cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
S10-04 - Evidence-based training in treatment treatments: The case of pediatric psychopharmacology

Introduction Despite major research advances in pediatric psychopharmacology and psychotherapy over the last 20 years, the lack of well-trained specialists has posed almost insurmountable barriers to many children and families from receiving high-quality, evidence-based assessment and treatments. The REACH Institute, an international non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based treatments, has developed portable, effective methods to train primary care and specialty health providers in pediatric psychopharmacology and psychotherapies. Objectives To develop effective, scientifically-proven methods for teaching and disseminating evidence-based treatments. Aims To develop, disseminate, and evaluate high quality approaches for teaching primary care and specialty mental health practitioners in pediatric psychopharmacology. Methods Using novel approaches grounded in scientific behavioral change technologies, over 700 health care providers have been trained in evidence-based pediatric psychopharmacology in sites across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, and Norway. All trainings are rigorously evaluated for changes in health care practitioners' behaviors and clinical practices, including within an NIH-funded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Results Trainings have been very well-received across multiple countries, requiring only minor adaptations. These trainings have been effective in yielding changes in health care practitioners abilities and actual clinical practices, enabling more children to access appropriate pediatric psychopharmacology. Conclusions Effective and disseminable methods for changing health care practitioners behaviors in applying pediatric psychopharmacology treatments are possible, and can be adapted to different countries, languages, and cultural contexts.
Development and regulation of rhodopsin kinase in rat pineal and retina.

Abstract: Rhodopsin kinase, once thought to be a retinal enzyme, was recently found at high levels in the pineal gland. In the present study the developmental pattern and the regulation by environmental lighting of this enzyme in both tissues was studied in the rat. Enzyme activity was present in the neonatal pineal gland several days earlier than in the retina, and increased gradually up to 20 days of age and remained at that level thereafter; the retinal enzyme appeared to increase until day 60. Pineal and retinal rhodopsin kinase activities showed a 25% increase in in the middle of the dark and the beginning of the light period, respectively. Exposure to constant light caused a 50% decrease in rhodopsin kinase levels in both tissues. However, only pineal rhodopsin kinase activity declined followed bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy. This indicates pineal rhodopsin kinase activity is similar to other pineal enzymes in that it is controlled by light acting through the sympathetic nervous system. In contrast, the light-induced decrease in retinal rhodopsin kinase may be due to the direct destructive effect of light on the retina. The finding of neural control of pineal rhodopsin kinase in the pineal gland of adult rats is consistent with a function of the enzyme in the neural regulation of pineal function.
Evidence for modulation of cell-to-cell electrical coupling by cAMP in mouse islets of Langerhans.

Abstract The effects of forskolin on electrical coupling among pancreatic β-cells were studied. Two microelectrodes were used to measure membrane potentials simultaneously in pairs of islet β-cells. Intracellular injection of a current pulse (ΔI) elicited a membrane response ΔV1 in the injected cell and also a response ΔV2 in a nearby β-cell confirming the existence of cell-to-cell electrical coupling among islet β-cells. In the presence of glucose (7 mM), application of forskolin evoked a transient depolarization of the membrane and electrical activity suggesting that the drug induced a partial inhibition of the β-cell membrane K+ conductance. Concomitant with this depolarization of the membrane there was a marked decrease in β-cell input resistance (ΔV2/ΔI) suggesting that exposure to forskolin enhanced intercellular coupling. Direct measurements of the coupling ratio ΔV2/ΔV1 provided further support to the idea that forskolin enhances electrical coupling among islet cells. Indeed, application of forskolin reversibly increased the coupling ratio. These results suggest that cAMP might be involved in the modulation of electrical coupling among islet β-cells.
Dating violence in college women : Associated physical injury, healthcare usage, and mental health symptoms

Background College-aged women report experiencing violence from a partner within the dating experience. Objectives This study used a correlational design, to report physical injury, mental health symptoms, and healthcare associated with violence in the dating experiences of college women. Methods A convenience sample of 863 college women between 18 and 25 years of age from a private, historically Black university in the South, and a private college in the mid-Atlantic completed the Abuse Assessment Screen, a physical injury checklist, and the Symptom Checklist-R-90. Data analysis consisted of frequencies, ANOVA, and MANOVA. Results Almost half (48%) (n = 412) reported violence and, of these, 39% (n = 160) reported more than one form of violence. The most commonly reported injuries were scratches, bruises, welts, black eyes, swelling, or busted lip; and sore muscles, sprains, or pulls. Victims had significantly higher scores on depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and global severity index than nonvictims. Victims of multiple forms of violence had significantly higher mental health scores and reported greater numbers of injuries than victims of a single form of violence. Less than half of those injured sought healthcare for injuries and less than 3% saw a mental health professional. Discussion Study findings suggest the importance of screening and identification of victims of violence. Knowledge of physical and mental health effects of violence can guide intervention, prevention, and health promotion strategies. Future research is needed to describe barriers to seeking healthcare, screening practices of college health programs, and programs to identify victims.
UNIONS OF WELL-ORDERED SETS

