cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lack of interaction between nitric oxide and the redox modulatory site of the NMDA receptor

The inhibitory effects of nitric oxide (NO) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function have been proposed to be mediated via the interaction of this gas with a redox-sensitive thiol moiety on the receptor. Here, we evaluated this suggested mechanism by examining the actions of various NO donors on native neuronal receptors as well as in wild-type and cysteine-mutated recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The NO donor N-ethyl-2-(1-ethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydraxino)ethanamine (NOC-12; 100 μM) produced a rapid and readily reversible inhibition of whole-cell currents induced by NMDA (30 μM) in cultured cortical neurons. The inhibition was apparent at all holding potentials, though a more pronounced block was observed at negative voltages. The effects of NOC-12 disappeared when the donor was allowed to expire. A similar receptor block was observed with another NO-releasing agent, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 1 mM). The blocking effects of NO released by SNAP, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 1 mM), and 3-[2-hydroxy-1-(1-methylethyl)-2-nitrosohydrazino]-1-propanamine (NOC-5; 100 μM) on currents mediated by recombinant NR1/NR2B receptors were virtually indistinguishable from those observed on native receptors. Furthermore, mutating cysteines 744 and 798 of NR1, which constitute the principal redox modulatory site of the NR1/NR2B receptor configuration, did not affect the inhibition produced by NO. The NR2A subunit may contribute its own redox-sensitive site. However, the effects of NO on NR1/NR2A receptors were very similar to those seen for all other receptor configurations evaluated. Hence, we conclude that NO does not exert its inhibition of NMDA-induced responses via a modification of any of the previously described redox-sensitive sites on the receptor. British Journal of Pharmacology (1999) 126, 296–300; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702295
Extraretinal mediation of responses to temperature and light in hatchling alligators

Hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) possess functional retinal and extraretinal (non-pineal) photoreceptors. The threshold energy required to obtain a positive phototactic reponse is directly dependent on temperature (5–37 °C) in alligators perceiving light (i) retinally and extraretinally and, (ii) in animals perceiving light extraretinally only. In animals receiving only retinal light inputs, the temperature dependence of phototactic orientation is eliminated. This provides the first demonstration that extraretinal photoreception is involved in the mediation of temperature dependent light responses.
Dietary Fatty Acids Differentially Regulate Production of TNF-α and IL-10 by Murine 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

OBJECTIVE Obesity correlates with increased production of adipocyte-derived cytokines, which may contribute to a chronic subclinical inflammation seen in obese individuals. This study evaluated the ability of specific fatty acids to modulate production of the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Effects on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a key transcriptional activator of the inflammatory cascade, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), a negative regulator of cytokine signaling, were also determined. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Adipocytes were incubated for 24 and 48 h with and without 50 or 500 micromol/l of palmitic acid, oleic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid, (DHA). Effects on gene expression and protein secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-10 were determined using real-time PCR and a murine multipex RIA kit. SOCS-3 expression was determined by northern blotting and NF-kappaB binding activity was assessed using a commercially available assay. RESULTS Adipocytes treated for 24 h with palmitic acid exhibited a 70% increase in TNF-alpha production and up to a 75% decrease in IL-10 production, relative to untreated cells. In contrast, DHA treatment had no effect on TNF-alpha, but increased IL-10 production twofold. No effect of oleic acid was seen on either TNF-alpha or IL-10 production. Similar results were obtained during a 48-h incubation. Furthermore, NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity increased fourfold in response to palmitic acid and decreased 60% in response to DHA. Expression of SOCS-3 increased twofold in DHA-treated cells. DISCUSSION In aggregate, these results suggest that dietary fatty acids act directly on adipocytes to modulate cytokine production. As circulating fatty acids levels are chronically elevated in obese individuals, this effect may account in part for obesity-associated inflammation.
Free radical-induced elevation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in developing rat brain slices.

