word tagging

The paper describes refinements that are currently being investigated in a model for part-of-speech assignment to words in unrestricted text. The model has the advantage that a pre-tagged training corpus is not required. Words are represented by equivalence classes to reduce the number of parameters required and provide an essentially vocabulary-independent model. State chains are used to model selective higher-order conditioning in the model, which obviates the proliferation of parameters attendant in uniformly higher-order models. The structure of the state chains is based on both an analysis of errors and linguistic knowledge. Examples show how word dependency across phrases can be modeled.
Wind‐driven latent heat flux and the intraseasonal oscillation

[1] The importance of tropical west Pacific wind-driven latent heat flux anomalies for supporting boreal winter intraseasonal precipitation variability is analyzed during 1998–2005 using satellite and in-situ observations. Intraseasonal (30–100 day) wind speed anomalies from QuikSCAT are significantly correlated with TRMM precipitation anomalies, with instantaneous correlations peaking near 0.7 in the regions of strongest west Pacific intraseasonal precipitation variance. Positive intraseasonal wind speed anomalies occur within regions of enhanced precipitation during intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) events, suggesting an increase in the wind-driven component of latent heat flux then. Consistent with these results, west Pacific intraseasonal TAO buoy latent heat flux and TRMM precipitation anomalies are significantly correlated (0.5–0.6), and latent heat flux anomalies are primarily wind-driven. Collocated evaporation anomalies are approximately 20% of intraseasonal precipitation anomalies. Intraseasonal precipitation in the west Pacific may be supported by wind-driven surface fluxes, consistent with the modeling work of Maloney and Sobel.
A photon collider experiment based on the SLC

Technology for a photon collider experiment at a future TeV-scale linear collider has been under development for many years. The laser and optics technology has reached the point where a GeV-scale photon collider experiment is now feasible. We report on the photon-photon luminosities that would be achievable at a photon collider experiment based on a refurbished Stanford Linear Collider.
Beyond the Self, Beyond Ontology: Levinas' Reading of Shestov's Reading of Kierkegaard

In 1937, Emmanuel Levinas published a review of Lev Shestov's Kierkegaard et la philosophie existentielle in the journal Revue des Etudes Juives. This essay includes a translation of his review as well as an introductory essay that contextualizes it. In her Emmanuel Levinas: The Problem of Ethical Metaphysics (1972), Edith Wyschogrod contended that Levinas' short review contains what "might well be taken as the program of his own future work." Both seek a way out of ontology, but Shestov seeks his escape through a violent wrenching out of the tradition of Western ontology. Levinas would later dub this attempt "the wound that bleeds throughout Shestov's work." Unlike Shestov, Levinas does not seek a lost primordial freedom that existed before being and has been lost ever since. Because Levinas' ethics takes its rise in the relation to the other person, he does not suffer from Shestov's continual wound that cannot be escaped.
An investigation of the structure of abelsonites from the Uinta Basin of Utah

Abstract Abelsonite has been obtained from five widely separated cores in the Green River Formation of Utah. Each occurrence was in fractures or bedding plane partings of lean oil shales. High resolution mass spectra show that the abelsonite samples are vitually identical from core to core and consist largely of the nickel complex of a C-31 porphyrin of DPEP type. 1 H-NMR spectra of some of the samples have been recorded and are compared with spectra of several model nickel porphyrin complexes. From these spectra it is deduced that abelsonite is largely the nickel complex of a nor-DPEP. Abelsonite is believed to differ from nickel DPEP in having a methyl substituent in place of an ethyl substituent at either carbon 3 or 8. Abelsonite is shown not to have a hydrogen substituent on any pyrrolic carbon. A chlorophyll origin of abelsonite is thus indicated. Abelsonite appears to have been introduced into the fractures and bedding planes of the rocks in which it is found subsequent to their lithification, as porphyrins different from abelsonite were extracted from shales associated with abelsonite.
Good in Theory: Can It Work in Practice?

