cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptide Neurotransmitters and Smooth Muscle in the Gut

Smooth muscle of the gut is regulated by two main categories of intrinsic neurons with cell bodies located in the myenteric plexus. Approximately 25% are VIP/PACAP/NOS interneurons and inhibitory motor neurons; the latter innervate circular muscle and mediate relaxation. About 60% are cholinergic/tachykinin interneurons and excitatory motor neurons; the latter innervate both circular and longitudinal muscle and mediate contraction. The physiological function of these neurons is most evident in the pathways that regulate the intestinal peristaltic reflex. The reflex is triggered by mucosal mechanical and chemical stimuli that release 5-HT from intestinal enterochromaffin cells; 5-HT activates 5-HT 4 receptors located on intrinsic sensory CGRP neurons that relay the signal caudad to cause relaxation of circular muscle and contraction of longitudinal muscle, and orad to cause contraction of circular muscle and relaxation of longitudinal muscle. The reflex triggered by distension (muscle stretch) does not involve 5-HT release and depends on activation of extrinsic sensory CGRP neurons with cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia; these neurons relay the distension signal to the same set of interneurons and motor neurons.
Modulation of myostatin expression during modified muscle use

Previous findings have provided strong evidence that myostatin functions as a negative regulator of muscle mass during development and growth. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that myostatin may serve a similar function in fully differentiated muscle experiencing modified loading. Our findings show that myostatin expression can be modulated in fully differentiated, nonpathological skeletal muscle in a manner that is inversely related to changes in muscle mass. Atrophy of rat hind limb muscles induced by 10 days of unloading resulted in a 16% decrease in plantaris mass, a 110% increase in myostatin mRNA, and a 37% increase in myostatin protein. Immunohistochemical observations showed a detectable increase in myostatin concentration at myotendinous junctions during muscle unloading. The concentration of myostatin mRNA and protein returned to values not significantly different from ambulatory controls after 4 days of reloading, during which time plantaris mass also returned to control values. How...
Inhibitory effects of methylcellulose on cellulose degradation by Ruminococcus flavefaciens

Highly methylated, long-chain celluloses strongly inhibited cellulose degradation by several species of cellulolytic bacteria of ruminal origin. Specifically, the inhibitory effects of methylcellulose on the growth of Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD1 were concentration dependent, with complete inhibition at 0.1% (wt/vol). However, methylcellulose did not inhibit growth on cellobiose or cellulooligosaccharides. Mixtures of methylated cellulooligosaccharides having an average degree of polymerization of 6.7 to 9.5 inhibited cellulose degradation, but those with an average degree of polymerization of 1.0 to 4.5 did not. Similar inhibitory effects by methylcellulose and, to a lesser extent, by methyl cellulooligosaccharides were observed on cellulase activity, as measured by hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-β-d-cellobioside. R. flavefaciens cultures hydrolyzed cellulooligosaccharides to cellobiose and cellotriose as final end products. Cellopentaose and cellohexaose were cleaved to these end products, but cellotetraose was also formed from cellohexaose. Methylcellulose did not inhibit hydrolysis of cellulooligosaccharides. These data are consistent with the presence of separate cellulase (β-1,4-glucanase) and cellulodextrinase activities in R. flavefaciens.
Heterogeneity of rabbit platelets. Effect of chronic blood loss on glycolytic and related enzyme activity.

Abstract Rabbits were chronically bled, with Fe replacement, every 3–4 days for 21 days. Their platelet count and megathrombocyte number (large-heavy, young platelets) increased 1.7-and 2.3-fold, respectively. Eight of the 11 enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway increased 2–5-fold in activity per g wet weight during the period of blood letting. The five related enzymes (phosphoglucomutase, glucose 6-P dehydrogenase, 6-P gluconic dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, and α-glycerol-P dehydrogenase) as well as the three Embden-Meyerhof pathway enzymes (aldolase, enolase, and pyruvate kinase) did not increase in activity over basal values. It is concluded that chronic blood loss with Fe replacement leads to a specific increase in enzyme activity of 8 of the 11 Embden-Meyerhof pathway enzymes.
A new in vitro system for studying cell response to mechanical stimulation. Different effects of cyclic stretching and agitation on smooth muscle cell biosynthesis.

