cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproductive effects of inhaled methyl chloride in the male Fischer 344 rat: I. Mating performance and dominant lethal assay

Methyl chloride (MeCl) is a direct-acting mutagen in bacteria, induces renal adenocarcinomas in male mice, and is a potent reproductive toxicant in the male Fischer 344 (F-344) rat. A dominant lethal assay was performed to examine the possibility that MeCl may be a germ cell mutagen in the F-344 male rat. Groups of 40 rats each were exposed to 0, 1000, or 3000 ppm MeCl 6 hr/day for 5 consecutive days, or received a single ip injection of 0.2 mg triethylenemelamine (TEM)/kg as a positive control. Each male was bred to a single female weekly for 8 weeks, and the standard criteria of dominant lethal tests were recorded. Exposure to 1000 ppm MeCl caused no consistent change in any parameter relative to control values. TEM caused increases in pre- and postimplantation loss indices in Weeks 1 to 5 postexposure, corresponding to sperm exposed in the epididymis and as early to late stage spermatids in the testis. Exposure to 3000 ppm MeCl caused a slight increase in postimplantation loss at Week 1 postexposure only, i.e., in sperm exposed in the epididymis or vas deferens, and increases in preimplantation loss throughout the 8 weeks postexposure. Fertility of the 3000 ppm MeCl-exposed males was significantly decreased by Week 2 after exposure, and never recovered to control values during the period of observation. It is suggested that the increased preimplantation losses are due, at least in part, to cytotoxic rather than genotoxic effects. High concentrations of inhaled MeCl, however, do induce dominant lethal mutations (reflected as an increased level of postimplantation fetal deaths) in sperm located within the vas deferens and epididymis at the time of exposure.
Kidney Development and Related Anomalies

In mammals, three pairs of kidneys develop at different embryonic time points. These are pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros. The pronephros and mesonephros are transient structures; the metanephros persists and matures into the adult kidney. Molecular and developmental regulation of this process is highly intricate and precise as disruption at different stages results in congenital anomalies of the kidneys or the lower urinary tract (CAKUT). CAKUT are a wide group of anomalies that can occur individually, coexist, or be present in syndromes with involvement of other organs. These anomalies are the most common cause of renal failure in children and a significant cause of end-stage renal disease in adult patients. Studies in rodents have demonstrated similarities in the development of the human and rodent kidneys and have shown how the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments synergize to form a normal kidney and ureter. Several mouse models were analyzed that identify genes necessary for kidney and urinary tract development. Many of the phenotypes observed in mutant mice are reminiscent of human CAKUT and provided key insights into the pathogenesis of these anomalies. In some cases, mutations in these genes were also identified in patients. Here, we review the events in normal kidney development and then discuss specific examples of human CAKUT with focus on their pathophysiological basis. We describe the major genes and pathways important in CAKUT and discuss promises and challenges in the genomics of CAKUT.
Deliberative Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Adolescents andEmerging Adults: Opportunities for Targeted Interventions.

Abstract Background One in five adolescents and emerging adults have reported prescription opioid misuse (POM), posing significant risks for opioid-related adverse outcomes. Devising prevention strategies requires a better understanding of the decisional factors underlying risky misuse behavior. This research examined the associations between past opioid use behavior, opioid risk knowledge and perceptions, and intentional POM decisions. Methods Participants aged 15–23years completed surveys assessing past prescription opioid use and misuse, opioid risk knowledge, opioid risk perceptions, and pain relief preferences (i.e., analgesic benefit vs. risk aversion preference). The outcome, Willingness to Misuse (i.e., intentional decisions to use a prescription opioid in a non–compliant manner) was measured using hypothetical pain decision scenarios. Results Surveys were completed by 972 adolescents and young adults. In total, 44% had taken a prescription opioid and 32% of these reported past POM. Willingness to Misuse was significantly associated with lower opioid misuse risk perceptions (β = .75 [95% CI .66–.86]) and past opioid misuse (β = 1.81 [95% CI 1.13–2.91]) but not simple risk knowledge (β = .81 [95% CI .58–1.11]. The probability of future misuse was highest for those who reported past opioid misuse and had low risk perceptions (58.7% [95% CI 51.3–65.8]) and high pain relief preferences (53.4% [95% CI 45.3%–61.3%]). Conclusions Findings suggest that simple knowledge of prescription opioid risks is insufficient to curtail misuse among adolescents and emerging adults. Rather, it may be important to heighten opioid risk perceptions and strengthen opioid risk aversion values when prescribing opioid analgesics to better prevent future misuse in this high risk population.
A Crawl, Walk, Run Approach to Co-Designing Communications Software and Hardware: A Case Study

This paper presents a case study on an approach for the simultaneous development of hardware and software in a complex system-of-systems. Our process uses a crawl, walk, run approach to handle the different schedules and complexity inherent with both hardware and software development cycles. This methodology led to successful flight tests to demonstrate the use of airborne pods as communication relays.
188 PROMOTING GROUP DIABETIC MEETINGS IN FERNDALE, WASHINGTON.

