cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Father-adolescent relationships: from phase 1 findings to phase 2 questions.

Research on father-adolescent relationships must move beyond demonstrations of links between father behavior and adolescent outcomes. The chapters in this volume raise issues that lead toward investigations of processes that may account for these links.
Elimination of Bax expression in mice increases cerebellar purkinje cell numbers but not the number of granule cells.

Cerebellar Purkinje cells and granule cells have been studied extensively as models for investigating neuron-target interactions and the regulation of cell numbers in the developing central nervous system. Recent studies of transgenic mice that overexpress a human Bcl-2 transgene in Purkinje cells suggest both that programmed cell death plays an unexpected role in regulating Purkinje cell number and that Purkinje cells influence the number of granule cells. The role of cell death-related proteins and Purkinje-granule cell interactions in cerebellar development was investigated further in this study by counting the number of Purkinje and granule cells in knockout mutants with a deletion in the proapoptotic gene, Bax. The total number of Purkinje cells was estimated using stereological counting principles in six adult wild type mice, four hemizygous Bax +/− controls, and six Bax −/− knockout mutants. The total number of granule cells per cerebellum was estimated in three adult wild type mice, three hemizygous Bax +/− controls, and three Bax −/− knockout mutants. The number of Purkinje cells increased significantly by over 30% in the Bax −/− knockout mutants compared with wild type and hemizygote controls, whereas the number of granule cells was unchanged in the Bax −/− mutants. There was no change in the volume of the cerebellar cortex or in the size of Purkinje cell bodies in the Bax −/− mutants, implying that Purkinje cell density was increased in the Bax −/− mutants. The increase in Purkinje cell numbers in the Bax −/− knockout mice supports previous evidence that Purkinje cells undergo a period of naturally occurring cell death that is mediated at least in part by the cell death proteins Bcl-2 and Bax. The lack of an effect of Bax gene expression on granule cell numbers indicates that Bax is not an obligate participant in naturally occurring cell death in granule cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:82–91, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observations on the Life-Cycle of the Balsam Woolly Aphid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.), in the Willamette Valley of Oregon

The balsam woolly aphid, Adelges piceae (Ratz.) (Adelgidae, Homoptera), originally introduced from Europe, was reported on grand fir, Abies grandis (Doug.) Lindl., in the Willamette Valley by Keen (5) around 1930. Serious outbreaks of this insect were first recorded on subalpine fir, A. lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., in Oregon and Pacific silver fir, A. amabilis (Doug].) Forb., in Washington in 1954 ( 3 ) . At present about 600,000 acres of subalpine and Pacific silver firs are heavily infested in the Pacific Northwest.
Role of lysosomes in regulating of vitellogenin secretion in the mosquito fat body

Abstract Trophocytes of the mosquito fat body produce large amounts of the yolk-protein precursor, vitellogenin, that is then accumulated by developing oocytes. Vitellogenin synthesis is a highly regulated process and is turned on and off according to the stage of the reproductive cycle; it is maximal 27 h after blood feeding and then rapidly declines. Here, I report a new mechanism involved in cellular regulation of vitellogenin secretion, e.g. the lysosomal breakdown of vitellogenin. The activities of four lysosomal enzymes rose sharply about 30 h after blood-feeding and remained high for the next 12 h. Video-enhanced fluorescence, combined with visualization of vitellogenin by immunolabelling and of lysosomes by acridine orange, demonstrated that this intense lysosomal activity was directed toward the specific degradation of vitellogenin; the latter diminished in the cytoplasm and was concentrated in large lysosomes, only later did it disappear entirely from the trophocytes.
Do men and women use the same criteria in selecting a general surgery residency program? Results of a 20-year study in a non-university program.

Background To assess applicant preferences in general surgery program selection, we surveyed current and former residents of our non-university general surgery residency program over the last 20 years, with particular emphasis on male and female selection preferences. Methods Surveys were distributed to current and former categorical residents. Respondents were asked to rate 25 residency criteria using a Likert scale. Responses by males and females were compared using the Mann-Whitney U -test. Results are reported as mean scores, with p-values indicating statistical significance of trends toward higher scores. Results Of 50 former (76% male, 24% female) and 18 current residents (56% male, 44% female), 56 responded (38 male, 18 female), for an overall response rate of 82%. For both male and female respondents, the top 4 selection criteria by mean average score were identical: variety and number of cases, friendly training environment, camaraderie among residents, and quality of relationships with attendings. Selection criteria that received significantly higher scores among women were camaraderie among residents, the number of female residents, and the number of female attendings (p Conclusions The most important selection criteria, regardless of gender, relate to operative experience, training environment, and quality relationships. Gender-based preferences seem to play only a minor role in general surgery program selection.
Passage to the limit in Proposition I, Book I of Newton's Principia