Abstract Objective. In developing brain, we have previously shown both in vivo [L.D. Longo, S. Packianathan, J.A. McQueary, R.B. Stagg, C.V. Byus and C.D. Cain, Acute hypoxia increases ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine concentrations in fetal rat brain, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 90 (1993) 692–696] and in vitro [S. Packianathan, C.D. Cain, B.H. Liwnicz and L.D. Longo, Ornithine decarboxylase activity in vitro in response to acute hypoxia: a novel use of newborn rat brain slices, Brain Res., Vol. 688 (1995) 61–71] that acute hypoxia is associated with a significant increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and polyamine concentrations. We tested the hypothesis that oxygen free radicals induce an increase in ODC activity similar to that of hypoxia and that both this and the hypoxia-induced response are inhibited by free radical scavengers. Materials and methods. Slices of cerebrum, 300–500 μm thick, were made from P3 newborn Sprague-Dawley rat pups and equilibrated for 1 h in artificial cerebrospinal fluid continuously bubbled with 95% O2/5% CO2. Free radical-induced ODC activity response was measured beginning after a 1-h recovery period. Experiments were performed on slices treated with 5×10−7 M xanthine (X)+10 mU/ml xanthine oxidase (XO), with or without the free radical scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD; 100 U/ml), catalase (CAT; 700 U/ml) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX; 3 U/ml). We also quantified slice malonaldehyde concentrations in response to hypoxia (21% O2/5% CO2/74% N2). Results. Under control conditions, ODC activity was stable during the 2-h post-recovery period. In response to X/XO treatment, ODC activity increased 2.3-fold at 1.5 h post-recovery. In examining ODC activity as a function of xanthine dose, we noted that ODC activity increased in response to 2.5×10−7 M xanthine; however, it decreased in response to 7.5×10−7 M or higher concentrations. Free radical-induced ODC activity was significantly decreased by addition of the free radical scavengers, SOD, CAT or GPX. In addition, the hypoxic-induced increases in ODC activity and malonaldehyde concentration was also eliminated by the addition of SOD with CAT. Conclusions. (1) Oxygen free radicals, particularly hydroxyl radical (OH.), appear to trigger an induction of ODC activity in newborn rat cerebrum slices. (2) Oxygen free radicals also appear to mediate the hypoxic-induced increase in ODC activity. (3) Any consequent increase in polyamine synthesis may have profound effects on neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation in the developing brain.
The peripheral blood flow under basal conditions in older male subjects with normal and elevated blood pressures

Abstract The peripheral blood flow and skin and rectal temperatures have been measured in 25 male patients from 38 to 77 years of age, that is to say in patients in the older age group. In 12 subjects there were clinical signs of vascular damage without hypertension, and in 13 there was also hypertension. In only one subject was there evidence of occlusive peripheral vascular disease. The results in these patients have been compared with those in normal young male subjects. The peripheral blood flow was measured by a modification of the method of Hardy and Soderstrom. The following facts emerged: 1.1. The average peripheral blood flow at 27° C. (room temperature) is in the same range in older individuals with normal blood pressure, 73 c.c. per square meter of body surface per minute, as in younger male subjects, but is lower, namely 55 c.c. per square meter of body surface per minute in those with hypertension, and approaches the value recorded for normal young subjects at the cooler environmental temperature of 25° C. 2.2. The rectal temperature is higher in older people than in the young normal group (36.79° C.) and was slightly higher in the hypertension group (37.32° C.) than in the normal blood pressure group (36.95° C.). 3.3. The average weighted skin temperature was higher in both the normal blood pressure group (33.99° C.) and the hypertension group (33.92° C.) than in younger subjects (33.74° C.). 4.4. The skin temperatures of the individual areas of the body surface are warmer in the older patients with normal blood pressure than in younger individuals, except in one area, namely the shins (Area 10), where the temperature is lower in the older group. On the other hand patients with hypertension in the older age group have a warmer skin temperature in the upper part of the body, and a cooler temperature in the lower part of the body than do young normal subjects. The inference is that the peripheral blood flow to the feet is reduced, since their temperature is lower, and that the blood flow to the upper part of the body is increased, since its temperature is warmer. The reduction in peripheral blood flow in the lower part of the body is apparently greater than the increase in the upper part of the body so that the net result is an average peripheral blood flow for the whole body which is less than the value in normal young males at the same room temperature. In short, it is comparable to the constriction observed in normal young subjects in an environment of 25° C. 5.5. Patients with hypertension in this older age group show the same trends. but to a lesser extent, as are shown by patients with hypertension in the earlier decades.
Relating Nanofiltration Membrane Performance to Membrane Charge (Electrokinetic) Characteristics

The performance (i.e., water flux and solute rejection) of a thin-film composite aromatic polyamide nanofiltration membrane and its relation to membrane surface charge (electrokinetic) characteristics were investigated. Membrane performance and streaming potential measurements were carried out as a function of pH for several solution chemistries, including an indifferent electrolyte, humic acid, and anionic and cationic surfactants. Performance results for the membrane were interpreted by relating the water flux and salt/ion rejection to the membrane charge characteristics. In the case of the indifferent electrolyte (NaCl), water flux and salt passage were maximal at the membrane pore isoelectric point (pH 5) primarily due to decreased electrostatic repulsion and increased pore volume (size) in the cross-linked polymer network. Ion rejection is directly related to the membrane pore charge and is attributed to co-ion electrostatic repulsion (exclusion). At low pH, negative rejection of protons was observed...
Exploring Intuition and its Role in Managerial Decision Making

We review and reconceptualize “intuition,” defining intuitions as affectively charged judgments that arise through rapid, nonconscious, and holistic associations. In doing so, we delineate intuition from other decision-making approaches (e.g., insight, rational). We also develop a model and propositions that incorporate the role of domain knowledge, implicit and explicit learning, and task characteristics on intuition effectiveness. We close by suggesting directions for future research on intuition and its applications to managerial decision making. The human brain can be a magnificent synthesizer of disparate pieces of nebulous information, and often formal techniques and procedures thwart and inhibit this mysterious mechanism from operating efficiently (Raiffa, 1968: 272).
Perioperative Risk Assessment and Morbidity Associated with Lumbar Spine Surgery

