cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of phenobarbital and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on the metabolism and biliary excretion of 3,4-benzpyrene in the rat

Abstract The effects of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and phenobarbital, alone and in combination, on the metabolism and biliary excretion of 3,4-benzpyrene have been investigated in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes. Although phenobarbital induced and aminotriazole inhibited metabolism, considerable variation with species and sex was observed. The effects of these drugs on liver weight, microsomal protein and bile flow also varied among these groups of rats. it is apparent that there was no quantitative relationship between the pattern of excretion of benzpyrene metabolites and bile flow, microsomal protein and liver weight.
Central DA and Its Role: An Executive View

The objective of this panel is not to dwell on DA technology nor even on theoretical pros and cons of central DA.The objective of this panel is to share experiences and ideas on the management of central DA operation and how each company represented copes with the problems. One should expect to find much commonality of problems and, equally, that the management solutions are diverse.
Subthreshold depression in Parkinson's disease.

Objective It is estimated that 40% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are clinically depressed, however, little is known about the frequency and associated features of subthreshold depression in PD. The current study sought to determine the prevalence of subthreshold depression (sD) and to further characterize the associated features in a sample of 111 nondemented patients with moderate to severe PD. Methods Patients were classified into the following groups: diagnostic depression (DD), subthreshold depression (sD), or nondepressed (ND) by applying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edn criteria for depression and previously reported criteria for sD to items from the Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd edn. These groups were compared on clinical and demographic variables. The symptom profile of the sD group is also described. Results Fifty participants (45.0%) were classified as ND, 32 (28.8%) as sD, and 29 (26.1%) as DD. Patients with sD were younger (∼5 yrs) than nondepressed patients, but did not differ in disease stage or any other demographic variables. Patients with sD tended to endorse mood symptoms that overlap with PD, including fatigue, sleep difficulties, appetite dysfunction, and concentration difficulties. These symptoms were also endorsed with high frequency by the other groups. Conclusions These findings suggest that sD is not uncommon in PD and may be more prevalent among younger patients. The finding that sD patients report mood symptoms that overlap with the PD symptomatology suggests that these two entities share common features and may be difficult to disentangle. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arabidopsis transcription factors regulating cold acclimation

Many plants, including Arabidopsis, increase in freezing tolerance in response to low non-freezing temperatures, a phenomenon known as cold acclimation. A fundamental goal of cold acclimation research is to identify genes that have roles in this increase in freezing tolerance. In recent years, it has been established that the expression of hundreds of genes is altered in response to low temperature and that some of these cold-responsive genes contribute to freezing tolerance. The CBF transcription factors were the first transcriptional activators demonstrated to have a role in controlling the expression of cold-responsive genes with a role in cold acclimation. Here, we review what is known about the CBF cold-response pathway, including several recent developments, and we discuss emerging evidence in support of several additional transcription factors having roles in freezing tolerance pathways.
Review: an overview about the structure-function relationship of marine sulfated homopolysaccharides with regular chemical structures.

Efforts in both structural and biological studies of sulfated polysaccharides from marine organisms have increased significantly over the last 10 years. Marine invertebrates have been demonstrated to be a source of glycans with particularly well-defined chemical structures, although ordered structural patterns can also be found occasionally in algal sources such as red seaweeds. Clear and regular structural features are essential for a good understanding of the biological activities of these marine homopolysaccharides of which sulfated fucans and sulfated galactans are the most studied. Herein, the main structural features (sugar type, sulfation and glycosylation sites, and orientational binding preferences) of both sulfated fucans and galactans are individually reviewed with regard to their specific contributions to two frequently described biological functions: the acrosome reaction (a physiological event of sea-urchin fertilization), and the anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities (an alternative and highly desirable pharmacological application). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 601–609, 2009. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Candidate sex pheromones of the New World screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax

Five novel homologous acetate derivatives of long-chain secondary alco- hols and a related ketone were tested for their efficacy as contact mating stimulants for Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Full copulatory behaviour at a high percentage was found in tests with racemic 6-acetoxy-19-methylnonacosane at 2.5 - 20 g using fertile males from three strains. Males of two strains responded nearly as well to 7-acetoxy-15-methylnonacosane, but an older strain first colonized in 1992 did not respond to this compound. Few or no copulatory responses were obtained to the other secondary alcohol acetates and a related ketone. These two acetate derivatives are the first sex pheromones identified in a calliphorid fly. The threshold of response was also tested, but could not be pinpointed.
Anomaly in Meson Production in p + d Collisions