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze the way in which Newton uses his polygon model and passes to the limit in Proposition I, Book I of his Principia . It will be evident from his method that the limit of the polygon is indeed the orbital arc of the body and that his approximation of the actual continuous force situation by a series of impulses passes correctly in the limit into the continuous centripetal force situation. The analysis of the polygon model is done in two ways: (1) using the modern concepts of force, linear momentum, linear impulse, and velocity, and (2) using Newton's concepts of motive force and quantity of motion. It should be clearly understood that the term “force” without the adjective “motive,” is used in the modern sense, which is that force is a vector which is the time rate of change of the linear momentum. Newton did not use the word “force” in this modern sense. The symbol F denotes modern force. For Newton “force” was “motive force,” which is measured by the change in the quantity of motion of a body. Newton's “quantity of motion” is proportional to the magnitude of the modern vector momentum. Motive force is a scalar and the symbol F m is used for motive force.
Criterion for the critical number of fermions and chiral symmetry breaking in anisotropic QED 3

By analyzing the strength of a photon-fermion coupling using basic scattering processes we calculate the effect of a velocity anisotropy on the critical number of fermions at which mass is dynamically generated in planar quantum electrodynamics. This gives a quantitative criterion which can be used to locate a quantum critical point at which fermions are gapped and confined out of the physical spectrum in a phase diagram of various condensed-matter systems. We also discuss the mechanism of relativity restoration within the symmetric quantum-critical phase of the theory.
Probabilistic model checking for comparative analysis of automated air traffic control systems

Ensuring aircraft stay safely separated is the primary consideration in air traffic control. To achieve the required level of assurance for this safety-critical application, the Automated Airspace Concept (AAC) proposes a network of components providing multiple levels of separation assurance, including conflict detection and resolution. In our previous work, we conducted a formal study of this concept including specification, validation, and verification utilizing the NuSMV and CadenceSMV model checkers to ensure there are no potentially catastrophic design flaws remaining in the AAC design before the next stage of production. In this paper, we extend that work to include probabilistic model checking of the AAC system.1 We are motivated by the system designers requirement to compare different design options to optimize the functional allocation of the AAC components. Probabilistic model checking provides quantitative measures for evaluating different design options, helping system designers to understand the impact of parameters in the model on a given critical safety requirement. We detail our approach to modeling and probabilistically analyzing this complex system consisting of a real-time algorithm, a logic protocol, and human factors. We utilize both Discrete Time Markov Chain (DTMC) and Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC) models to capture the important behaviors in the AAC components. The separation assurance algorithms, which are defined over specific time ranges, are modeled using a DTMC. The emergence of conflicts in an airspace sector and the reaction times of pilots, which can be simplified as Markov processes on continuous time, are modeled as a CTMC. Utilizing these two models, we calculate the probability of an unresolved conflict as a measure of safety and compare multiple design options.
A clinical study of the effects of intravenous reserpine (serpasil) in hypertensive patients.

T HE past several years have seen the introduction of many new drugs capable of reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Clinical reports indicate that hypertensive patients receiving extracts of Rauwolfia serpentina exhibit a moderate reduction in blood pressure and symptomatic improvement.‘,” Although a definite sedative effect has been recognized, the exact reason for the fall in blood pressure in man has not been determined.
Enhanced grain growth of polycrystalline silicon at low temperature by dopant redistribution

It has been recently reported that the redistribution of dopant during titanium silicide formation enhances the grain growth of polycrystalline silicon at a temperature lower than it normally occurs. The mechanism which is responsible for the enhanced grain growth has been proposed to be dopant diffusion induced grain‐boundary migration. We have carried out a detailed study to clarify the mechanism. The results show that the effect of phosphorus dopant alone has a small influence on the grain growth of polycrystalline silicon around 900 °C. However, much enhanced grain growth of polycrystalline silicon accompanied by titanium silicide formation was observed at 700 °C in medium doped and heavily doped conditions as compared to those without silicide formation. On the other hand, no enhanced grain growth was observed in lightly doped and undoped situations regardless of titanium silicide formation. By correlating these observations with depth profiling of dopant distribution, it is concluded that the format...
Becoming News A Study of Two Newsrooms

A field study of two newsrooms in the same city during 1971-1972 shows that TV news reports reflect practical and organizational constraints, not the character of the events themselves. Materials derived from participant observation, interviews, and station documents illustrate how news content is influenced by business and commercial concerns, scheduling, institutionalized news sources, and predefined angles. One implication is that the quantum leap in news messages may distort rather than clarify events, issues, and problems.
A solar-powered, high-efficiency hydrogen fueling system using high-pressure electrolysis of water: Design and initial results