(Received 30 July 1991)Communicated by C. J. AshAbstractIn Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory weakened to permit the existence of atoms and without the axiomof choice we investigate the deductive strength of five statements which make assertions about thecardinality of the union of a well-ordered collection sets of. All five of the statements consideredare consequences of the axiom of choice.1991 Mathematics subject classification (Amer. Math. Soc): 03 E 35, 03 E 25, 04 A 25.Keywords and phrases: axiom of choice, countable union theorem, well-ordered set.
The role of the elasticity of the lubricant in rotor dynamics

An analysis is presented to find the effect of the elasticity of the lubricant in polymer containing multigrade oils on the performance of a dynamically loaded rotor, supported by short journal bearings. This paper solves for the loci of the center of a journal, subjected to unsteady loading, using Newtonian and viscoelastic lubricants. The viscoelastic fluid is described by a relatively new rheological equation which has been shown to be successful in predicting the experimental trends of various unsteady high shear rate flows. The analysis is a perturbation solution for low Deborah numbers where the stress relaxation process is a first-order effect. The results show an improvement in the performance of viscoelastic lubricants over Newtonian lubricants. Under an unsteady load, the journal center orbits show reduced eccentricity and travel of the journal due to the elasticity of the fluid. It implies that lubricants with a longer relaxation time can be developed where the viscosity and viscous losses can ...
A two parameter survey of periodic orbits in the restricted problem of three bodies

Within the context of the restricted problem of three bodies the effects caused by varying the mass ratio of the primaries and the eccentricity of their orbits, upon periodic orbits of the infinitesimal mass which are numerical continuations of circular orbits in the ordinary problem of two bodies are shown. A recursive power series technique is used to numerically integrate the equations of motion as well as the first variational equations in order to generate a two parameter family of perodic orbits and identify the linear stability characteristics. Seven such families are investigated with equally spaced mass ratios from 0.0 to 1.0 and eccentricities of the orbits of the primaries in a range 0.0 to 0.6. Stable orbits are associated with large distances of the infinitesimal mass from the perturbing primary, nearly circular motion of the primaries, and small mass ratios of the primaries. Unstable orbits for the infinitesimal mass are associated with small distances from the perturbing primary, highly elliptic orbits of the primaries and large mass ratios.
On Coming Home and Intellectual Generosity

We are honored to be the guest editors for this special issue centered on work in the tradition of Anselm Strauss. Because afestsclwift for Anselm with papers by most of his close colleagues and students was already published (Maines 1991). we have devoted this special issue to work by the “next generation” of interactionists working with Straussian approaches. The one exception is the paper by Isabelle Baszanger, who edited a volume of Anselm’s collected papers in French (Baszanger 1992a). Because she provides such an insightful and provocative overview of Anselm’s scholarly work, Baszanger’s introductory paper for that volume appears here in English.’ This allows us as editors to dwell instead on Anselm’s contributions to life itself as teacher, advisor, and friend. Both of us were Anselm’s students during the early 1980s. And, for both of us. finding Anselm and his work was an intellectual homecoming, a long-awaited coming in from the academic cold. We know many others have shared this intense and life-shaping experience, many without ever having met the truly exceptional man who was Anselm Strauss. Some of their papers are included here. We know, too, that for those who did meet him, a fundamental part of this was meeting Fran Strauss--often the smiling person opening the door to a new world. Their lives together were team efforts always, and the wholes were always considerably greater than the sum of the parts. Before we introduce the papers in this special issue, we want to briefly comment on the breadth of Anselm’s connections and the wide international network he and Fran created and maintained down to the last moments of his life, which Fran nurtures still. Ans’elm was an exceptionally generative teacher and colleague. His was an intellectual generosity, always available-his own poor health permitting. He relished helping people who were stuck in their work-especially with their (often belated) analysis of (too much) data, often collected without following the first precept of grounded theory: start analyzing immediately!
Abstracting Empirical Generalizations from Private Label Brand Research

Private label brand research is characterized by both increasing quantity and quality. While recent work provides a very useful high-level overview (e.g., Kumar and Steenkamp 2007) and several sophisticated studies persuasively address specific aspects, managers and academics will benefit from "good" (Barwise 1995) empirical generalizations that guide practice as well as stimulate consolidation of otherwise segregated hypotheses and empirical observations into mid-range theories (Merton 1968). This paper reports the aggregation and assessment of 142 sources and the development of empirical generalizations for this important domain.
Dynamic representation of odours by oscillating neural assemblies

