cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mediation by M3‐muscarinic receptors of both endothelium‐dependent contraction and relaxation to acetylcholine in the aorta of the spontaneously hypertensive rat

1. Experiments were designed to characterize the subtype(s) of endothelial muscarinic receptor that mediate(s) endothelium-dependent relaxation and contraction in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 2. Rings of SHR aorta with endothelium were suspended in organ baths for the measurement of isometric force. Ecothiopate (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase) was present throughout the experiments. Endothelium-dependent contraction to acetylcholine was studied in quiescent aortic rings in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine (to prevent the formation of nitric oxide). Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was obtained during contraction to phenylephrine and in the presence of indomethacin (to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity). Responses to acetylcholine were assessed against the non-preferential muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, and the preferential antagonists pirenzepine (M1), methoctramine (M2) and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide (4-DAMP; M3). 3. The potency of acetylcholine in inducing endothelium-dependent contraction was 6.54 +/- 0.07 (EC50). Atropine, pirenzepine, methoctramine and 4-DAMP displayed competitive antagonism towards the endothelium-dependent contraction to acetylcholine. The pA2 values for these muscarinic receptor antagonists were estimated from Arunlakshana-Schild plots to be (-log M) 9.48 +/- 0.07, 6.74 +/- 0.22, 6.30 +/- 0.20 and 9.39 +/- 0.22 respectively. The potency of acetylcholine in inducing endothelium-dependent relaxation was 7.82 +/- 0.09 (IC50). Atropine, pirenzepine and 4-DAMP displayed competitive antagonism towards the endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine but methoctramine had no effect. The pA2 values for atropine and 4-DAMP for the relaxation to acetylcholine were estimated from Arunlakshana-Schild plots to be (-log M) 9.15 +/- 0.23 and 9.63 +/- 0.28, respectively. These results suggest that the muscarinic M3 receptor subtype mediates both endothelium-dependent relaxation and contraction to acetylcholine in SHR aorta.
Grassmann invariants, matrix pencils, and linear system properties

Abstract The paper deals with the establishment of relationships between two different types of invariants defined on matrix pencils and polynomial matrices and highlights their significance in the context of linear systems. For general singular matrix pencil sF - G the Grassmann invariants of the pencil are introduced as the column, row Grassmann representatives g c ( F , G ), g r ( F , G ) t , and their corresponding Plucker matrices, P c ( F , G ), P r ( F , G ). The properties of these new invariants of matrix pencils are established. These results provide alternative means for classifying the different families of matrix pencils, which are important for the characterization of properties in linear systems. Finally, the relationship between the Grassmann-Plucker invariants of a general rational transfer function matrix and the system matrix pencil of a minimal realization is derived. The latter results provide means for the computation of transfer function Plucker matrices from state space descriptions, as well as enable the linking of state space Kronecker invariants to the Plucker invariants of transfer functions.
Characterization of bacteriophage λ reverse as an Escherichia coli phage carrying a unique set of host-derived recombination functions

Abstract λ reverse (λ rev ) (Zissler et al ., 1971a) is a recombination proficient derivative of a A phage which had lost the phage recombination genes by deletion. In this work, phages with the Rev phenotype have been obtained by a method of selection different from that of Zissler et al . (1971a). Comparison of DNA from two of our isolates and one of Zissler's by electron microscopic heteroduplex mapping shows that all three phages carry substitutions of non-λ DNA which are indistinguishable in extent, location and base sequence. Genetic and biochemical characterization of λ rev strongly suggests that the substituted DNA codes for recombination functions different from the λ recombination functions which are deleted. These substituted genes apparently derive from the host chromosome or a prophage, and may be the same as the genes responsible for the SbcA and Rac phenotypes in the host.
Toward linking ocean models to fish population dynamics

We discuss Lehodey et al.’s (2009) approach to linking ocean models to population dynamics of large marine predators, consider its benefits and limitations, and outline alternative approaches. We advocate a middle ground between Lehodey et al.’s pragmatic, phenomenological approach and the detailed mechanistic approach common to most individual based models. These models should capture the essence of critical processes controlling recruitment and dynamic density-dependent and environmental effects.
Lamellar liquid crystals in equilibrium with excess oil in anionic surfactant-oil-brine systems

Abstract Lamellar liquid crystalline phases in equilibrium with excess oil have been discovered at water-to-oil ratios near unity and low salinities in systems containing petroleum or pure sulfonates and long-chain hydrocarbons. These liquid crystals have low viscosities and exhibit low interfacial tensions with oil despite their minimal oil solubilization. Such measurements of interfacial tension with one phase being anisotropic are novel. The measured values appear to be reproducible and independent of the speed of rotation in the spinning drop tensiometer.
Acute and chronic effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the essential hypertensive kidney