Abstract Hydrogen for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) was produced using clean, renewable solar energy to electrolyze water. This report describes the design, construction, and initial performance testing of a solar hydrogen fueler at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, MI. The system used high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules, a high-pressure (6500 psi, 44.8 MPa) electrolyzer, and an optimized direct connection between the PV and electrolyzer systems. This resulted in world-class solar to hydrogen efficiencies as high as 9.3% (based on H 2 lower heating value, LHV). The system could potentially supply approximately 0.5 kg of hydrogen per day from solar power for the average solar insolation in Detroit; more hydrogen would be produced in locations with more abundant sunshine. This is sufficient hydrogen to operate an FCEV for an average daily urban commute. Thus, the solar hydrogen fueler testing served as a “proof of concept” for clean, renewable hydrogen with potential applications including convenient, clean, quiet, small-scale home fueling of FCEVs (that can contribute to the growth of a future FCEV fleet) and fueling in remote locations where grid electricity is not available.
Directed co-assembly of heme proteins with amphiphilic block copolymers toward functional biomolecular materials

Directed co-assembly of block copolymers and proteins/peptides may lead to hierarchically structured functional biomolecular materials. However, this requires one to synergistically direct multiple self-assembly processes. Retaining proper cofactor binding is essential to utilize many bio-motifs for catalytic reactions and sensing. Here, by using a heme-binding helix bundle peptide-polymer conjugate and a holomyoglobin-polymer conjugate as examples, we show that the simultaneous, macroscopic assembly of heme-binding proteins and diblock copolymers can be achieved in thin films without compromising protein structures, cofactor binding and enzymatic activities. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a protein/cofactor complex formed upon being co-assembled with an amphiphilic block copolymer in thin films. Molecular assemblyvia a combination of biomolecular recognition and polymer phase separation in this fashion will lead to hybrid materials combining properties of both synthetic and biological building blocks.
Experimentally prolonged sexual activity in female sparrows delays termination of reproductive activity in their untreated mates

Abstract Oestradiol treatment of free-ranging female song sparrows delays the normal, late summer, termination of reproductive behaviour not only in treated females, but also in their untreated mates. Males mated to oestradiol-implanted females continued to respond to experimental playbacks of tape-recorded song after control males had ceased territorial defence. Experimental birds remained paired on their summer breeding territories for up to 3 months after the controls had terminated reproductive activity. Elevated levels of plasma testosterone were maintained well into the autumn in experimental males. The data suggest a major role for behavioural interactions in the temporal modulation of seasonal reproductive activity.
Richard J. Estes: Pioneer in International and Comparative Social Indicators Research

Richard J. Estes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is a graduate of LaSalle University (1965) with majors in literature and philosophy, the University of Pennsylvania (1967) where he earned a master’s degree in social work, and the University of California at Berkeley (1973) where he earned a doctorate in social welfare. He also received a post-graduate degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the Menninger Foundation now in Texas but originally located in Topeka, Kansas (1968). Estes’ research interests are quite broad and include: international and comparative social development; the history of well-being; global poverty; diversity-related social conflict; Islamic development trends; measures to counteract national and international terrorism; private philanthropy; social indicators; the shifting “welfare mix”; the public/ private partnership in human services; vulnerable population groups, including sexually exploited children and youth; strategic and long-range planning; resource development and fundraising; and, evaluative research. At the center of all these interests is the use of research as a method of acquiring knowledge for advancing the human conditionmore generally and that of individuals and collectives at “social risk” more specifically. Applied Research Quality Life (2014) 9:775–777 DOI 10.1007/s11482-014-9318-2
Equation-based models of dynamic biological systems

The purpose of this review is to introduce differential equations as a simulation tool in the biological and clinical sciences. This modeling technique is very mature and has been a preferred tool of physiologists and bioengineers and of quantitative scientists in general to describe and predict the behavior of complex interacting systems. However, this methodology has not been widely used within clinical medicine due to a lack of familiarity with highly quantitative methods and a greater acquaintance with statistical modeling approaches based on inference and empirical data analysis. We will describe various aspects of equation-based modeling, including underlying assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses and provide specific examples of simple models. We conclude that the usefulness of quantitative modeling, including equation-based models, is ultimately linked to the quality and abundance of observation obtained on the system being modeled. Equation-based modeling, although potentially an integrative approach, is complementary to and extends the potential of traditional statistically based approaches to inference.
Spinal adenosine agonist reduces c-fos and astrocyte activation in dorsal horn of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Abstract Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) is a useful animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have previously shown that stimulation of spinal adenosine A1 receptors decreases peripheral signs of AIA. In this study we show that when the final dose of adenosine A1 agonist is given 1 h prior to sacrifice the number of c-Fos positive cells evoked by the AIA in both the superficial and deep dorsal horns decreases by about 50%. In saline-treated AIA animals the increase in c-Fos expression seen in laminae I–IV was accompanied by an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity, indicative of astrocyte activation. Astrocyte activation was only partially attenuated by adenosine A1 receptor agonist treatment.
A Probability Method for Comparing Varieties against Checks

