cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing neurons use a putative pioneer's peripheral arbor to establish their terminal fields

Pioneer neurons are known to guide later developing neurons during the initial phases of axonal outgrowth. To determine whether they are also important in the formation of terminal fields by the follower cells, we studied the role of a putative leech pioneer neuron, the pressure- sensitive (PD) neuron, in the establishment of other neurons' peripheral arbors. The PD neuron has a major axon that exits from its segmental ganglion to grow along the dorsal-posterior (DP) nerve to the dorsal body wall, where it arborizes extensively mainly in its own segment. It also has two minor axons that project to the two adjacent segments but branch to a lesser degree. We found that the peripheral projections of several later developing neurons, including the AP motor neuron and the TD sensory neuron, followed, with great precision, the major axon and peripheral arbor of the consegmental PD neuron, up to its fourth-order branches. When a PD neuron was ablated before it had grown to the body wall, the AP and TD axons grew normally toward and reached the target area, but then formed terminal arbors that were greatly reduced in size and abnormal in morphology. Further, if the ablation of a PD neuron was accompanied by the induction, in the same segment, of greater outgrowth of the minor axon of a PD neuron from the adjacent segment, the arbors of the same AP neurons grew along these novel PD neuron branches. These results demonstrate that the peripheral arbor of a PD neuron is a both necessary and sufficient template for the formation of normal terminal fields by certain later growing follower neurons.
The inherently political nature of program evaluators and evaluation research

This paper discusses the importance of addressing the political dynamics inherent in any evaluation research process. The theoretical orientation contributing to the denial and avoidance of politics is articulated and contrasted with one which posits politics as normative and useful. A connection is drawn between stakeholder and case study approaches to evaluation. It is argued that both are effective routes to evaluations which facilitate decision making. A case example of a study of Community Development Block Grant agencies is used to detail problems accompanying avoidance of politics. Guidelines for effectively addressing and using politics are offered.
Cystic fibrosis heterozygote resistance to cholera toxin in the cystic fibrosis mouse model

The effect of the number of cystic fibrosis (CF) alleles on cholera toxin (CT)-induced intestinal secretion was examined in the CF mouse model. CF mice that expressed no CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein did not secrete fluid in response to CT. Heterozygotes expressed 50 percent of the normal amount of CFTR protein in the intestinal epithelium and secreted 50 percent of the normal fluid and chloride ion in intestinal epithelium and secreted 50 percent of the normal fluid and chloride ion and fluid secretion suggests that CF heterozygotes might possess a selective advantage of resistance to cholera.
COGNITIVE ORGANIZATION OF EMOTION: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LABELS AND DESCRIPTORS OF EMOTION IN JEALOUSY SITUATIONS

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the cognitive organization of labels of emotion differs from descriptions of affective states. This was done in the context of determining whether the attributions of labels of emotion and descriptions of affective responses in jealousy situations differed according to the status of the interloper, presence of an audience to the untoward behavior, and sex of the respondent. The subjects, 300 male and female junior college students, read vignettes which placed them at a party where their mates passionately kissed interlopers of varying status, and whose transgressions were, or were not, observed by others. The subjects were required to indicate the likelihood that they would experience anger, disgust, fear, jealousy, sadness, and surprise, and 49 cognitive and physiological descriptions of the affective states referred to by the aforementioned labels of emotion. Different findings were obtained with the labels and descriptors of affective states. This was interpreted as support for the systems theory of G.E. Schwartz. The descriptions, but not the labels, indicated that men were most upset when the interloper was a best friend and least concerned when he was a stranger. In contrast, women were most upset when the interloper was someone of equal or lower status than themselves and least upset when the interloper was their best friend.
The potential role of PD0332991 (Palbociclib) in the treatment of multiple myeloma

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy indicating a need for continued investigation of novel therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) in the pathogenesis of MM. PD0332991 (Palbociclib) is an orally bioavailable, highly selective inhibitor of the CDK4/6-cyclin complex and downstream retinoblastoma protein (Rb) activation pathway that induces cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize the role of the CDK4/6 signaling pathway in MM. They also summarize the development of PD0332991 as a specific inhibitor of CDK4/6, and the reported preclinical and clinical data supporting the potential role of PD0332991 in MM.Expert opinion: While PD0332991 is essentially cytostatic, inducing prolonged G1 arrest, it enhances the cytotoxic effect of other agents effective in MM, including bortezomib and lenalidomide, as confirmed in early phase clinical trials. However, with a plethora of other drugs of diffe...
Hepatic metabolism of 3-oxoandrost-4-ene-17β-carboxylic acid in the adult rat: formation of carboxyl-linked glucuronides both in vivo and in vitro

