cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of dopamine D4 receptor-selective antagonists on motor hyperactivity in rats with neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesions.

Rationale: Dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphism has been repeatedly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related personality traits. We recently reported that motor hyperactivity in an animal model of ADHD was dose-dependently reversed by CP-293,019, a D4 receptor-selective antagonist. However, behavioral effects of this agent may not be attributed exclusively to D4 receptor blockade, since it interacts with other sites including serotonin receptors. Objectives: To test further the hypothesis that D4 receptor blockade can reduce motor hyperactivity, behavioral effects of three chemically and pharmacologically dissimilar D4 antagonists were compared to that of ketanserin, a serotonin 5-HT2A/2C antagonist. Methods: Selective dopamine lesions were made in male rats at postnatal day (PD) 5 with intracisternal 6-hydroxydopamine (100 µg) after desipramine pretreatment (25 mg/kg, SC) to protect noradrenergic neurons. Effects of D4 receptor-selective antagonists and ketanserin on lesion-induced motor hyperactivity were examined during the periadolescent period (postnatal days 23–26) with an infrared photobeam activity system. Results: The D4 antagonists L-745,870 and U-101,958 dose-dependently inhibited motor hyperactivity in rats with neonatal lesions, whereas S-18126 lacked this effect at doses up to 30 mg/kg. None of these drugs affected motor behavior in sham control rats. In contrast, ketanserin produced apparent sedative effects in both lesioned and intact control rats without normalizing hyperactivity. Conclusions: Motor hyperactivity in this ADHD model was selectively antagonized by three of four dopamine D4 receptor antagonists evaluated, encouraging clinical assessment of D4 antagonists in patients with ADHD.
Fabrication and Characterization of Three-Dimensional Silver-Coated Polymeric Microstructures

A method is reported for fabricating complex 3D silver-coated polymeric microstructures. The approach is based on the creation of a crosslinked polymeric microscaffold via patterned multiphoton-initiated polymerization followed by surface-nucleated electroless deposition of silver. The conductivity and reflectivity of the resulting silver-polymer composites and the nanoscale morphology of the deposited silver are characterized. Sub-micrometer thick layers of silver can be controllably deposited onto surfaces, including those of 3D microporous forms without occluding the interior of the structure. The approach is general for silver coating crosslinked polymeric structures based on acrylate, methacrylate, and epoxide resins and provides a new path to complex 3D micrometer-scale devices with electronic, photonic, and electromechanical function.
The hydrolysis of maltodextrins by a -amylase isolated from leaves of Vicia faba.

Abstract The action pattern of a β-amylase (α-1,4-glucan maltohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.2) which was extensively purified from extracts of leaves of Vicia faba has been investigated. The enzyme, which was purified by (NH4)2SO4 fraction, precipitation with acetone and chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and Bio-gel P-100 columns had a specific activity of 100 μmoles/min per mg and was obtained in an over-all yield of 13%. The final preparation was homogeneous on the basis of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at several pH values, sedimentation in the ultracentrifuge and its elution profile on Sephadex G-200 columns. A symmetrical peak with s20,w = 6.5 was found on ultracentrifugal sedimentation analysis. The molecular weight of the leaf β-amylase, calculated from data obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and ultracentrifugation, was 107 000. The purified enzyme had a Stokes radius of 31.8 A and a diffusion constant of 6.49·10−7 cm2/s. Information obtained from a complete analysis of the amino acid composition indicated the presence of comparatively large amounts of aspartic and glutamic acids, and the partial specific volume was calculated to be 0.733. The action pattern of the purified leaf β-amylase upon hydrolysis of a number of maltodextrins was the same and was independent of the molecular size. The only products detected during the course of hydrolysis of maltodextrins with chain lengths of from 9 to 198 glucose residues were maltose and very small amounts of glucose and maltotriose. No evidence for the release of other intermediates was obtained, even when the hydrolysis was carried out essentially to completion. The extent of binding and rate of hydrolysis increased with chain length and reached a maximal level at a chain length of about 40–50 glucose units. The Km of the enzyme for linear maltodextrins decreased with chain-length up to about 50 glucose units, and with longer chain lengths it remained constant at about 1.4·10−4M. The maximum velocity of the reaction was not significantly influenced by the chain-length of the maltodextrin used as substrate. The findings reported are consistent with a mechanism in which the maltodextrin combined with β-amylase to form a loose complex, which then rearranges to form a tightly bound intermediate which is hydrolyzed completely to maltose and small amounts of glucose and maltotriose.
Multiscale modeling of Thermoelectric Generators for conversion performance enhancement

