cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verapamil blocks basal and angiotensin II-induced RNA synthesis of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract We evaluated VER effect on RNA synthesis of quiescent and angiotensin II (AII)- stimulated cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In a dose-dependent manner, VER decreased [3H]uridine uptake by quiescent VSMCs (ED50 7×10−6M), an effect that was shared by other calcium antagonists, but to a variable degree. VER caused a significant effect within 3 hours and attained a maximal effect at 7 hours. In addition VER caused a 22±2% decrease in [3H]uridine uptake by VSMCs stimulated with 10% fetal bovine serum, while it completely abolished [3H]uridine uptake by VSMCs induced by AII. We conclude that VER decreases basal and inhibits AII-induced increase in mRNA synthesis of VSMCs. These data may explain in part how VER causes a decrease in vascular resistance and alters the vasoconstrictor effect of AII.
Efficient photodetectors and photovoltaic cells from composites of fullerenes and conjugated polymers: photoinduced electron transfer

Polymer-based photodetectors and photovoltaic cells have been made by using conjugated polymer (MEH-PPV) as donor and C60 as acceptor. Optical quality composite films are spin cast from 1,2-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) solution. The light intensity and composition dependences of device characteristics have been studied. By optimizing the donor-acceptor ratio, a power conversion efficiency of 2.5% and a collection efficiency of 26% have been achieved for photovoltaic cells. Under reverse bias, a photosensitivity of approximately 0.26A/W has been achieved at 430 nm. The excellent photoresponse is attributed to efficient charge separation and collection by the donor-acceptor heterojunctions in the bulk of the composite films.
The reversal of the inhibitory activity of L-penicillamine by branched chain amino acids.

Abstract 1. 1. l -Penicillamine, the β,β-dimethyl analogue of cysteine, is an extremely weak antagonist of the utilization of the vitamin B 6 complex by S. carlsbergensis . 2. 2. l -Penicillamine inhibits the growth of E. coli 9723. The 17-h growth-inhibitory activity is reversed completely by either isoleucine, valine, leucine or methionine, amino acids that are analogous in chemical structure to l -penicillamine. Isoleucine is the most effective. Other naturally occurring amino acids and vitamins do not reverse this inhibitory activity. The data suggest that the site of action of l -penicillamine in E. coli is one or more enzymes involved specifscally in the metabolism of the branched chain amino acids isoleucine, valine and leucine. 3. 3. The metabolites that reverse the growth-inhibitory effects of l -penicillamine in E. coli and in the rat differ, suggesting a difference in the enzymic site of action of this amino acid in E. coli and in the rat.
A sufficient condition for all the roots of a polynomial to be real

(1992). A Sufficient Condition for All the Roots of a Polynomial To Be Real. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 99, No. 3, pp. 259-263.
Silencing of the F11R gene reveals a role for F11R/JAM-A in the migration of inflamed vascular smooth muscle cells and in atherosclerosis.

Abstract Rationale and objective Our previous studies have determined that the F11 receptor (F11R; aka JAM-A) exerts a critical force in the adhesion of human platelets to inflamed endothelial cells (ECs), and thus can play a significant role in the initiation of atherosclerotic plaque formation. In the present study, we focus on a subsequent event in plaque development – the migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima of inflamed vessels. Here we report our investigation of the expression of F11R in atherosclerotic arteries of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, and of the role of F11R in the migration of SMCs involved in atherogenesis. Methods and results Histological staining and specific-antibody immunofluorescence of excised, human atherosclerotic coronary arteries revealed the expression of F11R in the SMCs of the intima. RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting procedures demonstrated that F11R mRNA and the F11R protein levels were enhanced by the stimulation of cultured human aortic SMCs with a combined treatment of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα + INFγ + IL-β1). Neither the F11R message nor protein was expressed in non-stimulated SMCs. The functional role of F11R in SMCs’ migration was studied in cytokine-stimulated SMCs by interference of F11R expression with siRNA. Silencing of the F11R gene of cytokines-treated SMCs inhibited the expression of both F11R mRNA and F11R protein. Functionally, silencing of the F11R gene blocked the proliferation and migration of these inflamed SMCs, both critical events in atherogenesis. Conclusions The new findings of this study are that F11R mRNA and F11R protein are expressed in SMCs of the intima (but not in the media) of atherosclerotic arteries of CAD patients, and that F11R is required for the proliferation and migration of inflamed SMCs. Based on these findings, we conclude that in addition to the previously reported role of F11R in the initiation of plaque formation, F11R plays also an important role in the subsequent growth of atherosclerotic plaques. Identification of drugs that interfere with these pathophysiologic actions of F11R thus represents an effective new approach for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and stroke.
Reproductive responses of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) to heat stress. I. Responses to soil and day air temperatures

