cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motor transfer from the corticospinal to the corticobulbar pathway

Abstract There are multiple descending neural pathways, including the corticospinal pathway (CS) and the corticobulbar pathway (CB). The corticospinal pathway has been shown to exhibit within-pathway (CS-to-CS) motor transfer. However, motor transfer across each pathway (CS-to-CB or CB-to-CS) has yet to be studied in depth. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cross-pathway motor transfer between the ankle (CS) and tongue (CB) after training with a ballistic goal-directed motor task. Twelve healthy participants were recruited for this two-day experimental study. Six participants performed a ballistic goal-directed task with their ankle on Day 1 (ankle dorsiflexion), then tongue on Day 2 (elevate tongue against IOPI). The other 6 participants performed the same task with their tongue on Day 1, then ankle on Day 2. Both the ankle and tongue tasks (50 trials each) required matching force and time to a visual target. Our findings indicate that participants who underwent ankle training on Day 1 exhibited decreased tongue force error on Day 2 compared with participants who completed the tongue training on Day 1, with no prior ankle training (p = 0.02) (i.e. greater accuracy). This finding suggests that cross-pathway transfer from the corticospinal pathway to the corticobulbar pathway occurred with respect to force error. In other words, training of the ankle (CS) translated to improved training performance of the tongue (CB) through a reduction in force error. However, the reverse was not true – training the tongue did not elicit improved performance of the ankle. Nonetheless, if training with the corticospinal pathway can lead to improved corticobulbar pathway functioning, incorporating multi-pathway rehabilitation techniques might be valuable for clinicians across medical disciplines.
Metabolism of Bradykinin by Peptidases in Health and Disease.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the metabolism of bradykinin (BK) by peptidases in health and disease. The enzymatic breakdown of kinins affects the duration of their biological actions as the plasma half-life of intravenously injected BK is in the range of seconds. Kinins are cleaved in vitro and in vivo by enzymes that belong to families, such as zinc-metallopeptidases, astacin-like metallopeptidases, and catheptic enzymes. Vane noted the importance of the pulmonary circulation in the metabolism of vasoactive substances, such as BK as well as angiotensin 1 and 5- hydroxytryptamine. It is clear after decades of research that angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE) on the vascular endothelial cell surface is the most important inactivator of blood-borne BK. BK may act primarily in an autocrine and paracrine fashion, establishing the importance of local regulation of its activity by enzymes on cell surfaces. Thus, the assortment of other enzymes that can inactivate BK is important in a variety of physiological and pathological situations. Most physiological systems have redundant pathways of metabolism so that the abolishment of one pathway is compensated for by the presence of others. This is demonstrated by the pharmacological inhibition of ACE in hypertension.
Dynamic strains in architectural laminated glass subjected to low velocity impacts from small projectiles

An experimental validation of a mechanics-based finite element model for architectural laminated glass units subjected to low velocity, two gram projectile impacts is described. The impact situation models a scenario commonly observed during severe windstorms, in which small, hard projectiles, such as roof gravel, impact windows. Controlled experiments were conducted using a calibrated air gun to propel a steel ball against simply supported rectangular laminated glass specimens. Dynamic strains on the inner glass ply were measured using foil strain gages and a high speed data acquisition system. Impact speed, interlayer thickness, glass ply thickness, and glass heat treatment conditions were varied. Dynamic strains predicted by the finite element model were in close agreement with those measured in the laboratory.
Future of Coronary Thrombolysis

Despite its now established efficacy, the evolution of coronary thrombolysis has been protracted. Delay in its acceptance after initial attempts in 1958 (1) resulted from the initial lack of optimal end points such as coronary arteriography and the “mind set” in the cardiovascular community that did not favor thrombosis as the proximate cause of acute myocardial infarction and that did not recognize the dependence of benefit from coronary recanalization on the brevity of antecedent ischemia.
Imaging the Patient with Seizures

Seizures occur as a result of excessive, prolonged and synchronous electrical discharges of neurons within the brain parenchyma that alter neurologic function. Seizures may be acute or provoked such as in the case of a patient with a recent closed head injury, acute intracranial inflammatory process, or an acute cerebral infarct. The term “epilepsy” is applied to chronic, recurrent seizures. These seizures may be partial or focal in onset from a certain region of the brain such as the parenchyma adjacent to a neoplasm. Alternatively, the seizures may be generalized with simultaneous onset of the abnormal electrical activity from both cerebral hemispheres. If the data are insufficient to make these distinctions, the seizures are listed as unclassified. There is a higher incidence of partial seizures among all patients with epilepsy, but this varies with age. Generalized seizures are more common in early childhood while partial seizures increase in incidence with age such that partial seizures account for 75% of seizures in the elderly [1].
2-chlorodeoxyadenosine induces durable remissions and prolonged suppression of CD4+ lymphocyte counts in patients with hairy cell leukemia