Purpose Ferndale, WA, is an aging community with a growing number of type 2 diabetics. Ferndale Family Medical Center is piloting group visits as a way to provide care to these diabetic patients. New patient participation in group diabetic visits has been limited despite high satisfaction ratings from current participants. A community project was designed to increase the number of attendees at group diabetic meetings. Methods A literature search revealed no articles dealing with the issue of why patients do or do not attend diabetic group visits. Given this, physician, patient, and nurse interviews at Ferndale Family Medical center were used to identify barriers to patient attendance. Deficiency of publicity, unknown agenda, fear of nothing to add to the group, lack of diabetic knowledge, limited physician one-on-one time, absence of individualized physician advice, and dislike of groups were among the concerns noted in the interviews. As the majority of the Ferndale population subscribes to the local newspaper, it was decided that an article highlighting group visits would be the most effective way to answer these concerns and discuss the benefits of group visits. Results An article was published in the local paper on June 28, 2006, addressing the concerns mentioned above. Approximately 2,900 residents received the paper and the article. Conclusion Addressing patient concerns about diabetic group visits may help increase patient attendance. Evaluation of the community project should include monitoring future group visit attendance as well as surveying patients9 reported comfort level with the group visit model of care.
Toolkit for simulated commissioning of storage-ring light sources and application to the advanced light source upgrade accumulator

We present a new accelerator toolbox (AT)-based toolkit for simulating the commissioning of light-source storage rings. The toolkit provides a framework for supporting high-level scripts to represent with realism the various procedures (e.g., orbit and optics correction, beam-based alignment, etc.) encountered during commissioning and is designed to mirror as closely as possible the reality as seen from the control room. Emphasis is placed on the inclusion of a comprehensive set of error sources and faithful modeling of beam diagnostics. The toolkit capabilities are demonstrated in an application to the recent design and commissioning studies of the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) Accumulator Ring, a short-time successful commissioning of which will be critical to the overall ALS-U project success.
Linear and nonlinear relationships between cognitive subdomains of ability discrepancy and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.

Objective Substantial research indicates that fluid and crystallized abilities are highly correlated throughout the adult life span. However, recent proposals suggest that a large discrepancy between these two abilities, defined as crystallized performance minus fluid performance, indicates heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method In 266 cognitively healthy older adults, the present study tested linear and quadratic relationships between an ability discrepancy score and early AD neuropathology indexed via in vivo measures of beta-amyloid deposition and cortical thickness in AD-vulnerable regions. We also tested the extent that alternative forms of this ability discrepancy measure (e.g., subdomain discrepancies, verbal-visual discrepancies) and an episodic memory composite might also be sensitive markers of early AD pathology. Results An overall ability discrepancy was linearly and positively correlated with beta- amyloid. A quadratic relationship was found between the overall ability discrepancy score and cortical thickness such that a small positive correlation was found at lower discrepancy levels (fluid > crystallized), but at higher discrepancy levels (crystallized > fluid) a negative relationship was found (i.e., an inverted-U pattern). Similar patterns were found across each subdomain of cognition, but the effects were weaker than the overall ability discrepancy score. Importantly, inclusion of episodic memory (the gold standard) did not alter any of the effects, suggesting that an ability discrepancy confers unique predictiveness of AD biomarkers. Conclusions These findings replicate previous findings and increase the confidence in their usefulness to predict AD biomarkers. Longitudinal validation is needed to clearly relate an ability discrepancy to specific stages of preclinical AD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Intimate Partner Violence: Psychological Effects and Legal Defenses

This chapter reviews research on the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and describes the psychological effects of IPV in different populations. The evolution of the term battered woman syndrome (BWS) and battered person syndrome (BPS) will be described, along with a discussion of how the terms can be misunderstood or misused to promote myths and stereotypes about individuals exposed to IPV. The evolving judicial view about the admissibility of testimony about IPV will be reviewed and the role of the expert (psychologist, psychiatrist) in conducting mental state at the time of the offense evaluations of defendants charged with assaulting or killing abusive partners will be discussed. Case examples will be included to illustrate how expert testimony about IPV and mental state at the time of the offense has affected the outcome of different criminal cases.
Clues: Using Generative Strategies to Improve the Science Vocabulary of Secondary English Learners With Reading Disabilities:

English learners (ELs) with reading disabilities (RDs) have been among the lowest performers on academic achievement tests that assess vocabulary. To meet academic demands and prepare for college o...
Life-space constriction in aging adults.