The natural course of essential hypertensive renal disease is characterized by a slowly progressive impairment of renal function. Initially, the changes are functional and reversible; however, structural changes gradually occur, leading to hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Similarities exist between the early functional hemodynamic changes observed in the essential hypertensive kidney and the physiologic renal effects of angiotensin II. To the degree that the initial functional changes are the result of excessive endogenous production of angiotensin II, interruption of the integrity of this humoral system could be expected to reverse the pathophysiologic sequence of events leading to hypertensive nephrosclerosis. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of the essential hypertensive kidney, the intrarenal effects of angiotensin II, and the acute and chronic effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition therapy on the essential hypertensive kidney. The data reviewed suggest that ACE inhibition therapy does reverse the initial functional hemodynamic changes observed in the essential hypertensive kidney and may protect the glomerulus from hemodynamically mediated injury.
Radiofrequency ablation of head and neck tumors: dramatic results from application of a new technology.

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new treatment modality used over the past decade predominantly in the treatment of unresectable liver tumors. We find no prior reported series on the use of RFA for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Methods Four patients with recurrent tongue tumors not amenable to standard surgical or radiation therapy were treated with RFA administered transorally, endoscopically, or percutaneously. Results There was no perioperative mortality. Significant palliation was achieved consisting of substantial reduction in tumor size and alleviation of tumor-induced pain. One patient has survived for 8 months with no progression of tumor. Three patients had complications, including line sepsis, pneumonia, and enlargement of an orocutaneous fistula. Conclusions RFA was relatively straightforward to apply, achieved substantial palliation, and was associated with minimal perioperative morbidity and no mortality. It might easily be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. Further investigation is necessary and ongoing. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 754–758, 2002
A Dedicated Automated Injection System for Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Experiments in Mice

Purpose: To develop a reproducible small-animal dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI set-up for mice through which volumes <100 μL can be accurately and safely injected and to test this set-up by means of DCE measurements in resting muscle and tumor tissue. Materials and Methods: The contrast agent (CA) injection system comprised 2 MR-compatible syringe pumps placed 50 cm from the 7T magnet bore where the fringe field is approximately 40 mT. Microbore tubing and T-connector, close to the injection site, minimized dead volume (<10 μL). For DCE-MRI measurements in 8 CB-17 SCID mice with 1500–2500 mm3 large orthotopic neuroblastoma, a bolus of 10-fold-diluted Gd-DTPA CA solution (0.1 mmol/kg) was delivered (5 μL/s), followed by a 50-μL saline flush. Retro-orbital injections were given instead of tail vein injections, because the peripheral vasculature was reduced because of large tumor burden. Results: The CA injection was successful in 19 of 24 experiments. Optical assessment showed minimal dispersion of ink-colored CA bolus. Mean (±SD) pharmacokinetic parameters retrieved from DCE-MRI examinations in resting muscle (Ktrans = 0.038 ± 0.025 min−1, kep = 0.66 ± 0.48 min−1, ve = 0.060 ± 0.014, vp = 0.033 ± 0.021) and tumor (Ktrans = 0.082 ± 0.071 min−1, kep = 0.82 ± 0.80 min−1, ve = 0.121 ± 0.075, vp = 0.093 ± 0.051) agreed with those reported previously. Conclusion: We successfully designed and implemented a DCE-MRI set-up system with short injection lines and low dead volume. The system can be used at any field strength with the syringe pumps placed at a sufficiently low fringe field (<40 mT). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:746–751. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
π-Conjugated gradient copolymers suppress phase separation and improve stability in bulk heterojunction solar cells

Gradient sequence copolymers of 3-hexylthiophene (90 mol%) and 3-(6-bromohexyl)thiophene (10 mol%) were synthesized by catalyst transfer polycondensation. Post-polymerization conversion of the side-chain bromides into azides and subsequent Cu-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition installed C60-functional groups. Comparing blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with and without the gradient copolymer additive revealed that, when the gradient copolymer was present, micron-scale phase separation was not observed even after prolonged thermal annealing times. In addition, the PCBM was still able to quench the P3HT emission after thermal annealing, indicating that the donor–acceptor interfacial area is maintained. Together, these data suggest that the gradient copolymers are an effective compatibilizer for P3HT/PCBM physical blends. This stabilized film morphology led to stable power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of the corresponding bulk heterojunction solar cells even upon extended thermal annealing. Nevertheless, the short circuit current and fill factor were reduced when the gradient copolymer was present, leading to a lower PCE. Overall, these gradient copolymer additives represent a promising tool for inhibiting micron-scale phase separation and producing robust polymer/fullerene-based solar cells.
Scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies of jejunal microvilli of the rat, hamster and dog, , †‡§