Balancing the risks and benefits of spine surgery is important to securing a successful outcome. The goals of perioperative medical risk assessment are to optimize the patient's medical condition preoperatively and minimize the potential for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Common sources of morbidity and mortality in spine surgery that benefit from perioperative optimization include cardiac, respiratory, and renal conditions. Patients with diabetes, malnutrition, and obesity warrant special consideration. An informed dialogue establishing realistic expectations, potential pitfalls, and alternatives is equally important. The elements of successful perioperative management of the patient who is being considered for spine surgery are reviewed here.
Evaluation of shear design provisions for shear-critical concrete beams

Shear provisions of ACI 318-11, general procedure and simplified procedure for prestressed and non-prestressed concrete beams using AASHTO LRFD (2008. Bridge design specification and commentary. Interim 2008. Washington, DC: AASHTO LRFD, 5.59–5.84) are comparatively studied. Experimental results from 34 simply supported and continuous non-prestressed shear-critical beams were selected to assess the accuracy of Response-2000 as an analytical tool implementing the Modified Compression Field Theory. On average, the shear capacity of simply supported beams was slightly underestimated while that of continuous beams was quantified accurately. Shear provisions of all of the three aforesaid procedures were examined using a variety of reinforced and prestressed concrete beams. These beams included six simply supported prestressed double-T with harped strands, continuous prestressed bulb-T having both straight and harped strands, simply supported and continuous reinforced deep rectangular beams with or without long...
Changes over 14 years in androgenicity and body mass index in a biracial cohort of reproductive-age women

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is directly related to testosterone (total T and free T) and inversely to SHBG cross-sectionally, but little is known about how changes in body fat and androgen markers affect each other over time. Methods: Participants included 969 White and Black women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, who were ages 18–30 at entry into the study and were pre- or perimenopausal 16 yr later at the time of the CARDIA Women’s Study (CWS). Total T and SHBG were assayed from specimens drawn at the CWS examination and stored serum from the yr 2 and 10 CARDIA exams. Free T was calculated based on total T and SHBG. BMI and waist circumference were measured at yr 2, 10, and 16. Results: Despite clinically significant increases in BMI and waist circumference, total T and free T tended to decline, whereas SHBG remained relatively constant. BMI and waist circumference were directly correlated with free T and inversely correlated with SHBG in cross-sectional a...
Redistribution and Establishment of Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer) (Acarina: Bdellidae) for the Biological Control of Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) in Tasmania

ABSTRACT A redistribution program for N. capillatus in Tasmania was undertaken by direct transfer of live predators from established sites. Acceleration of the slow natural dispersal rate was facilitated by field vacuum collections being possible for 8 months/year, excluding winter and early spring when active stages of N. capillatus were in low numbers or absent. Intermittent collections, mostly between October 1992 and May 1995, resulted in the release of 933,600 N. cupillatus into 494 Tasmanian dairy pastures. The predator established at about 90% of these sites. Establishment of the predator on every dairy farm in Tasmania on which S. viridis is a pest is considered a relatively easy short-term procedure. Introduction The spiny snout mite, Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer), a predator of the lucerne flea, Srninthurus viridis (L. j, became permanently established in Tasmania through introductions from the Brittany region of north-west France between 1985-1990 (Ireson and Paterson 1991). The objective was to add a climatically pre- adapted predator to the existing predator complex that had
Pulmonary embolectomy in elderly patients.

Abstract Objective The relation of age to case fatality rate in patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy has not been reported. In view of the importance of age in the selection of patients who may be candidates for pulmonary embolectomy, we explored the database of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to determine the impact of age on the case fatality rate. Methods Patients with pulmonary embolism who underwent pulmonary embolectomy in short-stay hospitals throughout the United States, 1999-2008, were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. In-hospital all-cause case fatality rate was assessed according to age. Results The proportion of patients who underwent pulmonary embolectomy decreased with age among both stable and unstable patients. Case fatality rate with pulmonary embolectomy in stable patients increased with age beginning at age 51 to 60 years. Among patients aged 51 to 60 years, the case fatality rate was 100 of 575 (17.4%). This rate increased to 60 of 130 (46.2%) among patients aged more than 80 years ( P Conclusions The case fatality rate with pulmonary embolectomy in stable patients increases with age greater than 51 to 60 years and is high among the elderly. The case fatality rate with pulmonary embolectomy in unstable patients does not seem to be related to age.
Motivation through Goal Setting: A Self-Determined Perspective

(2010). Motivation through Goal Setting: A Self-Determined Perspective. Strategies: Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 18-23.
Simulation Puzzles: An Exemplar of Simulation Program Development

Abstract Development of a successful simulation program for learners entering the health care field has been problematic for many service and academic entities. Successful simulation program planning, initiation, implementation, evaluation, and revision in a northern California undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program have produced active integration of simulation throughout the nursing curriculum. Several themes emerged as characteristics that promote program success and are shared in this exemplar.
Phase diagram of K(x)Fe(2-y)Se(2-z)S(z) and the suppression of its superconducting state by an Fe2-Se/S tetrahedron distortion.