Abstract An experimental model has been devised to permit morphologic and metabolic characterization of cells subjected to a range of cyclic mechanical stimuli similar to those which may prevail in blood vessel walls. A unique feature is the use of purified elastin membranes prepared from bovine aortas as extensible substrates for cell growth. Cells attached firmly to such membranes which could then be subjected to continuous stretching and relaxation or displacement without stretching by a motor coupled to a movable supporting frame. Various combinations of frequencies, amplitudes and rates of deformation have been used over extended periods with minimal fatigue or disruption of the elastin substrate. The effects of cyclic stretching on [14C]proline incorporation into protein and collagen and [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells were distinct from those attributable to agitation without stretching, indicating that cells responded differently to these modes of stimulation. Increases in rate of protein or DNA synthesis induced by stretching were just as marked after 48 h of stimulation as they were at the outset of an experimental period. Since the system permits observations of cell response to independently variable components of pulsatile stress over extended periods and under a variety of culture conditions, it may be expected to provide new data concerning the interaction of mechanical with hormonal and genetic factors in the elaboration of connective tissue components.
Provider characteristics related to antidepressant use in older people.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the characteristics of the usual medical care providers of older antidepressant users changed between 1986 and 1997 with the introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Five-county Piedmont area of North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS: Stratified random sample of African-American (n=2,261) and white (n=1,875) community residents aged 65 to 105. MEASUREMENTS: Sample members provided information on prescription medications, demographic and health status, and usual medical care provider (matched to North Carolina Health Professions Data Systems files to ascertain provider characteristics) in 1986/87, 1989/90, 1992/93, and 1996/97. Most (77.5%) named a provider (name unmatchable for 4.1%). Sample member characteristics were aggregated into probability (propensity) scores summarizing predisposing (demographic), enabling (medical care access), and need (health status) categories. Along with wave of study and whether a provider was named, these were entered as control variables in generalized estimating equation models that examined the association between provider race (white vs nonwhite), sex, age, location of practice, and primary versus specialist care and antidepressant use. RESULTS: The characteristics of the usual medical care providers remained stable over the decade, although prevalence of antidepressant use increased. Two provider characteristics—race and area of practice (but not the interaction between them)—were significantly associated with patients' use of antidepressants. Patients of white physicians and of physicians with urban practices were more likely to use antidepressants. CONCLUSION: Although use of antidepressants has increased over time, there has been little change in the characteristics of users' usual medical care providers.
Potential approach to immunotherapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): enhanced immunogenicity of CLL cells via infection with vectors encoding for multiple costimulatory molecules

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease of CD5(+) B lymphocytes (designated as CLL cells) that are inefficient antigen-presenting cells. Their poor ability to present antigens to the T cells, largely due to an inadequate costimulatory capacity, is manifested as a failure to stimulate proliferation of both allogeneic and autologous T cells. We have investigated the ability of in vitro manipulated CLL cells, via hyperexpression of a triad of costimulatory molecules (B7-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and leukocyte-function-associated antigen 3 [LFA-3], designated TRICOM), to stimulate effective antitumor T-cell responses. A recombinant modified vaccinia virus strain Ankara (MVA), which is a highly attenuated, replication-impaired virus variant, was successfully used to infect and deliver the simultaneous expression of the 3 human costimulatory molecules in TRICOM on the surface of the CLL cells. Proliferation of allogeneic and autologous T cells was observed when MVA-TRICOM-infected CLL cells were used as stimulators in proliferation assays. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, generated in vitro by stimulation of autologous T cells with MVA-TRICOM-infected CLL cells, showed cytotoxicity against unmodified/uninfected CLL cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the use of CLL cells infected ex vivo with MVA-TRICOM or direct injection of MVA-TRICOM in patients with CLL has potential for the immunotherapy of CLL.
The Changing Face of Heroin Use in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of the Past 50 Years

