cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Inhibition of Calcium Ionophore A23187-Stimulated Aldosterone Secretion in Rat Adrenal Glomerulosa Cells*

The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated aldosterone secretion was investigated using collagenase-dispersed rat adrenal glomerulosa cell suspensions. A23187 treatment induced a dose-dependent stimulation of aldosterone secretion, exhibiting an EC50 of approximately 75 nM. In agreement with the presumed action of A23187 as a Ca2+ ionophore, stimulation was dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, being completely inhibited in nominally Ca2+-free medium. In such Ca2+-free medium, stimulation of aldosterone secretion by bath applied 25-hydroxycholesterol was not inhibited, indicating that cells and biosynthetic pathway enzymes were not inhibited by low extracellular Ca2+ levels. A23187-induced aldosterone secretion was also inhibited by more than 90% when cells were simultaneously treated with ANP. Maximal ANP inhibition of A23187-stimulated aldosterone secretion was not overcome by concentrations of A23187 up to 10 μM or by increasing the extracellular ...
The modification of bottom boundary layer turbulence and mixing by internal waves shoaling on a barrier reef

AbstractResults are presented from an observational study of stratified, turbulent flow in the bottom boundary layer on the outer southeast Florida shelf. Measurements of momentum and heat fluxes were made using an array of acoustic Doppler velocimeters and fast-response temperature sensors in the bottom 3 m over a rough reef slope. Direct estimates of flux Richardson number Rf confirm previous laboratory, numerical, and observational work, which find mixing efficiency not to be a constant but rather to vary with Frt, Reb, and Rig. These results depart from previous observations in that the highest levels of mixing efficiency occur for Frt < 1, suggesting that efficient mixing can also happen in regions of buoyancy-controlled turbulence. Generally, the authors find that turbulence in the reef bottom boundary layer is highly variable in time and modified by near-bed flow, shear, and stratification driven by shoaling internal waves.
Diving after stapedectomy: clinical experience and recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: Much controversy exists concerning the risk of inner ear barotrauma after stapes surgery in scuba and sky divers. Uniform consensus has not been established regarding poststapedectomy barorestrictions. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the prevalence of adverse auditory and/or vestibular sequelae in patients after stapedectomy related to scuba and sky diving, and (2) to offer recommendations on barometric exposure after stapes surgery.STUDY DESIGN: Survey questionnaires were mailed to 2222 patients who had undergone stapedectomies at a single tertiary otologic referral center between 1987 and 1998. Two hundred eight of the initial 917 respondents (22.7%) had snorkeled, scuba, or sky dived after stapes surgery, and 140 of these responded to a second questionnaire detailing dive protocols, otologic symptoms, and their relationship to the diving activities. Of the 140, 28 had scuba or sky dived. Their survey data were analyzed and their medical records were reviewed.RESULTS: Four of ...
A non-homogeneous user population multi-user random access communication system

A multi user random access communication system with a population of two classes of users is considered. It is assumed that packets generated by users from different classes have different priorities. A binary feedback collision resolution algorithm is developed for such a communication system and both throughput and delay analysis are performed.
Endometriosis of the urinary bladder in a man with prostatic carcinoma

A case of endometriosis of the urinary bladder in a man is described. The patient had been treated with estrogen for several years following radical prostatectomy and orchiectomy for prostatic carcinoma. The only other reported case of endometriosis in a male presented in a strikingly similar manner. Pathogenic speculations are briefly presented.
Theory of Electron Scattering by Quasi-Periodic Static Fluctuations in the Presence of Electric and Magnetic Fields

An extension of the Zener breakdown theory is presented. It corresponds to the case in which the periodic lattice potential is replaced by a quasi-periodic static fluctuation of mean wave vector g The scattering probability for a wave packet which satisfies the “Bragg condition” to change its wave vector by g is found to be a constant Q0 much smaller than one for fields up to a very high value E0, and a decay as Q0(E0/E) beyond that value. The classical Zener case is obtained as one limit. Extensions to magnetic field induced effects are discussed. Eine Verallgemeinerung der Theorie des Zener-Durchschlags wird vorgelegt. Sie entspricht dem Fall, in dem das periodische Gitterpotential durch eine quasi-periodische, statische Fluktuation des mittleren Wellenvektors g ersetzt wird. Die Streuwahrscheinlichkeit fur ein Wellenpaket, das die „Bragg-Bedingungen” erfullt, seinen Wellenvektor um g zu andern, wird als eine Konstante Q0 gefunden, die fur Felder bis zu einem sehr hohen Wert E0 viel kleiner als eins ist, und wie Q0(E0/E) oberhalb dieses Wertes abklingt. Der klassische Zenerfall wird als Grenzfall erhalten. Verallgemeinerungen auf von magnetischen Feldern hervorgerufene Effekte werden besprochen.
Acceptable intellectual property.

