cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beck torsors, formally unramified objects, and K\"ahler differentials

Let $\mathcal{C}$ be a category with pullbacks. We define a $\textit{Beck torsor}$ in $\mathcal{C}$ as a morphism $Z\to Y$ in $\mathcal{C}$ which is a torsor for a Beck module over $Y$. We say that an object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ is $\textit{formally unramified}$ if, for every Beck torsor $Z\to Y$ in $\mathcal{C}$, the canonical map $\text{Hom}_{\mathcal{C}}(X, Z)\to \text{Hom}_{\mathcal{C}}(X, Y)$ is injective. If $A$ is a commutative ring with identity, then an $A$-algebra $B$ is formally unramified in the category of $A$-algebras if and only if the ring homomorphism $A\to B$ is formally unramified. Given that $A\to B$ is formally unramified if and only if $\Omega_{B/A} = 0$, we seek a similar classification for general formally unramified objects. We say that $\mathcal{C}$ has $\textit{Kahler differentials}$ if, for each object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$, the forgetful functor $\text{Ab}(\mathcal{C}/X)\to \mathcal{C}/X$ from the category of Beck modules over $X$ has a left adjoint $\Omega: \mathcal{C}/X\to \text{Ab}(\mathcal{C}/X)$. Our main result is that if $\mathcal{C}$ has Kahler differentials, then an object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ is formally unramified if and only if $\Omega_X$ is a zero object in $\text{Ab}(\mathcal{C}/X)$.
Atrial Septal Defects and Atrial Anomalies

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows for a comprehensive assessment of atrial chamber and atrial septal anatomy. Due to the posterior position of the TEE probe in the esophagus relative to the heart, and therefore its proximity to the atria, high-resolution imaging of venous structures as they drain into the heart, definition of atrial chamber morphology, and characterization of the atrial septum represent particular strengths of this modality. Combined with color flow mapping and spectral Doppler interrogation, TEE is able to define communications at the atrial level, anatomic variants of the atria, and pathologic conditions that may affect these structures. This chapter focuses on the role of TEE in the characterization of atrial septal defects and atrial anomalies, including conditions such as juxtaposition of the atrial appendages and cor triatriatum.
Characterization of the inhibitory mechanism of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and 4-phenylpyridine analogs in inner membrane preparations.

Abstract We have investigated the mechanism of the inhibition of membrane-bound NADH dehydrogenase by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and a series of its 4'-alkyl-substituted analogs of increasing hydrophobicity, as well as their neutral, desmethyl congeners. Comparison of hydrophobicity, as measured by partition coefficients, with the IC50 for the inhibition of NADH oxidase activity in mitochondrial inner membrane preparations shows a negative correlation, but the cationic inhibitors are more effective than the neutral analogs with similar hydrophobicity. The presence of 10 microM tetraphenylboron (TPB-) potentiates the inhibitory power of positively charged analogs up to 4'-pentyl-MPP+, while the neutral inhibitors are unaffected by TPB-. Without TPB-, the more hydrophilic analogs give incomplete inhibition, but the inclusion of TPB- permits the attainment of complete inhibition, accompanied by the appearance of sigmoidal titration curves. These data support the hypothesis that MPP+ analogs, like rotenone, are bound at two sites on the enzyme and occupancy of both is required for complete inhibition. TPB-, by forming ion pairs with the cationic analogs, facilitates their equilibration to both sites in membrane preparations. When present in molar excess over the MPP+ analog, TPB- partially reverses the inhibition by decreasing its concentration in the more hydrophilic binding site. The effect of temperature and of pH on the IC50 values for inhibition support the concept of dual binding sites, and the pH dependence of the inhibition reveals the participation of two ionized protein groups in the binding, one of which may be a thiol group.
Hemolytic streptococcus in wounds of rabbits; action of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone.

Abstract The compound, ∗ ∗The authors wish to express their appreciation to Dr. M. C. Dodd and the Eaton Laboratories for supplying the compound used in this investigation. 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone, in amounts of 0.2 mg. to 10 mg. (in powdered form and in a washable base) reduced the number of group a beta hemolytic streptococci in artificially infected wounds of rabbits in a substantial number of experiments.
Physical Modelling of the Zodiacal Dust Cloud

