cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of PSD‐95 with ErbB4 facilitates neuregulin signaling in cerebellar granule neurons in culture

The growth factor neuregulin 1 (NRG) selectively induces an increase in the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor β2 subunit protein in rat cerebellar granule neurons in culture. We previously demonstrated that NRG acts by triggering ErbB4 receptor phosphorylation and subsequent signaling through the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK), phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) pathways. In this report we show that the scaffolding protein, PSD-95, plays a key role in mediating the effects of NRG and that reducing its level attenuates the NRG-induced increase in β2 subunit expression. PSD-95 appears to facilitate the effects of NRG through its association with ErbB4, an interaction that is augmented by NRG-activated cdk signaling. Inhibition of cdk activity with roscovitine attenuates the association of PSD-95 with ErbB4. The effects of cdk5 are not blocked by U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK signaling, indicating that cdk5 functions independently of cross-talk with this pathway. These findings raise the possibility that NRG-induced activation of cdk5 works in part by recruiting PSD-95, a protein involved in regulating synaptic plasticity, to associate with ErbB4. This interaction may be a positive feedback loop that augments NRG signaling and its downstream effects on GABAA receptor β2 subunit expression.
The Effects of Amino Acid Replacements of Glycine 121 on Transmembrane Helix 3 of Rhodopsin

Rhodopsin is a member of a family of G protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane (TM) helices. In rhodopsin, Gly121 is a highly conserved amino acid residue near the middle of TM helix 3. TM helix 3 is known to be involved in chromophore-protein interactions and contains the chromophore Schiff base counterion at position 113. We prepared a set of seven single amino acid replacement mutants of rhodopsin at position 121 (G121A, Ser, Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, and Trp) and control mutants with replacements of Gly114 or Ala117. The mutant opsins were expressed in COS cells and reconstituted with either 11-cis-retinal, the ground-state chromophore of rhodopsin, or all-trans-retinal, the isomer formed upon receptor photoactivation. The replacement of Gly121 resulted in a relative reversal in the selectivity of the opsin apoprotein for reconstitution with 11-cis-retinal over all-trans-retinal in COS cell membranes. The mutant pigments also were found to be thermally unstable to varying degrees and reactive to hydroxylamine in the dark. In addition, the size of the residue substituted at position 121 correlated directly to the degree of blue-shift in the lambdamax value of the pigment. These results suggest that Gly121 is an important and specific component of the 11-cis-retinal binding pocket in rhodopsin.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN NEONATAL PIGS

The effect of vitamin D on the sequential changes in serum calcium(Ca), phosphorus(P) and parathyroid hormone(iPTH) in the first weeks of life is unknown. Two groups of 6 2-3 day old pigs from 4 litters, raised in areas without ultraviolet light, were fed diet (Ca:P, 1.3:1) with (D) or without (-D) vitamin D. Weight, radiographic changes in the long bones and changes in Ca, P, iPTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) were monitored weekly for 5 weeks and 2 weeks following treatment of the -D group with 1000 IU vitamin D3 daily. Weight gain at 7 weeks was the same in D and -D pigs (3.3 vs 2.9 × baseline). In -D pigs, radiographic changes of rickets were present at 3 weeks, clinical signs at 4 weeks. A pattern of decreasing values in Ca, P, and iPTH was observed in both groups to the 4th week. Thereafter, in D pigs, Ca and P returned to pre-diet values, and iPTH stabilized at values 50% lower. -D pigs showed greater changed+ chan D pigs (average mg/dl decrease from initial values): Ca at week 1 (1.05 vs .02); P at week 1 (2.43 vs .64), 2 (1.8 vs +.72), 3 (4.85 vs .98) and 4 (4.52 vs 1.18) and smaller decline in iPTH at week 4 (48 vs 65% of pre-diet values). Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and a two-fold increase in serum iPTH present in the -D group at 5 weeks were normalized after treatment; Ca remained slightly low. 25-OH-D, 78% lower than maternal values at the start of the study, was not less than 5 ng/ml regularly in -D pigs until the 4th week. In neonatal pigs, the decrease in serum phosphorus before change in iPTH is an early feature of vitamin D deficiency, suggesting a direct role of vitamin D in the physiologic hyper-phosphatemia in the very young. *p values range <.05 to <001.
Muscle-derived stem cells: Potential for muscle regeneration

