cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards building a culturally informed consent process in Central Asia

Researchers working in Central Asia often report difficulty obtaining Western-style signed informed consent statements. The principles underlying informed consent were developed in cultures charact...
Voluntary Wheel Running Partially Attenuates Early Life Stress-Induced Neuroimmune Measures in the Dura and Evoked Migraine-Like Behaviors in Female Mice.

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects three times more women than men and can be triggered by endogenous and exogenous factors. Stress is a common migraine trigger and exposure to early life stress increases the likelihood of developing chronic pain disorders later in life. Here, we used our neonatal maternal separation (NMS) model of early life stress to investigate whether female NMS mice have an increased susceptibility to evoked migraine-like behaviors and the potential therapeutic effect of voluntary wheel running. NMS was performed for 3 h/day during the first 3 weeks of life and initial observations were made at 12 weeks of age after voluntary wheel running (Exercise, -Ex) or sedentary behavior (-Sed) for 4 weeks. Mast cell degranulation rates were significantly higher in dura mater from NMS-Sed mice, compared to either naive-Sed or NMS-Ex mice. Protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) protein levels in the dura were significantly increased in NMS mice and a significant interaction of NMS and exercise was observed for transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) protein levels in the dura. Behavioral assessments were performed on adult (>8 weeks of age) naive and NMS mice that received free access to a running wheel beginning at 4 weeks of age. Facial grimace, paw mechanical withdrawal threshold, and light aversion were measured following direct application of inflammatory soup (IS) onto the dura or intraperitoneal (IP) nitroglycerin (NTG) injection. Dural IS resulted in a significant decrease in forepaw withdrawal threshold in all groups of mice, while exercise significantly increased grimace score across all groups. NTG significantly increased grimace score, particularly in exercised mice. A significant effect of NMS and a significant interaction effect of exercise and NMS were observed on hindpaw sensitivity following NTG injection. Significant light aversion was observed in NMS mice, regardless of exercise, following NTG. Finally, exercise significantly reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein level in the dura of NMS and naive mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that while voluntary wheel running improved some measures in NMS mice that have been associated with increased migraine susceptibility, behavioral outcomes were not impacted or even worsened by exercise.
Severi-Brauer Varieties and Symmetric Powers

The general question behind this paper is the possibility of nonrational varieties V with rational symmetric powers. We extend known results and show Severi—Brauer varieties provide a counterexample. On the other hand, we show that unramified cohomology cannot be the means to find such an example.
Cannabis (marijuana) - effects on human performance and behavior

Cannabis is one of the oldest and most commonly abused drugs in the world. Recently, tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the endogenous cannabinoid system with the identification of cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoid receptor antagonists, endogenous neurotransmitters, metabolic enzymes, and reuptake mechanisms. These advances have helped us to elucidate the mechanisms of action of cannabis and the side effects and toxicities associated with its use. In addition, potential therapeutic applications are being investigated for the use of smoked cannabis and synthetic THC (dronabinol). Most workplace, military, and criminal justice positive urine drug tests are due to the use of cannabis. In addition, alternative matrices, including saliva, sweat, and hair, are being utilized for monitoring cannabis use in treatment, employment, and criminal justice settings. Experimental laboratory studies have identified cognitive, physiological, and psychomotor effects following cannabis. Epidemiological studies reveal that cannabis is the most common illicit drug world-wide in impaired drivers, and in motor vehicle injuries and fatalities. Driving simulator studies also indicate performance impairment following cannabis use; however, the results of open- and closed-road driving studies and of culpability studies do not consistently document increased driving risk. Clearly a combination of ethanol and cannabis use significantly increases risks. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabis and places special emphasis on the effects of cannabis on complex tasks such as driving and flying.
Perceptions of Divorce Advantages and Disadvantages: A Comparison of Adult Children Experiencing One Parental Divorce versus Multiple Parental Divorces

Abstract Interviews were conducted with 50 adult children of divorce aged 18 to 50, to examine perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of parental divorce(s). Participants were selected based on two categories: individuals who have experienced the divorce of their parents (single divorce participants), or individuals who have at least one parent who has divorced more than once (multiple divorce participants). Regardless of the number of parental divorces, participants noted many of the same advantages and disadvantages of the divorce. However, there were some differences reported. Most importantly, multiple divorce participants noted that an increased social network was an advantage of multiple transitions. At the same time, the transitory nature of the same social network was seen as a disadvantage of the multiple transitions. Future directions regarding multiple divorce research are suggested.
Caffeine Eliminates Gamma-Ray-Induced G2-Phase Delay in Human Tumor Cells but Not in Normal Cells