Abstract The thermoelectric model developed previously is used in this study to theoretically analyze promising solutions to enhance the power generated by Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs), which incorporate water-fed heat exchangers with commercially available thermoelectric modules. The patterned topography on wall surfaces is implemented and the increased device performance can be observed by introducing stirred flows into the heat exchangers and equalizing the temperature across the channels. Referring to the analysis, an approximately 30% enhancement in power generation is captured for the base-relief TEG, indicating it is desirable to have mixing structures. In addition, varying cross-sectional area of a single channel in a conversion capability sense shows that the structured surfaces have a stronger impact on the TEGs at the micro scale, which could promote the power output by 40%. Finally, the prospect of increasing the thermal transport capability of water by loading it with nanoparticles in the TEGs with macro and micro heat exchangers is explored. It is found that the conversion performance of the nanofluid-fed TEG only performs superior to the water-fed TEG at the micro scale by 14%, where the flow rate is relatively low. As for the macro scale, no improvement can be captured.
Necessity for Afferent Activity to Maintain Eye-Specific Segregation in Ferret Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

In the adult mammal, retinal ganglion cell axon arbors are restricted to eye-specific layers in the lateral geniculate nucleus. Blocking neuronal activity early in development prevents this segregation from occurring. To test whether activity is also required to maintain eye-specific segregation, ganglion cell activity was blocked after segregation was established. This caused desegregation, so that both eyes' axons became concentrated in lamina A, normally occupied only by contralateral afferents. These results show that an activity-dependent process is necessary for maintaining eye-specific segregation and suggest that activity-independent cues may favor lamina A as the target for arborization of afferents from both eyes.
A general route to α,α-difluoroketones

Abstract The reaction of iododifluoromethyl ketones with alkenes catalyzed by Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 in the absence of solvent at room temperature gives high yields of the corresponding 1:1 addition products. Treatment of the adducts with Zn/NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O/THF affords α,α-difluoroketones. A variety of functional groups in the olefins are tolerated under the reaction conditions, including alkyl, trimethylsilyl, hydroxy, epoxy, carbonyl and ester groups.
Subanesthetic concentration of nitrous oxide and human memory

Abstract 1. 1. Subanesthetic concentrations of nitrous oxide are used for analgesia and are occasionally abused. The effects of 30% nitrous oxide on human learning and memory, facility for solving mathematical problems and subjective feelings were investigated. 2. 2. There were 40 normal volunteers; two drugs; 30% nitrous oxide in oxygen (N) and 100% oxygen (P, placebo); and two experimental sessions. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the drug which they inhaled in the two sessions: PP, PN, NP and NN. 3. 3. “N” produced a marked decrease in learning; mean number of words recalled was 22.9 vs. 50.2 for “P” (P 4. 4. On the digit span test, the percent correct under “N” was 63.0 vs. 76.8 under “P” (p 5. 5. Computation of the difference scores between the number of words learned in Session I and the number recalled in Session II indicated impairment of retrieval under “N”. There was no evidence of state-dependent learning.
The importance of culling in Johne's disease control

Johne's disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection and results in economic losses in the dairy industry. To control MAP transmission in herds, test-based culling has been recommended and immediate culling of high shedding animals is typically implemented. In this study, we quantified the effects of MAP control in US dairy herds, using the basic reproduction ratio R(0). The effectiveness of culling strategies was evaluated for good and poor herd management (low- and high-transmission rates, respectively) by a phase diagram approach. To establish a quantitative relationship between culling rates and test properties, we defined the average detection times for low and high shedding animals. The effects of various culling strategies and test characteristics, such as test sensitivity, test turnaround time, and testing interval, were analyzed. To understand the overall effect of model parameters on R(0), we performed global uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. We also evaluated the effectiveness of culling only high shedding animals by comparing three test methods (fecal culture, fecal polymerase chain reaction, PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA). Our study shows that, in the case of good herd management, culling of only high shedding animals may be effective in controlling MAP transmission. However, in the case of poor management, in addition to immediate culling of high shedding animals, culling of low shedding animals (based on the fecal culture test) will be necessary. Culling of low shedding animals may be delayed 6-12 months, however, if a shorter testing interval is applied. This study suggests that if farmers prefer culling only high shedding animals, faster MAP detection tests (such as the fecal PCR and ELISA) of higher sensitivity should be applied with high testing frequency, particularly on farms with poor management. Culling of infectious animals with a longer testing interval is generally not effective to control MAP.
DNA methylation, molecular genetic, and linkage studies in prostate cancer

Molecular biologic studies have now identified a number of important genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that cause alterations in growth and differentiation genes in prostate cancer. In addition to DNA deletion and point mutation, DNA methylation represents a new paradigm for the inactivation of tumor suppressor or growth suppressor genes. The identification of new genes, including a prostate cancer susceptibility locus, may furnish further insight into the molecular characteristics of prostate cancer and permit the early identification of affected individuals.
ATRP from an amino acid-based initiator: A facile approach for α-functionalized polymers

