cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Level of analysis issues in assessing treatment beliefs in substance abuse clinics.

The current study applies the growing literature in the organizational sciences regarding levels of analysis issues to the analysis of substance abuse treatment beliefs. Research on clinicians' beliefs in substance abuse treatment is often based on the assumption that the beliefs are sufficiently shared by clinicians within a clinic and sufficiently vary across clinics that they can be treated as a group-level phenomenon. Further, efforts to introduce new innovations are often focused at the group or clinic level without testing this assumption, which can lead to failure to adopt or to successfully implement the innovation. We tested the assumption of sharedness by examining if there was sufficient agreement about treatment beliefs within clinics, within groups of clinics or within groups of clinicians to justify treating these aggregations as meaningful groups. Using three statistical approaches to examining level of analysis (Within and Between Analysis (WABA I), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC(1)), and rwg), we found that variability in treatment beliefs largely occurred at the individual rather than at the tested aggregate levels of analysis. These findings serve as an example of the importance of testing the assumption of shared perceptions in future research.
Epidemiology, imaging, and treatment of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations revisited

The purpose of this article is to discuss the features of Lisfranc injuries and identify their typical imaging findings on radiographs, CT, and MR imaging. Lisfranc injuries are most often caused by hyperplantarflexion of the foot, often during a sporting injury or in high-speed motor vehicle collisions. The most common radiographic findings include diastasis of the base of the first and second metatarsals and the “fleck” sign, though neither is necessarily present in every Lisfranc fracture-dislocation. Owing to their often subtle radiographic presentation, clinically suspected Lisfranc injuries warrant imaging with a more sensitive test for the detection of osseous and ligamentous Lisfranc injuries. 3D CT imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of the injury for optimal treatment planning, with resultant decreased long-term patient morbidity. Furthermore, 3D volume-rendered CT and CT multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) provide osseous and neurovascular anatomic detail that may be a considerable help with surgical planning for operative cases of Lisfranc injuries. Also, with 3D CT and MPRs, other occult fractures, which are common in patients with high-energy injury and multiple trauma, may become evident.
Arthur Kornberg 1918–2007

Forty years ago, a Japanese press release issued on the occasion of a visit by Arthur Kornberg called him the “father of life in a test tube.” This was in reference to his laboratory's 1967 feat of copying single-stranded circular DNA into a replicative form and then back to an infectious viral DNA strand using purified DNA polymerase and DNA ligase (Figure 1, left panel). Although a somewhat embarrassing mischaracterization of this stunning achievement, the comment offers a kernel of truth about Kornberg.
Serotonin preferentially hyperpolarizes capsaicin-sensitive C type sensory neurons by activating 5-HT1A receptors.

Abstract The effects of serotonin (5-HT) were investigated by intracellular recording from 179 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells classified by conduction velocity. Bath applied 5-HT depolarized 82% and hyperpolarized 4% of the A-type cells. In C-type cells, 5-HT depolarized only 41%, but hyperpolarized 39% of the cells. The depolarizing responses were of two types; an increase or decrease in Rin, mediated by 5-HT2 or 3 receptors, respectively. These receptors were observed in both A- and C-type cells. Hyperpolarizing responses were largely confined to Adelta- and C-type cells. Carboxamidotryptamine and 8-OH-dipropylamino-tetralin were full agonists in eliciting hyperpolarization, and metitepin, spiperone and spiroxitrine behaved as competitive antagonists. This indicated that hyperpolarization was mediated by a 5-HT1A receptor. A 5-HT1A&3 receptor were found co-localized on some C-type cells. A strong depolarizing response to capsaicin was observed in the subgroup of C-type neurons that were also hyperpolarized by 5-HT. Thus a co-localization of capsaicin and 5-HT1A receptors was also observed.
Use of Treatment Services for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Latino Children

This article reviews recent research that examines service use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among Latino children. Using MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PubMed, literature searches were conducted for research published between January 2008 and April 2010 that specifically focused on Latino children or included a sufficient sample of Latino children and examined racial/ethnic differences between groups. Eight studies regarding general service use, treatment with medication, and parenting interventions were identified and are reviewed herein. Results of these studies highlight important factors associated with the continued mental health service use disparities among Latino children, such as parental attitudes toward service use. Results also provide much-needed data with regard to adapting and engaging Latino parents into parenting interventions. Suggestions for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Quantitative analysis of 68 polar compounds from ten chemical classes by direct aqueous injection gas chromatography

Porous polymer packings have been used successfully in many applications of direct aqueous injection gas chromatography. We have expanded the use of aqueous injection to the quantitative analysis of 68 alcohols, acetates, ketones, ethers, sulfides, aldehydes, diols, diones, nitriles and amides on a glass column packed with unmodified tenax GC using a flame-ionization detector. Analysis of single- and multicomponent mixtures, accurate standard preparation, assessment of analytical errors, limitations of the method and problems encountered are discussed. Peak ghosting and tailing were not serious problems. The analytical error between chemical classes expressed as the coefficient of variation between duplicate samples ranged from 0.81 % for nitriles (n  3) to 7.09 % for ethers (n  5). The method described is fast, precise and accurate, requires little sample preparation and is applicable to a wide variety of compounds.
A mathematical analysis of train routes