Abstract Background Early indicators of declining function and frailty, such as life-space constriction (LSC), are important in identifying those at risk for frailty. Purpose Examine factors associated with LSC and the influence on function and frailty. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a convenience sample of community dwelling persons 55 and older living in the South. Results Most participants (N = 72) were female (69%; n = 50) and half were White (53.5%; n = 38). Individual factors including challenges (age-related physiological changes, disease burden, mental health limitations) and buoy (assistive devices, and other compensatory strategies) explained 22% variance in self-reported frailty (F = 3.099 (6, 65); p = .01). LSC explained 34% variance in function (F = 3.805 (8, 59); p = .001) when environmental supports (family ties, and social network) and challenges (area deprivation, built environment, and social disorganization) and individual factors were controlled for. Number of assistive devices was the only significant predictor of frailty.
Transcriptional firing represses bactericidal activity in cystic fibrosis airway neutrophils.

Summary Neutrophils are often considered terminally differentiated and poised for bacterial killing. In chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), an unexplained paradox pits massive neutrophil presence against prolonged bacterial infections. Here, we show that neutrophils recruited to CF airways in vivo and in an in vitro transmigration model display rapid and broad transcriptional firing, leading to an upregulation of anabolic genes and a downregulation of antimicrobial genes. Newly transcribed RNAs are mirrored by the appearance of corresponding proteins, confirming active translation in these cells. Treatment by the RNA polymerase II and III inhibitor α-amanitin restores the expression of key antimicrobial genes and increases the bactericidal capacity of CF airway neutrophils in vitro and in short-term sputum cultures ex vivo. Broadly, our findings show that neutrophil plasticity is regulated at the site of inflammation via RNA and protein synthesis, leading to adaptations that affect their canonical functions (i.e., bacterial clearance).
The Morphology of Intersectionality: Discordance between Ancestry Estimates and Social Identifiers

Forensic anthropologists operate within a medico-legal context, performing analyses to estimate a biological profile (ancestry, age, sex, stature) and make observations on trauma, pathological conditions, taphonomy, and other anomalies evident in skeletal remains. These findings are reported to the appropriate requesting agency to narrow down the possible identity of the unknown individual and to understand the death event. Boundaries of identity and the terminology used to describe and explain identity are dynamic and intersectional. Ancestry estimation is important because there is a bridge between ancestral categories and sociocultural labels. Yet, a lack of agreement between ancestry estimates and social identifiers exists for certain groups. To better understand why this disagreement exists, a three-component concept (bio-origin identity, public ancestral-racial identity, and self ancestral-racial identity) modeled after sociological frameworks is employed. This article explores the identity of a single individual within the study sample using the three-component concept. Results highlight that discordance exists between the identity approximated by ancestry estimation and the application of this identity to the sociocultural context. Understanding the importance of the intersectional nature of the terminology used in instances of forensic identification is imperative so as to not hinder identifications and marginalize groups.
Long-Term Aspirin Use and Self-Reported Walking Speed in Older Men: The Physicians’ Health Study

Mobility limitation is a component of frailty that shares a bidirectional relationship with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data are limited on the role of established CVD prevention therapies, such as aspirin, for prevention of frailty and mobility limitation. Examine the association between long-term aspirin use and walking speed. Prospective cohort of 14,315 men who participated in the Physicians’ Health Study I, a completed randomized controlled trial of aspirin (1982–1988), with extended post-trial follow-up. Annual questionnaires collected data on aspirin use, lifestyle and other factors. Average annual aspirin use was categorized for each participant: ≤60 days/year and >60 days/ year. Mobility was defined according to self-reported walking pace, categorized as: don’t walk regularly (reference), easy/casual 60 days/year was associated with drinking alcohol, smoking, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, while ≤60 days/year was associated with anticoagulation use and bleeding history. In all, 13% reported not walking regularly, 12% walked <2 mph, 44% walked ≥2–2.9 mph, and 31% walked ≥3 mph. After propensity score adjustment, regular aspirin use was associated with a faster walking speed. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.16 (0.97 to 1.39), 1.24 (1.08 to 1.43), and 1.40 (1.21 to 1.63) for <2 mph, ≥2–2.9 mph and ≥3 mph, respectively, compared to not walking regularly (p-trend<0.001). In this cohort of older men, long-term aspirin use is associated with a greater probability of faster walking speed later in life.
IFN-gamma is required for viral clearance from central nervous system oligodendroglia

