cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles of scavenger receptor BI and APO A-I in selective uptake of HDL cholesterol by adrenal cells.

Adrenal cells obtain cholesterol for steroid production via the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester (CE) from HDL particles, a process in which CE is transferred to the plasma membrane without degradation of the HDL particle. Although this process has been studied for two decades, only recently have the receptor and the HDL ligand been identified. Scavenger class B, type I, (SR-BI) is regulated by ACTH in adrenocortical cells in parallel with steroid production. Antibody to SR-BI blocks the uptake and utilization of HDL CE for steroid production in Y1-BS1 adrenal cells. The adrenal glands of SR-BI knockout mice are depleted in cholesterol providing complementary evidence that SR-BI is responsible for HDL CE accumulation in adrenal cells. SR-BI-mediated HDL CE selective uptake is a two-step process in which SR-BI first interacts with multiple sites in apoA-I with the amphipathic helical repeat units of apoA-I serving as recognition motifs. This is followed by efficient CE transfer down its concentration ...
The Molecular Structure of Methyl Alcohol

A qualitative discussion of the near and far infrared spectrum of methyl alcohol shows that the rotational states, including the hindered rotation, may be well represented by a model consisting of a rigid hydroxyl and a rigid methyl group. These groups may perform a mutual rotation with respect to each other about the symmetry axis of the methyl group subject to a hindering potential which is assumed to have the form $V=\frac{1}{2}H(1\ensuremath{-}cos3x)$ where $x$ is the angle of mutual rotation. A series of lines in the microwave spectrum, discovered by Hershberger and Turkevich, have recently been measured with great accuracy by Coles who also determined their Stark splitting. The positive identification of these lines leads at once to an estimate of the barrier height $H$.The wave equation for the rotation of methyl alcohol is obtained and the matrix elements of the hamiltonian are evaluated using the wave functions derived by Koehler and Dennison on the basis of a simplified model. Diagonalizing the hamiltonian yields the energy levels which are found to predict correctly the principal features of the microwave spectrum. A quantitative comparison serves to fix the moments and product of inertia to have the values, $A=34.28$, ${C}_{1}=1.236$ and $D=\ensuremath{-}0.107$ all times ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}40}$ g ${\mathrm{cm}.}^{2}$ The two components of the electric moment are determined, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=0.893$ and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=1.435\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}18}$ esu. A relation is obtained between the barrier height $H$ and the moment of inertia ${C}_{2}$ of the methyl group about its symmetry axis. Assuming ${C}_{2}$ to be equal to the methane moment of inertia, then $H=380$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. If, in addition to taking a methane-like structure for the methyl group, it is assumed that the OH distance is the same as in water, namely 0.958A, one finds that (1) the CO distance is 1.421A, (2) the symmetry axis of the methyl group lies between the O and H atoms with the O displaced 0.084A from it and (3) the COH bond angle is 110\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} 15\ensuremath{'}. This latter angle is 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} 44\ensuremath{'} greater than the apex angle in water vapor.
Reverse Play: Toward A Philosophy From Sport

In this paper, I argue that, beyond a philosophy of sport, space should be made for a ‘philosophy from sport.’ A philosophy from sport is one that can allow us to see sport as more than instantiating broader social values (externalism) or possessing an isolated set of unique values (internalism). It can, as I believe a philosophy from sport, by paying special attention to the actual practice of sport, bring with it ways of developing, informing, even justifying a set of broader social values. Using as a test case Michael Sandel’s arguments counter markets in What Money Can’t Buy, with a particular focus on his critique of naming rights for stadiums and arenas, I maintain that sport shows how markets can be reformed in order not to suffer the charge that they breed inequality and corruption or indecency. In fact, with sport, I argue it is possible to see exactly how markets can serve equality, decency, and ultimately the pursuit of excellence. Relying, in part, on the work of philosophers of sport from div...
Study of phase selectivity of organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductors

A new group of hybrid organic-inorganic materials, A II B VI (en) 0.5 (A = Zn and Cd and B = S, Se, and Te), have been shown to exhibit a number of unusual structurally dependent properties that are not typically found in conventional inorganic and organic materials. However, it is puzzling that for a given inorganic component the hybrid crystal comes in different phases and often favors one over another. Using first-principles methods, we study the structural and electronic properties (e.g., stability and band gap) of the three observed phases: αI, αII, and β. The general chemical trends are revealed and are consistent with experimental observations. A kinetic growth model is proposed to explain the experimental observation of the phase selection for these hybrid materials.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of the lysosome-associated glycoprotein CD68 (KP-1) in granular cell tumors and schwannomas

