cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High affinity aldosterone binding sites (Type I receptors) in the mammalian inner ear

Abstract The presence of aldosterone (Type 1) binding sites in the mammalian inner ear has been previously suggested by an increase in inner ear Na, K-ATPase ouabain binding sites in response to the administration of aldosterone in vivo (Pitovski et al., 1993). Type I binding sites have now been identified and characterized in the lateral wall of the basal turn of the cochlea and in the ampullae of the semicircular canals of the guinea pig. In the presence of RU 28362, which blocks low-affinity binding of the labeled hormone to Type II sites, [ 3 H]-aldosterone binds to a single class of high-affinity (Type I) sites with K d values of 34.7 nM in lateral wall of the basal turn of the cochlea and 31.3 nM in the ampullae of the semicircular canals. B max is 17.1 fmol/mg dry tissue for the cochlear sample and 17.4 fmol/mg dry tissue for the ampullae, comparable to reported values in renal tissue (17–31 fmol/mg protein). Thus, the results of receptor-binding experimental protocols with [ 3 H]-aldosterone clearly suggest that these inner ear tissues are a target site of mineralocorticoid action.
Inhibition of Myocardial TNF-α Production by Heat Shock: A Potential Mechanism of Stress-Induced Cardioprotection against Postischemic Dysfunctiona

Overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) contributes to cardiac dysfunction associated with systemic or myocardial stress, such as endotoxemia and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Heat shock has been demonstrated to enhance cardiac functional resistance to I/R. However, the protective mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) whether cardiac macrophages express heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) after heat shock, (2) whether induced cardiac HSP72 suppresses myocardial TNF-alpha production during I/R, and (3) whether preservation of postischemic myocardial function by heat shock is correlated with attenuated TNF-alpha production during I/R. Rats were subjected to heat shock (42 degrees C for 15 min) and 24 h recovery. Immunoblotting confirmed the expression of cardiac HSP72. Immunofluorescent staining detected HSP72 in cardiac interstitial cells including resident macrophages rather than myocytes. Global I/R caused a significant increase in myocardial TNF-alpha. The increase in myocardial TNF-alpha was blunted by prior heat shock and the reduced myocardial TNF-alpha level was correlated with improved cardiac functional recovery. This study demonstrates for the first time that heat shock induces HSP72 in cardiac resident macrophages and inhibits myocardial TNF-alpha production during I/R. These observations suggest that inhibition of myocardial TNF-alpha production may be a mechanism by which HSP72 protects the heart against postischemic dysfunction.
Departmental websites and female student recruitment

Female recruitment and retention in technology related fields is still low, despite numerous attempts to reverse this trend. As a recruitment device, a school's webpage may be the only visual representation a student will see before deciding whether or not to apply. Thus, understanding the possible implications of this medium is important within the larger conversation on gender equity and opportunities. This research addresses several questions: At first glance, do websites give gender cues, whether intentional or not? Is there a relationship between certain web content and the number of women recruited into technology related schools and departments? Do applied fields (Informatics, Information Science, Instructional Technology, Information Systems) differ in their online recruitment practices from more traditional Computer Science and Engineering departments? It is important to note that this research is not an attempt to find the best web practices to recruit female students or an attempt to punish or blame specific institutions regarding their recruitment practices.
Studies of Protonation of Some Aminopolycarboxylates by Carbon-13 NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract 13C nmr chemical shifts are used to evaluate successive protonations of the aminopolycarboxylate systems diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid (TTHA).
Dense Ideals and Maximal Quotient Rings of Incidence Algebras

Abstract In this paper, we determine a core subset of dense ideals and left dense ideals of some incidence algebras. As an application and the motivation of this work, we compute the maximal left quotient ring of some incidence algebras. In a ring T, if a minimal left dense ideal, D exists, then the maximal left quotient ring of T is isomorphic to the ring of T-module homomorphisms of D into D (Lambek, J. (1963). On Utumi's ring of quotients. Can. J. Math. 15:363–370). Hence, in the case of an incidence algebra, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a minimal left dense ideal to exist and give a description of this ideal when it exists.
Market power and state costs of HIV/AIDS drugs

We examine whether U.S. states can use their market power to reduce the costs of supplying prescription drugs to uninsured and underinsured persons with HIV through a public program, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Among states that purchase drugs from manufacturers and distribute them directly to clients, those that purchase a greater volume pay lower average costs per prescription. Among states depending on retail pharmacies to distribute drugs and then claiming rebates from manufacturers, those that contract with smaller numbers of pharmacy networks have lower average costs. Average costs per prescription do not differ between the two purchase methods.
On the nature of the interaction between structures and proof-mass actuators