We report structurally tuned superconductivity in a K{sub x}Fe{sub 2-y}Se{sub 2-z}S{sub z} (0 {le} z {le} 2) phase diagram. Superconducting T{sub c} is suppressed as S is incorporated into the lattice, eventually vanishing at 80% of S. The magnetic and conductivity properties can be related to stoichiometry on a poorly occupied Fe1 site and the local environment of a nearly fully occupied Fe2 site. The decreasing T{sub c} coincides with the increasing Fe1 occupancy and the overall increase in Fe stoichiometry from z = 0 to z = 2. Our results indicate that the irregularity of the Fe2-Se/S tetrahedron is an important controlling parameter that can be used to tune the ground state in the new superconductor family.
On asymptotic optimality of Bayes empirical Bayes estimators

In an empirical Bayes decision problem, a prior distribution ≱ is placed on a one-dimensfonal family G of priors Gw, weΩ, to produce a Bayes empirical Bayes estimator, The asymptotic optimaiity of the Bayes estimator is established when the support of ≱ is Ω and the marginal distributions Hw have monotone likelihood ratio and continuous Kullback-Leibler information number.
The effects of a soybean extract on tumor growth and metastasis.

In vitro genistein (soybean-derived isoflavone/phytoestrogen) has been reported to suppress angiogenesis. We have produced a soybean extract (SE) enriched in phytoestogens which are heat stable. Heat sterilization (hs) of SE destroys soy protease inhibitor activity and increases isoflavone concentrations. This study was performed to determine the effects of SE with and without heat sterilization on tumor growth and metastasis. Sixty female Lewis rats injected s.c. with mammary tumor (MAC-33) were randomized to receive i.p. injection of SE (18 mg), hsSE (18 mg), or saline (control) 5 times per week for 30 days. After 30 days the rats were sacrificed to determine carcass weight, tumor weight, tumor volume, liver weight, hepatic protease activity (HPA), and number and size of lung metastasis. Comparing either SE or hsSE to controls, significant increases were found in tumor weight (g) (109.4±26.3, 114.9±19.7, 86.8±23.2), tumor volume (cm3) (55.6±14.6, 60.1±12.0, 45.5±14.4), and tumor: carcass ratio (0.59, 0.62, 0.47). Data expressed as mean ± SD (SE, hsSE, control, respectively) was analyzed by ANOVA. There was a significant increase in the number of lung metastasis (31%; Kruskal-Wallis test) in the animals receiving hsSE. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in HPA (26.9%) in the animals receiving SE. Soy protease inhibitors are not responsible for the increase in tumor growth and number of lung metastases seen with SE. Our results suggest that a heat stable component of SE, perhaps the isoflavones, promotes tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo.
Hyperfine interaction of impurity hydrogen atoms in alkaline-earth fluorides

Abstract The hydrogen atom, being the simplest of all atoms, has received much attention not only as an isolated entity but also as an impurity in a host crystal. The relative shift of its Isotropic hyperfine (hf) interaction, Δ a / a o = ( a — a 0 )/ a o , serves as a direct indicator for electron density accumulation or depletion at the hydrogen impurity compared to a free hydrogen atom. Two empirical scaling relations have recently been found for hf shifts of interstitial hydrogen atoms H o i in alkali halide (AX) crystals [Bucher M., Phys. Rev. B44 , 5309 (1991)]. The scaling relations give insights into binding of the host-impurity complex and also predict hf interactions of H o i atoms in AX hosts that have not been measured yet. In this note I report similar scaling relations of hf shifts of impurity hydrogen atoms in alkaline-earth fluorides.
Algorithm 664: A Gauss algorithm to solve systems with large, banded matrices using random-access disk storage

A FORTRAN 77 implementation of a Gauss algorithm with partial pivoting for banded matrices is described. The algorithm keeps only part of the matrix that is necessary for the actual computation in memory. This allows large systems to be solved on machine without virtual memory, or if the virtual memory is too small for the problem.
How does eukaryotic gene prediction work

Computational prediction of gene structure is crucial for interpreting genomic sequences. But how do the algorithms involved work and how accurate are they?
Effect of acute administration of N-nitrosopyrrolidine to male Syrian golden hamsters.