Abstract Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) plants are characterized by occasional excessive abscission of reproductive organs which result in low numbers of pods per unit area and consequently low seed yields. The possibility that heat stress may cause this excessive abscission was examined. Interactive effects of different soil and two day air temperatures on growth and reproductive performance of cowpea cultivar ‘California Blackeye No. 5’ were determined in controlled environments. Emergence was slow, and the seedlings were stunted at constant soil temperatures equal to or lower than 23°C. Seedlings at 18°C soil temperature exhibited nitrogen deficiency, and they developed bigger and more numerous nodules on their roots. The different soil and air temperatures did not influence the duration from emergence to appearance of the first floral bud or to anthesis. The duration from anthesis to maturity of individual pods was six days longer with the cooler day air temperature, but it was not influenced by the different soil temperatures. Plants produced more pods at 27/19°C than at 33/19°C day/night air temperature; however, the variation in number of pods was associated with variation in the number of reproductive nodes per plant. Levels of flower abscission were not excessive in any of the environments, and plants at 33/19°C air temperature exhibited less percent flower abscission than plants at 27/19°C air temperature. The seeds produced at 33/19°C air temperature were misshapen. Normal and misshapen seeds exhibited high percent emergence when sown at a depth of 2.5 cm at all soil temperatures studied, whereas 5-cm sowing depth resulted in poor emergence at high soil temperatures with misshapen seeds exhibiting less percent emergence than normal seeds.
Insulin Resistance and Cognition Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Adult Women: The Women's Interagency HIV Study

Abstract Cognitive impairment remains prevalent in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and may be partially due to comorbidities. We postulated that insulin resistance (IR) is negatively associated with cognitive performance. We completed a cross-sectional analysis among 1547 (1201 HIV+) women enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). We evaluated the association of IR with cognitive measures among all WIHS women with concurrent fasting bloods and cognitive testing [Trails A, Trails B, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)] using multiple linear regression models. A smaller subgroup also completed the Stroop test (n=1036). IR was estimated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA). Higher HOMA was associated with poorer performance on the SDMT, Stroop Color-Naming (SCN) trial, and Stroop interference trial, but remained statistically significant only for the SCN in models adjusting for important factors [β=3.78 s (95% CI: 0.48–7.08), p=0.025, for highest vs. lowest quart...
4,4′-Bis(dimethylamino)thiobenzophenone as a sensitive reagent for mercury and palladium

Abstract 4,4′-Bis(dimethylamino)thiobenzophenone (Thio-Michler's ketone, TMK) has been reported to be a sensitive reagent for gold, silver, and other noble metals. Both mercury and palladium react with TMK at pH 3.0 ± 0.2 to give complexes red-purple in color that can be extracted by isoamyl alcohol. Probably TMK is the most sensitive chromogenic reagent known for mercury and palladium. The sensitivities (μg per square centimeter for 0.001 absorbance) at the absorption maximum in aqueous medium and in the isoamyl alcohol extract have been established for mercury as 0.0017 (560 mμ) and 0.0023 (550 mμ) and for palladium as 0.0005 (520 mμ) and 0.0006 (520 mμ), respectively. The TMK complexes of these metals can be formed in the presence of (ethylene)dinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA), which may serve as a masking agent for interfering metals. The procedures for the photometric determination of mercury and palladium are presented and their reactions with TMK discussed.
Therapeutic Techniques: Chest Physiotherapy in the Neonate