Importance Over the past several years, there have been a number of mainstream media reports that the abuse of heroin has migrated from low-income urban areas with large minority populations to more affluent suburban and rural areas with primarily white populations. Objective To examine the veracity of these anecdotal reports and define the relationship between the abuse of prescription opioids and the abuse of heroin. Design, Setting, and Participants Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed (1) data from an ongoing study that uses structured, self-administered surveys to gather retrospective data on past drug use patterns among patients entering substance abuse treatment programs across the country who received a primary ( DSM-IV ) diagnosis of heroin use/dependence (n = 2797) and (2) data from unstructured qualitative interviews with a subset of patients (n = 54) who completed the structured interview. Main Outcomes and Measures In addition to data on population demographics and current residential location, we used cross-tabulations to assess prevalence rates as a function of the decade of the initiation of abuse for (1) first opioid used (prescription opioid or heroin), (2) sex, (3) race/ethnicity, and (4) age at first use. Respondents indicated in an open-ended format why they chose heroin as their primary drug and the interrelationship between their use of heroin and their use of prescription opioids. Results Approximately 85% of treatment-seeking patients approached to complete the Survey of Key Informants’ Patients Program did so. Respondents who began using heroin in the 1960s were predominantly young men (82.8%; mean age, 16.5 years) whose first opioid of abuse was heroin (80%). However, more recent users were older (mean age, 22.9 years) men and women living in less urban areas (75.2%) who were introduced to opioids through prescription drugs (75.0%). Whites and nonwhites were equally represented in those initiating use prior to the 1980s, but nearly 90% of respondents who began use in the last decade were white. Although the “high” produced by heroin was described as a significant factor in its selection, it was often used because it was more readily accessible and much less expensive than prescription opioids. Conclusion and Relevance Our data show that the demographic composition of heroin users entering treatment has shifted over the last 50 years such that heroin use has changed from an inner-city, minority-centered problem to one that has a more widespread geographical distribution, involving primarily white men and women in their late 20s living outside of large urban areas.
Development of Non-Viral Gene Delivery Carriers for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in the United States resulting in a major financial burden to the health care system and is projected to be one of the main contributors to disability by 2020. The poor prognosis of IHD is directly related to a build-up of atherosclerotic plaque that produces narrowing of the coronary artery lumen. The rupture of the artery and/or narrowing of the artery lumen results in myocardial ischemia, which can lead to myocardial infarction or death of the heart muscle tissue. Current treatments include bypass surgery, angioplasty, stent implantation, and pharmacotherapy but unfortunately many patients with IHD remain refractory to pharmacological treatments and are unsuitable candidates for surgical interventions. Also, restenosis of the vessel lumen due to neointimal hyperplasia is a recurrent problem. Gene therapy is a promising alternative to traditional treatment strategies since the delivery of angiogenic cytokines can stimulate neovascularisation in a process known as therapeutic angiogenesis. To this end, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized novel biodegradable polymeric carrier systems for the delivery of therapeutic angiogenic plasmids. The polymers were found to have a MW of ∼3.2 kDa. A gel retardation assay showed condensation of DNA at N/P ratios higher than 20/1. The particle sizes of the polymer/DNA complexes were 100-231 nm with surface charges of 0.8-20 mV. Preliminary data with the reporter gene luciferase showed that the complexes produced significantly higher transfection efficiencies and lower cytotoxicities in several cell lines as compared to the control. Thus, these novel nonviral carriers are very efficient, versatile, and biocompatible polymers for nonviral gene delivery.
Fluid-liquid equilibria of ternary systems of fatty acids and fatty acid esters in supercritical CO2

Abstract Phase compositions for fluid-liquid equilibrium at supercritical conditions have been measured for the ternary systems of supercritical carbon dioxide/methyl oleate/methyl linoleate and supercritical carbon dioxide/oleic acid/linoleic acid at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures up to 300 bar. The Peng-Robinson equation-of-state with quadratic and non-quadratic mixing rules was used to model the experimental results. No ternary parameters were used. The predictions are in semiquantitative agreement with the experimental data for the carbon dioxide/methyl oleate/methyl linoleate system.
Large doses of vecuronium and plasma histamine concentrations.

Supported by a grant from Organon Pharmaceuticals. The authors studied 20 surgical patients to determine the effect of large doses of vecuronium on plasma histamine concentrations. Patients were unpremedicated and anaesthetized with nitrous oxide and halothane via a mask. Tracheal intubation was performed without the use of muscle relaxants. Fifteen min later and before surgery hadbegun, vecuronium, in doses of 0.l and 0.2 mg·kg-1 (n = l0 for each dose), was administered as an IV bolus. Arterial blood samples were obtained prior to and 2, 5. and 10 min after vecuronium administration and analyzed for plasma histamine by a radioenzymatic method. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously. In one patient who received 0.1 mg·kg-1 of vecuronium, plasma histamine concentrations at 2 min were 275 per cent of the control histamine value but fell below control at 10 min. This increase in plasma histamine was not associated with clinically important changes in blood pressure or heart rate. As a group, study patients had no significant changes in plasma histamine concentrations with either dose of vecuronium, in addition, mean plasma histamine values for each sampling interval did not differ between the two patient groups. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) decreased significantly at 10 min in patients receiving vecuronium 0.1 mg·kg-1, and at 2 and 10 min inpatients receiving 0.2 mg · kg-1 of vecuronium. However, these decreases in MAP were not clinically important. Changes in plasma histamine concentrations did not correlate with corresponding changes in MAP. Heart rate did not change significantly in any patient during the study. The authors conclude that vecuronium can be given in doses up to 0.2 mg·kg-1 to facilitate tracheal intubation without significant changes in cardiovascular status, but with rare increases in plasma histamine concentrations.
Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Distribution in Cemetery Soils

In this paper, preliminary investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential ecological risk of heavy metals contamination in cemetery soils. Necrosol samples were collected from within and around the vicinity of the largest mass grave in Rwanda and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using total digestion–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Based on the concentrations of As, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn, the overall contamination degree (C deg) and potential ecological risks status (RI) of the necrosols were determined. The preliminary results revealed that the associated cemetery soils are only contaminated to a low degree. On the other hand, assessment of the potential ecological risk index (RI) revealed that cumulative heavy metal content of the soil do not pose any significant ecological risks. These findings, therefore, suggest that, while cemetery soils may be toxic due to the accumulation of certain heavy metals, their overall ecological risks may be minimal and insignificant.
Policymakers, PD Specialists, and ECE Practitioners: Strategies for Collaboration.