Infection of the central nervous system (CNS) by the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) is a rodent model of the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. The inability of effective host immune responses to eliminate virus from the CNS results in a chronic infection associated with ongoing recurrent demyelination. JHMV infects a variety of CNS cell types during the acute phase of infection including ependymal cells, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendroglia, and rarely in neurons. Replication within the majority of CNS cell types is controlled by perforin-dependent virus-specific CTL. However, inhibition of viral replication in oligodendroglia occurs via a perforin-independent mechanism(s). The potential role for IFN-gamma as mediator controlling JHMV replication in oligodendroglia was examined in mice deficient in IFN-gamma secretion (IFN-gamma0/0 mice). IFN-gamma0/0 mice exhibited increased clinical symptoms and mortality associated with persistent virus, demonstrating an inability to control replication. Neither antiviral Ab nor CTL responses were diminished in the absence of IFN-gamma, although increased IgG1 was detected in IFN-gamma0/0 mice. Increased virus Ag in the absence of IFN-gamma localized almost exclusively to oligodendroglia and was associated with increased CD8+ T cells localized within white matter. These data suggest that although perforin-dependent CTL control virus replication within astrocytes and microglia, which constitute the majority of infected CNS cells, IFN-gamma is critical for control of viral replication in oligodendroglia. Therefore, different mechanisms are used by the host defenses to control virus replication within the CNS, dependent upon the phenotype of the targets of virus replication.
Human Subjects Research, Ethics, Research on Human Embryos

Introduction Background Definitions Embryo Conception/Fertilization Human Description Why Conduct Human Embryo Research? Limits of Animal Models Assisted Reproduction Implantation Research Normal/Abnormal Development Genetic Diagnosis Cell Differentiation Laws and Regulations Other Countries Areas of Agreement U.S. State Law Early Federal Initiatives Human Embryo Research Panel Subsequent Developments Ethical Issues Range of Views Genetic Individuality and Moral Status Biological Problems Personhood Views Symbolic Concerns Public Policy Public Reasoning Policy Analysis Policy Conclusions Special Questions Time Limits Intent to Transfer Philosophical Complexities Donor Rights and Donor Sources Commercialization “Spare” versus “Research Embryos” Moral Issues Scientific Issues Keywords: human subjects research; ethics
The Low Energy Cross Sections of Fissile Nuclides

A survey has been made of the experimental data for the cross sections and fission parameters of the fissile nuclides: U 233 , U 235 , and Pu 239 for the Neutron Physics Symposium at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, May 5-6, 1961. The best available data have been used to construct the most probable behavior of the low energy cross sections which are presented graphically. It is shown that the most probable 2200-meter/sec parameters of U 233 and U 235 form a set of values which are consistent with the results of ratio measurements. The values which are provisionally derived are for U 233 : σ nT = 587 ± 3, σ nn = 12 ± 3, σ nx = 575 ± 4, σ nγ = 49 ± 2, σ nf = 526 ± 4, α = 0.0935 ± 0.0038, ν = 2.502 ± 0.014, and η = 2.288 ± 0.010, and for U 235 : σ nT = 694 ± 4, σ nn = 16 ± 3, σ nx = 678 ± 5, σ nγ = 99 ± 4, σ nf = 579 ± 6, α = 0.172 ± 0.007, ν = 2.434 ± 0.019, and η = 2.077 ± 0.010. It is recommended that a least squares adjustment similar to that made for U 233 by Evans and Fluharty should be made for the U 233 and U 235 parameters as a single set. For Pu 239 the lack of precise determinations of 1 + α preclude the development of a set of parameters in the same manner as done for U 233 and U 235 . The Pu 239 parameters of σ nf , v, and η which can be derived from ratio measurements with U 235 are shown to have an internal inconsistency of 4.3% when combined with the most probable value of σ nx . On the assumption that the measurements of η are most likely discrepant, the most probable values of the 2200-meter/sec parameters for Pu 239 are taken to be: σ nT = 1018 ± 5, σ nn = 10 ± 3, σ nx = 1008 ± 6, σ nγ = 254 ± 11, σ nf = 754 ± 9, α = 0.337 ± 0.017, ν = 2.89 ± 0.05, and η = 2.16 ± 0.05.
Semantic Memory and Priming

The purpose of this chapter is to review theoretical and empirical developments in the scientific understanding of semantic memory, semantic priming, and repetition priming. We begin by summarizing the classical models of semantic memory and the major empirical findings that were used to test those models. We also summarize two contemporary models of semantic memory, distributed network models and high-dimensional spatial models. In the second section of the chapter, we examine semantic priming. We review the most influential models of semantic priming; viz., spreading-activation, compound-cue, and distributed-network models. We then summarize the major empirical findings on semantic priming, focusing in particular on issues that have turned out to be important for testing models of semantic priming and on findings published since Neely's (1991) review. In the third section, we examine repetition priming. We summarize the most influential models of repetition priming, such as the logogen model, the counter model, instance theory, and distributed network models. We then review some of the major issues and findings on repetition priming. We close the chapter with a summary of our conclusions and a discussion of promising directions for future research. Keywords: associative priming; repetition priming; semantic memory; semantic priming
Abstract 3267: Novel combination treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid and tolfenamic acid induces anti-proliferative response in high-risk neuroblastoma cells