Chest physiotherapy (CPT) use in infants has been reported in the literature to varying degrees over the years, with inconsistent techniques and for broadly differing indications. CPT has been reported to be associated with deleterious changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygenation in some case series, (1)(2)(3) but improved oxygenation and secretion clearance in others. (4)(5) Significant complications of the technique also have been reported, including rib fractures (6) and periosteal reactions. (7) Even more concerning were reports indicating a possible link with the development of grade III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage or porencephaly in neonates treated with CPT. (8)(9) However, later reports dispute these findings, including a follow-up report from one of the groups that originally reported the association. (10)(11) The difficulty in evaluating existing evidence lies in the widely disparate CPT techniques and protocols, indications, and …
Synchronized Crystal Dissolution Behavior for Tooth Enamel and Synthetic (NBS) Hydroxyapatite

The synchronized crystal dissolution hypothesis previously proposed to explain the unusual dissolution behavior of human dental enamel and hydroxyapatite in partially saturated acidic media has been critically examined with dissolution-dialysis transport experiments. The findings are in accord with the hypothesis. A model based upon a variable effective solubility for the hydroxyapatite crystal is proposed.
THE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTIS CHOLESTEROL IN THE RAT: HISTOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS ON TESTES FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY AND EXPERIMENTAL CRYPTORCHIDISM

Histochemical investigations (Kunze, 1922; Berberich and Jaffe, 1932; Pollack, 1942) on the distribution of testis lipids have revealed, in almost every instance studied, that the testis cholesterol is localized in the interstitial cells. Kunze (1922) reported the testis lipid distribution in several species and he appears to be the first to observe a “lipid zone” in the rat gonad comparable to the “Fettrandzone” of the human testis. This zone, according to Kunze, appears as a distinct band in the outer margin of the seminiferous tubule. He also observed that the lipid content of the interstitial cells of Leydig in the rat is very much less than that within the tubules. This condition, however, was in sharp contrast to that seen in the cat (Kunze, 1922). In the testes of this animal, only a very small amount of lipid was contained intratubularly, no marginal concentration was observed, and only the extratubular cells gave a strong histochemical test for lipid.
Some unresolved issues in the location theory of the firm

Abstract This paper presents a generalized location theory of the firm in linear space. Location outcomes are examined by utilizing a general as well as a particular transport rate structure for output and inputs and using a general concave production as well as a homogeneous production function, of the firm. The effect of a change in demand on the location is also investigated.
Mechanism of macular hole closure

Purpose: To outline the mechanism of closure in macular hole surgery: specifically the importance of deforming the fluid-air interface at the edges of the macular hole. This will provide a basis for understanding of how vitrectomy effects macular hole closure. Successful macular hole closure occurs when a fluid interface contacts, and is deformed, by the edges of the hole; generating a “surface of tension” (force), which exceeds the “stiffness” of the retina, allowing for reapproximation of the hole edges along the inner retina. Mechanical barriers, such as posterior hyaloid or vitreous, may reduce the interface deformation and transmittal of these forces to the inner retinal surface; peeling ILM or manipulating the hole edge may reduce the “stiffness” of the retina requiring less force to achieve closure. Larger bubbles increase the macular hole interface contact angle creating interface deformation, and force generation, at the hole edge over a greater range of eye position. Conclusion: Macular holes close by a "bridging" along the inner retinal surface with migration assisted by the capillary forces generated by fluid-air interface deformation at the edges of the macular hole.
Vibration imaging for localization of functional compartments of the extrinsic flexor muscles of the hand.

Purpose: To develop and test an MRI-based imaging technique for the localization of the functional compartments of the functionally finger-specific, yet anatomically indistinct, flexor muscles of the hand. Materials and Methods: A total of six normal healthy volunteers were involved in five studies in which individual fingers were vibrated with mechanical actuators and the resultant motion within the corresponding functional compartments of the flexor muscles, mechanically transferred through the structurally connected tendons, was imaged with a phase-contrast MR imaging technique that is highly sensitive to cyclic motion. The motion amplitude and relative phase relationship between the functional compartments of various muscles and fingers were obtained and analyzed from these images as a means to differentiate the various subcompartments. Results: The results show that this technique provides a detailed mapping of the regions of the complex flexor muscle compartments that correspond to each digit for both the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor digitorum superficialis. The results also demonstrate the presence of mechanical interdependence between the flexor muscles. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results that localization of the finger-specific subcompartments of the forearm flexor muscles can be performed with this technique. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1395–1401. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dilatation of colon induced in rats by β-aminopropionitrile feeding.