This paper discusses a project designed to enhance students' knowledge of the basic techniques that are taught in a sophomore Multivariable Calculus course. The skills covered in this project are parametric equations, dot and cross products, arc length, and the curvature of two and three-dimensional curves. In addition to the discussion of the project, this paper also describes the process of creating such a project, the challenges encountered, and finally, the project's success.
Cued American English: a variety in the visual mode

: Cued American English (CAE) is a visual variety of English derived from a mode of communication called Cued Speech (CS). CS, or cueing, is a system of communication for use with the deaf, which consists of hand shapes, hand placements, and mouth shapes that signify the phonemic information conventionally conveyed through speech in spoken languages. In small language communities in the United States, native deaf users of CAE and those who communicate with them have facilitated the development of a natural variety of English that is specific to the mode of cueing. This paper defines CAE as a variety of English, including its features, functional spectrum, social acquisition, code switching protocols, and intersection with English as a Second Language in the American Deaf community. The author discusses grammatical accommodations and visual prosodic features, reviews relevant research, and describes the CS system in detail as a means by which cueing maps to and facilitates natural language.
Stickler syndrome: clinical care and molecular genetics.

S TICKLER SYNDROME REPRESENTS A PERFECT EXAMPLE of a condition that, subsequent to its initial description, has been clinically reclassified, confused, and blended with a number of other phenotypically characterized clinical entities. Molecular genetics and scrutiny of phenotypic data ultimately are providing the clarity that clinicians require for optimal diagnostic acumen, evidence-based management algorithms, and patient counseling. Two articles in this issue of the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY contribute substantially to this process. Stickler and associates1,2 initially described in the mid 1960s five generations of a family with a “hereditary, progressive, artho-ophthalmopathy” with autosomal dominant inheritance. More common ocular findings include high myopia, an “optically empty vitreous cavity”, posterior radial perivascular lattice-type degeneration, cataracts, and a severe form of retinal detachment.1,2 The detachments are associated in many cases with tears that may be large, multiple, and posterior, including giant retinal tears.
Workshop discusses community models for coastal sediment transport

Numerical models of coastal sediment transport are increasingly used to address problems ranging from remediation of contaminated sediments, to siting of sewage outfalls and disposal sites, to evaluating impacts of coastal development. They are also used as a test bed for sediment-transport algorithms, to provide realistic settings for biological and geochemical models, and for a variety of other research, both fundamental and applied. However, there are few full-featured, publicly available coastal sediment-transport models, and fewer still that are well tested and have been widely applied. This was the motivation for a workshop in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on June 22–23, 2000, that explored the establishment of community models for coastal sediment-transport processes.
Effect of hydrocortisone on cell morphology in C6 cells.

Hydrocortisone has been found to induce cell spreading in rat glial C6 cells by 24 hours after its addition. This spreading phenomenon is correlated with an increase in the fraction of the peripheral cytoplasm occupied by microfilaments. Cytochalasin B causes disorganization of microfilaments in the peripheral cytoplasm of the cells. Additionally, it also prevents cell spreading in response to hormonal stimulation. High levels of calcium prevent recovery of normal microfilament organization and cell spreading following removal of cytochalasin B, but have no effect on normal microfilament organization alone. Additionally both the hydrocortisone induced spreading of C6 cells and increases in peripheral microfilaments are shown to be dependent on RNA and protein synthesis. The levels of protein co-electrophorescing with actin are not affected by hydrocortisone.
Practical issues and methodology in assessment of image quality using model observers

We review the general methodology and discuss practical issues of using mathematical model observers for task-based assessment of image quality in detection tasks with possible signal and background uncertainty. Various aspects of selecting a task, model observer and method of evaluation are discussed. The results of this work re a number of practical guidelines for conducting image quality studies with model observers.
The Detection of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) and TRH Receptor Gene Expression in Siberian Hamster Testes

Abstract Rao, J. N., L. Debeljuk, A. Bartke, Y.-P. Gao, J. F. Wilber and P. Feng. The detection of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and TRH receptor gene expression in Siberian hamster testes. Peptides 18(8) 1217–1222, 1997.—Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus is the major regulator of TSH synthesis and secretion. Most recently, TRH and TRH receptors (TRH-R), as well as their mRNAs, have been identified in rat testis. To expand our knowledge on the testicular TRH and TRH receptor gene expression in different species, in the present study the mRNA levels of testicular TRH and TRH-R were investigated in Siberian hamsters. To further localize the cellular sites of the gene expression, the animal model was treated with a single injection of ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS) (IP, 80 mg/kg body weight), a compound known as to specifically eliminate testicular Leydig cells. The elimination of Leydig cells induced by EDS treatment was confirmed by histological studies of the testis sections and by serum hormonal analyses, which showed a dramatic reduction of serum testosterone (T) levels and significantly elevated serum LH concentrations. Messenger RNA levels of TRH and TRH-R in the testes were determined by Northern blot analyses quantitated with densitometry scanning. The results showed that specific TRH-R mRNA, 3.8 kb in size, was identified in Siberian hamster testes and the mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the EDS-treated testes compared to the controls ( p
For Ethics and Economics without the Dichotomies