A L-valine-derived α-haloamide was synthesized and investigated as an initiator for the atom transfer radical polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate using commercially available CuBr, CuBr(2) and N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the catalyst and ligand system. Kinetic studies and extension to a diblock copolymer with styrene, each indicated that the polymerizations were well controlled. Poly(tert-butyl acrylate) having M(n) (NMR) = 8.6 kDa, M(n) (GPC) = 8.3 kDa, PDI = 1.11 and a diblock of poly(tert-butyl acrylate)-b-polystyrene having M(n) (NMR) = 20.2 kDa, M(n) (GPC) = 22.5 kDa, PDI = 1.22 were prepared by the sequential polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate and styrene at 55 °C and 90 °C, respectively.
Aural atresia associated with multiple congenital anomalies and mental retardation: A new syndrome

hypothesis of the study. Serum 25-OHD concentrations did not significantly correlate with sunshine exposure at 12 months of age. We speculate that the weak relationship between serum 25-OHD and sunshine exposure at 1 year of age probably was related to increased ingestion of vitamin D at this age, and that the role of endogenous production of vitamin D was less significant. In summary, large seasonal differences in serum 25hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were observed that coincided with differences in sunshine exposure. The results of the study support the contention that white breastfed infants may not require vitamin D supplementation i f they are receiving an adequate amount of sunshine exposure. R E F E R E N C E S
Existence of double-pinning force maxima for a single pinning mechanism

Abstract Critical current measurements on a cold rolled Pb 60 In 40 foil show two pinning maxima, one close to H c 2 in the neighborhood of h = 0.95, and the other at low fields around h = 0.15. The high field pinning force maximum shifts to lower fields, and the low field maximum shifts to higher fields with increasing pinning strength. The data is explained in terms of Kramer's pinning force model incorporating Brandt's expression for C > 66 .
Scanning electron microscopy of Golden hamster spermatozoa before and during fertilization.

L'observation directe de la surface du sperme et de l'œuf au microscope electronique «scanning» a montre une serie de changements dans le spermatozoide du Hamster dore avant la fertilisation ainsi que la relation topographique entre le spermatosoide et l'œuf au moment de la fertilisation. Il semble que les microvilli de l'œuf participent activement a l'incorporation de la tete du sperme dans le cytoplasme de l'œuf.
Direct effects of thrombin on myocyte contractile function.

Cardiopulmonary bypass activates the clotting cascade, resulting in elevated circulating levels of thrombin. In light of the fact that the function of a wide variety of cell types is modulated by thrombin, we hypothesized that thrombin may have a direct effect on myocyte function. Isolated left ventricular myocyte contractile function was measured from 6 adult dogs using videomicroscopy at baseline and after increasing concentrations of thrombin (1 to 10 U/mL). Indices of myocyte contractile function were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of increasing concentrations of thrombin. For example, myocyte percent shortening fell by 18% with 1 U/mL thrombin and by 43% with 2 U/mL thrombin. The addition of hirudin, a highly selective thrombin inhibitor, completely blocked the effects of thrombin on myocyte contractile function. β -Adrenergic agonists are commonly used in the early post—cardiopulmonary bypass period. Accordingly, a final set of experiments examined the effects of thrombin on myocyte β -adrenergic responsiveness using isoproterenol (25 nmol/L). In myocytes preincubated with 1 U/mL thrombin, myocyte β -adrenergic responsiveness was significantly reduced. For example, in the presence of 1 U/mL thrombin, myocyte velocity of shortening fell by 25% from isoproterenol alone values. The results from the present study provide evidence that thrombin has a direct negative effect on steady-state contractile function and β -adrenergic responsiveness in adult mammalian ventricular myocytes. These findings suggest that thrombin may be an additional contributory factor toward the transient left ventricular dysfunction that has been observed after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Are Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes an Abnormal Finding in Cerebrospinal Fluid?: Results From 225 Normal Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens

• Although it is often claimed that the presence of a single polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is abnormal, recently some have suggested that a few PMNs are occasionally present in cytocentrifuged differential cell counts of normal CSF. We examined 225 consecutive normal CSF specimens to determine how frequently PMNs occur in normal CSF and to identify factors associated with the presence of PMNs. One or more PMNs were present in 73 cases (32%). The number of CSF PMNs was strongly correlated with the degree of CSF blood contamination and the hematologic PMN count. Of the 163 specimens having 25 red blood cells or less per cubic millimeter, only eight (5%) had three or more PMNs, and these outliers had abnormally high hematologic PMN counts. Of the 36 specimens having 100 red blood cells or more per cubic millimeter, 17 (47%) had six or more PMNs. We conclude that the number of PMNs found on cytocentrifuged differential cell counts is highly dependent on the degree of CSF blood contamination and the patient's hematologic PMN count and that even minimal blood contamination can result in the presence of one to two PMNs in normal CSF. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:1623-1624)
MRI assessment of the normal temporomandibular joint with the use of projective geometry