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness caused by the lack of dystrophin expression at the sarcolemma of muscle fibers. Although various approaches to delivering dystrophin in dystrophic muscle have been investigated extensively (e.g., cell and gene therapy), there is still no treatment that alleviates the muscle weakness in this common inherited muscle disease. The transplantation of myoblasts can enable transient delivery of dystrophin and improve the strength of injected dystrophic muscle, but this approach has various limitations, including immune rejection, poor cellular survival rates, and the limited spread of the injected cells. The isolation of muscle cells that can overcome these limitations would enhance the success of myoblast transplantation significantly. The efficiency of cell transplantation might be improved through the use of stem cells, which display unique features, including (1) self-renewal with production of progeny, (2) appearance early in development and persistence throughout life, and (3) long-term proliferation and multipotency. For these reasons, the development of muscle stem cells for use in transplantation or gene transfer (ex vivo approach) as treatment for patients with muscle disorders has become more attractive in the past few years. In this paper, we review the current knowledge regarding the isolation and characterization of stem cells isolated from skeletal muscle by highlighting their biological features and their relationship to satellite cells as well as other populations of stem cells derived from other tissues. We also describe the remarkable ability of stem cells to regenerate skeletal muscle and their potential use to alleviate the muscle weakness associated with DMD.
Possible industrial hazards in the use of microwave radiation

With the advance of electronic equipment into the microwave region and the increased use of these high frequencies in the medical field, studies have been inaugurated to ascertain their effects on living organisms. Findings of experiments on laboratory animals indicate that these waves heat internal organs dangerously upon long irradiation.
Direct inhibition of basolateral Kir4.1/5.1 and Kir4.1 channels in the cortical collecting duct by dopamine.

It is recognized that dopamine promotes natriuresis by inhibiting multiple transporting systems in the proximal tubule. In contrast, less is known about the molecular targets of dopamine actions on...
Myths of Automation, Part 2: Some Very Human Consequences

In a previous essay, the myths of automation were described by reference to &#x0022;deadly sins.&#x0022; Here, a case study is presented that illustrates the myths and their consequences. Indeed, the case study takes the word &#x0022;deadly&#x0022; quite literally. This article relies on material from an Army Research Laboratory (ARL) review of Patriot missile fratricide incidents. It should be noted, however, that the example recounted here is not a singularity.
Repairing the tears: dysferlin in muscle membrane repair.

Many muscular dystrophies arise from enhanced muscle degeneration, but one muscular dystrophy subtype has now been shown to arise from defective muscle membrane repair. Mutations in the gene encoding dysferlin cause muscular dystrophy, and recent work has demonstrated a role for this protein in resealing muscle membrane tears. Thus, two broad categories of muscle membrane defects can now be defined: those with inherent instability and those with compromised repair. The latter might be relevant for muscle wasting that occurs with aging.
On confidence bands and set estimators for the simple linear model

Abstract This paper reviews the duality between confidence bands and (convex) set estimators in a simple linear regression. Applications of this duality are explored. These include the nature of polygonal sets and the development of an algorithm that approximates the coverage probability of smooth confidence band functions.
Long-Term Impairment of Subependymal Repopulation Following Damage by Ionizing Irradiation

In the mammalian brain, the subependyma (SE) contains stem cells capable of producing neurons and glia. In normal brain these stem cells are responsible, in part, for maintaining the morphologic and functional integrity of the SE; what role the cells of the SE play in brain injury has not yet been elucidated. The present study was designed to determine the long-term regenerative potential of the rat SE after significant depletion of stem cells. Ionizing irradiation was used to deplete cells of the SE and subsequent cellular responses were quantified using immunohistochemical analyses on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. A histomorphometric approach was used to quantify total cell number, number of proliferating cells, number of immature neurons, astrocytes, and undifferentiated components of the SE. Because there are no markers specific for stem cells, we used a repopulation assay as an indirect measure of stem cell response after injury. Our data showed clear radiation dose-dependencies in our quantitative endpoints, implying that there was progressively more stem cell damage with increasing radiation dose. Repopulation of the SE in terms of total cell number, number of proliferating cells and numbers of immature neurons was impaired in a dose-dependent fashion up to 180 days after treatment. These data suggest that after irradiation, surviving stem cells are unable to regenerate the SE. This inability to regenerate after stem cell damage/depletion could have important implications with respect to the normal function of the SE and the function of the SE after brain injury.
Hybrid overconstrained linkages

Abstract This note describes a class of overconstrained linkages which are obtained by combination of other overconstrained linkages. A number of these linkages have apparently not been described before. They are distinguished by having at least one pair of non-adjacent members whose relative screw axis is fixed, with respect to both members, throughout the motion of the linkage.
N-acetyl-L-cysteine potentiates interleukin-1β induction of nitric oxide synthase : Role of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases

Abstract —We have reported previously that N -acetyl-l-cysteine facilitated interleukin-1β–induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. The present study compares the effect of N -acetyl-l-cysteine with other antioxidants and tested the possibility that N -acetyl-l-cysteine potentiates iNOS induction by a mechanism involving activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The effect of N -acetyl-l-cysteine on potentiating interleukin-1β–induced nitrite production and iNOS expression was mimicked either by the enantiomers, l-cysteine and d-cysteine, or by a non–thiol-containing antioxidant, l-ascorbic acid. Interleukin-1β activated p44/42 MAPK, and this activation was enhanced in the presence of N -acetyl-l-cysteine. Inhibition of p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation by the selective inhibitor PD98059 clearly inhibited iNOS expression induced by interleukin-1β either in the absence or in the presence of N -acetyl-l-cysteine. These observations, combined with previous results, indicate that p44/42 MAPK activation is required for interleukin-1β induction of iNOS and that N -acetyl-l-cysteine may act as a reducing agent and facilitate interleukin-1β–induced iNOS expression through a reduction/oxidation-related mechanism involving potentiation of cytokine activation of the p44/42 MAPK signaling pathway.
Detection of Occult Micrometastases in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background The 5-year survival rate following surgical resection of Stage I or Stage II non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is 30% to 50%, probably because of undetected occult micrometastases (OMs) at the time of surgery. Other investigators have detected OMs in bone marrow and histologically negative lymph nodes from patients with NSCLC using immunohistochemical staining to cytokeratins and cell surface glycoproteins. Study objective To develop and evaluate an assay based on the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of OMs in NSCLC. Patients Twenty-eight patients with benign or malignant thoracic pathology. Samples of primary tumors and lymph nodes were collected at the time of surgical resection or mediastinoscopic lymph-node biopsy. Results Using RT-PCR to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for MUC1 (a cell surface glycoprotein present in lung tissue but absent from normal lymph nodes), OMs were identified in 33 of 88 lymph nodes determined to be free of tumor by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Eleven of 11 control mediastinal lymph nodes from patients without malignancy failed to express detectable MUC1 transcripts. Dilutional experiments demonstrate that the assay can detect one MUC1-positive NSCLC cell in 1×10 7 MUC1-negative cells. A comparison of our RT-PCR assay to immunohistochemistry specific for the MUC1 glycoprotein suggests that RT-PCR may be more sensitive than immunohistochemistry for the detection of NSCLC OMs. Conclusions This study demonstrates that RT-PCR for MUC1 mRNA can detect the presence of MUC1 mRNA in histologically negative lymph nodes from patients with NSCLC. The prognostic significance of these findings is currently unknown.
SURVIVAL AND CONDITION OF BIG BROWN BATS (EPTESICUS FUSCUS) AFTER RADIOTAGGING

We tested the 5% rule for the ratio of radiotransmitter mass to body mass by applying radiotransmitters and passive integrated transponders (PIT tags) or PIT tags alone to adult, female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) roosting in buildings in Fort Collins, Colorado. We used records from PIT readers at roosts to compute apparent annual survival of both groups from 2001 to 2003 and found them to be similar. All bats examined 1 year after radiotagging were reproductively active and had body masses similar to bats not radiotagged. Big brown bats do not appear to suffer from major long-term effects of carrying transmitters within the 5% rule.
A parametric model for predicting wind-induced pressures on low-rise vertical surfaces in shielded environments

This paper describes the development of a parametric mathematical model to predict wind-induced surface pressures on exterior vertical wall surfaces on a single model block in shielded environments. The first phase of the project focused on the development of a parametric model to determine the average pressure coefficients on exterior building surfaces shielded by a single windward obstruction model block. A pressure modification coefficient was defined to estimate the shielding effect based on the angular relationship between, the shielding block and the surface for which average pressure is to be computed, and the wind direction. The second phase involved expanding the scope of the prediction model to account for the various arrangement possibilities of the shielding blocks relative to the surfaces under investigation. The predicted pressure modification coefficient may be used to estimate average pressure coefficients taking into account the indoor velocity coefficients, surface porosity, window design, and interior partition types. The prediction model considers the effect of multiple shielding blocks, and the gaps between them on a vertical surface relative to wind direction. Wind tunnel verification of the model showed robust estimation of surface pressures in complex urban configurations.
Synthesis of Semi-Rigid Analogs of Anabasine

Abstract The synthesis of 3-(3-pyridyl)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane 1, a semi-rigid analog of anabasine, is reported. This compound is prepared via Lewis acid promoted imino Diels-Alder reaction of 3-pyridine bismethylcarbamate 7 with 1,3-cyclohexadiene to form the rigid azabicyclic backbone. A 6-chloropyridyl analog 2 is also prepared. Hydrogenation and deprotection provide the desired substrates.
Unit equipments for aircraft electric power systems

THE rapidly expanding use of electric apparatus on aircraft since 1940 has given emphasis to the development of new devices and machines of increased rating and reduced weight for aircraft electric power systems. Outstanding progress has been made in improved designs of reduced weight and space and increased performance and life. Much work still remains in device engineering to work continually toward further improvements as new materials and new techniques become available. Increase in aircraft operating demands will probably continue to mean electric power systems of increased size and improved reliability. These requirements will call for more work in development of devices of increased rating and performance. Still further, many of the devices currently used have not had the benefit of the improved design techniques and materials that are evident in some of the more advanced designs. Hence, it appears that engineering problems related to designs of individual devices ? device engineering ? will continue to be an important part of engineering for aircraft electric systems.
Evaluation of the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria in a retrospective cohort at an urban academic hospital.