This paper presents an analysis of the interaction between a structure, an actuator used to control the vibration of the structure, and the control law to be implemented by the actuator. The control hardware used is a proof-mass actuator with experimentally verified dynamics capable of being used in a space structure configuration. A local rate-feedback control law is used. The control of two different structures is presented. The first structure is a cantilevered beam constructed of a quasi-isotropic composite material that is controlled by a single actuator forming the experimental component of the investigation. The second structure is a finite-element model of a truss system controlled by a single actuator. Models of both structures predict the presence of potential instabilities in system performance if proper consideration is not given to interactions between the control law, the structure, and the actuator.
Sex Hormones Regulate ABR Latency

In an effort to characterize more completely the influence of sex hormones on auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency, we evaluated the ABRs of normal male and female subjects and women with previously diagnosed endocrinologic syndromes. We describe ABR latency results from the following subjects: five normal males, nine normally cycling females on no hormonal therapy, nine females using oral contraceptive pills, five females with premature ovarian failure (POF) undergoing cyclic estrogen-progesterone replacement therapy, and five hyperandrogenized females with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, Lupron depot, to suppress ovarian steroid production. All subjects were between 23 and 40 years of age. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactic, and gonadotropins (lutienizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone) were measured to document the hormonal status of each of the subjects at the time of the ABR evaluation. Normal cycl...
A normal form for precisely characterizing redundancy in nested relations

We give a straightforward definition for redundancy in individual nested relations and define a new normal form that precisely characterizes redundancy for nested relations. We base our definition of redundancy on an arbitrary set of functional and multivalued dependencies, and show that our definition of nested normal form generalizes standard relational normalization theory. In addition, we give a condition that can prevent an unwanted structural anomaly in nested relations, namely, embedded nested relations with at most one tuple. Like other normal forms, our nested normal form can serve as a guide for database design.
Glomerular tip lesion: a distinct entity within the minimal change disease/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis spectrum.

Glomerular tip lesion: A distinct entity within the minimal change disease/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis spectrum. Background The glomerular tip lesion (GTL) is a distinctive but controversial histopathologic lesion occurring in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. The relationship of GTL to minimal change disease (MCD) and idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has been disputed. Methods In order to define the clinical features and natural history of GTL, we retrospectively reviewed the presenting clinical features, biopsy findings and outcome of 47 cases. Presenting clinical features of GTL were compared to those of controls with MCD ( N = 61) or idiopathic FSGS ( N = 50). Results The cohort of GTL consisted of 45 adults and two children (mean age 47.5years; range 12 to 79years), including 76.6% Caucasians and 53% males. At presentation, 93.6% of patients had edema, 89.1% had nephrotic syndrome (mean urine protein 8.31 g, mean serum albumin 2.27g/dL, and mean cholesterol 340.6mg/dL), and 34.8% had renal insufficiency. Mean time from onset of renal disease to biopsy was 2.4months. At biopsy, glomerular segmental lesions included GTL alone in 26%, GTL and peripheral lesions in 6%, GTL and indeterminate lesions in 36%, and GTL with peripheral and indeterminate lesions in 32%. No initial biopsy contained perihilar sclerosis and most (81%) segmental lesions were cellular. Follow-up data were available in 29 patients, of whom 21 received steroids alone and eight received sequential therapy with steroids and a cytotoxic agent. At a mean follow-up of 21.5months, 58.6% of patients achieved complete remission of nephrotic syndrome, 13.8% had partial remission, and 27.6% had persistent nephrotic proteinuria. Only one patient progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Predictors of nonremission included severity of proteinuria at presentation and % peripheral lesions. When compared to controls with MCD and idiopathic FSGS, GTL more closely resembled MCD with respect to high incidence of nephrotic syndrome ( P P P P Conclusion Within the MCD/FSGS spectrum, GTL is a distinctive and prognostically favorable clinical-pathologic entity whose presenting features and outcome more closely approximate those of MCD.
Positron annihilation study of the high-Tc (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox superconductor

Abstract Positron lifetime spectroscopy (PLS) and positron Doppler-broadening spectroscopy (PDBS) were applied to the high-Tc lead-doped Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (BPSCCO 2223) superconductor as a function of temperature. Neither positron lifetimes nor Doppler parameters ( S, W, and S W ) showed significant change through Tc. This may result from having the highest positron density in the open BiO2 double layers and no significant positron density in the superconducting CuO2 layers where positrons, if mainly present, are known to be sensitive to the transition in other high-Tc superconductors. Doppler parameters showed that the probability of positron annihilations with core electrons in the lattice slightly increased and that the probability of positron annihilations with conduction electrons slightly decreased as temperature decreased from ambient temperature to 20 K. The lifetime associated with positron annihilations in the perfect lattice of the sample (τ1) was 209 ps and, due to the annihilations at internal surfaces or voids in the sample (τ2) was about 540 ps, independent of temperature. Finally, the mean lifetime for BSCCO 2223 was about 307 ps.
Statistical analysis on extended reference method for volume holographic data storage