High-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) is an aggressive extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood. 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA) is commonly used in adjuvant therapy and helpful in reducing the reoccurrence of this malignancy. Due to the very poor prognosis, there is an urgent need to establish more effective strategies for treating NB. In this study we evaluated the effect of the small molecule Tolfenamic Acid (TA) for enhancing the anti-proliferative effect of RA in NB cells, LA1-55n and SH-SY5Y. TA is known to induce degradation of Specificity protein1 (Sp1) transcription factor which regulates several genes associated with cell proliferation and cell cycle. After testing the dose/time-dependent response of individual agents, the optimized doses were used for the combination experiments. LA1-55n and SH-SY5Y cells were treated with TA (30 uM) or RA (20 uM) or both for 48 hour and tested to assess the effect on cell growth, apoptosis and selected molecular markers including Sp1, survivin, AKT and ERK1/2. Cell viability and caspase activity were measured with Cell TiterGlo and Caspase Glo kits. The apoptotic cell population was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin-V staining. The expression of Sp1, survivin, AKT, ERK1/2 and c-PARP were evaluated by western blot analysis. Combination treatment with TA and RA caused significant inhibition of cell viability (p Citation Format: Sagar Shelake, Don Eslin, Robert Sutphin, Anmol Wadhwani, Laura E. Kenyon, W. Paul Bowman, Riyaz Basha. Novel combination treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid and tolfenamic acid induces anti-proliferative response in high-risk neuroblastoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3267. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3267
Compact planar optical devices (CPODs) by CVD technology

In this report, a number of novel, compact planar optical device (CPOD) concepts are described. The application of these novel structures for the fabrication of planar devices, such as 1/spl times/N couplers, is described. The requirements of these devices for various applications are given. The advantages of this approach for device fabrication and packaging are given. Performance results of a number of these devices made by a CVD planar process are presented. >
Automatic identification of alcohol-related promotions on Twitter and prediction of promotion spread

Teens who have viewed alcohol-related content on social networking sites are more likely to have consumed alcohol than teens that have not seen such content. This suggests a rising concern about the influence of these sites on adolescent drinking behavior. Parents, health organizations, and school administrators need a deeper understanding of online promotional patterns in order to combat risky behaviors through intervention and education. To address these problems, we developed a system that automatically identifies alcohol promotions in online Twitter content. The identification of promotions was modeled using supervised machine learning algorithms. Predictor variables were derived from the content of tweets, the Twitter meta-data, and the network structure. We evaluated this system using held-out testing data in a cross-validated experimental design. We found that random forest models were best at predicting promotional tweets. Yet, logistic regression main effects models were useful in determining the significance of each variable, both Twitter specific and textual. For Twitter specific variables, number of hashtags and number of mentions significantly increased the likelihood of a tweet being a promotion. Using the TF-IDF method for textual predictors, we found that words that describe a type of alcohol, such as “beer” or “wine,” increased the likelihood of a tweet being a promotion. Our analysis provides information about the current state of online alcohol promotion, salient characteristics of promotions and promoters, and the influence of promotions on other users of social networking sites.
Replace Pharmaceutical Patents Now

Pharmaceutical patents are anachronistic holdovers from an era in which modern economic understanding and tax tools were unavailable. Superior mechanisms lie somewhere between a first best pricing solution for the entire economy at one extreme and the current arrangements at the other. We discuss the economics of suggested alternatives and suggest that the intertemporal bounty is the best way to meet the multiple objectives of immediate distribution at marginal cost pricing of newly innovated patented drugs and easily administered, efficient inducement to continued innovation. The intertemporal bounty prevents the expansion of monopoly power resulting from co-pay or -insurance provisions common to modern prescription drug plans.
THE EQUIVALENCE OF SEIBERG-WITTEN AND CASSON INVARIANTS FOR HOMOLOGY 3-SPHERES

We outline a proof that the Seiberg-Witten invariant for integral ho- mology 3-spheres is the same as Casson's invariant. This confirms a conjecture of Kronheimer.
Stress induced phase transition in Gd2O3 films by ion beam assisted reactive electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD)

Abstract The structural evolution of thick polycrystalline gadolinium oxide (Gd 2 O 3 ) films deposited by reactive electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) is investigated. High deposition rates (> 5 A/s) lead to the growth of mixed phase films which are of the cubic phase near the film/substrate interface before forming monoclinic phase as distance from the interface increases. By decreasing the deposition rate to 2 O 3 films.
Restorative effect of endurance exercise on behavioral deficits in the chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease with severe neurodegeneration