Roughly three decades ago, the political dimensions of decision making about the technological hazards embedded in contemporary societies became publicly visible, provoking the emergence of a new politics of risk. Public controversies about what constituted “acceptable risk,” and who should decide and how, proliferated in a wide range of technical domains. Social movements challenged expert definitions of risk and demanded a voice in decision making. Risk analysis became a burgeoning academic field and a ubiquitous part of regulatory politics. A domain of decision making once construed as a technical one came to be understood as having social dimensions that required institutional reforms and new modes of public participation. 1
Anger as "seeing red": evidence for a perceptual association.

Metaphor representation theory contends that people conceptualise their non-perceptual states (e.g., emotion concepts) in perceptual terms. The present research extends this theory to colour manipulations and discrete emotional representations. Two experiments (N=265) examined whether a red font colour would facilitate anger conceptions, consistent with metaphors referring to anger to “seeing red”. Evidence for an implicit anger-red association was robust and emotionally discrete in nature. Further, Experiment 2 examined the directionality of such associations and found that they were asymmetrical: Anger categorisations were faster when a red font colour was involved, but redness categorisations were not faster when an anger-related word was involved. Implications for multiple literatures are discussed.
Dimension raising maps in topological algebra

In 1883 Cantor introduced perfect sets on the real line and described, in a footnote, as his first example of a nowhere dense perfect set, C, the set which now bears his name [2, p. 165 ft., notably p. 207]. It was only a year later, in 1884 that he discussed in a letter to the editor of Acta Mathematica [3, notably pp. 255, 256 of [2]] a class of functions from an interval to the real line which were monotone, continuous and were constant on each of the components of the complement of a perfect set. In particular, as a special example he produced a function f : I -+ I from the interval to itself which is most quickly recalled by depicting its graph:
Regulatory cytokines in the lymphatic pathology of athymic mice infected with Brugia malayi

Abstract To investigate whether Brugia malayi -induced lymphatic inflammation is due to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, we determined the lymph and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CCSF) using enzyme immunoassays. Serum from normal and infected mice did not show elevated cytokine concentrations. Samples of lymph from parasitized lymphatics had significantly increased levels of IL-1 (range = 6–1620 pg/ml), IL-6 (19–17800 pg/ml), TNF-α (19–2000 pg/ml) and GM-CSF (4–275 pg/ml). The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 (7–12 pg/ml) was in the normal range and no increase in interferon (INF)-γ was detected in lymph samples. The data suggest that increased levels of mediators or cytokines localized in the lymphatics may be important contributors to massive lymphatic dilation and inflammation.
When IQ + experience = performance

Proposes that commonly used methods of selecting leaders and managers, such as resumes of experience and training, tests and interviews, do not offer accurate predictions of future leader performance. Suggests that many current selection practices are based on two flawed assumptions: that greater intelligence or experience results in better leadership performance; and that the work environment does not impact on how individuals use their abilities and skills. Argues, with reference to representative studies, that the leadership situation strongly influences the use of the leader’s cognitive resources. Concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for both leadership theory and selection and training practice.
Identification of the herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase gene.

THERE is at present much interest in the herpes viruses because they have been associated with human cancer and cause latent infections with recurrent disease. They are also of interest because they form a relatively simple but apt model for the processes of transcription and DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. We have studied the virus-induced proteins involved in DNA replication, and present here results that give definitive evidence that the virus-induced DNA polymerase is encoded in the virus genome, that locate the gene for virus DNA polymerase, and also show that the enzyme is essential for virus replication.
Rapid, multisample isoelectric focusing in sucrose density gradients using conventional polyacrylamide electrophoresis equipment: A two-peak transient in the approach-to-equilibrium

Abstract Using a semiporous plug of agar gel to support a sucrose density gradient column without restricting electrical conductivity, Massey and Deal [ J. Biol. Chem. 248, 56 (1973)] were able to use a conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis apparatus to carry out single tube isoelectric focusing experiments in density gradients in only 2 hr using minute amounts (50 μg) of sample and very little ampholyte (0.18 ml); no cooling apparatus was required. In this work we report that 1) polyacrylamide provides a superior gel plug and 2) that ten isoelectric focusing tubes can easily be run simultaneously in a conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis apparatus. In addition, the isoelectric points of eight proteins, with p I values ranging from 5.1 to 8.8 have been determined and the kinetics of the approach-to-isoelectric-focusing-equilibrium have been analyzed. Of special interest is the discovery that in the initial stages of focusing, in these sucrose density gradients, a major peak is formed at each end of the column; these two peaks migrate toward each other and finally coalesce into a single peak. Similar, although less pronounced, effects were previously observed by Catsimpoolas and Wang [ Anal. Biochem. 39, 141 (1971)] in focusing experiments in polyacrylamide gels. With all other conditions constant, the time required to reach equilibrium is 1) less in broad range (e.g., 3–10) pH gradients than it is in narrow range (e.g., 5–8) pH gradients and 2) generally greater with higher molecular weight substances than with lower molecular weight substances. Explanations are given for all of these kinetic phenomena.
United States Postal Service's environmental strategy of leadership and compliance