A study is made of p-d reactions in which He/sup 3/ + pi /sup O/, He/ sup 3/ + omega /sup O/, He/sup 3/ + pi /sup +/ + pi /sup -/, He/sup 3/ + pi / sup O/ + pi /sup O/O, H/sup 3/ I pi /sup +/, H/sup 9/ + omega +, and H/sup 3/ + pi /sup +/ + pi /sup 9/ are produced. The omega is an assumed particle with a mass between 1 and 2.8 times that of the pi meson. An anomalous peak is found in the He3 spectra that behaves kinematically like a resonance of mass 310 Mev. It is shown that this resonance may be explained as a strong S-wave pi - pi attractive mode in the 1 = 0 state, or as an He/sup 3/- pi final state interaction. (T.F.H.)
Exposure pathways related to shale gas development and procedures for reducing environmental and public risk

Hydraulic fracturing, combined with horizontal well development, has resulted in rapid expansion of gas production in the Appalachian Marcellus shale formation. In the past three years, over 2000 horizontal/hydraulic fracture (HHF) wells have been developed in Pennsylvania, presenting significant potential for environmental degradation and human health risk if wastes are not isolated and handled properly. This study examined the waste streams from HHF development in the Marcellus formation and proposes protective measures that would minimize exposure. The results showed that flowback, drilling muds, and HHF fluids all exceeded SDWA limits to varying degrees. Due to the contaminants found in these substances, proper handling and containment is essential to prevent harm to the environment. Field evaluations on a subset of pits and impoundments indicated several construction and maintenance deficiencies related to the containment systems and transport pipelines. The geomembrane liners were evaluated for tears and anchoring deficiencies, while liquid transfer pipes were assessed for bracing support against rupture. An out-of-sample probability analysis using the binomial distribution identifies trends to focus field construction and maintenance efforts in order to minimize exposure pathways of frac fluids to the environment.
Effects of the Mechanism of Receptor‐Mediated Gene Expression on the Shape of the Dose‐Response Curve

A mathematical model of receptor-mediated gene expression that includes receptor binding of natural and xenobiotic ligands, protein synthesis and degradation, and metabolism of the xenobiotic ligand was created to identify the determinants of the shape of the dose-response profile. Values of the model's parameters were varied to reflect alternative mechanisms of expression of the protein. These assumptions had dramatic effects on the computed response to a bolus dose of the xenobiotic ligand. If all processes in the model exhibit hyperbolic kinetics, the dose-response curves can appear sigmoidal but actually be linear with a positive slope at low doses. The slope of the curve only approached zero at low dose, indicative of a threshold for response, if binding of the xenobiotic ligand to the receptor exhibited positive cooperativity (ligand binding at one site increases the affinity for ligand at another binding site on the receptor). Positive cooperativity in the rate-limiting step of protein synthesis produced dose-response curves which were "U-shaped" at low doses, also indicative of a threshold. Positive cooperativity in the metabolism of the xenobiotic ligand produced dose-response curves that increased more rapidly than linearly with increasing dose. The model illustrates the fact that response cannot be predicted from qualitative mechanistic arguments alone; any assessment of risk to health from xenobiotic chemicals must be based on a detailed quantitative examination of the kinetic behavior of each chemical species individually.
Creating a Healing Environment for Elders

The number of elderly, both in society at large and in the critical care population, is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Critical care nurses must address how best to provide care to these elders. The authors focus on physiologic, cognitive, and psychosocial characteristics of the elderly that p
Effects of early literacy environments on the reading attitudes, behaviours and values of veteran teachers

Research has linked early literacy environments to the attitudes, behaviours and instructional values of reading teachers, but most prior research has addressed preservice or early inservice teachers. This mixed-methods, hypothesis-generating, Q methodology-based study explored the relationship between early literacy environments and the subsequent reading experiences, attitudes and behaviours of a purposive sample of veteran literacy educators. By-person factor analysis identified three empirical profiles of shared reading experiences, attitudes and behaviours: Early Readers Supported by Nurturing Early Literacy Environments; Early Readers Not Supported by Nurturing Early Literacy Environments; and Later Readers Not Supported by Nurturing Early Literacy Environments. Conceptual variables found across all models using qualitative analysis included: Nature of Early Literacy Environments, Early and Later Competence and Appreciation of Reading, Attitudes about the Value of Reading, and Instructional Values and Behaviors in Literacy Education. These models suggest further evidence for the importance of early literacy environments (both home and classroom environments) and provide empirically-derived testable hypotheses for future research.
Acid-catalyzed nucleophilic substitution and racemization of 3-methoxy-N-desmethyldiazepam enantiomers in methanol

pKa1 values of 3-methoxy-N-desmethyldiazepam in acetonitrile and methanol containing various acid concentrations were determined by spectrophotometry to be 3.5 and 1.3, respectively. Temperature-dependent racemization of enantiomeric 3-methoxy-N-desmethyldiazepam in methanol containing 0.5 M H2SO4 was studied by circular dichroism spectropolorimetry and the racemization reactions were found to follow apparent first-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters of the racemization reaction were found to be: Eact = 18.8 kcal/mol, and at 25°C: ΔH‡ = 18.3 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ = −14.8 entropy unit, and ΔG‡ = 22.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The racemization had an isotope effect (kH/kD) of 1.6 at 42°C. Based on the results of this report and those of earlier reports by other investigators, a nucleophilically solvated C3 carbocation intermediate resulting from either a P (plus) or an M (minus) conformation is proposed to be an intermediate and responsible for the stereoselective nucleophilic substitution and the subsequent racemization of 3-methoxy-N-desmethyldiazepam enantiomers. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
"Personalmente": Home-School Communication Practices with (Im)Migrant Families in North Florida.