A new analysis, the Projective Invariant Analysis, was developed for the evaluation of magnetic resonance images of the temporomandibular joint. This method was used because it takes into account factors such as linear and angular measurements that simple Euclidean geometric methods fail to address. Forty "normal" joints (20 subjects) and 65 "abnormal" joints were analyzed. Joints were defined as normal if they had a Class I skeletal pattern and a Class I occlusion. In addition, a history was obtained and a clinical examination was performed on each of these subjects to rule out any temporomandibular joint dysfunction, masticatory muscle myalgia, or cervicalgia. The images of the 40 normal joints were compared with 65 previously taken images of 53 patients with conditions that had been diagnosed as anteriorly displaced disks with reduction. These two groups were compared with the use of the analysis method described by Drace and Enzmann that uses angular measurements. The groups were also analyzed with the use of a new method in which the structural relationships of the articular eminence, gleniod fossa, mandibular condyle, and articular disk were related to each other using projective geometry. For the projective invariant analysis, a 95% confidence ellipse was constructed on the basis of the normal data. All but one of the 40 normal points fell within this ellipse, and only three of the 65 abnormal points were inside the ellipse. Both analyses showed a significant difference between the normal and abnormal groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modeling of impulsive propellant reorientation

The impulsive propellant reorientation process is modeled using the Energy Calculations for Liquid Propellants in a Space Environment (ECLIPSE) code. A brief description of the process and the computational model is presented. Code validation is documented via comparison to experimentally derived data for small scale tanks. Predictions of reorientation performance are presented for two tanks designed for use in flight experiments and for a proposed full scale OTV tank. A new dimensionless parameter is developed to correlate reorientation performance in geometrically similar tanks. Its success is demonstrated.
Relation of Vegetable, Fruit, and Grain Consumption to Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps

Previous studies suggest that colorectal cancer risk decreases with higher intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Few studies, however, have examined these factors in relation to occurrence of colorectal polyps. The authors used case-control data from 488 matched pairs to evaluate associations of vegetables, fruits, and grains with polyps. Subjects were southern Californians aged 50-74 years who had a sigmoidoscopy in 1991-1993. Diet in the year before sigmoidoscopy was measured with a food frequency questionnaire. Frequent consumption of vegetables, fruits, and grains was associated with decreased polyp prevalence. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of intake for vegetables was 0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.76), for fruits was 0.65 (95% CI 0.40-1.05), and for grains was 0.55 (95% CI 0.33-0.91). The authors also found inverse associations for high carotenoid vegetables, cruciferae, high vitamin C fruits, garlic, and tofu (or soybeans). After further adjusting for potentially anticarcinogenic constituents of these foods, high carotenoid vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and tofu (or soybeans) remained inversely associated with polyps. These findings support the hypothesis that high intake of vegetables, fruits, or grains decreases the risk of polyps and suggest that any protective effects might reflect unmeasured constituents in these foods.
THE COST‐EFFECTIVENESS OF STATINS: EVIDENCE FROM THE ACCESS TRIAL

OBJECTIVE: There are now a host of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for treating persons with elevated cholesterol levels. The objective of this is to determine the relative cost of treatment among statins. METHODS: The ACCESS study was a 54-week open label trial of atorvastatin as compared to fluvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin. After a screening phase and a lead-in phase, patients were treated to NCEP target LDL-C levels with statins, starting at the lowest dose level. At six-week intervals (weeks 6, 12, 18) patients who had not yet reached their LDL-C target were titrated up to the next dose level, to a maximum of 40–80 mg, depending on the statin. Costs of services used were recorded, including: study medications, physician visits, laboratory and diagnostic tests associated with cholesterol treatment and other medical services associated with adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 3916 patients were enrolled in ACCESS, with 3262 patients completing the study. Patients treated with atorvastatin had the highest rate of NCEP goal achievement (76.3% v. 34.2%–57.9%; P < 0.01 for each comparison). As a result of NCEP goal achievement, atorvastatin-treated patients required the fewest physician visits through weeks 6–18 (2.81 v. 2.95–3.45; p < 0.01 for each comparison) and the lowest direct study cost per patient achieving NCEP goal ($915 v. $1393–$2421; p < 0.01 for each comparison)—the ultimate measure of cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The ACCESS trial demonstrates that treatment with atorvastatin yielded the highest proportion of patients reaching NCEP LDL-C goals at the lowest cost per patient.
Violence in schizophrenia versus limbic psychotic trigger reaction: Prefrontal aspects of volitional action

Abstract Two basic kinds of violence in psychoses are juxtaposed: In schizophrenia violence is mostly determined by a persisting distortion of the content of thought through delusions and/or hallucinations, while the prefrontal mediation of intentional volition of action behavior is largely intact. Conversely, all prefrontal functions are briefly, but severely impaired by the fronto–limbic imbalance proposed in a subtype of partial limbic seizures, limbic psychotic trigger reaction (LPTR). LPTR is based on the animal model of limbic seizure kindling (through intermittent mild stimuli) in primates, evoking nonconvulsive “behavioral seizures” with indications of visual hallucinations. Additional prefrontal factors contributing to violence both in schizophrenia and most severely in LPTR, concern the inability to appropriately reset a plan of ongoing action upon intervening circumstances, and/or a reduced ability for the cognitive “appreciation” of the consequences and implications of the acts.
Population transfer by multiphoton adiabatic rapid passage