This article details the findings from a qualitative study that explored the ways individuals who work with early childhood education (ECE) practitioners in professional development settings influenced those practitioners’ understandings of early childhood policy and early childhood systems. Defined as individuals who work in the professional development and early childhood policy, the professional development specialists in this study influenced ECE practitioners in ways that caused a shift in their thinking about ECE policy as well as their conceptualization of ECE systems.
Hypertension in infants and children.

This is a review of selected aspects of hypertension in infants and children. The causes of pediatric hypertension are discussed. The role of diet in the etiology and/or treatment of hypertension is e
Painting as Hysteria: Deleuze on Bacon

Deleuze's work on Francis Bacon is an aesthetic clinic of hysteria and an implicit critique of the psychoanalytic conception of hysteria. Bacon's paintings reveal what is at stake in hysteria: not the symbolic expression of unconscious representations, but the pure presence of the body, the experience of the body under the organism. Inspired by the work of the phenomenologist Henri Maldiney, Deleuze argues that Bacon's paintings become non-figurative without being abstract. In this way, painting shows the hysterical struggle of the body to escape from itself in the rhythm of its movement.
Low‐energy electron current in the Martian tail due to reconnection of draped interplanetary magnetic field and crustal magnetic fields

[1] We observe seasonal, nighttime clustering of significant enhancements in the Mars Global Surveyor electron omnidirectional flux data at low-energy levels over a specific geographical region at the west edge of the crustal fields (at around 70°S and between 30°E and 150°E). We propose that photoelectrons generated over the crustal sources on the Martian dayside are transported along lines of the reconnected interplanetary magnetic field to the nightside and populate currents formed in the magnetotail. Comparison of the draping direction (estimated from the dayside data between 50° and 60°N latitude band over the northern hemisphere) at the closest time of the enhancements with the crustal fields at ∼150°E and ∼65°S shows the existence of favorable conditions for the reconnection. Seasonal variation observed in the draping direction accounts for the seasonal nature of the phenomenon. Moreover, a nearly 25 d periodic variation of the draping direction, due to solar rotation, strictly coincides with the periodic variation observed in the strength of the enhancements. We also demonstrate the effect of the Sun on the electron flux variations over two regions: (1) closed crustal fields and (2) the enhancement clustering region. Finally, we propose a model for the distribution of current sources on the nightside that accounts for the perturbations observed in the magnetic field data.
Dynamic Stress Analysis of an Epicyclic Gear Pump

Both Epicyclic gear trains and reciprocating pumps have been used for years and their advantages are well documented. This paper presents a method to combine the advantages of epicyclic gear and reciprocating pump to provide a configuration for a new kind of pump called the epicyclic gear pump. Using features of IDEAS, the pump is modeled and the dynamic stress acting on the pump is calculated. Further development of the epicyclic gear pump leading to an engine similar to the rotary engine is left to future research.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Validity and range of linear approximations in underwater imaging

A Monte Carlo model has been used to determine a set of point spread functions and modulation transfer functions for underwater imaging in different environments. The results have been used to examine the validity of a linear approximation theory. The conclusions are that the linear approximation theory works to some extent, however, a slight modification can be used in order to obtain good quantitative agreement. In particular, an empirical effective beam attenuation function is used for each different environment in order to insure the accuracy of the linear treatment.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hydrograph responses to watershed model size and similitude relations

Abstract The effect of size on the hydrograph parameters of maximum peak, time of rise, time of recession, and time of runoff is determined on watershed models under a rainfall simulator which completely and uniformly covers the model. Results are evaluated in relation to each other and to real watersheds. It is shown: (1) that the model-size/maximum-peak relationship is as predicted for real watersheds; (2) that these relationships for a series of real watersheds are similar to those of the model series; and (3) that the hydrograph responses of models and watersheds appear to be mathematically related.
A corresponding states equation for crystallization kinetics

Abstract A new corresponding states relation is presented for crystal growth rates. It correlates the growth rate with a reduced temperature variable involving the glass transition temperature of the material.
Power Politics and the Balance of Risk: Hypotheses on Great Power Intervention in the Periphery