Abstract A protocol has been developed which decreases the time for administration of N -nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) to male Syrian golden hamsters from 25 weeks to a single i.p. injection. Animals were divided into five groups: group I received two 0.5-mmol doses on alternate days; group II was given three 0.33-mmol doses on alternate days; group III received a single dose of 0.5 mmol; group IV was given a single dose of 0.25 mmol and group V served as a control and received saline. Preneoplastic and neoplastic changes in the upper respiratory tract and liver were observed in all carcinogentreated groups. The number of animals with laryngeal and tracheal tumors in the NPYR-treated groups was dose-dependent. Groups I and II, respectively, had 21 of 26(81%) and 18 or 24 (75%) animals with either laryngeal or tracheal tumors. Groups III and IV showed 4 of 12 (33%) and 3 of 13 (23%) hamsters with these tumors. No laryngeal or tracheal tumors were observed in control animals. These results indicate that a single dose of NPYR is sufficient to induce respiratory tract tumors in Syrian golden hamsters.
Training Attention-Switching Ability in Adults With ADHD:

Objective: Children with ADHD show attention-switching impairment. The present study assessed attention-switching ability in adults with ADHD, the extent to which this ability can be improved via targeted training, and the degree to which training extends to novel tasks of attention-switching. Method: Adults with ADHD (n = 16) and adults without ADHD (n = 18) were divided into training and non-training groups. Training groups performed six blocks of four different attention-switching tasks, while non-training groups completed non-switching, “filler” tasks. Lastly, the four groups were tested on two novel attention-switching tasks. Results: Adults with ADHD showed impaired attention-switching, relative to non-ADHD adults, but training significantly improved attention-switching in both ADHD and non-ADHD training groups. Finally, training effects transferred to new tasks of attention-switching. Conclusion: Adults with ADHD show attention-switching impairments, but deficits may be ameliorated with short-term,...
C-type lectin receptor Clec4d plays a protective role in resolution of Gram-negative pneumonia.

Pneumonia is frequently associated with sepsis, characterized by a nonresolving hyperinflammation. However, specific host components of the pulmonary milieu that regulate the perpetuation of inflammation and tissue destruction observed in this immune disorder are not clearly understood. We examined the function of Clec4d, an orphan mammalian CLR, in Gram negative pneumonic sepsis caused by KPn. Whereas the WT mice infected with a sublethal dose of bacteria could resolve the infection, the Clec4d−/− mice were highly susceptible with a progressive increase in bacterial burden, hyperinflammatory response typical of sepsis, and severe lung pathology. This correlated with a massive accumulation of neutrophils in lungs of infected Clec4d−/− mice, which was in contrast with their WT counterparts, where neutrophils transiently infiltrated the lungs. Interestingly, the Clec4d−/− neutrophils did not exhibit any defect in bacterial clearance. These results suggest that Clec4d plays an important role in resolution of inflammation, possibly by facilitating neutrophil turnover in lungs. This is the first report depicting the physiological function of Clec4d in a pathological condition. The results can have implications not only in sepsis but also in other inflammatory diseases, where nonresolving inflammation is the root cause of disease development.
Emerging Targeted Strategies in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Treatment of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge because of the complex nature of the disease and the lack of available therapies. The antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the first therapy to demonstrate a significant overall survival benefit in advanced HCC. However, new agents for both first- and second-line treatment of advanced HCC are needed. The multiple pathways involved in HCC oncogenesis, proliferation, and survival provide many opportunities for the development of molecularly targeted therapies. Many novel agents are under investigation in phase III trials in advanced HCC, including antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors (e.g., brivanib, sunitinib, linifanib) and inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (e.g., everolimus). Although these therapies have demonstrated some utility as single agents in advanced HCC, rational combinations of therapies are likely to provide greater success. Current research efforts are directed at combining agents targeting different molecular pathways (e.g., sorafenib in combination with erlotinib) and combining molecularly targeted agents with systemic chemotherapy or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Therapies targeting other molecular pathways in HCC are in early development; future research will focus on discovering additional targets for therapy and identifying biomarkers that predict the success of current therapies.
Carbachol increases basolateral K+ conductance in T84 cells. Simultaneous measurements of cell [Ca] and gK explore calcium's role.

To explore the role of calcium in mediating the action of carbachol in chloride-secreting epithelia, we simultaneously measured intracellular free \[Ca\] ([Ca]i) and the potassium conductance (gK) of the basolateral membrane in T84 cells grown on collagen-coated filters. [Ca]i was measured with fura-2 and fluorescence microscopy and expressed as a relative value ([Ca]'i) normalized to control. To assess changes in basolateral gK, we measured the short circuit current (Isc) in the presence of luminal amphotericin and a transepithelial mucosa-to-serosa K+ gradient (Germann, W. J., M. E. Lowy, S. A. Ernst, and D. C. Dawson. 1986. J. Gen. Physiol. 88:237-251). Treatment of the monolayers with carbachol resulted in a parallel increase and then decrease in [Ca]'i and gK. The carbachol-induced changes in gK appeared to be dependent on the increase in [Ca]i because stimulation of gK was significantly diminished when the hormone-induced increase in [Ca]'i was blunted, either by loading the cells with BAPTA or by reducing the extracellular [Ca]. The carbachol-stimulated increase in gK appeared to be the direct result of the increase in steady-state [Ca]'i. The changes in gK and [Ca]'i after stimulation with carbachol were correlated and ionomycin also increased gK and [Ca]'i in a parallel manner. The carbachol-induced delta gK per delta[Ca]'i, however, was greater than that after ionomycin. Because ionomycin and carbachol appear to open the same channel, a conclusion based on inhibitor and selectivity experiments, carbachol may have a second action that amplifies the effect of calcium on gK.
Decision-making and informed consent: A study of the impact of disclosed information