We previously (1995) proposed a novel recording method to reduce the crosstalk noise and improve the storage capacity in anglemultiplexed volume holographic data storages. Instead of conventionally using a plane wave (point reference) to record holograms, the technique employs a recording reference extending uniformly within a narrow spatial frequency bandwidth and reads the memory with a plane wave. The analytical results show that the SNR obtained by using the extended reference method is about 20 dB higher than that achieved in terms of the conventional recording method. For interpixel crosstalk noise, a statistical analysis is presented and the SNR is given in a closed form for both the point reference and the extended reference methods. Considering both interpage and interpixel crosstalk noise, we further investigate the crosstalk-limited storage density. The results show that the proposed extended reference method achieves about 10 times larger storage density than the point reference method.
Climatic water deficit, tree species ranges, and climate change in Yosemite National Park

Aim (1) To calculate annual potential evapotranspiration (PET), actual evapotranspiration (AET) and climatic water deficit (Deficit) with high spatial resolution; (2) to describe distributions for 17 tree species over a 2300-m elevation gradient in a 3000-km2 landscape relative to AET and Deficit; (3) to examine changes in AET and Deficit between past (c. 1700), present (1971–2000) and future (2020–49) climatological means derived from proxies, observations and projections; and (4) to infer how the magnitude of changing Deficit may contribute to changes in forest structure and composition. Location Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Methods We calculated the water balance within Yosemite National Park using a modified Thornthwaite-type method and correlated AET and Deficit with tree species distribution. We used input data sets with different spatial resolutions parameterized for variation in latitude, precipitation, temperature, soil water-holding capacity, slope and aspect. We used climate proxies and climate projections to model AET and Deficit for past and future climate. We compared the modelled future water balance in Yosemite with current species water-balance ranges in North America. Results We calculated species climatic envelopes over broad ranges of environmental gradients – a range of 310 mm for soil water-holding capacity, 48.3°C for mean monthly temperature (January minima to July maxima), and 918 mm yr−1 for annual precipitation. Tree species means were differentiated by AET and Deficit, and at higher levels of Deficit, species means were increasingly differentiated. Modelled Deficit for all species increased by a mean of 5% between past (c. 1700) and present (1971–2000). Projected increases in Deficit between present and future (2020–49) were 23% across all plots. Main conclusions Modelled changes in Deficit between past, present and future climate scenarios suggest that recent past changes in forest structure and composition may accelerate in the future, with species responding individualistically to further declines in water availability. Declining water availability may disproportionately affect Pinus monticola and Tsuga mertensiana. Fine-scale heterogeneity in soil water-holding capacity, aspect and slope implies that plant water balance may vary considerably within the grid cells of kilometre-scale climate models. Sub-grid-cell soil and topographical data can partially compensate for the lack of spatial heterogeneity in gridded climate data, potentially improving vegetation-change projections in mountainous landscapes with heterogeneous topography.
Distribution of genes and recombination in wheat and other eukaryotes

The genome sizes of eukaryotes may differ as much as 10,400-fold. A part of these differences may be attributed to polyploidy, and increase in gene number and size. Most of the genome size disparity is due to non-transcribed repeated DNA including retrotransposons and pseudogenes. Only a small fraction of the larger genomes such as those of many crop plants, contain genes. Genes are distributed unevenly along the chromosomes, often organized in clusters of varying sizes and gene-densities (gene-rich regions). The regions corresponding to gene-clusters in smaller genome plants such as rice may be divided into many ‘mini’ gene-clusters in the related larger genomes. The range of gene-density within the ‘mini2019; gene-clusters is about the same among plants with varying genome sizes. Recombination per chromosome is similar among eukaryotes, and thus is considerably independent of DNA content and chromosome size. Relatively little recombination occurs outside the gene-rich regions. Recombination varies dramatically among various gene regions, and is highly uneven within gene regions as well. Consequently, a significant number of genes may be inaccessible to recombination-based manipulations such as map-based cloning.
Relationalism in marketing channels and marketing strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between marketing strategy types – aggressive marketing, price leadership and product specialization strategies – and the extent of relationalism in marketing channels.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a self‐administered survey from managers responsible for marketing and channels management in US pharmaceutical firms. The responses to the questions capturing focal constructs were measured using a five‐point Likert type scale. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling procedures.Findings – Aggressive marketing strategy and price leadership strategy are positively associated with the level of relationalism in marketing channels. In contrast, product specialization (focus) strategy is negatively associated with the level of relationalism in marketing channels.Originality/value – The relationship between marketing strategy and the emergent relationalism among marketing channel...
Back to basics: don't lie, cheat, or steal.