A number of effective treatments are available for patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL). 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) induces more than 80% complete responses, but is associated with profound suppression of CD4+ lymphocyte counts. However, the duration of each is uncertain. We have analyzed a previously reported cohort of 40 patients who had responded to 2-CdA. Eight patients (20%) have relapsed at a median of 16 months (range, 3 to 23 months). The remaining 32 patients were observed for a median of 30 months (range, 7 to 43 months). No patients have died. At 3 years, the actuarial disease-free survival rate is 77% (95% confidence interval, 70% to 84%). The median CD4+ lymphocyte count before therapy was 743/microL (range, 58 to 2,201/microL). The median CD4+ nadir after treatment was 139/microL (range, 25 to 580/microL). There was a single opportunistic infection and no second malignancies observed. Although there was evidence of some improvement in CD4+ lymphocyte counts on sequential testing, CD4+ counts remained significantly lower than baseline (P < .0001) at a median of 23 months after therapy (median, 237/microL; range, 25 to 514/microL), and were also lower than baseline (P < .002) in those patients with more than 1 year of follow-up (median, 27 months; range, 13 to 42 months). The median time to reach an absolute CD4+ lymphocyte count of 365/microL, the lower limit of the normal range, was 40 months. Although responses to 2-CdA are durable in the majority of patients with HCL, the uncertain long-term consequences of the observed CD4+ lymphocytopenia suggest caution in the broad application of this therapy.
Are Cranberry Products Effective for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry products are not effective and should not be recommended for the prevention of UTIs.
How did life come to tolerate and thrive in an oxygenated world

Looking across our planet’s four-and-a-half billion-year history, the rise of dioxygen— an interval sometimes called the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE)—is arguably the most important environmental change. This revolution occurred approximately 2.3 billion years ago, roughly at the mid-way point in Earth history, and it was ultimately driven by a biological innovation: the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis conferred the ability to use water as a photosynthetic substrate (earlier photosynthesis was anoxygenic and required reduced iron, sulfur, carbon, or hydrogen). Primary productivity—no longer limited by a source of electrons—greatly expanded across the Earth surface. In turn, dioxygen accumulated and became widely available for use in anabolic and catabolic metabolisms, forming a rich cascade of evolutionary potential and consequence. The modern biosphere figured out how to balance harmful oxidative stress with the beneficial ways dioxygen can be used. But how did life come to first tolerate and then thrive in an oxygenated world? It’s this question that attracted the diverse perspectives reflected in this special issue.
Studies of the Chloroplast Cytochrome b 6 -f Complex Incorporated into Liposomes

The chloroplast cytochrome b 6-f complex has a similar function to analogous complexes in mitochondria and photosynthetic bacteria (1). The complex has been studied extensively in the free state (1) and, more recently, after incorporation into liposomes (2). in the latter case, proton translocation as well as plastocyanin reduction have been monitored. We have studied the redox reactions of cytochrome b 6 in the free and incorporated complex under coupled and uncoupled conditions. The effects of electron transport inhibitors have also been considered.
Aspirin before fecal immunochemical testing did not increase sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasms.

Source Citation Brenner H, Calderazzo S, Seufferlein T, et al. Effect of a single aspirin dose prior to fecal immunochemical testing on test sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasms:...
Coronary-cameral fistula with double-chambered right ventricle: appearance on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 3D printed anatomic modeling.

Abstract The present case illustrates cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomic model findings of a coronary-cameral fistula (CCF) and double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV). A pregnant woman presented with palpitations and near syncope. A non-contrast cardiac MRI showed CCF connecting to a DCRV. Post-delivery, the patient had a contrast-enhanced MRI and 3D printed anatomic model to better evaluate her aberrant anatomy.
Microcin H47: A Class IIb Microcin with Potent Activity Against Multidrug Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Microcin H47 (MccH47) is an antimicrobial peptide produced by some strains of Escherichia coli that has demonstrated inhibitory activity against enteric pathogens in vivo and has been heterologousl...
Fishing for Information: Quantitative Analytical Methods for Population and Community Assessments

Natural resource managers often use quantitative methods to characterize and manage ecosystems. A firm understanding of these methods, ranging from simple counts to complex models, is critical in conducting accurate population and community assessments. Students can gain an advantage in understanding these methods through early exposure and contextual examples. This fictional case study follows three American Fisheries Society club members who perform an ecological assessment of a landowner’s ponds. The club members use multiple sampling methods and analyses to answer the landowner’s questions. In this study, students are introduced to common assessment metrics, such as community patterns (richness, diversity, evenness, and similarity), abundance estimates (mark-recapture, depletion, swept-area, and line-transect), size structure (proportional stock density), and growth estimates (absolute, relative, and instantaneous growth rates; von Bertalanffy growth model). Students will also interpret results and identify physical or biological factors that may influence those results. After completing this case study, students will be able to describe the need for population and community assessments and apply these assessments to various scenarios.
Prenatal low-dose methyltestosterone, but not dihydrotestosterone, treatment induces penile formation in female mice and guinea pigs†.