Great powers frequently initiate risky diplomatic and military interventions in the periphery—regions that do not directly threaten the security of a great power's homeland. Such risky interventions are driven by leaders’ aversion to losses in their state's relative power, international status, or prestige. These leaders often persist in such courses of action even when they incur mounting political, economic, and military costs. More surprisingly, they undertake risky strategies toward other great powers in an effort to continue these failing interventions. Hypotheses concerning such interventions are derived from the prospect theory and defensive realist literatures.
Pharmacological Studies on Some New Acrylic Acid Amide Derivatives

A group of newly synthesized acrylic acid amides have been evaluated pharmacologically and chemically for their similarity to the tranquilizer reserpine. The amides differ from reserpine in their behavorial depression effects in that they cause no ptosis at doses which yield decreased locomotor ability and electroshock-threshold lowering. The amides also differ markedly from reserpine in potency. Their therapeutic index (LD 50 /TD 50 ) is about 2 compared with a value of 19 for reserpine. Finally, the amides differ from reserpine in that their TD 50 /ED 50 is around 1 as compared to a value of 3.5 for reserpine. The conclusion is that central nervous system depression and electroshock-threshold lowering by the amides may possibly be mediated by a similar neural mechanism. Also the role of methoxy group substitution on electroshock-threshold lowering potency is discussed.
Managerial problem-solving in the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification Technologies

This study explores the ways in which managers evaluate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and participate in its adoption. Using in-depth qualitative focus group and published trade journal interviews, our study contributes to research on managing RFID projects in organizations by identifying salient problems and relating them to sensemaking and influencing activities across problem types and manager experience with RFID. We also identify potential dangers in applying past knowledge, cognitive patterns, and experience about information and communication technologies (ICT) to problems that arise in RFID projects. Our study provides analytic generalizability for future RFID and ICT research.
Peroxisomal abnormality in fibroblasts from involved skin of CHILD syndrome. Case study and review of peroxisomal disorders in relation to skin disease.

• Background and Design.— Peroxisomal deficiency has been described in a number of syndromes characterized by chondrodysplasia punctata, including the Conradi-Hunermann (C-H) syndrome. Because of overlapping clinical features of X-chromosome inheritance, ichthyosis, and limbreduction defects in C-H and CHILD (congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects) syndromes, we examined peroxisomal content using diaminobenzidine cytochemistry and peroxisomal functions in fibroblasts from involved vs uninvolved skin of CHILD syndrome. Results.— Fibroblasts from involved skin of a patient with CHILD syndrome accumulated cytoplasmic lipid, visualized with the fluorescent probe, nile-red. Ultrastructurally, fibroblasts of involved skin of CHILD syndrome accumulated lamellated membrane and vacuolar structures. By diaminobenzidine ultracytochemistry, fewer peroxisomes were present. Moreover, the activities of two peroxisomal enzymes, catalase and dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase, were decreased (approximately 30% of normal). However, peroxisomal oxidation of very-long-chain and branched-chain fatty acids was preserved. Moreover, plasma very-long-chain fatty acids, plasma phytanic acid, and erythrocyte plasmalogen content were normal. Conclusions.— The CHILD, C-H, and rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata syndromes are all characterized by ichthyosis, chondrodysplasia punctata, and limb defects, as well as peroxisomal deficiency. Thus, these syndromes may be related pathogenically. Because peroxisomes are involved in prostaglandin metabolism, peroxisomal deficiency may directly contribute to the previously reported alterations in prostaglandin metabolism in fibroblasts of involved skin of fibroblasts. ( Arch Dermatol. 1992;128:1213-1222)
Aware Community Portals: Shared Information Appliances for Transitional Spaces

People wish to maintain a level of awareness of timely information, including presence of others in the workplace and other social settings. We believe this provides better exchange, coordination and contact within a community, especially as people work in asynchronous times and distributed locations. The challenge is to develop lightweight techniques for awareness, interaction and communication using shared information appliances. In this paper, we describe the design of an exploratory responsive display projected within a shared workspace at the MIT Media Lab. The system uses visual sensing to provide relevant information and constructs traces of people’s activity over time. Such aware portals may be deployed in casual workplace domains, distributed workgroups, and everyday public spaces.
GRAVITY AND POTENTIAL MODELS IN ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

(1960). GRAVITY AND POTENTIAL MODELS IN ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 493-504.
Copper deficiency increases fibulin-5 (DANCE/EVEC) but decreases cytochrome C oxidase VIb subunit expression in rat heart.