The monoclonal antibody KP-1 that recognizes the lysosome-associated glycoprotein CD68 was used together with antibodies to other antigens (actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, keratin, neurofilaments, chromogranin, synaptophysin, S-100 protein, HMB-45, lysozyme, and HLA-DR) in a labeled streptavidin biotin immunoperoxidase method to phenotypically characterize 27 granular cell tumors, five schwannomas, five neurofibromas, two ganglioneuromas, three ganglioneuroblastomas, five carcinoid tumors, five malignant melanomas, and five examples of histiocytosis X. The neoplastic cells in all 27 of the granular cell tumors and four of the five schwannomas strongly stained for CD68, whereas none of the neurofibromas, ganglioneuromas, ganglioneuroblastomas, or carcinoid tumors contained CD68-positive tumor cells. These findings further strengthen previous observations, suggesting a histogenetic relationship between granular cell tumors and Schwann cells. KP-1 reactivity also was demonstrated in cells of histiocytosis X and malignant melanoma, complementing other studies that extend the tumor types positive in immunoperoxidase stains using this antibody.
Dynamic descending thoracic aortomyoplasty : Comparison with intraaortic balloon pump in a model of heart failure

Abstract Descending thoracic aortomyoplasty (DTA) uses the latissimus dorsi muscle to compress the proximal descending thoracic aorta as an autogenous diastolic counterpulsator. We studied the hypothesis that DTA could confer hemodynamic benefits equivalent to those yielded by an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) in dogs (n = 7) with heart failure. The left latissimus dorsi muscle was wrapped around the proximal thoracic aorta and subsequently electrically conditioned to induce fatigue resistance. Heart failure was produced by rapid ventricular pacing after muscle conditioning. Data were collected under three conditions: (1) after the induction of heart failure; (2) with the 20-mL IABP at 1:1; and (3) with the DTA stimulated at 1:1. Effective diastolic counterpulsation was achieved with both the IABP and the DTA. The mean diastolic aortic pressure increased from 66 ± 5 mm Hg at baseline to 90 ± 4 mm Hg with the IABP and to 75 ± 4 mm Hg with the DTA. The left ventricular peak and end-diastolic pressures decreased with IABP (95 ± 5 mm Hg versus 88 ± 4 mm Hg and 16 ± 4 mm Hg versus 12 ± 4 mm Hg, respectively; p p p p
Social Correlates of Smoking in a Healthy Male Population

This is a preliminary exploration of smoking behavior relative to social characteristics in the Normative Aging population. There were definitive findings with respect to the non-smoker and the ex-smoker, but none with regard to the amount of cigarette smoking.
Characterization of the heavily (non-degenerate) boron-doped SiSiO2 interface

Abstract The influence of doping, crystallographic orientation and oxide thickness on the parameters of the boron-doped SiSiO 2 interface up to 3 × 10 18 cm −3 for oxides thermally grown in a wet O 2 ambient is investigated. The fundamental surface recombination velocity, which is proportional to the product of the density of the effective recombination centers and of the associated capture cross section is nearly constant in the range of doping studied. The fixed-oxide charge density increases with doping concentration; this is probably due to the increasing importance of boron atoms segregating in the oxide and/or to the excess silicon interstitials increasing in density with dopant concentration.
Statistical Properties of Segregating Sites

A mutation leading to a segregating site of a sample can be classified by the number of sequences in the sample that inherits the mutant nucleotide; it can also be classified by the frequencies of the two segregating nucleotides at the resulting segregating side. We define the size of a mutation to be the number of sequences in the sample that inherits the mutant nucleotide and the type of mutation (segregating site) to be the smallest value of the frequencies of segregating nucleotides. Each of these two classifications of mutations is analogous to allelic types in a sample of genes. Assuming the neutral Wright-Fisher model, we derived in this paper the mean and variance of the frequency of mutations of each size and type, and the covariance between the numbers of mutations of two different sizes and two different types. Potential applications of these results are discussed.
Evidence-based practice in communication disorders: progress not perfection.

Purpose This commentary is written in response to a companion paper by Nan Bernstein Ratner (Evidence-Based Practice: An Examination of its Ramifications for the Practice of Speech-Language Pathology). Method The comments reflect my experience as Vice President for Research and Technology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). One of the responsibilities of the Vice President is to monitor the work of the Advisory Committee on Evidence-Based Practice. Conclusion Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a challenging but attainable goal for audiology and speech-language pathology. Our professions have made rapid progress in developing the foundations for EBP. To be sure, a great deal of work remains to be done, but we have learned from the experiences of other professions and have built our own systems to support EBP.
A direct experimental test of the coexistence model for the structure of the giant dipole resonance in 16O

Abstract A direct experimental test of the recently proposed coexistence model for the structure of giant dipole resonance in 16 O is discussed.
A phase II trial of human recombinant lnterleukin‐2 administered as a 4‐day continuous infusion for children with refractory neuroblastoma, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. A childrens cancer group study