Abstract The United States Postal Service was faced with increased regulatory and organizational pressures caused by increasing environmental requirements and a massive reorganization in 1992. Moreover, states and local governments were granted authority to impose fines and penalties on government facilities. The Postal Service responded to these challenges by implementing a new organization with the environmental function placed in an operations portion of the organization and by placing the environmental responsibility on line management. This paper describes the implementation of a strategy of leadership and compliance which was developed by a cross-function team and endorsed by senior management. The strategy focuses on ten target areas including pollution prevention/recycling, hazardous chemicals, paint spray operations and regulatory outreach.
How religion influences morbidity and health: Reflections on natural history, salutogenesis and host resistance☆

This paper surveys the field that has come to be known as the epidemiology of religion. Epidemiologic study of the impact of religious involvement, broadly defined, has become increasingly popular in recent years, although the existence, meaning and implications of an apparently salutary religious effect on health have not yet been interpreted in an epidemiologic context. This paper attempts to remedy this situation by putting the "epidemiology" into the epidemiology of religion through discussion of existing empirical findings in terms of several substantive epidemiologic concepts. After first providing an overview of key research findings and prior reviews of this field, the summary finding of a protective religious effect on morbidity is examined in terms of three important epidemiologic concepts: the natural history of disease, salutogenesis and host resistance. In addition to describing a theoretical basis for interpreting a religion-health association, this paper provides an enumeration of common misinterpretations of epidemiologic findings for religious involvement, as well as an outline of hypothesized pathways, mediating factors, and salutogenic mechanisms for respective religious dimensions. It is hoped that these reflections will serve both to elevate the status of religion as a construct worthy of social-epidemiologic research and to reinvigorate the field of social epidemiology.
Mammography film processor replenishment rate: bromide level monitoring.

The effects of the mammography film processing replenishment rate on contrast and speed are studied sensitometrically. Two experiments studied decreasing replenishment rates in the Kodak RP developer and quantified changes in the developer by measuring bromide ion concentrations. First, values of NaBr concentration from 1.7 to 8.4 g/L, achieved by reducing the replenishment rate, were tested with sensitometry strips. Second, the developer replenishment rate of a high volume dedicated mammography processor was reduced by one-third, to 20 cm 3 /1560 cm 2 , so that the NaBr concentration rose from 2.0 to 12.36. Sensitometric results for four film types and patient films were tested for changes from standard values as NaBr concentration was restored to 3.31 g/L. Fifty-five clinical images obtained at 7.3–9.3 NaBr g/L were compared to their matching previous films, with NaBr levels of 2–3 g/L, for contrast and visibility of the skin line. For the range of the NaBr ion from 1.7 to 7 g/L, no significant sensitometric differences were found. Above 7 g/L, different film types had different sensitometric results. From 7.3 to 9.3 NaBr g/L, 47.5% of the clinical films reviewed by four radiologists had less contrast compared to previous films. Dedicated mammography processors with high film volume (i.e., those that do not have excessive oxidation or foreign dye problems) can operate at lower replenishment rates than are currently employed. All common mammography film types are stable at these lower replenishment rates up to 7.0 NaBr g/L.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DOMAINS OF THE ERYTHROPOIETIN RECEPTOR NECESSARY FOR INDUCTION OF CELL GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract To define the cytoplasmic region(s) of the erythropoietic receptor (EpoR) necessary for promotion of growth and induction of differentiation, mutated EpoR cDNAs containing truncations and conversions of tyrosine residues to phenylalanines were generated . Constructs were introduced into IL-3 dependent Ba/F3 cells by electroporation, and individual transfectants were propagated in methylcellulose-containing medium in the presence of erythropoietin (Epo). Truncated receptor at amino acid 350 was partially deficient in promoting cellular growth. When a large number of cells were screened in Epo-containing liquid medium, clones arose in which Epo-dependent growth was due to activation of the endogenous EpoR gene. Analysis of the degree of Epo-dependent differentiation of the transfectants, based on the steady-state levels of β major -globin mRNA, showed that the carboxyl terminal 133 amino acids and tyrosyl residues located at positions 429/431 and 460/464 were not necessary for the induction of differentiation. Examination of clones from diverse origins demonstrated that an inverse relationship existed between the rate of Epo-induced cellular replication and the degree of Epo-induced differentiation.
Alaskan seaweeds lower inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and decrease lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Abstract Chronic inflammation is characterized by macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue, which subsequently up-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes the dysregulation of lipid metabolism, ultimately leading to insulin resistance. This study was designed to examine the effects of coastal Alaskan seaweeds on the macrophage inflammatory response and lipid metabolism of adipocytes. Two bioactive subfractions from the brown alga Fucus distichus , a monoglycosyldiacylglycerol subfraction and a phlorotannin subfraction, decreased mRNA expression of acute and chronic inflammatory biomarkers. Expression of Toll-like receptors TLR4 and TLR9 were also reduced, suggesting a potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity via TLR attenuation. F. distichus fractions decreased lipid accumulation up to 55% and increased free glycerol concentrations by 28–45%. This result was supported by increases in adiponectin and UCP-1 and decreases in leptin mRNA expression. Overall, the Alaskan seaweed F. distichus inhibited proinflammatory responses and improved lipid metabolism, suggesting the potential for seaweed phytochemicals to attenuate inflammatory diseases.
Labor Market Structure and Salary Determination among Professional Basketball Players