(abridged) This review is based on an extensive work done in collaboration with N. Gorkavyi, J. Mather, and T. Taidakova, which aimed at the physical modelling of the interplanetary dust (IPD) cloud in the Solar system, i.e., establishing a link between the observable characteristics of the zodiacal cloud and the dynamical and physical properties of the parent minor bodies. Our computational approach permits with modest computer resources to integrate the trajectories of hundreds of particles and to effectively store up to $10^{10-11}$ positions, which provides a high fidelity 3D distribution of the dust. Our numerical codes account for the major dynamical effects that govern the motion of IPD particles. We have demonstrated the efficacy of our codes by performing the following analyses: (i) simulation of the distribution of Centaurs (comets scattered in their journey from the Kuiper belt inward the Solar system) and revealing the effects of the outer planets in producing `cometary belts'; (ii) detailed inspection of a rich resonant structure found in these belts, which predicts the existence of gaps similar to the Kirkwood gaps in the main asteroid belt; (iii) a preliminary 3-D physical model of the IPD cloud, which includes three dust components -- asteroidal, cometary, and kuiperoidal -- and is consistent with the available data of Pioneers and Voyagers dust detectors; (iv) modeling of the IPD cloud, which provides a zodiacal light distribution in accord, to the order of 1%, with a subset of the COBE/DIRBE observations; and (v) showing that the resonant structure in dusty circumstellar disks of Vega and Epsilon Eridani is a signature of embedded extrasolar planets. Further improvements of our modelling and their importance for astronomy and cosmology are outlined.
Transformation Potentials of the Noninfectious (Defective) Component in Pools of Adenoviruses Type 12 and Simian Adenovirus 7

Pools of adenovirus 12 and simian adenovirus 7 were separated into four or five fractions by density gradient centrifugation in cesium chloride. Each fraction was analyzed for total in vitro infectivity units, total transformation activity, and for total virus particle (VP) content. Two major subpopulations were separated with mean densities of 1.30 +/- 0.02 and 1.34 +/- 0.02 g/ml, respectively. Virions in the 1.34 g/ml range were highly infectious (10(2) to 10(3) VP per infectivity unit) in contrast to virions at 1.30 g/ml density (10(4) to 10(5) VP per infectivity units). Transformation capacity was evenly distributed throughout fractions of both viruses, indicating that genetically incomplete or defective virus particles were not deficient in their ability to induce transformation. The average VP per transformation unit for adenovirus 12 (2.85 x 10(6)) and for simian adenovirus 7 (4.00 x 10(6)) did not vary significantly from fraction to fraction. These values were obtained with optimal input multiplicities of 16 to 64 VP per cell. At higher multiplicities the apparent increase in VP per transformation unit was attributable to the viral cytocidal effect on hamster cells. These studies revealed that quantitation of in vitro transformation based on VP multiplicities was more reliable than on the basis of infectious units. These estimates were independent of method of virus production, extraction, and purification.
Synthesis and turnover of mitochondrial ribonucleic acid in HeLa cells: the mature ribosomal and messenger ribonucleic acid species are metabolically unstable.

The synthesis rates and half-lives of the individual mitochondrial ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) and polyadenylic acid-containing RNA species in HeLa cells have been determined by analyzing their kinetics of labeling with [5-^3H]-uridine and the changes in specific activity of the mitochondrial nucleotide precursor pools. In one experiment, a novel method for determining the nucleotide precursor pool specific activities, using nascent RNA chains, has been utilized. All mitochondrial RNA species analyzed were found to be metabolically unstable, with half-lives of 2.5 to 3.5 h for the two ribosomal RNA components and between 25 and 90 min for the various putative messenger RNAs. A cordycepin "chase" experiment yielded half-life values for the messenger RNA species which were, in general, larger by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 than those estimated in the labeling kinetics experiments. On the basis of previous observations, a model is proposed whereby the rate of mitochondrial RNA decay is under feedback control by some mechanism linked to RNA synthesis or processing. A short half-life was determined for five large polyadenylated RNAs, which are probably precursors of mature species. A rate of synthesis of one to two molecules per minute per cell was estimated for the various H-strand-coded messenger RNA species, and a rate of synthesis 50 to 100 times higher was estimated for the ribosomal RNA species. These data indicate that the major portion of the H-strand in each mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid molecule is transcribed very infrequently, possibly as rarely as once or twice per cell generation. Furthermore, these results are consistent with a previously proposed model of H-strand transcription in the form of a single polycistronic molecule.
cis-acting ompF mutations that result in OmpR-dependent constitutive expression.

OmpR and EnvZ differentially control the transcription of the major outer membrane porin genes, ompF and ompC, in Escherichia coli in response to the osmolarity of the medium. We have previously provided evidence that OmpR works both positively and negatively at the ompF promoter to give the characteristic switch from OmpF to OmpC production with increasing osmolarity. Here, we describe the isolation of cis-acting ompF mutations that affect negative regulation by OmpR by affecting the three-dimensional structure of the promoter region as measured by agarose gel mobility. These results further clarify the mechanism by which OmpR negatively regulates ompF expression, suggesting a model in which OmpR forms a repressive loop in the ompF promoter region. Images
Is the POLST model desirable for Florida

 Used only by 5 to 15% of adults in the United States  Implementation of the Patient Self Determination Act did not significantly increase usage  Many types of advance directives, especially the living will, have been attacked for using unclear language  Common forms are often not transferrable across medical facilities  Preferences related to life-sustaining treatments other than CPR are often not included  Physicians may assume a patient desires less treatment if they have a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order  Florida has the highest percentage of individuals 65 years or older (17%) in the nation
From the South Side to Susanville: Tracing the Logics and Geographies of Contemporary Segregation