Abstract This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that investigated home–school communication practices from two school districts in north Florida. Specifically, this study focuses on communication between education professionals and Spanish-speaking parents who were immigrant and migrant farmworkers. In this paper we use the term (im)migrant when referring to families that are both migrant and immigrant to represent the unique characteristics of the group. While prior research has examined communication practices for culturally and linguistically diverse populations, scant research has explored the context with (im)migrant families. Through field notes, home observations, and semistructured interviews, data were collected from parents, school personnel (including teachers, aides, and ESOL district coordinators), and staff from the area Migrant Education Program (MEP). Findings reveal two major themes: differing ideologies of communication, and confounding roles and responsibilities among stu...
SCIENTIFIC FACT AND VALUE IN U.S. OCEAN DUMPING POLICY

Controversy among scientists over appropriate use of the ocean for waste disposal impedes U.S. policy in this area. The problem arises in part because scientific uncertainty over the fate and effects of wastes released into the ocean requires a large element of judgment, and hence value, when the uncertain science is applied to policy. Scientists often supply that judgment and so impose their values, though seldom explicitly, on policy. Further, science often determines policy because many perceive it as an objective basis for decisionmaking and so less subject to the debate that arises from weighing public preferences in policymaking. Thus, scientists' values rather than the public's come to set policy. The resulting policy may elevate one expert's values over another's. Then as values and so interpretation of science shift, policy changes. Or, as in the case now with arguments over the ocean's ability to assimilate many anthropogenic wastes, conflicting science, really conflicting values, results in an agreement and policy inertia. These problems are partially circumvented when scientists make the nonscientific factors behind their reasoning clear. These factors may then be evaluated by the public along with the supporting scientific evidence. Thus, weighing the welfare of society rather than resolving conflicts among scientists becomes the focus of policy.
Maximally accurate nomenclature.

We in America were blessed (and cursed) by our former oppressors, now our closest allies, the British, with a most wonderful and exasperating language known as English. Careful attention to the definitions of words will result in (dare I say, surgical?) precision in our communication and may prevent calls for the expunging of a most precise and precisely accurate phrase as ‘‘minimal access surgery.’’ No less esteemed surgeon (and English speaker) than Sir Alfred Cuschieri is quite fond of the term, and with just cause. Dr Cunningham s observation [1] that there is little room for sloppiness in surgery is spot on, but his care in defining ‘‘minimal’’ but not ‘‘access’’ is, with all due respect, a tad sloppy. My ancient ( 1983) office copy of the American Heritage Dictionary [2] defines access (from the Latin accessus< accedere, to arrive) as ‘‘1. An act or means of approaching. 2. The right to enter or use.’’ The more contemporary Webster s online dictionary [3] defines it as ‘‘permission, liberty, or ability to enter, approach, communicate with, or pass to and from.’’ Clearly, we do indeed use minimal access (especially if we choose 2-mm instruments) sites through which we have the ‘‘ability to enter’’ the body to provide the maximum exposure Dr. Cunningham seems to be implying. Although ‘‘minimal access surgery’’ does not quite roll off the tongue as smoothly as ‘‘minimally invasive surgery,’’ it is certainly the more accurate term: We now perform procedures as extensive as total colectomies (and an intrepid few have performed pancreaticoduodenectomies) using the minimal access our video-assisted peritoneoscopes and instruments allow. I doubt any of us would consider either of these operations ‘‘minimally invasive’’ despite our work through minimal access.
Et tu brute: are police agencies managed better or worse than universities?

Police agencies are often criticized for their practices and management. But compared to what? This essay argues that, compared with universities, where so many of their critics work, police score better in practice and management, or at least, they are no worse.
Memorable messages as guides to self-assessment of behavior: an initial investigation

An investigation of memorable messages as guides to behavior from a Control Theory perspective was conducted. Respondents were asked to recall behaviors that either exceeded or violated their personal expectations for themselves, then to recall the memorable messages that came to mind when self-assessing these behaviors. This method uses the self-assessment of prior behavior as the entry point to a feedback loop. Control Theory predicts that within the feedback loop behaviors should be compared with internal principles that come from memorable messages. This comparison should result in either a positively or negatively valenced evaluation of the behavior if it either exceeds or violates personal standards represented as internal principles. The findings include the categories of behaviors that exceeded or violated personal expectations, the co-participants and the site of the behaviors, the memorable messages, and the sources and the timing of the memorable messages that were recalled during the compariso...
Resistance to Triadimefon and Benomyl: Dynamics and Impact on Managing Cucurbit Powdery Mildew