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the surface area and number per unit area of microvilli from jejunal villus epithelial cells in the rat, hamster and dog. The calculated mean microvillus surface area was 0.419 μ2, 0.573 μ2, 0.751 μ2 for the rat, hamster and dog respectively. The largest number of microvilli per square micron freeze dried villus surface was measured in the rat with a mean value of 65. Hamster and dog freeze dried specimens had lower mean values of 54 and 34 microvilli respectively. The total microvilli surface area in square micron per square micron villus surface was more closely related for the three species with values of 27.23 for the rat, 30.94 for the hamster and 25.53 for the dog. These data indicate an inverse relationship between the mean microvillus surface area and population density in the species studied. However, the total microvilli surface area per unit villus surface is relatively similar for the three species. The observed number of microvilli per unit villus surface was shown to vary depending upon the dehydration technique employed for preparation of scanning electron microscopic specimens. This variation probably reflects shrinkage artifact and should be considered in soft tissue studies involving the scanning electron microscope.
The Empirical Implications of Electoral College Reform

>> The events of 2000 inspired renewed debate in America over the manner in which presidents are chosen, with many critics of the existing system favoring the alternative of direct popular election. These advocates of reform often argue that the strategic environment shaped by the electoral college distorts the democratic process by encouraging candidates to focus on a few politically competitive states while virtually ignoring the majority of the nation. Using empirical evidence, we evaluate the claim that the electoral college is antidemocratic due to its effect on campaign strategy. Furthermore, we consider the possible alternative strategies adopted by candidates under a hypothetical national popular presidential election. We conclude that many of the consequences of electoral college reform, unacknowledged by its proponents, would not necessarily make presidential elections substantially more democratic, and we call for additional empirical research on a topic that has heretofore been dominated by theoretical debate and speculation.
Structure Sharing with Binary Trees

Problem: proliferation of copies When words are combined to form phrases, unification is not applied to lexlcat representations directly because it would result in the lexicon being changed. When a word is encountered in a text, a copy is made of its entry, and unification is applied to the copied graph, not the original one. In fact, unification in a typical parser is always preceded by a copying operation. Because of nondeterminism in parsing, it is, in general, necessary to preserve every representation that gets built. The same graph may be needed again when the parser comes back to pursue some yet unexplored option. Our experience suggests that the amount of computational effort that goes into producing these copies is much greater than the cost of unification itself. It accounts for a significant amount of the total parsing time.
Strain measurements in vascular smooth muscle cells grown on a biaxially-stretched substrate

Vascular smooth muscle cells were grown on a compliant membrane to which a uniform, biaxial strain was applied. The displacements of cell-surface markers were measured, so that cell strain could be calculated. This system provides the means to measure quantitatively the mechanical response of cells in culture to a controlled mechanical input. The actual deformation of the cells was determined by measuring the distance between cell surface markers in the deformed and undeformed states. It was found that the variation in cell strain is due to morphological and mechanical properties of the cell, such as strength of attachment, degree of spreading, and organization, and stiffness of cytoskeletal elements. >
Guest editors' introduction to the Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Biomedical Research and Applications.

In these supplements to BMC Bioinformatics and BMC Genomics, we include a selection of research originally presented at the 9th annual International Symposium on Bioinformatics Research Applications (ISBRA 2013). ISBRA 2013 was held at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC, USA) on May 20-22, 2013. For 9 years, the ISBRA symposium has been a forum for exchange of diverse ideas and research results broadly organized under the umbrella disciplines of bioinformatics and computational biology. The five keynote addresses at ISBRA 2013 included talks on RNA structure (Dr. Steve Harvey), computational behavioral ecology (Dr. Tanya Berger-Wolf), peptide identification from mass spectrometry (Dr. Bin Ma), gene regulation (Dr. Martha Bulyk), and biological network analysis (Dr. Luonan Chen). The research presented by conference participants was equally diverse. Reflecting current trends in the field, a substantial number of presentations were focused on genomics research, so we have chosen to present two linked supplements in BMC Bioinformatics, and one in BMC Genomics. ISBRA 2013 was attended by 115 participants from the US, Canada, China, southeast Asia, and several European nations. Participants submitted 104 papers and 58 short abstracts. 25 papers were selected to appear in volume 7875 of Springer Verlag's Lecture Notes in the Bioinformatics [1] series, and four of these were revised and published as full length papers in a special supplement to the IEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics [2]. 21 authors of short abstracts were invited to present short talks at the conference, and subsequently to expand on their work and submit full-length papers for these BMC Supplements. These submissions were subject to a rigorous peer review process and nine manuscripts have been selected for publication. We thank the Program Committee members and Supplement external reviewers for volunteering their time to review and discuss symposium papers. We thank the Steering Committee and Chairs of the ISBRA 2013 conference for their hard work in making ISBRA 2013 a successful event. We also thank the students and staff of the UNC Charlotte Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics for providing logistical support and volunteer labor before and during the conference. We thank the Editors-in-Chief of BMC Bioinformatics and BMC Genomics for providing us with the opportunity to showcase some of the research presented at ISBRA 2013. We thank the National Science Foundation and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for their sponsorship of the conference, along with corporate sponsors CLC Genomics, Inc. and Accelerated Technology Laboratories. Last but not the least, we would like to thank all the ISBRA 2013 authors. The symposium could not continue to thrive without their high quality contributions.
Scheduling Hadoop Jobs to Meet Deadlines