(2003). For Ethics and Economics without the Dichotomies. Review of Political Economy: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 395-412.
Tumor-Specific T Cells in Human Merkel Cell Carcinomas: A Possible Role for Tregs and T-Cell Exhaustion in Reducing T-Cell Responses

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are rare but highly malignant skin cancers associated with a recently described polyomavirus. MCC tumors were infiltrated by T cells, including effector, central memory, and regulatory T cells. Infiltrating T cells showed markedly reduced activation as evidenced by reduced expression of CD69 and CD25. Treatment of MCC tumors in vitro with IL-2 and IL-15 led to T-cell activation, proliferation, enhanced cytokine production, and loss of viable tumor cells from cultures. Expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed TCR repertoire skewing and upregulation of CD137. MCC tumors implanted into immunodeficient mice failed to grow unless human T cells in the tumor grafts were depleted with denileukin diftitox, suggesting that tumor-specific T cells capable of controlling tumor growth were present in MCC. Both CD4+ and CD8+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells were frequent in MCC. Fifty percent of nonactivated T cells in MCC-expressed PD-1, a marker of T-cell exhaustion, and PD-L1 and PD-L2 were expressed by a subset of tumor dendritic cells and macrophages. In summary, we observed tumor-specific T cells with suppressed activity in MCC tumors. Agents that stimulate T-cell activity, block regulatory T cell function, or inhibit PD-1 signaling may be effective in the treatment of this highly malignant skin cancer.
Coupling of guided modes in a background of distributed radiation

Abstract A singular perturbation method for the treatment of a second-order Bragg filter caused by the coupling of guided modes in a background of distributed radiation is presented. The reflection, the transmission and the radiation loss coefficients are systematically evaluated.
Viscoelastic properties of reduced-fat and full-fat Cheddar cheeses

Viscoelastic properties of cheeses with and without 0.2% or 0.5% (w/w) lecithin were studied using oscillatory dynamic experiments and creep tests. Elastic and loss moduli of reduced-fat cheese with lecithin were greater (p < 0.01) than reduced-fat cheese without lecithin, but less (p < 0.01) than these values for full-fat cheese. In creep/recovery tests, the residual strain of full-fat cheese, reduced-fat cheese with 0.5% or 0.2% lecithin, and reduced-fat cheese without lecithin were 7.8, 7.9, 8.1, and 15.4%, respectively. There was good agreement in terms of compliance behavior of the four types of cheese between experimental data and prediction by the generalized Kelvin model with six elements.
NF-kappaB inhibitor sesquiterpene parthenolide induces concurrently atypical apoptosis and cell necrosis: difficulties in identification of dead cells in such cultures.

Background Apoptosis and necrosis (“accidental cell death”) are distinct modes of cell death. The feature that often distinguishes apoptotic from necrotic cells is preservation of the plasma membrane integrity, reflected by ability of the former cells to exclude cationic dyes such as propidium iodide (PI) for a certain length of time. During necrosis, the plasma membrane is rapidly ruptured and necrotic cells stain intensely with PI. While studying cytostatic effects of the anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene parthenolide (PRT), we have noticed that, concurrent with apoptosis, the cells were dying by necrosis in the same cultures. Furthermore, because apoptosis was atypical, reflected by rapid loss of plasma membrane integrity, it was difficult to distinguish apoptotic from necrotic cells based on this feature. Methods Three methods were used to distinguish apoptosis from necrosis: (a) HL-60 cells treated with PRT were subjected to analysis of caspases activation using antibody that detects activated (cleaved) caspase-3, (b) apoptotic cells were identified by binding of fluorochrome-labeled inhibitor of caspases FAM-VAD-FMK combined with the PI exclusion assay, and (c) cellular DNA and RNA were differentially stained with acridine orange (AO). Results Apoptotic cells were characterized by (a) caspase-3 activation detected immunocytochemically and (b) binding of FAM-VAD-FMK followed by or concurrent with (c) loss of ability to exclude PI, (d) deficit in DNA content, and (e) relatively little changed RNA content. Necrotic cells showed (a) no evidence of caspase-3 activation, (b) no binding of FAM-VAD-FMK, (c) inability to exclude PI, (d) rapid loss of RNA, and (e) unchanged DNA content. Conclusions Identification of apoptotic cells versus necrotic cells was possible either based on the evidence of caspase-3 activation, by labeling with FAM-VAD-FMK combined with PI or by differential staining of cellular DNA and RNA with AO. The data indicate that plasma membrane appears to be one of the targets of PRT, because its integrity is lost very early during cell death, which is reflected by atypical apoptosis and by primary necrosis (lysis of the membrane). Cytometry Part A 54A:118–124, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A second-generation blood substitute (Perfluorodichlorooctane emulsion) generates spurious elevations in platelet counts from automated hematology analyzers.

Perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFEs) appear as platelets in automated cell counters, which may affect samples from thrombocytopenic patients (less than 100,000/mu L). Therefore, we mixed clinically relevant concentrations of perfluorodichlorooctane (Oxyfluor(R); Hemagen, Inc., St. Louis, MO) in vitro with whole blood samples ranging from 0 to 150,000 platelets/mu L and compared a new counter that uses optical platelet recognition (Abbott CellDyn 3200; Santa Clara, CA) with conventional electroimpedance-based counters (Abbott CellDyn 3500 and CellDyn 1700). We found that emulsion particles appear as small-sized platelets either in diluent or in blood. The emulsion results in a reproducible overestimate of the platelet counts, of greater importance as PFE concentration increases, and as the actual platelet count of the blood samples decreases. The new optical technology yields smaller overestimates but, even at low PFE concentrations, gives an unacceptable relative error at platelet counts near the transfusion thresholds recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines for blood component therapy. Unexpected interference in the leukocyte and erythrocyte channels is also reported. Experimental limitations preclude extrapolation of these findings to other automated cell counters, because differences in technology or software may affect their capacity to separate PFE particles from platelets. Implications: Perfluorocarbons are being investigated under conditions in which thrombocytopenia is likely to occur. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate significant overestimates in platelet counts from automated cell counters at clinically relevant perfluorocarbon concentrations in thrombocytopenic blood samples.
Toward planets around neutron stars

The two Earth-like mass objects orbiting a 6.2-ms pulsar, PSR1257+25, have survived more than one year of close scrutiny aimed at verifying their existence and remain the most serious candidates to become the first planets detected beyond the Solar System. The analysis of systematic timing measurements of the pulsar made over a 2.5-year period continues to require the presence of two planets with the minimum masses of 3.4 M⊕ and 2.8 M⊕ and the corresponding distances from PSR1257+12 of 0.36 AU and 0.47 AU to correctly predict the pulse arrival times. The presently available 3 μs rms accuracy of this procedure leaves little room for significant contributions to the pulsar’s timing from any mechanisms other than the Keplerian motion. A detection of the effect of planetary perturbations on pulse arrival times which is commonly accepted as the most convincing way to furnish a “100% proof” of the reality of pulsar planets is already possible at a ∼ 2σ level. Intensive searches for millisecond pulsars now under way at various observatories are expected to address a very intriguing question of the frequency of occurrence of neutron star planetary systems.
Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial training, and x-efficiency theory

Abstract A basic motivational component of entrepreneurship is an individual's commitment to overcome gaps and obstacles in imperfect markets. Research associated with n Achievement theory indicates the possibility of the selection and training of potential entrepreneurs, and therefore a means to increase the supply of entrepreneurs. A tendency to glorify entrepreneurship, and the use of a ‘tight’ equilibrium concept, make it difficult to integrate entrepreneurship into standard economic theory, despite the desirability of doing so. X-efficiency theory accommodates a non-heroic view of entrepreneurs, which in turn allows for the inclusion or entrepreneurial training in the model.
Stopper tubes for ladles used for vacuum casting rimmed steels

On the basis of investigations we recommend the use of chamotte stopper tubes with protective sleeves made from more highly resistant materials (alumina-silicon carbide) for the uncooled rods, and also high-alumina and chamotte stopper tubes with chamotte protective sleeves for air-cooled rods in the stoppers for use in steel-casting ladles for vacuum processing and casting various types of steels.
The Random Pegasus: Loss of Meaning in Middle Assyrian Seals

This article explores the relationship between design structure and meaning in Middle Assyrian seals. In a discussion of style and meaning in art a structural distinction is proposed between designs which convey a message and designs which affirm reality. The development of the seals of the thirteenth century BC is described, and a change in the composition of the scenes is interpreted through a linguistic analogy. At first, the seals bore a specific message about the victory of predators over prey; later, the same design elements were used in random combinations to produce a reduced range of meanings.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GOLGI FROM COCCOLITHUS PELAGICUS (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE)1

Cells of the marine alga Coccolithus pelagicus (Wal-lich)J. Schiller grown in axenic cultures were homogenized and fractionated. The distribution of organelle markers was assessed enzymatically after centrifugation through zonal, density, and flotation gradients made with sucrose, sorbitol, or Percoll. Mitochondria (1.19 g·cm-3) and chloroplasts (1.15 g·cm-3) were recovered in sucrose gradients at densities similar to those observed for higher plants and most algae. The position of endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane in the gradients was monitored by NADPH cytochrome c reductase and vanadate-sensitive Mg2+-ATPase, respectively. Higher plant Golgi markers, latent undine diphosphatase (UDPase) and glucan synthase I, were colocalized at a density range including two peaks of activity at 1.13–1.15 g·cm-3. Bound calcium was associated with high density (1.15 g·cm-3) membranes. Ca2+-stimulated ATPase was found at high levels on membranes that did not coisolate with the latent UDPase-containing membranes. The Ca2+-stimulated ATPase, a possible participant during calcification, was associated with a chloroplast-enriched fraction in all the organelle separation systems. However, about 30% of the total activity was separated from both the chloroplasts and Golgi on 0–70% Percoll gradients containing 0.4 M sucrose. The possible relationship of the Golgi and the high-density organelle exhibiting Ca2+-stimulated ATPase to coccolithogenesis and the process of calcification and crystal formation is discussed.
A starvation test to determine optimal salinities for larval freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract 1. 1. A starvation test was conducted in small beakers with stage 1 (S1) and stage 2 (S2) Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae to determine optimal salinities. 2. 2. Experiments were first performed with S2 larvae at 13 ppt to identify a suitable medium made with artificial sea salts. 3. 3. A broad-range (0–35 ppt) and a subsequent narrow-range (9–16 ppt) salinity experiment with S2 larvae were used to identify 13 ppt as the optimal salinity, with 12 ppt as the next best; this agrees well with most previous estimates of optimal salinities for rearing larvae. 4. 4. S1 larvae were also tested in a narrow-range salinity experiment but were not used further because, unlike starved S2 larvae, they molted during the experiment. 5. 5. Identification of the optimal salinity was not affected by 50% daily water exchange or by bright light. 6. 6. Exposure of larvae to three different salinities—7, 13 and 19 ppt—during S1 influenced the width of the optimal salinity range for S2 larvae.
Older Adults' Strategic Behavior: Effects of Individual Versus Collaborative Cognitive Training