It has been well documented that dietary copper (Cu) deficiency causes a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in rodent models. However, a possible alteration in gene expression has not been fully examined. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of Cu deficiency on protein profiles in rat heart tissue with the combination of the isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) method and Western blotting analysis. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed diets that were either Cu-adequate (6.0 μg Cu/g diet n = 6) or Cu-deficient (0.3 μg Cu/g diet n = 6) for 5 week. The ICAT analysis suggested that high-salt buffer (HSB) protein profiles from heart tissue of Cu-deficient rats were different from those of Cu-adequate rats; seven major protein species differed by more than a 100% increase or a 50% decrease. With three available antibodies, our Western blotting analysis confirmed that there was an 85% increase in fibulin-5 (also known DANCE/EVEC) and a 71% decrease in cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) VIb subunit, but no change in succinate dehydrogenase complex (also known complex II) IP subunit in Cu-deficient rat heart. Collectively, these data may be useful in deciphering the molecular basis for the impairments of function related to the hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy of Cu-deficient rats.
Predicting Achievement and the Theory of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Measures of fluid and crystallized intelligence, intellectual disposition, need for achievement, and level of aspiration were administered to 80 students enrolled in an introductory course in educa...
Starting business networks: benefits and barriers

Policy makers advocate forming business networks to promote Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) innovation and success. However, past research concludes that owners of small businesses are reluctant to join networks and work cooperatively. In this study, we describe the process of, and challenges involved in, forming four new networks among SMEs in rural towns in the US Midwest. Findings reveal the importance of the convener in successful network formation, the role of culture in the Hispanic immigrant business network and the relationship between trust and resource exchanges among members. The possibility of substituting institutional trust (in the convener) for intramember trust in facilitating research exchanges is suggested. Two of the four networks failed to form or dissolved. It may be unrealistic at the current level of knowledge to expect a higher level of new SME network success.
Study of the association between CD28/CTLA-4 expression and disease activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the immune function of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Flow cytometry and three-color direct immunofluorescence were used to examine cluster of differentiation (CD)3+ T-lymphocyte subsets and CD28/cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) expression in whole blood (using the no-wash method) from 36 children with JIA and 39 healthy children. During the active phase of JIA, CD28 expression on CD4+ T cells in children with JIA was significantly reduced; thus, CD4+CD28− T-cell frequency increased, suggesting that CD4+ T-cell and CD4+CD28− T-cell apoptosis was inhibited in patients with JIA. The continued survival of these immune-active T lymphocytes may promote the occurrence and development of JIA. CTLA-4 expression levels on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in children with JIA during the active phase were significantly higher than those in normal controls. As the majority of CD4+ T cells in patients with JIA are CD28−, they cannot be inactivated by the interaction between CTLA-4 and B7, leading to continuously high levels of CTLA-4 expression on the surface of CD4+ T cells without functional effect. Hence, T lymphocytes are continuously kept in a highly activated state that is difficult to stop. During the resting phase, the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts in children with JIA were similar to normal, and CD28 expression was also normal. This suggests that the frequency of CD4+CD28− T cells can be used as an indicator of the active phase of JIA. CTLA-4 expression on the surface of T cells in children with JIA during the resting phase was also similar to that in normal controls, suggesting that abnormal lymphocyte activation plays an important role in the active phase of JIA.
Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in children with cerebrospinal fluid shunts

opments in antimicrobial agent susceptibility testing, Cumitech 6(American Society for Microbiology) 1, 1978. 9. Delage G, DeClerck Y, Lescop J, Dery P, and Shareck F: Hemophilus influenzae type b infections: Recurrent disease due to ampicillin-resistant strains. J PEDIATR 90:319, 1977. 10. Albritton WL, Hammond G, Hoban S, and Ronald AR: Ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae subdural empyema following successful treatment of apparently ampicillin-sensitive H. Influenzae meningitis, J PEDIATR 90:320, 1977. 11. Azimi PH, and Cole KE: Ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae meningitis following an ampicillin-sensitive bacteremia in an infant, Am J Dis Child 131:812, 1977. 12. Van Klingeren B, van Embden JDA, and Dessens-Kroon M: Plasmid-mediated chloramphenicol resistance in Haemophilus influenzae, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 11;383, 1977. 13. Bryan LE: Transferable chloramphenicol and ampicillin resistance in a strain of Haemophilus influenzae, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 14:154, 1978.
Merbarone Inhibits the Catalytic Activity of Human Topoisomerase IIα by Blocking DNA Cleavage