Stimulus evoked oscillatory synchronization of neural assemblies has been most clearly documented in the olfactory and visual systems. Recent results with the olfactory system of locusts show that information about odour identity is contained in spatial and temporal aspects of an oscillatory population response. This suggests that brain oscillations may reflect a common reference for messages encoded in time. Although stimulus-evoked oscillatory phenomena are reliable, their roles in perception, memory and pattern recognition remain to be demonstrated. Using honey bees, we demonstrated that odour encoding involves, as in locusts, the oscillatory synchronization of assemblies of neurons, and that this synchronization is, here also, selectively abolished by the GABA receptor antagonist picrotoxin. In collaboration with Dr Brian Smith’s laboratory, we showed, using a behavioural learning paradigm, that picrotoxin-induced desynchronization impairs the discrimination of molecularly similar odourants, but not that of dissimilar odours. It appears, therefore, that oscillatory synchronization of neuronal assemblies is relevant, and essential for fine odour discrimination. Finally, experiments with locust mushroom body neurons, two synapses downstream from the antennal lobe, indicate that their responses to odours become less specific when antennal lobe neurons are desynchronized by picrotoxin injection. These results suggest that oscillatory synchronization and the kind of temporal encoding it affords provide an additional dimension by which the brain can segment spatially overlapping stimulus representations.
Development of a novel method to predict disability after head trauma in children.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Although analysis of functional independence measures (FIM) at discharge are useful for assessing extent of disability in head-injured children, there is no reliable method to predict the severity of disability at the time of admission. The authors developed a novel method to predict severe disability after head trauma on admission. Methods: Head-injured patients, 2 to 16 years old, with FIM recorded at discharge (n = 3,491) were identified in our state trauma database for the period from 1993 through 1996. Patients categorized as completely dependent by one or more of the FIM (Feeding, Locomotion, Expression, Transfer Mobility, Social Interaction) were classified as disabled. Probability of disability (P D ) was estimated based on regression weights for Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), age, and number of anatomic regions injured. Observed to expected disability rates were compared using a test data set of 2,553 patients entered in the database between 1997 through 1999. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between observed and expected disability across all P D intervals, which suggests that the P D accurately predicted disability. Conclusions: P D offers a novel and reliable method for early prediction of likelihood of disability in children who sustain head trauma. Routine use of the P D may lead to earlier intervention to improve long-term results in head-injured children. J Pediatr Surg 38:482-485. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
An Epiglottic Pyogenic Granuloma Presenting with Spontaneous Hemoptysis

Conclusions: This case report represents the only documented case of a pyogenic granuloma arising from the epiglottis. This is a rare but potentially lifethreatening situation as bleeding from this site is difficult to control and may lead to airway compromise. Assessment of the airway and surgical excision are necessary for prevention of recurrent episodes of supraglottic bleeding. PG are most commonly found on the skin and very rarely in the gastrointestinal tract, with the exception of the oral cavity. Oral PG predominantly develop on gingival tissue (61%)6, particularly on the anterior maxilla. Based on a review of the literature, our case represents the first reported case of a pyogenic granuloma arising on the epiglottis. Another interesting aspect of this case is the lack of an identifiable trigger leading to the development of this PG. The patient underwent surgery for cardiac stent placement approximately one year prior to presentation. PGs typically develop over the course of weeks to a few months and are most likely to bleed while in the early stages of development, when they are most vascular. This makes it unlikely that intraoperative trauma (e.g. during intubation) would lead to development of a pyogenic granuloma this long after the inciting event.
Ethanol-induced alterations in the expression of neurotrophic factors in the developing rat central nervous system.

Abstract Neonatal rats were exposed to ethanol throughout gestation, or during the early postnatal period (postnatal days 4–10 (P4–10)), and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays were subsequently conducted in order to assess nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) protein content in hippocampus, septum, cortex/striatum and cerebellum. These determinations revealed that following prenatal ethanol treatment, there were significant ethanol-induced increases in NGF in P1 cortex/striatum, but no changes in any of the three neurotrophic factors (NTFs) in the other brain regions. Cortex/striatal NGF protein returned to control levels by P10. Following early postnatal exposure, BDNF was elevated in hippocampus and cortex/striatum (assessed on P10), and NGF was also enhanced in cortex/striatum at this age. Hippocampal and cortex/striatal BDNF returned to control levels by P21, but cortex/striatal NGF levels remained enhanced at this age. This NTF did not differ in ethanol and control animals by P60, however. The possible significance of elevated levels of NTFs as a function of ethanol exposure is discussed, and it is speculated that while such alterations could play a protective role, increases in these substances during critical developmental periods could also prove to be deleterious, and could even contribute to certain of the neuropathologies which have been observed following developmental ethanol exposure.
Relational data partitioning using evolutionary game theory

This paper presents a new approach for relational data partitioning using the notion of dominant sets. A dominant set is a subset of data points satisfying the constraints of internal homogeneity and external in-homogeneity, i.e. a cluster. However, since any subset of a dominant set cannot be a dominant set itself, dominant sets tend to be compact sets. Hence, in this paper, we present a novel approach to enumerate well distributed clusters where the number of clusters need not be known. When the number of clusters is known, in order to search the solution space appropriately, after finding each dominant set, data points are partitioned into two disjoint subsets of data points using spectral graph image segmentation methods to enumerate the other well distributed dominant sets. For the latter case, we introduce a new hierarchical approach for relational data partitioning using a new class of evolutionary game theory dynamics called InImDynamics which is very fast and linear, in computational time, with the number of data points. In this regard, at each level of the proposed hierarchy, Dunn's index is used to find the appropriate number of clusters. Then the objects are partitioned based on the projected number of clusters using game theoretic relations. The same method is applied to each partition to extract its underlying structure. Although the resulting clusters exist in their equivalent partitions, they may not be clusters of the entire data. Hence, they are checked for being an actual cluster and if they are not, they are extended to an existing cluster of the data. The approach can also be used to assign unseen data to existing clusters, as well.
Effect of Lipoid A of the Lipopolysaccharide (LS) of E. coli on the Rat Litter in utero.