Frequency of fungicide-resistant strains of Podosphaera xanthii on pumpkins in New York before treatment varied from 3 to 80% for the demethylation inhibiting (DMI) fungicide triadimefon and from 0 to 48% for the benzimidazole fungicide benomyl between 1993 and 1996. When the initial frequency of triadimefon-resistant strains was less than 55%, one application of triadimefon plus chlorothalonil was effective. This application was made after reaching the action threshold of one leaf with powdery mildew symptoms per 50 old leaves (defined as the oldest third of the foliage). The frequency of triadimefon-resistant strains increased from 3 to 71% by 20 days after the first fungicide application in 1993. Triadimefon in the second application did not contribute to control. Loss of efficacy was due to resistance because, compared with triadimefon-treated pumpkins, pumpkins treated with other systemic fungicides were less severely infected by powdery mildew on abaxial leaf surfaces where the companion multi-site contact fungicide contributes little to control. Triadimefon was not effective in 1995 when 80% of the pathogen population was resistant before treatment. Benomyl was effective in 1995, but not in 1996 when 48% of the isolates tested were resistant to both benomyl and triadimefon before treatment. An in-field seedling assay was developed to determine local occurrence of resistant strains before the first treatment was needed. Although sensitivity of the pathogen population to the DMI fungicides myclobutanil and propiconazole also decreased after they were applied, these fungicides were more effective than triadimefon.
Structure of early old-growth Douglas-fir forests in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Few empirical studies exist on structural transitions from mature forests dominated by Douglas-fir to structurally complex older forests. Stand structure (live tree diameter, height distributions, snag and log metrics) and composition of nine early old-growth (200–350 years old) forests were quantified and compared with those of fully developed old-growth (400–600 years old) forests. We investigated Douglas-fir and western hemlock-dominated forests of the Pacific Northwest where Douglas-fir established following a single stand-replacing disturbance. Stand-level attributes were summarized using descriptive statistics, nonlinear regression, and old-growth indices. Variability in individual structural features was large between sites but broadly consistent with models of natural Douglas-fir forest development. Compared to older (>450 years old) forests, diameter distributions exhibited similar reverse J-shapes. Tree height distributions showed that shade tolerant species occupy lower canopy positions. Coarse woody debris was abundant in early old-growth forests for both snags (42–140 m3 ha−1) and logs (172–584 m3 ha−1). Early old-growth stands scored high enough on old-growth indices to qualify as old growth but their scores were significantly lower than older forests (400–600 years-old). Early old-growth structure fits well with the natural conceptual model of development providing a basis for ecologically focused management. Furthermore, structural conditions and variability of early old-growth forests provides a closer temporal target for managers seeking to accelerate the development of structure in younger stands or retain natural elements such as spatial patterning of trees.
The effects of quarter of birth on academic outcomes at the elementary school level

Abstract This paper uses public schools data to examine the effects of age on student academic achievement in light of recent trends to delay children's entry into kindergarten. To avoid problems of endogeneity, students’ quarters of birth is employed as an instrument for age at entry. In particular, the effects of students’ quarters of birth on math and reading standardized test scores and grade retention at the elementary school level are estimated. Evidence of benefits to being among the oldest in one's age-grade cohort is found. Interestingly, over time, the youngest students begin to perform approximately on par with the oldest students, creating a u-shaped pattern to the data.
Fabrication and evaluation of a single element lead free-based ultrasonic transducer

This paper discusses the fabrication and characterization of a single element ultrasonic transducer with a lead-free piezoelectric active element. A piezoelectric ceramic with composition of 0.88Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 −0.08Bi 0.5 K 0.5 TiO 3 -0.04Bi 0.5 Li 0.5 TiO 3 was chosen as the active element of the transducer. This composition exhibited a thickness coupling coefficient (k t ) of 0.45, a dielectric constant of 440 (at 1 kHz), and a longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) of 84 pC.N−1. To make the transducer, the ceramic was sandwiched between an epoxy-tungsten backing layer and a silver epoxy matching layer. An epoxy lens was also incorporated into the transducer's design to focus the ultrasound beam. The focused transducer with a center frequency of about 23 MHz demonstrated a −6dB bandwidth of 55% and an insertion loss of −32 dB, while the −20dB pulsed length was measured to be 150 ns. A phantom made of copper wires (30 μm in diameter) was utilized to investigate the imaging capability of the transducer. The results indicated that the fabricated transducer with a lateral resolution of 260 μm and a relatively high depolarization temperature could be considered as a candidate for replacement of lead-based ultrasonic transducers.
Toxicity of sulfhydryl compounds to cultured human lymphocytes

Abstract The toxicity of cysteine metabolites for cultured human lymphocytes decreases with proximity in the metabolic pathways to the usual organic excretory product, taurine. Polyploidy induction also roughly parallels toxicity.
Wideband, Electrically Small, Planar, Coupled Subwavelength Resonator Antenna With an Embedded Matching Network