Jennifer Prah Ruger's pioneering work in developing a theory that links global health justice to global health governance is a tour de force. It goes well beyond an articulation of principles of he...
Joint policing: third parties and the use of force

Throughout the history of the police, attempts have been made to integrate the police, commerce and the public. These efforts have been fragmented and uneven although guided by distinct laws, policies, customs and practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of force used by citizens to support the police. It first reviews the literature on the structure and function of these partnerships and how force against citizens can be used. Finally, it makes suggestions concerning further research and the control of force by police and their partners.
Detecting polarized light at levels below 1 ppm.

Some instrument considerations for detecting very low levels of light polarization -- below 1 ppm --are discussed. Recent linear and circular polarimetry of the whole disk of the Sun, at levels down to 3 x 10 -7 , is reviewed as an outstanding example. Further developments and applications are indicated.
On the radiation of soft gluons

Abstract We demonstrate that the cross section for the radiation of soft gluons in quantum chromodynamics does not obey a Poisson distribution (even when the colours of the gluons are summed over.) This implies that any cancellation of infrared divergences between radiative corrections from real and virtual gluons in QCD must be more complicated than in QED. We present an example of such a cancellation.
Perceptions of primary supervisor interpersonal skills: A critical incident analysis

This study surveyed a randomly selected group of Approved Supervisors of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (n = 280) and their supervisees (n = 266) on their perceptions of the primary supervisor interpersonal skill used in supervisory incidents that had a positive effect on supervisee development. Supervisor directiveness was the most identified skill by both supervisors and supervisees.
Cognitive, social, and economic costs of allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Allergic rhinitis is a highly prevalent, chronic condition. In addition to physical discomfort, rhinitis symptoms have been associated with detrimental effects on the psychological and social aspects of patients' lives. In allergy-specific questionnaires, subjects with allergic rhinitis consistently report lower quality of life than nonallergic controls. Untreated patients are embarrassed and frustrated by their allergy symptoms. Atopic individuals consistently exhibit significant declines in cognitive processing, psychomotor speed, verbal learning, and memory during allergy season. The discomfort, cognitive impairment, and absenteeism associated with allergic rhinitis exact a significant economic toll on U.S. businesses through decreased productivity. When combined with direct medical expenditures, the economic burden of allergic rhinitis is considerable. The effect of treatment on the economics of allergic rhinitis is highly variable: relatively inexpensive medications (lower direct costs) have central nervous system side effects that can cause somnolence and impair learning, memory, and performance (higher indirect costs). Health outcomes data on the effects of allergic rhinitis and its treatments can help establish, monitor, and improve standards of care; as well as inform priority setting, direct resource allocation, and eliminate unnecessary practices.
Identifying chemical names in biomedical text: an investigation of the substring co-occurrence based approaches

We investigate various strategies for finding chemicals in biomedical text using substring co-occurrence information. The goal is to build a system from readily available data with minimal human involvement. Our models are trained from a dictionary of chemical names and general biomedical text. We investigated several strategies including Naive Bayes classifiers and several types of N-gram models. We introduced a new way of interpolating N-grams that does not require tuning any parameters. We also found the task to be similar to Language Identification.
Filamentation of an annular laser beam in a short wavelength laser produced plasma

Abstract We report on the first observations of periodic structures caused by the filamentation instability. These structures were observed on 0.35 μm laser irradiated planar target experiments. Comparison of these observations with self-focusing theory indicates that even though thermal filamentation may initiate the instability, ponderomotive force effects eventually dominate the actual filamentation process.
Sum Frequency Generation Studies of Surfaces of High-Surface-Area Powdered Materials