Abstract The hepatic metabolism of 3-oxoandrost-4-ene-17β-carboxylic acid (etienic acid), a probable acidic catabolite of deoxycorticosterone, was investigated using rats prepared with an external biliary fistula. Metabolic products were identified by GC-MS after hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase and by proton nuclear magnetic resonance after Chromatographic purification of protected glucuronides. About 80% of the injected dose was secreted into bile in 20 hours. Three fully reduced etianic acids (3α-hydroxy-5α-, 3β-hydroxy-5α-, 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17β-carboxylic acids) were identified as were several of their di- and trihydroxylated congeners. Glucuronides of these reduced and/or hydroxylated metabolites constituted over half of the recovered dose, with carboxyl-linked glucuronides predominating over 3-hydroxyl-linked glucuronides. The mode of glucuronidation correlated well with the ability of liver microsomes to form the corresponding compounds in vitro from the set of four 3,5-diastereomeric etianic acids.
Structure and Nano-Mechanics of DNA during the Initial Stages of Methyl-Directed Mismatch Repair

DNA undergoing replication is a mechanically complex system on which mismatch repair machinery must not only identify errors on a concurrently replicating / supercoiling DNA molecule but also signal the information along the crowded DNA molecule to excision / re-synthesis elements. In the methyl-directed (dam/mutH-dependent) mismatch repair pathway in E. coli, if errors in newly-replicated DNA are detected by MutS, MutH will nick transiently hemi-methylated d(GATC) sites on the daughter strand in response to activating signals from MutS and MutL to initiate repair. The nearest d(GATC) may be over 1000 base-pairs away from the error, and the mechanics of how MutH-activating signals are transmitted along DNA remain poorly understood-- most models focus on efforts by MutS/MutL complexes to contact latent MutH waiting on the DNA. Using a suite of single-molecule tools (atomic force microscopy, single molecule force spectroscopy, and tethered particle motion), we directly investigate the structure, forces, and nano-mechanical behavior of individual DNA undergoing the initial stages of repair. To understand how d(GATC) sites are identified after a replication error is found, we observe and biophysically characterize the looping of individual DNA molecules by MutS and the structure of MutS/MutL/MutH complexes on DNA, and record both the mechanical strength of interactions between complexes of MutS, MutL, and MutH and with DNA and the resulting structure of the DNA molecule. Potential application and extension of these biophysical techniques to MutH-independent and mammalian mismatch repair systems will also be discussed.
Lactate, Fructose and Glucose Oxidation Profiles in Sports Drinks and the Effect on Exercise Performance

Exogenous carbohydrate oxidation was assessed in 6 male Category 1 and 2 cyclists who consumed CytoMax™ (C) or a leading sports drink (G) before and during continuous exercise (CE). C contained lactate-polymer, fructose, glucose and glucose polymer, while G contained fructose and glucose. Peak power output and VO2 on a cycle ergometer were 408±13 W and 67.4±3.2 mlO2·kg−1·min−1. Subjects performed 3 bouts of CE with C, and 2 with G at 62% VO2peak for 90 min, followed by high intensity (HI) exercise (86% VO2peak) to volitional fatigue. Subjects consumed 250 ml fluid immediately before (−2 min) and every 15 min of cycling. Drinks at −2 and 45 min contained 100 mg of [U-13C]-lactate, -glucose or -fructose. Blood, pulmonary gas samples and 13CO2 excretion were taken prior to fluid ingestion and at 5,10,15,30,45,60,75, and 90 min of CE, at the end of HI, and 15 min of recovery. HI after CE was 25% longer with C than G (6.5±0.8 vs. 5.2±1.0 min, P<0.05). 13CO2 from the −2 min lactate tracer was significantly elevated above rest at 5 min of exercise, and peaked at 15 min. 13CO2 from the −2 min glucose tracer peaked at 45 min for C and G. 13CO2 increased rapidly from the 45 min lactate dose, and by 60 min of exercise was 33% greater than glucose in C or G, and 36% greater than fructose in G. 13CO2 production following tracer fructose ingestion was greater than glucose in the first 45 minutes in C and G. Cumulative recoveries of tracer during exercise were: 92%±5.3% for lactate in C and 25±4.0% for glucose in C or G. Recoveries for fructose in C and G were 75±5.9% and 26±6.6%, respectively. Lactate was used more rapidly and to a greater extent than fructose or glucose. CytoMax significantly enhanced HI.
Abstinence versus alcohol use among elderly rural Baptists: A test of reference group theory and health outcomes

Reference groups, such as religious groups, are thought to provide individuals with normative frameworks which set and maintain standards for them. Persons who belong to a reference group, yet do not comply with the standards of that group, i.e. non-conformists, are thought to experience cognitive dissonance which in turn may lead to psychological discomfort and adverse physical health outcomes. In a community-based, racially mixed sample of elderly Baptists in the rural south of the United States (n = 1155), where Baptist churches proscribe alcohol use, we studied whether alcohol use was associated with adverse physical and mental health assessments. No relationship was found between non-conformist behavior among rural Baptists and adverse health outcomes for either Whites or African-Americans in controlled analyses. More frequent church attendance among African-American Baptists, but not for White Baptists, was strongly associated with abstinence from alcohol.
Direct manipulation and observation of the rotational motion of single optically trapped microparticles and biological cells in microvortices.