I use this commentary on Loic Wacquant's Urban Outcasts to extend his analysis beyond cities to rural areas. In the United States in particular, the marginalization and punishment of the urban poor finds expression in a robust landscape of incarceration in small towns. Prisoners from cities become economic inputs for depressed rural places, and reform the local workplace in ways that deserve interrogation. In all of these transformations, the uniquely American valuing of individual worth and failure provides the ideological backdrop for social and geographical transformations of considerable scope and consequence.
Gene by sex interaction in the etiology of coronary heart disease and the preceding metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background Despite decades of research, the genetic basis of coronary heart disease and its metabolic risk factors is poorly understood. Few studies consider that sex may modify the effect of gene variants on disease. Investigation of gene by sex interaction may help to elucidate underlying genetic susceptibilities and explain the sexual dimorphism of these complex traits. Aims The aim of this review is to summarize evidence for gene by sex interaction in the etiology of coronary heart disease and the metabolic syndrome. Data synthesis Published literature was examined in the areas of familial aggregation of coronary heart disease; heritability of body mass, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia; genome-wide linkage analysis in humans and rodents; and large-scale genetic association studies. Possible mechanisms of gene by sex interaction are discussed including X-linked inheritance, confounding by risk factors and the effect of sex hormones. Conclusions The strongest evidence for gene by sex interaction in relation to coronary heart disease and the metabolic syndrome is in the etiology of body mass, insulin resistance and possibly dyslipidemia. Genetic studies of these traits would benefit from taking sex differences into account. Alternative mechanisms underlying gene by sex interaction, besides obvious sex hormone differences, should be considered.
Electronic Mechanism of Superconductivity in the Cuprates, C$_{60}$, and Polyacenes

On the basis of an analysis of theoretical and numerical studies of model systems and of experiments on superconductivity in doped ${\mathrm{C}}_{60},$ polyacenes, and the cuprate high-temperature superconductors, we propose that a purely electronic mechanism of superconductivity requires structures at an intermediate scale or mesoscale. Specifically, we address the crucial question of how high-temperature superconducting pairing on the mesoscale can arise from purely repulsive electronic interactions.
Collaboration Research for Crisis Management Teams

To aid research in crisis management, we reviewed the literature pertaining to synchronous, non-collocated, cross-organizational, time-sensitive collaboration. We examined the theoretical constructs that researchers have proposed for collaborative systems and determined that several of these, such as common ground and awareness theory, have particular applicability to crisis management. We reviewed collaboration models that were developed to provide frameworks for understanding the multiple facets of technological support to group work. Because teams normally need to come to a common understanding of the situation and the relevant decisions, we examined research in team awareness, sensemaking, and decision-making. Types of group tasks affect technology use and adoption, so we considered the literature surrounding these topics, as well, before turning to case studies of new collaboration technologies. We end with our assessment of the findings most relevant to developing new crisis management collaboration approaches, including procedures, needed functionality, and candidate capabilities.
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors stimulate actin organization in developing fetal rat cardiac myocytes.

Abstract Expression of α 2 -adrenergic receptors (α 2 -AR) is very high in fetal rat heart although numbers decline with increasing gestational age. The current experiments were designed to identify the subtypes of α 2 -AR expressed and the function of these receptors in fetal cardiac myocytes. Expression of α 2 A and α 2 C, but not α 2 B, was confirmed in the myocyte population by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with subtype-specific antibodies and by Western blot. Both dexmedetomidine, an α 2 -selective agonist, and norepinephrine, increased actin cytoskeleton organization and this increase was blocked by the α 2 -selective antagonist, atipamezole. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation in isolated fetal rat heart and this was blocked by rauwolscine. Therefore, functional α 2 A and α 2 B subtypes are present in the fetal rat heart where they may have a role in cardiac development.
Can Learning Disabled Students Effectively Use Separate Answer Sheets

101 regular class and learning disabled students were administered three subtests of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills for which all correct answers had been identified in the students' test booklet. Analysis of the completed separate answer sheets indicated that learning disabled students answered fewer total items than their nondisabled peers but did not differ with respect to percent of items answered correctly. In addition, nonsignificant differences were found for number of answer spaces filled in outside the line. Implications for further research and training are given.
Stabilization mechanism of prostacyclin by human serum: an approach by binding kinetics using a stable prostaglandin I2 analogue, iloprost