We report the first observation of sum frequency generation (SFG) photons on high-surface-area powders, critically important materials in heterogeneous catalysis. We utilize SFG in total internal reflection (TIR) geometry and show that the TIR−SFG approach markedly reduces the destructive interference associated with nonlinear optical spectroscopy of small particle surfaces, making SFG studies of high-surface-area powders possible. The index of refraction of materials and their distance from the TIR−SFG prism are key parameters in generating and detecting the sum frequency signal. We find that TIR−SFG is highly sensitive to capillary condensation. To demonstrate the capability of the TIR−SFG technique, we measure the thermodynamics of methanol adsorption and desorption on high-surface-area SiO2.
Association Between Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness: A Twin Study

Background The American Heart Association (AHA) recently developed the Cardiovascular Health Index (CVHI), a health metric consisting of 7 modifiable risk factors. The relationship of the CVHI with preclinical markers, such as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has not been assessed. Methods We examined 490 male monozygotic and dizygotic twins without overt cardiovascular disease. CIMT was measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Each of the 7 CVHI components (blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, and smoking) was given a point score of 0, 1, or 2 to represent poor, intermediate, or ideal health, respectively. A CVHI summation score was computed (range 0 to 14) and categorized as inadequate (0 to 4), average (5 to 9), or optimum (10 to 14) cardiovascular health. Mixed-model regression was used to examine the association of the CVHI with CIMT. Results The mean age of the twins was 55.4 years, and 61% were monozygotic. The mean CIMT was 0.75 (±0.11) mm and the mean CVHI score was 7.7 (±2.1). There was an inverse correlation between CVHI and CIMT (Spearman r =−0.22, P <0.01). For every 5-unit increase in overall CVHI score (indicating better cardiovascular health category), CIMT decreased by 0.045 mm ( P <0.001) after adjusting for demographic variables and other confounders. Within monozygotic twin pairs, a 5-unit increment in CVHI score was associated with a 0.05 mm lower CIMT ( P <0.001). Conclusions The CVHI is independently associated with CIMT and the association is not confounded by shared genetic and other familial factors.
SIV/Macaque Model of HIV Infection in Cocaine Users: Minimal Effects of Cocaine on Behavior, Virus Replication, and CNS Inflammation

Studies of the effects of drugs of abuse on HIV immune status, disease progression, and neuroAIDS have produced conflicting data and have not definitively shown whether this combination promotes cognitive impairment or disease progression. Using a consistent SIV–macaque model, we investigated the effects of cocaine on behavior, virologic parameters, and CNS inflammation. Macaques received either vehicle or chronic administration of behaviorally active doses of cocaine (1.7 or 3.2 mg/kg/day). Chronic cocaine administration reduced CD8+ T cell counts during acute and late stage infection but had no effect on CD4+ T cell counts. Low-dose cocaine-treated animals had lower CSF vRNA levels late in infection, but cocaine did not alter plasma viral load or vRNA or protein in brain. There were no differences in CSF CCL-2 or interleukin (IL)-6 levels or severity of encephalitis in cocaine-treated as compared to vehicle-treated macaques. There were no differences in brain inflammation or neurodegeneration markers, as determined by interferon (IFN)-β, MxA, CCL2, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ, and indolamine 2,3-deoxygenase mRNA levels. APP levels also were not altered. The executive function of inhibitory control was not impaired in cocaine-treated or control animals following SIV infection. However, animals receiving 3.2 mg/kg/day cocaine performed more slowly in a bimanual motor test. Thus, chronic administration of cocaine produced only minor changes in behavior, encephalitis severity, CNS inflammation/neurodegeneration, and virus replication in SIV-infected pigtailed macaques, suggesting that cocaine would have only modest effects on the progression of neuroAIDS in HIV-infected individuals.
Role of whole bone marrow, whole bone marrow cultured cells, and mesenchymal stem cells in chronic wound healing