This paper describes a method for manipulating and monitoring the rotational motion of single, optically trapped microparticles and living cells in a microvortex. To induce rotation, we placed the microparticle at the center of rotation of the vortex and used the recirculating fluid flow to drive rotation. We have monitored the rotation of single beads (which ranged in diameter from a few micrometers to tens of micrometers) and living cells in a microvortex. To follow the rotation of a smooth and symmetrically shaped bead, we first ablated a small region (∼1 μm) on the bead. An Ar+ laser was then tightly focused (∼0.5-μm spot size) onto the bead, and rotation was tracked by recording changes in the level of backscattered laser light as the ablated region repeatedly transited the laser focus. Using this method, we have followed bead rotation that varied in frequency from 0.15 to 100 Hz and have studied the effect of bead diameter on the rate of rotation at a given fluid flow rate. To monitor the rotation o...
Herpesviruses control the DNA damage response through TIP60

Background and results Herpesviruses establish life-long persistent infections that result in clinical manifestations ranging from mild cold sores, to pneumonitis and cancers. Immunosuppressed populations, including AIDS patients, are at risk for more serious disease outcomes. Although the a-, b-, and g-herpesviruses infect different tissues and cause distinct diseases, they confront many of the same challenges in producing new virions and spreading infection. The herpesvirus families each encode a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in virus replication and spread. Despite the potential of these kinases as pharmacological targets, the extent of substrate conservation and the key common cell signalling pathways targeted by these enzymes are unknown. We applied a human protein microarray, high-throughput approach to identifying shared substrates of the conserved kinases from herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus. We identified 110 shared host substrates targeted by at least three conserved viral kinases. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) were statistically enriched and further orthogonal analysis led to an in-depth characterization of a histone acetyltransferase, TIP60, as a master regulator that is exploited by these viruses. In EBV replication, TIP60 acts both by triggering the EBV-induced DDR and by regulating expression of viral lytic genes (Figure 1).
Field training in community-social psychology: A competency-based, self-directed learning model

Field training in community-social psychology at the University of Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, combines self-directed learning and a competency-based educational model in a year-long program. This paper describes the development and implementation of this program during its first 2 years. Relationships among different components of the program are discussed, and those between the university, the psychology department, and the community are detailed. We identify selected unresolved areas of concern and extend an invitation for dialogue.
HIV and diarrhea in the era of HAART: 1998 New York State hospitalizations.

Abstract Background: This study reflects an attempt to identify the causes of diarrheal illness in hospitalized HIV patients in light of therapeutic advancements in HIV management. Methods: The study identifies the various etiologies associated with diarrhea among HIV patients hospitalized in New York State in 1998. Data for this study were extracted from the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. Pathogens recognized to cause diarrhea in persons with HIV and general codes identifying diarrhea were examined by using the principal and all secondary diagnoses based on the International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision Clinical Modification codes. Results: Based on the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System data set, more than 15,000 patients with HIV were hospitalized in 1998. Among the HIV patients hospitalized, 2.8% were admitted with a diarrheal diagnosis. The following diagnoses occurred the most frequently among HIV patients hospitalized with a diarrheal illness: Clostridium difficile (51.3%), other protozoal diseases (18.1%), and other organisms, not elsewhere specified (11.7%). Conclusions: In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, diarrhea is still an occurring symptom in HIV patients. Despite the relatively small percentage of hospitalizations attributed to diarrhea, clinicians must remember that even “mild” to “moderate” diarrhea can have a debilitating impact among persons with the symptom. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2000;28:262-6)
Generalized provisional seed zones for native plants

Deploying well-adapted and ecologically appropriate plant materials is a core component of successful restoration projects. We have developed generalized provisional seed zones that can be applied to any plant species in the United States to help guide seed movement. These seed zones are based on the intersection of high-resolution climatic data for winter minimum temperature and aridity (as measured by annual heat : moisture index), each classified into discrete bands. This results in the delineation of 64 provisional seed zones for the continental United States. These zones represent areas of relative climatic similarity, and movement of seed within these zones should help to minimize maladaptation. Superimposing Omernik's level III ecoregions over these seed zones distinguishes areas that are similar climatically yet different ecologically. A quantitative comparison of provisional seed zones with level III ecoregions and provisional seed zones within ecoregions for three species showed that provisional...
Sex and age differences in human platelet aggregation

MALES stand at risk in many pathological states1, especially cardiovascular disease, in which there is a statistically significant higher mortality in men than women2. We have described3 a sex difference in platelet responsivity in rats and guinea pigs where platelets from males were significantly more sensitive to aggregating stimuli than those from females. Increased platelet responsiveness has been detected in humans,in thromboembolic disease4 and after acute myocardial infarction5. Indeed, the principal post mortem finding in subjects who died suddenly is occlusion in the pulmonary circulation due to platelet aggregation6. We have suggested3 that platelet sensitivity is mediated by the androgenic steroids and that androgens contribute to the incidence of thrombotic disease.
Direct simulation of multiple scattering by discrete random media illuminated by Gaussian beams