The target article reported survey results that 11% of physicians and 26% of the public supported lying to insurers to obtain healthcare services. The authors concluded: “These findings highlight t...
Selective autophagy regulates T cell activation

T cells are essential for defense of the host against invading pathogens. Antigen activation of the T cell receptor (TCR) is required for generation of an adaptive immune response. Several groups have observed that blocking autophagy augments T cell activation, but the molecular basis of this finding has remained elusive. The adaptor protein BCL10 transmits activating signals from the TCR to NFKB1-RELA/NFκB, a transcription factor that is critical for T cell proliferation and function. We recently reported that a TCR-dependent autophagy mechanism selectively targets and degrades BCL10. We found that BCL10 autophagy requires BCL10 K63-polyubiquitination and subsequent binding to the autophagy adaptor SQSTM1/p62. Blocking either one of these processes inhibits BCL10 degradation. Protecting BCL10 from autophagic degradation, either by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy, results in increased activation of NFKB1-RELA. By demonstrating the mechanism of autophagic uptake and degradation of BCL10, our study has revealed a key mechanism by which selective autophagy controls T cell activation. Here, we discuss the implications of our findings and explore possible directions for future research.
Modulation of adrenal catecholamine secretion by in vivo gene transfer and manipulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 activity.

We recently reported that the upregulation of adrenal G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) causes enhanced catecholamine (CA) secretion by desensitizing sympatho-inhibitory α 2-adrenergic receptors (α 2ARs) of chromaffin cells, and thereby aggravating heart failure (HF). In this study, we sought to develop an efficient and reproducible in vivo adrenal gene transfer method to determine whether manipulation of adrenal GRK2 levels/activity regulates physiological CA secretion in rats. We specifically investigated two different in vivo gene delivery methods: direct injection into the suprarenal glands, and retrograde delivery through the suprarenal veins. We delivered adenoviral (Ad) vectors containing either GRK2 or an inhibitor of GRK2 activity, the β ARKct. We found both delivery approaches equally effective at supporting robust (>80% of the whole organ) and adrenal-restricted transgene expression, in the cortical region as well as in the medullar region. Additionally, rats with AdGRK2-infected adrenals exhibit enhanced plasma CA levels when compared with control rats (AdGFP-injected adrenals), whereas plasma CA levels after Adβ ARKct infection were significantly lower. Finally, in isolated chromaffin cells, α 2ARs of AdGRK2-infected cells failed to inhibit CA secretion whereas Adβ ARKct-infected cells showed normal α 2AR responsiveness. These results not only indicate that in vivo adrenal gene transfer is an effective way of manipulating adrenal gland signalling, but also identify GRK2 as a critically important molecule involved in CA secretion.
Neuronal chloride accumulation in olfactory epithelium of mice lacking NKCC1.

When stimulated with odorants, olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) produce a depolarizing receptor current. In isolated ORNs, much of this current is caused by an efflux of Cl−. This implies that the...
Using ex-day returns to separate the tax and information effects of dividend changes

In this paper, the information content of dividends is tested by examining the abnormal return on the announcement date. To address the potentially confounding effects of the tax penalty, the abnormal exdividend day return is used to separate stocks for which dividends impose a tax penalty on marginal investors from stocks for which dividends provide a tax benefit to marginal investors. This separation uncovers results that support the information content hypothesis; dividend increases result in positive abnormal announcement day returns even for stocks whose marginal investors are averse to dividends.
Direct measurements of sugar uptake in small and large adipocytes from young and adult rats

Abstract Measurements of basal and insulin-stimulated uptake of D-glucose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose were determined in isolated fat cells from young and adult rats by an oil-centrifugation technique. At low sugar concentrations, uptake of D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-glucose was greater in large cells from older animals than in small cells from young rats while at higher concentrations (3.0 mM–5.0 mM) uptake was similar. Insulin enhanced uptake of both sugars and the amounts accumulated by the two cell types were not significantly different. Also no difference was noted in basal rate of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake or when uptake was accelerated by insulin stimulation. These findings suggest that large adipocytes from adult rats are not as insulin-resistant as previously suggested but, instead, have an efficient D-glucose transport system which is responsive to insulin stimulation.
Including many-body screening into self-consistent calculations: Tight-binding model studies with the Gutzwiller approximation

We introduce a scheme to include many-body screening processes explicitly into a set of self-consistent equations for electronic-structure calculations using the Gutzwiller approximation. The method is illustrated by the application to a tight-binding model describing the strongly correlated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-Ce system. With the inclusion of the $5d$ electrons into the local Gutzwiller projection subspace, the correct input Coulomb repulsion ${U}_{ff}$ between the $4f$ electrons for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-Ce in the calculations can be pushed far beyond the usual screened value ${U}_{ff}^{\text{scr}}$ and close to the bare atomic value ${U}_{ff}^{\text{bare}}$. This indicates that the $d$-$f$ many-body screening is the dominant contribution to the screening of ${U}_{ff}$ in this system. The method provides a promising way toward the ab initio Gutzwiller density functional theory.
Slow L-H transitions in DIII-D plasmas.