Genital tubercle has bisexual potential before sex differentiation. Females exposed to androgen during sex differentiation show masculinized external genitalia, but the effects of different androgens on tubular urethral and penile formation in females are mostly unknown. In this study, we compared the masculinization effects of commonly used androgens methyltestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone on the induction of penile formation in females. Our results suggested that prenatal treatment with low doses of methyltestosterone, but not same doses of dihydrotestosterone or testosterone, could induce penile formation in female mice. The minimum dose of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone for inducing tubular urethral formation in female mice was, respectively, 50 and 20 times higher than that of methyltestosterone. In vivo methyltestosterone treatment induced more nuclear translocation of androgen receptors in genital tubercles of female mice, affected Wnt signaling gene expressions, and then led to similar patterns of cell proliferation and death in developing genital tubercles to those of control males. We further revealed that low-dose methyltestosterone, but not same dose of dihydrotestosterone or testosterone, treatment induced penile formation in female guinea pigs. Exposure of female mouse genital tubercle organ culture to methyltestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or testosterone could induce nuclear translocation of androgen receptors, suggesting that the differential effect of the three androgens in vivo might be due to the hormonal profile in mother or fetus, rather than the local genital tissue. To understand the differential role of these androgens in masculinization process involved is fundamental to androgen replacement therapy for diseases related to external genital masculinization.Summary SentenceLow-dose methyltestosterone treatment is sufficient to induce tubular urethral formation in female mice and guinea pigs through cellular processes similar to those of males, while same dose of dihydrotestosterone leads to female hypospadias in mice.
Endless novelties of extraordinary interest: the voyage of H.M.S. challenger and the birth of modern oceanography: by Doug Macdougall, New Haven, CT, Yale University Press, 2019, xx, 257 pp., $30.00

It has been a half century since Eric Linklater published his well-illustrated The Voyage of the Challenger, and it is time for another account of this expedition. However, Doug Macdougall has not ...
WILDLIFE MORTALITY IN WIND TURBINE TRANSFORMER BASINS

Steep-walled catchments are a source of wildlife mortality. Incidental to searching for carcasses under five wind turbines in the panhandle of Texas, we discovered vertebrate carcasses on a frequent basis in concrete oil-catchment basins associated with each turbine's transformer. During 2015 and 2016, we found remains of 62 vertebrates trapped in these basins. We recommend new designs that prevent entrapment and addition of escape ramps to existing basins to reduce the frequency of trapped animals. Mitigation of mortality of the level that we observed could significantly reduce this unnecessary impact on wildlife from what is a far-reaching and growing industry.
It’s Time to Break the Mold: A Call to Adapt Proportionality for the Grey Zone

The increased use of hybrid warfare opens the door to subversion of human rights and the undermining of our institutions. This short paper argues that key principles, in particular proportionality, must be adapted for utilization in the grey zone to prevent grey zone actors from exploiting international law at the dualistic seams.
Not all that is 'full house' is systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of membranous nephropathy due to syphilis infection.

We describe an unusual case of membranous nephropathy precipitated by syphilis infection in a patient without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A previously healthy 20-year-old man presented with leg and facial swelling. Laboratory investigation revealed nephrotic range proteinuria, acute kidney injury, hypocomplementaemia and a highly positive rapid plasma reagin. Kidney biopsy showed membranous nephropathy with ‘full-house’ immunofluorescence (IgG, IgA, IgM, C1q and C3), mimicking lupus nephritis class Vb. However, the patient had no features of SLE and had negative antinuclear and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. He was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis and with penicillin for syphilis. After 2 months of therapy, his proteinuria resolved, and his renal function and C4 level normalised. This case illustrates that syphilis infection can be a mimicker of lupus nephritis. A literature review suggests that ful-house nephropathy may occur independently of lupus nephritis and may or may not develop into SLE.
Robust Designs and Variability Reduction

The concepts of the robust design and variability reduction have recently been used to demonstrate some of the sources of unnecessary manufacturing and ownership costs for new products: repair and scrap in electronic manufacturing, and customer dissatisfaction with poorly performing products.
Williams Syndrome: Features in Late Childhood and Adolescence