Abstract Background The pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) is an 8-variable clinical decision rule that identifies patients at low risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) to prevent unnecessary diagnostic testing in the evaluation of suspected PE in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to determine PERC's safety and diagnostic use in our institution's ED population. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on consecutive adult patients evaluated with computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for suspicion of PE at our ED during the dates January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. Patients negative for all 8 PERC criteria (ie, "PERC [−]") were considered to be at low risk for PE. All data were analyzed using SPSS-20 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) to calculate the variables of interest and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results During the 12-month study period, 729 subjects were evaluated with CTA for suspicion of PE. Ten subjects were excluded because of nondiagnostic imaging studies. After exclusion, 719 subjects were available for analysis. Prevalence of PE was 4.5%. PERC (−) had a sensitivity of 96.9% (95% CI, 84.3%-99.4%), a negative predictive value of 98.8% (95% CI, 93.5%-99.8%), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.26 (95% CI, 0.04-1.82) when used as an independent diagnostic test to exclude PE. Conclusions Use of PERC could have safely avoided 11.5% of CTAs, reducing potential patient harm, health care costs, and unnecessary diagnostic testing. Consistent with prior studies, PERC can be safely used to identify low-risk patients for whom further testing can be deferred.
Profligacy Or Prudence? Changes in Employment and Compensation of State and Local Government Workers

As the 1990s began, state and local governments across the country found themselves in a situation of fiscal stress. That stress has been attributed to several sources. Recently, it has been suggested that governments themselves brought on the fiscal squeeze by their own profligacy —a profligacy rooted in excessive increases in employment and compensation of government workers during the 1980s. After summarizing some arguments presented for and against describing state and local practices of the 1980s as profligate, this article compares its evidence on the growth of employment and compensation and notes some different interpretations. The article concludes that a strong statement of the profligacy position has not been proved.
Soil conditions in three recent landslides in Southeast Alaska

Abstract Soils in some recent landslides were studied to better understand limitations to revegetation and management. Large areas of the landslides, particularly the scour zones, had limited rooting potential due to exposed rock or large organic debris. Soil bulk density was generally higher in the scour zones than in the deposit areas. Soil chemistry in the landslides was highly variable, probably due to uneven mixing of deposited material and post-landslides was highly variabele, probably debris into scour areas. Soil fertility, however, was generally greater in deposit areas than in scour zones, where fertility was often comparable to mineral horizons of similar undisturbed soils. Although revegetation and plant growth in these and similar landslide units are likely to respond more favorably to soil conditions in the deposit area, they are still expected to be highly variable within a deposit or scour area and among different landslides.
Electrocatalytic Pathways on Carbon-Supported Platinum Nanoparticles: Comparison of Particle-Size-Dependent Rates of Methanol, Formic Acid, and Formaldehyde Electrooxidation

The voltammetric electrooxidation rates of formic acid, formaldehyde, and methanol in acidic electrolyte on carbon-supported platinum nanoparticle films with varying particle diameters (d) in the range of ca. 2−9 nm are examined with the objective of comparing the nanoparticle size sensitivity for these related yet distinct electrocatalytic processes. The reaction rates on the larger nanoparticles (d > 4 nm) are similar to those observed on polycrystalline Pt when normalized to the same microscopic Pt surface area. As noted previously, the rates of methanol electrooxidation decrease for Pt nanoparticle diameters below 4 nm. However, formic acid electrooxidation exhibits the opposite behavior, with rates increasing markedly for d < 4 nm, while formaldehyde electrooxidation displays little sensitivity to the Pt nanoparticle size. However, the extent of chemisorbed CO formation from all three reactants, as deduced from voltammetric and infrared spectral data, diminishes with decreasing d, the CO coverages fo...
INEFFECTIVENESS OF CHOLERA VACCINATION AS AN EPIDEMIC CONTROL MEASURE

Abstract Analysis of the efficacy of cholera vaccines, the public-health structure of Bangladesh, and the epidemiology of cholera in rural Bengal indicates that mass vaccination programmes are an ineffective public-health measure. Under field conditions, vaccinating 5000 individual village contacts of active cases requires a vaccinator to work full-time for 4 months, costs over $300, and prevents, at best, only 1 out of every 20 cases.
Does Personality Influence Brand Image

Abstract Consumer psychologists have attempted to relate purchase behavior, media choice, innovation, segmentation, and a wide variety of other marketing variables to consumer personality. Results of these studies have been mixed with most studies demonstrating a weak relationship between consumer personality and market behavior. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between human personality using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and product personality. To date, the MBTI has not been applied in the marketing/consumer behavior discipline. The results of this study provide minimal support for using information on consumer personality as a strategic marketing tool.
Toward an Integrative Theory of Power and Educational Organizations.