The conventional orientation-averaging procedure developed in the framework of the superposition T-matrix approach is generalized to include the case of illumination by a Gaussian beam (GB). The resulting computer code is parallelized and used to perform extensive numerically exact calculations of electromagnetic scattering by volumes of discrete random medium consisting of monodisperse spherical particles. The size parameters of the scattering volumes are 40, 50, and 60, while their packing density is fixed at 5%. We demonstrate that all scattering patterns observed in the far-field zone of a random multisphere target and their evolution with decreasing width of the incident GB can be interpreted in terms of idealized theoretical concepts such as forward-scattering interference, coherent backscattering (CB), and diffuse multiple scattering. It is shown that the increasing violation of electromagnetic reciprocity with decreasing GB width suppresses and eventually eradicates all observable manifestations of CB. This result supplements the previous demonstration of the effects of broken reciprocity in the case of magneto-optically active particles subjected to an external magnetic field.
Hydrolytic degradation of highly crosslinked polyaromatic cyanate ester resins

This work presents a robust method for the study of the hydrolytic degradation of a polyaromatic cyanate ester thermoset. A detailed understanding of the kinetics of formation of phenolic degradation intermediates was determined both by fractional increase in weight and near infrared spectroscopy following exposure to controlled moisture and temperature environments. Evidence of decreased cross-linking density by chain scission degradation was also obtained based on the decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg). The effects of catalyst type and concentration on both reaction kinetics and Tg were also determined, linking hydrolysis events directly to Tg degradation. It was found that low conversion of hydrolyzable bonds can lead to significant decreases in Tg values and that the type of catalyst used significantly influences the rate of hydrolysis. The experimental techniques developed in this work were found to be a reliable and reproducible method to characterize the hydrolysis reaction, and can be extended to other cyanate ester systems.
Primate DAX1, SRY, and SOX9: evolutionary stratification of sex-determination pathway.

The molecular evolution of DAX1, SRY, and SOX9, genes involved in mammalian sex determination, was examined in six primate species. DAX1 and SRY have been added to the X and Y chromosomes, respectively, during mammalian evolution, whereas SOX9 remains autosomal. We determined the genomic sequences of DAX1, SRY, and SOX9 in all six species, and calculated Ka, the number of nonsynonymous substitutions per nonsynonymous site, and compared this with the Ks, the number of synonymous substitutions per synonymous site. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by means of the DAX1, SRY, and SOX9 coding sequences, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood. Overall measures of gene and protein similarity were closer for DAX1 and SOX9, but DAX1 exhibited nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions at an accelerated frequency relative to synonymous changes, similar to SRY and significantly higher than SOX9. We conclude that, at the protein level, DAX1 and SRY are under less selective pressure to remain conserved than SOX9, and, therefore, diverge more across species than does SOX9. These results are consistent with evolutionary stratification of the mammalian sex determination pathway, analogous to that for sex chromosomes.
Mitogenic Responses of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Lipid Peroxidation-derived Aldehyde 4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) ROLE OF ALDOSE REDUCTASE-CATALYZED REDUCTION OF THE HNE-GLUTATHIONE CONJUGATES IN REGULATING CELL GROWTH

Products of lipid peroxidation such as 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) trigger multiple signaling cascades that variably affect cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Because glutathiolation is a significant metabolic fate of these aldehydes, we tested the possibility that the bioactivity of HNE depends upon its conjugation with glutathione. Addition of HNE or the cell-permeable esters of glutathionyl-4-hydroxynonenal (GS-HNE) or glutathionyl-1,4-dihydroxynonene (GS-DHN) to cultures of rat aortic smooth muscle cells stimulated protein kinase C, NF-κB, and AP-1, and increased cell growth. The mitogenic effects of HNE, but not GS-HNE or GS-DHN, were abolished by glutathione depletion. Pharmacological inhibition or antisense ablation of aldose reductase (which catalyzes the reduction of GS-HNE to GS-DHN) prevented protein kinase C, NF-κB, and AP-1 stimulation and the increase in cell growth caused by HNE and GS-HNE, but not GS-DHN. The growth stimulating effect of GS-DHN was enhanced in cells treated with antibodies directed against the glutathione conjugate transporters RLIP76 (Ral-binding protein) or the multidrug resistance protein-2. Overexpression of RLIP76 abolished the mitogenic effects of HNE and its glutathione conjugates, whereas ablation of RLIP76 using RNA interference promoted the mitogenic effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that the mitogenic effects of HNE are mediated by its glutathione conjugate, which has to be reduced by aldose reductase to stimulate cell growth. These results raise the possibility that the glutathione conjugates of lipid peroxidation products are novel mediators of cell signaling and growth.
The purification and properties of a β-aspartyl N-acetylglucosylamine amidohydrolase from hen oviduct☆