This article investigates the labor market structure and determinants of salaries for players in the National Basketball Association. Hodson and Kaufman's (1982) resource perspective is seen as a u...
Determination of trace thorium using catalytic-adsorptive stripping voltammetry of the thorium-cupferron complex.

Abstract A sensitive stripping voltammetric procedure for trace measurement of thorium, based on the catalytic-adsorptive peak of the thorium—cupferron complex, is reported. Optimal experimental conditions include the use of 1mM BES buffer solution (pH 5.5), containing 20μM cupferron, an accumulation potential of −0.80 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and a differential pulse potential scan. The resulting stripping procedure offers improved sensitivity over a previous stripping scheme for thorium. The limit of detection after 5 min preconcentration is 50 ng/l. (2 × 10−10M), the response is linear up to 8 × 10−8M, and the relative standard deviation at the 2.1 × 10−8M level is 4.4%. Possible interferences are evaluated.
Low-distortion hybrid optical shuffle concept

A hybrid micro–macro-optical shuffle interconnection approach is described. The new concept minimizes distortion in multichip smart-pixel shuffle interconnection systems that use macro-optics to link dense arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) sources and matching arrays of detectors. The typical narrow-beam cones of VCSEL’s are exploited by use of beam-deflecting micro-optics to create an optical system that is symmetric about its aperture. Since symmetric systems are well known to cancel distortion, this novel concept provides the means to achieve the required high degree of interchip registration accuracy.
Extraction of high molecular weight DNA from microbial mats.

Successful and accurate analysis and interpretation of metagenomic data is dependent upon the efficient extraction of high-quality, high molecular weight (HMW) community DNA. However, environmental mat samples often pose difficulties to obtaining large concentrations of high-quality, HMW DNA. Hypersaline microbial mats contain high amounts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)1 and salts that may inhibit downstream applications of extracted DNA. Direct and harsh methods are often used in DNA extraction from refractory samples. These methods are typically used because the EPS in mats, an adhesive matrix, binds DNA2,3 during direct lysis. As a result of harsher extraction methods, DNA becomes fragmented into small sizes4,5,6. The DNA thus becomes inappropriate for large-insert vector cloning. In order to circumvent these limitations, we report an improved methodology to extract HMW DNA of good quality and quantity from hypersaline microbial mats. We employed an indirect method involving the separation of microbial cells from the background mat matrix through blending and differential centrifugation. A combination of mechanical and chemical procedures was used to extract and purify DNA from the extracted microbial cells. Our protocol yields approximately 2 μg of HMW DNA (35-50 kb) per gram of mat sample, with an A260/280 ratio of 1.6. Furthermore, amplification of 16S rRNA genes7 suggests that the protocol is able to minimize or eliminate any inhibitory effects of contaminants. Our results provide an appropriate methodology for the extraction of HMW DNA from microbial mats for functional metagenomic studies and may be applicable to other environmental samples from which DNA extraction is challenging.
Improving Hunter Recruitment and Retention

Current trends show that despite overall support for hunting, fewer Americans are participating in the activity. Traditional recruitment and retention methods in which hunting families initiate, train, and socialize their children or other family members into hunting tradition are still the primary routes to recruiting and retaining new hunters. With declining numbers of hunters, however, this approach alone will not be able to counter declining participation trends. This article describes strategies and future research directions that may help improve existing hunter recruitment and retention efforts. The article suggests that greater emphasis must be placed on the unique values and benefits of hunting as a way to attract new hunters and keep those who already hunt active in the hunting community. Supporters of hunting who best understand the culture and the contributions that hunters make to their communities are poised to be the most effective proponents of hunting.
The father in the adolescent pregnancy at risk for child maltreatment. I. Helpmate or hinderance

Concern regarding the risk of child maltreatment in adolescent parent-child dyads has moderated in recent study. Concern persists, however, in those relationships where demographic or dynamic aspects of the relationship predict greater stress. While the majority of research targeting these high-risk adolescent parent-child dyads has focused on the adolescent mother, there has been little attention directed to the possible role played by the father in the adolescent parenting situation. This paper examines the characteristics of 145 fathers in adolescent mother-child relationships previously determined to be “high-risk” for child abuse. The hypothesis that the fathers in these high-risk relationships may bring elements to the environment and relationship which exacerbate the existing risk (e.g., occupational, educational, and financial problems) was supported. In addition, speculation was off ered that certain personal characteristics of the fathers such as alcohol/substance abuse and criminal records would serve to predict greater rates of ultimate relationship failure.
Role of ERK map kinase and CRM1 in IL-1β-stimulated release of HMGB1 from cortical astrocytes