Combining results of tests conducted over a period of years is desirable when the tests are conducted at a single location or across locations known not to exhibit large nonrandom, predictable genotype ✕ location interactions. But when cumulative reports across tests are attempted, complications arise because of unbalanced structure. The objective of this work was to derive a method to compare varieties against checks using accumulated data in the usual situation, where varieties are changing over the years the accumulated tests are conducted. The resultant probability method is easy to use, easy to present in an extension publication, and easy to interpret by the extension audience. It tests the null hypothesis that a variety equals a check in performance and permits calculation of the probability that the variety equals a check in performance when the null hypothesis is rejected (type 1 error). Calculations are simplified data are coded and standardized for each test year. The method was used on an unbalanced data set yield of 23 varieties and 35 test years of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown near Ames, IA. Probability of one-tailed Type I erroranged from 0.47 to near 0.00 when data were coded on a test-year mean basis, and from 0.86 to near 0.00 when data were coded on the basis of the mean of ‘Saranac’ and ‘Vernal’. The probability method determined that no more than seven test years were necessary to evaluate these varieties.
Blockade of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway by U0126 attenuates neuronal damage following circulatory arrest.

Abstract Objectives The extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction cascade has been implicated in the neuronal and endothelial dysfunction witnessed following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase is activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. We evaluated the ability of a mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2–specific inhibitor (U0126) to block extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and mitigate ischemic neuronal damage in a model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods Piglets underwent normal flow cardiopulmonary bypass (control, n=4), deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (n = 6), and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with U0126 (n = 5) at 20°C for 60 minutes. The deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with U0126 group was given 200 μg/kg of U0126 45 minutes prior to initiation of bypass followed by 100 μg/kg at reperfusion. Following 24 hours of post–cardiopulmonary bypass recovery, brains were harvested. Eleven distinct cortical regions were evaluated for neuronal damage using hematoxylin and eosin staining. A section of ischemic cortex was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry with rabbit polyclonal antibody against phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Results The deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with U0126 groups displayed diffuse ischemic changes. However, the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with U0126 group possessed significantly lower neuronal damage scores in the right frontal watershed zone of cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus ( P ≤ .05) and an overall trend toward neuroprotection versus the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group. This neuroprotection was accompanied by nearly complete blockade of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the cerebral vascular endothelium. Conclusions In this experimental model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, U0126 blocked extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and provided a significant neuroprotective effect. These results support targeting of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway for inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate neuronal damage following deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
A semiempirical derivation of phase domain size in interpenetrating polymer networks

In previous papers, interpenetrating polymer networks were shown to display a cellular structure. The phase domain size of polymer II was shown to depend inversely on the crosslink density of polymer I. The present paper presents a semiempirical derivation of equations which show quantitatively the dependence of the phase domain size of polymer II on the crosslinking density of polymer I, and also on the interfacial energy and the overall composition. If polymer II is linear, the dependence on the molecular weight of polymer II is also included. The values of the phase domain sizes so estimated are compared with experimental results. While theory and experiment yield good agreement, the semiempirical nature of the equations must be borne in mind.
Liposomes in ultrasonic drug and gene delivery

Liposome-based drug and gene delivery systems have potential for significant roles in a variety of therapeutic applications. Recently, liposomes have been used to entrap gas and drugs for ultrasound-controlled drug release and ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery. Echogenic liposomes have been produced by different preparation methods, including lyophilization, pressurization, and biotin-avidin binding. Presently, significant in vivo applications of liposomal ultrasound-based drug and gene delivery are being made in cardiac disease, stroke and tumor therapy. Translation of these vehicles into the clinic will require a better understanding of improved physical properties to avoid rapid clearance, as well as of possible side effects, including those of the ultrasound. The aim of this review is to provide orientation for new researchers in the area of ultrasound-enhanced liposome drug and gene delivery.
The hybrid effects in hybrid fibre composites: experimental study using twisted fibrous structures

Considering the difficulty of obtaining reliable experimental results on hybrid composites, a new principle termed ‘twist–bonding equivalence’ is proposed in this paper. By means of this theory, we have used a twisted hybrid fibre strand (a yarn) as a prototype for the composites so that the fibre–matrix bonding strength can be closely simulated by adjusting the twist on the strand. Using a previously established theoretical model for hybrid composites and incorporating the properties of the strand, we have predicted results reflecting the hybrid effects. The predictions are then compared with experiments done with these twisted strands to validate the theoretical model developed for hybrid composites. Some important factors and limitations of the technique based on the ‘twist–bonding equivalence’ are revealed and discussed.
Hospitalists and intensivists: partners in caring for the critically ill--the time has come.