Nine children with the Williams syndrome were evaluated for physical, neurodevelopmental, and behavioral characteristics to record the natural history of this disorder. The study subjects, who ranged in age from 10 years to 20 years, generally showed lower than expected cognitive functioning with four of the nine functioning in the severely retarded range. However, all the children showed uneven developmental profiles, compared to measured IQ, with reading abilities exceeding the expected level and visual-motor skills deficient for overall performance expectations. All but one child had evidence of supravalvular aortic stenosis on echocardiography, but there was little morbidity from cardiovascular disease in this group of patients. Although all had grown at or below the fifth percentile in early childhood, seven now were above the fifth percentile for height. Personality attributes that characterize younger children with Williams syndrome persisted in this group of older children.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Hydrolysis of Efavirenz

Purpose. To determine the kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of efavirenz [(S)-6-chloro-4-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one] in aqueous solutions. Methods. The solution stability was examined at 60°C and an ionic strength of 0.3 M over the pH range of 0.6 to 12.8. The loss of efavirenz and the appearance of degradants were followed with a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Characterization of the degradants was accomplished with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results. The degradation of efavirenz followed apparent first-order kinetics over the pH range of 0.6 to 12.8 at 60°C. The catalytic effect of phosphate and borate buffers was negligible while acetate and citrate demonstrated buffer catalysis. The overall rate constant indicated a pH minimum (the pH of maximum stability) of approximately 4. Mass spectra data identified a degradant with a molecular weight consistent with hydrolysis of the cyclic carbamate to the corresponding amino alcohol. The degradation route was confirmed with spiking experiments with an authentic sample of the amino alcohol indicating that the carbamate hydrolysis pathway was the predominant reaction throughout the pH range studied. Subsequent degradation of the amino alcohol proceeded at the extremes of the pH range studied via rearrangement to the quinoline. Conclusions. The pH-rate profile was consistent with a combination of a V-shaped profile in the pH range of 0-9 and a sigmoid-shaped profile in the pH range of 4-13. The plateau that began at pH 10-11 is a result of the ionization of the amine of the carbamate inhibiting the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of efavirenz, given that the ionized form of the carbamate is resonance-stabilized toward hydroxide-catalyzed degradation. Thus, increasing the pH resulted in a parallel decrease in the unionized fraction and increase in hydroxide ion concentration resulting in a constant kobs value.
A 4.8 k bps homomorphic vocoder using analysis-by-synthesis excitation analysis

A novel homomorphic vocoder producing good quality speech at 4.8 kb/s is presented. In this homomorphic vocoder framework, the real cepstra containing vocal tract information are vector quantized and the excitation signals are obtained applying an analysis-by-synthesis method using a weighting filter which is derived from the cepstrum. Informal listening tests show that this vocoder is fully competitive with the code-excited linear predictive coder in producing good-quality speech at 4.8 kb/s. >
Bacillary peliosis hepatis as a cause of acute anemia in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

A 33-year-old white homosexual man, infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, presented with acute anemia and thrombocytopenia not responsive to transfusions or to treatment with steroids and intravenous gamma-globulin. Hematologic workup was compatible with peripheral sequestration or loss of blood cells; however, there was no evidence of gastrointestinal or other sources of hemorrhage, and the only significant finding was a progressive liver enlargement. An abdominal computerized tomographic scan showed a massive homogeneous liver without focal lesions, a very small amount of ascites, and no retroperitoneal fluid collections. A transjugular liver biopsy specimen showed the cystic, blood-filled cavities characteristic of peliosis hepatis. Cavities varied in size, all contained pooled erythrocytes, and some had areas suggestive of thrombi in various stages of organization. Bacteria similar in morphology to those described in bacillary peliosis hepatis were seen in the peliotic spaces. The clinical picture began resolving shortly after treatment with zidovudine and ampicillin/sulbactam was started and had totally resolved 6 months after presentation. This case shows that bacillary peliosis hepatis is a reversible entity that may produce acute sequestration of blood in the liver.
Aggregation of vasopressin mRNA in a subset of axonal swellings of the median eminence and posterior pituitary: light and electron microscopic evidence