The population of atoms in Rydberg states is efficiently transferred with a change in principal quantum number $n$ of up to ten via multiphoton adiabatic rapid passage through a single multiphoton resonance using a frequency-chirped microwave pulse. A quantum-mechanical picture of multiphoton adiabatic rapid passage in a one-dimensional atom using a Floquet approach provides a good description of most, but not all, of the observed phenomena.
Rational Combinations of Targeted Agents in AML

Despite modest improvements in survival over the last several decades, the treatment of AML continues to present a formidable challenge. Most patients are elderly, and these individuals, as well as those with secondary, therapy-related, or relapsed/refractory AML, are particularly difficult to treat, owing to both aggressive disease biology and the high toxicity of current chemotherapeutic regimens. It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that coordinated interruption of cooperative survival signaling pathways in malignant cells is necessary for optimal therapeutic results. The modest efficacy of monotherapy with both cytotoxic and targeted agents in AML testifies to this. As the complex biology of AML continues to be elucidated, many “synthetic lethal” strategies involving rational combinations of targeted agents have been developed. Unfortunately, relatively few of these have been tested clinically, although there is growing interest in this area. In this article, the preclinical and, where available, clinical data on some of the most promising rational combinations of targeted agents in AML are summarized. While new molecules should continue to be combined with conventional genotoxic drugs of proven efficacy, there is perhaps a need to rethink traditional philosophies of clinical trial development and regulatory approval with a focus on mechanism-based, synergistic strategies.
Profound hypokalemia causing respiratory failure in a cat with hyperaldosteronism

Objective: Description of acute respiratory failure in a cat due to profound hypokalemia associated with primary hyperaldosteronism. Case summary: A cat was presented with weakness and paraparesis that deteriorated rapidly into acute ventilatory failure. The serum potassium concentration declined despite intravenous fluid therapy. Positive pressure ventilation was required to support ventilatory function. A functional adrenocortical adenoma was found at necropsy in conjunction with a serum aldosterone concentration of greater than 3329 pmol/L. New or unique information provided: Respiratory failure secondary to profound hypokalemia is a rare, although recognized, condition. There are few reports that focus on this aspect of respiratory failure in the veterinary literature and primary hyperaldosteronism has not been reported as a cause of respiratory failure in cats.
Modal Noise In Multimode Optical Fibers

A changing speckle pattern exists at the output of a multimode optical fiber if the optical source is sufficiently coherent. When spatial filtration (for example, at a misaligned connector) or polarization filtration (for example, in certain access couplers) occurs in the presence of such speckle, the optical signal power fluctuates; such fluctuations are called "modal noise." This paper reviews modal noise theory and experiment, including the prediction and measurement of the modal noise signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of spatial filtration and constrained total guided power. It also presents new results relating to modal noise effects in fiber branching devices such as star couplers, access couplers, and power dividers.
FERMIONS IN THE TOPOLOGICAL EXPANSION OF MATRIX MODELS

The hermitian matrix model with quartic interaction is studied in presence of fermionic variables. We obtain the contribution to the free energy due to the presence of fermions. The first two terms beyond the planar limit are explicitly found for all values of the coupling constant g. These terms represent the solution of the counting problem for vacuum diagrams with one or two fermionic loops.
Toward a formal specification of menu-based systems

Abstract As software systems continue to increase in sophistication and complexity, so do the interface requirements that support the corresponding user interaction. To select the proper blend of ingredients that constitutes an adequate user interface, it is essential that the system designer have a firm understanding of the interaction process, i.e., how the selected dialogue format interacts with the user and with the underlying task software. To promote such an understanding, this paper presents a model that characterizes one particular dialogue format: menu-based interaction. This model is actually a sequence of models, hierarchically structured, in which each successive model builds on its predecessor by introducing additional characterization elements. The first model describes the minimal set of elements inherent to any menu-based interface; successive models extend this minimal set by introducing task actions, incremental history sequences, and frame-associated memory. These principal model elements enable the characterization of fundamental, menu-based operations like computational and decision processes, user response reversal, and user directed movement. Moreover, because the principal model elements correspond directly to “real world” objects, an intuitive as well as formal understanding of menu-based interaction can be achieved. Effectively, the model elements and the hierarchical structure imposed by these elements provide an ideal environment for characterizing and classifying menu-based systems at various levels of sophistication.
Effects of Food Storage and Handling on Blow Fly (Lucilia sericata) Eggs and Larvae