SummaryThe single LD50 of the LS of E. coli III was 20 mg/kg. The LD50 of the Lipoid A extracted from the LS was more than 200 mg/kg. The isolated Lipoid A in a single 20 mg/kg dosis on the 12th g.d. destroyed most litters of pregnant rats and was less effective than the single 2 mg/kg doses of the LS. The findings confirm Westphal's contention that the Lipoid A is the toxic factor in the LS. Lipoid A appears approximately 10 times more effective on the embryo when carried by the large LS molecule than when given in the isolated form.
Molecular characterization and mutational analysis of the human B17 subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I.

Bovine NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) of the mitochondrial respiratory chain consists of about 36 nuclear-encoded subunits. We review the current knowledge of the 15 human complex I subunits cloned so far, and report the 598-bp cDNA sequence, the chromosomal localization and the tissue expression of an additional subunit, the B17 subunit. The cDNA open reading frame of B17 comprises 387 bp and encodes a protein of 128 amino acids (calculated Mr 15.5 kDa). There is 82.7% and 78.1% homology, respectively, at the cDNA and amino acid level with the bovine counterpart. The gene of the B17 subunit has been mapped to chromosome 2. Multiple-tissue dot-blots showed ubiquitous expression of the mRNA with relatively higher expression in tissues known for their high energy demand. Of these, kidney showed the highest expression. Mutational analysis of the subunit revealed no mutations or polymorphisms in 20 patients with isolated enzymatic complex I deficiency in cultured skin fibroblasts.
Influence of potassium cardioplegia versus ischemic arrest on regional left ventricular diastolic compliance in humans.

Abstract To compare the effects of hypothermic ischemic arrest versus hypothermic potassium cardioplegia, regional left ventricular performance was monitored in 20 adult male patients undergoing saphenous vein bypass operation. Twelve patients received ischemic arrest (Group 1), and 8 received potassium cardioplegia (Group 2). Groups 1 and 2 did not differ in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.62 versus 0.60), number of bypassed vessels (3.7 versus 3.4), mean cross-clamp time (75 versus 63 minutes), or mean cardiopulmonary bypass time (182 versus 170 minutes). Before cardiopulmonary bypass was begun, a pair of ultrasonic crystals was secured in the left ventricular anterior myocardium to measure segment motion and a micromanometer-tipped catheter was placed in the left ventricular chamber. All patients received a saphenous vein bypass graft to a vessel supplying the anterior left ventricular wall in the region of the ultrasonic crystals. Comparison of changes in systolic measurements revealed no significant differences between Groups 1 and 2. After saphenous vein bypass grafting, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (11.4 to 17.0 mm Hg) and modulus of left ventricular segment stiffness (0.37 to 0.67, p Compared with hypothermic ischemic arrest, hypothermic potassium cardioplegia is not associated with an increased left ventricular diastolic stiffness shortly after saphenous vein bypass grafting in humans.
Predictors of Paternal Versus Maternal Stress in Families of Children With Neural Tube Defects

This study examined the types of stress experienced by maternal and paternal caretakers of children with Neural Tube Defects (NTD) and examined child and family characteristics that correlated with stress. Participants were 71 two-parent families of a child with spina bifida. Parents completed the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form to measure types of stress. Additional measures were completed to investigate variables potentially related to reported stress. Fathers reported significantly higher levels of stress from “dysfunctional parent–child interaction.” Mothers' personal stress correlated with disability and medical characteristics of the child. Fathers reported more stress when the child had maladaptive behaviors and when experiencing fewer social supports and resources. Mothers and fathers coparenting a child with NTD have both common and unique stresses. It is important that both be included in parent support and education initiatives.
256 x 256 PACE-1 PV HgCdTe focal plane arrays for medium and short wavelength IR applications

The development of two 256 by 256 hybrid HgCdTe focal plane array (FPA) families is described, and their performance is discussed. The hybrid FPAs employ a PV HgCdTe detector array and custom Si CMOS readouts. The PACE-1 process was used to fabricate the detectors, whereby the liquid phase epitaxial growth of HgCdTe occurs on sapphire substrates buffered by a layer of CdTe. The performance characteristics of the detector arrays are given. A tactical 256 by 256 CMOS readout is tested, in which a high functional yield was achieved. Updated test results are given for a 256 by 256 readout circuit developed for use in an orbital replacement instrument for the Hubble Space Telescope. The characterizations of several MWIR and SWIR FPAs were thorough and shown to be reliable. The pixel yield, maximum FPA responsivity nonuniformity, and SWIR FPA read noise for the tests are given. The high contrast and insignificant fixed pattern noise of the imagery from the MWIR 256 by 256 FPA are emphasized. These qualities were obtained when the device was operating at 80 k and utilizing f/2 optics with an 8-in. focal length and a 4.4 micron high pass filter.
A theoretical and experimental study of non-perfect grain boundary dislocations