Recent evidence has shown that bone marrow cells play critical roles during the inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling phases of cutaneous wound healing. Among the bone marrow cells delivered to wounds are stem cells, which can differentiate into multiple tissue-forming cell lineages to effect, healing. Gaining insight into which lineages are most important in accelerating wound healing would be quite valuable in designing therapeutic approaches for difficult to heal wounds. In this report we compared the effect of different bone marrow preparations on established in vitro wound healing assays. The preparations examined were whole bone marrow (WBM), whole bone marrow (long term initiating/hematopoietic based) cultured cells (BMC), and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC). We also applied these bone marrow preparations in two murine models of radiation induced delayed wound healing to determine which had a greater effect on healing. Angiogenesis assays demonstrated that tube formation was stimulated by both WBM and BMC, with WBM having the greatest effect. Scratch wound assays showed higher fibroblast migration at 24, 48, and 72 hours in presence of WBM as compared to BM-MSC. WBM also appeared to stimulate a greater healing response than BMC and BM-MSC in a radiation induced delayed wound healing animal model. These studies promise to help elucidate the role of stem cells during repair of chronic wounds and reveal which cells present in bone marrow might contribute most to the wound healing process.
SERGIO NOJA, ED., L'Arabie avant l'Islam (Aix-en-Provence: Édisud, 1994). Pp. 272.

Arabia is the cradle of Islam and the homeland of the Arabs, who spread that faith in a wide belt around the globe that extends from Central Asia to Western Europe. Because Islam's roots are in Arabia, that peninsula has claims on the attention of the historian of Islam both as a religion and as a world civilization—that of Medieval Islam. Although the history of Arabia before Islam is important, there is no doubt that the rise of Islam within the peninsula's confines imparted new significance to the history of the region. Because of its history in preIslamic times, the significance of the peninsula remains, relatively speaking, marginal, but has been relieved of that marginality by the fact that it became the birthplace of Islam.
Arterial carbon dioxide changes during voluntary hyperventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Factors influencing the degree of arterial Pco2 (Paco2) change with voluntary hyperventilation (VHV) were investigated in 32 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Arterial blood gases, breathing frequency, expired gas composition and volume were measured during quiet breathing and during VHV. The decrease in Paco2 correlated best with the wasted ventilation ratios (VD/VT) during VHV with the lowest VD/VT being associated with the greatest decrease in Paco2 (p
Anterior cingulate volume reduction in adolescents with borderline personality disorder and co-morbid major depression.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious illness characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and impaired interpersonal relationships. Prior work shows the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG)-a region primarily involved in assessing the salience of emotional information and regulating emotional responses--is smaller in adults with BPD. We tested the hypothesis that, similar to adults, adolescents with BPD would have reduced Brodmann area (BA)-24 volume. Thirteen adolescent inpatients with co-morbid BPD and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 13 matched healthy controls received 3T-MRI scans. Using a cytoarchitecturally-derived approach measuring gray and white matter volume, we observed a Group × Cingulate BA (25,24,31,23,29) × Matter (gray, white) type interaction indicating the BPD/MDD adolescents had smaller BA24 volume in gray but not white matter. Greater number of suicide attempts and BPD symptom severity measured by the Diagnostic Interview for BPD-revised (DIB-R) total score but not depressive symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was associated with smaller BA24 volume. Our preliminary findings suggest that BPD-related abnormalities in BA24 volume may occur early in the developmental course of BPD with MDD. Future studies examining samples of MDD patients with and without BPD co-morbidity will be needed to clarify whether BA24 volume reductions are specific to BPD. Language: en
Olanzapine-induced weight gain and increased visceral adiposity is blocked by melatonin replacement therapy in rats.