Abstract We used a gel filtration method and a stable prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin) analogue, iloprost, to study the kinetics of prostaglandin I2 binding by human serum proteins. Binding equilibrium experiments conducted at physiological prostaglandin I2 concentration (nM) yielded a KD of 10−9 and a capacity of approx. 50 nM for the serum binding protein(s). Kinetic measurements gave a dissociation rate constant of 10−3 s−1. When binding equilibrium was established at various ligand concentrations ranging from nM to μM, a result indicating an unsaturable binding was obtained utilizing this method. On the other hand, saturation was achieved with a ligand concentration as high as 50–100 μM by another binding method. A KD of 7·10−5 and a capacity of approx. 600 μM was obtained. This apparent discrepancy was resolved by performing parallel experiments using purified human serum albumin samples and serum. It is concluded that the large quantity of serum albumin, approx. 600 μM, in serum may compensate for its low KD (approx. 10−5) for prostaglandin I2, thus simulating a binding protein with a KD of 10−9 and a limited capacity. These data offer direct information regarding how prostaglandin I2 is stabilized by serum and is transported to the platelet prostaglandin I2 receptors. There is a strong implication that serum albumin is the major if not the only protein responsible for binding of prostaglandin I2.
BRAIN SEROTONIN IN EXPERIMENTAL TYROSINOSIS.

THERE is general agreement that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) is formed from 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) in the presence of 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase (5HTPD). It is then oxidized to 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid (5HIAH) with monoamine oxidase (MAO). A number of theories have been suggested to explain the decrease of brain 5HT in experimental phenylketonuria1–3. First, the excessive phenylalanine might inhibit the hydroxylation of tryptophan in the liver4 or brain5, and thus reduce the amount of 5HTP available. Second, this excess might inhibit the active transport of tryptophan6 or 5HTP7–9 across the blood brain barrier or brain cell membrane. Third, the excess of phenylalanine and its metabolites might inhibit the decarboxylation of 5HTP10,11.
Synthesis and processing of ribosomal RNA by the uterus of the ovariectomised adult rat during early oestrogen action

THE rate of RNA metabolism in the uterus of the immature or ovariectomised adult rat is stimulated after the administration of oestrogen1,2. Although there is uncertainty concerning the nature of the RNA species synthesised by the uterus during the first hour of oestrogen action2, it is generally agreed that by 2 h after the injection of the hormone there is a significant increase in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA3–5. Furthermore, Luck and Hamilton5,6 have suggested, on the basis of sucrose gradient analysis of labelled uterine RNA, that the rate or efficiency of processing of precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) is also increased by the hormone. We have investigated the effect of oestrogen on the metabolism of rRNA in the uterus of the ovariectomised adult rat and now report the results of gel electrophoretic analyses of uterine RNA, doubly labelled in vivo with (3H-methyl)methionine and 14C-uridine. In the atrophied uterus of the ovariectomised adult rat the rate of conversion of pre-rRNA to the definitive rRNA products was slow, and it increased with time after hormone administration reaching a maximal rate after 4 h.
Elasticity of Factor Substitution in Police Agencies Evidence From Florida

A multiproduct translog cost function is estimated and used to calculate elasticities of factor substitution in the production of police services. The data come from Florida's municipal police departments and are for 1982–1983. It is found that substitution elasticities between any pair of inputs in police production are significantly different from unity. This result is inconsistent with the Cobb–Douglas production function—a functional form that has been extensively employed in empirical studies of police production.
Practical points in theevaluation of postoperative fever

The finding of an elevated temperature in the PACU or ambulatory surgicalunit in and of itself is not the challenge facing either the patient or the nurse. The challenge is in the interpretation of the finding, the outcomes of the alterations in temperature, and the physiologic sequellae that accompany the elevation.
Role of aromatic interactions in amyloid formation by islet amyloid polypeptide.

Aromatic–aromatic and aromatic–hydrophobic interactions have been proposed to play a role in amyloid formation by a range of polypeptides, including islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin). IAPP is responsible for amyloid formation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The polypeptide is 37 residues long and contains three aromatic residues, Phe-15, Phe-23, and Tyr-37. The ability of all single aromatic to leucine mutants, all double aromatic to leucine mutants, and the triple leucine mutant to form amyloid were examined. Amyloid formation was almost twice as rapid for the F15L mutant as for the wild type but was almost 3-fold slower for the Y37L mutant and almost 2-fold slower for the F23L mutant. Amyloid fibrils formed from each of the single mutants were effective at seeding amyloid formation by wild-type IAPP, implying that the fibril structures are similar. The F15L/F23L double mutant has a larger effect than the F15L/Y37L double mutant on the rate of amyloid formation, even though a Y37L substitution...
Space-Time Trade-Offs in Structured Programming: An Improved Combinatorial Embedding Theorem

Abstract : Let G and G* be programs represented by directed graphs. We define a relation or = sub S, T between G and G* that formalizes the notion of G* simulating G with S-fold loss of space efficiency and T-fold loss of time efficiency, and prove that if G or = sub S, T G*, where G has n statements and G* is structured, then in the worst case T + log sub 2 (log sub 2 S) or = log sub 2 (n) + 0(log sub 2(log sub 2n)). (Author)
Simulation of stochastic activity networks using path control variates