Flies can cause food-borne disease by transmitting pathogenic microorganisms into the food we eat or by being ingested themselves (“intestinal myiasis”), usually as eggs or larvae contaminating our food. Because eggs and larvae can easily contaminate our food during harvesting, handling, and preparation, this series of experiments was undertaken to define the food preparation conditions that would be necessary to kill contaminating blow fly eggs and larvae. Replicate samples of Lucilia (=Phaenicia) sericata (Meigen) eggs and larvae were exposed to increasing periods of freezing, refrigeration, baking, boiling, frying, and microwaving. Survivors were counted every 6 to 48 h thereafter, and the exposures that were lethal to 50% (LE50), 90% (LE90), and 99% of our samples (LE99) were calculated. All of the tested food-preparation methods killed most or all of the eggs and larvae when exposed for durations typically associated with food preparation. These results indicate that the common methods of food preparation should adequately kill all L. sericata eggs and larvae that may be associated with raw meat. Freezing and extended refrigeration also killed all eggs and larvae. This supports the belief, hitherto unproven, that contamination of cooked meat products most likely occurs at or after the point of retail-consumer contact.
Speedball - the "oldest new game around".

(2003). Speedball: The “Oldest New Game Around”. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 23-28.
Role of carbohydrate processing and calnexin binding in the folding and activity of the HN protein of Newcastle disease virus

The role of carbohydrate processing and calnexin binding in the folding pathway and activity of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was explored in infected cells using the inhibitor castanospermine (CST). Calnexin-HN protein complexes were demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation using antibody specific for calnexin or HN protein. As in other systems, this complex was not detected in CST treated cells. In cells incubated in CST, the synthesis and stability of the HN protein was unaffected. However, as monitored by the appearance of conformationally sensitive antigenic sites, the folding of the HN protein in CST treated cells was approximately twice as slow than in untreated cells. This folding was ultimately efficient since there was no evidence for significant amounts of irreversibly aggregated forms which never acquired a mature conformation. Most significantly, the folding sequence as measured by the order of appearance of conformationally sensitive antigenic sites (McGinnes and Morrison, Virology 199, 255) was unaffected by CST. Thus while calnexin functions to speed the folding of the HN protein, it is not required for the folding of this protein. In addition, the protein synthesized in the presence of CST had significant levels of neuraminidase and hemagglutination activity suggesting that processing of the carbohydrate has a minimal role in the activity of the protein.
A twist of proepicardial fate.

In the developing vertebrate heart, cells that contribute to vascular smooth muscle, cardiac fibroblasts, and coronary endothelial cells are derived from the proepicardium and associated cells originally located at the venous pole of the primitive heart tube. Recently, there has been much interest in the regulatory mechanisms that control epicardium-derived cell (EPDC) lineage development and mobilization with adult cardiac injury. However, less is known of the embryonic origins and inductive mechanisms that control the initial induction of the proepicardium. The study by Schlueter and Brand1 in the current issue of Circulation Research reports fate mapping of proepicardial progenitors to the somatic mesoderm and demonstrates a critical role for the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1 in the earliest stages of proepicardial development. Article, see p 1128 The heart is the first organ to function in the developing vertebrate embryo, and beating of the primitive heart tube is apparent by embryonic day (E)8 in mouse and by 40 hours of development in chicken embryos.2 As the primitive heart tube loops, lateral plate mesoderm cells on the right side of the embryo at the cardiac venous pole begin to form the proepicardium.3 Schlueter and Brand1 demonstrate through fate mapping studies in avian embryos that at least some cells of the proepicardium are derived from the somatic layer of lateral plate mesoderm. The somatic compartment (somatopleure) of the lateral plate mesoderm is adjacent to the ectoderm and forms the body wall.4 The new data provide initial evidence that cells of the proepicardium also are derived from somatic mesodermal layer. The proepicardium shares many characteristics with other mesothelia of the major coelomic organs that contribute progenitors of fibroblasts and smooth muscle to the lung, gut, kidney, etc.4 The embryonic origins of coelomic mesothelia are not …
Collection of airborne spores by circular single-stage impactors with small jet-to-plate distance

Abstract Most of the commonly used bioaerosol samplers are single-stage impactors that meet the conventional Marple's design criteria: their non-dimensional jet-to-plate distance, S / W , is greater than the established threshold (1.5 for rectangular nozzles and 1 for the circular ones). Recent studies have shown that these samplers underestimate the concentration of airborne fungal spores because their cut-off size is about 2.5 μ m (Air-O-Cell and Burkard samplers) or greater while some fungal species produce spores of ca. 1.8– 2.5 μ m in aerodynamic diameter. In this study, we evaluated the single-stage circular-jet impactors with very small jet-to-plate distances ( S / W ⪡ 1 ). The laboratory and field data obtained with test particles of different sizes and different origin (biological and non-biological) demonstrated the feasibility of these “incorrectly designed” impactors for the spore collection and total enumeration (viable + non-viable spores). A decrease in the jet-to-plate distance resulted in a critical decrease of the impactor's cut-off size ( d 50 ): from 2.5 μ m to about 1 μ m. This reduction of cut-off size makes such an impactor efficient for collecting spores of all fungal species ( ⩾ 1.8 μ m) and even some bacterial species ( ⩾ 1 μ m). Since the spore surface density across the circular deposit area was non-uniform, three sample reading procedures were evaluated: the entire area count, random partial count, and a partial count on a rectangular “diametric slice”. The collection efficiency data suggested that a relatively small jet-to-plate distance is likely to result in excessive shear forces in the impaction zone, thus enhancing the spore deaggregation and bounce. The coefficient of inter-sample variation of the field samples, collected by commercially available impactors with S / W ≈ 0.099 , did not exceed 50% for the total spore count. The highest variability was observed for Arthrospores, which were more aggregated than other types of fungi.
Electrophysiologic effects of acute ethanol exposure. II. Alterations in the calcium component of action potentials from sensory neurons in dissociated culture.