User constraints such as deadlines are important requirements that are not considered by existing cloud-based data processing environments such as Hadoop. In the current implementation, jobs are scheduled in FIFO order by default with options for other priority based schedulers. In this paper, we extend real time cluster scheduling approach to account for the two-phase computation style of MapReduce. We develop criteria for scheduling jobs based on user specified deadline constraints and discuss our implementation and preliminary evaluation of a Deadline Constraint Scheduler for Hadoop which ensures that only jobs whose deadlines can be met are scheduled for execution.
Halftoning via direct binary search using analytical and stochastic printer models

We incorporate models for printer dot interactions within the iterative direct binary search (DBS) halftoning algorithm. Monochrome electro-photographic printers are considered. Both analytical and stochastic models are studied. In the analytical model it is assumed that the printer can generate a circular spot with constant absorptance at each printer addressable location, whereas the stochastic model is based on microscopic absorptance and variance measurements. We also present an efficient strategy for evaluating the change in computational cost as the search progresses. With our scheme, updating the change in error only involves a few fetches from two look-up-tables and some scalar multiplications and additions. Experimental results are provided that show that DBS with an appropriate model for printer dot interactions yields enhanced detail rendition, and improved tonal gradation in shadow areas.
Ionotropic glutamate receptor activation increases intracellular calcium in prolactin-releasing cells of the adenohypophysis.

Endocrine cells of the anterior pituitary are controlled by the central nervous system through hormonal interactions and are not believed to receive direct synaptic connections from the brain. Stud...
Relationship between oxidative stress, semen characteristics, and clinical diagnosis in men undergoing infertility investigation

Abstract Objective: To determine whether particular semen characteristics in various clinical diagnoses of infertility are associated with high oxidative stress and whether any group of infertile men is more likely to have high seminal oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in sperm physiological functions, but elevated levels of ROS or oxidative stress are related to male infertility. Design: Measurement of sperm concentration, motility, morphology, seminal ROS, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients seeking infertility treatment and controls. Setting: Male infertility clinic of a tertiary care center. Patient(s): One hundred sixty-seven infertile patients and 19 controls. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Semen characteristics, seminal ROS, and TAC in samples from patients with various clinical diagnoses and controls. Result(s): Fifteen patients (9.0%) were Endtz positive and 152 (91.0%) Endtz negative. Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were significantly reduced in all groups compared with the controls ( P = .02), except in varicocele associated with infection group. Mean (±SD) ROS levels in patient groups ranged from 2.2 ± 0.13 to 3.2 ± 0.35, significantly higher than controls (1.3 ± 0.3; P P P ≤.007), with the exception of idiopathic infertility. Conclusion(s): Irrespective of the clinical diagnosis and semen characteristics, the presence of seminal oxidative stress in infertile men suggests its role in the pathophysiology of infertility. Medical or surgical treatments for infertility in these men should include strategies to reduce oxidative stress.
Computer Aided Automobile Accident Reconstruction-Theory, Graphlcs, Animation

Automobile accident reconstruction and vehicular performance problems offer an exciting challenge to the mechanicist. They represent an area where he may apply his expertise in engineering mechanics to solve a common and often complex problem that is familiar to society. The reconstruction of an accident through the use of a mathematical model may not only serve to explain the events and conditions that caused this accident but also provide information which could be beneficial in improving the safety of automobile travel in developing a tool for the technically and non-technically oriented that fits these needs. The methodology for the development of a modular mini-computer operational mathematical model for automobile accident reconstruction and its verification are presented. Also, the reconstruction of a three car collision that required many of the special features of the model is discussed in detail. Finally, the computer graphics and a real time VCR animation of this accident have also been included.
Singularities in Motion and Displacement Functions of Constrained Mechanical Systems