Background. Recombinant human Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been effective at inducing measurable antitumor responses in adults with renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. It also is being tested as adjuvant therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia after autologous bone marrow transplantation. Methods. The authors tested IL-2 in a pediatric Phase II trial using a regimen that has antitumor effects in adults and was proven to be tolerated acceptably in a prior Phase I pediatric trial. Thirty-eight patients were entered into this study of whom 36 received IL-2 and were evaluable (20 with sarcoma, 9 with neuroblastoma, 5 with renal cell carcinoma, and 1 each with melanoma and lymphoma). Results. Interleukin-2 dose modifications were based on tolerance and toxicity, such that 46% of these patients received a 50% increase in IL-2 dose during the second week, and 81% of those receiving the elevated dose continued receiving this dose level during the third week of treatment. A single patient with renal cell carcinoma had a complete response that was maintained ; the remaining 35 patients did not show objective evidence of tumor response sufficient to qualify as either a complete response or a partial response. Conclusions. Absolute lymphocyte counts were indicative of the immunostimulatory effect of this IL-2 regimen as observed for adults, with a median 7.2-fold increase. Nevertheless, despite immune activation, a sufficient number of patients were evaluated, indicating that IL-2 does not have measurable antitumor effects in children with large refractory sarcomas or neuroblastomas, whereas one of five children with renal cell carcinoma had a complete response, consistent with the 10-20% response rate observed in adults.
Synapse Formation: Astrocytes Spout off

Abstract Trillions of synapses form as the brain develops. This intimate contact between two neurons has now been shown to be facilitated by thrombospondins – large extracellular matrix proteins secreted by astrocytes.
Leaf water repellency of species in Guatemala and Colorado (USA) and its significance to forest hydrology studies

Summary Fog persistency and high precipitation totals contribute to the unique ecohydrology of tropical montane cloud forests. The persistence of water droplets on leaf surfaces in cloud forests inhibits photosynthetic carbon exchange because carbon dioxide diffuses slower in water than air. Adaptations that reduce water retention on leaf surfaces may increase photosynthetic capacity of cloud forests. The objective of the present study was to determine if 12 cloud forest species from the Sierra de las Minas, Guatemala have a higher degree of leaf water repellency than 12 species from tropical dry forests in Chiquimula, Guatemala and 12 species from foothills–grassland vegetation in Colorado (USA). Leaf water repellency was measured as the contact angle between the leaf surface and the line tangent to the water droplet passing through the point of contact between the droplet and the leaf surface. Analysis of variance indicated that leaf water repellency was significantly different between the three study areas; however, the leaf water repellency of 12 species in the Sierra de las Minas was lower than 12 species in Chiquimula and lower than the leaf water repellency of 12 species in Colorado. Leaf water repellency of abaxial surfaces of all species in the cloud forest (Sierra de las Minas) was greater leaf water repellency of adaxial surfaces. The low values of leaf water repellency in cloud forest species may be influenced by presence of epiphylls or the loss of epicuticular wax on the leaf surfaces because of high precipitation totals and longer leaf life-span. High leaf water repellency in dry climates may be an adaptation to increase hydrological inputs underneath the canopy.
Using the Cumulative Cost Model to Forecast Equipment Repair Costs: Two Different Methodologies

Professionals in the construction industry must be able to accurately forecast costs. Doing so not only helps assure reasonable profits for companies, but it can also help ensure that projects are delivered within budget for clients. Forecasting of equipment repair costs is one element of the larger problem of predicting overall costs. The cumulative cost model can provide construction engineers with a valuable tool for better understanding the nature of repair costs as they relate to production fleets. Data that are being collected (or that could be collected) can assist in the determination of the rate of accumulation of repair costs for a machine for a given period of use or the estimation of fleet repair budgets for a job or period. There are two different methodologies for constructing the repair cost portion of the cumulative cost model: life-to-date (LTD) repair costs and the period-cost-based (PCB) model. This paper will provide the steps and background for each of these two methodologies and compare them using a practical example.
Net-based reasoning informatics for civil infrastructure monitoring

The informatics of instrumented infrastructure will require multi-level computational abstractions that not only collect and declutter the data but also support higher-level automated reasoning capabilities relevant to decision support needs of both owners responsible for the safe operation of the facilities and users of those facilities. This paper describes the appeal and implemented demonstration of Internet-based paradigms for higher-level automated reasoning about condition of instrumented infrastructure using the Java computing language. This enables interactive program execution from a web page. These notions are presented and demonstrated in the context of illustrative application scenarios involving fatigue monitoring, overweight vehicle detection, and bridge deck surface travel condition monitoring. By means of this demonstration, it is suggested that there is an important role for Java-based expert systems in handling key aspects of the data fusion requirements associated with intelligent, internet-mediated post-processing of data obtained from instrumented civil infrastructure.
Cooperation Across Boundaries: The Role of Political Entrepreneurs in Environmental Collaboration