A wideband, electrically small, planar, coupled D-ring subwavelength resonator antenna is presented. Two planar coupled D-ring resonators operating at even mode have been demonstrated experimentally to have a strong coupling to radiation. In this paper, we investigate a novel feeding method of driving the planar coupled D-rings to achieve a wide bandwidth. Dual-mode radiation is observed in the antenna. In one mode, the coupled D-ring driven by the inter-digital monopole acts as a major radiator resonating at a frequency of 1.7 GHz. In another mode, the driving monopole becomes a major radiator capable of resonating at a lower frequency of 1.2 GHz due to an embedded matching network comprised of the D-ring and a meandering line. As a result, the antenna can achieve an impedance bandwidth of 1 GHz–1.7 GHz. The antenna has a size, in terms of ka, of 0.49 to 0.75 over the bandwidth. The efficiency of the antenna is predicted to be very close to the upper bound given by the Chu limit.
Ion Acceleration by the Relativistic Two-Stream Instability

Through theoretical analysis and computer simulation, one finds that a pinched relativistic electron beam in a plasma interacts strongly with plasma ions by means of the two-stream instability. Due both to the low phase velocity of the unstable waves and to their subsequent non-linear collapse, ions are accelerated to very high energies. This process is suggested as a possible explanation for experimentally observed collective ion acceleration by electron beams. (auth)
Modulation of epithelial immunity by mucosal fluid

Mucosal epithelial cells, including those at the ocular surface, resist infection by most microbes in vivo but can be susceptible to microbial virulence in vitro. While fluids bathing mucosal surfaces (e.g. tears) contain antimicrobials, potentially pathogenic microbes often thrive in these fluids, suggesting that additional mechanisms mediate epithelial resistance in vivo. Here, tear fluid acted directly upon epithelial cells to enhance their resistance to bacterial invasion and cytotoxicity. Resistance correlated with tear fluid-magnified activation of NFκB and AP-1 transcription factors in epithelial cells in response to bacterial antigens, suggesting priming of innate defense pathways. Further analysis revealed differential regulation of potential epithelial cell defense genes by tears. siRNA knockdown confirmed involvement of at least two factors, RNase7 and ST-2, for which tears increased mRNA levels, in protection against bacterial invasion. Thus, the role of mucosal fluids in defense can include modulation of epithelial immunity, in addition to direct effects on microbes.
PYRIDINE NUCLEOTIDE COMPARTMENTALIZATION IN GLASS-GROWN ASCITES CELLS.

Abstract The blue fluorescence of reduced pyridine nucleotide in glass-grown ascites cells was studied by microfluorimetry, during treatment with drug or substrate in a flow chamber adapted for the microfluorimeter of Chance and Legallais. Mitochondrial and extramitochondrial regions were studied in each cell. The cells being duly immobilized by their adhesiveness to glass, it was possible to induce in the same cell a succession of states under which an independent response of pyridine nucleotides in different cellular regions could be observed. In aerobiosis, without drug or substrate, both mitochondrial and extramitochondrial regions showed little fluorescence. In anaerobiosis in a drug and substrate-free medium fluorescence increased considerably and was closely correlated with cytological detail, maximum fluorescence corresponding to the mitochondrial region. Aerobic cells responded to 5.5 mM amytal with a fluorescence rise sharply localized at the mitochondria. In cells pretreated with amytal, anaerobiosis or addition of glucose induced a spread of fluorescence with a rise over 100 per cent in the extramitochondrial region. Treatment with 2–20 mM glucose alone resulted in similar spread; this phenomenon was more marked and reproducible in the presence of 20 mM inorganic phosphate, 10 mM fructose-1,6-diphosphate or of the uncoupler dicumarol (25 μM). These results suggest compartmentalization of pyridine nucleotides; the amytal sensitive compartment is mitochondrial, the further response to anaerobiosis or glucose being presumably cytoplasmic. Moreover the experiments demonstrate the possibility of elaborate biochemical investigation within single living cells.
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

![Figure][1] A 64-year-old man was admitted with hypotension and respiratory failure after 3 weeks of low-grade fever, cough, fatigue, intermittent sweats, chronic diarrhea, and headache. Seven years earlier he was the recipient of an unrelated bone marrow transplant for relapsed B
Quantitative and temporal relationships between DNA adduct formation in target and surrogate tissues: implications for biomonitoring.