A report by the Committee on Manpower for Pulmonary and Critical Care Societies (COMPACCS), published in 2000, predicted that beginning in 2007 a gap between the demand and availability of intensivists in the United States would become apparent and steadily increase to 22% by 2020 and to 35% by 2030. Subsequent reports have reiterated those projections including a report to congress in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration. This “gap” has been called a health system “crisis” by multiple authors. Two important documents have published specific recommendations for how to resolve this crisis: the Framing Options for Critical Care in the United States (FOCCUS) Task Force Report in 2004 and the Prioritizing the Organization and Management of Intensive Care Services in the Unites States (PrOMIS) Conference Report in 2007. Since the initial COMPACCS report and since these 2 additional reports were published, a new opportunity to take a major step in resolving this crisis has emerged: the growing number of hospitalists providing critical care services at secondary and tertiary care facilities. According to the 2005/2006 Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) National Survey, that number has increased to 75%. Since the number of intensivists is unlikely to change significantly over the next 25 years, the question is no longer “if” hospitalists should be in the intensive care unit (ICU); rather the question is how to assure quality and improved clinical outcomes through enhanced collaboration between hospital medicine and critical care medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:1–3. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Magnetic resonance signal loss in turbulent shear flow

NMR signal loss due to turbulent shear flow is discussed, and a general expression for the phase fluctuation is derived. In the presence of flow shear, the velocity fluctuation perpendicular to the direction of magnetic gradient and the Reynolds stress can cause loss of MR signal Most of signal loss results from the boundary layer, where the flow shear is strong in turbulent pipe flaw, Half the signal loss within the mixing layer distal to a moderate stenosis is caused by the velocity fluctuation in the direction of magnetic gradient, while the remaining results from the velocity, fluctuation perpendicular to the magnetic gradient. The use of eddy diffusivity for the description of signal dephasing in a spin echo sequence is also addressed; A positive, constant eddy diffusivity can not describe the temporal change of phase fluctuation correctly.
User modeling in UC, the UNIX consultant

UC is a natural language computer consultant system for the UNIX operating system. The user model in UC encodes the user's knowledge state and allows UC to tailor its responses to the user. The model encodes apriori knowledge in a double stereotype system that is extremely efficient. Models of individual users are updated dynamically and build on top of the user's stereotype. The model deals with uncertainty in apriori information and attempts to deduce the user's level during the course of a session.
Finding a mate at a cocktail party: spatial release from masking improves acoustic mate recognition in grey treefrogs

The ‘cocktail party problem’ refers to the difficulty that humans have in recognizing speech in noisy social environments. Many nonhuman animals also communicate acoustically in noisy social aggregations, and thus also encounter and solve cocktail-party-like problems. Relatively few studies, however, have investigated the processes by which nonhuman animals solve sound source segregation problems in the behaviourally relevant context of acoustic communication. In humans, ‘spatial release from masking’ contributes to sound source segregation by improving the ability of listeners to recognize speech that is spatially separated from other sources of speech or ‘speech-shaped’ masking noise. Using a phonotaxis paradigm, I tested the hypothesis that spatial release from masking improves the ability of female grey treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, to discriminate between conspecific and heterospecific calls that were spatially separated from two sources of ‘chorus-shaped’ masking noise by either 15° or 90°. As the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was decreased from +3 dB to −15 dB (by decreasing the signal level in 6-dB steps), fewer females made a choice, and the likelihood of a female choosing the heterospecific call also increased. At a SNR of −3 dB, females oriented towards and chose the conspecific call in the 90° separation condition, but not when signals and maskers were separated by 15°. These results support the hypothesis that a well-known solution to the cocktail party problem in humans, spatial release from masking, also plays a role in acoustic signal recognition in animals that communicate in biological equivalents of cocktail-party-like environments.
The Effect of Changes in Decision Aid Bias on Learning: Evidence of Functional Fixation

ABSTRACT: Building on prior accounting research (Luft and Shields 2001; Dearman and Shields 2005), this study examines the effects of observable decision aid bias on decision aid agreement and task performance accuracy. Using a behavioral experiment, this study manipulates decision aid bias to assess the impact of a change in the level of decision aid bias on the degree to which decision makers' decisions agree with decision aid suggestions (i.e., decision aid agreement) and to which they learn to effectively adjust their decisions (i.e., task performance accuracy). Results indicate that learning subsequent to an observable change in decision aid bias is diminished, consistent with fixation on the previous aid's bias. JEL Classifications: D8; D83; M4
NEUROMEDIN B ACTIVATES PHOSPHOLIPASE D THROUGH BOTH PKC-DEPENDENT AND PKC-INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS

The actions of neuromedin B (NMB), a recently discovered mammalian bombesin-related peptide, are mediated by interacting with a distinct receptor; however, little is known about its cellular basis of action. Recent studies show activation of phospholipase D (PLD) is an important transduction cascade for a number of GI hormones, especially for stimulation of growth and protein sorting. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether activation of the NMB receptor causes activation of PLD and to explore whether this activation was coupled to PLC activation. Rat C6 glioblastoma cells (C6 cells), which contain a low density of native NMB receptors and BALB 3T3 cells stably transfected with rat NMB receptors, were used. NMB caused a 3-fold increase in C6 cells and an 11-fold increase in rNMB-R transfected cells in PLD activity. Increases in PLD activity were rapid and NMB was 100-fold more potent than gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). NMB caused a half-maximal increase in [Ca2+]i at 0.2 nM, in [3H]IP and PLD at 1 nM, and half-maximal receptor occupation at 1.2 nM. TPA increased PLD dose-dependently with a half-maximal effect at 60 nM. The calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microM) alone did not increase PLD activity but potentiated the effect of TPA. The Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, did not affect NMB- or TPA-stimulated PLD activities, although it blocked completely the NMB-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The PKC inhibitor GF109203X completely abolished TPA-induced PLD activity, however, it only inhibited NMB-induced PLD activity by 20%. The combination of thapsigargin and GF109203X had the same effect as GF109203X alone. These data indicate that NMB receptor activation is coupled to both PLC and PLD. In contrast to a number of other phospholipase C-coupled receptors, NMB receptor stimulated changes in [Ca2+]i do not contribute to PLD activation. Both PKC-dependent and PKC-independent mechanisms are involved in the NMB-stimulated PLD activation with the PKC-independent pathway predominating.
Is Physical Fitness Associated With Health in Overweight and Obese Youth? A Systematic Review

A systematic review of literature was conducted to examine the association between changes in health-related fitness (e.g. aerobic capacity and muscular strength /endurance) and chronic disease risk factors in overweight and/or obese youth. Studies published from 2000-2010 were included if the physical activity intervention was a randomized controlled trial and reported changes in fitness and health outcomes by direction and significance (p< 0.05) of the effect. Aerobic capacity improved in 91% and muscular fitness improved in 82% of measures reported. Nearly all studies (32 of 33) reported improvement in at least one fitness test. Changes in outcomes related to adiposity, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and mental/emotional health improved in 60%, 32%, 53%, 41%, and 33% of comparisons studied, respectively. In conclusion, overweight and obese youth can improve physical fitness across a variety of test measures. When fitness improves, beneficial health effects are observed in some, but not all chronic disease risk factors.
Lidar remote sensing for modeling gross primary production of deciduous forests

The influence of foliage vertical distribution on vegetation gross primary production (GPP) is investigated in this study. A new photosynthesis model has been created that combines the standard sunlit/shaded leaf separation (two-leaf) and the multiple layer approaches and uses vertical foliage profiles measured by SLICER (the Scanning Lidar Imager of Canopies by Echo Recovery). Daily gross carbon assimilation rates calculated by this model were compared with the rates calculated by two other models, the two-leaf model and the combined two-leaf multilayer model utilizing uniform foliage profiles. The comparison was made over a wide range of profiles and weather conditions for two mixed deciduous forest stands in eastern Maryland, measured by SLICER in September 1995. Incident radiation pattern, environmental parameters and total amounts of sunlit and shaded leaves were the same for all three models. The difference was in the distributions of radiation and sunlit/shaded leaves inside the canopy. For the combined models, these distributions were calculated based on the vertical foliage profiles, while for the two-leaf model, empirical equations were used to account for the average amounts of absorbed radiation. The simulations showed that: (1) the use of a uniform foliage distribution instead of the actual one results in large differences in the calculated GPP values, up to 46.4% and 50.7% for the days with partial and total cloud cover; (2) the performance of the two-leaf model is extremely sensitive to the absorbed radiation pattern, its disagreement with the proposed model becomes insignificant when the average amounts of absorbed radiation are the same; (3) days with partial cloud cover and a greater fraction of diffuse radiation are characterized by higher GPP rates. These findings highlight the importance of vertical foliage profile and separate treatments of diffuse and direct radiation for photosynthesis modeling.
Optically active bis(β-diketonate) complexes of titanium