Abstract This paper links disparate scholarship in cross-border environmental institutions from local and global policymaking literature. We explore the ability of political entrepreneurs to broker deals across borders utilizing game theory as a metaphor for the strategic agency of the policymaking entrepreneurs. Our intent is to understand why collaboration occurs across jurisdictional boundaries in some situations and not in others and when cross-border governance works. Based on the literature, we propose and examine the explanatory power of three conditions for successful cross-border environmental negotiations: i) a skilled entrepreneur, ii) costs and benefits that are perceived as equitable, and iii) veto players' preference points (the desired end goals of the governments that the entrepreneurs represent) that are close. We use two cases to demonstrate that policy change literature can be integrated with game theoretic literature to understand game switching by political entrepreneurs in the pursui...
α,β-Dehydro-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine derivatives: Potential schlerotization intermediates in natural composite materials

Proteins containing the post-translationally modified amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) undergo autosclerotization as a means of assuring cohesive resilience in many structural matrices found in nature. To explore the chemical mechanism of sclerotization, we examined the oxidation products of relatively simple analogs of a peptidyl DOPA residue, such as N-acetylDOPA ethyl ester and N-acetyldopamide, together with those of several oligopeptides. Oxidation, induced by either of two catecholoxidases or by sodium periodate, resulted in the Lewis base catalyzed formation of derivatives of the unusual amino acid 3,4-dihydroxy-alpha,beta-dehydroDOPA (delta DOPA). The N-acetyl delta DOPA ethyl ester representative of this group of derivatives was characterized by NMR and uv spectroscopy. A variety of peptides developed analogous uv spectra upon oxidation. A similar reaction was observed upon oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropanoic (dihydrocaffeic) acid, but not after oxidation of N-acetyldopamine. Evidence is presented that this conversion is the result of a rearrangement of the DOPA quinone moiety to its delta DOPA tautomer, and that this tautomerization can be a dominant fate for peptidyl DOPA quinone, provided a Lewis base catalyst is available and competing reactions are minimized. Formation of delta DOPA in natural or synthetic polymers would increase the variety of crosslinks available to sclerotizing matrices. delta DOPA has been found in naturally occurring oligopeptides isolated by other workers from several marine species.
OGLE small-amplitude variables in the Galactic bar

Among over 200 000 Galactic bulge variable stars in the public domain Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) catalogue, we found over 15 000 red giant variables following two well-defined period-amplitude relations. The periods are in the range 10 < P < 100 d, and amplitudes in the range 0.005 < A < 0.13 mag in the I band. The variables cover a broad range of reddening-corrected colours, 1 < (V - I) 0 < 5, and a fairly narrow range of extinction-corrected apparent magnitudes, 10.5 < I 0 < 13. A subset of variables (type A) has an rms scatter of only 0.44 mag. The average magnitudes for these stars are well correlated with the Galactic longitude, and vary from I k,0 = 11.82 for l = + 8° to I k,0 = 12.07 for l = -5°, clearly indicating that they are located in the Galactic bar. Most variables have several oscillation periods.
Value Priorities of Japanese and American Service Academy Students

The exceptional demands placed upon military organizations throughout the world today render comparative analysis of military culture and values important, particularly as defense policies become i...
A Two-Year Trial of Intraocular Lenses at the Wilmer Institute

Using the Binkhorst four-loop intraocular lens, we began a trial of intraocular lens implantation in 1975. We compared the operative and postoperative complications and the visual results of 100 implant cases during a two-year period to those of 100 age-matched aphakic control cases. Although the additional steps of lens implantation resulted in more operative and postoperative complications in the intraocular lens group, the visual results were good and were the same for both groups at an average follow-up of 12 months. Because the long-term follow-up results of implant cases are unknown, we recommend a conservative approach to selection of patients for intraocular lens implantation.
Magnetic behavior of chemically synthesized FePt–FeRh nanostructures

Abstract We describe here the chemical synthesis and magnetization behavior of FeRh–FePt nanostructures fabricated using a two-step procedure. The first step involved chemical synthesis of FeRh nanoparticles using a polyol co-reduction process accompanied by the second stage of encapsulation of FeRh nanoparticles with FePt. The FeRh–FePt nanoparticles were subsequently annealed in a salt matrix at 600 °C for 3 h. Magnetic measurements were made on films of FeRh–FePt nanostructures cast onto silicon wafers before and after the salt matrix annealing. The coercivity of as-synthesized FeRh–FePt nanostructures was ∼70 Oe at room temperature, while the coercivity of salt-matrix annealed FeRh–FePt nanoparticles was ∼7065 Oe. The temperature dependent magnetization measurement of annealed FeRh–FePt nanostructures indicated antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic transition that is supported by X-ray diffraction study. The observations point toward the potential realization of FeRh–FePt nanostructures for ultra-high density magnetic recording media.
The Mechanism of the Gram Reaction I. The Specificity of the Primary Dye

Dyes of all major types were tested for their suitability as the primary dye in the Gram stain. When a counterstain was not used, some dyes of all types were found to differentiate Gram-positive from Gram-negative organisms. When a counterstain was used, these dyes were found to vary greatly in their suitability. Those dyes found to be good substitutes for crystal violet were: Brilliant green, malachite green, basic fuchsin, ethyl violet, Hoffmann's violet, methyl violet B, and Victoria blue R. All are basic triphenylmethane dyes. Acid dyes were generally not suitable. Differences in the reaction of Gram-positive and Gram-negative cells to Gram staining without the use of iodine were observed and discussed but a practical differentiation could not be achieved in this manner. Certain broad aspects of the chemical mechanism of dyes in the gram stain are discussed.
Intraspinal epidermoid cyst: diffusion-weighted MRI.