Abstract Diets containing different sources of protein were fed to weanling Sprague-Dawley control rats for periods up to 51 days. Test rats were fed 2.0 gm of di-BAPN-fumarate per kilogram of diet in each instance. Variations in tissue response which were observed in the different assays are attributed to the proteins present in the diets. Diarrhea, colonic dilatation, and fecal accumulation only developed in rats fed cottonseed meal and BAPN. Herniation in the costovertebral angle was also encountered in rats fed cottonseed meal and BAPN. None of the rats fed BAPN in casein, fishmeal, or a commercial diet developed either colonic dilatation or herniation. The production of fecal accumulation in the colon and herniation is attributed to the combined influence of cottonseed meal and BAPN feeding. Microscopic inspection of the dilated colons did not reveal any significant tissue alterations which would explain the colonic dysfunction.
Sex differences in prior pain experience.

Abstract Sex differences in clinical and experimental pain experiences are well documented. However, there has been little work investigating men's and women's experiences with common painful events. This study examined sex differences in the nature and intensity of common pain experiences. Participants (102 women and 85 men) completed the Prior Pain Experience Questionnaire, which is a 79-item assessment of an individual's pain experience, recalled pain ratings, and imagined pain ratings. Analyses of variance were conducted to assess for sex differences in overall pain experience and pain ratings. Men and women did not have significant differences in the overall number of reported pain experiences or in the overall mean pain rating of those experiences. However, they differed in specific pain events experienced (eg, men experienced concussions more than women) and pain ratings (eg, women rated minor surgery as significantly more painful than men). Individuals who imagined pain events tended to rate them as equally or more painful than individuals who experienced those pain events. Perspective Results of this study demonstrate that men and women have varying types of pain experiences without evidence that the overall pain experience differs between sexes. It was also found that imagined pain ratings are often worse than experienced pain ratings, lending support for the tendency of individuals to catastrophize.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GENE MOVEMENT TO THE "TWO RULES OF SPECIATION"

The two "rules of speciation"--the Large X-effect and Haldane's rule--hold throughout the animal kingdom, but the underlying genetic mechanisms that cause them are still unclear. Two predominant explanations--the "dominance theory" and faster male evolution--both have some empirical support, suggesting that the genetic basis of these rules is likely multifarious. We revisit one historical explanation for these rules, based on dysfunctional genetic interactions involving genes recently moved between chromosomes. We suggest that gene movement specifically off or onto the X chromosome is another mechanism that could contribute to the two rules, especially as X chromosome movements can be subject to unique sex-specific and sex chromosome specific consequences in hybrids. Our hypothesis is supported by patterns emerging from comparative genomic data, including a strong bias in interchromosomal gene movements involving the X and an overrepresentation of male reproductive functions among chromosomally relocated genes. In addition, our model indicates that the contribution of gene movement to the two rules in any specific group will depend upon key developmental and reproductive parameters that are taxon specific. We provide several testable predictions that can be used to assess the importance of gene movement as a contributor to these rules in the future.
Mixed-mode I/II fields around a crack with a cohesive zone ahead of the crack tip

Abstract Considering a cohesive zone ahead of the crack tip, the linear elastic crack problem under Mode I, Mode II or mixed-mode conditions is formulated in an elliptic coordinate system, so that the cohesive surfaces are conveniently represented by straight line segments. It is shown that the displacement and stress fields around the crack tip and the cohesive zone, expressed in terms of elliptic coordinates, have a simple mathematical form, which does not contain a stress singularity at the crack tip due to the existence of the cohesive zone.
Conceptual memory for picture and prose episodes

In two experiments, subjects decided whether probes were true or false of one of some previously studied picture and prose episodes. The results indicated that response times to probes depicting explicit events were faster when they were in the same modality (picture or prose) as their episodes than when they were in the opposite modality, but response times to probes depicting implicit events were as fast when they were in the opposite modality as when they were in the same modality. These results suggest that the conceptual representations of picture and prose episodes are identical in form. The second experiment indicated that probes could be evaluated as fast from long as from short episodes. This result is consistent with the notion that retrieving information from episodes is done, not by scanning all the events of an episode, but by restricting the search only to the relevant slot in the schema into which the episode is assimilated.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the mouse and human TUSP gene, a novel member of the tubby superfamily.