This paper is an empirical and normative study of several problems about informed consent in the law and in biomedical ethics. Its particular focus is on the adequacy of prevailing standards of informed consent in medicine and law. These standards generally govern adequate disclosure on the physician's part, to the relative neglect of the equally significant question, ‘What constitutes a valid consent on the patient's part?’ New empirical data regarding the actual decision-making behavior of patients is presented. It was gathered by studying patients considering whether to consent to the use of nonsurgical contraceptive techniques. Three hypotheses are examined regarding how disclosed information affects the decision-making process. Results indicate that disclosed information is not avowed as the prime determinant of the consent decision, that disclosed information does have some effect on the decision-making process, and that disclosed information does not impair or confuse the decision-making process. In conclusion, a number of implications for major areas of ethics and law are pointed out, with special emphasis on three areas of law: the materiality standard, causation, and the therapeutic privilege.
Computer simulation of biological interactions and reactivity.

Computer simulations of molecular motion provide a useful tool for analyzing dynamic aspects of macromolecular structure and function. In many cases, simulations can be compared to experimental results that provide an average estimate of molecular flexibility. For example, variations in computed molecular motions in different regions of a protein structure can be compared to refined B-values obtained from X-ray crystallographic refinement. Such comparisons both provide a detailed view of the motions responsible for crystalline disorder, and allow an evaluation of how crystal packing affects mobility of groups on the protein surface. In these applications, dynamics simulations provide a means of regenerating the temporal dimension of a structure whose average behavior is experimentally well defined in the crystal lattice. An additional benefit of the detailed and instantaneous view of molecular flexibility offered by simulation methods lies in its potential for exploring infrequent structural fluctuations or dynamic states of molecular association that cannot be examined in detail by X-ray methods, but are suggested on the basis of alternative structural information. For example, studies of the effects of surface chemical modifications on interacting proteins can produce information concerning the sites, if not the exact details, of the intermolecular interactions. The present work describes some applications of molecular dynamics methods to the study of large molecular aggregates whose dynamic properties thus far have precluded detailed structural descriptions. These include simulations of an electrostatically associated electron transfer complex between cytochromes c and b5, some model systems for trans-membrane ion channels, and a phospholipid micelle.
The effects of group size and income on contributions to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

This paper examines the extent to which individual contributions to public television are explained by the size of the audience which receives the individual station's television signal. It also incorporates the effects of income on contributions to public television in order to assess the combined effects of income and group size on contributions to public goods.
Rational use of antiepileptic drug levels.

Abstract Antiepileptic drug (AED) levels are obtained frequently in clinical practice, but their complex fraction to seizures or drug toxicity often makes interpretation of the results difficult. Research studies hav enot always taken into account clinical, as well as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic, factors which may influence the drug level-effect relationship. AED levels should be drawn at an appropriate time in relation to drug ingestion and clinical symptoms. Systematic investigations in selected patients, during which several levels are obtained, may be more rewarding than routine measurements in a large clinic population.
Determination of the Spins and Parities of Resonances

The properties of angular-momentum tensors described in a previous paper are used to develop tests for the spins and parities of resonances. Fermion resonances decaying into particles of spin zero and spin one-half or spin zero and spin three-halves and boson resonances decaying into particles of spin zero and spin one are considered in some detail. Attention is given to angular correlations between production and decay configurations, both generally and in special cases such as forward production, low-energy production, and peripheral collisions. A moment analysis of the decay distributions is developed.
Morsicatio Mucosae Oris—A Chronic Oral Frictional Keratosis, Not a Leukoplakia

Purpose Morsicatio mucosae oris (MMO) presents as white papules and plaques that may resemble leukoplakia, and are often biopsied. The objective of this study is to document the clinical features and histopathology of MMO and to reevaluate the prevalence of dysplasia and/or cancer when this frictional keratosis is removed from the category of leukoplakia. Materials and Methods Cases that were submitted to a single laboratory with a provisional diagnosis of “leukoplakia,” “hyperkeratosis,” or “white lesion” were evaluated. Results Fifty-six lesions of MMO from 56 patients were identified out of 584 white lesions. Most cases occurred in the third to sixth decades of life. Thirty (53.6%) and 18 (32.1%) out of 56 lesions were located on the lateral tongue and buccal mucosa, respectively. The lesions showed hyperparakeratosis with a characteristic frayed, shaggy, peeling surface, and acanthosis with insignificant inflammation. When MMO is removed from the category of leukoplakia, the percentage of true leukoplakia that are dysplastic or malignant increased by 12.9%. Conclusions MMO is a form of chronic oral frictional keratosis that has no malignant potential, and should be signed out as such and not merely “hyperparakeratosis and acanthosis” so that it can be removed from the category of leukoplakia where it does not belong.
Local and cortical effects of olfactory bulb lesions on trophic support and cholinergic function and their modulation by estrogen.