On the assumption that power is central to social life, a power model is proposed and tested. The model is designed to address the problem of conceptual clarity in power studies and to provide an integrative mechanism for explaining divergent outcomes of power acts. Three studies that support the efficacy of the model suggest that the model has considerable heuristic and empirical potential.
Lagrangian Analysis of the Meridional Overturning Circulation in an Idealized Ocean Basin

The Lagrangian ocean model is used as a tool to simulate the response of the basin-scale overturning circulation to spatially variable diapycnal mixing in an idealized ocean basin. The model explicitly calculates the positions, velocities, and tracer properties of water parcels. Owing to its Lagrangian formulation, numerical diffusion is completely eliminated and water parcel pathways and water mass ages can be quantified within the framework of the discrete, advective transit time distribution. To illustrate the ventilation pathways, simulated trajectories were tracked backward in time from the interior ocean to the surface mixed layer where the water parcel was last in contact with the atmosphere. This new diagnostic has been applied to examine the response of the meridional overturning circulation to highly localized diapycnal mixing through sensitivity experiments. In particular, the focus is on three simulations: the first holds vertical diffusivity uniform; in the second, the vertical diffusivity is confined within an equatorial box; and the third simulation has a diffusivity pattern based on idealized hurricane-induced mixing. Domain-integrated deep ventilation rates and heat transport are similar between the first two cases. However, locally enhanced mixing yields about 30% younger water mass age in the tropical thermocline due to intense localized upwelling. In the third simulation, a slower ventilation rate of deep waters is found to be due to the lack of abyssal mixing. These results are interpreted using the classical theories of abyssal circulation, highlighting the strong sensitivity of the ventilation pathways to the spatial distribution of diapycnal mixing.
Myxococcus xanthus Chemotaxis Homologs DifD and DifG Negatively Regulate Fibril Polysaccharide Production

The extracellular matrix fibrils of Myxococcus xanthus are essential for the social lifestyle of this unusual bacterium. These fibrils form networks linking or encasing cells and are tightly correlated with cellular cohesion, development, and social (S) gliding motility. Previous studies identified a set of bacterial chemotaxis homologs encoded by the dif locus. It was determined that difA, difC, and difE, encoding respective homologs of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, CheW, and CheA, are required for fibril production and therefore S motility and development. Here we report the studies of three additional genes residing at the dif locus, difB, difD, and difG. difD and difG encode homologs of chemotaxis proteins CheY and CheC, respectively. difB encodes a positively charged protein with limited homology at its N terminus to conserved bacterial proteins with unknown functions. Unlike the previously characterized dif genes, none of these three newly studied dif genes are essential for fibril production, S motility, or development. The difB mutant showed no obvious defects in any of the processes examined. In contrast, the difD and the difG mutants were observed to overproduce fibril polysaccharides in comparison with production by the wild type. The observation that DifD and DifG negatively regulate fibril polysaccharide production strengthens our hypothesis that the M. xanthus dif genes define a chemotaxis-like signal transduction pathway which regulates fibril biogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of functional studies of a CheC homolog in proteobacteria. In addition, during this study, we slightly modified previously developed assays to easily quantify fibril polysaccharide production in M. xanthus.
Hormonal and behavioral relationships during estrus in the giant panda

Nonlactating female giant pandas experience a single estrus during the spring mating season. Although both hormonal and behavioral aspects of estrus have been reported on captive females, little is known about the relationship between them. Data were collected on a single captive female during three successive seasons, revealing a high degree of regularity in both estrogen profiles and the temporal pattern of associated behaviors. The birth of a live cub in the last of the three seasons, using artificial insemination, confirmed the time of ovulation as occurring shortly after a peak in urinary estrogen values. In this study, we examined the occurrence of female scent marking, rear presentations, chirp and bleat vocalizations, and the tail-up display, and plotted their occurrence relative to the underlying estrogen values. We conclude that the role of estrogen in the expression of these behaviors is neither simple nor directly causal. Temporal associations indicate that a triggering rather than a maintenance function for estrogen is implicated. This analysis provides a clear identification of estrous behaviors, but in both the time and form of occurrence these behaviors most likely vary between females and seasons. Zoo Biol 20:537–543, 2001. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On “knowing your partner”: Dangerous illusions in the age of AIDS?

identified two characteristics of the impression formation process that may cause people to underestimate the riskiness of potential sexual partners. In Study 1, participants were quite confident that they could determine whether someone was lying to them about risk-related behavior when, in reality, they could not. Particularly troubling was a "truth bias" that resulted in relatively high rates of truth detection, but poor lie detection. In Study 2, increased familiarity with a target person (who actually was HIV+) caused participants to lower their estimates of the target's riskiness, despite the fact that we explicitly warned them that the target might be HIV+. We suggest that such processes may fostqr the illusion of knowing one's partner when one does not.
mRNA splicing variants: exploiting modularity to outwit cancer therapy