Abstract Dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons were exposed to 0.05–0.50 g% ethanol. The recording medium was altered in order to produce an action potential with an increased duration which was Ca 2+ -dependent. Ethanol was observed to decrease the duration of sensory neuron action potentials indicating a decreased inward Ca 2+ current. The ethanol induced decrease in duration was reversible and dose-dependent. No alterations in resting membrane potential, spike amplitude, or maximum rate of rise were observed during ethanol exposure. An increased threshold was also observed with application of ethanol. These findings are discussed in regard to the possible effects of ethanol on Ca 2+ movement at the presynaptic terminal.
Predictors of severe right ventricular failure after implantable left ventricular assist device insertion: analysis of 245 patients.

Background Insertion of an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) complicated by early right ventricular (RV) failure has a poor prognosis and is largely unpredictable. Prediction of RV failure after LVAD placement would lead to more precise patient selection and optimal device selection. Methods and Results We reviewed data from 245 patients (mean age, 54±11 years; 85% male) with 189 HeartMate (77%) and 56 Novacor (23%) LVADs. Ischemic cardiomyopathy predominated (65%), and 29% had dilated cardiomyopathy. Overall, RV assist device (RVAD) support was required after LVAD insertion for 23 patients (9%). We compared clinical and hemodynamic parameters before LVAD insertion between RVAD (n=23) and No-RVAD patients (n=222) to determine preoperative risk factors for severe RV failure. By univariate analysis, female gender, small body surface area, nonischemic etiology, preoperative mechanical ventilation, circulatory support before LVAD insertion, low mean and diastolic pulmonary artery pressures (PA...
Technology resources, alliances, and sustained growth in new, technology-based firms

This research examines the relationship between technology resources, alliance formation, and sustained growth in new technology-based firms. We employ a three-dimensional measure of technology resources that includes the development and commercialization of technologies, and represents both a firm's initial resource foundation and its early actions to build on this foundation. Our analysis of 67 computer and telecommunications firms reveals that innovative first products are not associated with sustained growth, while patenting and product development activities are. This indicates that new firms cannot rely on their initial innovations for longer term advantage, but need to undertake follow up actions to build their technology resource foundations. In addition, while all three of the technology resource variables are positively associated with alliance formation, alliances, in turn, are weakly and negatively associated with sustained growth. The advantage of forming alliances has long been extolled, and it was assumed these benefits extended to new firms and those in technology-intensive environments. These findings suggest, however, that building, rather than accessing, technology resources is more critical to long-term growth for these firms. Our research provides convincing evidence that new firms should not be complacent about their initial success derived from innovative beginnings. They must turn their attention, early on, to building their technology resources internally, while exercising caution with respect to alliances.
A critical-path-aware partial gating approach for test power reduction

Power reduction during test application is important from the viewpoint of chip reliability and for obtaining correct test results. One of the ways to reduce scan test power is to block transitions propagating from the outputs of scan cells through combinational logic. In order to accomplish this, some researchers have proposed setting primary inputs to appropriate values or adding extra gates at the outputs of scan cells. In this article, we point out the limitations of such full gating techniques in terms of area overhead and performance degradation. We propose an alternate solution where a partial set of scan cells is gated. A subset of scan cells is selected to give maximum reduction in test power within a given area constraint. An alternate formulation of the problem is to treat maximum permitted test power as a constraint and achieve a test power that is within this limit using the fewest number of gated scan cells, thereby leading to the least impact in area overhead. Our problem formulation also comprehends performance constraints and prevents the inclusion of gating points on critical paths. The area overhead is predictable and closely corresponds to the average power reduction.
Diversity and abundance of phyllosphere bacteria are linked to insect herbivory

