cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflammation in ESRD: Causes and potential consequences

Malnutrition in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by hypoalbuminemia, decreased serum creatinine and prealbumin, and decreased subjective global assessment (SGA) scores. Markers of malnutrition predict mortality and correlate closely with inflammatory markers, including serum cytokines and acute phase proteins. After multiple regression analysis, markers of inflammation become stronger predictors of mortality than nutritional markers, suggesting that malnutrition is a result of inflammation. The etiology of inflammation is variable and includes vascular access infection, bioincompatible dialyzers, back filtration of nonsterile dialysate, periodontal disease, urinary tract infections, and other pyogenic infections. Renal failure also may serve to promote inflammation through protein carbonylation. Differences in care patterns of ESRD patients and genetics may contribute to inflammation as evidenced by lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in Asian populations. Inflammation results in loss of muscle mass and hypoalbuminemia as a consequence of its decreased synthesis and increased catabolism. Vascular disease occurs partly because of changes in lipoprotein structure and function, including oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and modification of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by serum amyloid A (SAA) and loss of apolipoprotein A-I. Leukocyte adhesion is promoted by changes in endothelial structure and function, whereas plasma proteins associated with cardiovascular disease (fibrinogen, lipoprotein[a]; SAA) are increased. Consequences of inflammation in ESRD patients include muscle wasting, erythropoetin resistance, and vascular disease. Whereas improvements in nutrition can increase serum albumin and creatinine levels, identification and removal of the underlying cause of inflammation should be one treatment goal. © 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Critical Neutron-Proton Asymmetry of Hot Nuclear Matter

We derive an equation of state for asymmetric nuclear matter at finite temperature, using the Skyrme effective nucleon-nucleon interaction and a mean field approach based on a real-time finite temperature Green’s function method with a normal pair cutoff approximation. With the temperature held constant, it is found that nuclear matter can exist only in the gaseous phase when its neutron excess coefficient a has surpassed a certain critical value αc. We have calculated αc for a number of different Skyrme effective interactions. Phase diagrams involving a are obtained, and a low-density equation for the phase boundary is derived.
A role for transcription and FRGY2 in masking maternal mRNA within Xenopus oocytes

We find that mRNA synthesized within the Xenopus oocyte nucleus is translated with an efficiency 50 times less than that of mRNA injected into the oocyte cytoplasm. For histone H1 mRNA this effect is independent of mRNA splicing, nuclear export, and the promoter driving transcription. The mRNA synthesized in vivo is translationally competent but is masked from the translational machinery in the cytoplasm through association with proteins including frog Y-box protein 2 (FRGY2). We find that overexpression of FRGY2 facilitates the translational repression of mRNA synthesized within Xenopus oocytes. The requirement for transcription to occur in vivo before a translationally repressed state can be established suggests that these two events are functionally coupled in Xenopus oocytes.
Introducing Affect into Competitive Game Play

A dynamic notion of affect (degree of satisfaction) that an agent acquires in competitive iterated game play is developed. Simulated play against both a random environment and a competitor agent is used to study the impact of affect on game playing strategies. For definiteness, the formulation is framed in terms of stock trading. Comments on how affect in game play informs a notion of consciousness along with simulations are given.
Perceptual Efficacy of Electrical Stimulation of Human Retina with a Microelectrode Array during Short-Term Surgical Trials

PURPOSE This work is part of a feasibility assessment of a retinal prosthesis as a means to restore vision to patients with blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa. The primary goal was to assess the concordance of the form of induced perception and the pattern of electrical stimulation of the retina, and the reproducibility of the responses. METHODS Five volunteers with severe retinitis pigmentosa and one with normal vision were studied. A companion paper in this issue provides details on demographics, visual function, surgical methods, general stimulation strategy, and data analysis. Volunteers were awake during surgery while a 10-microm-thick, microfabricated electrode array was placed on the retina. The array was connected to extraocular current sources that delivered charges to 50-, 100-, and 400-microm-diameter electrodes. Negative control trials were randomly included. Perceptual quality was judged by the similarity between the form of stimulation and perception (i.e., accuracy) and the reproducibility of responses. RESULTS Only 1 of 40 control tests yielded a false-positive result. On average, volunteers 3, 5, and 6 reported percepts that matched the stimulation pattern 48% and 32% of the time for single- and multiple-electrode trials, respectively. Two-point discrimination in the best cases may have been achieved in two blind subjects using (center-to-center) electrode separation of 600 and 1960 microm. Reproducibility was achieved 66% of the time in the blind subjects. By comparison, in the normal-sighted subject, perceptual form was reported accurately 57% of the time, with 82% reproducibility, and two-point discrimination may have been achieved in one trial with 620-microm electrode spacing and in two trials each with 1860- and 2480-microm electrode spacing. In subjects 5 and 6, perceptual size was inconsistently related to the charge, although relatively large differences in charge (median: 0.55 microcoulombs [microC]) between two trials produced differently sized percepts. Longer stimuli did not produce rounder percepts. CONCLUSIONS Single percepts induced by single-electrode stimulation were relatively small, but the form of percepts, especially after multielectrode stimulation, often did not match the stimulation pattern, even in a normal-sighted volunteer. Reproducible percepts were more easily generated than those that matched the stimulation pattern.
CGS8216 noncompetitively antagonizes the discriminative effects of diazepam in rats.