The 2,2′-bis(methylene)biphenyl bridged bis(diketonate) (Tol2Bob)TiIV fragment is resolved by reaction of the isopropoxide complex with (R)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol, which selectively forms (S,Δ)-(Tol2Bob)Ti(R-BINOL). The binaphtholate ligand can be cleaved from titanium by careful treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid to give (S,Δ)-(Tol2Bob)Ti(OTf)2, which has a half-life toward racemization of at least 34 h at 51 °C. Racemization of the (Tol2Bob)TiIV fragment is strongly accelerated under protic conditions, probably due to protonolysis of one of the diketonate ligands. Analogous optically active titanium bis(diketonates) can also be prepared by using an optically active 2,2′-bis(methylene)-1,1′-binaphthyl bridged bis(diketonate) ligand, Tol2Bobbinap, prepared from (R)-BINOLH2. Complexation of (R)-Tol2BobbinapH2 with Ti(OiPr)4 gives only a single diastereomer with the Λ configuration at titanium. The bis(diketonate)titanium(IV) fragment gives rise to characteristic signals in circular dichroism spectra which can be used to identify the configuration at the metal centre.
A Clean Sweep?: The Politics of Ethnic Cleansing in Western Poland, 1945-1960

'A Clean Sweep? The Politics of Ethnic Cleansing in Western Poland, 1945-1960' examines the long-term impact of ethnic cleansing on postwar Poland, focusing on the western Polish provinces of Poznan and Zielona Gora. Employing archival materials from multiple sources, including newly available Secret Police archives, it demonstrates how ethnic cleansing solidified Communist rule in the short term while reshaping and 'nationalizing' that rule. The Poles of Poznan played a crucial role in the postwar national revolution in which Poland was ethnically cleansed by a joint effort of the people and state. A resulting national solidarity provided the Communist-dominated regime with an underlying stability, while it transformed what had been a militantly internationalist Polish Communism. This book addresses the legacy of Polish-German conflict that led to ethnic cleansing in East Central Europe, the ramifications within the context of Polish Stalinism's social and cultural revolutions, and the subsequent anti-national counterrevolutionary effort to break the bonds of national solidarity. Finally, it examines how the Poznan milieu undermined and then reversed Stalinist efforts at socioeconomic and cultural revolution. In the aftermath of the Poznan revolt of June 1956, the regime's leadership re-embraced hyper-nationalist politics and activists, and by 1960 Polish authorities had succeeded in stabilizing their rule at the cost of becoming an increasingly national socialist polity. T. David Curp is assistant professor in the Department of History at Ohio University.
Clinical Features and Hospital Outcomes in Thyroid Storm: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Context: Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare but life-threatening manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Predictive features and outcomes remain incompletely understood, in part because studies comparing TS with hospitalized thyrotoxic patients have rarely been performed. Objectives: Our objectives were to compare the diagnosis and outcomes in TS versus hospitalized compensated thyrotoxic (CT) patients and to assess differences in diagnostic classification using the Burch-Wartofsky scores (BWSs) or Akamizu (Ak) criteria for identifying TS. Design, Setting, and Patients: This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients during a 6-year period at an academic tertiary hospital, with age ≥18 years, TSH <0.01 mIU/L, and clinically diagnosed TS or CT. Outcome Measures: In-patient mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, intubation, and ventilator duration were assessed. Results: Twenty-five TS and 125 CT patients were identified and analyzed. All but 1 TS patient received thionamides, β-block...
Congestion and emissions mitigation: A comparison of capacity, demand, and vehicle based strategies

Capacity, demand, and vehicle based emissions reduction strategies are compared for several pollutants employing aggregate US congestion and vehicle fleet condition data. We find that congestion mitigation does not inevitably lead to reduced emissions; the net effect of mitigation depends on the balance of induced travel demand and increased vehicle efficiency that in turn depend on the pollutant, congestion level, and fleet composition. In the long run, capacity-based congestion improvements within certain speed intervals can reasonably be expected to increase emissions of CO2e, CO, and NOx through increased vehicle travel volume. Better opportunities for emissions reductions exist for HC and PM2.5 emissions, and on more heavily congested arterials. Advanced-efficiency vehicles with emissions rates that are less sensitive to congestion than conventional vehicles generate less emissions co-benefits from congestion mitigation.
Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism: Using Holland's DEFT Model as a Reader Response Tool in the Language Classroom

Language students tend to struggle with literature because they find psychological and socio-cultural implications embedded in literary texts difficult to understand and discuss (Kramsch, 1996). This paper suggests that psychoanalytic literary criticism may offer a reading framework that could mitigate the struggle and allow for a deeper level of personal and social exploration of literary works. The DEFT model (Defense, Expectations, Fantasy and Transformation), as one type of reader-response approach to reading that draws on the psychoanalytic framework, might make the reading of literature easier because of its potential to offer to students strategies for finding a point of entry into the text. According to DEFT, the inability to find a point of entry into a new reading may be one of the reasons for finding a literary piece difficult, for ‘disliking’ or outright rejecting it. This qualitative study shows how the DEFT approach, originally created for native speakers but thus far little researched in relationship to non-native speakers, can be used to facilitate the reading of literary works in a language course.
An Argument for Proactive Attention to Affective Concerns of Gifted Adolescents