Animal models of Parkinson's disease have been widely used for investigating the mechanisms of neurodegenerative process and for discovering alternative strategies for treating the disease. Following 10 injections with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 25 mg/kg) and probenecid (250 mg/kg) over 5 weeks in mice, we have established and characterized a chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease (MPD), which displays severe long-term neurological and pathological defects resembling that of the human Parkinson's disease in the advanced stage. The behavioral manifestations in this chronic mouse model of Parkinson's syndrome remain uninvestigated. The health benefit of exercise in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders including the Parkinson's disease has been implicated; however, clinical and laboratory studies in this area are limited. In this research with the chronic MPD, we first conducted a series of behavioral tests and then investigated the impact of endurance exercise on the identified Parkinsonian behavioral deficits. We report here that the severe chronic MPD mice showed significant deficits in their gait pattern consistency and in learning the cued version of the Morris water maze. Their performances on the challenging beam and walking grid were considerably attenuated suggesting the lack of balance and motor coordination. Furthermore, their spontaneous and amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activities in the open field were significantly suppressed. The behavioral deficits in the chronic MPD lasted for at least 8 weeks after MPTP/probenecid treatment. When the chronic MPD mice were exercise-trained on a motorized treadmill 1 week before, 5 weeks during, and 8–12 weeks after MPTP/probenecid treatment, the behavioral deficits in gait pattern, spontaneous ambulatory movement, and balance performance were reversed; whereas neuronal loss and impairment in cognitive skill, motor coordination, and amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity were not altered when compared to the sedentary chronic MPD animals. This study indicates that in spite of the drastic loss of dopaminergic neurons and depletion of dopamine in the severe chronic MPD, endurance exercise training effectively reverses the Parkinson's like behavioral deficits related to regular movement, balance and gait performance.
Connecting Rimes to Meaningful Contexts

(2010). Connecting Rimes to Meaningful Contexts. Childhood Education: Vol. 86, No. 4, pp. 241-248.
Immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptor in adult goldfish retina.

The neural retina of teleost fish can regenerate following surgical or neurotoxic lesions. As a first attempt to uncover the factors important for the regenerative response, we used immunocytochemistry to demonstrate the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its receptor in the goldfish retina. The bFGF-immunoreactivity was present throughout the retina, but was most intense in photoreceptor cells, especially cones, and Muller glia. Immunoreactivity for the bFGF receptor was strongest in the axon terminals of photoreceptors, both rods and cones. This pattern of immunolocalization is especially interesting since the proliferating cells that are thought to be responsible for generating the neural regenerate are located among the photoreceptor axon terminals. These proliferating cells have been identified as rod precursors because in the intact retina they give rise only to rod photoreceptors. When the neural retina is damaged, however, rod precursors are thought to be the source of proliferating neuroepithelial cells responsible for generating the retinal regenerate. The role played by bFGF in normal neurogenesis, cell differentiation, and/or neuronal regeneration in the fish retina has yet to be determined.
Effect of a Polymeric Surfactant on Electron Transport in HL-60 Cells

To assess the effect of a polymeric surfactant, Pluronic P-105 on the activity of electron transport chains in the mitochondria of HL-60 cells, the bioreduction rates of two membrane-localized lipophilic spin probes, 16-doxylstearic acid methyl ester (16-DSME) and 5-doxylstearic acid (5-DS), were studied. In addition, the effect of Pluronic on the bioreduction rate of the DNA-intercalating spin-labeled anthracyclin drug, Ruboxyl (Rb) was evaluated. For 16-DSME, the bioreduction kinetics was zero order with regard to the nitroxide concentration, indicating that the rate was controlled by the concentration of the reducing enzyme(s), which depends on the activity of the electron transport chains. The introduction of Pluronic at concentrations higher than 0.01% resulted in the decrease of the 16-DSME bioreduction rate. The data suggested that short-term cell incubation with Pluronic resulted in reduced activity of the electron transport chains in the mitochondria of HL-60 cells. This was corroborated by the results of an MTT assay. For 5-DS, the bioreduction kinetics was first order in the absence of Pluronic, but did not follow any simple kinetic law after a short-term cell incubation with Pluronic. For Rb, the degree of nitroxide bioreduction dropped progressively with increasing Pluronic concentration. Thus, incubating cells with polymeric surfactants modulates the intracellular energy metabolism, which can affect the rates of energy-dependent intracellular processes.
Teacher Effectiveness in Physical Education—Consensus?

This article synthesizes the series of manuscripts on teacher effectiveness in physical education recently published by the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport and highlights both the consensus and points of disagreement. Although there is much agreement as to the mission to develop a physically active lifestyle, there is a great deal of disagreement on how to get there, which makes the task of measuring effectiveness difficult. The current reform effort in education to measure teacher effectiveness makes it essential that professionals in physical education at all levels be participants in this process.
Subject-Specific Experimental Validation of a C27 Cervical Spine Finite Element Model

Computational simulations of the spine have the ability to quantify both the external (i.e. angular rotation) and internal (i.e. stresses and strains) responses to external loading. This is an advantage over cadaveric bench top studies, which are limited to studying mostly external responses. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used extensively to investigate the behavior of the normal cervical spine in addition to its diseased and degenerated states [1,2].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The Effect of Topography on a Rossby Wave