Merbarone is a catalytic inhibitor of topoisomerase II that is in clinical trials as an anticancer agent. Despite the potential therapeutic value of this drug, the mechanism by which it blocks topoisomerase II activity has not been delineated. Therefore, to determine the mechanistic basis for the inhibitory action of merbarone, the effects of this drug on individual steps of the catalytic cycle of human topoisomerase IIα were assessed. Concentrations of merbarone that inhibited catalytic activity ≥80% had no effect on either enzyme·DNA binding or ATP hydrolysis. In contrast, the drug was a potent inhibitor of enzyme-mediated DNA scission (in the absence or presence of ATP), and the inhibitory profiles of merbarone for DNA cleavage and relaxation were similar. These data indicate that merbarone acts primarily by blocking topoisomerase II-mediated DNA cleavage. Merbarone inhibited DNA scission in a global (rather than site-specific) fashion but did not appear to intercalate into DNA or bind in the minor groove. Since the drug competed with etoposide (a cleavage-enhancing agent that binds directly to topoisomerase II), it is proposed that merbarone exerts its inhibitory effects through interactions with the enzyme and that the drug shares an interaction domain on topoisomerase II with cleavage-enhancing agents.
Linear Analysis of the Magnetorotational Instability, Including Ambipolar Diffusion, with Application to Protoplanetary Disks

We present a linear analysis of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in differentially rotating disks and derive the most general instability criterion to date. Our analysis improves on earlier work on this topic in that it simultaneously accounts for arbitrary geometry and the full effects of magnetic diffusion. We allow the magnetic field to have arbitrary orientation and for linear modes to propagate at an angle to the rotation axis. We also include in our analysis all three forms of magnetic diffusion: ohmic dissipation, ambipolar diffusion, and Hall currents. Previous analyses have included either arbitrary geometry or ambipolar diffusion, but never both. The simultaneous inclusion of these effects allows us to identify a new unstable mode in which ambipolar diffusion and differential rotation can couple and amplify the magnetic field. We provide a physical explanation of this mode. Our linear analysis is aimed at determining which parts of protoplanetary disks may be unstable to the MRI. Accordingly, we outline the conditions that are likely to obtain in protoplanetary disks and make estimates of the coupling between the gas and the magnetic field. We derive a linear stability criterion that can be applied to protoplanetary disks.
ECCRINE SWEAT GLAND ACTIVITY AND RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN RESTING SKIN CONDUCTANCE

Active eccrine sweat gland activity was measured in 30 Negro and 29 Caucasian male subjects to determine whether sweat gland activity was a possible factor in racial differences in skin conductance. Basal skin conductance, heart rate, respiratory rate, finger skin temperature and blood pressure were also obtained. Negro Ss had significantly lower skin conductance but no other significant physiological differences were found. While there was no significant difference in number of active sweat glands between the races, the intragroup relationship between sweat gland count and skin conductance was significantly higher for the Negro Ss. The two groups did not differ in number of nonspecific galvanic skin responses (GSRs) but the Caucasian Ss showed greater change in skin conductance to an initial tone stimulus. When differences in prestimulus levels were taken into account, the group differences in response to stimuli were no longer significant.
A link between biologically imported particulate organic nutrients and the detritus food web in reef communities

Previous work with planktivorous fishes has shown that they import particulate organic and inorganic material to reefs in the form of fecal pellets, which, in part, are deposited in crevices on the reef where these fishes shelter during their inactive period. Since these feces do not accumulate in fish shelters, we predicted that some of the feces could be rapidly consumed by reef detritivores. We examined the attractiveness of fish feces to potential reef detritivores by placing traps baited with planktivorous fish feces, along with unbaited control traps, in crevices on rocky reefs at Santa Catalina Island, California, USA, between June 1982 and November 1983, and on coral reefs at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, during June 1983. Significantly more animals (the majority being crustaceans) were trapped in the baited traps compared to the unbaited controls on both reefs. There was also a significant association between the presence of trapped animals and fish feces at Santa Catalina Island (p = 0.009); this association was not quite as strong in St. Croix (p = 0.069). The consumption by shrimp of feces marked with carmine particles and, in turn, the predation on these shrimp by a reef fish demonstrates the links between this type of imported particulate organic and inorganic material and the food web of the reef community.
The Longitudinal Role of Breastfeeding in Mothers' and Fathers' Relationship Quality Trajectories

Abstract Background: Guided by a family systems perspective, this study investigated whether breastfeeding plays a role in the quality of the mother–father intimate relationship over the course of child development. Methods: Using a prospective, longitudinal design, and data drawn from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (n=986 couples), the present study examined the predictive role of breastfeeding in the first 3 years of life (for up to 4 months and for 5 months or longer, relative to never breastfeeding) in maternal and paternal trajectories of intimate relationship quality. The outcome variable of interest was emotional intimacy, rated by mothers and fathers when children were 54 months of age, in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 6, and 15 years of age. Results: Multivariate hierarchical linear modeling, which appropriately handled dyadic data and accounted for effects of demographic covariates and earlier relationship quality, indicated tha...
The implications of quantity discounted transportation rates on output effect of spatial price discrimination