Systemic cancer therapy has traditionally exploited vulnerabilities in cancer cells, a strategy which has become more precise with the identification and targeting of driver oncogenes. However, persistent tumor growth due to primary (de novo) or secondary (acquired) resistance limits therapeutic efficacy for many patients. Alternative splicing is important for increasing the diversity of the cellular proteome, and is a process frequently deregulated during cancer development and progression. In cancer cells, diverse splicing alterations have been identified that eliminate protein domains or enzymatic activities required for efficacy of cancer therapies, promote gain of novel signaling functions that circumvent cancer therapies, and uncouple signaling pathways from upstream regulatory points that are blocked by cancer therapies. The mechanisms underlying these splicing changes range from stable alterations in gene sequence/structure to deregulation of splicing regulatory factors. In this review, the role of splice variants in cancer therapy resistance will be discussed, with examples of how mechanistic understanding of these processes has led to the development of novel strategies for therapy resensitization.
Crisis Intervention Training Program: Influence on Staff Attitudes in a Postacute Residential Brain Injury Rehabilitation Setting

of the program, and 1 month later. Results: Immediately following completion of the program, participants reported increased comfort when faced with client behaviors related to motivation and adherence, sexuality, and aggression and when interacting with other staff and client families. Changes in comfort level with sexual situations, aggression, and staff/staff interactions were maintained 1 month post training. Conclusions/Implications: These results suggest that crisis intervention training is effective in increasing levels of staff comfort with difficult situations commonly experienced in the rehabilitation setting and the changes are maintained following training.
Adrenomedullin Relaxes Rat Uterine Artery: Mechanisms and Influence of Pregnancy and Estradiol

Uterine arteries play a major role in regulating uteroplacental blood flow. Failure to maintain blood flow to the uteroplacental compartment during pregnancy often results in intrauterine growth retardation. Immunohistochemical staining of adrenomedullin (AM), an endogenous vasoactive peptide, in uterine artery was intense in pregnant compared to nonpregnant rats, but it is not known whether AM directly relaxes uterine artery or not. In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms of uterine artery relaxation by AM and its regulation by pregnancy and female sex steroids. AM was able to relax uterine artery, and this relaxation was influenced positively by pregnancy and estradiol as evidenced by the increased pD2 and Emax values of AM. Both pregnancy and estradiol treatment to ovariectomized rats amplified RAMP3 expression in uterine arteries while progesterone had no effect. AM-induced uterine artery relaxation is predominantly endothelium-dependent. The AM receptor antagonist CGRP8-37 is more potent than AM22-52 in inhibiting the AM relaxation, indicating the involvement of AM2 receptor subtype. Moreover, AM uses the classical nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway along with KCa channels to mediate the vasodilatory effect in uterine artery. In conclusion, sensitivity of uterine artery to AM-induced relaxation is increased with pregnancy or estradiol treatment by increasing RAMP3 expression, suggesting an important role for AM in regulating the uterine hemodynamics, probably maintaining uterine blood flow during pregnancy and in pre- and postmenopausal cardiovascular adaptation differences.
Social Inequalities and the South African ICT Access Policy Agendas

This paper discusses how social disparities and inequalities affect access to ICTs. It analyzes the historical and social contexts of the current state of inequalities in South Africa, and locates access to ICTs within this framework. It then explores how the South African government, through public policies, has attempted to tackle the issue of access to ICTs. The study of some of these policies reveals the shortfall of many access programs. While the intentions of the policies may be proclaimed as reflecting public interests and social good, the tendency to lean toward a neoliberal free market strategy often hampers access programs in many instances. This paper argues that other social forces, such as poverty and social inequalities, confront most of the access programs, and render these programs ineffective. It affirms that while access policies are of good intentions, aggressively pursuing policies that address social inequalities which work in tandem with access programs, are equally essential.
Longitudinal spread of mechanical excitation through tectorial membrane traveling waves

The mammalian inner ear separates sounds by their frequency content, and this separation underlies important properties of human hearing, including our ability to understand speech in noisy environments. Studies of genetic disorders of hearing have demonstrated a link between frequency selectivity and wave properties of the tectorial membrane (TM). To understand these wave properties better, we developed chemical manipulations that systematically and reversibly alter TM stiffness and viscosity. Using microfabricated shear probes, we show that (i) reducing pH reduces TM stiffness with little change in TM viscosity and (ii) adding PEG increases TM viscosity with little change in TM stiffness. By applying these manipulations in measurements of TM waves, we show that TM wave speed is determined primarily by stiffness at low frequencies and by viscosity at high frequencies. Both TM viscosity and stiffness affect the longitudinal spread of mechanical excitation through the TM over a broad range of frequencies. Increasing TM viscosity or decreasing stiffness reduces longitudinal spread of mechanical excitation, thereby coupling a smaller range of best frequencies and sharpening tuning. In contrast, increasing viscous loss or decreasing stiffness would tend to broaden tuning in resonance-based TM models. Thus, TM wave and resonance mechanisms are fundamentally different in the way they control frequency selectivity.
Inhibition of vinyl carbamate-induced pulmonary adenocarcinoma by indole-3-carbinol and myo-inositol in A/J mice