DNA-carcinogen adducts offer a potential dosimeter for environmental genotoxicants reaching the exposed individual. Because the target tissues for many chemical carcinogens are not readily accessib...
The Q-T Ratio as a Guide to the Exercise Test in the Digitalized Subject

Ten normal digitalized subjects and six patients with ischemic heart disease taking digitalis were studied to determine the utility of the Q-T ratio as a possible guide to differentiating a positive and negative exercise test in the presence of digitalis. A striking decrease in the Q-T ratio in normal digitalized subjects was seen with exercise. Digitalized patients with ischemic heart disease, however, responded with a uniform lengthening of the Q-T ratio with exercise. Thus, in this small group of patients, it appears that shortening of the Q-T ratio, in the presence of ST segment changes with exercise in the digitalized subject favors a false positive test due to the drug, whereas lengthening of the Q-T ratio favors a truly positive test unrelated to the drug.
Men and Women Holding Hands Revisited: Effects of Mutual Engagement and Hand Dominance on Attributions of Cross-Sex Handholding

In line with the social meaning orientation to nonverbal behavior, the current study conceptualized handholding as a multidimensional nonverbal cue with the potential to signal relational meaning to outside observers. Results support the hypotheses that individuals attribute varied levels of intimacy to a cross-sex couple based on the mutual engagement of handholding type and the distance between elbows. In addition, the results corroborate observational studies claiming that hand dominance serves to signal relational power distribution. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for our knowledge of handholding as a form of nonverbal communication as well as their implications for the broader theoretical question of how relational meaning is signaled by nonverbal behavior.
Insulin and Endothelin: An Interplay Contributing to Hypertension Development?

Context: The aim of this article was to review the existing data on the interactions among insulin, insulin resistance, and endothelin and how those contribute to the development of hypertension in insulin-resistant states. Evidence Acquisition: A literature search of MEDLINE database wasperformedtoidentifyEnglish-languagearticlespublishedduring the last 20 yr. Search terms used were endothelin, insulin, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia in combination with blood pressure and hypertension. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also evaluated for relevant information. Evidence Synthesis: Several mechanisms connect insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia with blood pressure elevation in the context of the metabolic syndrome,i.e.sodium retention, sympathetic activation, and impairment of endothelial nitric oxide production. Accumulating evidence suggests that activation of the endothelin system seems to be another important, yet less discussed, mechanism. In vitro studies have shown that insulin stimulates both endothelin-1 production and action on the vascular wall. In vivo, high levels of insulin result in increase in circulating endothelin-1 in healthy individuals, and this effect is also seen in insulin-resistant subjects, a relationship not observed with nitric oxide production. Moreover, endothelin receptor antagonism effectively reduces blood pressure in animal models of insulin resistance and hypertension. On the other hand, elevation of endothelin-1 levels can further increase insulin resistance, forming possibly a deleterious circle. Conclusions: Endothelin-1 may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in insulin-resistant states. Future research should examine the potential of endothelin receptor antagonism to help blood pressure control in patients with insulin resistance. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 92: 379–385, 2007)
Plk2 attachment to NSF induces homeostatic removal of GluA2 during chronic overexcitation

Trafficking of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is important for many forms of synaptic plasticity. However, the link between activity and resulting synaptic alterations is not fully understood. We identified a direct interaction between N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF), an ATPase involved in membrane fusion events and stabilization of surface AMPARs, and Polo-like kinase- 2 (Plk2), an activity-inducible kinase that homeostatically decreases excitatory synapse number and strength. Plk2 disrupted the interaction of NSF with the GluA2 subunit of AMPARs, promoting extensive loss of surface GluA2 in rat hippocampal neurons, greater association of GluA2 with adaptor proteins PICK1 and GRIP1, and decreased synaptic AMPAR current. Plk2 engagement of NSF, but not Plk2 kinase activity, was required for this mechanism and occurred through a motif in the Plk2 protein that was independent of the canonical polo box interaction sites. These data reveal that heightened synaptic activity, acting through Plk2, leads to homeostatic decreases in surface AMPAR expression via the direct dissociation of NSF from GluA2.
FIBRE AND WHOLE GRAINS AND THEIR ROLE IN DISEASE PREVENTION

ABSTRACT Adequate intake of whole grain or cereal fiber, a marker for whole grain intake, has been linked by epidemiological evidence with lower risk for diabetes, coronary disease, certain kinds of cancer and most recently obesity. Risks for diabetes and coronary heart disease have been reduced by as much as 35 percent in various populations worldwide. Risks for cancer have been reduced from 10 to 40 percent depending on the population studied and the kind of cancer. Even BMI, waist circumference and risk of gaining weight over time were less in cohorts ingesting the most whole grain. Teasing out the precise role of whole grains has been problematic because whole grain consumers tend to have other desirable eating and lifestyle habits. A critical comparison of the background diet and lifestyles from the various epidemiological studies analysed in light of the results of intervention and animal studies may yield critical clues about key components of whole grains and the lifestyles of whole grain eaters reduces disease risk. These comparisons will be discussed in light of the specific role that whole grains play in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease. Further, these results will be looked at in light of the intake data for whole grains.
Inequalities Involving the Inverses of Positive Definite Matrices