The benzodiazepine antagonist properties of CGS8216 were evaluated in rats trained to discriminate between saline and 1.0 mg/kg of diazepam in a two-choice, stimulus-shock termination procedure. CGS8216 (0.3 to 100 mg/kg) administered alone, either s.c., p.o. or i.p., occasioned only saline-appropriate responding. When administered concomitantly with a constant 1.0 mg/kg dose of diazepam, CGS8216 produced dose-related decreases in drug-appropriate responding. CGS8216 was most potent by the i.p. route, and approximately tenfold less potent by the oral route. CGS8216 was dermatotoxic after s.c. administration. CGS8216 i.p. had a long duration of action. A dose of 30 mg/kg completely antagonized the discriminative effects of the 1.0 mg/kg training dose of diazepam when the antagonist was administered 8 hr before the start of the test session. In order to determine the type of antagonism by CGS8216, the dose-effect curve for diazepam was redetermined in the presence of varying doses of CGS8216 (0.3 to 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.). CGS8216 produced a dose-related rightward shift in the diazepam dose-effect curve, but also decreased the slope and appeared to decrease the maximal effect. These results are consistent with the interpretation that CGS8216 antagonizes diazepam in a noncompetitive manner. It may do so because either it interacts with a subpopulation of benzodiazepine receptors, it functions as a pseudo-irreversible antagonist due to its high affinity, or because it is an antagonist with agonist properties.
231 PHARMACOKINETICS OF AQUEOUS PENICILLINS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF NEONATES

If central nervous system (CNS) involvement is suspected in congenital syphilis, both aqueous penicillin G (APG) and aqueous procaine penicillin G (APP) are recommended for treatment. To study pharmacokinetics after administration of APG and APP, single samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 21 infants treated for congenital syphilis were obtained 1½ to 6 hrs. following a single IM dose of 50,000 units/kg body weight. Only one baby was symptomatic. Serum levels and half-lives of APG and APP were within the ranges reported for term infants. Treponemacidal levels after APG (≥.03 ug/ml) were detected in 11 CSF specimens in the first sample at ½ hr. and persisted through the 6 hr. study. A peak CSF level of 0.17 ug/ml was found at 2½ to 3 hrs. with an estimated half-life of 1½ hrs. After APP, penicillin activity was not detected in 5 CSF samples between ½ to 1 hr., but was present by 1½ hrs. Only 2 of 9 samples reached APP levels of ≥.03 ug/ml; in these two, a peak of 0.08 ug/ml was reached at 2½ hrs. These preliminary data show that both penicillins will provide treponemacidal levels in the serum, but APG reaches a higher CSF level and persists for a longer time. APG appears to be a more appropriate drug for treatment of congenital syphilis with suspect or proven CNS involvement.
Electrochemical and thermal properties of dimethylsulfoxide-electrolyte systems below freezing point and possible applications in cryopreservation systems

Abstract Electrochemical experiments were performed in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-electrolyte systems below their freezing points. The microelectrode experiments showed that sigmoidal-shaped curves can be obtained with values of E 3 4 − E 1 4 close to theoretical values for a reversible reaction at temperatures below the system freezing point. This indicates a change in mass transport mechanism from diffusion control to a surface confined process if the temperature is decreased further. The differential scanning calorimetry results, together with previous electron spin resonance experiments, confirm the existence of a liquid microphase. A modified theoretical model is suggested. Similar electrochemical responses were also obtained in DMSO-H2O-electrolyte systems studied for liquid effect injury. It is shown that electrochemical methods can be used as a tool to characterize the physical and chemical properties of these DMSO mixture systems below their freezing points. The existence of a DMSO liquid microphase may be one reason why liquid effect injury to biological materials is reduced at low temperature. The application of electrochemical methods in optimizing the components of cryopreservation systems is discussed.
Learning strategy determines auditory cortical plasticity