Abstract Jha, M. N., Bamburg, J. R., Bernstein, B. W. and Bedford, J. S. Caffeine Eliminates Gamma-Ray-Induced G2-Phase Delay in Human Tumor Cells but Not in Normal Cells. Radiat. Res. 157, 26–31 (2002). It has been known for many years that caffeine reduces or eliminates the G2-phase cell cycle delay normally seen in human HeLa cells or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells after exposure to X or γ rays. In light of our recent demonstration of a consistent difference between human normal and tumor cells in a G2-phase checkpoint response in the presence of microtubule-active drugs, we examined the effect of caffeine on the G2-phase delays after exposure to γ rays for cells of three human normal cell lines (GM2149, GM4626, AG1522) and three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, MCF7, OVGI). The G2-phase delays after a dose of 1 Gy were similar for all six cell lines. In agreement with the above-mentioned reports for HeLa and CHO cells, we also observed that the G2-phase delays were eliminated by caffeine in the tumor ...
Coping with Schizophrenia: Patterns in Later Adulthood

By exploring the subjective experience of older people, this study investigated whether the coping framework developed with younger adults with schizophrenia could be applied to people with schizophrenia over the age of 50 years. Fifteen participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, over the age of 50, were recruited from clubhouses and given a semi-structured interview to identify what, if any, coping strategies were used to manage persistent symptoms. The results indicated that the coping strategies used by this older sample were similar to those reported by earlier studies with younger populations. However, it was reported that the efficacy of the coping strategies had increased as the participants had grown older and accepted their illness. Older adults with schizophrenia are capable of employing strategies to manage their illness and should be considered an important source of knowledge for younger individuals who struggle with the illness and for mental health professionals who work with the chronically mentally ill.
Observations on the rheological response of alkali activated fly ash suspensions: the role of activator type and concentration

This paper reports the influence of activator type and concentration on the rheological properties of alkali-activated fly ash suspensions. A thorough investigation of the rheological influences (yield stress and plastic viscosity) of several activator parameters, including: (i) the cation type and concentration of alkali hydroxide and (ii) the alkali-to-binder ratio (n) and silica modulus (Ms), and (iii) the volume of the activation solution, on the suspension rheology is presented. The results indicate a strong dependence on the cation and its concentration in the activation solution. The viscosity of the activation solution and the volumetric solution-to-powder ratio are shown to most strongly influence the plastic viscosity of the suspension. The suspension yield stress is predominantly influenced by the changes in fly ash particle surface charge and the ionic species in the activator. A shift from non-Newtonian to Newtonian flow behavior is noted in the case of silicate-based suspensions for Ms ≤ 1.5. This behavior, which is not observed at higher MS values, or when the fly ash is dispersed in hydroxide solutions or pure water, is hypothesized to be caused by colloidal siliceous species present in this system, or surface charge effects on the fly ash particles. Comparisons of the rheological response of alkali-activated suspensions to that of portland cement-water suspensions are also reported.
Mechanism of antiproliferative activity of luteolin against stilbene-estrogen stimulation of proliferation of hamster renal epithelial cells.

In the present study, we have investigated the influence of a naturally occurring plant flavone luteolin on cell proliferation, nuclear tyrosine kinase activity, and expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor in Syrian hamster renal epithelial cells. Diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose- dependent manner by cotreatment with luteolin. We also tested the influence of luteolin on nuclear protein tyrosine kinase activity and the expression of IGF-I receptor. The nuclear tyrosine kinase activity was inhibited in a dose- dependent manner by both genistein and luteolin. Luteolin was five times more effective in inhibiting nuclear tyrosine kinase activity than genistein. Data of kinetic constants suggest that luteolin is a noncompetitive inhibitor of nuclear protein tyrosine kinases. Co-treatment of luteolin significantly inhibited DES-induce IGF-I receptor expression. These findings indicate that blocking effects of DES-induced cell proliferation by luteolin may be through the inhibition of nuclear tyrosine kinase activity and of IGF-I receptor expression. cells (4). IGF-I exerts its biological activity by binding to type-I IGF receptor. The IGF-I receptor has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor mediates its mitogenic actions (4). We have previously hypothesized that alteration in the level of IGF-IR is involved in the stimulation of cell proliferation by DES. To test this concept, it is essential to have a chemical agent that blocks stilbene estrogen-induced proliferation, which could be later used to test its effect on the IGF-I receptor activity. Therefore, in the present study, we first investigated the effects of a naturally occurring plant flavone, luteolin, on DES-induced cell proliferation. After establishing antiproliferative activity, we examined its effect on tyrosine kinase activity and the expression of IGF-I receptors. We chose luteolin as a test compound because luteolin effectively competes with estradiol for the rat uterine nuclear estrogen type II binding site that regulates estrogen-stimulated growth of cells (5). Findings of this study revealed that: i) luteolin inhibits nuclear tyrosine kinase activity; and ii) luteolin cotreatment can significantly reverse the effects of stilbene estrogen on both the proliferative activity and expression of IGF-I receptors in renal epithelial cells.
Enzymes of the Ornithine-Urea Cycle in the Chimaera Hydrolagus colliei