Abstract An enzyme capable of hydrolyzing 1- l -β-aspartamido[-2-acetamido]-1,2-dideoxy β- d -glucose (Asn-GlcNAc) and related glycopeptides, such as those from ovalbumin, ribonuclease B, and transferrin, was purified about 1500-fold from hen oviduct. Substitution of the amino or carboxyl groups of the aspartate moiety prevented the enzyme from hydrolyzing the substrate. The products of the reaction were aspartate, ammonia, and N -acetylglucosamine, with 1-amino- N -acetylglucosamine an apparent intermediate. The molecular weight of the protein, determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and gel filtration, fell in the range of 101,000–110,000. The enzyme was irreversibly inhibited by 5-diazo-4-oxo- sl -norvaline (DONV), an asparaginase inhibitor, with a K i of 9.5 × 10 −6 m .
Layout compliance for triple patterning lithography: an iterative approach

As the semiconductor process further scales down, the industry encounters many lithography-related issues. In the 14nm logic node and beyond, triple patterning lithography (TPL) is one of the most promising techniques for Metal1 layer and possibly Via0 layer. As one of the most challenging problems in TPL, recently layout decomposition efforts have received more attention from both industry and academia. Ideally the decomposer should point out locations in the layout that are not triple patterning decomposable and therefore manual intervention by designers is required. A traditional decomposition flow would be an iterative process, where each iteration consists of an automatic layout decomposition step and manual layout modification task. However, due to the NP-hardness of triple patterning layout decomposition, automatic full chip level layout decomposition requires long computational time and therefore design closure issues continue to linger around in the traditional flow. Challenged by this issue, we present a novel incremental layout decomposition framework to facilitate accelerated iterative decomposition. In the first iteration, our decomposer not only points out all conflicts, but also provides the suggestions to fix them. After the layout modification, instead of solving the full chip problem from scratch, our decomposer can provide a quick solution for a selected portion of layout. We believe this framework is efficient, in terms of performance and designer friendly.
Isolation, purification, and quantitation of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in canine bile.

Abstract A method has been established to purify and separate cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP from canine bile. Perchloric acid extracts are treated with Dowex 1 resin. This batch processing binds the nucleotides completely, but very little biliary pigment (less than 5%). The Dowex 1 resin is then layered onto a Dowex 50 column, and nucleotides are eluted with 1 n (cyclic AMP) and 4 n formic acid (cyclic GMP). Bile pigments are retained on the Dowex 50, Samples can be concentrated in vacuo . Cyclic nucleotides are then measured via radioimmunoassay. Isolates should be treated with phosphodiesterase for consistent results. This method can be used with small samples, resin volumes, and clution volumes. Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP are both resolved. Canine bile averages 8097 ± 1118 pmol/ml of cyclic AMP and less than 0.8 pmol/ml of cyclic GMP.
Spindle Rotational Speed Effect on Milling Process at Low Cutting Speed

Abstract The spindle rotational speed fluctuates during milling due to intermittent cutting forces applied to the spindle, but the speed effect when machining with a relatively large cutter at low cutting speeds is still not clear. The focus of this paper is to investigate the effect of spindle servomotor dynamic characteristics on milling processes at various rotational speeds. Based on the simulation and experimental studies, it was found that the cutting speed fluctuation is not negligible at low operation speeds and that the spindle servomotor dynamics affect the machining process and tool life. Thus, it was concluded that the spindle dynamics have to be carefully evaluated and chosen when testing machinability of metals, especially low rotational milling applications typically required for machining of difficult-to-cut materials.
Effect of chronically increased erythrocyte complement receptors on immune complex nephritis

Effect of chronically increased erythrocyte complement receptors on immune complex nephritis. Experimental studies in humans and other primates have shown that the erythrocyte (E) complement receptor Type 1 (CR1), which is unique to the primate, plays an important role in clearing immune complexes (IC) from the circulation by binding C3b/C4b opsonized immune complexes and carrying the IC to liver and spleen for disposal. The results of these acute experiments suggest that increasing E-CR1 levels chronically should protect against IC-mediated glomerulonephritis (IC-GN) induced by chronic formation of IC in the circulation. In the present study this hypothesis was tested in the cynomolgus monkey (CYN). IC-GN was induced by daily bolus intravenous infusion of BGG into immunized CYN for 8, 10, or 14 weeks. Prior to and during the daily bolus infusions of BGG, sustained differences in E-CR1 levels were achieved between the experimental group (increased E-CR1 levels) and the control group (maintained or decreased E-CR1 levels), by one of two methods: (1) Twice weekly exchange transfusion. The CYN donors were blood type compatible with the recipients and had either constitutive high E-CR1 expression (3,000 to 5,000 CR1/E) or constitutive low E-CR1 expression (
MOM vs. RPC: communication models for distributed applications