Changes in strategic behavior were examined in older married couples participating in a cognitive intervention study. Participants were randomly assigned to: Questionnaire Control, Individual Training, or Collaborative Training. Trained participants completed inductive reasoning training sessions at home individually or as a couple. Participants were assessed at baseline, immediately following training, and a 3-month posttest. Overall, greater strategy use was related to higher ability performance across all groups. Collaborative and individual training groups showed a similar magnitude of strategy use at both posttests in terms of individual performance. Maintenance of strategy use on a collaborative task favored the collaborative group.
Characterization of the mutant visual pigment responsible for congenital night blindness: a biochemical and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study.

A mutation in the gene for the rod photoreceptor molecule rhodopsin causes congenital night blindness. The mutation results in a replacement of Gly 90 by an aspartic acid residue. Two molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the physiology of affected rod cells. One involves constitutive activity of the G90D mutant opsin (Rao, V. R., Cohen, G. B., & Oprian, D. D. (1994) Nature 367, 639- 642). A second involves increased photoreceptor noise caused by thermal isomerization of the G90D pigment chromophore (Sieving, P. A., Richards, J. E., Naarendorp, F., Bingham, E. L., Scott, K., & Alpern, M. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 880-884). Based on existing models of rhodopsin and in Vitro biochemical studies of site-directed mutants, it appears likely that Gly 90 is in the immediate proximity of the Schiff base chromophore linkage. We have studied in detail the mutant pigments G90D and G90D/E113A using biochemical and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic methods. The photoproduct of mutant pigment G90D, which absorbs maximally at 468 nm and contains a protonated Schiff base linkage, can activate transducin. However, the active photoproduct decays rapidly to opsin and free all-trans-retinal. FTIR studies of mutant G90D show that the dark state of the pigment has several structural features of metarhodopsin II, the active form of rhodopsin. These include a protonated carboxylic acid group at position Glu 113 and increased hydrogen-bond strength of Asp 83 . Additional results, which relate to the structure of the active G90D photoproduct, are also reported. Taken together, these results may be relevant to understanding the molecular mechanism of congenital night blindness caused by the G90D mutation in human rhodopsin.
The ratio of induced fission vs. spontaneous fission and the trace element analysis in pitchblende

Abstract The percentage abundance of 17 elements in pitchblende has been determined. From these results and the activity measurements of nuclides such as Cl36 and Tc99, the ratio, R, of induced fission vs. spontaneous fission is estimated to be on the order of 25 per cent. In addition, the thermal neutron flux present in the ore is approximated. The flux contribution from (α, n) reactions on light elements is shown to be quite significant.
The Role and Content of Endogenous Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Proteins in Bovine Articular Cartilage

Previous work identified insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding proteins (IGF-BPs) in chondrocyte culture fluids, but the relationship of these proteins to the composition of intact cartilage was not established. The aim of this work was to analyze the IGF-BP system resident in bovine articular cartilage and to examine its role in IGF-1-regulated proteoglycan (PG) metabolism. Protein extracts of freshly dissected or cultured cartilage slices were analyzed by 125I-IGF-2 ligand blotting. Fresh tissue and basal cultured samples (serum-free) from nine animals, aged fetal to adult, contained two major IGF-BPs of approximately 31,000 and 24,000-21,500 Mr, with the latter doublet being dominant. The 31,000 Mr protein was identified as IGF-BP-2 by specific immunoreactivity with two polyclonal antibodies, and the 24,000-21,500 Mr doublet was identified as IGF-BP-6 by reactivity with a specific polyclonal antibody and by marked preferential affinity for IGF-2 over IGF-1 by ligand blotting. Treatment of the cartilage cultures with 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1) for 1 week led to an accumulation of IGF-BP-2, while IGF-BP-6 was unchanged (ligand blots, n = 6 animals). IGF-1 had a similar but much less pronounced effect. The IGF-BP increase following TGF-beta treatment, quantified by charcoal assay, was on average 6-fold, while total protein increased only 1.2-fold (n = 4). By contrast, IGF-1 (10 ng/ml) increased IGF-BP by <2-fold (n = 4), and retinoic acid, at 1 x 10(-8) M was not effective (n = 3). As before, 10 ng/ml TGF-beta or IGF-1 increased proteoglycan synthesis and maintained its homeostasis. IGF-1 analogs with reduced affinity for the IGF-BPs were tested. The effect of an A-chain analog (Thr49, Ser50, Ile51) on PG synthesis was comparable to that of IGF-1, even though the analog had one-half of the IGF-1 affinity for the type I IGF receptor. A B-chain analog, with one-third the receptor affinity of IGF-1, promoted an average 2-fold higher PG synthesis in the linear response range to concentration. Thus, in relation to their respective affinities for the IGF-type I receptor, both IGF analogs were more effective than native IGF-1. These results suggest that an overall effect of the endogenous IGF-BP activity in articular cartilage under the test conditions is the inhibition of IGF-1-stimulated proteoglycan synthesis.
Protein kinase C-θ: signaling from the center of the T-cell synapse