Abstract A system of three Fourier components in a barotropic channel flow is considered to investigate the influence of topography on a neutral Rossby wave. Analytic solutions show how topography induces a nonlinear oscillation of the mean flow-wave system.
An evaluation of dependent variables in experimental negotiation studies: Impasse rates and pareto efficiency☆

Abstract We discuss the importance of appropriate measures of dyadic performance in negotiations research. We review how the quality of negotiated agreements has been measured in recent experimental research on mixed-motive, dyadic negotiations. We argue that impasse rates have been largely ignored as a dependent variable and that failure to take account of impasse rates may bias experimental results. In addition, we show that impasse rates can vary across experimental treatments as a result of differences in the balance of power. Pareto efficiency is argued to be a better measure of the quality of dyadic agreements than is joint profit, the more commonly used measure. We discuss the theoretical implications of these two measurements and show when they would lead to different conclusions. Finally, we evaluate alternative operationalizations of Pareto efficiency.
Surface treatment with 5-fluorouracil after flexor tendon repair in a canine in vivo model.

Adhesion formation following flexor tendon repair is an important clinical problem that can hinder hand function. Attempts at reducing postoperative adhesion formation have included low-friction surgical repair techniques1-3, early postoperative rehabilitation4-6, physical barriers to adhesion formation7-9, tendon surface lubrication10-12, and the use of pharmacological antiadhesive reagents13-15. 5-fluorouracil, an antimetabolite used in glaucoma filtration surgery, has been proposed as a possible antiadhesive pharmacological agent. The exposure of a surgical field to 5-fluorouracil produces a focal inhibition of scarring. One-time exposures to 5-fluorouracil, for as short a duration as five minutes, can have antiproliferative effects on fibroblasts for several days; this time frame may be adequate to inhibit adhesions following tendon repair and prior to beginning postoperative motion16. Several small-animal studies have described a benefit of 5-fluorouracil exposure after flexor tendon repair15,17,18; however, none of these animal models included immediate motion protocols. Immediate motion studies following the application of 5-fluorouracil will help to determine whether the effects of 5-fluorouracil are better than the results obtained with early motion therapy alone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 5-fluorouracil on tendon repairs subjected to immediate postoperative rehabilitation in a canine model in vivo. We hypothesized that exposing the repaired tendon to topical 5-fluorouracil for five minutes would decrease tendon adhesions but not adversely affect intrinsic tendon healing, thus allowing for an early return to postoperative motion therapy. We also hypothesized that 5-fluorouracil would not result in an increase in tendon rupture or gapping compared with untreated tendons. Finally, we wished to determine whether 5-fluorouracil therapy offered a benefit over those already seen with postoperative motion therapy alone.
The value of ecosystem services

There has been much recent interest in the topic of ecosystem services and their value to society, stimulated, in part, by the recent paper in Nature (Costanza et al., 1997—reprinted in this issue) and a book collecting several recent studies (Daily, 1997). These are certainly complex and controversial issues, but ones that are central to ecological economics (Bingham et al., 1995) and to the prospects for sustainability. They also elicit an extremely wide range of views. The aim of the forum was to further the discussion and stimulate new ideas on these topics. We were not seeking merely friendly affirmation, nor were we seeking merely critiques of the above works (although this certainly needs to be part of the process). Rather, we were hoping to encourage thoughtful discussion and commentary on the fundamental issues these works raise from a range of different perspectives and extensions to new, as yet uncharted areas. To further this goal, we invited a selection of well-known economists, ecologists and others to contribute commentaries to this Forum. Their responses appear following the reprinted Nature paper. As you will see, they indeed cover a range of perspectives, from those who basically agree that this work is important but raise other important issues, to those who question the wisdom of the exercise of valuing ecosystem services itself, to those who question the validity of the methods used. But most contributors also have something new to add to the mix. The Forum closes with a response from the authors of the Nature paper to the issues raised in the invited commentaries. As the lead author of the Nature paper, I can say that one of the primary goals in writing it was to stimulate discussion. We knew that the very idea of coming up with an estimate of the global value of ecosystem services and the crude and imperfect methods we used would provide large and easy targets for academic sharpshooters from
HIV infection of fetal human astrocytes: the potential role of a receptor-mediated endocytic pathway.