An important aspect of designing a distributed application is the communication model we use to connect its various components. Some middleware solutions, such as Web services, offer two of the most important communication paradigms: asynchronous messaging and remote procedure call (RPC). Message-oriented middleware (MOM) lets a service's consumers physically and temporally decouple from the service providers. Communication between service providers and the consumers is asynchronous, and it don't need to be available at the same time because they communicate by sending and receiving messages from designated message queues. In contrast, RPC is a synchronous method of requesting remote service execution. Consumers must suspend service execution until they receive a reply from the provider. MOM and RPC have advantages and disadvantages. MOM solutions tend to be more robust to failures than RPC, and it allows service requesters to continue to process while service provider's work on their requests. However, programming MOM-based applications is more cumbersome because distribution isn't as transparent to the programmer as with RPCs. In this column, we provide a quantitative framework, which we can use to compare MOM- and RPC-based solutions.
Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine Inhibitors of Squalene Synthase.

A substantial number of sulfobetaines (e.g., 10) have been synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of squalene synthase (SS) on the basis of the idea that their zwitterionic structure would have properties conducive both to binding in the active site and to passage through cell membranes. When the simple sulfobetaine moiety is incorporated into compounds containing hydrophobic portions like those in farnesyl diphosphate (1) or presqualene diphosphate (2), inhibition of SS in a rat liver microsomal assay was indeed observed. For example, farnesylated sulfobetaine 10 has IC50 = 10 μM and aromatic derivative 35 has IC50 = 2 μM for SS inhibition. A wide variety of structural modifications, exemplified by compounds 43, 52, 76, 85, 91, 99, 111, and 115, was investigated. Unfortunately, no inhibitors in the submicromolar range were discovered, and exploration of a different type of zwitterion seems necessary if this appealing approach to inhibition of SS is going to provide a potential antihypercholesterolemic a...
Fiber optics photoacoustic generation using gold nanoparticles as target

Ultrasound transducers have been used in various applications such as nondestructive testing, acoustic response analysis of vascular tissues, and medical imaging. Most recent applications lead to a demand of more advanced ultrasound generators featuring higher central frequency, wider bandwidth and miniature size. In this paper, a novel ultrasound generator on an optical fiber tip is designed, fabricated and characterized. The ultrasound generator was fabricated by coating several layers of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the end face of a piece of commercially available optical fiber via a layer-by-layer (L-b-L) technique. The Au NPs were synthesized by a traditional sodium citrate reduction method and the diameter of Au NPs was controlled at 20 nm. The ultrasound is generated through photoacoustic procedure. By introducing excitation laser pulses on the Au NPs layer, the energy of laser is converted into the heat through photothermal mechanism. Then, the heat transforms into kinetic energy through thermalelastic mechanism. Thus, ultrasound can be generated. The experiment results showed that this kind of ultrasound generator shows wide bandwidth, high frequency and miniature size. By comparing to the conventional energy absorption material such as graphite, the Au NPs show high energy absorption efficiency and high thermal expansion rate. Therefore, the generator exhibits great potentials in intravascular imaging due to its miniature size.
Floral organogenesis in five genera of the Marantaceae and in Canna (Cannaceae)

The paired flowers of all species of the Marantaceae studied, except Monotagma plurispicatum, are produced through the division of an apical meristem with a tunica-corpus structure. The solitary flowers of M. plurispicatum develop from a similar meristem which does not bifurcate. The paired flowers of Canna indica are produced in the axil of a florescence bract through the formation of a bract and an axillary flower on the side of the primordium which gives rise to the largest flower of the pair. The sequence of organ initiation for both families is: calyx, corolla and inner androecial whorl, outer androecial whorl, gynoecium. The sequence of sepal formation is opposite in the two families. In the Cannaceae it leads directly into the spiral ereated by the formation of the other organs, while in the Marantaceae the sequence of sepal formation follows a spiral opposite to that of the other floral organs. The members of the corolla and inner androecial whorl separate from common primordia. In general these common primordia sepa-rate into a petal and an inner androecial member through the initiation of two growth centers, at the same level, in the dorsal and ventral flanks of the primordium. In Ischnosiphon elegans and Pleiostachya pruinosa the stamen is initiated at a lower position than the petal in the ventral flank of the common primordium. A similar pattern of initiation is described for the callose staminode in Marantochloa purpurea and Canna indica. This pattern is interpreted as a variation on the more generalized pattern of inner androecial formation found in the other genera.
Clinical Use of a Resilient Mandibular Denture

This clinical study involved the use of a completely resilient mandibular denture. The majority of the patients preferred the resilient denture to the conventional acrylic resin denture because of better stability, retention, and comfort.
Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein in the vessel wall: good or bad?

Atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis are leading causes of death in the Western world. Recent advances in our understanding of vascular biology would suggest that targeting specific signals in the post–balloon injury vessel or in persons prone to development of atherosclerosis could decrease lesion formation and in the long term decrease cardiovascular events. In light of this, numerous laboratories around the world are investigating the functional activities of the various cellular components of the atherosclerotic plaque, including vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and monocyte/macrophages. See p 1246 One of the strategies for examining vascular wall response to injury in animal models has been the use of the balloon injury model. In this model, a balloon catheter is used to cause an injury and denuding of the endothelium. The animals are monitored serially over 7, 14, and 28 days for narrowing of the blood vessel lumen after injury. This model traditionally has been used to examine activation of SMCs and their proliferative response. In response to balloon injury, vascular SMCs (which are normally contractile and quiescent [nonproliferative]) are released into a proliferation phase by the injury and loss of the endothelium. Immunostaining studies have suggested that the majority of the cells that cause luminal narrowing are SMCs.1 However, recent studies have also demonstrated the presence of inflammatory cells in this model.2 Macrophages are observed both in the balloon injury model and in balloon injury/stent models. Thus, interfering with either SMC function or macrophage activation would be expected to have an impact on restenosis. Agents that can be delivered either pharmacologically or directly at the time of angioplasty to decrease neointimal proliferation are considered to have therapeutic promise. The most useful are agents that decrease SMC proliferation. In the present issue of Circulation , Tokunou et al3 …
Predictors of cervical Pap smear screening awareness, intention, and receipt among Vietnamese-American women

Abstract Background: Compared with white women, Vietnamese women in the United States have a higher rate of cervical cancer and lower Papanicolau (Pap) test utilization. We evaluated factors associated with awareness of the Pap test, intention to obtain it, and its receipt in Vietnamese-American women. Methods: In 2000, we conducted a telephone survey of Vietnamese-American women aged ≥18 years living in Santa Clara County, California, and Harris County, Texas. We collected data on sociodemographics, healthcare system access and attitudes, as well as Pap test awareness, attitudes, intentions, and practices. Results: Of 1566 subjects, 74% had heard of the Pap test, and 76% had had at least one. Only 42% of those who never had a Pap test had considered obtaining one. There were no significant differences between the two sites. Women aged ≥65 had the lowest rates for all three outcomes. For all women, younger age, being married, having requested a Pap test, physician recommendation, and preferring a female standby if the doctor was male were associated with Pap test intention. Being married, higher level of education, having a female doctor, having a respectful doctor, having requested the test, and physician recommendation were associated with Pap test receipt. Conclusion: Vietnamese-American women have low rates of Pap test awareness, intention, and receipt. The patient-doctor interaction is an important determinant. Efforts to increase Pap test utilization in this population need to be directed at encouraging physicians to offer the Pap test and empowering women to ask for the test.
A comparative study of the responses of mammary tissues from several mammalian species to hormones in vitro

Prelactating mammary tissues from five mammalian species (laboratory rat, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, dog) were maintained in organ culture in the presence of insulin, corticoids and ovine prolactin (mammotropin — MH) and/or bovine growth hormone (somatotropin — STH). MH stimulated secretion in all but one species; however, any apparent secretory effect of STH could be accounted for by contamination with MH. Accordingly, these mammals did not demonstrate the interchangeability of MH and STH established for some mouse strains. There are species differences in mammary sensitivity to MH: dog and rabbit are most sensitive, hamster and rat are less sensitive, and guinea pig was unresponsive. No difference in response between Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats was detected. Mammary tissues from the dog, guinea pig and rabbit showed some ability to survive in the unsupplemented synthetic medium “199” whereas tissues from the other two species showed little or no viability. Supplementation of the medium with insulin results in improvement in survival of mammary tissues from all species. The further addition of corticosteroid (aldosterone, cortisol or corticosterone) leads to greater augmentation of survival in tissues from all five species, with some indication that the gluco-corticoid principally characteristic of the species concerned was more effective than the others.
Restructuring the Japanese banking system Has Japan gone far enough

Abstract The resolution of the Japanese banking crisis has been identified as a critical factor affecting the health of the global economy. Massive restructuring must be undertaken to improve the health of Japanese financial system. We provide evidence that the Japanese banking system has begun to restructure in light of recent financial deregulation. In particular, failures, mergers and other forms of restructuring are now underway. However, Japanese banks still must overcome serious obstacles to regain their place among the world's best financial institutions.
Access to pediatric subspecialty care: a population study of pediatric rheumatology inpatients in California.