THE chimaera Hydrolagus colliei, commonly known as the ratfish, is one of the few remaining members of the sub-class Holocephali. The chimaeras are the only survivors of a large and diverse Palaeozoic group, the bradyodonts1. The bradyodonts and elasmobranchs appear in the late Devonian as fossils of two apparently distinct groups1. Elasmobranchs and chimaeras share the ability to maintain large tissue concentrations of urea which serves an osmoregulatory function2. All the enzymes of the ornithine-urea cycle have been found in the elasmobranchs3–7, and in this group the ornithine-urea cycle is thought to be the most important pathway for the formation of urea8. The chimaeras have not been studied for the occurrence of any of the ornithine-urea cycle enzymes except arginase, which was found in both liver and kidney of Hydrolagus colliei9. The presence of arginase is in-sufficient evidence for the occurrence of the remaining enzymes of the cycle because it occurs in groups which apparently lack a complete ornithine-urea cycle10. The present investigation was undertaken to find out whether all the enzymes of the ornithine-urea cycle are present in the liver of the ratfish Hydrolagus colliei.
Effects of Efficiency Techniques on Accuracy of Dynamic-Overlapped Grids for Unsteady Flows

There is a strong need for advancements to compute unsteady flows involving moving boundaries and bodies. Currently, there appear to be two dynamic approaches and their variants proposed for this problem : unstructured and domain decomposition methods. The present objective was to further explore the overlapped grids when it was enhanced with several enabling and efficiency techniques. Their effect on the accuracy was studied primarily from a qualitative point of view. Unsteady Euler equations were solved by a characteristic-based alternating-direction-implicit scheme on overlapped subdomains capable of moving with respect to each other. Initially, the errors due to discretization, Courant number, and interpolations, were studied by solving the Riemann problem and comparing with its exact solution. It was concluded, that a second- or higher-order method, temporally and spatially, was needed even in the dynamic interpolation regions. Secondly, the effects of intermediate grids and diagonal inversions were demonstrated by simulating the 2-D flowfield history ofa store separating from a wing section along a prescribed trajectory.
The effect of pH on enzymatic formation and inhibition of norepinephrine synthesis.

Die enzymatische Bildung des Norepinephrins und des Epinephrins wurde als Funktion des pH und der Zusammensetzung der Puffergemische untersucht. Eine maximale enzymatische Aktivitat wurde bei einem pH von 5,5 beobachtet. Durch Zusatz von Phosphatpuffer wird die Aktivitat gehemmt. Eine maximale Hemmung der enzymatischen Norepinephrinbildung durch DPA und Tryptamin wurde bei einem pH von 5,5 und durch Adrenalon bei einem pH von 6,5 festgestellt. Der Reaktionsmechanismus wurde auf Grund der Ergebnisse erlautert.
Investigating the use of an octupole ion guide for ion storage and high-pass mass filtering to improve the quantitative performance of electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry.

An octupole radio frequency (rf) ion guide was evaluated for storage and filtering of ions generated by electrospray prior to introduction into an ion trap mass spectrometer. The control of the rf potential on the ion guide enabled its operation as a high-pass mass filter, removing low-mass chemical noise that would normally fill the ion trap and result in reduced sensitivity, mass resolution, and dynamic range. Also, the ion guide can serve to store the high-pass filtered ions during the ion trap mass analysis, enabling nearly 100% duty cycle and reduction of the cycle time by a factor of two. The linearity, precision, and detection limits of the liquid chromatography (LC) electrospray - ion guide-ion trap MS/MS system were evaluated for the determination of ceftiofur in milk. A linear calibration (linear correlation coefficient of 0.986) from 2-200 ppb was obtained with a relative standard deviation for replicate analysis of less than 8%. A quantitation detection limit of 100 pg of ceftiofur on-column (2 ppb) was achieved from a milk extract. This detection limit is nearly a factor of 10 lower compared with the determination on the same electrospray ion trap system not using a rf ion guide for high-pass mass filtering and ion storage.
Protonation state of Asp (Glu)-85 regulates the purple-to-blue transition in bacteriorhodopsin mutants Arg-82----Ala and Asp-85----Glu: the blue form is inactive in proton translocation.

Abstract Previous studies with site-specific mutants of bacteriorhodopsin have demonstrated that replacement of Asp-85 or Arg-82 affects the absorption spectrum. Between pH 5.5 and 7, the Asp-85----Glu and Arg-82----Ala mutants exist in a pH-dependent equilibrium between purple (lambda max approximately 550/540 nm) and blue (lambda max approximately 600/590 nm) forms of the pigment. Measurement of proton transport as a function of wavelength in reconstituted vesicles shows that proton-pumping activities for the above mutants reside exclusively in their respective purple species. For both mutants, formation of the blue form with decreasing pH is accompanied by loss of proton transport activity. The Asp-85----Asn mutant displays a blue chromophore (lambda max approximately 588 nm), is inactive in proton translocation from pH 5 to 7.5, and shows no transition to the purple form. In contrast, the Asp-212----Asn mutant is purple (lambda max approximately 555 nm) and shows no transition to a blue chromophore with decreasing pH. The experiments suggest that (i) the pKa of the purple-to-blue transition is directly influenced by the pKa of the carboxylate at residue 85 and (ii) the relative strengths of interaction between the protonated Schiff base, Asp-85, Asp-212, and Arg-82 make a major contribution to the regulation of color and function of bacteriorhodopsin.
Comparison of three semiautomatic methods for determination of left ventricular ejection fraction from gated cardiac blood pool images.