HIV infects microglia and astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Although there is a significant amount of information about microglial infection, data regarding astrocytes are more limited. For example, little is known about the initial membrane events occurring between HIV and astrocytes. Also, the mechanism by which HIV enters these cells remains to be determined. To address these questions, we exposed human astrocyte cultures to either HIV or to the HIV glycoprotein gp120. The cultures were analyzed for viral infection and gp120 binding to cultured cells by light and electron microscopy (EM) with and without immunocytochemistry, respectively; ligand-receptor biochemistry; and, Western, Northern and Southern blot analyses. The results of these studies showed that HIV binds to astrocytes via gp120 and a cell surface molecule weighing approximately 65 kDa that is neither CD4 nor galactocerebroside. Furthermore, binding of gp120 to astrocytes was concentration dependent and displayed a curve consistent with ligand-receptor binding. Additionally, radiolabeled gp120 binding was displaced by unlabeled gp120 but not by deglycosylated gp120, suggesting that the binding was specific. By EM, HIV virions were seen in clathrin-coated pits and in cytoplasmic vacuoles. This suggests linkage, in astrocytes, between a plasma membrane-associated protein that can act as a receptor for HIV and an endosomal pathway.
Fourier analysis of ionization data obtained by simulating 500-keV proton in water

Monte Carlo transport codes for ionizing radiation are used to model radiation effects in biological systems. For this purpose, data generated by Monte Carlo simulation are often summarized by visual display or by cluster analysis. This report introduces Fourier analysis to summarize a set of data obtained by Monte Carlo simulation of a 500-keV proton traversing water. The analytical results suggest general applicability to Monte Carlo simulation data for any type of ionizing radiation. Radiobiological implications of this new perspective on radiation track data will be reported elsewhere.
Corticotropin-releasing factor and angiotensin II: Comparison of CNS actions to influence neuroendocrine and cardiovascular function

The cardiovascular and hormonal responses to intracerebroventricular administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and angiotensin II (AII) were compared in conscious, freely moving rats. CRF elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), increased plasma catecholamine levels and had no effect on plasma vasopressin levels. AII increased MAP and decreased HR, had no effect on plasma catecholamine levels and elevated plasma vasopressin levels. Ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine blocked the cardiovascular effects of CRF but failed to antagonize the pressor response to AII. The vasopressin antagonist, [1-deaminopenicillamine, 2-(0-methyl)tyrosine]-AVP, did not modify CRF-induced cardiovascular changes but greatly attenuated AII's effects on blood pressure. These results suggest that CRF and AII have different central actions on hormonal and cardiovascular systems.
Improved Detectability with Blocked Element Compensation

Abstract The inability of diagnostic ultrasound to detect low contrast lesions deep inside the body has limited its success in cancer diagnosis. To enhance low contrast detectability, two-dimensional, very large arrays (VLA′s) providing greatly improved spatial resolution have been proposed. Due to discontinuous acoustic windows into the body, however, a significant fraction of such an array might be blocked resulting in degraded detectability in clinical situations. To compensate for this degradation, an object dependent method utilizing multiple receive beams has been proposed and shown to effectively reduce undesired beamforming artifacts. To further explore the method′s capabilities, simulations have been done quantifying improvements in contrast resolution. Using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as a performance measure, results show that low contrast detectability is determined by sidelobe energy in the point spread function if the total aperture size is not reduced. Moreover, contrast resolution can be restored using the object dependent method if the number of blocked elements is not very significant. If the number of blocked elements is large, however, the method breaks down and performance improvements are minimal.
Testing class libraries for RTSJ safety

The addition of new thread types and new memory areas by the Real-Time Specification for Java™ (RTSJ) [1] introduces new failure modes for existing class libraries. Existing tests for these class libraries will not cover execution with RTs, NHRTs and with the Immortal and Scoped memory areas. Writing new tests to cover these new cases can take significant time and effort. This paper introduces an approach we call AutoRTUnit that allows us to get test coverage for the new thread types and memory areas by reusing existing JUnit[2] based unit tests. In our case we applied it to expand our test coverage for a subset of the non-RTSJ APIs within our RTSJ-compliant Java virtual machine (JVM).
The asymmetric regions of rotation functions between Patterson functions of arbitrarily high symmetry

Rotation functions between Patterson functions can be calculated and analyzed more efficiently when it is possible to consider only a unique or asymmetric region of rotation space. Previous authors have succeeded in characterizing the symmetries and asymmetric units of rotation functions between Patterson functions whose symmetries are less than cubic. Here we describe a simple and general solution that applies to rotation functions between Patterson functions of any symmetry, including cubic. The method relies on partitioning rotation space into Dirichlet domains.
Algorithms and data structures for compressed-memory machines

An overview of a set of algorithms and data structures developed for compressed-memory machines is given. These include 1) very fast compression and decompression algorithms, for relatively small fixed-size lines, that are suitable for hardware implementation; 2) methods for storing variable-size compressed lines in main memory that minimize overheads due to directory size and storage fragmentation, but that are simple enough for implementation as part of a system memory controller; 3) a number of operating system modifications required to ensure that a compressed-memory machine never runs out of memory as the compression ratio changes dynamically. This research was done to explore the feasibility of computer architectures in which data are decompressed/compressed on cache misses/writebacks. The results led to and were implemented in IBM Memory Expansion Technology (MXT), which for typical systems yields a factor of 2 expansion in effective memory size with generally minimal effect on performance.