The aim of this paper is to discuss the possible appearance of non-perfect grain boundary dislocations in grain boundaries in a variety of materials. To begin with, we survey some of the different theoretical treatments which enable grain boundary dislocations and grain boundary structures to be described. The emphasis is put on more recent ideas, and on illustrating the power of group theory in identifying non-perfect grain boundary dislocations. A derivation of the geometric characteristics of interfacial dislocations is carried out in a simple and tutorial way, in a number of representative examples. It is shown that grain boundary dislocations may be divided into three classes: (1) perfect grain boundary dislocations, (2) imperfect grain boundary dislocations, and (3) partial grain boundary dislocations. Experimental transmission electron microscope evidence is then presented for boundaries in the diamond cubic structure, and it is shown that imperfect and partial grain boundary dislocations play an important role in this system. Finally, a comparison of some grain boundary dislocation types in different materials is given.
Revisiting the relationships among gender, marital status, and mental health.

Three decades ago, Gove introduced his sex‐role theory of mental illness, which attributes women’s higher rates of psychological distress to their roles in society. Central to his hypothesis is that marriage is emotionally advantageous for men and disadvantageous for women. This article revisits this topic with data from the National Survey of Families and Households. The analyses indicate that the emotional benefits of marriage apply equally to men and women, but that men and women respond to marital transitions with different types of emotional problems. The implications of these findings for future research on gender and mental health are discussed.
Patient evaluation of azelastine ophthalmic solution in allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract Rationale This patient experience survey was designed to evaluate azelastine (Optivar) ophthalmic solution 0.05% in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Methods Ophthalmologists and optometrists prescribed azelastine ophthalmic solution and, after 5 days of treatment, recorded patient responses to a questionnaire that included information related to relief of itching, onset and duration of action, and previous medication use. Results Data were analyzed for 1428 patients who had previously used allergic conjunctivitis medications. Forty-seven percent of the patients had most recently used olopatadine ophthalmic solution (Patanol), 22% had most recently used ketotifen ophthalmic solution (Zaditor), and 21% had most recently used nedocromil ophthalmic solution (Alocril). Patient responses were based on an ordinal rating scale of 0 to 10. Of the 1428 patients, 87% (score range 5-10) reported azelastine was moderately-to-very effective in relieving itching of the eye, 85% (score range 5-10) reported azelastine worked quickly, 83% (score range 5-10) reported moderate-to-long lasting relief, 89% reported overall effectiveness in treating their ocular allergy symptoms, and 56% reported azelastine was better than their previous allergic conjunctivitis medication. Responses were similar for a subset of 430 patients who had not previously used allergic conjunctivitis medications. Conclusion Azelastine ophthalmic solution was effective for treating itching of the eye associated with allergic conjunctivitis and was reported to be superior to the most recently used allergic conjunctivitis medication by >50% of the patients. Azelastine was reported to work quickly and provided sustained relief when used twice daily in each affected eye.
Computer-assisted determination of benzodiazepine receptor heterogeneity.

Abstract The presence of benzodiazepine receptor heterogeneity was investigated on whole rat brain membranes, at 0°C, using computerized, weighted nonlinear least-squares regression analysis. Data from [ 3 H]flunitrazepam and [ 3 H]β-carboline ethyl ester self and cross-competition studies were analyzed simultaneously with data from the inhibition of both labeled ligands by various known and novel benzodiazepine receptor ligands. The binding model which best fits the data indicated the presence of at least two independent binding sites. The benzodiazepines flunitrazepam and 2′-Cl-diazepam showed a small difference in affinity at the two sites. The β-carbolines and Cl 218,872 showed a larger difference in affinity, and had higher affinities at the lower affinity site for the benzodiazepines. Analogous experiments could be useful in the determination of the effect of GABA on benzodiazepine receptor affinities.
Interfacing of an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with a Gas-Liquid Chromatograph for the Determination Oftrace Quantities of Alkyl Mercury Compounds in Fish Tissue

Abstract A rapid method for the determination of alky1 mercury compounds in fish tissue is presented. The method is based on gasliquid chromatographic separation, combustion of the column effluent in a furnace and measurement of the resulting atomic vapor by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Leukotriene-associated Toxic Oxygen Metabolites Induce Airway Hyperreactivity