Abstract We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel gene belonging to the tubby superfamily proteins (TUSP) in mouse and human. The mouse Tusp cDNA is 9120 bp in length and encodes a deduced protein of 1547 amino acids, while the human TUSP gene is 11,127 bp and encodes a deduced protein of 1544 amino acids. The human and mouse genes are 87% identical for their nucleotide sequences and 85% identical for their amino acid sequences. The protein sequences of these genes are 40–48% identical to other tubby family proteins at the C-terminal conserved ‘tubby domain’. In addition, the TUSP proteins contain a tubby signature motif (FXGRVTQ), two bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs) at the C-terminal, two proline-rich regions, one WD40 repeat region and one suppressor of cytokines signaling domain. Transfection assay with green fluorescent protein-tagged TUSP expression constructs showed that the complete TUSP protein and the N-terminal portion of TUSP are localized in the cytoplasm but the C-terminal portion with the two NLSs produced distinct dots or spots localized in the cytoplasm. Northern blotting analysis showed that the major transcript with the complete coding sequence is expressed mainly in the brain, skeletal muscle, testis and kidney. Radiation hybrid mapping localized the mouse gene to chromosome 17q13 and the human TUSP gene to chromosome 6q25-q26 near the type 1 diabetes gene IDDM5 . However, association analysis in diabetic families with a polymorphic microsatellite marker did not show any evidence for association between TUSP and type 1 diabetes. The precise biological function of the tubby superfamily genes is still unknown; the highly conserved tubby domain in different species, however, suggests that these proteins must have fundamental biological functions in a wide range of multi-cellular organisms.
OC060: The relationship between the severity of maternal obesity and fetal structural anomalies

Introduction: Choroids plexus cysts (CPC) are important for their association with fetal aneuploidy, particularly trisomy 18, which some authors described almost 20 years ago. In spite of numerous works through the years a clear-cut link between trisomy 18 and CPC has not been found. Methods: We analyzed 16 272 patients referred to our centre from January 1998 to December 2002. Only the patients with a first examination between 16 and 23 gestational weeks were included. Fetuses with a CPC were checked for either an amniocentesis (amnio) or a normal outcome at birth. From the group of CPC extracted, fetuses with associated anomalies were noted. From the group with associated anomaly a group with minor and a group with major was extracted. Results: From the total, 366 had CPC, that is 2.9%, 311 had no other associated anomalies; either the karyotype or the postnatal pediatric examination was normal, 55 of the patients had associated anomalies, from this group 12 fetus with present major anomaly were extracted and in two cases the amnio revealed two cases of trisomy 18. The other 10 cases had normal karyotype. The 43 fetuses with CPC and minor finding had either a normal amniocentesis or pediatric examination at birth. In addiction, in the period of study we identified overall 6 fetuses with karyotypically proven trisomy 18. In the 4 fetuses with trisomy 18, the presence of major anomalies in absence of CPC, strongly suggests the performance of a karyotype. Conclusion: In the isolated CPC there is not evidence of aneuploidy. If the isolated CPC had been aggressively pursued the total fetal loss would have been increased to 1.55 fetus assuming a commonly quoted risk of 1 : 200 miscarriage. Another reason is that the trisomy 18 is considered uniformly fatal, there is another important factor to consider the exposure of healthy population at the karyotype risk for recognized a very small population with a very poor prognosis.
Protein kinase superfamily — comparisons of sequence data with three-dimensional structures

Abstract The elucidation of the three-dimensional structures of complexes of the catalytic subunit of mouse recombinant CAMP-dependent protein kinase with bound divalent ion, nucleotide and peptide inhibitor provides new insights into the structural organization of the active site of this enzyme and the probable roles of individual residues in catalysis. Further, the structure of a second member of the eukaryotic kinase superfamily, human cyclin-dependent kinase 2, now provides a first look at both the similarities and the variations in kinase structure.
T-bet: the first master regulator for lymphocyte homing commitment?