The hypothesis that protein kinase C (PKC)-theta; plays an important role in T-lymphocyte activation, as indicated by numerous studies in cell lines, was recently confirmed in mice deficient in the expression of this enzyme. In response to TCR stimulation, peripheral T cells lacking PKC-theta; failed to activate NF-kappaB and AP-1, and to express IL-2. This revealed a critical function for this PKC family member in linking membrane-proximal activation cascades to transcriptional responses governing T-cell activation. Although the molecular interactions in which PKC-theta; engages have not been fully delineated, insights from a variety of recent studies have permitted new models to be formulated regarding the mechanisms through which it achieves its unique effector functions.
Two photon resonant excitation of Copper–Rydberg levels

Abstract The 2-photon resonant, 3-photon ionization spectrum of gaseous atomic copper is presented. The D 5 / 2 2 3 d 10 n d ← S 1 / 2 2 3 d 10 4 s ( n = 9 – 21 ) Rydberg series is observed in 2-photon excitation. The term energies of this series converge to the lowest ionization threshold with an apparent quantum defect of 0.92. The state which couples the ground S 1 / 2 2 3 d 10 4 s state of copper to the D 5 / 2 2 3 d 10 n d Rydberg series is a non-stationary state composed primarily of the spin–orbit components of the lowest P o 2 atomic states.
Regulation of serum gonadotropins by photoperiod and testicular hormone in the Syrian hamster.

Male hamsters were maintained on long (14L:10D) or short (10L:14D) photoperiods. The serum concentrations of LH and FSH were reduced in the animals kept on the short photoperiod, and these animals had atrophied testes and sex accessories. Serum gonadotropin concentrations increased following castration in both long and short photoperiods, but gonadotropin secretion was inhibited by much smaller doses of testosterone in the males maintained on the short photoperiod as comapred to males kept on a long photoperiod. The levels of testosterone required to suppress serum gonadotropin levels in castrated animals corresponded reasonably well with the serum androgen levels observed in intact males, suggesting that serum androgen is a major regulator of gonadotropin secretion in the male hamster.
TH-C-BRD-09: Experimental Determination of Central- and Off-Axis Scerma Using Scatter Primary Ratio

Purpose: The absorbed dose for a clinical megavoltage photon beam can be separated into primary and scatter doses expressed as a convolution of the point spread kernels with Terma (T). This expression requires an additional beam hardening function to account for the difference of photon attenuation vs. energy for the photon energy spectrum. It has been established that the beam hardening function can be eliminated if one rewrite the convolution as modified polyenergetic energy deposition kernels with primary collision Kerma Kc, and Sc, Scerma, equal to T‐ Kc. Both Kc and Sc include beam‐hardening effects but are with different depth dependence. However, no experimental method has been established to determine the depth dependence of Sc. In this study, we focused on developing a method to experimentally determine Sc/Kc at central‐ and off‐axis. Methods: We use an empirical expression for scatter‐to‐primary ratio (SPR) as a function of photon energy to determine Scerma at infinite field size and depth. There are three parameters, a0, w0 and d0, related to SPR, which need to be determined experimentally, and they can be directly correlated with attenuation coefficient μ. Therefore, one can determine central‐ and off‐axis scerma, if μ is known. To confirm the off‐axis Scerma we obtained from the off‐axis μ(x), we propose an independent experiment to extract off‐axis SPR. The SPR will be determined by fitting experimentally‐measured TPR *Sp. Results: We have extracted the parameters from Monte Carlo simulated data at central axis in a wide clinical energy range. We find that a0/w0 is proportional to the beam energy at central axis, and this is the slope of the depth dependence of Sc/Kc. Our results also show that the ratio of primary Scerma‐to‐collision Kerma has linear depth dependence. Conclusion: Experimental method is developed to determine the off‐axis Scerma, which is critical in convolution‐based scatter dose calculation.
Sequence and diversity of rhesus monkey T-cell receptor β chain genes