incidence (38%), multiplicity (67%, P 1.0 cm 2 ) as well as adenoma with cellular pleomorphism (46%, P 1.0 cm 2 , P < 0.05). Immunoblot analyses of lung tissues for potential target identification showed that I3C (70 mmol/g diet) inhibits IkappaBa degradation, nuclear factor-kappaB activation, expression of cyclooxygenase-2, phosphoAkt and fatty acid synthase (FAS) and activates caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage. The effect of MI was limited to inhibition of phospho-Akt and FAS expression. Our data show that I3C and MI inhibit lung carcinoma and provide a basis for future evaluation of these compounds in clinical trials as chemopreventive agents for current and former smokers.
Different signaling responses to anti‐proliferative agents in human aortic and venous smooth muscle cells

Proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributes to the stenosis of coronary arteries and vascular grafts. Local delivery of anti-proliferative drugs can prevent vascular stenosis. To understand the cellular responses to anti-proliferative agents, we investigated the signaling events in cultured human aortic SMCs (ASMCs), saphenous venous SMCs (VSMCs), and dermal fibroblasts (DFs) in response to paclitaxel or etoposide. Cellular mitochondrial and proliferative activities were examined with the methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) dye reduction and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, respectively. Cell proliferation was almost completely suppressed by paclitaxel or etoposide, but apoptosis was achieved in only about 50% of cells at the highest drug concentrations, suggesting the presence of compensatory mechanisms to prevent apoptosis. Examination of three important signaling pathways revealed significant differences between ASMCs, VSMCs, and DFs. Treatment with either paclitaxel or etoposide caused a transient phosphorylation/activation of p42 MAPK in ASMCs and DFs, but had no effect on phospho-p42/44 MAPK in VSMCs. High-dose etoposide enhanced p38 MAPK activation in ASMCs, but not in VSMCs. The p38 inhibitor, PD169316, partially inhibited etoposide-induced ASMC apoptosis, but induced apoptosis in VSMCs. The effects of etoposide and paclitaxel on Akt also differed between ASMCs and VSMCs. These observations indicate that ASMCs and VSMCs differ in the response of signaling pathways to anti-proliferative agents. In ASMCs, p42/44 MAPK appears to serve a pro-survival role, whereas p38 MAPK is a pro-apoptotic regulator. In contrast, p38 MAPK is an important pro-survival regulator in VSMCs and p42/44 MAPK appears to play a minor role in responding to anti-proliferative drugs. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 835–844, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
IMPACT: Integrated mathematics and physics assessment for college transition

In this study we conduct an integrated assessment of first-year performance in introductory calculus and physics courses. We use well-accepted conceptual assessment instruments, initial state data such as the SAT, and our own recently developed instruments designed to measure aptitude in mathematics to develop a predictive model for student performance. The analyzed population was composed of undergraduate students at Clarkson University, cross-enrolled in the calculus-based introductory physics course and the introductory calculus course from 2004 to 2007. Both the mathematics and physics classes are large-enrollment, lecture-based courses. By analyzing the combined data sets, we found the expected strong correlation between performance (final grade) in the mathematics course and performance in the physics course. We analyze not only the predictive nature of the collected data, but also the impact of the various corrective measures on final grade. This analysis contributes to an integrated evaluation of the current programs which could lead to an assessment-based initiative to offer strategic guidance to incoming students, better placing them for academic and career success in their selected STEM disciplines.
Implicit learning of sequential regularities and spatial contexts in corticobasal syndrome

The present study investigated two forms of implicit learning in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS): contextual cueing and sequence learning. The former primarily implicates the medial temporal lobe system, and the latter, fronto-striatal-cerebellar circuits. Results revealed relatively preserved contextual cueing in patients with CBS. By contrast, sequence learning showed impairments, which seemed to reflect inability to execute correct responses in the presence of intact learning of the sequence. These findings provide the first characterization of implicit learning systems in CBS, and show that the two systems are differentially affected in patients with CBS.
AN EXACT CORRECTION TO THE "CHENG-PRUSOFF" CORRECTION

The use of graphical estimation techniques in pharmacology is well entrenched, yet can sometimes lead to confusion and errors. The widely used Cheng-Prusoff correction for obtaining the inhibition constant Ki from the graphical mid point or ED50 of a displacement or inhibition curve is not exact, contrary to popular belief. We show that under many commonly used experimental conditions, the Cheng-Prusoff rule can lead to a substantial 3- to 6-fold or larger error in the estimate of Ki. Surprisingly, an explicit, relatively simple exact correction rule is available. We derive this rule and show the conditions under which its use is required.
Compensation by Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) Does Not Account for the Mild Phenotypic Defects Observed in FGF2 Null Mice