We report a 7-year-old boy who presented with two-month history of worsening low back and right leg pain. Conventional MR images demonstrated a poorly outlined intradural mass recognized by the displacement of the conus medullaris and the nerve roots of the cauda equina at the L2–3 level. The signal intensity of the lesion was similar to CSF. There was no contrast enhancement of the lesion. Diffusion-weighted images and ADC values revealed restricted diffusion within the mass. Myelography confirmed the mass as an intradural filling defect with myelographic block at the L2–3 level. The patient underwent total surgical excision of the mass. Pathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst.
Sodium-coupled ATP synthesis in the bacterium Vitreoscilla.

Abstract The bacterium Vitreoscilla generates an electrical potential gradient due to sodium ion (ΔψNa+) across its membrane via respiratory-driven primary Na+ pump(s). The role of the ΔψNa+ as a driving force for ATP synthesis was, therefore, investigated. In respiring starved cells pulsed with 100 m m external Na+ ([Na+]0) there was a 167% net increase in cellular ATP concentration over basal levels compared with 0, 56, 78, and 78% for no addition, choline, Li+, and K+ controls, respectively. Doubling the [Na+]0 to 200 m m boosted the net increase to 244% but a similar doubling of the choline caused only an increase to 78%. When the initial condition was intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) = [Na+]0 = 100 m m , there was a 94% net increase in cellular ATP compared with only 18 and 11% for Li+ and K+ controls, respectively, indicating that Nai+ may be the only cation tested that the cells extruded to generate the electrochemical gradient required to drive ATP synthesis. The Na+-dependent ATP synthesis was inhibited completely by monensin (12 μ m ), but only transiently by the protonophore 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybezaldehyde (100 μ m ), further evidence that the Na+ gradient and not a H+ gradient was driving the ATP synthesis. ATP synthesis in response to an artificially imposed H+ gradient (ΔpH ≈ 3) in the absence of an added cation, or in the presence of Li+, K+, or choline, yielded similar Δ ATP ΔpH ratios of 0.98–1.22. In the presence of Na+, however, this ratio dropped to 0.23, indicating that Na+ inhibited H+-coupling to ATP synthesis and possibly that H+ and Na+ coupling to ATP synthesis share a common catalyst. The above evidence adds to previous findings that under normal growth conditions Na+ is probably the main coupling cation for ATP synthesis in Vitreoscilla.
Is Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Linked to Positive Youth Development? Initial Answers

Human-animal relationships are ubiquitous and diverse across the life span and may be especially salient among children and adolescents. However, there is little information regarding whether human-animal interaction (HAI) is actually linked to young people's positive development in normative, nontherapeutic settings. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore if and how HAI may be linked to positive youth development (PYD) using data from the 4-H Study of PYD. Results suggested that emotions and cognitions about animals were related to indices of positive development. The implications of these findings, and suggestions for new areas of inquiry regarding the role of HAI as an important developmental context, are discussed.
Analysis of fissionable material using delayed gamma rays from photofission

The energetic gamma-ray spectra from the fission products of photofission have been investigated to determine whether photofission can identify heavily shielded fissionable material. Target samples of natural thorium, 93% enriched /sup 235/U, natural uranium, and 93% enriched /sup 239/Pu were irradiated with bremsstrahlung gamma rays produced by 10-MeV electrons from a small linear accelerator. The gamma-ray spectra for each of the four isotopes studied reveals a distinctive intensity distribution. For example, the intensity ratio of the pair of gamma rays at 1436 keV (/sup 138/Cs) and 1428 keV (/sup 94/Sr) is 1.9 for /sup 235/U, 2.4 for /sup 238/U, 1.7 for /sup 232/Th and 1.4 for /sup 239/Pu. 6 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Alterations in the Peak Amplitude Distribution of the Surface Electromyogram Poststroke

We introduce a new method to examine the spinal motoneuron involvement after stroke using a surface electromyography (EMG) recording system. Fourteen chronic stroke survivors with mild to severe muscle weakness participated in the study. Surface EMG signals were collected from the first dorsal interosseous muscle while subjects performed isometric index finger abduction with paretic or contralateral hand at different matched force levels. Compared with the contralateral muscles, different patterns of peak amplitude distribution were observed at the paretic muscles, which could be induced by motor unit pathological alterations following a stroke. Compared with the conventional electrophysiological methods, the peak amplitude distribution analysis proposed in this study provides a convenient approach to help identify specific mechanisms of muscle weakness and other symptoms after stroke.
Introduction: The Use of Curriculum-Based Measurement With Diverse Student Populations