A number of computer programs exist for the determination of ejection fraction from gated blood pool images. Three commercially available algorithms were compared on the same radionuclide data from 50 catheterized patients. The methods used were: (1) simple thresholding, (2) second derivative edge determination, and (3) a combination of these two. There was good correlation with catheterization ejection fraction for all three methods using smoothed data [r=0.781, 0.77, 0.84 respectively (P<0.01)]. However, interobserver variance was significantly decreased (P<0.01) by use of the second derivative method when compared with the other two methods and catheterization. Thus, if accuracy and low interobserver variance are required, then a combination of a second derivative and thresholding method is preferable.
Early Severe Inflammatory Responses to Uropathogenic E. coli Predispose to Chronic and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Chronic infections are an increasing problem due to the aging population and the increase in antibiotic resistant organisms. Therefore, understanding the host-pathogen interactions that result in chronic infection is of great importance. Here, we investigate the molecular basis of chronic bacterial cystitis. We establish that introduction of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) into the bladders of C3H mice results in two distinct disease outcomes: resolution of acute infection or development of chronic cystitis lasting months. The incidence of chronic cystitis is both host strain and infectious dose-dependent. Further, development of chronic cystitis is preceded by biomarkers of local and systemic acute inflammation at 24 hours post-infection, including severe pyuria and bladder inflammation with mucosal injury, and a distinct serum cytokine signature consisting of elevated IL-5, IL-6, G-CSF, and the IL-8 analog KC. Mice deficient in TLR4 signaling or lymphocytes lack these innate responses and are resistant, to varying degrees, to developing chronic cystitis. Treatment of C3H mice with the glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone prior to UPEC infection also suppresses the development of chronic cystitis. Finally, individuals with a history of chronic cystitis, lasting at least 14 days, are significantly more susceptible to redeveloping severe, chronic cystitis upon bacterial challenge. Thus, we have discovered that the development of chronic cystitis in C3H mice by UPEC is facilitated by severe acute inflammatory responses early in infection, which subsequently are predisposing to recurrent cystitis, an insidious problem in women. Overall, these results have significant implications for our understanding of how early host-pathogen interactions at the mucosal surface determines the fate of disease.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities

Widely varying rates for the prevalence of psychiatric disorder have been reported in the previous published literature. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a random sample of adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities living in the community, and to explore the socio‐clinical factors associated with psychiatric disorders.A process of active case finding was undertaken to identify adults with learning disabilities. A random sample of 240 was taken of whom 121 were found to have moderate to profound learning disabilities at interview. Information was collected on socio‐demographics, service use, physical health, medication use, and life events. Standardised instruments were used to assess psychiatric symptoms, problem behaviour, and severity of learning disabilities. Diagnoses were generated using four diagnostic systems: clinical, DC‐LD, DCR‐10 and DSM‐IV.Higher rates of psychiatric disorder are reported than in previous published studies in the general population and in studies with people with learning disabilities living in the community. Further investigation of the effect of diagnostic system on prevalence rates, and associations of psychiatric disorder are warranted.
TRANSAORTIC MESENTERIC ENDARTERECTOMY

Although a number of methods for mesenteric artery reconstruction have been suggested, we believe that patients with atherosclerotic stenosis and occlusion of mesenteric vessels presenting with either acute or chronic visceral ischemia are best managed by either antegrade aortomesenteric bypass or transaortic mesenteric endarterectomy. Antegrade bypass is the most versatile technique and is therefore best adapted to extensive mesenteric disease. Transaortic mesenteric endarterectomy lends itself well to simultaneous renal artery endarterectomy when clinically significant osteal atherosclerosis is present at both sites. With any method of reconstruction, the technical adequacy of repair should be defined intraoperatively. In this regard, intraoperative duplex sonography provides both anatomic and hemodynamic data necessary to ensure technical success and late patency.
Pharmacology of Ketamine Isomers in Surgical Patients

To assess the intraoperative and postoperative effects of the optical isomers of ketamine. compared with the racemic mixture as sole anesthetics, equianesthetic doses of racemic ketamine (RK), 2 mg/kg, (+)ketamine (PK), 1 mg/kg, and (−)ketamine (MK), 3 mg/kg, were administered intravenously in a ran
Posttransplant bone disease