The effect of toxic oxygen metabolite scavengers was examined in a guinea pig trachealis model of leukotriene (LTD 4 )-induced synergism upon histamine contractures. Under both physiologic (2.5 mM) and low (OmM) extracellular calcium conditions, LTD 4 (10 −7 to 10 −9 M) potentiated histamine isometric tension responses. This LTD 4 -induced histamine hyperresponse was inhibited by pretreatment with Superoxide dismutase. Inhibition of LTD 4 receptor binding by FPL 55712 (10 −5 M) also aborted this interaction. Actual trachealis superoxide anion (O − 2 ) generation by LTD 4 was observed with a maximal release of 15 nM O 2 − /CPK unit × 10 −2 over 60 min. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) also generated O 2 − in this preparation. Trachealis muscle hyperreactivity to histamine induced by 10 −8 M LTD 4 assayed in OmM (Ca ++ ) E was not induced by PMA. It is concluded that exogenous LTD 4 activates toxic oxygen metabolites which interact to induce an acquired hyperreactivity to agonist histamine in trachealis smooth muscle.
Effect of prolonged low dose infusion of angiotensin II and aldosterone on rat smooth muscle and adrenal angiotensin II receptors.

The present studies were designed to determine the effects of continuous alterations in angiotensin II (Ang II) blood levels on Ang II receptors of rat uterine myometrium and adrenal glomerulosa. These tissues were used in a radioreceptor assay for Ang II. Low dose infusion of Ang II for 7 days caused significant suppression of PRA, whereas plasma aldosterone was not increased above control levels. The Kd of uterine myometrium decreased to 29% of the control value, while the Kd of adrenal glomerulosa increased by 115%. No significant change in the number of receptors of uterine myometrium was observed in spite of the increased number of receptors in the adrenal glomerulosa. The observation that angiotensin infusion was associated with a decrease in uterine Kd and an increase in adrenal receptors suggests that receptor occupancy did not influence the affinity or concentration of sites under steady state conditions. Low levels of PRA and Ang II were achieved by continuous infusion of aldosterone with osmoti...
Response of the hypertrophied left ventricle to tachycardia: importance of maturation

Pressure overload left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) induces ventricular dysfunction during stress, which is commonly attributed to diminished myocardial capillary density and ischemia. Immature hearts with LVH have a normal coronary flow reserve and capillary density. The purpose of this study was to determine 1) whether young lambs with LVH had an abnormal response to chronotropic stress, 2) whether nonischemic mechanisms contributed to the abnormal response, and 3) whether the age at which LVH was induced affected the response. We assessed LV endomyocardial function, perfusion, and Ca(2+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) mRNA levels in chronically instrumented lambs with and without LVH and adult sheep with and without LVH. Rapid pacing induced diastolic dysfunction, increased time constant of isovolumic relaxation using an iterative fit (tM), and elevated LV diastolic pressures in young lambs and adult sheep with LVH. During pacing, tM was greater in the adult sheep with LVH than in the young lambs with LVH. Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels were 79% less in adult sheep with LVH than in those without. Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels in lambs with and without LVH and adult sheep without LVH were similar. Diastolic dysfunction occurred in the absence of subendomyocardial hypoperfusion, suggesting a nonischemic mechanism. In adult sheep with LVH diastolic dysfunction was associated with a marked reduction in Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA levels.
Hydrostatic mountain waves produced by asymmetric ridgest

Abstract A dry, linearized model of hydrostatic, Boussinesq fluid over a ridge is used to investigate the role of atmospheric stratification and mountain shape on the drag, D, and the lowest level wind field, u. It is found that both D and u increase with asymmetry of the ground profile. Moreover, the optimum tuning for u is not the same as that for D.
Effects of a single and repeated morphine treatment on conditioned and unconditioned behavioral sensitization in Crayfish

Recent neuroethological work suggests that drug-sensitive reward in Crayfish represents a useful new model system for the study of drug dependence. Monoamine re-uptake mechanisms, which are conserved across vertebrate and invertebrate taxa, offer sites of action for testing drug-induced behavioral sensitization. The present study explored drug-associated behavioral sensitization in Crayfish by concurrently mapping measures of locomotion and rewarding properties of morphine. Behavioral effects of mammalian drugs of abuse are thought to depend on the patterns of drug regimens, and are similar across vertebrates. In this study, we determined whether behavioral sensitization induced by single and repeated morphine treatments extend to invertebrates. The first set of experiments indicated that intra-circulatory infusions of single or repeated doses of morphine (2.5 microg/g, 5.0 microg/g and 10.0 microg/g) result in persistent and comparable locomotory sensitization even 5 days following the infusion. In the second experiment, we explored the short and long-term rewarding effects of a single or repeated morphine drug regimen using the conditioned place preference (CPP) experiment. Morphine-induced CPP also persisted for a drug free period of 5 days, indicating that this amount of time was not sufficient to disrupt the established CPP between morphine and context-dependent cues in Crayfish. Results from our study indicate that a single dose of morphine was sufficient to induce long-term behavioral sensitization in Crayfish, and that such effect is comparable to the effect of repeated morphine regimes. Behavioral sensitization studies in Crayfish thus contribute an evolutionary, comparative context to our understanding of the natural variation of reward as an important life-sustaining process.
Micro-Arcsecond Metrology testbed (MAM)