The mRNA encoding vasopressin has recently been documented within the magnocellular hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal projections of the rat such as the median eminence (ME) and the posterior pituitary (PP), suggesting the possibility of its axonal transport. To address the origin of this mRNA and to investigate the functional significance of this unexpected axonal transport of mRNA, we have examined its subcellular localization within both magnocellular perikarya and their axonal projections. For this purpose, we have used nonradioactive in situ hybridization techniques in order to localize the vasopressin mRNA with precision at the ultrastructural level in magnocellular perikarya, dendrites, and axons from control, salt-loaded, and lactating rats. This approach permitted us to demonstrate directly the axonal localization of vasopressin mRNA. Moreover, we were able to obtain novel information concerning vasopressin mRNA compartmentation within both perikarya and axons. At both light and electron microscopic levels, we observed vasopressin mRNA-containing cells in the hypothalamic magnocellular cell body groups, but not in the ME or in the PP. When vasopressin mRNA was detected in medium-size dendrites, it was always associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Within the labeled magnocellular perikarya, the abundant vasopressin mRNA was mainly associated with discrete areas of the RER. However, vasopressin mRNA was never detected in the Golgi apparatus or in association with neurosecretory granules, in perikarya or axons. These data suggest that vasopressin mRNA translation is restricted to certain segments within the RER, and that axonal transport of vasopressin mRNA does not involve the classical neurosecretory pathway, via the Golgi apparatus and the neurosecretory granules, as has been proposed. Within the magnocellular neuron axons, vasopressin mRNA could be detected only in a subset of axonal swellings, all of which were confined to the internal layer of the ME and the PP. The mRNA-containing swellings were numerous in 7 d salt-loaded animals, less abundant in lactating animals, and almost undetectable in control animals. In all groups of animals, no vasopressin mRNA was detectable in any other region of the magnocellular neuron axons, including undilated axonal segments or varicose swellings. These results strongly suggest that, under physiological activation such as chronic salt loading, axonal vasopressin mRNA is increased and becomes aggregated in a selected subset of swellings of the ME and the PP. Furthermore, these data indicate that along the magnocellular neuron axons, the swellings may differ in their biochemical and functional features. Further analysis focused on the mRNA-accumulating swellings may illuminate the function of RNA within the axonal compartment.
Singular Points of Real Quintic Curves Via Computer Algebra

There are 42 types of real singular points for irreducible real quintic curves and 49 types of real singular points for reducible real quintic curves. The classification of real singular points for irreducible real quintic curves is originally due to Golubina and Tai. There are 28 types of singular points for irreducible complex quintic curves and 33 types of singular points for reducible complex quintic curves. We derive the complete classification with proof by using the computer algebra system Maple. We clarify that the classification is based on computing just enough of the Puiseux expansion to separate the branches. Thus, a major component of the proof consists of a sequence of large symbolic computations that can be done nicely using Maple.
Relative gf-Values for Lines of Co i*

The relative gf-values of 256 lines in 58 multiplets in the spectrum of Co i have been measured in electric furnace absorption spectra. The lines lie in the wavelength range 2987–6450 A and arise from low terms whose excitation potentials are between 0.00 and 3.24 ev.
Amyloid Fibril Protein Related to Immunoglobulin λ-Chains

Summary Amyloid fibrils, isolated from the spleen of a patient with primary amyloidosis, had an N-terminal sequence showing a high degree of homology with λ Bence Jones proteins. Antiserum prepared to the amyloid protein detected a soluble factor, antigenically identical to the isolated fibril preparation.
The effects of distributed PMD, PDL, and loop scrambling on BER distributions in a recirculating loop used to emulate long-haul terrestrial transmission

We demonstrate that, even for a long-haul recirculating loop system with low-PMD fiber, loop-synchronous polarization scrambling must be used for the performance to resemble that in a straight-line system. Otherwise, the BER can vary over four orders of magnitude.
Hidden aftershocks of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake imaged with the backprojection method

[1] The first 25 h of the aftershock sequence following the 11 March 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake is investigated using a backprojection method. In total, 600 aftershocks are imaged during this time period. These aftershocks are distributed over a 500 by 300 km area and include many events in the outer rise. The backprojection events are compared with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) catalogue, which is composed of earthquakes recorded by local seismic networks in Japan. Surprisingly, half of the backprojection events are not found in the JMA catalogue. These events cluster near the Japan Trench and in the outer rise and fill in gaps in the spatial distribution of the early aftershock sequence where large main shock slip is thought to have occurred. These results show that the JMA magnitude of completeness is very high near the trench following the 2011 Tohoku main shock, and earthquakes as large as magnitude 6.8 went undetected by local seismic networks.
Adsorption of Lysozyme from Human Whole Saliva by Streptococcus sanguis 903 and Other Oral Microorganisms