Objective To examine trends in the specialty care hospitalization of pediatric rheumatology patients and determine how nonclinical factors influence access. Methods This study used California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development discharge database to perform a retrospective population analysis of pediatric rheumatology hospitalizations in California between 1999 and 2007. We used logistic regression to examine the relationship between hospitalization in specialty care centers with a pediatric rheumatologist and nonclinical patient characteristics. Results A total of 18,641 pediatric discharges revealed that 57% were discharged from a specialty care center with a pediatric rheumatologist. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with increased utilization of specialty care centers with a pediatric rheumatologist were public insurance (odds ratio [OR] 1.62, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.51–1.74; P < 0.0001), being Hispanic (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.40; P < 0.0001) or Asian non-Hispanic (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.26–1.54; P < 0.0001), and high pediatric rheumatology specialty care bed supply (OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.49–3.14; P < 0.0001). A decreased utilization of specialty care centers with a pediatric rheumatologist was seen for patients ages <1 year (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.40–0.52; P < 0.0001), ages 1–4 years (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.46–0.55; P < 0.0001), ages 5–9 years (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62–0.75; P < 0.0001), ages 15–18 years (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47–0.56; P < 0.0001), males (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.70–0.80; P < 0.0001), and patients residing farther away from a specialty care center with a pediatric rheumatologist (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.51–0.63; P < 0.0001). Conclusion Nonclinical factors play an increasingly important role in the hospitalization patterns of pediatric rheumatology patients in California. Understanding these factors is crucial if we are to ensure that the variation in access to care reflects clinical need.
Estimating the number of meristem initials after seed irradiation: A method, applied to flax stems

Abstract Flax seeds ( Linum usitatissimum L.) were irradiated with 30 kR of X-rays before sowing. If possible, seeds from 5 basal branches (secondary stems) were harvested separately from each of the M 1 plants. The M 2 seedlings from 47,452 branches were observed for chlorophyll mutants. If mutants were found, all seedlings in that branch progeny were classified, and the M 2 mutant frequency was calculated. Normal appearing M 2 plants were harvested and the M 3 mutant frequencies were determined from the progeny of heterozygous M 2 plants. If the M 2 segregation was not significantly different from a 3:1 ratio, or if the M 2 and M 3 paired ratios were similar according to χ 2 and heterogeneity χ 2 calculations, respectively, the M 1 branch was considered the product of a single initial. From a total of 65 branches with chlorophyll mutants, 45 or 69 per cent were considered to be division products of a single cell initial. If the M 2 and M 3 paired mutant frequencies were significantly different, the number of cell initials contributing to the M 1 branch was estimated from a specially constructed graph. The graph was made on log-log paper by plotting the theoretical mutation frequency from a single mutated cell on the abscissa and number of cells contributing division products on the ordinate. Only 3 per cent of the branches were descended from five or more cell initials.
Elastic line deformed on a surface by an external field: Intrinsic formulation and preliminary application to nucleosome energetics.

If an elastically resilient thin rod (elastic line) is subjected to a static force field, it adopts a trajectory that minimizes the sum of its elastic energy and its energy of interaction with the field. Using ``intrinsic'' methods of differential geometry and variational calculus, we formulate and solve this problem for an elastic line confined to a general surface. The biological structure known as the nucleosome core particle provides motivation to apply the solution to an elastic line (DNA) subject to a centrosymmetric force emanating from a circle. In this case the surface is a plane (although the surface will be curved in a more accurate model). In preliminary numerical work we are able to represent the angular deviation of the elastic line to fifth order in powers of arc length. The result of greatest interest may be that the equilibrium trajectory appears not to approach the circle progressively with increasing strength of the attraction between line and circle. Instead, the line approaches a ``barrier'' trajectory and, as it does, becomes unstable relative to the circular arc.
Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants

Patency of the ductus arteriosus is required for fetal survival in utero. In infants born prematurely, ductus fails to close and shunt reverses from left to right. Incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is inversely proportional to the gestational age. A large PDA (>1.5 mm diameter) with left to right shunt in very low birth weight infants can cause pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and increase the risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Attempts to prevent or close the duct by pharmacological or surgical methods have not changed the morbidity or the long term outcome. Pharmacological treatment with indomethacin or ibuprofen is successful in 75 to 80 % of infants but its use also exposes these infants to undesirable side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis. Prophylactic therapy with indomethacin or ibuprofen to prevent PDA has not altered the morbidity or long term outcome. Currently, there is a dilemma as to how to treat, when to treat and whom to treat. Recent literature suggests a trial of conservative management during the first week followed by selective use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgical ligation is reserved for infants who fail medical therapy and still remain symptomatic. Spontaneous closure of the PDA has been reported in up to 40-67 % of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants by 7 d. In this review authors discuss these controversies and propose a more rational approach.
Monopropellant-Driven Free Piston Hydraulic Pump for Mobile Robotic Systems

The authors present a novel power supply for mobile robotic systems. A monopropellant (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) decomposes into high temperature gases, which drive a free piston hydraulic pump (FPHP). The elimination of fuel/oxidizer mixing allows the design of simple, lightweight systems capable of operaation in oxygen free environments. A thermodynamic analysis has been performed, and an experimental FPHP has been built and tested. The prototype successfully pumped hydraulic fluid, although the flow rate was limited by the off-the-shelf components used.