The transition from the low to the high mode of plasma confinement ( $L\ensuremath{-}H$ transition) is studied in the DIII-D by an experimental technique which allows an arbitrarily slow transition. During an initial transition, periodic turbulent instability bursts are observed near the separatrix which inhibit the full transition. These bursts are damped by self-generated shear flows, and a predator-prey-type relationship is shown to give a good description of the data. As the neutral-beam power is raised, the oscillations change to type III edge localized modes. Another transition then leads to a quiet $H$ mode.
Ending Piracy of Integrated Circuits

An effective technique to combat IC piracy is to render infringement impractical by making physical tampering unprofitable and attacks computationally infeasible. EPIC accomplishes this using a novel low-overhead combinational chip-locking system and a chip-activation protocol based on public-key cryptography.
The fine structure of the aglomerular nephron of the toadfish, Opsanus tau.

Kidney cell fine structure in the aglomerular fish, Opsanus tau, varies profoundly with different fixation procedures. An extensive system of cisternae, tubules and irregular-shaped elements of smooth-surfaced membranes are seen in the basal cytoplasm after fixation with 2% OsO4 buffered with s-collidine. Permanganate fixation demonstrates these membranes as extensions of the basal plasmalemma. Mitochondria and homogeneous bodies surrounded by a single dense membrane lie in close association with the basal membranes. The apical cytoplasm contains an abundance of smooth-surfaced elements whose morphology varies with the fixation procedure used. The fine structure of these cells is discussed with respect to that of other ion transporting tissues and with respect to the concept that basal infoldings are related to “water reabsorption”.
Regulation of 15-lipoxygenase isozymes and mucin secretion by cytokines in cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

Objective and Design: To study the effects of IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF α on 15-lipoxygenase(15-LO) isozyme expression and mucin secretion in normal human bronchial epithelial cells.¶Material and Methods: The effects of IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF α on 15-LO isoenzyme mRNA and protein expression, total 15-LO enzyme activity and mucin secretion were examined in cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, in order to determine whether the observed effects on mucin secretion were due to lipoxygenase (LO) products, the effect of the non-selective LO inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid was examined.¶Results: IL-4 and IL-13 selectively enhanced 15-LOa mRNA and protein levels, and total 15-LO enzyme activity. In contrast, no changes were observed in 15-LOb mRNA or protein levels. IL-4 and IL-13 both reduced mucin secretion in this cell type, however the non-selective LO inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid had no effect on this action of IL-4.¶Conclusions: These data demonstrate that IL-4 and IL-13 selectively regulate the expression of the 15-LOa isozyme. However, 15LOa products do not mediate the IL-4-induced reduction in mucin secretion observed in this cell type.
57Fe and 166Er Mössbauer and magnetic studies of RFe4B (R = Er, Tm, Lu) compounds

Abstract Magnetic and Mossbauer studies have been carried out on a series of ternary borides RFe4B (R = Er, Tm, Lu) which have the hexagonal CeCo4B type structure. These compounds are found to be magnetically ordered at room temperature. Magnetization studies in the temperature range from 5 to 300 K reveal the presence of compensation temperatures in Er and Tm compounds and indicate antiferromagnetic coupling between the rare earth and Fe moments. Room temperature 57Fe Mossbauer studies yield values of hyperfine fields at the two Fe sites as 246 and 185 kOe in ErFe4B and TmFe4B, and 204 and 145 kOe in LuFe4B. The 166Er Mossbauer studies give nearly free-ion hyperfine field at the Er sites which indicates that the exchange interaction in ErFe4B is much stronger than crystal field interaction.
Angora: A Free Software Package for Finite-Difference Time-Domain Electromagnetic Simulation

Angora is a free, open-source software package implementing the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) Method. This article explains how to access and use Angora, and introduces its features. Examples of its configuration and use are given. These include treatment of planar stratified and random materials, the creation of current sources and incident beams, near-field-to-far-field transformation, optical imaging and nano-optics, and the recording of fields.
Primary Care Medical Home Experience and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adult Medicaid Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose To examine whether patient-reported indicators of medical home performance are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults with type 2 diabetes.
AGE AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AS DETERMINANTS OF WORD ASSOCIATIONS: SUGGESTIONS FOR THEIR ANALYSIS.