Abstract Kidney transplantation reverses some of the disturbances of mineral and bone metabolism. However, the reversal or degree of improvement is often incomplete. The well-documented bone loss, especially in the early posttransplant period, contributes to an increased incidence of fractures in kidney transplant recipients. To better understand the mechanism of bone loss posttransplant, we need to take in consideration both bone quantity (density) and quality (bone microarchitecture, turnover rate). In addition to bone density, which is a measure of bone quantity, there are other invasive and noninvasive tools that provide information about the bone architecture and turnover and may be helpful in evaluating kidney transplant recipients at risk of fractures. There are several factors that contribute to the development of bone loss in the posttransplant period. Among these, the use of glucocorticoids, as part of the posttransplant immunosuppressive regimen, remains the single most important risk factor for bone loss post–kidney transplant. Interventions for evaluation and management of bone disease posttransplant are described and discussed. Some of these measures have been shown to increase bone density, but so far, none have demonstrated an ability to reduce the fracture incidence.
Measurements of energy balance.

Early investigators recognized a link between a mammal’s rate of heat production and its body size and composition. A particular challenge has been to establish whether between- and within-species differences exist in the rate of cellular energy exchange, notably as resting metabolic rate. Between-species or between-individual differences in body size must be adjusted for in order to answer the question, “Is cellular heat production at rest high or low relative to some reference values?” This overview traces the history of the evolving concepts in this field, identifies gaps in present measurement methods, and suggests areas of potential future research.
E-type prostaglandins enhance local oedema formation and neutrophil accumulation but suppress eosinophil accumulation in guinea-pig skin.

1. Prostaglandins possess both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions depending on their route of administration and the experimental model used. In this study, we have investigated the effect of locally injected prostaglandins on oedema formation, neutrophil accumulation and eosinophil accumulation in inflammatory responses in guinea-pig skin. 2. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) significantly enhanced local oedema formation induced by zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP), bradykinin and in a passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction. The accumulation of ZAP-induced 111In-labelled neutrophils was also significantly enhanced by PGE1. In addition, the prostacyclin analogue, iloprost, enhanced ZAP-induced responses. 3. In contrast PGE1 decreased the accumulation of 111In-labelled eosinophils in skin sites. This was demonstrated on eosinophil accumulation and local oedema formation induced by PAF, compound 48/80 and in the PCA reaction. PGE2 also suppressed eosinophil accumulation while iloprost had no detectable effect. 4. Isoprenaline inhibited eosinophil accumulation in a dose-dependent manner with no effect on local oedema formation, except in the case of responses to ZAP where suppression was observed. 5. The vasodilator neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), enhanced local oedema formation but had no detectable effect on eosinophil accumulation. 6. In conclusion, the magnitude of a given response to an inflammatory mediator in vivo depends on the net effect of stimulation of several cell types e.g. arteriolar smooth muscle cells, microvascular endothelial cells, mast cells and accumulating leukocytes. In this study, we have demonstrated that different components of the inflammatory response in guinea-pig skin can be differentially modulated by E-type prostaglandins and isoprenaline, suggesting that cyclic AMP has an important regulatory role.
Effect of targeted deletion of the heme oxygenase-2 gene on hemoglobin toxicity in the striatum.

The heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes catalyze the rate-limiting step in the breakdown of heme to iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin. A prior cell culture study demonstrated that deletion of HO-2, the isoform constitutively expressed in neurons, attenuated hemoglobin (Hb) neurotoxicity. The present study tested the hypothesis that HO-2 gene deletion is cytoprotective in a model of Hb toxicity in vivo. Stereotactic injection of 6 lL stroma-free Hb (SFHb) into the striatum significantly increased protein oxidation in wild-type mice at 24 to 72 h, as detected by an assay for carbonyl groups. At 72 h, carbonylation was increased 2.5-fold compared with that in the contralateral striatum. In HO-2 knockout mice, protein oxidation was not increased at 24 h, and was increased by only 1.7-fold at 72 h. Similarly, striatal lipid peroxidation, as detected by the malondialdehyde assay, was significantly greater in the SFHb-injected striata of wild-type mice than in knockout mice. Striatal cell viability, determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, was 45.0%76.3% of that in contralateral striata in wild-type mice at 72 h; it was increased to 85%7 8% in knockouts. Heme oxygenase-2 gene deletion did not alter weight loss or mortality after SFHb injection. Baseline striatal HO-1 expression was similar in knockout and wild-type mice; induction after SFHb injection occurred more rapidly in the latter. These results suggest that HO-2 gene deletion protects striatal cells from the oxidative toxicity of Hb in vivo. Pharmacologic or genetic strategies that target HO-2 may be beneficial after central nervous system hemorrhage, and warrant further investigation.
Reducing inequity by reallocating rewards