The micro-arcsecond metrology testbed (MAM) is a high- precision long baseline interferometer inside a vibration- isolated vacuum tank. The instrument consists of an artificial star, a laser metrology system, and a single- baseline interferometer with a 1.8m baseline and a 5cm clear aperture. MAM's purpose is to demonstrate that the astrometric error budget specified for the Space Interferometry Mission can be met.
Chromosomal Loop Domains Direct the Recombination of Antigen Receptor Genes

RAG initiates antibody V(D)J recombination in developing lymphocytes by generating "on-target" DNA breaks at matched pairs of bona fide recombination signal sequences (RSSs). We employ bait RAG-generated breaks in endogenous or ectopically inserted RSS pairs to identify huge numbers of RAG "off-target" breaks. Such breaks occur at the simple CAC motif that defines the RSS cleavage site and are largely confined within convergent CTCF-binding element (CBE)-flanked loop domains containing bait RSS pairs. Marked orientation dependence of RAG off-target activity within loops spanning up to 2 megabases implies involvement of linear tracking. In this regard, major RAG off-targets in chromosomal translocations occur as convergent RSS pairs at enhancers within a loop. Finally, deletion of a CBE-based IgH locus element disrupts V(D)J recombination domains and, correspondingly, alters RAG on- and off-target distributions within IgH. Our findings reveal how RAG activity is developmentally focused and implicate mechanisms by which chromatin domains harness biological processes within them.
Fine structure of degeneration and regeneration in denervated rabbit vallate taste buds.

Taste buds of rabbit circumvallate papillae were studied with the electron microscope at intervals from six hours to 11 weeks after section of the glossopharyngeal nerve distal to the petrosal ganglion. Nerve endings were first affected, showing degeneration as early as 12 hours and disappearing by 48 hours. Rapid loss of cells and of all buds by ten days followed. Numerous inclusion bodies within type I and type II cells were interpreted as autophagic activity in type II cells and both phagocytic and autophagic activity in type I cells. Type III cells were lost primarily by pyknosis, and phagocytized by type I cells. No clear evidence of dedifferentiation, or extrusion of dead cells, was observed. Regenerated nerves appeared beneath the epithelium at 21 days but new buds first appeared at 25 days, after nerves had penetrated the basement membrane. Intimate contact of nerves with epithelial cells appears to be a precondition for taste bud renewal. Early appearance of cells resembling basal cells (type IV) followed by relatively simultaneous appearance of type I, II and III suggest independent origins for these three types. The data support a humoral hypothesis of trophic action but do not rule out a role for impulse transmission.
The dependence of the microstructure and magnetic properties of CoNiCr/Cr thin films on the substrate temperature

Thin CoNiCr/Cr films (candidates for longitudinal recording media) were deposited on Corning 7059 glass substrate by RF diode sputtering. The CoNiCr layer thickness was fixed at 40 nm; the Cr layer thickness, d/sub Cr/, ranged between 60 and 400 nm. At d/sub Cr/=170 nm, when the substrate temperature before deposition, T/sub s/, was set below 100 degrees C, both the Cr underlayer and the CoNiCr layer were more or less randomly oriented. When specimens were deposited at T/sub s/>or=200 degrees C, the Cr layer was strongly [100] textured and the CoNiCr layer exhibited a strongly preferred texture. This CoNiCr texture is epitaxially favored by the Cr [100] texture. With increasing d/sub Cr/ the Cr [110] texture increased and the CoNiCr texture decreased. The grain size increased with T/sub s/ and d/sub Cr/. In-plane coercivity, H/sub c/, initially increased with T/sub s/ to peak at T/sub s/=200 degrees C. As T/sub s/ was increased further from 200 to 260 degrees C, H/sub c/ decreased. The squareness and saturation magnetization were not sensitive to T/sub s/. >
A high-efficiency bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter

This paper presents efficiency optimization and implementation of a bidirectional DC-DC converter based on the four-switch, non-inverting buck-boost configuration. The converter is intended for DC power systems to interface different sources or loads to a common DC bus, operating over a wide range of voltages. The number of converter phases, switching frequency, and inductor parameters are determined by an iterative efficiency optimization approach. The experimental 500W bidirectional converter operates from 12–38V at the source/load port to 21–32V at the bus port, with up to 97% efficiency.
Long-term glacial erosion of active mountain belts: Example of the Chugach–St. Elias Range, Alaska

An emerging paradigm that equates glaciers to ''buzz saws'' of exceptional erosional efficiency has been strengthened by short- term (,10 2 yr) sediment yields from southern Alaska. New low- temperature cooling ages from this area, the glaciated Chugach- St. Elias Mountains, constrain long-term (10 6 yr) exhumation rates. Vertically averaged exhumation rates reach ;3 mm/yr, but are an order of magnitude lower than rates based on short-term sediment yields. Whereas these exhumation rates are not exceptional for oro- genic belts, denudation patterns are strongly correlated with the distribution of glaciers, and erosion appears to keep pace with con- vergence and uplift. These findings imply a coupling between gla- cially dominated erosion and tectonics.
Rapid detection of functional expression of C-5-DNA methyltransferases in yeast