Sunzmary.-The rel~tive significance of developmental as compared with cultural changes in verbal behavior was estimated. The percentage agreement in primary responses to the Kent-Rosanoff Test was analyzed for the agc range from childhood to old addthood and for the tlme period from 1910 to 1964, by enumerating the degree of approximation ol a s~mplex (Guttman). Age of Ss was found to be a more important determinant for the agreement than time of testing. New norms for the Kent-Rosanoff word association test (Russell & Jenkins, 1754; Palermo & Jenkins, 1764) have revived some methodological problems in the analysis of developmental and cultural changes. The present paper is an attempt to estimate the reIative significance of these two factors for verbal behavior. Assuming that in 1910 norms were obtained on 10-yr.-old children (Group A) and 60-yr.-old adults (Group B) and that in 1960 data on groups of Ss of comparable age were collected (Group C and D), several concli~sions can be drawn: (1) differences between A and B or between C and D reflect age differences as well as the changing times, i.e., differences in the culture, education, and general experiences, of one generation as compared with the other. (2) Differences between A and C or berween B and D reflect the changing times only. This interpretation regards aging as a personal, psycho-physiological process which is confronted wi:h a sociological process called "changing times." (3) If we subtract the data of the B-D comparison from the A-B comparison, we have at least theoretically eliminated the factor of the changing times and have obtained a net estimate of age changes. In this case (although some may object), we have to assume that cultural changes were constant, namely, those during the 60 yr. prior to 1710 and those between 1700 and 1760. We then might compare our results with the A-C or B-D comparisons (mentioned under 2), i.e., compare the net effect of age changes with the effect of the changing times. Such comparisons seem the best we can do. For if we compared A-B with A-D (or with B-C), the confounding of the two components is more complex because both the A-B and the A-D comparisons reflect simultaneously age differences as well as the changing times. We can improve our rnalysis by additional replications, i.e., when the same testings were to be repeated 50 yr. from now. Under such conditions a better estimate of the cultural effect could be obtained. The analysis can be further improved if we use identical Ss for the replications. In our example this is
The im-possibility of secular critique: The future of religion's memory

The legacy of secular critique, with its Greek, Christian, Kantian, modernist traces, constitutes an aporetic law (or contradiction). That law is this: a critical legacy, if it is critical, can affirm and sustain itself only by trying to separate it from itself (from the very crisis that it is). The legacy or history of ‘religion’ is always a history of such critique. Such a legacy always anticipates critiquing itself, its memory (of whatever kind – racist, sexist, colonialist, nationalist). Such a legacy of critique is always a legacy of crisis. However, the crisis of such a legacy cannot be resolved, because critique, as kairos/krisis (critical/decisive moment), can admit of no resolution. Yet the (secular) history of religion, if it is ever historical, can only be a history of such aporetic critique. Such an aporetic critique will be the heritage of religion's im-possible 1 future. It is an im-possible future because it will always be a promise, a promise to separate it from itself, a promise that will...
Attachment disturbances in infants born subsequent to perinatal loss: A pilot study

Mothers who have lost a baby in the perinatal period may experience relationship disturbances with infants born subsequently. This study involved mothers who had delivered a child within 19 months of losing a baby in the perinatal period. Mothers were assessed 2 months after the loss with a clinical interview. When the child born subsequent to the loss was 12 months old, the mother–child attachment relationship was assessed, and 45% of the infants had disorganized attachments to their mothers. This was significantly higher than the expected rate of 15% disorganized attachments in other middle-class samples. Based on narrative descriptions of the loss experience, measures of mothers' resolution of loss and experience of support were not related to infant attachment. Mothers who accepted more responsibility for their own grief were more likely to have subsequent infants with secure attachments to them.
Psicología del desarrollo y Psicología del ciclo vital. Un intento de integración a debate

During the last decade a new field of psychological inquiry has emerged: life-span developmental psychology. One of its main tenets is that man's development does not stop at adulthood but continues through out the life-span. This article discusses, first of all, whether it is appropriate to extrapolate the concept of development to the entire life cycle. Since it appears that development is equated to change throughout life, the conceptual basis of this new way of looking at the developmental framework is rather weak epistemologically. Nevertheless, a quite valuable the effort has been made by the life-span psychologists to disavowe the chronological age as the main variable (perhaps the independent variable) that guides the theories dealing with human development. Their appeal to the several systems of variables that contribute to explaining human development is also worth noting. The paper concludes with a discussion of the possibilities of integrating in one theoretical framework traditional developmental psychology and the new arrived life-spam developmental psychology.
Computation of Eddy Currents, Shielding and Transient Forces in Power System Equipment by the Method of Images

The magnetic effects of induced eddy currents in thin conducting sheets are analyzed by means of moving current images and by an electrical circuit analogy. The methods are applied to practical power system equipment problems such as shielding and the calculation of conductor short circuit forces.
Optical Detection of a Phonon Bottleneck in Nd-Doped Lanthanum Ethyl Sulfate

The spin-lattice relaxation times of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{142}$ and natural Nd doped into lanthanum ethyl sulfate (LaES) have been measured by an optical technique as a function of crystal size, concentration, and temperature. The measurements were performed with a microwave pump frequency of about 23 GHz with the steady magnetic field parallel to the $c$ axis of the crystals. A phonon bottleneck independent of crystal size was observed for the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{142}$-doped LaES. Holstein's theory of resonant trapping is reviewed and is shown to be inapplicable to the observed bottleneck. However, for rare-earth salts with direct-process relaxation times of approximately ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ sec or shorter, resonant trapping can appreciably lengthen the effective lifetime of the excited spin states. The observed bottleneck is explained with a simple kinetic theory and by assuming a large phonon reflection coefficient at the boundaries of the crystal. From this formulation, the lifetime of 23-GHz phonons in Nd-doped LaES is deduced to be 32 \ensuremath{\mu}sec at liquid-helium temperatures.
Hormetic Dietary Phytochemicals