This article details several procedures for using path control variates to improve the accuracy of simulation-based point and confidence-interval estimators of the mean completion time of a stochastic activity network (SAN). Because each path control variate is the duration of the corresponding directed path in the network from the source to the sink, the vector of selected path controls has both a known mean and a known covariance matrix. This information is incorporated into estimation procedures for both normal and nonnormal responses. To evaluate the performance of these procedures experimentally, we examine the bias, variance, and mean square error of the controlled point estimators as well as the average half-length and coverage probability of the corresponding confidence-interval estimators for a set of SANs in which the following characteristics are systematically varied: (a) the size of the network (number of nodes and arcs); (b) the topology of the network; (c) the percentage of activities with exponentially distributed durations; and (d) the relative dominance of the critical path. The experimental results show that although large improvements in accuracy can be achieved with some of these procedures, the confidence-interval estimators for normal responses may suffer serious loss of coverage probability in some applications.
Religious Trends Among College Students, 1948–79

Identical surveys of Williams College men in 1948, 1967, 1974, and 1979 asked about religious beliefs and behavior. The trend from 1948 to 1967 was one of liberalization and disengagement from church life; from 1967 to 1974 there was little change;from 1974 to 1979 there was a slight shift toward conservative beliefs and greater church participation. Apparently a lowpoint in traditional religiosity occurred on many campuses in about 1972-75. The percentage of students reporting that they had once reacted against the beliefs taught them increased from 1948 to 1974 but not thereafter; the median age of the reaction fell two years from 1948 to 1974, but it did not change to 1979. The hypothesis that church rejection by some students is a part of a general rejection of institutions found little support. Of all population groups, none is more sensitive to shifts in the cultural climate than college students. Past research shows that college students shift in attitudes from decade to decade or from half-decade to half-decade much more than does the total adult population (Hoge, b). This greater volatility of students seems to result from both their greater independence from institutional commitments and their greater proximity to intellectual life. Yankelovich argues that college students are a kind of forerunner group for cultural innovation generally, and that the basic pattern of cultural change in America is diffusion from college students to other young people, then to the total population. Thus college students are important to anyone attempting to understand religious change in America. A number of trend studies have been done on college students, spanning the past half-century. They have found a fall-rise-fall pattern in traditional religious commitment, with a high level *Financial support for this research came from the Spencer Foundation and from the Boys Town Center at Catholic University. ? 1981 The University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/81/020517-31$01.50
Integrated image-line steerable active antennas

This paper reports a varactor-tuned Gunn oscillator constructed in an image-line circuit and integrated with a grating antenna. The combined circuit exhibited a 2 percent electronic tuning range corresponding to a frequency steerable range of 4 degrees. The active antenna demonstrated a clean spectrum with low side lobes. The beam angles agree very well with the prediction. The circuit can be produced at low cost and should have many applications at millimeter-wave frequencies
Relationship between tamoxifen use and high risk endometrial cancer histologic types

Abstract Objectives We wished to determine whether a pre-existing diagnosis of breast cancer or the use of tamoxifen among patients with pre-existing breast cancer influences the histologic type of subsequently diagnosed endometrial carcinoma, the interval between these diagnoses, or survival. Methods A single institution retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent primary surgery for endometrial carcinoma from 1995–2005. We compared the histologic type of endometrial carcinoma among patients with a prior history of breast cancer to those without. Patients with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer were further analyzed by comparing histologic type, progression-free and overall survival between tamoxifen users and non-users. Results Among 732 women with endometrial carcinoma, 59 patients (8%) had a previous diagnosis of breast cancer, of whom 29 (49%) had used tamoxifen. Women with a history of breast cancer were more likely to have a high risk uterine histologic type (grade 3 endometrioid, papillary serous, or clear cell) (18/59; 31%) than those without this prior malignancy (120/670, 18%; p =0.024). Breast cancer survivors whose endometrial carcinoma was of a high risk histologic type had a longer median duration of prior tamoxifen use compared to those with lower risk histologic types (60 versus 46 months, p =0.034). Conclusions Among women with endometrial carcinoma, those with a history of breast cancer are more likely to harbor a high risk uterine histologic subtype. Tamoxifen use of at least 60 months is associated with high risk uterine histologic subtypes when compared to no tamoxifen use. This study adds to existing data suggesting a relationship between tamoxifen use and development of endometrial carcinoma of more aggressive histologic types.
Ganglioside biosynthesis in mouse cells: glycosyltransferase activities in normal and virally-transformed lines.