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and FGF2, the prototypic members of the FGF family of growth factors, have been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Unlike most other FGFs, FGF1 and FGF2 are ubiquitously expressed and are not efficiently secreted. Gene knockouts in mice have previously demonstrated a role for FGF2 in brain development, blood pressure regulation, and wound healing. The relatively mild phenotypic defects associated with FGF2 deletion led to the hypothesis that the continued expression of other FGFs partially compensated for the absence of FGF2 in these mice. We now report our generation of mice lacking FGF1 and their use, in combination with our previously described FGF2 null mice, to produce mice lacking both FGF1 and FGF2. FGF1-FGF2 double-knockout mice are viable and fertile and do not display any gross phenotypic defects. In the double-knockout mice we observed defects that were similar in extent to those previously described for the FGF2 null mice. Differences in the organization of neurons of the frontal motor cortex and in the rates of wound healing were observed. We also observed in FGF2−/− mice and in FGF1-FGF2 double-knockout mice novel impairments in hematopoiesis that were similar in severity. Essentially no abnormalities were found in mice lacking only FGF1. Our results suggest that the relatively mild defects in FGF2 knockout animals are not a consequence of compensation by FGF1 and suggest highly restricted roles for both factors under normal developmental and physiological conditions.
A review of TESTU01

The scientific literature is filled with examples of bad random number generators (RNGs), and a bad RNG can completely ruin a researcher’s analysis. See Coddington (1994, 1996) for examples and discussion from the field of physics. Examples from economics are difficult to find, in part, because many economists do not bother to test the RNGs that they use in their applied work. This may be due to the fact that they are unaware of any need to test the RNG. Econometrics texts simply assume (incorrectly) that RNGs work perfectly as advertised, despite the fact that many RNGs found in commercial software routinely fail randomness tests (L’Ecuyer, 1997, 2001). This is all the more shocking, since simulation results depend on the quality of the random numbers used as input—though one would hardly know this from reading books on simulation (e.g., Gourieroux and Montfort, 1996). If experts and textbooks fail to address the issue, the practicing economist can hardly be faulted. Even among economists who are aware of the issue, there is a hesitancy to test RNGs due a common sentiment: ‘I would probably just find that my RNGs fail one or more obscure tests, and I would have no idea of how to interpret such failures.’ Such a sentiment is understandable, but it misconstrues the purpose of randomness testing. As a practical matter, it is the province of the RNG expert, and not the economist, to interpret these failures. The economist’s job is simply to avoid RNGs that fail tests—not all tests, for there is no RNG that will pass all tests. The economist should avoid RNGs that fail ‘reasonable’ tests. What constitutes a reasonable test has been succinctly stated by L’Ecuyer (2004):
Non-operative treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.

AbstractVarying degrees of vesicoureteral reflux in 193 ureters were followed conservatively. Prediction of in which ureters reflux would stop could not be made from an evaluation of the configuration and position of the orifice, the presence or absence of infection, the grade of the reflux or the age of the patient. The management of such patients is discussed.
Relationship of adipocyte size to hyperphagia in developing male obese Zucker rats.

In growing male obese Zucker rats, hyperphagia reaches a maximum or “breakpoint” and declines at an earlier age with high fat than with chow-type diets. A serial adipose tissue biopsy technique was...
Ga-67 imaging of tumoral calcinosis associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Tumoral calcinosis Is a frequent manifestation of hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure. Precipitates of hydroxyapatite crystals are deposited in subcutaneous tissue as lobulated masses. The authors present a case of Ga-67 uptake In the calcified soft tissue masses of a chronic renal failure patient. The abnormal Ga-67 localization may relate to either active calcification In these masses or an associated Inflammatory reaction.
How PGI came about

We've been asked to give a bit of background as to how and why Politics, Groups, and Identities (PGI) came into being. The story begins in 2005 with the suggestion by former executive director of t...
An Improved Mutual Exclusion Algorithm with Dual Tokens

Mutual exclusion in distributed systems is an effective method of solving the conflict with the application of resources and sharing resources.Some of the current mutual exclusion algorithms are introduced,and centralized mutual exclusion algorithm and distributed mutual exclusion algorithm and their characteristics are discussed.An improved algorithm for token loss detection was proposed after the simple token ring algorithm and the algorithm for token loss detection were raised.The improved algorithm's design and the steps of the implementation have been described,moreover,the analysis of the performance and an example was given.The discussion showed that the new algorithm can be more effective than the dual tokens algorithm in detecting token loss and token reconstruction.
Epidemiology and Genetics of Epilepsy

The objectives of this article are to present the classification of seizure disorders in population studies and family studies, the basic measures of occurrence and association that are used in genetic and epidemiologic studies, the frequencies of seizures and epilepsy in populations, the major acquired causes of epilepsy and the epidemiologic evidence for causation, the prognosis of seizures and epilepsy, and the role of genetic factors in epilepsy.