Reactive astrocytes are traditionally thought to impede brain plasticity after stroke. However, we previously showed that reactive astrocytes may also contribute to stroke recovery, partly via the release of a nuclear protein called high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Here, we investigate the mechanisms that allow stimulated astrocytes to release HMGB1. Exposure of rat primary astrocytes to IL-1b for 24 hrs elicited a dose-dependent HMGB1 response. Immunostaining and western blots of cell lysates showed increased intracellular levels of HMGB1. Western blots confirmed that IL-1b induced a release of HMGB1 into astrocyte conditioned media. MAP kinase signaling was involved. Levels of phospho-ERK were increased by IL-1b, and the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 decreased HMGB1 upregulation in the stimulated astrocytes. Since HMGB1 is a nuclear protein, the role of the nuclear protein exporter, chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1), was assessed as a candidate mechanism for linking MAP kinase signaling to HMGB1 release. IL-1b increased CRM1 expression in concert with a translocation of HMGB1 from nucleus into cytoplasm. Blockade of IL-1b -stimulated HMGB1 release with the ERK inhibitor U0126 was accompanied by a downregulation of CRM1. Our findings reveal that IL-1b stimulates the release of HMGB1 from activated astrocytes via ERK MAP kinase and CRM1 signaling. These data suggest a novel pathway by which inflammatory cytokines may enhance the ability of reactive astrocytes to release pro-recovery mediators after stroke.
Preface to the Focus Issue on Printable Functional Materials for Electronics and Energy Applications

Printing technologies in an atmospheric environment offer the potential for low-cost and materials-efficient alternatives for manufacturing electronics and energy devices such as luminescent displays, thin-filmtransistors,sensors,thin-filmphotovoltaics,fuelcells,capacitors, and batteries. Significant progress has been made in the area of printablefunctionalorganicandinorganicmaterialsincludingconductors, semiconductors, and dielectric and luminescent materials. These new printable functional materials have and will continue to enable exciting advances in printed electronics and energy devices. Some examples are printed amorphous oxide semiconductors, organic conductors and semiconductors, inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials, silicon, chalcogenide semiconductors, ceramics, metals, intercalation compounds, and carbon-based materials. This focus issue of the ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology is devoted to the publication of state-of-the-art efforts that address a variety of approaches to printable functional materials and device. This focus issue, consisting of a total of 15 papers, includes both invited and contributed papers reflecting recent achievements in printable functional materials and devices. The topics of these papers span several key ECS technical areas, including batteries, sensors,
The band patterns of twelve D 98-AH-2 marker chromosomes and their use for identification of intraspecific cell hybrids.

The chromosomal complement of the human cell line D98/AH-2 has been studied by quinacrine mustard and trypsin Giemsa banding techniques. The dispersion of chromosome counts has been shown to be due to non-random variation involving mainly a few particular chromosomes. — Twelve different marker chromosomes could be distinguished and the presumptive derivation of most of their chromosomal material from normal human chromosomes has been determined. Most cells in 6 different hybrid clones derived from fusion of D98/AH-2 cells with skin fibroblasts from a cystinotic patient contained a single copy of each marker chromosome.
Olfactory Deficits in Frontotemporal Dementia as Measured by the Alberta Smell Test

The study of olfaction in neurodegeneration has primarily focused on Alzheimer's disease. Research of olfaction in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has generally not been empirically studied. The current study compared olfaction in FTD to major depressive disorder (MDD) using the Alberta Smell Test (AST). Independent-samples t test results suggested olfaction in FTD was impaired when compared with participants diagnosed with MDD. The AST Total score (out of 20 trials) significantly predicted the diagnostic group and accounted for 40% of the variance in diagnostic group status with an odds ratio of 20.08. Results suggested that a cutoff of ≤2/20 differentiated FTD from MDD with 94% accuracy (91% sensitivity, 97% specificity) and a cutoff of ≤1/20 differentiated the groups with a 95.5% hit rate (91% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Results confirmed olfactory identification deficits in FTD and suggested that the AST is an effective tool for the demarcation of FTD from MDD. This is especially important due to the potential for significant overlap in the behavioral/emotional phenotype and cognitive deficits between the two disorders when presented with early stages of FTD.
Effect of fibroblast growth factors 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on avian chondrocyte proliferation.