Learning modifies the primary auditory cortex (A1) to emphasize the processing and representation of behaviorally relevant sounds. However, the factors that determine cortical plasticity are poorly understood. While the type and amount of learning are assumed to be important, the actual strategies used to solve learning problems might be critical. To investigate this possibility, we trained two groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to bar-press (BP) for water contingent on the presence of a 5.0 kHz tone using two different strategies: BP during tone presence or BP from tone-onset until receiving an error signal after tone cessation. Both groups achieved the same high levels of correct performance and both groups revealed equivalent learning of absolute frequency during training. Post-training terminal "mapping" of A1 showed no change in representational area of the tone signal frequency but revealed other substantial cue-specific plasticity that developed only in the tone-onset-to-error strategy group. Threshold was decreased approximately 10 dB and tuning bandwidth was narrowed by approximately 0.7 octaves. As sound onsets have greater perceptual weighting and cortical discharge efficacy than continual sound presence, the induction of specific learning-induced cortical plasticity may depend on the use of learning strategies that best exploit cortical proclivities. The present results also suggest a general principle for the induction and storage of plasticity in learning, viz., that the representation of specific acquired information may be selected by neurons according to a match between behaviorally selected stimulus features and circuit/network response properties.
Reorganization of microtubule nucleation during muscle differentiation.

Skeletal muscle differentiation involves a complete reorganization of the microtubule network. Nearly 20 years ago, Tassin et al. [1985: J Cell Biol 100:35–46] suggested a mechanism for this reorganization by showing a redistribution of the microtubule organizing center from the centrosome to the nuclear membrane. Little progress has been made since. It is still not clear whether centrosomal proteins are redistributed together, whether microtubules are nucleated at the nuclear membrane or transported there post-nucleation, and whether γ-tubulin (γtub) remains necessary for nucleation in myotubes. To investigate these questions, we have examined the redistribution of the centrosomal proteins pericentrin (PC), γtub, and ninein in the C2 muscle cell line. Immunofluorescence of differentiated myotubes shows PC along the nuclear membrane whereas γtub is only detected there after pre-fixation detergent extraction. After expression of a GFP-tagged γtub, we observe a weak fluorescence along the nuclear membrane, confirming the presence of γtub at a low concentration relative to PC. Microinjection of anti-γtub antibodies into myotubes blocks microtubule growth from both nuclear membranes and centrosomal sites. The centrosomal microtubule-anchoring protein, ninein, is found at the nuclear membrane as well and its distribution appears independent of microtubule integrity. We conclude that centrosomal proteins are redistributed independently during muscle differentiation, to sites that nucleate microtubules both along the nuclear membranes and through the cytoplasm. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 60:1–13, 2005. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a functional angiotensin IV receptor on coronary microvascular endothelial cells

Abstract A new class of angiotensin receptors has recently been identified that exhibits both high specificity and affinity for the hexapeptide (3–8) fragment of angiotensin II, angiotensin IV (AngIV). Here, utilizing radioligand binding, we fully characterize AngIV binding at the AT4 receptor on cultured bovine coronary venular endothelial cells (CVEC), and report that when AngIV and bFGF are presented simultaneously an enhancement of DNA synthesis results that is significantly greater than that produced by bFGF alone. The level of DNA synthesis was determined by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into quiescent CVEC monolayers following exposure to 10 nM AngIV and 10 ng/ml bFGF for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 days. A significant enhancement of DNA synthesis (P
Analytical methods for assessing exposure to 4-aminobiphenyl based on protein adduct formation

Past studies with animals have demonstrated that 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) administration results in the formation of appreciable amounts of adducts between the carcinogen and both serum albumin and hemoglobin. The hemoglobin adduct is relatively stable in vivo, but may be readily hydrolyzed in vitro to regenerate ABP. The formation of this adduct reflects a mixed-function oxidase-mediated metabolic pathway operating directly on the amine. The predominant albumin adduct, 3-(tryptophan-N1-yl)-4-acetylaminobiphenyl, reflects the contribution of N-acetyltransferase activity as well as mixed function oxidase activity to the overall metabolism. The simultaneous measurement of these two different adducts thus offers an opportunity to investigate the role of both ABP and acetylator phenotype in bladder carcinogenesis. An analytical method, using gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection, was developed to quantitate ABP adducted to hemoglobin.
Laser-induced multidimensional fluorescence spectroscopy in Shpol'skii matrixes with a fiber-optic probe at liquid helium temperature.

Improved methodology for chemical analysis via laser-excited Shpol'skii spectrometry at liquid helium temperature (4.2 K) is reported. Sample freezing is performed in a matter of seconds with the aid of a fiber-optic probe directly inserted into the liquid cryogen. Emission wavelength time matrixes, excitation emission wavelengths, and time-resolved excitation emission wavelengths are rapidly collected with the aid of a pulsed tunable dye laser, a high-resolution spectrograph, and an intensified charged-couple device. Data reproducibility for qualitative and quantitative analysis purposes and analytical figures of merit are demonstrated for several polycilic aromatic hydrocarbons/n-alkane systems. Fluorescence lifetime differences from analyte molecules occupying different crystallographic sites in the same frozen matrix are presented for the first time. The potential of our approach is illustrated for the direct analysis of a benzopyrene fraction typically encountered in HPLC analysis of polycyclic aroma...
Simulation of damage evolution in discontinously reinforced metal matrix composites: a phase-field model