Several strains of Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Actinomyces viscosus, and Actinomyces naeslundii plus fresh isolates of Streptococcus salivarius were surveyed for their abilities to deplete lysozyme from human-whole-saliva supernatant. Bacteria were incubated in saliva for 60 min at 37 degrees C and then removed by centrifugation, and the recovered supernatant solutions were assayed for lysozyme activity by using whole cells of Micrococcus lysodeikticus as the substrate. Mean lysozyme depletions by bacterial strains varied over a wide (eightfold) range. The greatest mean depletion of lysozyme (60 to 70%) was observed with S. sanguis (biotype I), serotype b of S. mutans, and the fresh S. salivarius isolates. The lowest mean depletion was noted with S. mitis (15%) and biotype II S. sanguis (ca. 30%). The remaining species and strains exhibited an intermediate degree of depletion. In studies with S. sanguis 903, lysozyme was depleted by normal or heated (90 degrees C, 30 min) bacteria and could be recovered from the organism. Furthermore, under appropriate conditions, lysozyme depletion by cells at 0 and 37 degrees C was very similar. On the basis of these observations, we concluded that depletion was due to the adsorption of lysozyme by the organism. With S. sanguis 903, lysozyme adsorption depended on the concentration of bacteria, time of incubation, and the ionic strength of the medium. The extent of adsorption, however, was independent of pH's of 3.9 to 8.3. When a low concentration of S. sanguis 903 was used, lysozyme adsorption reached saturation (4 mug of adsorbed lysozyme per 10(7) cells) at 20 mug of lysozyme added per ml. Salivary lysozyme adsorption by several other oral microorganisms (A. viscosus WVU 626 and WVU 627, S. sanguis 73x11, S. mutans BHT, and S. salivarius NG) was similar to that of S. sanguis 903 in sensitivity to ionic strength. Lysozyme adsorption by S. sanguis 903 from either a buffer solution or a saliva supernatant was more sensitive to ionic strength at 0 than at 37 degrees C. On the basis of results from experiments in saliva versus buffer, we concluded that saliva had no major effect on the extent of lysozyme adsorption by S. sanguis 903 other than providing a source of ionic strength. A comparison of pH and ionic strength effects on lysozyme adsorption by S. sanguis 903 with literature reports of lysozyme lysis of whole cells and hydrolysis of cell walls, peptidoglycan, and (GlcNAc)(4) suggested that adsorption by S. sanguis 903 was more dependent on electrostatic interactions than was lysozyme catalysis. The possibility is discussed that anionic bacterial surface components mediate lysozyme adsorption and temper the potential effects of lysozyme on the microorganisms.
The fluctuating magnetic field in the middle jovian magnetosphere: initial Galileo observations

Abstract The region of the jovian magnetosphere from 10–24 planetary radii is a region of strong, nearly dipolar, magnetic field through which the plasma added to the Io torus must pass as it convects and diffuses outward to the magnetodisk region and ultimately to be lost down the tail. Magnetic fluctuations can be used to diagnose the processes present in this plasma. Herein we examine magnetic fluctuations at frequencies below 0.04 Hz observed in the middle magnetosphere on a single pass of the Galileo spacecraft. These frequencies are generally well below the ion gyro-frequencies in this portion of the magnetosphere. Near perijove, about 10.7 R J on this orbit, the equatorial region is not more disturbed than off the equator, but it is quite disturbed at the outer edge of this dipolar region near 24 R J where the magnetic field becomes weak. These fluctuations are quasi-periodic, strongly compressional, and incoherent resembling somewhat the mirror mode. Conversely, the region off the equator is quiet in this outer portion of the middle magnetosphere. In the quasi-dipolar region there are irregular transverse fluctuations everywhere Galileo travels. Compressional transient events are also observed that may mark flux tube interchange. An unusual structure that could be due to the outward convection of Europas wake is also seen. In toto, these fluctuations indicate that the middle magnetosphere is a very dynamic region.
The initial development of the WebMedQual scale: Domain assessment of the construct of quality of health web sites ☆

Summary Objective To develop a comprehensive instrument assessing quality of health-related web sites. Methods Phase I consisted of a literature review to identify constructs thought to indicate web site quality and to identify items. During content analysis, duplicate items were eliminated and items that were not clear, meaningful, or measurable were reworded or removed. Some items were generated by the authors. Phase II: a panel consisting of six healthcare and MIS reviewers was convened to assess each item for its relevance and importance to the construct and to assess item clarity and measurement feasibility. Results Three hundred and eighty-four items were generated from 26 sources. The initial content analysis reduced the scale to 104 items. Four of the six expert reviewers responded; high concordance on the relevance, importance and measurement feasibility of each item was observed: 3 out of 4, or all raters agreed on 76–85% of items. Based on the panel ratings, 9 items were removed, 3 added, and 10 revised. The WebMedQual consists of 8 categories, 8 sub-categories, 95 items and 3 supplemental items to assess web site quality. The constructs are: content (19 items), authority of source (18 items), design (19 items), accessibility and availability (6 items), links (4 items), user support (9 items), confidentiality and privacy (17 items), e-commerce (6 items). Conclusion The “WebMedQual” represents a first step toward a comprehensive and standard quality assessment of health web sites. This scale will allow relatively easy assessment of quality with possible numeric scoring.
Electron-beam lithography optimization for 0.25-um x-ray mask making