Compelling evidence from epidemiological studies suggests beneficial roles of dietary phytochemicals in protecting against chronic disorders such as cancer, and inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Emerging findings suggest that several dietary phytochemicals also benefit the nervous system and, when consumed regularly, may reduce the risk of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The evidence supporting health benefits of vegetables and fruits provide a rationale for identification of the specific phytochemicals responsible, and for investigation of their molecular and cellular mechanisms of action. One general mechanism of action of phytochemicals that is emerging from recent studies is that they activate adaptive cellular stress response pathways. From an evolutionary perspective, the noxious properties of such phytochemicals play an important role in dissuading insects and other pests from eating the plants. However at the subtoxic doses ingested by humans that consume the plants, the phytochemicals induce mild cellular stress responses. This phenomenon has been widely observed in biology and medicine, and has been described as ‘preconditioning’ or ‘hormesis.’ Hormetic pathways activated by phytochemicals may involve kinases and transcription factors that induce the expression of genes that encode antioxidant enzymes, protein chaperones, phase-2 enzymes, neurotrophic factors, and other cytoprotective proteins. Specific examples of such pathways include the sirtuin–FOXO pathway, the NF-κB pathway, and the Nrf-2/ARE pathway. In this article, we describe the hormesis hypothesis of phytochemical actions with a focus on the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway as a prototypical example of a neuroprotective mechanism of action of specific dietary phytochemicals.
Role of Sp1 transcription factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Purpose Proangiogenic factors, VEGF and Cyr61, drive aberrant retinal neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Their expression is regulated by the transcription factor Sp1. Several layers of the retina participate in the secretion of these factors; however, the contribution of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has remained largely overlooked. Our objective was to characterize the Sp1-dependent production of VEGF and Cyr61 in models of the diabetic retina, specifically focusing on the RPE, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of DR. Methods Glucose-treated ARPE-19 (human retinal pigment epithelial cells) and TR-iBRB (rat retinal microendothelial cells) were assayed for levels of VEGF and Cyr61 by qPCR, Western blot, and tubule formation assays. RNAi was used to deplete cells of Sp1. Binding of Sp1 to VEGF and Cyr61 promoters was monitored by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and Cyr61 was done in diabetic mouse retinas. Results Glucose treatment caused increased VEGF and Cyr61 transcript and protein, and Sp1 depletion abrogated these changes in both cell types. ChIP analysis showed glucose-induced increase in the Sp1 binding to VEGF and Cyr61 promoters. Additionally, expression of both factors was increased in the RPE of diabetic mice. Conclusion VEGF and Cyr61 are upregulated in ARPE-19 and TR-iBRB in hyperglycemia, which coincides with elevated Sp1 binding at their promoters. Depletion of Sp1 significantly reduced their aberrant expression. Sp1 may participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy via upregulation of these proangiogenic genes in the RPE as well as in the vascular retina.
Effects of heavy-ion cascade volume on the suppression of radiation-induced segregation in alloys.

The interactions of cascade remnants with freely migrating defects (FMDs) during dual light and heavy-ion irradiations in Cu-lat.%Au at 400r.C were investigated using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Near-surface Au depletion driven by 1.5-MeV He ion irradiation was suppressed by concurrent bombardment with 1.2-MeV Ag ions. The dual irradiation effect suggests that shortlived cascade remnants created by heavy ions act as recombination centers for FMDs, reducing radiation-induced segregation (RIS). The effects of the total cascade volume generated by heavyion beams on the suppression of RIS were examined. The investigation revealed when 800-keV Cu and 1.2-MeV Ag ion beams produce nearly the same total cascade volume per second, their suppression effects on 1.5-MeV He-induced Au transport are also nearly equal even though the total cascade volume produced per ion for each are different. This result indicates that the suppression effect of cascade remnants produced by heavy ions depends on the total cascade volume induced per unit time and not on the total cascade volume per ion generated by individual ions of different mass and energy.
Computer Use Problems and Accommodation Strategies at Work and Home for People With Systemic Sclerosis: A Needs Assessment

OBJECTIVE. We identified the extent of the need for interventions and assistive technology to prevent computer use problems in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the accommodation strategies they use to alleviate such problems. METHOD. Respondents were recruited through the Scleroderma Foundation. Twenty-seven people with SSc who used a computer and reported difficulty in working completed the Computer Problems Survey. RESULTS. All but 1 of the respondents reported one problem with at least one equipment type. The highest number of respondents reported problems with keyboards (88%) and chairs (85%). More than half reported discomfort in the past month associated with the chair, keyboard, and mouse. Respondents used a variety of accommodation strategies. CONCLUSION. Many respondents experienced problems and discomfort related to computer use. The characteristic symptoms of SSc may contribute to these problems. Occupational therapy interventions for computer use problems in clients with SSc need to be tested
The effects of the Healthy Steps for Young Children Program: results from observations of parenting and child development