To meet affective needs of gifted adolescents, teachers in gifted education can avail themselves of the expertise and resources of school counselors who, especially in recent decades, have been tra...
Low pressure pyrolysis of alternative phosphorous precursors for chemical beam epitaxial growth of InP and related compounds

The most widely used phosphorous source in chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) is phosphine (PH/sub 3/). However, because it is highly toxic, alternatives to phosphine have been sought for the growth of phosphorous-containing compounds. We have investigated the pyrolysis rates and reaction products, in low pressure conditions, of three alternative phosphorous precursors: tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP), bisphosphinoethane (BPE) and trisdimethylaminophosphorous (TDMAP). >
Novel methods for in situ characterization of individual micro- and nanoscale magnetic particles

New instrumentation is being developed to better understand the in vivo properties of magnetic particles suspended in solution or lodged in tissue. We describe three novel methods with the necessary sensitivity to measure the microscopic magnetic properties of individual magnetic particles and complexes quantitatively. The first method is based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance of a magnetic particle suspended in water in a microcapillary probe; the second method uses high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of water surrounding a magnetic particle; and the third method is based on AC susceptometry with a magnetic cantilever that combines magnetic particle imaging concepts with probe microscopy. We present the physical basis for the measurements, estimate sensitivity limits, and discuss future impacts on the development of magnetic particles for bioimaging and bioassays.
Women in Family Business

This paper, is condensed from the author's, qualitative research study on women in family business. Women and other family members were interviewed on how gender-related issues affect their work. Also included is an extensive literature review followed by a brief discussion of the research methodology. The research results offer common themes that emerged from the diverse sample of participants. In addition, there is a discussion of implications for practice and research that may be helpful to both family-business members and consultants.
Chromosome-wide mapping of DNA methylation patterns in normal and malignant prostate cells reveals pervasive methylation of gene-associated and conserved intergenic sequences

DNA methylation has been linked to genome regulation and dysregulation in health and disease respectively, and methods for characterizing genomic DNA methylation patterns are rapidly emerging. We have developed/refined methods for enrichment of methylated genomic fragments using the methyl-binding domain of the human MBD2 protein (MBD2-MBD) followed by analysis with high-density tiling microarrays. This MBD-chip approach was used to characterize DNA methylation patterns across all non-repetitive sequences of human chromosomes 21 and 22 at high-resolution in normal and malignant prostate cells. Examining this data using computational methods that were designed specifically for DNA methylation tiling array data revealed widespread methylation of both gene promoter and non-promoter regions in cancer and normal cells. In addition to identifying several novel cancer hypermethylated 5' gene upstream regions that mediated epigenetic gene silencing, we also found several hypermethylated 3' gene downstream, intragenic and intergenic regions. The hypermethylated intragenic regions were highly enriched for overlap with intron-exon boundaries, suggesting a possible role in regulation of alternative transcriptional start sites, exon usage and/or splicing. The hypermethylated intergenic regions showed significant enrichment for conservation across vertebrate species. A sampling of these newly identified promoter (ADAMTS1 and SCARF2 genes) and non-promoter (downstream or within DSCR9, C21orf57 and HLCS genes) hypermethylated regions were effective in distinguishing malignant from normal prostate tissues and/or cell lines. Comparison of chromosome-wide DNA methylation patterns in normal and malignant prostate cells revealed significant methylation of gene-proximal and conserved intergenic sequences. Such analyses can be easily extended for genome-wide methylation analysis in health and disease.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an orchestrated series of events in which cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are altered to release epithelial cells from the surrounding tissue, the cytoskeleton is reorganized to confer the ability to move through a three-
THE EFFECT OF DIET ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE MOUSE TO PNEUMONIA VIRUS OF MICE (PVM) : II. INFLUENCE OF PYRIDOXINE ADMINISTERED IN THE PERIOD BEFORE AS WELL AS AFTER THE INOCULATION OF VIRUS

Young mice fed diets deficient in pyridoxine for 8 days or longer before the inoculation of PVM, as well as after inoculation, were more susceptible to infection than control mice fed complete diets. Young mice fed a pyridoxine-deficient diet gained weight as well as controls fed a complete diet for 5 weeks, but they lost weight in the 6th week. The ratio of thymus or spleen weight to body weight was less in mice fed a pyridoxine-deficient diet for 6 weeks than in controls fed a complete diet. Histologically the thymuses and spleens showed hypoplasia. No measurable difference in antibodies against PVM was found in the sera of uninoculated mice fed complete or pyridoxine-deficient diets for 6 weeks.