The equity model can predict the manner in which members of a dyad allocate among themselves the rewards earned by their group. Among members with equal work inputs, Ss given more than half the reward reduced inequity by decreasing their own share. Those given less than half the reward increased their share. Ss also reduced inequity by planning to compensate for current inequities in future interaction. As expected, level of tension covaried with the magnitude of inequity. Underrewarded Ss overestimated their inputs in order to justify increasing their share.
Systematic analysis of EOS data system for operations

A data management analysis methodology is being proposed. The objective of the methodology is to assist mission managers by identifying a series of ordered activities to be systematically followed in order to arrive at an effective ground system design. Existing system engineering tools and concepts have been assembled into a structured framework to facilitate the work of a mission planner. It is intended that this methodology can be gainfully applied (with probable modifications and/or changes) to the EOS payloads and their associated data systems.
Self-directed Learning Readiness Among Engineering Undergraduate Students

Two studies related to readiness for self-directed learning of engineering students were performed using the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). A cross-sectional study of students in the first through final years of study showed that their SDLRS scores are significantly correlated with academic year of study and with grade point average, but not with gender. However, neither academic year of study nor grade point average is a good predictor of SDLRS scores; together they account for less than 5 percent of the observed variance. A second study investigated the effect of a problem-based learning experience on students' readiness for self-directed learning. It showed that the average readiness for self-directed learning increased significantly for students in the problem-based learning courses. However, investigation of the changes for individual students revealed that only nine of eighteen students showed significant increases in their SDLRS scores, and two showed significant decreases. Potential underlying causes are explored.
Pulmonary surfactant and tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis comes in contact with pulmonary surfactant, alveolar macrophages and type II epithelial cells. Alveolar type II epithelial cells secrete pulmonary surfactant, a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins lining the alveolar surface, while alveolar macrophages are involved in surfactant catabolism. Surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D modulate phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis by alveolar macrophages. We have reported that mice with decreased surfactant catabolism resulting from GM-CSF deficiency are highly susceptible to acute aerosol infection with 100 cfu of M. tuberculosis. Here, we evaluated the lungs of WT, GM-CSF-deficient, and GM-CSF-corrected mice surviving six months after sub-acute aerosol infection of 5-10 cfu M. tuberculosis. We show that GM-CSF-deficient mice develop intra-bronchial and intra-alveolar tuberculosis lesions with numerous mycobacteria, inflammatory cells, and extracellular proteinaceous material containing surfactant protein B (SP-B). In contrast, WT and GM-CSF-corrected mice develop typical epithelioid granulomas containing lymphocytes, SP-B positive cells, and M. tuberculosis bacilli inside macrophages. Our findings support the concept that whole pulmonary surfactant is an important component of host mycobacterial infection in the distal lung.
Influence of Date of Flushing on Flowering in Pinus banksiana

NUMEROUS attempts have been made to relate the year-to-year variability in flowering of forest trees to seasonal fluctuations in weather conditions which, in turn, are believed to influence the internal physiological processes regulating flower initiation1. The pronounced effect of photoperiod on flowering, noted in many herbaceous species, appears to be lacking in forest trees, and observations indicate that most trees are photoperiodically day-neutral2,3. However, until more definitive experiments have been undertaken, photoperiod cannot be ruled out as a factor influencing flower formation.
Transverse axial plane anatomy of the temporal bone employing high spatial resolution computed tomography

Anatomical relationships of temporal bone structures are demonstrated by thin section edge detection computed tomography. Many otic structures are best appreciated in axial view, but reorientation to anatomy as seen in this plane is needed for optimal diagnosis. A level by level review of key structure is presented toward this end. The limitations and advantages of computed tomography are discussed.
Impact of genetic counseling and testing on colorectal cancer screening behavior.

One goal of cancer genetic counseling is to improve early detection and prevention of cancers by identifying individuals at risk and providing screening recommendations. This study determined the impact of genetic counseling and testing on patient's post-genetic risk assessment colorectal cancer screening behaviors. Follow-up data from patients seen August, 1996, through May, 1998, at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic were analyzed. Eligible patients included those without cancer who were due for a colon examination by the time of follow-up, based on recommendations given during genetic risk assessment (GRA). We analyzed the role of gender, age, time since GRA, prior screening, genetic testing decision, mutation status, and post-GRA screening. Of 65 patients evaluated, 50 (76.9%) had undergone at least one endoscopic colon exam prior to visiting the Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic. At the time of GRA, 37 of 65 (56.9%) were overdue for a colon exam and at the time of follow-up, 15/65 (23.1%) we...
Perceptions of negative stereotypes of older people in magazine advertisements: comparing the perceptions of older adults and college students

Negative stereotypes not only affect how older people feel about themselves, but also how younger people feel about old age and their prospect of growing old. The research reported in this paper has examined the negative and potentially harmful stereotypes of older people portrayed in magazine advertisements in the United States, as perceived by groups of older and young people. Q-methodology sorts of 40 advertisements with negative images of older people, along with personal interviews, were used to probe older people's and college student's feelings and attitudes about the images. The subjects were placed in four categories: ‘moralists’, ‘objectors’, ‘ageing moralists’ and ‘resentfuls’. Regardless of whether stereotypes were used, the older people liked the advertisements that showed them as being clever, vibrant and having a sense of humour. Neither the older people nor the students liked advertisements that ridiculed or poked fun at older people, or presented them as being out of touch with reality and unattractive. Both groups rated the stereotypes dealing with the real problems associated with ageing as inoffensive. The comparison of the two age groups showed a strong consensus about which images were acceptable and which offensive.
Epilepsy: Does continuous EEG monitoring improve seizure control?