In this issue of Reading & Writing Quarterly: Overcoming Learning Difficulties, the use of Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM), an evidence-based system that teachers, schools, or districts can use ...
Aging in snakes: Results of long‐term captivity on rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) predatory behavior

Conservation, scientific study, rehabilitation, and public education concerning animals often require or take advantage of captive individuals. The long-term effects of captivity may affect the success and strategies used in such programs. For reptiles in particular, little is known about the effects of long-term captivity. We compared the predatory behavior of the same eight Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes before and after 7 years in captivity. We found few changes in predatory behavior. Most changes were in the rate of tongue flicks before the strike and during recovery of prey; these changes seemed related to accommodation of the snakes to conditions of captivity. However, most aspects of rattlesnake predatory behavior remained unchanged, including the normal ability to target the prey accurately and kill it quickly. Although the snakes had spent over half their lives in captivity and reached a relatively old age, their ability to strike, dispatch, and relocate prey normally was relatively unaffected by captivity or by aging. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Botulinum toxin A inhibits ATP release from bladder urothelium after chronic spinal cord injury

The effects of mechanoreceptor stimulation and subsequent ATP release in spinal cord injured and normal bladders was examined to demonstrate if spinal cord injury (SCI) modulates the basal or evoked release of ATP from bladder urothelium and whether intravesical botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) administration inhibits urothelial ATP release, a measure of sensory nerve activation. A Ussing chamber was used to isolate and separately measure resting and mechanoreceptor evoked (e.g. hypoosmotic stimulation) ATP release from urothelial and serosal sides of the bladder. Following spinal cord injury, resting urothelial release of ATP was ninefold higher than that of normal rats. Botulinum toxin A instillation did not significantly affect the resting release of ATP after spinal cord injury. Evoked ATP release following hypoosmotic stimulation was significantly higher in chronic spinal cord injured compared to normal rat bladders. However, botulinum toxin A treatment markedly reduced ATP release in spinal cord injured bladders by 53% suggesting that ATP release by mechanoreceptor stimulation, as opposed to basal release, occurs by exocytotic mechanisms. In contrast, there was no significant difference in basal or evoked ATP release from bladder serosa following spinal cord injury. Moreover, intravesical instillation of botulinum toxin A did not affect ATP release from the serosal side after spinal cord injury, suggesting that its effects were confined to the urothelial side of the bladder preparation. In summary: (1) increased release of ATP from the urothelium of spinal cord injured bladders may contribute to the development of bladder hyperactivity and, (2) mechanoreceptor stimulated vesicular ATP release, as opposed to basal non-vesicular release of ATP, is significantly inhibited in spinal cord injured bladders by intravesical instillation of botulinum toxin A. These results may have important relevance in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plasticity of bladder afferent pathways following SCI.
The Browning of Parsnips

Abstract Parsnips, Pastinaca sativa L., develop a brown coloration soon after harvest. An aqueous extract of the parsnips formed brown products upon incubation with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), catechol or chlorogenic acid. The optimum pH for the browning reaction with DOPA as substrate was 8.5. The Michaelis constant for the reaction with catechol was 1.7 × 10 −2 M. Gel electrophoresis indicated the presence in the extract of a protein catalyzing the browning reaction.
The context of sexual violence: situational predictors of self-protective actions.

While considerable research has examined the relative effectiveness of different types of self-protective actions in rape avoidance, little research has considered how the situational context of the assault affects women's choice of self-protective strategy. Through an examination of data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, this article examines the extent to which situational factors are independently related to the use of physical resistance, verbal resistance, as well as to lack of resistance. The results of the multinominal logistic regression analysis indicate that those who used verbal self-protective action were more likely to have been attacked at night, threatened with a weapon, and to be assaulted by a prior or current romantic partner than were those who chose physical resistance. Those attacked by a current or former intimate were also more likely to employ no resistance than they were physical resistance. Victims facing a substance-using assailant, however, were more likely to enact physical self-protection than to employ no resistance. Language: en
PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES AND THE FUNCTIONALITY OF CHICKEN EGG ALBUMEN

Egg white was subjected to proteolysis by ficin, bromelin, papain, trypsin and protease; changes in functional properties were monitored. Many of the changes observed were due to the addition of enzyme rather than actual proteolysis (e.g., foam volume increase, foam stability decrease, and angel cake volume increase). The angel cake volume showed a further increase with proteolysis; however, off-flavors were also noted. In experiments with ficin and bromelin, proteolysis by both enzymes decreased the coagulum strength while only ficin decreased the amount of noncoagulable protein.
Coordination Chemistry of [HFe(CN)2(CO)3− and Its Derivatives: Toward a Model for the Iron Subsite of the [NiFe]-Hydrogenases

The photoreaction of Fe(CO)5 and cyanide salts in MeCN solution affords the dianion [Fe(CN)2(CO)3]2−, conveniently isolated as [K(18-crown-6)]2[Fe(CN)2(CO)3]. Solutions of [Fe(CN)2(CO)3]2− oxidize ...
Tuning Lattice Thermal Conductance in Ultra-Scaled Hollow SiNW: Role of Porosity Size, Density and Distribution