A general approach for the determination of singularities in motion and displacement functions of manipulators and linkages is proposed. Singularities in motion of a manipula tor occur at positions where the parameters in motions of the end-effector become dependent, or when the end-effector is at rest and some manipulator links become movable. Singular ities in motion of a linkage occur at positions where an over- constrained group of links becomes mobile while the driving link is held at rest. Both cases of singularities are determined with the condition that the rank r of the system matrix of six linear equations is less than 6. The system of linear equa tions relates the velocities in motion in joints with the veloci ties of the linkage driving link (manipulator end-effector). In the proposed approach, the elements of the system matrix can be derived directly by using the matrix representation of coordinate transformation. The requirement r < 6 provides an equation (the singularity equation) that rela...
Dynamic Model for Combined Simulation of Dairy Management Strategies

Abstract A dynamic model that simulates change was constructed by combining detailed information on biological and economic characteristics of the dairy cow. This model can be utilized to study strategies of dairy management, particularly for situations where collection of empirical data is difficult. The GASP IV simulation package allowed simulation of both discrete (time-oriented) events such as freshening and breeding as well as continuous processes such as milk production and feed consumption. Because the initial question is concerned with the relationship between herd life and profitability of the cow, the model contains detailed estimates of relationships between age, production, and costs of production. The model has a flexible modular organization that can be adapted to numerous management options. For basal case validation, driving (control) variables were input descriptive of a commercial dairy herd. Response variables were compared to survey information from dairy farms in the Northeast.
New materials for optical cooling

Well-characterized solid-state laser materials are evaluated for performance in optical refrigeration as well as radiation-balanced laser systems. New figures-of-merit are developed and applied to ytterbium-doped materials. Supe- rior performance is predicted for high-cross-section tungstate materials. Photothermal deflection experiments on samples of Yb 3+ -doped KGd(WO4)2 confirm anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling. This is the first observation of optical cooling in a crystal.
Predicting Prostate Biopsy Results The Importance of PSA, Age, and Race

We studied whether age and race have a significant role in predicting the results of prostate biopsy after consideration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) alone. We evaluated the results of 884 prostate biopsies performed on 695 men, including 188 black men. We used logistic regression analysis to evaluate relationships between presence of cancer in the biopsy specimen and the key predictor variables of PSA, age, and black race. We also evaluated the importance of a Bayes-derived positive predictive value (PPV), which used age- and race-specific values of specificity and sensitivity of PSA and age- and race-specific Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results incidences of prostate cancer. In univariate analysis, the Bayes PPV was associated significantly with presence of cancer (χ 2 = 216; P ~ .000); however, serum PSA provided more information (χ 2 = 248; P ~ .000). With serum PSA in the logistic model, the Bayes PPV provided no further information (P > .08), and as additional variables, neither age nor black race contributed further information (P > .1). Serum PSA provides the most predictive information about the results of biopsy of the prostate, probably because it naturally correlates with age and race. Decisions about whether to biopsy should rest on values of serum PSA and need not consider age and race.
HIFU Lesion Volume as a Function of Sonication Time, as Determined by MRI, Histology, and Computations

Characterization of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) systems using ex vivo tissues is an important part of the preclinical testing for new HIFU devices. In ex vivo characterization, the lesion volume produced by the absorption of HIFU energy is quantified as operational parameters are varied. This paper examines the three methods used for lesion-volume quantification: histology, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and numerical calculations. The methods were studied in the context of a clinically relevant problem for HIFU procedures--that of quantifying the change in the lesion volume with changing sonication time. The lesion volumes of sonicated samples of porcine liver were determined using the three methods, at focal intensities ranging from 800 W/cm(2) to 1700 W/cm(2) and sonication times between 20 s and 40 s. It was found that histology consistently yielded lower lesion volumes than the other two methods, and the calculated values were below magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at high applied energies. Still, the three methods agreed with each other to within a +/-10% difference for all of the experiments. Increasing the sonication time produced much larger changes in the lesion volume than increasing the acoustic intensity, for the same total energy expenditure, at lower energy (less than 1000 J) levels. At higher energy levels, (around 1500 J), increasing the sonication time and increasing the intensity produced roughly the same change in the lesion volume for the same total energy expenditure.
Multiple Perspectives of the Discharge Process: Transitioning from a Long-Term Care Facility to Home

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and discharge process of residents, family members, and staff when older adults transitioned from a skilled nursing facility back to their homes. Methods: Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling in person and via flyers. The residents were three older adults between the ages of 65 and 95, two family members, and four staff involved in the discharge process: the Social Services Designee, the Director of Rehabilitation, the Director of Nursing, and the facility Administrator. Staff and family members were interviewed one time while the older adults completed three interviews. Results: The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed revealing three themes to describe the complexity and importance of communication among all the health professionals and family members involved in the process: The Discharge Experience, Communication, and Challenges.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTORAL MOBILIZATION: POLITICAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL STRUCTURE, AND THE PARTY CANVASS