This study determined whether olfactory bulb lesions would affect trophic support to its afferent, the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (hIDBB), and if estrogen would ameliorate the effects of neural injury in this circuit. NMDA injections into the olfactory bulb resulted in neural injury as indicated by cell loss and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity. Olfactory bulb lesions severely reduced BDNF expression in its afferent, the hIDBB, while NGF was only reduced in lesioned animals deprived of estrogen. In the olfactory bulb itself, lesions increased BDNF expression, but not NGF. Paradoxially, bulb lesions up-regulated both NGF and BDNF in another target of the hIDBB, the cingulate cortex. Moreover, olfactory bulb lesions affected choline uptake and ChAT activity locally, as well as in the cingulate cortex. Estrogen significantly attenuated the lesion-induced loss of choline uptake in the cingulate cortex, but not at the primary lesion site. Collectively, these results indicate that neural injury to one limb of the forebrain cholinergic system may result in collateral damage to other limbs of this system, suggesting a mechanism for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, that involve the cholinergic system. Furthermore, these data also indicate that estrogen selectively attenuates certain lesion-induced deficits. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 45: 61–74, 2000
Inverse methods and kinetic models of hydrocarbon generation. IV. Sensitivity analysis, synthetic tests, and application of a residual kerogen analysis model to geological conditions

An investigation is given of sensitivity analysis, synthetic tests, and application to geological conditions of an inverse kinetic model for residual kerogen analysis. Using kinetic parameters derived from different experimental data a sensitivity analysis study allows a discussion of the discrepancies in predictions of kerogen degradation rates and cumulative amounts of kerogen degraded with temperature, time, and depth of sediments. The synthetic tests and the application examine the applicability to different geological conditions and the uncertainty in predictions of hydrocarbon generation. The study shows that when average values of the kinetic parameters derived from different experimental conditions and samples are used under geological conditions, the modeled kerogen degradation rates and cumulative amount of kerogen degraded are uncertain by about 25°C in temperature, 12.5 My in time and 600 m in depth.
The roles of intrinsic motivators and extrinsic motivators in promoting e-learning in the workplace: A case from South Korea

Acceptance of e-learning by employees is critical to the successful implementation of e-learning in the workplace. To explain why employees might accept the e-learning technology, motivational factors must be considered. Although the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has identified many variables to understand employees' motivation to use e-learning, current literature cannot conclude the roles of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators in the technology adoption process. Consequently, organizations often overestimate the effects of extrinsic motivators in promoting e-learning while ignoring employees' intrinsic motivation. To examine the effect difference between the two motivational factors, this study surveyed 261 employees in a food service company in South Korea with the UTAUT instrument. Upon analyzing 226 valid cases with LISREL, the findings revealed that intrinsic motivators (effort expectancy, attitudes, and anxiety) affected employees' intention to use e-learning in the workplace more strongly than did the extrinsic motivators (performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions). Furthermore, the effects of intrinsic motivators mediated the effect of extrinsic motivators. Implications of this study are important for both researchers and practitioners.
IMPAIRED FIBRINOLYTIC RESPONSE TO EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE-IV HYPERLIPOPROTEINÆMIA

Abstract Plasma euglobulin fibrinolytic activity was measured by the Astrup fibrin plate method, and expressed in terms of area of lysis (sq. mm.), in seven normal subjects (mean age 42) and in eight patients with type-IV hyperlipoproteinaemia without evidence of coronary-artery disease (mean age 41) before and after 5 minutes' exhausting treadmill exercise. Resting levels of fibrinolytic activity did not differ significantly between the two groups. Exercise greatly increased fibrinolytic activity in six of the seven normals; but a similar increase took place in only one of the eight patients. These data indicate that the normal fibrinolytic response is impaired in patients with type-IV hyperlipoproteinaemia. The cause of the defective response, and whether it contributes to the early development of coronary-artery disease, remain to be determined.
The Andhra Movement, Hyderabad State, and the Historical Origins of the Telangana Demand: Public Life and Political Aspirations in India, 1900–56

This article revisits the early twentieth century to rethink the forces that shaped discourses surrounding political community—specifically the political community in its regional articulation. As ...
Dynamics of measured valued solutions to a backward-forward heat equation