In this study, a phase-field model is introduced to model the damage evolution, due to particle cracking in reinforced composites in which matrix deformation is described by an elastic-plastic constitutive law exhibiting linear hardening behavior. In order to establish the viability of the algorithm, the simulations are carried out for crack extension from a square hole in isotropic elastic solid under the complex loading path, and composites having the same volume fraction of reinforcements with two different particle sizes. The observed cracking patterns and development of the stress-strain curves agree with the experimental observations and previous numerical studies. The algorithm offers significant advantages to describe the microstructure and topological changes associated with the damage evolution in comparison to conventional simulation algorithms, due to the absence of formal meshing.
Part II: Preparing and Assessing First-Year Radiology Resident On-Call Readiness. Technical Implementation

Rationale and Objectives The effectiveness of using a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-based interactive examination system in evaluating the readiness of first year radiology residents before taking overnight call in the emergency department (ED) was reported in part I of this article. This report describes technical aspects for the design and implementation of this system. Materials and Methods The examination system consists of two modules: Data Collection and Image Viewing. The Data Collection module was a personal computer (PC)-based DICOM storage server based on a free public domain software package, the Mallinckrodt Central Test Node. The Image Viewing module was a Java-based DICOM viewer created using another freeware package: zDicom ActiveX component. Results The examination takes place once a year at the end of the first 6-month rotation. Cases selected for the examination were actual clinical cases according to the American Society of Emergency Radiology core curriculum. In the 3-hour timed examination, each resident was required to read the cases and provide clinical findings and recommendations. Upper-level residents also participated in the examination to serve as a control. Answers were scored by two staff radiologists. Conclusion We have been using this examination system successfully in our institution since 2003 to evaluate the readiness of the first-year residents before they take overnight call in the ED. This report describes a step-by-step procedure for implementing this system into a PC-based platform. This DICOM viewing software is available as freeware to other academic radiology institutions. The total cost for implementing this system is approximately $2000.
Chlorphentermine-induced neonatal and maternal pulmonary phospholipidosis in rats.

Abstract Pregnant rats were treated on Days 16–20 of pregnancy with 30 mg/kg chlorphentermine hydrochloride (CP) or an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl. Females delivered on Day 21 and neonates were examined 12 hr postpartum. Electron micrographs showed the CP neonates to have lamellar inclusions, characteristic of drug-induced phospholipidosis in Type I and Type II cells, macrophages, and nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells of the lung. These inclusions were either unicentric, multicentric, or consisted of whorls of membranous material. The content of total phospholipids was increased in neonatal lung as a result of CP treatment. A decrease in the percentage of total phospholipid present as phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine and an increase in the content of disaturated phospphatidylcholine were found in neonatal lung as a result of maternal chlorphentermine treatment. In maternal lung, increases were seen in the content of total phospholipids, total phosphatidylcholine, disaturated phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine. A decrease in the percentage of sphingomyelin was also found. The results of this study indicate that following prepartum maternal administration of CP morphological changes are accompanied by biochemical alterations which are consistent with the induction of phospholipidosis as observed in neonatal lung. These biochemical changes were different than those associated with the induction of this disorder in the maternal lung.
Remote sensing of cloud thickness and liquid water content with Wide-Angle Imaging Lidar

We describe a new type of lidar instrument, Wide-Angle Imaging Lidar (WAIL), designed to study and directly make use of multiple scattering in clouds. Providing time-resolved imagery over a 60° field of view, the new instrument captures returns at virtually all orders of scattering in a ground-based measurement. We report the first retrievals of cloud properties using this system, from measurements of a moderately opaque altostratus. Following insights from photon diffusion theory, we are able to infer the physical thickness and optical depth of the cloud layer, and, from there, obtain an estimate of the volume-averaged liquid water content. Performance of the new instrument is discussed and it is compared with other active techniques in cloud remote sensing.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of propofol administered to cats in a novel, aqueous, nano-droplet formulation or as an oil-in-water macroemulsion