This paper examines the theoretical implications of quantity-discounted transportation rates on the output effect of spatial price discrimination. Assume that the plant location of a monopoly is predetermined and demand curves are linear at two separate markets. It shows that total output under either discriminatory pricing or simple f.o.b. mill pricing remains the same when transportation rates are constant or linear. It further shows that total output will be greater under discriminatory pricing than under simple f.o.b. pricing when the transportation rate curve is convex in the market with less elastic demand and the transportation rate curve is concave in the market with more elastic demand. This indicates that the quantity-discounted transportation rates have an important influence on the output effect of spatial price discrimination.
A sparse matrix approach for simultaneous quantification of nystagmus and saccade

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) consists of two intermingled non-linear subsystems; namely, nystagmus and saccade. Typically, nystagmus is analysed using a single sufficiently long signal or a concatenation of them. Saccade information is not analysed and discarded due to insufficient data length to provide consistent and minimum variance estimates. This paper presents a novel sparse matrix approach to system identification of the VOR. It allows for the simultaneous estimation of both nystagmus and saccade signals. We show via simulation of the VOR that our technique provides consistent and unbiased estimates in the presence of output additive noise.
Primary mammary small-cell carcinoma: A molecular analysis of 2 cases

Primary small-cell carcinoma of the breast is an exceedingly rare variant of breast carcinoma whose genetic profile has not been previously investigated. We report the molecular features of 2 cases of small-cell carcinoma of the breast: 1 with an adjacent intraductal carcinoma, and 1 with prior pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ. Laser capture microdissection followed by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis revealed identical molecular alterations at multiple chromosomal regions, including BRCA-1, BRCA-2, p53, and retinoblastoma gene loci, in 1 case of small-cell carcinoma and its adjacent intraductal component. Additionally, LOH in 1 or both small-cell carcinomas was detected at 3p, 4q31.2-qter, 8p21-24, 11q13 (MEN-1 locus), 11q23.3, 11q24.1-25, 16q24.1 (H-cadherin locus), and 17q25. The results of our molecular analysis suggest that genetic changes in mammary small-cell carcinoma resembled those seen in both invasive ductal carcinomas and pulmonary small-cell carcinoma. Second, mammary small-cell carcinoma is clonally related to ductal carcinoma in situ and might represent an example of divergent differentiation occurring in a multipotential neoplastic stem cell.
Loss of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 attenuates renal fibrosis and inflammation during unilateral ureteral obstruction

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) contributes to necrotic cell death and inflammation in several disease models; however, the role of PARP1 in fibrogenesis remains to be defined. Here, we teste...
Tandem use of reductive and radical cyclization protocols in an approach to the first σ-allyl cation

Abstract The reduction of 8 with magnesium, chlorotrimethylsilane, and iodine to give 9 and the cyclization of 12 to 14 in the presence of tris(trimethylsilyl)silane and AIBN provide a convenient route to a triquinane carrying a two-carbon chain in each ring segment.
Telecommuting in India: Pitfalls and Possibilities

Telecommuting, where individuals primarily work from sites that are miles away from central offices, is making inroads into India’s work practices. This practice carries several promises but also c...
Components and Context Exploring Sources of Reading Difficulties for Language Minority Learners and Native English Speakers in Urban Schools

Drawing on the cognitive and ecological domains within the componential model of reading, this longitudinal study explores heterogeneity in the sources of reading difficulties for language minority learners and native English speakers in urban schools. Students (N = 150) were followed from first through third grade and assessed annually on standardized English language and reading measures. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relative contributions of code-related and linguistic comprehension skills in first and second grade to third grade reading comprehension. Linguistic comprehension and the interaction between linguistic comprehension and code-related skills each explained substantial variation in reading comprehension. Among students with low reading comprehension, more than 80% demonstrated weaknesses in linguistic comprehension alone, whereas approximately 15% demonstrated weaknesses in both linguistic comprehension and code-related skills. Results were remarkably similar for t...
Study on Natural Convection From a Buried Pipe With Backfill

Heat transfer and fluid flow induced by thermal buoyancy from a buried pipe with backfill has been examined in this study. Hele-Shaw cells with different gap widths were constructed to simulate a porous medium with distinct permeablities. The flow visualization experiment was set up to investigate how a step change in the permeability of a backfill would affect the flow patterns from a heated pipe. Both permeable and impermeable top surfaces with different buoyancy strengths were considered in this experiment. Using time-elapsed photographs, one observes that the flow fields for permeable and impermeable top boundaries displayed distinct characteristics. The presence of recirculating cell in the more permeable layer was confirmed. The flow fields predicted by numerical work are in good agreement with those observed in the experiment. Thus it is expected that the actual flow field would closely resemble those reported in the present study.© 2007 ASME