This paper examines the asymptotic behavior of measure valued solutions to the initial value problem for the nonlinear heat conduction equation $$\frac{{\partial u}}{{\partial t}} = \nabla \cdot q(\nabla u), x \in \Omega , t > 0$$ ,xeΩ, t>0 in a bounded domainΩ⊂R N with boundary conditions of the form $$u = 0 on \partial \Omega or q(\nabla u) \cdot n = 0 on \partial \Omega $$ In particular, use of the Young measure representation of composite weak limits allows proof of a general trend to equilibrium. No linearity or monotonicity is assumed forq; the only major restriction onq is that it satisfies the Fourier inequalityq(λ)·λ⩾0 for allλe R N . Applications are given to problems whereq is not monotone.
Analysis of reactive sputtering mechanisms for NbN film deposition

A model for the reactive sputtering mechanism is discussed to assist in the selection of the optimum sputtering parameters for the deposition of NbN films with a high critical temperature Tc and low resistivity (at 20 K). The model is based on the assumption that the reaction between the target material and the reactive gas molecules takes place at the surface of the target. Optical emission spectroscopic studies of the plasma were conducted during the deposition of NbN films by reactive dc and rf magnetron sputtering in an Ar–N2 mixture. The substrates were not heated and the substrate temperatures were kept ≲100 °C during deposition. The intensity of a Nb emission line, which gives a measure of the sputtering rate, was monitored as a function of N2 pressure. The data were fitted to the model to select the optimum nitrogen pressure at different power densities and Ar pressures. The Tc of NbN films deposited at a high rate (>25 A/s) by dc magnetron sputtering was ∼16 K. The highest Tc of films deposited b...
Paracrine regulation of angiogenesis by different cell types in the aorta ring model

The development of blood vessels during angiogenesis is the result of paracrine interactions between tube-forming endothelial cells and angiogenic factor-producing nonendothelial cells. This process can be reproduced and studied under chemically defined culture conditions by culturing vascular explants in three-dimensional gels of extracellular matrix. Rings of rat or mouse aorta cultured in collagen, fibrin or basement membrane gels produce angiogenic outgrowths composed of a mixed population of endothelial cells and nonendothelial cells. Aortic angiogenesis is regulated by endogenous angiogenic factors, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix molecules, and proteolytic enzymes produced by cells of the vessel wall in response to the injury of the dissection procedure. In this paper, we review how macrophages, mural cells and fibroblasts regulate different stages of the angiogenic process, from the formation of immature endothelial sprouts to the reabsorption of the neovessels. We also describe how aortic cultures can be used to study interactions between angiogenic outgrowths and nonvascular cell types such as bone marrow macrophages, platelets or cancer cells. Morphologic, genetic and functional studies of this model have provided invaluable information on how vessels form, mature, interact with nonvascular cell types, and are eventually reabsorbed. Further analysis of the paracrine cross-talk between aortic endothelial and nonendothelial cells is likely to provide new insights into the angiogenic process and its key mechanisms.
Abstract 2421: Smoking, cancer treatment, and design of clinical trials.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Purpose: Smoking has been associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients, but a detailed review of the effects of smoking on cancer treatment outcomes is necessary to effectively implement structured tobacco assessments and cessation into clinical trials design. Methods: We searched Pubmed citations between 1950 and 2011 with the objective of identifying any reports relating smoking with cancer and non-cancer related outcomes in cancer patients. Our search yielded 34,000 pertinent citations of on smoking and cancer. Over 5000 of these citations appeared to include data on smoking as it might be related to cancer treatment outcomes and of these more than 800 were felt to have sufficient information to examine how smoking affects cancer treatment outcomes. Results were cataloged in tables and cross-references according to cancer disease site. Results: The vast majority of pertinent reports provide evidence showing that smoking increases the risk of cancer and non-cancer related mortality as well as treatment related adverse events. The adverse effects of smoking and treatment outcomes are observed in all major cancer disease sites (lung, head/neck, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, leukemia/lymphoma, prostate, and non-prostate genitourinary). A limited number of studies examine how smoking cessation affects treatment outcomes and generally these studies show that cessation of tobacco use is associated with fewer adverse treatment outcomes. Measurement of smoking behavior is a problem due to the reliance on self-reported behavior and lack of standardization in classifying smoking status. In most studies a patients’ cigarette use is categorized into ever smoking or current/former/never smoking; however, there is a broad diversity of definitions used making it less clear exactly how smoking affects treatment outcomes. Despite methodologic issues in published reports, results demonstrate a consistent pattern that smoking increases the risk of adverse outcomes across a broad spectrum of cancer disease sites. Conclusions: This review provides evidence that smoking adversely affects cancer related and non-cancer related outcomes in patients. What is less certain is how past and/or current smoking might differentially modify treatment outcomes for patients. Clinical trials must give strong consideration for prior tobacco history, current tobacco use, and efforts to track tobacco cessation during and following cancer treatment. Citation Format: Graham W. Warren, James R. Marshall, K. Michael Cummings. Smoking, cancer treatment, and design of clinical trials. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2421. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2421