This study evaluated pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of a novel, non-lipid microemulsion, 1% w/v formulation of propofol to a conventional macroemulsion formulation of propofol (Rapinovet) in cats. The study utilized a two-period crossover design with two treatments and 10 female, intact, purpose bred domestic shorthair cats. Cats were fitted with telemetry transmitters for direct measurement of arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiogram (ECG, lead II), and body temperature. At least 7 days separated treatments. Orotracheal intubation was the clinical endpoint utilized to evaluate adequate depth of anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn from jugular vascular access ports before propofol treatment; 3, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 min and then 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration of propofol into a cephalic vein. Whole blood samples were assayed for propofol concentrations using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method validated for feline blood at a limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. Pulse rate, ECG, heart rhythm, respiratory rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, SpO2, and body temperature were monitored continuously during each anesthetic episode. Time to lateral recumbency, orotracheal intubation, and extubation, time to sternal recumbency during recovery, times to adverse events, and doses of propofol required for induction to anesthesia were documented. Cats required 6.96 +/- 0.90 mg propofol/kg from the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and 7.07 +/- 1.55 mg propofol/kg from Rapinovet to achieve anesthesia adequate to allow orotracheal intubation (P > 0.05). Areas under the dose-normalized propofol concentration by time curves (AUC(0-LOQ)) and maximum propofol concentrations (C(max)) were equal for the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and Rapinovet (P > 0.05). Effects of anesthesia induction doses on cardiorespiratory values were comparable between treatments, and consistent with known effects of propofol anesthesia. Results provide evidence that the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and Rapinovet macroemulsion produced comparable pharmacodynamic, physiological, and pharmacokinetic responses in cats. The unique composition of the microemulsion formulation, and the presence of an antimicrobial preservative minimize the potential for bacterial contamination and prolong shelf life.
Dynamical symmetry breaking by radiative corrections in a left-right Higgs model

Abstract A simple mechanism is described for producing a radiatively induced hierarchy in a Higgs model. Radiative corrections break a gauge symmetry that is conserved at tree level, and allow new symmetry breaking patterns. The model has phenomenological applications to realistic left-right symmetric theories.
The association of departures from spending rate equilibrium to municipal borrowing cost

Abstract The U.S. municipal bond market has grown dramatically in recent decades. Debt financing has become a more important source of capital for municipalities, yet research into the association of fiscal management and borrowing cost has not been directly addressed since before GASB's formation in 1984. We attempt to fill this void and contribute to the dialog concerning municipal managerial competence and its association with borrowing cost by studying a sample of 3285 county general obligation bonds over a 13-year period. We resolve conflicting and counterintuitive results in prior work and demonstrate that the lowest borrowing cost is achieved where general fund revenues equal general fund expenditures (i.e., equilibrium spending rate). Further, we find that the association between spending rate and borrowing cost is nonmonotonic, nonlinear, and asymmetric. We demonstrate that maintenance of a spending rate equilibrium point may be a way of achieving minimum borrowing cost. In the context of fiscal constraints and the increased reliance on credit markets by municipalities, managing to the spending rate equilibrium may reduce the borrowing costs of providing municipal services.
Improving resident work environment: Evaluation of a novel cooperative program***

Background. Improving the resident work environment is a major concern for surgery faculty. This study evaluated the ability of a cooperative program with nurses and interns to decrease the number of nonurgent pages and consistently generate a 4-hour block of time at night without nonurgent pages. Methods. Multiple discussions with interns and with nurses on 2 nursing floors identified ways to improve nurse/resident communication. These included use of a notebook by nurses to record nonurgent issues and having on-call interns check with the night nurses after night shift report. For the week before and after institution of the program, interns logged each page received. Pretest and posttest data were compared by use of t testing. Result. Interns logged fewer pages after intervention compared with preintervention (P <.01). In addition, the interns had a 4-hour block of time on call nights without pages more frequently during the posttest period (100% vs 25%, P <.01). The percent of necessary calls increased from 50% to 70% during day shifts (P <.01). Conclusions. A cooperative program that focused on decreasing nonurgent pages and maximizing efficient communication led to a decrease in the number of nonurgent pages received by interns and increased the number of call nights in which a 4-hour block of sleep or study time was generated, thereby improving residents' work environment. (Surgery 2003;134:158-63.)
Teaching vowels to profoundly hearing-impaired speakers using glossometry

Glossometry was used to teach the four point vowels (/i, aeu,a/) to 6 profoundly hearing-impaired children. Prior to treatment, all subjects evidenced centralized tongue positions during vowel productions. After 15 to 20 fifty-minute training sessions over 3- to 4-week time periods, all subjects showed greater diversification of tongue postures for the vowels, especially in tongue height. Listener identifications were generally better after therapy. The training results suggested that visually presented models and feedback of tongue positions can facilitate more appropriate tongue postures and improve vowel intelligibility by hearing-impaired speakers.
Reforming and Assessing Undergraduate Science Instruction Using Collaborative Action-Based Research Teams.

Faculty members at Purdue University in the departments of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Chemistry conducted a reform effort for the undergraduate curriculum utilizing action-based research teams. These action-based research teams developed, implemented, and assessed constructivist approaches to teaching undergraduate science content in each department. This effort utilized a partnership of scientists, science educators, master teachers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Results indicated that the project partners were able to (a) implement more inquiry-based teaching that emphasized conceptual understanding, (b) provide opportunities for cooperative learning experiences, (c) use models as an ongoing theme, (d) link concepts and models to real-world situations, e.g., field trips, (e) provide a more diverse range of assessment strategies, and (f) have students present their understandings in a variety of different forms. Further, we found that we were able to (a) involve graduate and undergraduate students, classroom teachers, scientists, and science educators together to work on the reform in a collaborative manner, (b) bring multiple perspectives for teaching and for science to support instruction and, (c) provide scientists and graduate science students (who will become university professors) with more effective teaching models. We also found that the collaborative action-based research process was effective for contributing to the reform of undergraduate teaching.
Fas ligand expression in islets of Langerhans does not confer immune privilege and instead targets them for rapid destruction