Abstract The Healthy Steps for Young Children Program (HS) is designed to provide support for new parents through the pediatrician's office. We present findings of the effect of HS on the quality of mother–child interaction, security of attachment, and child behavior using observational data from two of the HS sites that utilized a randomized treatment design. Results indicated that mothers participating in Healthy Steps were more likely to interact sensitively and appropriately than mothers in the comparison group at the second assessment point (age 34–37 months) but not at the first assessment point (age 16–18 months). There were no differences in child outcomes at either time point when the cross-sectional data were analyzed. However, the results of the longitudinal analysis (which included families who participated in the home observations at both Time 1 and Time 2) indicated that Healthy Steps participation was associated with greater security of attachment and fewer child behavior problems.
A comparative study of endoscopic full-thickness and partial-thickness myotomy using submucosal endoscopy with mucosal safety flap (SEMF) technique

Esophageal myotomy using submucosal endoscopy with mucosal safety flap (SEMF) has been proposed as a new treatment of achalasia. In this technique, a partial-thickness myotomy (PTM) preserving the longitudinal outer esophageal muscular layer is advocated, which is different from the usual full-thickness myotomy (FTM) performed surgically. The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic FTM and PTM and analyze the outcomes of each method after a 4 week survival period. Twenty-four pigs were randomly assigned into group A (FTM, 12 animals) and group B (PTM) to undergo endoscopic myotomy. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was assessed using pull-through manometry. For statistical analysis we compared the average esophageal sphincter pressure values at baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks between groups A and B. The P value was set as <0.05 for significance. Eighteen animals were included for statistical analysis. Mean (SD) LES pressures were similar between groups A and B (nine animals each) at baseline [group A = 23 (10.4) mmHg; group B = 20.7 (8.7) mmHg; P = 0.79], after 2 weeks [group A = 19 (7.7) mmHg; group B = 21.8 (8.4) mmHg; P = 0.79], and after 4 weeks [group A = 22.6 (10.2) mmHg; group B = 20.7 (9) mmHg; P = 0.82]. LES pressures were significantly reduced in three animals after 4 weeks: one animal (1%) in group A and two animals (2.5%) in group B. An extended myotomy (3 cm below the cardia) was achieved in three animals and was responsible for the significant drop in LES pressure seen in the two animals from group B. Esophageal myotomy using SEMF is a feasible yet challenging procedure in pigs. Full-thickness myotomy does not seem to be superior to partial-thickness myotomy as demonstrated by pull-through manometry. Endoscopic esophageal myotomy results are greatly influenced by obtaining adequate myotomy extension into the gastric cardia.
Spectrum and Frequency of Cardiac Channel Defects in Swimming-Triggered Arrhythmia Syndromes

Background— Swimming is a relatively genotype-specific arrhythmogenic trigger for type 1 long-QT syndrome (LQT1). We hypothesize that mimickers of concealed LQT1, namely catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), may also underlie swimming-triggered cardiac events. Methods and Results— Between August 1997 and May 2003, 388 consecutive, unrelated patients were referred specifically for LQTS genetic testing. The presence of a personal and/or family history of a near-drowning or drowning was determined by review of the medical records and/or phone interviews and was blinded to genetic test results. Comprehensive mutational analysis of the 5 LQTS-causing channel genes, KCNQ1 (LQT1), KCNH2 (LQT2), SCN5A (LQT3), KCNE1 (LQT5), and KCNE2 (LQT6), along with KCNJ2 (Andersen-Tawil syndrome) and targeted analysis of 18 CPVT1-associated exons in RyR2, was performed with the use of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct DNA sequencing. Approximately 11% (43 of 388) of the index ...
Toward Achieving the “Beloved Community” in the Workplace Lessons for Applied Business Research and Practice From the Teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.

In this study, the authors analyze data from a Gallup Organization public opinion poll commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to illustrate how businesses might incorporate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s social justice themes of belongingness and connectedness in ways beneficial to desirable organizational outcomes (e.g., employee satisfaction, employee loyalty, employee retention). Results from a racially/ethnically diverse sample of more than 1,200 Americans indicate that, among other outcomes, racial and ethnic minority employees who feel a sense of engagement (i.e., belongingness and connectedness) with their workplaces, and who believe in their organization's commitment to diversity, feel a heightened affective connection at work. Furthermore, negative psychosocial outcomes because of perceived discrimination-based inequity in the workplace were mediated by engagement and trust in organization diversity policies. The authors discuss implications of these findi...