Let G be a permutation group of degree m. Let x be an irreducible complex character of G. If A = (aij) is an m-square matrix, the generalised matrix function of A based on G and x is defined byFor example if G = Sm, the full symmetric group, and x is the alternating character, then d = determinant. If G = Sm and x is identically 1, then d = permanent.
Conformational variation in structures of classical and non‐classical MHCII proteins and functional implications

Recent structural characterizations of classical and non-classical major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) proteins have provided a view into the dynamic nature of the MHCII-peptide binding groove and the role that structural changes play in peptide loading processes. Although there have been numerous reports of crystal structures for MHCII-peptide complexes, a detailed analysis comparing all the structures has not been reported, and subtle conformational variations present in these structures may not have been fully appreciated. We compared the 91 MHCII crystal structures reported in the PDB to date, including an HLA-DR mutant particularly susceptible to DM-mediated peptide exchange, and reviewed experimental and computational studies of the effect of peptide binding on MHCII structure. These studies provide evidence for conformational lability in and around the α-subunit 3-10 helix at residues α48-51, a region known to be critical for HLA-DM-mediated peptide exchange. A biophysical study of MHC-peptide hydrogen bond strengths and a recent structure of the non-classical MHCII protein HLA-DO reveal changes in the same region. Conformational variability was observed also in the vicinity of a kink in the β-subunit helical region near residue β66 and in the orientation and loop conformation in the β2 Ig domain. Here, we provide an overview of the regions within classical and non-classical MHCII proteins that display conformational changes and the potential role that these changes may have in the peptide loading/exchange process.
Rectangular polysilicon diaphragms: fabrication and characterization

Rectangular air-gap diaphragms are difficult to mechanically characterize. A standard fabrication process developed utilizing the smallest efficient etching access ports relative the diaphragm sizes, which ranged from 1406 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ to 36864 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. Polysilicon diaphragms having a thickness of 1 /spl mu/m above a 1 /spl mu/m air gap were fabricated on a silicon substrate and mechanically tested to determine the amount of force relative to geometry and size required to achieve maximum deflection and initial membrane sag using a standard Berkovich tip. The results showed that the force, maximum displacement, and unloading force curve fits followed power law distributions.
Simultaneous Quantification of Apolipoprotein A-I and Apolipoprotein B by Liquid-Chromatography–Multiple- Reaction–Monitoring Mass Spectrometry

BACKGROUND: If liquid-chromatography–multiple-reaction–monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM/MS) could be used in the large-scale preclinical verification of putative biomarkers, it would obviate the need for the development of expensive immunoassays. In addition, the translation of novel biomarkers to clinical use would be accelerated if the assays used in preclinical studies were the same as those used in the clinical laboratory. To validate this approach, we developed a multiplexed assay for the quantification of 2 clinically well-known biomarkers in human plasma, apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B (apoA-I and apoB). METHODS: We used PeptideAtlas to identify candidate peptides. Human samples were denatured with urea or trifluoroethanol, reduced and alkylated, and digested with trypsin. We compared reversed-phase chromatographic separation of peptides with normal flow and microflow, and we normalized endogenous peptide peak areas to internal standard peptides. We evaluated different methods of calibration and compared the final method with a nephelometric immunoassay. RESULTS: We developed a final method using trifluoroethanol denaturation, 21-h digestion, normal flow chromatography-electrospray ionization, and calibration with a single normal human plasma sample. For samples injected in duplicate, the method had intraassay CVs <6% and interassay CVs <12% for both proteins, and compared well with immunoassay (n = 47; Deming regression, LC-MRM/MS = 1.17 × immunoassay − 36.6; S x | y = 10.3 for apoA-I and LC-MRM/MS = 1.21 × immunoassay + 7.0; S x | y = 7.9 for apoB). CONCLUSIONS: Multiplexed quantification of proteins in human plasma/serum by LC-MRM/MS is possible and compares well with clinically useful immunoassays. The potential application of single-point calibration to large clinical studies could simplify efforts to reduce day-to-day digestion variability.
Neuronal activity and axonal sprouting differentially regulate CNTF and CNTF receptor complex in the rat supraoptic nucleus