Porous crystalline Si nanowires (PC-SiNW) represent an attractive solution for enhancing the thermoelectric efficiency (ZT) of SiNWs by reducing the lattice thermal conductance (κl). A modified valence force field (MVFF) phonon model along with Landauer’s approach is used to analyze the ballistic κl in PC-SiNWs. A systematic study focusing on the influence of pore size, density, and distribution on the ballistic κl of PC-SiNWs is presented. The model predicts a maximum reduction of ∼19%, ∼23% and ∼30% for 1, 2 and 3 pores, respectively with a constant removal of ∼12% of the atoms in all the cases. The model also predicts a higher reduction of the ballistic κl as the pore separation increases, in the case of 2, 3 and 4 pores, for the same percentage of atoms removed (∼12%) in all the cases. Thus, the presence of a high number of small, well-separated pores suppress κl strongly. This reduction in ballistic κl, in the coherent limit, is attributed to the reduction of the total number of phonon modes and smaller participation of phonon modes (in κl) with increasing number of pores.
Damper-controlled switch for SMA motion smoothing

While the use of SMA-actuated devices continues to grow in many industries, current device limitations pose a challenge to successful adoption for certain classes of applications. SMA-actuated devices typically demonstrate motion with non-constant velocity due to the non-linear thermo-mechanically coupled behavior of SMA material transformation, and motion sensitivity to external factors such as voltage and load. This variation in motion can lead to the perception of poor device quality, limiting SMA-actuated devices to applications hidden from the sight of the product user, or requiring them to be augmented with higher cost controls to improve the motion quality. Therefore, a need exists for simple, passive, low-cost device technologies that enable the designer to prescribe desired motion characteristics with relative insensitivity to fluctuation in operating conditions. This paper presents a Damper Controlled Switch (DCS) mechanism that delivers constant velocity and relative insensitivity to operating conditions when combined with a standard SMA wire actuator. The DCS includes a damper that acts against a spring to open a switch when the velocity exceeds a tunable threshold. To validate the ability of the DCS to provide the desired motion quality, experiments were conducted comparing the normal motion of the SMA actuator to the motion produced when the same actuator was fitted with a DCS prototype. The addition of the DCS produced nearly constant actuator velocity, performing significantly better than the SMA actuator alone. The tunability of the DCS was demonstrated producing a wide range of attainable constant velocities. Finally, a set of experiments explored the DCS’s sensitivity to voltage and load, indicating a low sensitivity to a wide range of operating parameters for which the operating limits were identified. The DCS represents a simple, compact technology based on passive, low-cost components, providing a very practical solution that will enable integration of SMA-actuated devices into a broader class of applications.
Sex differences in expression of calcium-handling proteins and beta-adrenergic receptors in rat heart ventricle

Human studies reveal sex differences in myocardial function as well as in the incidence and manifestation of heart disease. Myocellular Ca(2+) cycling regulates normal contractile function; whereas cardiac dysfunction in heart failure has been associated with alterations in Ca(2+)-handling proteins. Beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signaling regulates activity of several Ca(2+)-handling proteins and alterations in beta-AR signaling are associated with heart disease. This study examines sex differences in expression of beta(1)-AR, beta(2)-AR, and Ca(2+)-handling proteins including: L-type calcium channel (Ca(v)1.2) , ryanodine calcium-release channels (RyR), sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2), phospholamban (PLB) and Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange protein (NCX) in healthy hearts from male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Protein levels were examined using Western blot analysis. Abundance of mRNA was determined by real time RT-PCR normalized to abundance of GAPDH mRNA. Contraction parameters were measured in right ventricular papillary muscle in the presence and absence of isoproterenol. Results demonstrate that female ventricle has significantly higher levels of Ca(v)1.2, RyR, and NCX protein compared to males. Messenger RNA abundance for RyR, and NCX protein was significantly higher in females whereas Ca(v)1.2 mRNA was higher in males. No differences were detected in beta-ARs, SERCA2 or PLB. Female right papillary muscle had a faster maximal rate of force development and decline (+/- dF/dt). There were no sex differences in response to isoproterenol. Results show significant sex differences in expression of key ventricular Ca(2+)-handling proteins that are associated with small functional differences in +/- dF/dt. Further studies will determine whether differences in the abundance of these key proteins play a role in sex disparities in the incidence and manifestation of heart disease.
Emotional Picture Processing in Children: An ERP Study