Fas ligand is believed to mediate immune privilege in a variety of tissues, including the eye, testis, and a subset of tumors. We tested whether expression of Fas ligand on pancreatic islets either following adenoviral or germline gene transfer could confer immune privilege after transplantation. Islets were infected with an adenoviral vector containing the murine Fas ligand cDNA (AdFasL), and were transplanted into allogenic diabetic hosts. Paradoxically, AdFasL-infected islets underwent accelerated neutrophilic rejection. The rejection was T cell and B cell independent and required Fas protein expression by host cells, but not on islets. Similarly, transgenic mice expressing Fas ligand in pancreatic beta cells developed massive neutrophilic infiltrates and diabetes at a young age. Thus, Fas ligand expression on pancreatic islets results in neutrophilic infiltration and islet destruction. These results have important implications for the development of Fas ligand-based immunotherapies.
Reproductive patterns in seventeen species of warmwater fishes in a Missouri River reservoir

The timing of ovarian maturation and spawning of 17 warmwater fish species in Lake Oahe (South and North Dakota) was estimated from changes in the mean ovary indices (ratios of ovary weight to fish length). The onset of vitellogenesis varied within species (up to 2 months). Maturation of the ova took from 7.5 to 10 months, depending on species. Annual variations in the mean date of peak spawning of individual species during 1964–1971 were usually less than a week. There was little overlap of the annual mean peak spawning dates of the 17 species, and an established sequence of spawning among species was shown. A relatively high incidence of atresia in the shovelnose sturgeon, northern pike, and carp indicated that these species had apparently not yet adapted to the altered and variable spawning conditions in this reservoir. Regularity of spawning would seem to provide the best chance for spawning success in variable environments such as Lake Oahe.
Charging and discharging of single conjugated-polymer nanoparticles

Despite intense, long-term interest in organic semiconductors from both an applied and fundamental perspective, key aspects of the electronic properties of these materials remain poorly defined. A particularly challenging problem is the molecular nature of positive charge carriers, that is, holes or oxidized species in organics. Here, the unique ability of single-molecule spectroelectrochemistry (SMS-EC) to unravel complex electrochemical process in heterogeneous media is used to study the oxidation of nanoparticles of the conjugated polymer poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole). A reversible hole-injection charging process has been observed that occurs primarily by initial injection of shallow (untrapped) holes, but soon after the injection, a small fraction of the holes becomes deeply trapped. Good agreement between experimental data and simulations strongly supports the presence of deep traps in the studied nanoparticles and highlights the ability of SMS-EC to study energetics and dynamics of deep traps in organic materials at the nanoscale.
Exchange bias in a thin film dispersion of MnO nanocrystallites in Co

Unusually large magnetization loops shifts along the field axis, of the same order as those observed in the archetypical exchange biased system Co/CoO, have been measured in a Co/MnO thin film made using reactive ion beam assisted deposition. These large loop shifts are unexpected for a system with an antiferromagnetic anisotropy that is two orders of magnitude less than that of CoO. This magnetic behavior is attributed to the nanoscale nature of the crystallites that constitute the film, where the surface area to volume ratio is large enough so that a sizable surface magnetic contribution provides the necessary antiferromagnet to ferromagnet coupling for the large measured exchange bias.
Sleep-Related Headaches

Irrespective of diagnosis, chronic daily, morning, or "awakening" headache patterns are soft signs of a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea headache may emerge de novo or may present as an exacerbation of cluster, migraine, tension-type, or other headache. Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder in chronic migraine and tension-type headache, and increases risk for depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbance (e.g., sleep loss, oversleeping, schedule shift) is an acute headache trigger for migraine and tension-type headache. Snoring and sleep disturbance are independent risk factors for progression from episodic to chronic headache.
Has the importance of the amniote egg been overstated

Abstract The evolution of the amniote egg is commonly regarded as an important milestone in the history of the vertebrates, an innovation that completed the transition from aquatic to fully terrestrial existence by permitting eggs to be laid away from standing water. This view derives ultimately from the recapitulationist theories of Haeckel, and rests on the assumption that extant frogs and salamanders are good models for the reproductive habits of early tetrapods and the ancestors of the amniotes. It also assumes that it is more difficult to lay eggs on land than in water, and that the amniote egg is an adaptation to the physical rigours that eggs encounter in terrestrial environments. Taken together, these assumptions comprise what may be termed the «Haeckelian framework» for the origin of vertebrate terrestriality. Several independent lines of evidence suggest that the assumptions of the Haeckelian framework are false. There appear to be no theoretical reasons to assume that the evolution of terrestrial egg-laying was difficult, or required a structure as elaborate as the amniote egg. The physical conditions eggs encounter in the terrestrial environments where they are actually laid are quite mild. Land may in fact be an easier place to lay eggs than water. In addition, analysis of the distribution of key reproductive character states among vertebrates provides no evidence that the «typical amphibian» reproductive mode is primitive for tetrapods. Amniotes are as likely as frogs or salamanders to retain primitive reproductive character states.
Comparison of Insect Gut Cellulase and Xylanase Activity Across Different Insect Species with Distinct Food Sources