Simultaneous or sequential attack by herbivores and microbes is common in plants. Many seed plants exhibit a defence trade-off against chewing herbivorous insects and leaf-colonizing (‘phyllosphere’) bacteria, which arises from cross-talk between the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA, induced by many herbivores) and salicylic acid (SA, induced by many bacteria). This cross-talk may promote reciprocal susceptibility in plants between phyllosphere bacteria and insect herbivores. In a population of native bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia, Brassicaceae), we tested whether simulating prior damage with JA or SA treatment induced resistance or susceptibility (respectively) to chewing herbivores. In parallel, we conducted culture-dependent surveys of phyllosphere bacteria to test the hypothesis that damage by chewing herbivores correlates positively with bacterial abundance in leaves. Finally, we tested whether bacterial infection induced susceptibility to herbivory by a major chewing herbivore of bittercress, Scaptomyza nigrita (Drosophilidae). Overall, our results suggest that reciprocal susceptibility to herbivory and microbial attack occurs in bittercress. We found that JA treatment reduced and SA treatment increased S. nigrita herbivory in bittercress in the field. Bacterial abundance was higher in herbivore-damaged vs. undamaged leaves (especially Pseudomonas syringae). However, Pedobacter spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens infections were negatively associated with herbivory. Experimental Pseudomonas spp. infections increased S. nigrita herbivory in bittercress. Thus, plant defence signalling trade-offs can have important ecological consequences in nature that may be reflected in a positive correlation between herbivory and phyllosphere bacterial abundance and diversity. Importantly, the strength and direction of this association varies within and among prevalent bacterial groups.
Early lipid intermediates in glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor assembly are synthesized in the ER and located in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER membrane bilayer.

Glycosylated phosphoinositides serve as membrane anchors for numerous eukaryotic cell surface glycoproteins. Recent biochemical and genetic studies indicate that the glycolipids are assembled by sequential addition of components (monosaccharides and phosphoethanolamine) to phosphatidylinositol. The biosynthetic steps are presumed to occur in the ER, but formal proof of this is lacking. We describe experiments designed to establish the subcellular location of the initial steps in glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis and to define the transmembrane distribution of early biosynthetic lipid intermediates. The experiments were performed with the thymoma cell line BW5147.3. A subcellular fractionation protocol was used to show that early biosynthetic steps in GPI assembly, i.e., synthesis and deacetylation of N-acetylglucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol, occur in the ER. GPI biosynthetic intermediates were synthesized by incubating the microsomes with UDP-[3H]GlcNAc, and the transmembrane distribution of the labeled lipids was probed with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Treatment of the radiolabeled microsomes with PI-PLC showed that > 70% of the N-acetylglucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol and glucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol could be hydrolyzed, indicating that the two lipids were primarily distributed in the cytoplasmic (outer) leaflet of the microsomes. Similar cleavage results were obtained using Streptolysin O-permeabilized thymoma cells. When permeabilized cells were incubated with UDP-[3H]GlcNAc and treated with PI-PLC, approximately 85% of the radiolabeled N-acetylglucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol and glucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol could be cleaved, indicating that they were accessible to the enzyme. The cumulative data indicate that early GPI intermediates are primarily located in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER, and are probably synthesized from PI located in the cytoplasmic leaflet and UDP-GlcNAc synthesized in the cytosol.
Segregation Through the Lens of Housing Unit Transition: What Roles Do the Prior Residents, the Local Micro-Neighborhood, and the Broader Neighborhood Play?

This study focuses on segregation as it plays out at the micro-level of housing unit transition. Employing a unique sample that places housing units into micro-neighborhoods and census tracts, this study tests whether the characteristics of the previous residents of the unit, the local micro-neighborhood, or the broader tract best explain the race/ethnicity of the new residents in a housing unit. The results show that the racial/ethnic composition of the local micro-neighborhood has even stronger effects on the race/ethnicity of the new residents than does the racial/ethnic composition of the broader census tract. The results also reveal that even when the racial/ethnic composition of these two contexts are accounted for, the race/ethnicity of the prior residents has a very strong effect on the race/ethnicity of the new residents. I consider possible explanations for this household-level effect. One new theoretical explanation I put forward is that prospective residents use the race/ethnicity of the prior residents as a signal regarding the neighborhood’s appropriateness for them; I test and find that this hypothesized signaling effect is even stronger in certain micro-neighborhood, neighborhood, and county contexts.
The association between individual time preferences and health maintenance habits.

Context. Encouraging healthy behaviors, including disease screening, exercise, and tobacco avoidance, has been a significant focus of clinical attention in recent decades. Little is known about the association between individual preferences with respect to time play and preventive health care use and healthy lifestyles. Objective. To determine whether rates of these health behaviors are associated with latent time preferences. Design. Interval regression analysis was used to impute individual level discount rates. The difference in means for the rates of health behaviors were assessed for high vs. low to moderate discounting groups using one-factor probit models. Participants. The 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Survey included in a time preferences module (1,039 respondents aged 24 to 65 years). Main Outcome Measures. Rates of recent mammograms, breast exams, Pap smears, prostate exams, cholesterol testing, flu shots, and dental visits, and non-smoking status. Results. Respondents in the upper 20t...