As agents of electoral mobilization, political parties occupy an important role in the social flow of political communication. We address several questions regarding party mobilization efforts. Whom do the parties seek to mobilize? What are the individual and aggregate characteristics and criteria that shape party mobilization efforts? What are the intended and unintended consequences of partisan mobilization, both for individual voters and for the electorate more generally? In answering these questions we make several arguments. First, party efforts at electoral mobilization inevitably depend upon a process of social diffusion and informal persuasion, so that the party canvass serves as a catalyst aimed at stimulating a cascading mobilization process. Second, party mobilization is best seen as being environmentally contingent upon institutional arrangements, locally defined strategic constraints, and partisan divisions within particular electorates. Finally, the efforts of party organizations generate a layer of political structure within the electorate that sometimes competes with social structure and often exists independently from it.
Willingness to accept mobility opportunities: Destination makes a difference

Previous research on employee willingness to accept mobility opportunities involving geographic relocation has generally not specified characteristics of potential destination communities. However, studies of employee adjustment following relocation suggest that community characteristics are critical to employee satisfaction. In order to better understand the factors that influence employees' acceptance of mobility opportunities, we investigated differences in both levels and antecedents of willingness to accept mobility opportunities involving relocation between similar communities and relocation between dissimilar communities. Results suggest that employees were particularly reluctant to accept moves between dissimilar communities, and that the role of career factors, community attachment, and location preferences as antecedents varied depending on the specific nature of the mobility opportunity. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Pharmacogenomics in Cardiovascular Medicine

The completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) holds promise for further insight into how genetic differences contribute to an individual's response to a medicine(s). Even before the completion of the HGP, cardiovascular medicine was thrust into the arena of pharmacogenomics by the observation that many drugs, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular, promote cardiac arrhythmias. It is now recognized that these adverse responses as well as beneficial responses to cardiovascular medicines can be influenced by alterations in the genes for metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and drug targets. To the present, much basic information regarding gene–drug interactions has accumulated, but translation to clinical care has been slow. It is anticipated that the pace of clinical cardiovascular pharmacogenomics will increase as the result of better-designed studies and technological advances. The final adoption of this area of investigation into clinical practice will also be influenced by financial, psychosocial, and legal factors. Drug Dev. Res. 62:180–190, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) regulates Vibrio cholerae biofilm formation

While studying virulence gene regulation in Vibrio cholerae during infection of the host small intestine, we identified VieA as a two-component response regulator that contributes to activating expression of cholera toxin. Here we report that VieA represses transcription of Vibrio exopolysaccharide synthesis (vps) genes involved in biofilm formation by a mechanism independent of its phosphorelay and DNA-binding activities. VieA controls the intracellular concentration of the cyclic nucleotide second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) using an EAL domain that functions as a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase. Two-dimensional thin layer chromatography of nucleotide extracts confirmed that VieA reduces the concentration of c-di-GMP, opposing the action of c-di-GMP synthetase proteins. Expression of unrelated V. cholerae c-di-GMP synthetase or phosphodiesterae proteins also modulated c-di-GMP concentration and vps gene expression. We propose that c-di-GMP synthetase and phosphodiesterase domain-containing proteins contribute to regulating biofilm formation by controlling c-di-GMP concentration.
Interspecific variation in primate coat colour supports Gloger’s rule

Aim In 1833, C.L. Gloger observed that bird populations living in warm and wet habitats were darker than those found in dry, cool areas. However, this hypothesis has seldom been evaluated, particularly for mammals. Here, we test Gloger’s rule using a dataset consisting of more than 100 primate species representing all major primate clades. Location Africa, Madagascar, Asia and the Neotropics. Methods We used museum skins, digital photography, and colour correction software to quantify the brightness of the dorsal and ventral pelage surface of each species. We utilized the mean actual evapotranspiration (AET) within the geographic range of each species as a proxy for habitat conditions and accounted for additional variables that may influence coloration. To analyse the data, we used a generalized linear model that simultaneously accounts for the effects of phylogenetic and spatial autocorrelation. Results We found that increasing levels of AET were significantly related to increasing pelage darkness on the dorsal surface of species, while accounting for other effects. Main conclusions Our finding provides further support for the applicability of Gloger’s rule to mammals, and is the first broad-scale evaluation for primates. The mechanism driving Gloger’s rule is not easy to discern, but may include increased background matching for species living in relatively light or dark habitats, increased resistance to keratin-degrading micro-organisms in hair with large amounts of eumelanin, and/or thermoregulation.
Angiomyolipoma of the liver: immunohistochemical study of a case