It has been demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor receptors are key regulators of endochondral bone growth. However, it has not been determined what fibroblast growth factor ligand(s) (FGFs) are important in this process. This study sought to determine whether FGFs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were capable of stimulating avian chondrocyte proliferation in vitro. We have found that FGFs 2, 4, and 9 strongly stimulate avian chondrocyte proliferation while FGFs 6 and 8 stimulate proliferation to a lesser extent. RT-PCR indicates that FGF-2 and FGF-4 are expressed in the postnatal avian epiphyseal growth plate (EGP) while FGF-8 and FGF-9 are not. Thus, FGF-2 and FGF-4 stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and are both present in the EGP. This suggests that FGF-2 and FGF-4 may be important ligands, in vivo, for the regulation of endochondral bone growth. These observations coupled with our observation that multiple avian FGF receptors (Cek1, Cek2, Cek3, and FREK) are expressed in proliferative chondrocytes highlights the complexity of FGF signaling pathways in postnatal endochondral bone growth. J. Cell. Biochem. 84: 359–366, 2002. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Targeted imaging using ultrasound.

The discipline of medical imaging is expanding to include both traditional anatomic modalities and new techniques for the functional assessment of the presence and extent of disease. Current FDA-approved ultrasound contrast agents are micron-sized bubbles with a stabilizing shell. Microbubble contrast agents can be used to estimate microvascular flow rate in a manner similar to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The concentration of these agents within the vasculature, reticulo-endothelial, or lymphatic systems produces an effective passive targeting of these areas. Liquid-filled nanoparticles and liposomes have also demonstrated echogenicity and are under evaluation as ultrasound contrast agents. Actively targeted ultrasound relies on specially designed contrast agents to localize the targeted molecular signature or physiologic system. These agents typically remain within the vascular space, and therefore possible targets include molecular markers on thrombus, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the requirements, challenges, current progress, and future directions of targeted imaging with ultrasound.
The effect of bulking agents on the chemical stability of acid-sensitive compounds in freeze-dried formulations: sucrose inversion study.

ABSTRACT: The goal of the study was to evaluate the impact of amorphous bulking agents on the chemical stability of freeze-dried materials. Polyvinylpyrrolidone and dextran of different molecular weights and lactose were used as bulking agents, and sucrose was used as an example of an acid-sensitive compound. Lyophiles containing bulking agent and sucrose at 10:1 (w/w) ratio, citrate buffer, and optionally bromophenol blue (pH indicator) were tested by X-ray powder diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and Karl Fischer titrimetry. Diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy was used to obtain the concentration ratio of the deprotonated (In 2− ) to the protonated (HIn_) indicator species, from which the Hammett acidity function (H 2− ) was calculated. The extent of sucrose inversion in lyophiles stored at 60°C was quantified by HPLC. The bulking agent had a major impact on both the apparent solid-state acidity (H 2− ) and the degradation rate, with the degradation rate constants value highest for dextran lyophiles (most "acidic'', lower H 2 _) followed by lactose and polyvinylpyrrolidone lyophile (least "acidic", higher H 2− ). The Hammett acidity function can be used as an empirical solid-state acidity scale, to predict the rank-order stability of acid-sensitive compounds in lyophiles prepared with different bulking agents.
Sanitation, spirits, and medicine: health care in the African bush.

Liberia, situated on the western bulge of Africa, is that continent's oldest independent black republic. Located 480 km north of the equator and bordered by Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean, Liberia is nearly the size of Ohio, with an estimated population of 2 million. Most Liberians belong to 1 of 16 distinct ethnic groups, each with a separate culture and language. Two thirds of the population is rural and 50% of the population is under 15 years of age. The estimated adult illiteracy rate is 76%.1 The village of Zorzor lies in a tropical rain forest in the foothills of the Wologizi mountain range, which extends from northeast Liberia into Guinea. Zorzor, a rural village, has an estimated population of 5000 to 10 000 and is 220 km from Monrovia, the Liberian capital (Figure). Subsistence rice farming is the primary local occupation of the
Numerical modeling of thin film optical filters

Thin films are an important and sometimes essential component in many optical and electrical devices. As part of their studies in optics, students receive a basic grounding in the propagation of light through thin films of various configurations. Knowing how to calculate the transmission and reflection of light of various wavelengths through thin film layers is essential training that students should have. We present exercises where students use Mathcad to numerically model the transmission and reflection of light from various thin film configurations. By varying the number of layers and their optical parameters, students learn how to adjust the transmission curves in order to tune particular filters to suit needed applications.
Investigation of anti-corrosion coatings by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)

There is a need to rapidly screen the performance of potentially new anti-corrosion coatings for Naval Aviation. Here, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is used in the substrate generation/tip collection (SGTC) mode to differentiate between primers of known performance as a proof of concept. The substrate potential was increased until significant tip collection was observed and the performance of the coating inferred by the level of oxidative potential required.
Lysine-60 in Copper Chaperone Atox1 Plays an Essential Role in Adduct Formation with a Target Wilson Disease Domain