The atypical antipsychotic drug olanzapine increases body weight and visceral adiposity in schizophrenia. In rats, aging-associated increased body weight and visceral adiposity are reversed by administration of the pineal hormone melatonin. We asked if melatonin similarly would reverse olanzapine-induced increased weight and visceral adiposity in rats. Four groups (n=11/group) of female rats (240–250 g) were treated for 8 weeks with olanzapine, melatonin, olanzapine+melatonin, or vehicle alone in drinking water. Body weight and food and water consumption were determined weekly, locomotor activity at weeks 3 and 6, and nocturnal plasma melatonin concentration at week 7. At week 8, the rats were killed and visceral (perirenal, retroperitoneal, omental, and mesenteric) fat pads dissected and weighed. Olanzapine treatment reduced nocturnal plasma melatonin by 55% (p<0.001), which was restored to control levels by olanzapine+melatonin. Body weight increased 18% in rats treated with olanzapine alone, but only 10% with olanzapine+melatonin, 5% with melatonin alone, and 7% with vehicle control. Body weight and visceral fat pad weight increases in rats treated with olanzapine alone were greater than in each of the other three groups (all p<0.01), which were not significantly different. These results suggest that olanzapine-induced increases in body weight and visceral adiposity may be at least in part secondary to olanzapine-induced reduction of plasma melatonin levels, and that melatonin may be useful for the management of olanzapine-induced weight gain in humans.
The Paf1 Complex Subunit Rtf1 Buffers Cells Against the Toxic Effects of [ PSI + ] and Defects in Rkr1-Dependent Protein Quality Control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Rtf1 subunit of the Paf1 complex is required for specific histone modifications, including histone H2B lysine 123 monoubiquitylation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, deletion of RTF1 is lethal in the absence of Rkr1, a ubiquitin-protein ligase involved in the destruction of nonstop proteins, which arise from mRNAs lacking stop codons or translational readthrough into the poly(A) tail. We performed a transposon-based mutagenesis screen to identify suppressors of rtf1Δ rkr1Δ lethality and found that a mutation in the gene encoding the protein chaperone Hsp104 rescued viability. Hsp104 plays a role in prion propagation, including the maintenance of [PSI+], which contributes to the synthesis of nonstop proteins. We demonstrate that rtf1Δ and rkr1Δ are synthetically lethal only in the presence of [PSI+]. The deletion, inactivation, and overexpression of HSP104 or the overexpression of prion-encoding genes URE2 and LSM4 clear [PSI+] and rescue rtf1Δ rkr1Δ lethality. In addition, the presence of [PSI+] decreases the fitness of rkr1Δ strains. We investigated whether the loss of RTF1 exacerbates an overload in nonstop proteins in rkr1Δ [PSI+] strains but, using reporter plasmids, found that rtf1Δ decreases nonstop protein levels, indicating that excess nonstop proteins may not be the cause of synthetic lethality. Instead, our data suggest that the loss of Rtf1-dependent histone modifications increases the burden on quality control pathways in cells lacking Rkr1 and containing [PSI+].
Vitamin C-induced hyperoxaluria causing reversible tubulointerstitial nephritis and chronic renal failure: a case report

Vitamin C is a precursor of oxalate and promoter of its absorption, potentially causing hyperoxaluria. Malabsorption causes Calcium (Ca) chelation with fatty acids, producing enteric hyperoxaluria.
Pausible clocking-based heterogeneous systems

This paper describes a novel communication scheme, which is guaranteed to be free of synchronization failures, amongst multiple synchronous and asynchronous modules operating independently. In this scheme, communication between every pair of modules is done through an asynchronous first-in first-out (FIFO) channel; communication between a module and the FIFO is done using a request/acknowledge handshaking. Synchronization of handshake signals to the local module clock is done in an unconventional way-the local clock built out of a ring oscillator is paused or stretched, if necessary, to ensure that the handshake signal satisfies setup and hold time constraints with respect to the local clock. In order to validate this scheme, we implemented a test chip in 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS. This chip is designed as a ring, composed of two synchronous modules, an asynchronous module, and two asynchronous FIFOs. Each module functions as a receiver to one module and a sender to another module. Test results show that the chip functions reliably up to 456 MHz.
Reciprocal altruism, rather than kin selection, maintains nepotistic food transfers on an Ache reservation