Angiomyolipoma, a not uncommon tumor of the kidney, is rarely encountered in the liver. We report a case of angiomyolipoma of the liver in a 68-year-old woman, in which immunohistochemical study was performed.
Class Politics, American-Style

Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson's Winner-Take-All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer—And Turned Its Back on the Middle Class is both a work of political science and a contribution to broad public discussion of distributive politics. Its topic could not be more relevant to a US polity wracked by bitter partisan disagreements about taxes, social spending, financial regulation, social insecurity, and inequality. The political power of “the rich” is a theme of widespread public attention. The headline on the cover of the January–February 2011 issue of The American Interest—“Inequality and Democracy: Are Plutocrats Drowning Our Republic?”—is indicative. Francis Fukuyama's lead essay, entitled “Left Out,” clarifies that by “plutocracy,” the journal means “not just rule by the rich, but rule by and for the rich. We mean, in other words, a state of affairs in which the rich influence government in such a way as to protect and expand their own wealth and influence, often at the expense of others.” Fukuyama makes clear that he believes that this state of affairs obtains in the United States today.Readers of Perspectives on Politics will know that the topic has garnered increasing attention from political scientists in general and in our journal in particular. In March 2009, we featured a symposium on Larry Bartels's Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age. And in December 2009, our lead article, by Jeffrey A. Winters and Benjamin I. Page, starkly posed the question “Oligarchy in the United States?” and answered it with an equally stark “yes.” Winner-Take-All Politics thus engages a broader scholarly discussion within US political science, at the same time that it both draws upon and echoes many “classic themes” of US political science from the work of Charles Beard and E. E. Schattschneider to Ted Lowi and Charles Lindblom.In this symposium, we have brought together a group of important scholars and commentators who offer a range of perspectives on the book and on the broader themes it engages. While most of our discussants are specialists on “American politics,” we have also sought out scholars beyond this subfield. Our charge to the discussants is to evaluate the book's central claims and evidence, with a focus on three related questions: 1) How compelling is its analysis of the “how” and “why” of recent US public policy and its “turn” in favor of “the rich” and against “the middle class”? 2) How compelling is its critique of the subfield of “American politics” for its focus on the voter–politician linkage and on “politics as spectacle” at the expense of an analysis of “politics as organized combat”? 3) And do you agree with its argument that recent changes in US politics necessitate a different, more comparative, and more political economy–centered approach to the study of US politics?—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Personalized Pricing and Quality Differentiation

We develop an analytical framework to investigate the competitive implications of personalized pricing technologies (PP). These technologies enable first-degree price discrimination: firms charge different prices to different consumers, based on their willingness to pay. We first show that, even though a monopolist makes a higher profit with PP, its optimal quality is the same with or without PP. Next, we show that in a duopoly setting, personalized pricing adds value only if it is associated with product differentiation. We then consider a model of vertical product differentiation, and show how personalized pricing on the Internet affects firms' choices of quality differentiation in a competitive scenario. There are two equilibria. We find that, when the PP firm has a high quality both firms raise their qualities, relative to the uniform pricing case. Conversely, when the PP firm has low quality, both firms lower their qualities. While it is optimal for the firm adopting PP to increase product differentiation, the non-PP firm seeks to reduce differentiation by moving in closer in the quality space. Our model also points out firms' optimal pricing strategies with PP, which may be non-monotonic in consumer valuations. Depending on the convexity of the marginal cost function, we outline the incentives of firms to deploy such technologies. Our model shows it is an optimal strategy for the low quality firm to adopt PP, if the other firm does not. Regardless of whether the low quality firm has PP, the high quality firm should adopt PP only if the cost function is not too convex. Next, if both firms acquire PP, then both firms earn lower profits than in the case where neither firm has PP. Essentially, they are trapped in a prisoner's dilemma. Finally, we show that, consumer surplus is highest when both firms adopt PP. Thus, despite the threat of first degree price discrimination, personalized pricing with competing firms can lead to an overall increase in consumer welfare.
Are Nonprofits Obsolete

Can the nonprofit sector survive the barrage of government regulations, the fast changing environment, the changing priorities of donors and beneficiaries, the democratized nature of fundraising and a host of other internal and external factors? The nonprofit sector is threatened by its very nature, which is complex and seems to go against the established principles of successful organizations. At the same time the larger outer environment has continued to wreak havoc on a sector that is already internally weak. Can the nonprofit sector, as organized, continue to exist? This paper discusses the internal weaknesses inherent to the nonprofit sector including funding, legal organization, nature of nonprofit work, workers and clients, as well as the external threats to the sector including inter-sectoral competition, regulations and the changing global economic landscape. To stay relevant, nonprofits must adapt to the changing outer environment by evolving internally.
Effects of race and insurance on outcomes of the open abdomen