We have previously employed the cytosine-5-DNA methyltransferase (MTase), M. Sss I, as a probe for chromatin architecture in intact cells. Although M. Sss I offers the highest resolution of any currently available MTase, the difficulty in establishing stable, methylation-positive strains poses a barrier to its general utility as a chromatin probe. We describe a simple screen for M. Sss I-expressing strains that eliminates the purification of PCR products amplified from bisulfite-treated DNA, use of radioisotopes, polyacrylamide sequencing gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography. The high throughput of the method now makes it feasible to introduce M. Sss I into a variety of wild-type and mutant genetic backgrounds.
EVOLUTION OF TOXICITY IN PITOHUIS: I. EFFECTS OF HOMOBATRACHOTOXIN ON CHEWING LICE (ORDER PHTHIRAPTERA)

Birds in the genus Pitohui carry the potent neurotoxin homobatrachotoxin in their skin and feathers. In this study, I tested whether homobatrachotoxin can repel or kill chewing lice (order Phthiraptera). When individual feather lice were offered a choice of two feathers on which to feed or take shelter, the lice preferred nontoxic feathers to feathers of the most toxic pitohui species, Pitohui dichrous. Moreover, the presence of toxic P dichrous feathers significantly shortened the life span of captive feather lice. These results suggest that homobatrachotoxin repels and kills lice and may thus protect pitohuis against lice infestation.
Site-2 protease substrate specificity and coupling in trans by a PDZ-substrate adapter protein

Site-2 proteases (S2Ps) are intramembrane metalloproteases that cleave transmembrane substrates in all domains of life. Many S2Ps, including human S2P and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rip1, have multiple substrates in vivo, which are often transcriptional regulators. However, S2Ps will also cleave transmembrane sequences of nonsubstrate proteins, suggesting additional specificity determinants. Many S2Ps also contain a PDZ domain, the function of which is poorly understood. Here, we identify an M. tuberculosis protein, PDZ-interacting protease regulator 1 (Ppr1), which bridges between the Rip1 PDZ domain and anti-sigma factor M (Anti-SigM), a Rip1 substrate, but not Anti-SigK or Anti-SigL, also Rip1 substrates. In vivo analyses of Ppr1 function indicate that it prevents nonspecific activation of the Rip1 pathway while coupling Rip1 cleavage of Anti-SigM, but not Anti-SigL, to site-1 proteolysis. Our results support a model of S2P substrate specificity in which a substrate-specific adapter protein tethers the S2P to its substrate while holding the protease inactive through its PDZ domain.
Association of HPA axis hormones with copeptin after psychological stress differs by sex.

Abstract Introduction Copeptin levels are elevated in severe medical conditions, an effect that is attributed to elevated arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels in response to physiological stress, resulting in activation of hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In the current study, we wanted to determine if copeptin is responsive to psychological stress, correlates with cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and if associations differed by sex. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional study that included 100 healthy men (41%) and women (59%) (aged 18–30 years; mean 24.6 ± 3 years), who underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), we examined the association between percent change (peak-baseline/baseline) in copeptin levels and percent change in log ACTH and cortisol. Three baselines samples were drawn followed by blood sampling at 20, 35, 50, 65 and 85 min after TSST. Results There was a significant positive association between the percent change in copeptin and the percent change in log-transformed salivary cortisol (β-coefficient = 0.95; p = 0.02). The association between percent change in copeptin and log-transformed serum cortisol was not statistically significant in the overall population. There was a trend for a non-significant association between percent change in copeptin and percent change in log-transformed ACTH (β-coefficient = 1.14; p = 0.06). In males, there was a significant positive association between the percent change in copeptin levels and log-transformed salivary (β-coefficient = 1.33, p = 0.016) and serum cortisol (β-coefficient = 0.69, p = 0.01), whereas in women there was no statistically significant association. Conclusions We found a significant positive association between percent change in copeptin and percent change in salivary and serum cortisol among males only.
DNA Recognition by the Herpes Simplex Virus Transactivator VP16: a Novel DNA-Binding Structure

Upon infection, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) transcriptional activator VP16 directs the formation of a multiprotein-DNA complex-the VP16-induced complex-with two cellular proteins, the host cell factor HCF-1 and the POU domain transcription factor Oct-1, on TAATGARAT-containing sequences found in the promoters of HSV immediate-early genes. HSV VP16 contains carboxy-terminal sequences important for transcriptional activation and a central conserved core that is important for VP16-induced complex assembly. On its own, VP16 displays little, if any, sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. We show here that, within the VP16-induced complex, however, the VP16 core has an important role in DNA binding. Mutation of basic residues on the surface of the VP16 core reveals a novel DNA-binding surface with essential residues which are conserved among VP16 orthologs. These results illuminate how, through association with DNA, VP16 is able to interpret cis-regulatory signals in the DNA to direct the assembly of a multiprotein-DNA transcriptional regulatory complex.