Abstract The activities of four glycosyltransferases involved in ganglioside biosynthesis were measured in two different established mouse cell lines and in the SV40 and polyoma transformed variants of these lines. The only consistent change observed was the very reduced activity of UDP-GalNAc: hematoside N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase in all of the transformed cell lines (15–20% of normal cells). There was no significant differences in any of the glycosyltransferases with increased cell density and cell-to-cell contact.
Medicine—More Than Molecules and Money

To the Editor. —In connection with Dr Eisenberg's 1 thoughtful analysis of the problems facing medicine today, I wonder whether it may not be useful to draw a distinction between medicine, a body of knowledge, and the practice of medicine, the application of this knowledge. The body of knowledge as set forth in any textbook of medicine can be properly called a science because it is organized to reflect a theory and because it has been acquired by scientific methods. The theory is the one formulated by Virchow over a century ago that states illness is the manifestation of changes in the structure or function of organs, tissues, and cells; the scientific methods range from the systematic analysis of the relationship between clinical observations and pathological findings to test-tube experiments. It is the pride of the practice of medicine that it is based not merely on a body of knowledge
Somatostatin activates an inwardly rectifying K+ channel in neonatal rat atrial cells.

Somatostatin, localized throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems has been found in neurons of the vagal inhibitory pathway of the heart and has been shown to have negative inotropic effects in cardiac tissue. Using patch clamp techniques we show that somatostatin activates an inwardly rectifying K+ channel in rat atrial cells. Loss of somatostatin-induced K+ channel activity in excised inside-out patches is restored by the addition of GTP to the bath. Pertussis toxin pretreatment blocked GTP-dependent somatostatin activation of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel. This K+ channel has a conductance of 34 pS and a mean open time of approximately 1 ms. It is apparently the same K+ channel activated by muscarinic and adenosine receptors in atrial and cardiac pacemaker cells. Thus, atrial cells have at least three receptors which act via pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins to activate the same class of K+ channels.
The Gender Wage Gap: An Explanation of Men’s Elevated Wage Entitlement

Perceptions of wage entitlement differ between women and men such that men are more likely to feel worthy of higher pay. Based on a combination of status-related theories and evidence from two studies of 120 undergraduate men, we examined men’s reactions to gendered threats to their task abilities. When told that women typically outperform men, men responded with elevated projections of their own competence without reducing their self-pay. These effects were not related to endorsements of masculinity ideology. Instead, exaggerated competence was related to individual men’s heightened legitimate entitlement, and resistant high self-pay was linked to narcissistic entitlement. These patterns demonstrate that what appears to be a gender-based phenomenon is explained more accurately by men’s internalized status beliefs.
Sebastian Remus, German amateur photographers in the First World War: a view from the trenches of the Western Front

German amateur photographers in the First World War: a view from the trenches of the Western Front, by Sebastian Remus, Atglen, OA, Schiffer Publishing, 2008, 256 pp. + illustrations, $59.99 (hardc...
Archetypal analysis of spatio-temporal dynamics

Abstract A comparison is made between the principal component or Karhunen-Loeve decomposition of two sets of spatio-temporal data (one numerical, the other experimental) and a new procedure called archetypal analysis (Cutler and Breiman, 1994). Archetypes characterize the convex hull of the data set and the data set can be reconstructed in terms of these values. Archetypes may be more appropriate than KL when the data do not have elliptical distributions, and are often well-suited to studying regimes in which the system spends a long time near a “steady” state, punctuated with quick excursions to outliers in the data set, which may represent intermittency. Other advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.
Evidence for phosphatidic acid as the sodium carrier.

THE mechanism of active transport of ions is one of the basic problems of cell physiology. For example, most cells extrude sodium against a concentration gradient, and the system which brings this about has been termed the ‘sodium pump’. The biochemical mechanism of the ‘sodium pump’ has remained a mystery. In view of the fact that the turnover of certain phosphatides is concerned in the active extrusion of organic molecules from endocrine and exocrine glands1, we have recently investigated the possibility that this turnover may also be involved in the secretion or active transport of sodium ions. The salt glands of marine birds are particularly suitable for studying this problem, since they are capable of secreting an apparently2 pure solution of sodium chloride in concentrations as high as 0.84 M. Furthermore, the secretory activity of the gland can be stimulated by cholinergic agents. The secretion of sodium chloride by the salt gland is normally regulated by the activity of that branch of the facial nerve (cholinergic) which innervates it, and which in turn appears to be regulated by osmoreceptors.
Iatrogenic delusional parasitosis: a case of physician–patient folie a deux

This report presents a patient incorrectly diagnosed first with parasitic infestation and then with primary delusional parasitosis (DP). Neither diagnosis was correct. As she traveled from doctor to doctor, however, the primary DP label gained credibility via repetition, with her ongoing symptoms seen as proof of its truth.
The HIV-1 integrase monomer induces a specific interaction with LTR DNA for concerted integration