Abstract We demonstrated previously that the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) undergoes a robust axonal sprouting response following unilateral transection of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract. Concomitant with this response is an increase in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFRα) expression in the contralateral non-uninjured SON from which the axonal outgrowth occurs. While these findings suggest that CNTF may act as a growth factor in support of neuronal plasticity in the SON, it remained to be determined if the observed increase in neurotrophin expression was related to the sprouting response per se or more generally to the increased neurosecretory activity associated with the post-lesion response. Therefore we used immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis to examine the expression of CNTF and the components of the CNTF receptor complex in sprouting versus osmotically-stimulated SON. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in CNTF, CNTFRα, and gp130, but not LIFRs, protein levels in the sprouting SON at 10 days post lesion in the absence of neuronal loss. In contrast, osmotic stimulation of neurosecretory activity in the absence of injury resulted in a significant decrease in CNTF protein levels with no change in CNTFRα, gp130, or LIFRs protein levels. Immunocytochemical analysis further demonstrated gp130 localization on magnocellular neurons and astrocytes while the LIFRs receptor was found only on astrocytes in the SON. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased CNTF and CNTFR complex in the sprouting, metabolically active SON are related directly to the sprouting response and not the increase in neurosecretory activity.
Rpp1, an essential protein subunit of nuclear RNase P required for processing of precursor tRNA and 35S precursor rRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The gene for an essential protein subunit of nuclear RNase P from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been cloned. The gene for this protein, RPP1, was identified by virtue of its homology with a human scleroderma autoimmune antigen, Rpp30, which copurifies with human RNase P. Epitope-tagged Rpp1 can be found in association with both RNase P RNA and a related endoribonuclease, RNase MRP RNA, in immunoprecipitates from crude extracts of cells. Depletion of Rpp1 in vivo leads to the accumulation of precursor tRNAs with unprocessed 5′ and 3′ termini and reveals rRNA processing defects that have not been described previously for proteins associated with RNase P or RNase MRP. Immunoprecipitated complexes cleave both yeast precursor tRNAs and precursor rRNAs.
Cyberinfrastructure: The key to building successful science gateways

The VectorBase Bioinformatics Resource Center (BRC) is a science gateway, funded by the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), entering its 10 years of service to the scientific community on invertebrate vectors that transmit human diseases. This abstract describes three key factors contributing to the success of this science gateway: virtual organization, data and services integration, and community involvement and outreach. The role each plays in how they are impacted by the development of cyberinfrastructure is discussed.
ATR/Mec1 prevents lethal meiotic recombination initiation on partially replicated chromosomes in budding yeast

Most cells in an organism contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from the mother and the other from the father. However, sexual reproduction relies on the production of gametes—eggs and sperm—which contain only one set of chromosomes. These are produced through a specialized form of cell division called meiosis. Meiosis begins with a cell replicating its entire genome. Maternal and paternal versions of each chromosome then pair up and swap sections of their DNA through a process known as homologous recombination. This gives rise to chromosomes with new combinations of maternal and paternal genes. Finally, the cell undergoes two successive rounds of division—the first to produce a cell with two nuclei containing two sets of chromosomes each, and the second to produce four gametes, each containing a single set of chromosomes. Homologous recombination requires the formation of double-strand breaks in the DNA, but it is essential that these do not form before DNA replication is complete. Now, Blitzblau and Hochwagen have used yeast, which is easy to maintain in the lab and to manipulate genetically, to reveal the molecular components of a checkpoint that controls this process. Blitzblau and Hochwagen first used an inhibitor called hydroxyurea to block DNA replication in yeast cells, and confirmed that this treatment also suppressed the formation of double-strand breaks. By selectively inhibiting the activity of individual proteins, it was shown that break formation was controlled by a checkpoint that relies on two conserved proteins, the checkpoint kinase Mec1 (homologous to the human tumour suppressor ATR) and the cell-division kinase DDK. Moreover, when double-strand breaks were allowed to form on partially replicated chromosomes, DNA replication stalled and meiosis could not proceed normally, with lethal results for the yeast. These results explain how DNA replication and recombination are coordinated during meiosis in yeast. Moreover, because the genes that control meiosis are highly conserved from yeast to humans, they have implications for research into human fertility.
Permeability and contractile responses of collecting lymphatic vessels elicited by atrial and brain natriuretic peptides

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP, respectively) are cardiac hormones released into the bloodstream in response to hypervolaemia or fluid shifts to the central circulation. The actions of both peptides include natriuresis and diuresis, a decrease in systemic blood pressure, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Further, ANP and BNP elicit increases in blood microvessel permeability sufficient to cause protein and fluid extravasation into the interstitium to reduce the vascular volume. Given the importance of the lymphatic vasculature in maintaining fluid balance, we tested the hypothesis that ANP or BNP (100 nM) would likewise elevate lymphatic permeability (Ps) to serum albumin. Using a microfluorometric technique adapted to in vivo lymphatic vessels, we determined that rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic Ps to rat serum albumin increased by 2.0 ± 0.4-fold (P = 0.01, n = 7) and 2.7 ± 0.8-fold (P = 0.07, n = 7) with ANP and BNP, respectively. In addition to measuring Ps responses, we observed changes in spontaneous contraction amplitude and frequency from the albumin flux tracings in vivo. Notably, ANP abolished spontaneous contraction amplitude (P = 0.005) and frequency (P = 0.006), while BNP augmented both parameters by ∼2-fold (P < 0.01 each). These effects of ANP and BNP on contractile function were examined further by using an in vitro assay. In aggregate, these data support the theory that an increase in collecting lymphatic permeability opposes the absorptive function of the lymphatic capillaries, and aids in the retention of protein and fluid in the interstitial space to counteract volume expansion.