Cooperation among relatives is often regarded as evidence of kin selection. Yet altruism not requiring shared genes can also evolve among relatives. If characteristics of relatives (such as proximity, familiarity, or trust) make kin preferred social partners, the primary causes of nepotistic biases may reside principally in direct fitness payoffs from cooperation rather than indirect fitness payoffs acquired from aiding collateral kin. We consider the roles of kin selection and reciprocal altruism in maintaining nepotistic food transfers on an Ache reservation in northeastern Paraguay. Households do not primarily direct aid to related households that receive larger comparative marginal gains from food intake as we would predict under kin selection theory. Instead, (1) food transfers favor households characterized by lower relative net energy production values irrespective of kinship ties, (2) households display significant positive correlations in amounts exchanged with each other, suggesting contingency in food transfers, and (3) kinship interacts with these positive correlations in amounts households exchange with each other, indicating even stronger contingency in sharing among related households than among unrelated households. While kin are preferred recipients of food aid, food distributions favor kin that have given more to the distributing household in the past rather than kin that would benefit more from the aid. Such discrimination among kin accords better with reciprocal altruism theory than with kin selection theory.
Two Alternative Definitions of Creativity and Their Relationships with Intelligence.

Two batteries of creativity tests measuring “traditional” creativity and creativity as defined by Wallach and Kogan were factor analyzed along with measures of verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Three distinct oblique (maxplane) factors representing intelligence, “traditional” creativity and Wallach and Kogan creativity were identified. The two alternate definitions of creativity and their corresponding measures produced separate but correlated factors each of which was distinguishable from intelligence. The “traditional” creativity factor was substantially correlated with the intelligence factor (.66), the Wallach and Kogan factor was slightly correlated with the intelligence factor (.33), and the two creativity factors were moderately correlated (.50).
Postconditioning: if you snooze, you lose AUTHOR'S RETROSPECTIVE

This editorial refers to an article by H. Kin et al .[19][1] published in Cardiovascular Research in 2004 (see [Box 1][2]). It is accompanied by an editorial by M. Ovize, pp. 181–182, this issue, as part of this Spotlight on Landmark Papers in Cardiovascular Research . Early work from Dr Braunwald's group demonstrated that the infarct size was not a predetermined entity, but could be modified by interventions applied during ischaemia.1 This gave birth to the field of cardioprotection for non-surgical infarction, which has seen active investigation for cardioprotective therapies for over four decades. The finding by Reimer et al .2 that the infarct size was related to ischaemic time led to the corollary that the infarct size could be limited by initiating reperfusion as early as possible. This conclusion ushered in thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty and stenting), which are currently the standard of care treatments for acute myocardial infarction. There was now a scientific rationale to develop therapies to reduce the infarct size that were aimed at attenuating the recognized contributors to ischaemic injury. Later, preconditioning was introduced3 and has become the ‘gold standard’ treatment by which other therapies are judged. Studies became focused on pharmacologically inducing a preconditioning-like adaptive state. Many of these approaches succeeded in experimental laboratories, only to fail in clinical trials. The recognition that reperfusion injury may also contribute to the ultimate infarct size suggested that the lack of clinical success in these clinical trials may also be due to failure to attenuate reperfusion injury. At that time the concept of reperfusion injury was highly controversial,4 and it remained to be demonstrated convincingly that reperfusion injury was not merely a laboratory oddity but a clinical entity. The failure of clinical trials to show efficacy of experimentally successful drugs (remember oxygen … [1]: #ref-19 [2]: #F1
Standing ultrasonic wave separator

This paper presents the design and preliminary results for a flow-through particle separation unit using standing ultrasonic waves. The results indicate that good separation is obtained at residence times as low as 14 seconds and liquid velocities of 2 mm/sec. The effects of thermally and acoustically induced streaming are discussed. The unit is being used to assess the effective ranges and limits for key parameters in the design of larger scale units.
Red blood cell transfusion in pediatric patients with severe chronic anemia: how slow is necessary?