The assembly mechanism for the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) synaptic complex (SC) capable of concerted integration is unknown. Molecular and structural studies have established that the HIV SC and prototype foamy virus (PFV) intasome contain a tetramer of integrase (IN) that catalyzes concerted integration. HIV IN purified in the presence of 1 mM EDTA and 10 mM MgSO(4) was predominately a monomer. IN efficiently promoted concerted integration of micromolar concentrations of 3'-OH recessed and blunt-ended U5 long terminal repeat (LTR) oligonucleotide (ODN) substrates (19-42 bp) into circular target DNA. Varying HIV IN to U5 DNA showed that an IN dimer:DNA end molar ratio of 1 was optimal for concerted integration. Integration activities decreased with an increasing length of the ODN, starting from the recessed 18/20 or 19/21 bp set to the 31/33 and 40/42 bp set. Under these conditions, the average fidelity for the HIV 5 bp host site duplication with recessed and blunt-ended substrates was 56%. Modifications of U5 LTR sequences beyond 21 bp from the terminus on longer DNA (1.6 kb) did not alter the ~32 bp DNaseI protective footprint, suggesting viral sequences beyond 21 bp were not essential for IN binding. The results suggest IN binds differentially to an 18/20 bp than to a 40/42 bp ODN substrate for concerted integration. The HIV IN monomer may be a suitable candidate for attempting crystallization of an IN-DNA complex in the absence or presence of strand transfer inhibitors.
A low-cost distributed networked localization and time synchronization framework for underwater acoustic testbeds

Localization and time synchronization are both essential services for Internet-connected underwater acoustic testbeds. Although the two are mutually coupled, they are often treated separately. We propose a new low-cost distributed networked localization and time synchronization framework for underwater acoustic sensor networks. The proposal is based on decoupling the two problems and solving first the time synchronization then localization using the same set of messages, i.e., with no additional overhead. A coarse, followed by a fine-grained, localization algorithm is adopted to accurately estimate the location of an unknown node. The solution is robust to noisy range measurements. The proposed scheme is implemented in a testbed based on Teledyne Benthos Telesonar SM-975 underwater modems and tested extensively in Lake LaSalle at the University at Buffalo. Experiments and simulations in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve a high accuracy for a limited energy budget.
Pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins and regulation of blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

1. Increased Gi-protein-mediated receptor-effector coupling in the vasculature of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has been proposed as a contributing factor in the maintenance of elevated blood pressure. If increased Gi-protein-mediated activity plays an important role in hypertension in SHR, then inhibition of Gi-proteins by pertussis toxin would be expected to decrease blood pressure in this genetic hypertensive model. To address this hypothesis, studies were undertaken comparing the cardiovascular effects of pertussis toxin in SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. 2. Spontaneously hypertensive and WKY rats were instrumented with radiotelemetry devices and blood pressure measurements were recorded in conscious rats. Following a single injection of pertussis toxin (10 micrograms/kg, i.v.), mean arterial blood pressure fell from 161 +/- 3 to 146 +/- 1 mmHg in the SHR and the effect was sustained for more than 2 weeks. In contrast, 10 micrograms/kg, i.v., pertussis toxin produced no significant effect on blood pressure in WKY rats (103 +/- 4 vs 101 +/- 5 mmHg). 3. In a separate study, SHR and WKY rats were administered 30 micrograms/kg, i.v., pertussis toxin or 150 microL/kg, i.v., saline and, 3-5 days later, rats were anaesthetized and instrumented to permit measurement of blood pressure and renal function. At this higher dose, pertussis toxin reduced blood pressure in both strains of rat, although the effect was markedly greater in SHR (approximately 40 mmHg decrease) compared with WKY rats (approximately 15 mmHg decrease). In SHR, pertussis toxin increased renal blood flow (from 5.7 +/- 0.3 to 7.5 +/- 0.8 mL/min per g kidney) and decreased renal vascular resistance (from 31 +/- 2 to 19 +/- 2 mmHg/mL per min per g kidney). In WKY rats, pertussis toxin had no significant effect on renal parameters. 4. Results from these studies indicate that a pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi-protein-mediated pathway contributes to the maintenance of hypertension and elevated renal vascular tone in the SHR.
Fluctuations of beam-attenuation coefficient in the lowest 2 m on the continental rise off Nova Scotia

Abstract Two sets of time-series observations of the light-beam attenuation coefficient at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 m above the bottom were made from a tripod on the Nova Scotia Rise. The three transmissometers sampled once every 16 s and operated for approximately three days beginning September 27 and five days beginning October 2, 1980. Temporal variations consisted of slowly varying components superimposed with occasional bursts of highly turbid waters. Semidiurnal periodicity prevailed in the September mooring. The rapidly varying components showed larger vertical gradients than the slowly varying components, suggesting that the rapid fluctuations are local resuspension events. The magnitude of high-frequency fluctuations and vertical gradients also contained semidiurnal periodicity. Spectral analysis of fluctuations of beam-attenuation coefficients indicate that higher-energy densities tend to be associated with the lower level (0.5 m) than the higher levels (1.0 and 2.0 m). Semidiurnal periodicity was not apparent in the October mooring. Vertical gradients between 0.5 and 1.0 m above the bottom during the October mooring contained semidiurnal periodicity, but not in the layer between 1.0 and 2.0 m above the bottom. Power spectra of the vertical gradients indicate that fluctuations are more uniform in the vertical over the frequencies lower than the semidiurnal frequency and less uniform (more variable) over the frequencies higher than the semidiurnal frequency.
Comparison of uniform field and pattern electroretinograms of humans