We have sequenced 23 rearranged T-cell receptor β chain (Tcrb) cDNA clones derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of a rhesus monkey. All of the clones have a variable-diversity-joining-constant (V-D-J-C) rearrangement similar to that of humans. Two rhesus constant (C) region genes were found, each closely reasembling human Cb 1 and 2. All of the rhesus J region sequences align well with ten of the 13 reported human J regions. 17 of the 23 rhesus V region sequences could be assigned to families homologous with eight different human families (Vb 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14). The remaining six V region sequences are more distantly related to human Vb 1 and 13. Thus, the organization and sequences of studied rhesus Tcrb chains resemble human homologs. An evolutionary tree analysis revealed paralogous relationships between specific members of the rhesus and human V region families. Analysis of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide sequence differences indicated that the evolution of the presumed major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-contact regions of the Tcrb chains is less constrained than that of the framework regions.
Examining rival theories of demographic influences on political support: The power of regional, ethnic, and linguistic divisions in Ukraine

. What effects do regional, linguistic, and ethnic divisions have on support for the government and political system? What is the effect of each when the others are controlled for? Are apparent differences in support across regions simply compositional effects of ethno-linguistic patterns in those regions? This article provides answers to these questions, through the analysis of late 1998 mass survey data from Ukraine. The results indicate that region of residence strongly shapes support for the government and regime. Ethnicity and language, on the other hand, have weaker effects than scholars would expect, once region is controlled for. Thus, regional differences are not simply reflecting ethno-linguistic patterns in Ukraine, as scholars have often implied. These findings shed light on rival theoretical approaches to understanding regional, ethnic and linguistic sources of identity. They also highlight the necessity for scholars who have emphasized ethnic and linguistic cleavages in other countries to consider controlling for region of residence before jumping to conclusions about effects on political attitudes. Finally, the findings have narrower, but important, implications for the study of Ukraine and for its stability.
Review: Doubt is Their Product by David Michaels and Bending Science by Thomas O. McGarity and Wendy E. Wagner

Corporations have honed the ability to cast doubt on solid scientific research to the detriment of public health
Evaluation of the Hybrid III and Q-Series Pediatric ATD Upper Neck Loads as Compared to Pediatric Volunteers in Low-Speed Frontal Crashes

Debate exists in the automotive community regarding the validity of the pediatric ATD neck response and corresponding neck loads. Previous research has shown that the pediatric ATDs exhibit hyper-flexion and chin-to-chest contact resulting in overestimations of neck loads and neck injury criteria. Our previous work comparing the kinematics of the Hybrid III and Q-series 6 and 10-year-old ATDs to pediatric volunteers in low-speed frontal sled tests revealed decreased ATD cervical and thoracic spine excursions. These kinematic differences may contribute to the overestimation of upper neck loads by the ATD. The current study compared upper neck loads of the Hybrid III and Q-series 6 and 10-year-old ATDs against size-matched male pediatric volunteers in low-speed frontal sled tests. A 3-D near-infrared target tracking system quantified the position of markers on the ATD and pediatric volunteers (head top, nasion, bilateral external auditory meatus). Shear force (F x ), axial force (F z ), bending moment (M y ), and head angular acceleration ( $$ \ddot{\theta }_{\text{head}} $$ ) were calculated about the upper neck using standard equations of motion. In general, the ATDs underestimated axial force and overestimated bending moment compared to the human volunteers. The Hybrid III 6, Q6, and Q10 exhibited reduced head angular acceleration and modest increases in upper neck shear compared to the pediatric volunteers. The reduction in axial force and bending moment has important implications for neck injury predictions as both are used when calculating N ij . These analyses provide insight into the biofidelity of the pediatric ATD upper neck loads in low-speed crash environments.
DNA repair in late-passage human cells.

Abstract Monolayer cultures of WI-38 cells from passages 18 to 60 were exposed to ultraviolet radiation, or to N -acetoxy-AAF, or to gamma-rays. The cultures were incubated in 3 H-dThd, and unscheduled DNA synthesis - a measure of DNA repair - was measured radioautographically. Late passage cultures showed less repair, and many cells showed none. Double-label radio-autographs indicated that there is an excellent correlation between cells that do scheduled synthesis and cells that do unscheduled synthesis. We interpret our results as indicating that failure of repair is not a causal event1in the failure of late passage cells to divide, but that as cells age the ability to do the many coordinated steps in repair declines.
Prediction of structural homology between bovine α-lactalbumin and hen egg white lysozyme☆

Abstract The helix probability profiles, as well as the probability that particular residues start or end a helix, have been calculated for the denatured forms of bovine α-lactalbumin and hen egg white lysozyme. Comparison of the sets of profiles for the two proteins indicates, first, that there is a one-to-one correspondence of the location of the helical regions, predicted and found for lysozyme and predicted for α-lactalbumin, and, second, that the helix content in the C-terminal region is predicted to be greater for α-lactalbumin than for lysozyme. These results support the idea that these two proteins are structurally homologous, and again demonstrate the conservative nature of amino acid replacements, as far as helix-forming power in homologous proteins is concerned. The question as to the conformations of the residues in the C-terminal region of α-lactalbumin, in light of those found in lysozyme, is also considered.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF β‐GALACTOSIDASE FROM MUCOR PUSILLUS