Continuous EEG monitoring in intensive care units seems to affect physicians' decisions regarding prescription of anticonvulsant drugs. We are just beginning to understand what the EEG patterns mean and to learn whether and when these prescribing changes matter.
Teacher and center stability and school readiness among low-income, ethnically diverse children in subsidized, center-based child care

Abstract Given large numbers of children attending center-based child care and considerable teacher and child mobility, it is important to study correlates and outcomes of children experiencing a change in their primary teacher/caregiver and/or a change to a different child care center. The present study investigated teacher and center stability in a group of 3238 urban, ethnically diverse, low-income, four-year-olds receiving subsidies to attend center-based child care. Children were individually assessed for cognitive and language development at the beginning and end of the pre-kindergarten year. Parents and teachers rated children on their socio-emotional skills and behavior at both time points. Children who experienced a change in their primary caregiver from the beginning to the end of the school year (41% of the sample) showed less growth in initiative for learning and attachment/closeness with adults over time, and scored lower on most indices of school readiness compared to those that had a stable caregiver. Children who moved to a different center during the year scored lower on teacher-reported initiative and attachment. African American children who switched centers were particularly at-risk for poorer outcomes, and boys who experienced a change in primary teacher, in particular, showed slower growth in cognitive development.
Model of a composite right-handed t quark: An alternative to the tt-bar condensate model.

As an alternative to the composite Higgs-boson model with a {ital t{bar t}} condensate, a solvable model is built in which a right-handed {ital t} quark is a composite of left-handed quarks and elementary Higgs particles. This model leads us to virtually the same numerical prediction on low-energy parameters; e.g., the {ital t}-quark mass and the Higgs-boson mass as the composite Higgs-boson model, when the renormalization-group analysis is performed according to the prescription of Bardeen, Hill, and Lindner.
Cutting as a method of breaking dormancy in microtubers produced in vitro

Microtubers formedin vitro often undergo long periods of dormancy. A simple method of promoting sprouting is to cut the microtubers in half. The promotive effect is demonstrated over a wide range of cultivars.
Specific cleavage of model recombination and repair intermediates by the yeast Rad1-Rad10 DNA endonuclease

The RAD1 and RAD10 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are required for both nucleotide excision repair and certain mitotic recombination events. Here, model recombination and repair intermediates were used to show that Rad1-Rad10-mediated cleavage occurs at duplex-single-strand junctions. Moreover, cleavage occurs only on the strand containing the 3' single-stranded tail. Thus, both biochemical and genetic evidence indicate a role for the Rad1-Rad10 complex in the cleavage of specific recombination intermediates. Furthermore, these data suggest that Rad1-Rad10 endonuclease incises DNA 5' to damaged bases during nucleotide excision repair.
The Self Before God? Rethinking Augustine's Trinitarian Thought

What is often termed the modern crisis of the Western self—the problems associated with the proto-Cartesian and proto-Kantian conceptions of the self—has given rise to attempts not only to confront the crisis constructively, but also to trace its origin. In one philosophical reading of the development of the crisis in the Western self, Augustine stands as one of its forefathers. In this reading, Augustine's anthropology is anchored firmly within Platonism and is viewed as a key precursor of the tradition leading to the modern, autonomous self of Descartes and Kant. Such a reading often focuses on Augustine's somewhat idiosyncratic self-analysis in Confessionum libri [Conf.] XIII, and points to his so-called psychological model of the Trinity found in De Trinitate [Trin.]. It is argued that his method of inward movement, which involves the utilization of the structures of individual consciousness as an analogy to the immanent Trinity, in conjunction with his analysis of the individual self in Conf., becomes a basic foundation for the modern private, autonomous self.
A gene cluster in Agrobacterium vitis homologous to polyketide synthase operons is associated with grape necrosis and hypersensitive response induction on tobacco

Here, we identify a cluster of eight genes on chromosome 2 of Agrobacterium vitis that is associated with the ability of the bacterium to cause a hypersensitive response on tobacco and a necrosis of grape shoot explants. Three of these genes share a high level of structural and sequence similarity to clusters of genes in other bacteria that encode the enzymes for biosynthesis of polyketides and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. No similar gene clusters were discovered in sequenced genomes of other members of Rhizobiales.
Preferential Translation of Reovirus mRNA by a σ3-Dependent Mechanism