The electroretinogram (ERG) is the voltage change recorded at the cornea in response to visual stimulation that reflects the summed electrical activity of different groups of retinal cells. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the ERG elicited to luminance modulations of a uniform field could be used to simulate the shape of the pattern ERG (PERG) responses recorded to contrast modulation of pattern stimuli. We not only found that summing responses to luminance increments and decrements in the uniform-field ERG of humans could closely simulate the shape of the PERG responses but also that intra- and inter-subject variability of the various response parameters from simulations and actual PERG responses are not significantly different. These findings raise the possibility that the uniform field ERG can serve as a useful alternative to the PERG which is currently the electrodiagnostic test of choice for the clinical assessment of inner-retinal function.
Uma re-análise dos resultados do PISA: problemas de comparabilidade

In this paper it is shown a comparability problem in Pisa results of some countries among years and among countries. This problem occurs because the school age of each country is not considered and because there is no rule for the application date of the test in relation to the school year of each country. The case of Brazil is analyzed with detail. There are analysis of some other countries too, among them Luxembourg and Chile, that together with Brazil, were pointed out as having the biggest evolution in performance since 2000. It is shown that this evolution of performance may not be real.
Laminar Boundary Layer on a Cone with Uniform Injection

A solution for the laminar boundary layer on a cone with uniform mass transfer is obtained. The velocity field is found for either suction or injection, but the related solution for the energy field is subject to an energy balance at the exposed surface and is therefore valid only for injection. This latter solution is equally applicable to certain species fields as well. The present results along with those presented previously for the two‐dimensional case permit a comparison of the effect of injection on boundary layers over two‐dimensional and conical surfaces.
Suppression of the graft-versus-host reaction by passive immunization of donor against recipient antigens.

SummaryA graft-versus-host reaction was produced by injecting newborn A/J mice with C57B1/Ks spleen cells which resulted in 96.8% mortality. Passive immunization of the spleen donors with antibody against the A/J tissue antigens reduced mortality to 60.0%. Spleen cells taken from donors passively immunized up to at least 8 days previously were depressed in their ability to mount a graft-versus-host reaction.
ORIGINS OF THE FIELD‐DEPENDENT AND FIELD‐INDEPENDENT COGNITIVE STYLES

The literature on sources of individual differences in field dependence-independence is reviewed and findings on ontogenetic development and cross-cultural differences are incorporated into the theory of psychological differentiation. During the growth years, individuals develop toward greater field independence. Hormonal and X-linked genetic factors may influence development of specific cognitive components of the field-dependence-independence dimension. It is clear from a wide variety of data that the development of field independence is enhanced by appropriate training programs, child-rearing practices which encourage separation from parental authority, and “loose” social structures which permit individual autonomy. Among subsistence-level societies, members of nomadic hunting groups tend to be more field independent than members of sedentary farming groups. Viewed from an ecocultural perspective, this finding suggests a progression from relative field independence toward relative field dependence as cultural forms changed from early hunting to later agricultural economies. That developmental changes may proceed in opposite directions in the course of ontogeny and during cultural history is compatible with the bipolar conception of cognitive styles; the cognitive restructuring skills of field-independent individuals and the social-interpersonal competencies of field-dependent individuals have adaptive value in different life circumstances.
Systematic review of the presentation of coagulation factor VIII inhibitors in rheumatic diseases: A potential cause of life-threatening hemorrhage

Abstract Objectives To provide a comprehensive review regarding the clinical presentation of acquired factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors, also known as "acquired hemophilia," in patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods A systematic MEDLINE search was conducted to identify English-language articles published from 1993 through January 10, 2012, providing details regarding the clinical presentation, laboratory evaluation, and management of a patient(s) with newly or previously diagnosed autoimmune disease coexistent with an acquired FVIII inhibitor. Results In total, 49 patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the review; the greatest percentage (24.5%) had systemic lupus erythematosus, followed by rheumatoid arthritis (16%). The majority (78%) presented with spontaneous mucocutaneous or muscular bleeding. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was identified in all of the 45 patients for whom results were provided. Five patients presented with an asymptomatic prolonged aPTT, which was attributed to a lupus anticoagulant in two patients, only one of whom actually had a coexisting lupus anticoagulant. Invasive procedures led to serious bleeding in both of these patients, one of whom died as a result. The majority (59%) of patients experienced complete or partial remission of their inhibitors, most (96%) after systemic eradicative therapy. A total of three (6%) patients died as a direct result of FVIII inhibitors. Conclusions Although acquired FVIII inhibitors are rare in patients with autoimmune diseases, prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid extensive bleeding, which could be life threatening. Treatment requires eradication of the factor inhibitors. Rheumatologists must be able to distinguish acquired FVIII inhibitors from lupus anticoagulants.