Historic practice recommends slow transfusion for children with chronic anemia and hemoglobin less than 5.0 g/dl due to the theoretical risk of transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO). In our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we have been utilizing a more liberal transfusion practice in patients without underlying cardiopulmonary disease, and a faster transfusion rate appears safe in this population. Rate of transfusion must be based on multiple factors including convenience, timeliness of procedures and transport to an appropriate care facility, risk of alloimmunization and wastage of blood, stress for the family, and need for PICU monitoring.
Synergistic Effect of Bone Marrow Mobilization and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-2 Gene Therapy in Myocardial Ischemia

Background— We performed a series of investigations to test the hypothesis that combining angiogenic gene therapy and cytokine (CK)-induced endothelial progenitor cell mobilization would be superior to either strategy alone for treatment of chronic myocardial ischemia. Methods and Results— A swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia and a murine model of acute myocardial infarction were used in this study. In both models, animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: Combo group, intramyocardial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-2 gene transfer plus subcutaneous injection of CKs; VEGF-2, VEGF-2 gene transfer plus saline subcutaneously injected; CK, empty vector transfer plus CKs; and control, empty vector plus subcutaneous saline. Acute myocardial infarction was also induced in wild-type mice 4 weeks after bone marrow transplantation from enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice to permit observation of bone marrow–derived cells in the myocardium after acute myocardial infa...
The Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Dally-like and Syndecan Have Distinct Functions in Axon Guidance and Visual-System Assembly in Drosophila

Summary Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), a class of glycosaminoglycan-modified proteins, control diverse patterning events via their regulation of growth-factor signaling and morphogen distribution [1]. In C. elegans , zebrafish, and the mouse, heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis is required for normal axon guidance [2–4], and mutations affecting Syndecan (Sdc), a transmembrane HSPG, disrupt axon guidance in Drosophila embryos [5, 6]. Glypicans, a family of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked HSPGs, are expressed on axons and growth cones in vertebrates, but their role in axon guidance has not been determined [7, 8]. We demonstrate here that the Drosophila glypican Dally-like protein (Dlp) is required for proper axon guidance and visual-system function. Mosaic studies revealed that Dlp is necessary in both the retina and the brain for different aspects of visual-system assembly. Sdc mutants also showed axon guidance and visual-system defects, some that overlap with dlp and others that are unique. dlp + transgenes were able to rescue some sdc visual-system phenotypes, but sdc + transgenes were ineffective in rescuing dlp abnormalities. Together, these findings suggest that in some contexts HS chains provide the biologically critical component, whereas in others the structure of the protein core is also essential.
Thermochromic Distibines and Dibismuthines

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses thermochromic distibines and dibismuthines. Distibines and dibismuthines show a propensity to stack in the solid state. The first well-characterized distibine, tetraphenyldistibine was reported in 1931. Paneth also obtained tetramethyldibismuthine in trace quantities from methyl radicals and a heated bismuth mirror. The dibismuthine is conveniently purified by recrystallization from pentane at –20°C. Most distibines appear yellow, while dibismuthines are red, either in their liquid phases or in solution in organic solvents. On crystallization, nonthermochromic distibines and dibismuthines show little visual change. The thermochromic effect of distibines has been treated in three papers by Hoffmann and colleagues using a tight bonding model based on extended Huckel calculations. Raman spectroscopy is extremely useful for the characterization of distibines and dibismuthines, because the metal–metal stretching vibrations give rise to intense, easily identifiable peaks. No diarsines or diphosphines show thermochromic behavior similar to that of the distibines and dibismuthines. A recent theoretical study by Canadell and Shaik, however, has suggested that the incorporation of antimony into conjugated organic networks, such as phenalenyl, will lead to distibinelike stacked molecules with an open-band structure.