Abstract We have characterized reovirus strains that differ in the degree to which they inhibit cellular protein synthesis and used them to investigate mechanisms regulating gene expression in infected cells. A previous genetic study associated distinct effects of reovirus strains on cellular translation with polymorphisms in viral protein σ3. In cell extracts, σ3 sequesters double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and blocks activation of the dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), an interferon-induced enzyme that inhibits translational initiation by phosphorylating eIF-2α. We found that in infected cells, cellular protein synthesis is translationally regulated in a strain-specific manner. Using immunoprecipitation and indirect immunofluorescence we showed that the effect of a strain on cellular translation is not determined by the level of σ3, but appears to result from differences in σ3 localization. In cells infected with a strain that spares cellular translation, σ3 is present throughout the cytoplasm, whereas in cells infected with inhibitory strains, σ3 is restricted to perinuclear viral factories. Biochemical studies suggested that diffuse localization of σ3 is a consequence of low affinity for capsid protein μ1. Our findings are consistent with a model in which the efficiency of cellular translation is determined by the cytoplasmic level of σ3 that is not complexed with μ1.
Randomized study of 5-FU and ccnu in pancreatic cancer: Report of the veterans administration surgical adjuvant cancer chemotherapy study group

Between the years 1973-1977, 152 male patients from 28 participating Veterans Hospitals with histologically proven nonresectable cancer of the pancreas were randomized in a two-arm study. The treated group was to receive combination chemotherapy with 5-FU and CCNU, and the controls were to receive no chemotherapy. Both groups were comparable with respect to age, amount of weight loss, extent of histologically proved metastases, and operation performed. In the treatment group, drug therapy was begun between 10 and 60 days postoperatively. Intravenous 5-FU, 9 mg/kg, was administered on five consecutive days, and CCNU, 70 mg/m2, was given orally on the first day of each course. In the absence of toxicity, the course was repeated every six weeks for life; 146 drug courses were given. The incidence of toxicity was not great. One or more toxic reactions were reported for one-third of the drug courses administered, but for the most part, these were mild. The most frequent toxic reaction was vomiting in 17% of the courses, and hematologic toxicity-primarily leukopenia-in 15% of the drug courses. There was no evidence of a beneficial effect on survival from drug treatment in the group as a whole or in any subgroup analyzed. The median survival of the control group was 3.9 months, and of the drug-treated group, 3.0 months.
Prenatal ethanol exposure reduces the effects of excitatory amino acids in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract Chronic alcohol ingestion during pregnancy can lead to the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a disorder marked by learning disabilities. A rat model of FAS was used by introducing pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories (E), while a second group was pair-fed an isocaloric liquid diet without ethanol (P). A third group of pregnant dams received ad libitum lab chow (C). At parturition, pups from the E and P groups were cross-fostered by C mothers and all groups received lab chow. During adulthood, male offspring were sacrificed and hippocampal and prefrontal cortical slices were prelabeled with [3H] inositol. Phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was determined by measuring the accumulation of [3H] inositol phosphates in the presence of LiCl in response to activation of various excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors. In hippocampal slices, ibotenate- and quisqualate-induced PI hydrolysis was reduced in E compared to P and C animals. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on carbachol-induced PI hydrolysis, evident in P and C animals, was completely abolished in the hippocampus of E animals. In contrast, in the prefrontal cerebral cortex, this inhibitory effect of NMDA prevailed even in the E animals. The evidence suggests that prenatal ethanol exposure alters the activity of EAA receptors in the hippocampal generation of 2nd messengers.
Quinone electrophiles selectively adduct "electrophile binding motifs" within cytochrome c

Electrophiles generated endogenously, or via the metabolic bioactivation of drugs and other environmental chemicals, are capable of binding to a variety of nucleophilic sites within proteins. Factors that determine site selective susceptibility to electrophile-mediated post-translational modifications, and the consequences of such alterations, remain largely unknown. To identify and characterize chemical-mediated protein adducts, electrophiles with known toxicity were utilized. Hydroquinone, and its mercapturic acid pathway metabolites, cause renal proximal tubular cell necrosis and nephrocarcinogenicity in rats. The adverse effects of HQ and its thioether metabolites are in part a consequence of their oxidation to the corresponding electrophilic 1,4-benzoquinones (BQ). We now report that BQ and 2-(N-acetylcystein-S-yl)benzoquinone (NAC-BQ) preferentially bind to solvent-exposed lysine-rich regions within cytochrome c. Furthermore, we have identified specific glutamic acid residues within cytochrome c as ...
Phontrns: An automatic orthographic-to-phonetic conversion system for French

This paper presents a fully automated working program for transcribing French text into phonetic symbols. The program is intended to facilitate statistical studies of French phonology and stylistic studies based upon sound patterns in poetry.