The β-galactosidase from Mucor pusillus was purified by acetone precipitation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Its molecular weight was 129 kDa on SDS PAGE, and its pI was 4.55. Optimum activity was observed at pH 4 and at 65C. Thermal denaturation at temperatures above 60C was essentially first order with an activation energy of 26. 4 KJ/mole. Activity was not affected by metal ions or EDTA but was inhibited by galactose and galactono 1-4 lactone. The K m for lactose at 37C was 22 mM. The enzyme was devoid of cysteine/cystine and stained positive for carbohydrate. Overall the enzyme is similar in structural and kinetic properties to the β-galactosidase from Aspergillus niger.
Quantifying the effects of three-dimensional subsurface heterogeneity on Hortonian runoff processes using a coupled numerical, stochastic approach

Abstract The impact of three-dimensional subsurface heterogeneity in the saturated hydraulic conductivity on hillslope runoff generated by excess infiltration (so-called Hortonian runoff) is examined. A fully coupled, parallel subsurface–overland flow model is used to simulate runoff from an idealized hillslope. Ensembles of correlated, Gaussian random fields of saturated hydraulic conductivity are used to create uncertainty in spatial structure. A large number of cases are simulated in a parametric manner with the variance of the hydraulic conductivity varied over orders of magnitude. These cases include rainfall rates above, equal and below the geometric mean of the hydraulic conductivity distribution. These cases are also compared to theoretical representations of runoff production based on simple assumptions regarding (1) the rainfall rate and the value of hydraulic conductivity in the surface cell using a spatially-indiscriminant approach; and (2) a percolation-theory type approach to incorporate so-called runon. Simulations to test the ergodicity of hydraulic conductivity on hillslope runoff are also performed. Results show that three-dimensional stochastic representations of the subsurface hydraulic conductivity can create shallow perching, which has an important effect on runoff behavior that is different than previous two-dimensional analyses. The simple theories are shown to be very poor predictors of the fraction of saturated area that might runoff due to excess infiltration. It is also shown that ergodicity is reached only for a large number of integral scales (∼30) and not achieved for cases where the rainfall rate is less than the geometric mean of the saturated hydraulic conductivity.
The yield stress of Ni3(Al, W)

Abstract An investigation of the mechanical behavior in compression of oriented Ni 3 (Al, W) single crystals was undertaken. The yield stress at a plastic strain of 5 × 10 −5 was obtained over the temperature range 77°K to 875°K for samples prestrained at 77°K. Dislocation rearrangements in specimens prestrained at 77°K and then stressed at 298°K demonstrate that the 6 × 10 −5 offset yield stress is controlled by the easy movement of edge dislocations. This results in an exhaustion hardening phenomenon in the premacroyield region due to the loss of mobile edge dislocations. A measurement of the macroscopic yield stress reveals a temperature dependence between 77°K and 4°K typical for pure f.c.c. metals.
Para-States, Quasi-States, and Black Spots: Perhaps Not States, But Not “Ungoverned Territories,” Either

Editor's Note: In a world interconnected technologically and economically, old problems, including crime and terrorism, have often assumed new and more threatening forms for which international boundaries have less meaning. Serious threats may therefore be initiated, organized, and conducted from remote parts of the world, parts remaining outside of effective governmental control. However, the lack of effective, recognized governmental control does not mean that these are “ungoverned territories.” Such rhetoric often leads to false assumptions on the part of policymakers and can result in dire policy consequences. Most governments base their activities and make decisions assuming that the world is divided into land areas of various sizes which constitute parts of particular states, and that the governments of these states exercise full control over their territories. Reality is different, since the world we live in is much more contested and complicated. Putting aside the various possible loyalties of the members of the societies inhabiting the territory formally belonging to a particular state, we note the existence of areas that remain outside the full and authentic authority of any state and that are often controlled by structures that are undemocratic and intent on forwarding their own interests outside of such legitimate control. The organizations in charge of these areas prefer not to attract international attention and are interested in keeping themselves invisible as parts of the states within whose borders they are formally located. Such territories are often under the control of transnational criminal or terrorist organizations and …
Effect of Temperature on Growth, Condition, and Survival of Juvenile Shovelnose Sturgeon

Abstract Water temperature plays a key role in determining the persistence of shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus in the wild and is a primary factor affecting growth both in the hatchery and in natural waters. We exposed juvenile shovelnose sturgeon to temperatures from 8°C to 30°C for 87 d to determine the effect of temperature on growth, condition, feed efficiency, and survival. Growth occurred at temperatures from 12°C to 30°C; the optimal temperature predicted by regression analysis was 22.4°C, and the minimum temperature needed for growth was greater than 10.0°C. The maximum feed efficiency predicted by regression analysis was 24.5% at 21.7°C, and condition factor was highest in the 18°C treatment. Mortality was significantly higher at 28°C and 30°C than at lower temperatures but less than 10% across the thermal regimes tested and 0% at 14-18°C. Mortality was observed at and below 12°C, suggesting that extended periods of low temperature may deplete energy reserves and lead to higher mor...