The use of electron-beam lithography for x-ray mask making requires an advanced system optimized for geometries of 0.25 micrometers and below. IBM's advanced mask facility in Essex Junction, Vermont, uses a variable-shaped-spot electron-beam lithography system known as EL-3+ to fabricate 1X x-ray membrane masks. The specifications of this system include 0.35-micrometers minimum features and 100-nm image placement (3(sigma) to absolute grid). Image-placement distortion and image-resolution errors on the E-beam system have been analyzed and minimized using unique methods, extending the system's capability into the 0.25-micrometers -feature-size range and improving placement to under 70 nm. This paper gives a brief overview of the x-ray mask-making process and methods used in the E-beam lithography area to correct for known errors; some results obtained using these methods are also presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Histological and genetic markers for non-small-cell lung cancer: Customizing treatment based on individual tumor biology

Purpose. To describe how molecular and genetic markers influence the response to therapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Summary. Cisplatin resistance has been associated with high rates of expression of endonucleases, a family of DNA repair proteins that includes ERCC1 and BRCA1 . Gemcitabine is thought to produce its antitumor effects by several mechanisms, including inhibition of ribonucleotide conversion to deoxyribonucleotide through the inactivation of ribonucleotide reductase. One type of gemcitabine resistance occurs when the inactivation of ribonucleotide reductase decreases, which correlates with increased expression of the M1 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Taxanes produce their anti-tumor effects by binding to and stabilizing intracellular microtubules, which are necessary for DNA replication and cell division. High expression of β-tubulin III, a microtubule subunit with low taxane binding affinity, appears to confer resistance to taxane therapy. High expression of thymidylate synthase, an enzyme that is important in purine synthesis and DNA replication, has been associated with decreased response to uracil antimetabolites, and may also be an important prognostic factor in patients receiving pemetrexed. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cell- surface receptor with an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain that is thought to modulate numerous cellular functions that contribute to tumorigenicity, tumor invasiveness, and resistance to therapy. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment response to small-molecule and monoclonal antibody inhibitors of EGFR is greatest for patients who have a higher EGFR gene copy number. Conclusion. Several genetic, molecular, and histological markers may affect treatment response in patients with NSCLC. Evaluating patients for such markers is important not only for treatment efficacy, but also to improve safety and tolerability by avoiding exposure to treatments that are unlikely to produce significant benefits. Nearly all of the available information regarding the predictive value of these markers has been derived from retrospective studies. Prospective clinical trials are important to validate marker evaluation methodology and the prospective utility of biomarkers in clinical decision making.
Role of Insulin Resistance in Endothelial Dysfunction

Insulin resistance is frequently associated with endothelial dysfunction and has been proposed to play a major role in cardiovascular diseases. Insulin exerts pro- and anti-atherogenic actions on the vasculature. The balance between nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilator actions and endothelin-1- dependent vasoconstrictor actions of insulin is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent (PI3K) - and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling in vascular endothelium, respectively. During insulin-resistant conditions, pathway-specific impairment in PI3K-dependent signaling may cause imbalance between production of NO and secretion of endothelin-1 and lead to endothelial dysfunction. Insulin sensitizers that target pathway-selective impairment in insulin signaling are known to improve endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the cellular mechanisms in the endothelium underlying vascular actions of insulin, the role of insulin resistance in mediating endothelial dysfunction, and the effect of insulin sensitizers in restoring the balance in pro- and anti-atherogenic actions of insulin.
Introducing computer concepts by simulating a simple computer

The simulated computer consists of (1) main memory, (2) a register known as the accumulator, (3) a central processing unit (CPU), and (4) an instruction counter. This computer recognizes 8 op codes (Halt, Load, Store, Add, Subtract, Read, Write, and Branch On Zero). The computer is simulated by creating a program in Pascal or C++. This program simulates the execution of programs written by students, such as adding two numbers and printing their sum. Student programs are written in machine language and executed by the simulated computer. Students can write programs in assembly language, compile them by hand, and then test them by running them on the simulated computer. This example has been helpful in teaching students what a computer is and what computers can do.
Glutathione status in chemical embryotoxicity: Synthesis, turnover and adduct formation