The mechanism by which the human copper (Cu) chaperone Atox1 delivers Cu to metal-binding domains of Wilson disease (WD) protein for insertion into cuproenzymes is unclear. Using near-UV circular dichroism as a new tool to probe chaperone-target interactions, in combination with gel filtration and molecular dynamics simulations, we here demonstrate that Atox1 forms a stable Cu-dependent adduct with the fourth metal-binding domain of WD (WD4). Using point-mutated Atox1 variants, we show that the adduct forms in the absence of conserved residues M10 or T11 but K60 is essential for heterocomplex formation and Cu transfer. Dissection of heterocomplex energetic components reveals a crucial role for K60-mediated electrostatic interaction.
Metrics and Collaborations are Key to Creating and Preserving New Observation Records

A potential gap in observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) series of polar-orbiting satellites highlights the need for crisp metrics demonstrating the value of weather and climate information. That topic and others were discussed at the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Washington forum in Washington, D.C., on 26–28 April. The meeting’s participants also agreed on the need to collaborate among federal agencies and among the private, public, and academic sectors; to meet user needs and understand local issues when providing climate services; and to improve communication with the public about climate change (and destigmatize the word “climate”). The flagging economy and federal deficit necessitate that the enterprise do more with less. The AMS’s Commission on the Weather and Climate Enterprise and its Board on Enterprise Economic Development annually host this meeting to assemble members of the weather, water, and climate community along with senior federal agency representatives, congressional staff, and leaders in the private and academic sectors.
Variability in the Preoperative Management of Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) commonly undergo initial surgical palliation during the first week of life. Few data exist on optimal preoperative management strategies; therefore, the management of these infants prior to surgery is anecdotal and variable. To more fully define this variability in preoperative care of infants with HLHS, a survey was designed to describe current preoperative management practices in the infant with HLHS. The questionnaire explored management styles as well as preoperative monitoring techniques and characteristics of the respondent's health care institution. The responses were compiled and are reported. A striking lack of consistency in preoperative management techniques for infants with HLHS is apparent. The impact of these preoperative strategies is unknown. Despite challenges in anatomic and hemodynamic variability at presentation, a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing ventilatory management techniques, enteral feeding strategies, and the utility of various monitoring tools on short- and long-term outcome is needed.
Finiteness of lattice of congruences on commutative semigroups

It is well known that if an abelian group has a finite number of distinct congruences, then it is finite. This can be extended to commutative semigroups. Furthermore we see that the theorem is still true under weaker conditions.
Order in the lung

Given the lung's thousands of branching airways, its development might be expected to be a highly complex process. Yet a surprisingly simple picture now emerges of when, where and in what order these branches form.
Local Seismic and Infrasound Observations of the 2009 Explosive Eruptions of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

Abstract Local seismic and infrasound data are used to characterize the March–April 2009 eruptions of Redoubt volcano, Alaska. Data are from a network of ten seismic stations ranging from 2.6 to 21 km from the vent and a single infrasound sensor 12.2 km from the vent. Measurements were made for more than 30 explosive eruptions including the 19 numbered events that were identified during the eruption response. More than 30 smaller explosions were also identified. Measured parameters include onset time, duration, reduced displacement (DR), pressure, seismic energy, and acoustic energy. Results were compared with complementary gas and lightning data. Based on ratios of pressure to DR and acoustic to seismic energy we find that the initial group of explosive eruptions on 23–24 March was relatively stronger seismically and included the four highest DR values. We infer that these represent vent enlargement or stronger coupling between the magma and wall rocks. One event, at 12:31 UT on 23 March had an extremely high pressure of 250 Pa for the initial pulse and was likely weakly seismically coupled. A second group of explosive eruptions on 27–29 March was relatively stronger acoustically. Deposits were finer grained and of different lithology, with less scoria and more dense clasts. These two groups may represent different modes of gas release. Cumulative acoustic energy as a function of time correlates well with comparable lightning and SO2 data, suggesting that all three provide insight regarding different factors of gas release for the eruption as a whole. The number of events identified depends on criteria measured, and depends on the goals of the investigations. Overall the eruptions were substantially stronger than recent eruptions in Alaska, with some durations exceeding 1 h and pressures an order of magnitude higher.
Comparison of glyburide and insulin for the management of gestational diabetics with greatly elevated oral glucose challenge test and fasting hyperglycemia