Recent studies have suggested improved outcomes in surgical patients with healthcare insurance, whereas several others have noted disparities in access to health care, the care provided, and the aftercare of uninsured patients. Several different strategies exist in the management and prevention of the open abdomen secondary to abdominal compartment syndrome. To date, no study has evaluated the effects of race and insurance in patients with an open abdomen (OA). A retrospective review from our OA database was queried. All patients with an OA from January 2002 to December 2010 were included for analysis. Data analyzed included patients' demographics, race, insurance status, hospital charges, Injury Severity Scores, and outcomes. Insured patients were identified and compared with their uninsured counterparts. A total of 720 patients were treated for an OA during the study period. Of these, 273 (37.9%) died within their hospital stay. Patients who died were noted to be older and sicker with higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Simplified Acute Physiologic Scores (27.6 vs 18.2, P Language: en
Isolated Microsystems in Evolution

This chapter is concerned with the subject of isolated microsystems and their importance in the evolution of the living state from purely chemical systems. We have chosen to discuss this particular topic for two main reasons. First, although the subject of the role of microsystems in evolution has been previously examined by several authors, a brief review of the available literature has revealed that certain basic concepts relative to this topic have not been, for the most part, adequately developed. Second, Professor A. I. Oparin (1), the man whose work we honor here, and his colleagues have spent a considerable amount of time and effort in exploring the many facets of one particular type of chemical microsystem, namely, coacervate droplets. Their studies, coupled with those of Professor S. W. Fox (2), and his co-workers on proteinoid microspheres, have served to emphasize the great importance of isolated microenvironments with regard to the appearance and evolution of living systems.
Chapter Ten – Impact of Pregnancy and Delivery on Pelvic Floor Biomechanics

Vaginal delivery is the greatest epidemiological risk factor for the development of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Despite high prevalence of the inciting event and PFDs that follow, mechanisms that lead to the dysfunction of the supportive pelvic floor structures are not well delineated to date. Determining the biomechanical impact of parturition on the pelvic floor is important for understanding the pathophysiology of its postpartum. The above, in turn, will allow to mechanistically link vaginal delivery and PFDs. There are probably no greater phenotypic transformations in healthy human adults than the ones that occur in female pelvic organs and their supportive structures during pregnancy. Elucidation of pregnancy-induced changes in the mechanical properties of pelvic floor components is, therefore, an absolute prerequisite for designing scientifically sound biomechanical studies and reliable models of vaginal deliveries.
Tensile and Tear Behavior of Anisotropic Double Networks of a Black-Filled Natural Rubber Vulcanizate

Abstract Double networks of a black-filled natural rubber composition have been prepared by partially curing a sheet, stretching it, and then completing cure. Upon release, a double network retracts to a residual extension ratio, αr. Samples cut perpendicular to the stretch direction have stress—strain responses like the isotropic single network, while parallel samples have enhanced stiffness and tensile strength, and reduced extensibility. Tensile strength is rather weakly dependent on αr. Tear strengths of the double networks, determined using edge-cut strip specimens, exceed that of the single network for low αr. However, when αr is high, double networks have very low tear strengths. Consistent with previous studies, high tear strengths are associated with extensive longitudinal cracking.
Surface functionalized nanoparticles for proximity-activated detection and imaging of breast cancer.

Abstract #6002 Site directed therapy of metastatic and primary breast cancer promises to minimize systemic toxicity associated with chemotherapy agents that have no specificity for pathologic tissues. We have developed a multifunctionalized nanoparticle specifically designed to target breast cancer, including metastases. Quantum dots (QDs) were functionalized with a matrilysin (MMP-7) cleavable, proximity activated substrate, PEG-peptide-PEG (PA construct), where cleavage occurs at the peptide bridge. The QDs were further functionalized with folic acid, a strong breast cancer cell targeting ligand with well-known binding to some normal tissues. The construct initially conceals the folate ligand and reduces binding to non-target tissues. MMP-7 activated cleavage of the PA construct and subsequent unmasking of the folate ligand occurs only at the site of the breast tumor, resulting in a proximity activated targeting (PAT) system. The activity of QDs functionalized with both the PA construct and folic acid (FA-QD-PA) was compared to QDs functionalized with only folic acid (QD-FA). Cellular association of QD-FA nanoparticles with the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 revealed that 61.9 ± 6.5% of the cells were fluorescently labeled. Addition of the PA construct reduced QD-FA recognition by MDA-MB-231 cells to 2.1 ± 0.4%. MMP-7 cleavage of the protected FA-QD-PA construct restored MDA-MB-231 recognition to 21.9 ± 5.4 %, a significant increase compare to the uncleaved multifunctional nanoparticle construct (one-way ANOVA, p* Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 6002.