Insect guts represent unique natural biocatalyst systems for biocatalyst discovery and biomass deconstruction mechanism studies. In order to guide the further research for enzyme discovery and biodiversity analysis, we carried out comprehensive xylanase and cellulase activity assays for the gut contents of three insect species representing different orders and food sources. The three insect species are grasshopper (Acrididae sp.), woodborer (Cerambycidae spp.), and silkworm (Bombyx mori) to represent the wood-consuming, grass-consuming, and leaf-consuming insects from Orthoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera orders, respectively. Generally speaking, the enzyme activity assays have shown that the cellulase and xylanase activities for grasshopper and woodborer guts are significantly higher than those of silkworm under various conditions. In addition, both pH and temperature have a significant impact on the enzyme activities in the gut contents. For the grasshopper gut, the means of xylanase and cellulase activities at pH 7 were 3,397 and 404 μM mg−1 min−1, which are significantly higher than the activities at pH 4 and 10 (P < 0.05). However, woodborer guts have shown the highest cellulase activity at pH 10. The results suggested that systems similar to woodborer guts could be good resources for discovering alkaline-tolerant enzymes. Moreover, the enzyme activities in response to different substrate concentrations were also analyzed, which indicated that grasshopper gut had particularly high cellulase activity. The enzyme activities in response to the reaction time were also examined, and we found that the enzyme activities (micromolar per milligram per minute) of different insect gut juices in response to the increase of incubation time fit well to the power function equation (E c = K ⋅ t b ) with high coefficients (r 2 > 0.99). The newly developed model serves well to compare the characteristics of the enzyme mixtures among different insect species, which can be applied to other studies of natural biocatalyst systems for the future. Overall, the data indicated that grasshopper and woodborer guts are valuable resources for discovering the novel biocatalysts for various biorefinery applications.
An exploratory study of dominance interactions among adolescent females at a summer camp

One bunk of eight 16- to 17-year old females was studied over a four-week camping session. Instances of dyadic dominance behaviors between group members were recorded in three settings. Although participants formed a cohesive group dominance structure that remained relatively stable throughout the camp session, the structure was not rigid or hierarchical. A new term, “cohesive dyarchy,” was coined to describe intracabin dominance relations. In contrast to many studies of adolescent females, popularity with boys and physical attractiveness were not found to be major predictors of dominance status. A variety of personality traits emphasizing interpersonal skills, athletic ability, and self-reported self-esteem predicted dominance status. Implications of these findings in terms of female adolescent development and future research are discussed.
Measurement of a cross-sectional area of normal and stenotic arteries with videodensitometric quantitative arteriography and intravascular ultrasound

Rationale and Objectives. A videodensitometric technique that allows measurement of absolute cross-sectional area of any complex lesion was compared with an intravascular ultrasound (US) technique. Methods. Stenotic devices (10–15 mm long) with cross sections of different shapes were placed in the distal aortas of five anesthetized pigs (weight, 40–50 kg). The stenotic devices were imaged by using an intravascular US probe after power injection of contrast material. Results. A comparison of actual areas and measured cross-sectional areas of the stenotic devices showed that videodensitometry and intravascular US produced better results than edge-detection techniques for both unsubtracted and temporal subtraction images. Conclusion. These data suggest that the videodensitometric technique can be used to measure absolute cross-sectional areas of arteries with different shapes.
Descriptive Analysis of Audiometric and Psychometric Scores of Students at a School for the Deaf

A statistical description of routine audiometric and psychometric scores of the 177 children enrolled in the school divisions of Central Institute for the Deaf during the academic year 1964–1965 showed some characteristics of the groups not easily obtained from clinical impressions of individuals. Comparisons of earliest audiograms with the most recent ones showed remarkable stability over time; hearing levels of the several groups did not change. When ordinary audiometers were supplemented by separate oscillators and amplifiers with consequent higher output powers, only five children failed to respond at 1,000 Hz or lower frequencies and 88% responded at 2,000 Hz. Skewed distributions of audiometric results necessitated use of group medians and percentiles (rather than means) for comparisons among groups. Uneven performance was observed on subtests of both intelligence and achievement batteries. While all groups were described as severely hearing-impaired, children in the Division for Speech Pathology al...
Hemodynamic correlates of left ventricular versus right ventricular radionuclide volumetric responses to vasodilator therapy in congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy

Previous studies have failed to demonstrate the clinical relevance of radionuclide functional measurements during treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). In the present study, data derived before and during nitroprusside infusion were analyzed in 16 patients with CHF to compare correlations of changes in left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) radionuclide measurements with simultaneous changes in 8 hemodynamic variables. Nitroprusside infusion decreased systemic artery pressure, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output. Nitroprusside decreased LV and RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and increased LV and RV ejection fraction and stroke volume. Changes in RV volumes exceeded changes in LV volumes. LV radionuclide measurements did not correlate significantly with any hemodynamic measurement except for a weak correlation between changes in LV end-systolic volume and right atrial pressure (r = 0.51). In contrast, the combination of changes in RV end-systolic volume and stroke volume predicted changes in pulmonary artery peak systolic (r = 0.90) and mean (r = 0.89) pressures. Changes in pulmonary arterial wedge pressure correlated with changes in RV end-diastolic (r = 0.78) and end-systolic (r = 0.71) volumes. In conclusion, LV radionuclide measurements are of limited value in predicting hemodynamic responses to vasodilator therapy in CHF, whereas RV volumes are strongly influenced by load changes. Their responses to nitroprusside correlate well with changes in pulmonary artery and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures.
Influences of aniline, carbazole, indole, and pyrrole monomers and polymers on formic acid oxidation at Pt electrodes

Abstract The effects of aniline, carbazole, indole, and pyrrole on formic acid oxidation at Pt electrodes are compared with those of their corresponding polymers. While thin films of polyaniline, polycarbazole, polypyrrole, and polyindole all promote the direct oxidation (i.e. the pathway that does not involve carbon monoxide as an intermediate) of formic acid at low potentials on Pt, only aniline exhibits a similar effect when added to the formic acid solution. At +0.25 V vs. SCE, current enhancements over bare Pt by factors of 4.0, 3.0, 3.4, 5.2, 6.8, respectively, were observed. Interestingly, drop coating of a Pt electrode with carbazole also promoted the direct pathway, although adsorption of carbazole from solution only inhibited formic acid oxidation. The promotion of the direct pathway by aniline adsorbed from solution followed a dependence on surface coverage that suggests inhibition of poisoning by adsorbed carbon monoxide. It is argued that the diversity of these effects indicates that the mechanism by which the direct pathway becomes favoured does not involve any specific chemical functionality of the modifier. However, it must be dependent on the orientation of the modifier relative to the Pt surface. A recent literature model, in which the direct pathway is shown to be favoured by disruption of the H-bonding network of water at the water/metal interface, is invoked to explain this. According to this model, the reaction pathway is determined by the orientation of the formic acid molecule as it adsorbs, which can be changed by other adsorbed species (formate in the model) that create a local hydrophobic region. It is suggested that the modifiers used here can play a similar role.
Cytochrome P450 dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid in bovine corneal epithelium.

Abstract Microsomes prepared from bovine corneal epithelium metabolized 14 C-arachidonic acid into two unidentified products, separated by thin-layer chromatography and called Peaks I and II. Each peak was further separated by high performance liquid chromatography into two metabolites. The formation of these metabolites was dependent on the addition of NADPH and inhibited by carbon monoxide and SKF-525A, suggesting a cytochrome P450-dependent mechanism. The presence of cytochrome P450 in the corneal epithelium was assessed directly by measurement of the carbon monoxide reduced spectrum and indirectly by measuring aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. The activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase was protein-and NADPH-dependent and was inhibited by SKF-525A.
An Examined and an Enchanted Life

Honored graduates, you chose a stunning day, a stunning year, a stunning century, and a stunning millennium for your graduation from medical school. We are delighted that family and friends have assembled in your honor. They are justly proud of your accomplishments. Express your appreciation of and gratitude for each of them. I have composed a poem for you in honor of your graduation. It is of the haiku genre of Oriental poetry (17 or fewer English syllables in length). Haiku poets strive for attributes of awareness, perceptivity, brevity, concision, and simplicity. The intent of this poetic style is to capture the essence of a moment in the continuum of time.
Failure to find an absolute retinal limit of a putative short-range process in apparent motion

Abstract Previous studies of apparent movement have concluded that the short-range process does not operate when stimulus displacements exceed 15–20′ arc. In the present experiments, we studied a bistable apparent-movement display, one of whose perceptual organizations is mediated by short-range process. In both experiments it was found that the perceptual organization mediated by the short-range process could be made dominant at stimulus displacements well in excess of the proposed spatial limit, provided the stimulus elements were made larger. It is concluded that the spatial limit of the short-range process is a relative, not absolute, one. Current knowledge regarding the short-range process is reviewed, and an hypothesis regarding the functional utility of the short-range process in compensating for the effects of small eye tremors is advanced.