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of glyburide and insulin for the treatment of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women who had OGCT X200 mg/dl and fasting hyperglycemia. Study design: A retrospective study was performed among a subset of women treated with glyburide or insulin for GDM from 1999 to 2002 with an OGCT X200 mg/dl and pretreatment fasting plasma glucose X105 mg/dl. Exclusion criteria included pretreatment fasting X140 mg/dl, gestational age X34 weeks and multiple gestation. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. Statistical methods included bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: In 1999 to 2000, 78 women were treated with insulin; in 2001 to 2002, 44 of 69 (64%) received glyburide. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regards to mean OGCT (230±25 vs 223±23 mg/dl, P ¼ 0.07) and mean pretreatment fasting (120±10 vs 119±11 mg/dl, P ¼ 0.45). Seven women (16%) failed glyburide. Women in the insulin group were younger (31.5±5.8 vs 35.2±4.7 years, P<0.001) and had a higher mean BMI (32.4±6.4 vs 29.1±5.8 kg/m 2 , P ¼ 0.003) compared to glyburide group. There were no significant differences in birth weight (3524±548 vs 3420±786 g, P ¼ 0.65), macrosomia (19 vs 23%, P ¼ 0.65), pre-eclampsia (12 vs 11%, P ¼ 0.98) or cesarean delivery (39 vs 46%, P ¼ 0.45). Neonates in the glyburide group were diagnosed more frequently with hypoglycemia (34 vs 14%, P ¼ 0.01). When controlled for confounders, macrosomia was found to be associated with glyburide treatment (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 11.4). Conclusion: In women with GDM who had a markedly elevated OGCT and fasting hyperglycemia, glyburide achieved similar birth weights and delivery outcomes but was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia. The possible increased risk of neonatal hypoglycemia in the
Ironic technology: Old age and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator in US health care

Abstract We take the example of cardiac devices, specifically the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, to explore the complex cultural role of technology in medicine today. We focus on persons age 80 and above, for whom ICD use is growing in the U.S. We highlight an ironic feature of this device. While it postpones death and ’saves’ life by thwarting a lethal heart rhythm, it also prolongs living in a state of dying from heart failure. In that regard the ICD is simultaneously a technology of life extension and dying. We explore that irony among the oldest age group -- those whose considerations of medical interventions are framed by changing societal assumptions of what constitutes premature death, the appropriate time for death and medicine’s goals in an aging society. Background to the rapidly growing use of this device among the elderly is the ‘technological imperative’ in medicine, bolstered today by the value given to evidence-based studies. We show how evidence contributes to standards of care and to the expansion of Medicare reimbursement criteria. Together, those factors shape the ethical necessity of physicians offering and patients accepting the ICD in late life. Two ethnographic examples document the ways in which those factors are lived in treatment discussions and in expectations about death and longevity.
Integration of interventional MRI with computer-assisted surgery.

Interventional MRI (IMRI) has entered into a new stage in which computer-based techniques play an increasing role in planning, monitoring, and controlling the procedures. The use of interactive imaging, navigational image guidance techniques, and image processing methods is demonstrated in various applications. The integration of intraoperative MRI guidance and computer-assisted surgery will greatly accelerate the clinical utility of image-guided therapy in general and interventional MRI in particular. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:69‐77. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The richest monetary prize in vision.

T HOSE SEEKING BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVER- iesinophthalmologyandvision,likethose working to bring the benefits of such dis- coveries and modern ophthalmic care to poor people around the globe, are not do- ing it for the recognition or the money. Still, recogni- tion and monetary awards, particularly those that advance their work, do not hurt. The Antonio Cham- palimaud Vision Award, which is given annually, brings both recognition and funding to research and practice. At €1 million ($1.32 million at recent exchange rates), it is also among the "richest" prizes in all of medicine and,byfar,thelargestprizeforvisionresearchandblind- ness prevention. The Vision Award was established by the Champali- maud Foundation of Lisbon, Portugal, to recognize the Foundation'sfounder,AntonioChampalimaud,wholeft a significant portion of his fortune to be used for medi- cal advancement in the fields of neuroscience and on- cology. Because Antonio de Sommer Champalimaud, a Portugueseindustrialistandentrepreneur,sufferedfrom severe visual loss near the end of his life, the Founda- tion's President, Dr Leonor Beleza, and its Board of Di- rectors established the Vision Award in his honor. TheVisionAwardisgiven,onalternateyears,toapro- gram that has contributed significantly to blindness pre- vention among poor and underserved populations and, on the subsequent year, for significant research discov- eries. The formal award presentation occurs in Septem- ber at a grand affair in Lisbon presided over by the presi- dent of Portugal. The first, third, and fifth awards, respectively, went to the Aravind Eye Care System in India, for its having played a critical role in vastly expanding access to cata- ract and other ophthalmic services by pioneering high- quality, sustainable, and efficient delivery mechanisms; to Helen Keller International, a US-based nongovern- mental organization, for its leadershipin developing and promoting global programs for the control of blinding (and fatal) vitamin A deficiency in children; and to the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control, for devel- opingaunique,community-based,bottom-upsystemfor delivering annual doses of ivermectin that are protect- ing millions of people from river blindness in 17 coun- tries across sub-Saharan Africa. The second, fourth, and sixth awards went to leading vision researchers. In 2008, it recognized the contribu- tions of Jeremy Nathans and King-Wai Yau, for their dis- coveries related to the way light rays are detected by reti-