The late positive potential (LPP) reflects increased attention to emotional versus neutral stimuli in adults. To date, very few studies have examined the LPP in children, and whether it can be used to measure patterns of emotional processing that are related to dispositional mood characteristics, such as temperamental fear and anxiety. To examine this question,39 typically developing 5–7 year olds (M age in months = 75.27, SD = 5.83) passively viewed complex emotional and neutral pictures taken from the International Affective Picture System.Maternal report of temperamental fear and anxiety was obtained and fearful behavior during an emotional challenge was observed. As documented in adults, LPP amplitudes to pleasant and unpleasant stimuli were larger than to neutral stimuli, although some gender differences emerged. Larger LPP amplitude differences between unpleasant and neutral stimuli were associated with greater observed fear. The LPP as a measure of individual differences in emotional processing is discussed.
Biochemical interactions between methotrexate and 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine in hematopoietic cells of children: a Pediatric Oncology Group study

Children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in remission were treated with overlapping sequential infusions of methotrexate (MTX) and 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (araC) as part of continuation therapy. The doses and the sequence were chosen to mimic conditions that produced greater than additive antineoplastic activity with these two drugs in preclinical studies. To assess the potential for the drug combination to exhibit greater than additive effect in vivo, we investigated several biochemical parameters that had been associated with synergism in vitro. Because the patients were in remission, the intracellular parameters could only be measured in cytologically normal hematopoietic cells. We observed that (1) the mean plasma concentrations of MTX and araC were above those required to obtain a greater than additive cytotoxicity with the two drugs in tissue culture; (2) MTX did not have a significant antipurine effect in bone marrow mononuclear cells; (3) the mean intracellular concentration of deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) was significantly lower after treatment with the drug combination than after therapy with araC alone; and (4) the ratio of araC triphosphate (araCTP) to dCTP was 2.6 times higher after treatment with the combination than after araC alone. These results indicate that it is possible to achieve in patients the biochemical conditions associated with the greater than additive antineoplastic activity of MTX and araC in vitro.
Failure of t-J models in describing doping evolution of spectral weight in x-ray scattering, optical, and photoemission spectra of cuprates

We have analyzed experimental evidence for an anomalous transfer of spectral weight from high- to low-energy scales in both electron- and hole-doped cuprates as a function of doping. X-ray scattering, optical, and photoemission spectra are all found to show that the high-energy spectral weight decreases with increasing doping at a rate much faster than predictions of the large $U$-limit calculations. The observed doping evolution is however well described by an intermediate coupling scenario where the effective Hubbard $U$ is comparable to the bandwidth. The experimental spectra across various spectroscopies are inconsistent with fixed-$U$ exact diagonalization or quantum Monte Carlo calculations, and suggest a significant doping dependence of the effective $U$ in the cuprates.
Women's Psychological Adjustment Following Emergency Cesarean versus Vaginal Delivery.

The present study was designed to investigate possible differences in psychological adjustment and satisfaction between women delivering vaginally and those delivering by emergency cesarean section. Women's satisfaction with the birth experience was distinguished from postpartum psychological adjustment, as measured by depression, anxiety, and confidence in mothering ability. Twenty-two women who delivered vaginally and twenty-two women who delivered by emergency cesarean section were selected according to stringent criteria, to control for factors known to be associated with positive cesarean outcomes. Significant differences were found in level of satisfaction, with cesarean mothers reporting less satisfaction with the delivery than vaginal mothers. However, no differences were found between the groups on the three measures of psychological adjustment. Under optimal conditions, cesarean deliveries are not associated with adverse early postpartum psychological adjustment.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated antiestrogenicity in MCF-7 cells: modulation of hormone-induced cell cycle enzymes.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibits 17beta-estradiol (E2) mammary tumor growth in rodents and in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells; however, the cell cycle genes/proteins which are inhibited have not been determined. Initial studies showed that treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 nM E2 significantly increased cyclin D1 (protein and mRNA), cdk2- and cdk4-dependent kinase activities, and hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma (RB) protein. In contrast to results of recent studies (M. D. Planas-Silva and R. A. Weinberg, 1997, Mol. Cell. Biol. 17, 4059-4069), E2 induced dissociation of both cdk2 and cdk4 proteins from the p21 protein complex and significantly increased cdk7-dependent kinase activity. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with E2 also induced cdc25A phosphatase protein, which was accompanied by increased cdk2 and cdk4 proteins containing unphosphorylated tyrosine residues. Although TCDD alone has minimal effects on cell cycle proteins/enzymes, several E2-induced responses were significantly inhibited in MCF-7 cells cotreated with E2 plus TCDD. For example, TCDD significantly inhibited E2-induced hyperphosphorylation of RB, cyclin D1 protein, and cdk2-, cdk4-, and cdk7-dependent kinase activities. Inhibition of E2-induced cdk4-dependent kinase activity by TCDD may be related to the parallel decrease of E2-induced cyclin D1 protein, and inhibition of induced cdk2- and cdk4-dependent kinase activities may be due to significantly increased p21 levels in cells cotreated with TCDD plus E2. These results demonstrate that the antiestrogenic activity of TCDD is due to downregulation of several E2-induced cell cycle proteins/activities and this illustrates the complex cross talk between the aryl hydrocarbon and the E2 receptor signaling pathways.