Glutathione (GSH) status has been shown to play a major role in the protection of developing rodent embryos from chemical insult during the teratogen-sensitive period of early organogenesis. Intracellular GSH concentrations in the embryo proper and visceral yolk sac are significant and appear to be regulated spatially and temporally during normal development and in response to chemical exposure. Selective modulation of GSH status in the conceptus in vitro has provided important information regarding the synthesis, utilization and turnover of GSH, as well as its role in protecting the developing embryo from electrophiles, free radicals and oxidative damage. Studies with the embryotoxic metabolite of 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-nitrosofluorene (NOF), have shown that, although NOF forms adducts with GSH and that proper GSH status is critical for embryo protection, the most likely mechanism of protection is not through adduct formation. The GSH-dependent metabolism of NOF to aminofluorene, a less toxic product, appears to be responsible for the reduction of embryotoxicity when GSH synthesis is stimulated with a cysteine pro-drug. Additional studies have shown that the glutathione disulfide (GSSG) formed in the course of bioactivation, peroxidative metabolism and as a result of oxidative stress may be a common mediator in a number of embryotoxicities. Evaluation of the direct oxidation of GSH through exposure to the thiol oxidant diamide has shown that the teratogenicity or embryotoxicity of diverse chemicals could be mediated through the direct alteration of GSH status, leading to disruption of normal cellular homoeostasis and to alterations in important biochemical pathways as a result of the S-thiolation of critical protein sulfhydryls.
Changing Rhythms of American Family Life - by Suzanne M. Bianchi, John P. Robinson, & Melissa A. Milkie

Changing Rhythms of American Family Life. Suzanne M. Bianchi, John P. Robinson, & Melissa A. Milkie. New York: Russell Sage Foundation. 2006. 249 pp. ISBN 0-87154-136-X. $37.50 (hardcover). As Suzanne M. Bianchi, John P. Robinson, and Melissa A. Milkie note in Changing Rhythms of American Family Life, concerns about the expansion of women's participation in the paid labor market are often tied to expectations that women's increased participation in the workforce has led to a decrease in parental involvement in children's lives. Additionally, sociological research on this issue suggests that women's participation in the labor market has led them to work an additional shift: one in the paid workforce and other in their home. Bianchi, Robinson, and Milkie set out to test these expectations using time-diary data and their results are often surprising. The authors rely on multiple national U.S. time-diary studies dating from 1965, which asked respondents to record a 24-hour period of time use. Additionally, the authors collected their own data, The National Survey of Parents, in 2000 and 2001, of 1,200 parents living with children younger than 18 years. On the basis of this research, the authors make three central claims. First, the authors convincingly argue that despite increased workforce participation, today's mothers are spending as much, and in some cases, more time with their children than in 1965. In 2000,78% of mothers worked in the paid labor market in comparison to 45% in 1965, but they are spending similar amounts of time with their children as their predecessors did. Having discovered that women's increased labor force participation has not significantly decreased their time with children, the authors ask from where the additional time comes. They find that some women manage the balance between work and family by cutting down on working hours when children are young or by working part time. Significantly, the authors find that the time is not taken from sleep or from leisure, two more obvious areas of trade-off. Instead, women have dramatically cut back on the numbers of hours that they spend doing housework. Additionally, Bianchi et al. find that women are spending an increasing amount of time multitasking, which they define as time spent doing at least two activities at once. The authors also find that there have been significant changes in fathers' lives over the past 40 years. Fathers do more work in the home than they did in the past, while continuing to spend considerable amounts of time in the paid labor market. In contrast to earlier findings, which suggest that fathers' participation in the home is limited to the "fun" aspects of child care, Bianchi et al. …
Persons in the Personality Theory Course: Student Papers Based on Biographies

A method is described for incorporating student papers bused on published biographies or autobiographies into an upper-division undergraduate personality theory course. Questions are offered for the purpose of guiding discussion and written assignments, relating text material to the biography term paper. The advantages of this method are its intrinsic student interest, its breadth of scope within a liberal arts framework, und its fostering of student critical thinking and classroom discussion.
Intraspecific variability in rhynchonellid brachiopods: test of a competition hypothesis

The variability in the plicae of the central fold of eight rhynchonellid brachiopods –Lepidocyclus capax (Ordovician), Stegerhynchus whitii (Silurian), Megalopterorhynchus baldwini (Devonian), ‘Camarotoechia’ purduei (Mississippian), Wellerella osagensis (Pennsylvanian), Leiorhynchus weeksi (Permian), ‘Pugnoides’; Iriassicus (Triassic) and Tetrarhynchia sp. (Jurassic) – is inversely related to the diversity of brachiopods within the faunal assemblage. Explanations for the phenotypic variability due to taxonomic splitting, sexual polymorphism or ontogenetic development are precluded or unsupported by the morphologic analysis, although a small percentage of the morphologic variability can be ascribed to ecophenotypic differentiation by environmental stimuli. After considerations of the abiotic influences of time, geographic location and isolation, and environmental stability and homogeneity, most of the morphologic variability in these brachiopods is attributed to the biotic influence, namely competition. Other proposed relationships, i.e. population abundance, sample size, shell size or ribbing pattern and intraspecific variability are not statistically significant.