Comment on Lord et al, page [3432][1] In this issue, Lord and colleagues demonstrate a role for the transcription factor T-bet in coordinating the paired expression of 2 independent homing molecules: adhesion receptor P-selectin ligand (P-lig) and chemoattractant receptor CXCR3. Lymphocyte
The plant extract of Pao pereira potentiates carboplatin effects against ovarian cancer.

AbstractContext: Herbal preparation of Pao pereira [Geissospermum vellosii Allem (Apocynaceae)] has long been used by oncologic patients and Integrative Medicine practitioners in South America. However, its anticancer activities have not been systematically studied.Objective: To investigate the anticancer effects of β-carboline alkaloids-enriched extract from Pao pereira (Pao), either alone or in combination with carboplatin, in preclinical ovarian cancer models.Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity of Pao (0–800 µg/ml) against different ovarian cancer cell lines and an immortalized epithelial cell line was detected by flow cytometry, MTT assay and colony formation in soft agar. Combination of Pao and carboplatin, a primary chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer, was evaluated using Chou-Talalay’s methods. Mice bearing intraperitoneally spread ovarian cancer were treated with 20 or 50 mg/kg/day Pao by i.p. injection. Carboplatin at 15 mg/kg/week i.p. was compared and combined to Pao treatments.Results: Pa...
The African Green Revolution moves forward

The African Green Revolution is starting to gain momentum and there is now optimism about sub-Saharan Africa’s ability to rapidly increase its agricultural productivity. This is partly due to some key successes—at the local and national levels—of policies that support smallholder farmers. The 80 Millennium Villages, which comprise approximately 400,000 people in ten countries of sub-Saharan Africa, have drastically increased production of staple food crops, transforming food deficits into crop surpluses. Maize yields more than doubled at the village scale, from 1.7 to 4.1 tons ha−1. In Malawi, because of a smart input subsidy program implemented by the government, maize harvests have greatly surpassed those of previous years, turning that country from a recipient of food aid into a food exporter and food aid donor to neighboring countries. Other countries are beginning to implement similar efforts. They will require novel financial mechanisms from the donor community to support them adequately. There is little question that sub-Saharan Africa can greatly improve food security with an ecologically-sound African Green Revolution supported by science-based policies, community mobilization, gender empowerment and effective governance.
A fast cost-optimal parallel algorithm for the lowest common ancestor problem

Abstract The problem of computing the lowest common ancestors of all pairs of nodes in a rooted tree is central in a large number of practical applications. The purpose of this note is to propose a very simple cost-optimal parallel algorithm to solve the lowest common ancestor problem. More precisely, with an n-node rooted tree as input, our algorithm runs in O(log n) time using O(n2 lopg n) processors on the EREW-PRAM model.
Intergenerational above- and belowground responses of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to elevated CO2

We quantified intergenerational above- and belowground responses of two genotypes of semidwarf, hard red, spring wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) to elevated (700 µmol mol ‐1 ) CO2. These plants were progeny of seeds produced from previous generation plants grown at elevated CO2 under well-watered and high nutrient conditions. Because neither genotype in the first generation exhibited enhanced performance with CO2 enrichment, our objective in this investigation was to assess if exposure to CO2 enrichment in subsequent generations resulted in temporal changes in the relative enhancement (elevated/ambient) of above- and belowground plant growth. Relative enhancement occurred in both the second and third generations for both above- and belowground variables. Above- and belowground variables were enhanced by similar relative amounts at elevated CO2 within a generation at each harvest date. Relative enhancement of measured variables was generally greater in the third than second generation when plants were in the seedling or vegetative stage, but not when plants were reproductive. Additional research is needed to investigate physiological or other limitations of translating above- and belowground responses to CO2 in vegetative growth stages to reproductive performance. Intergenerational above- and belowground responses of this C3 annual plant to CO2 enrichment are not driven by genetic change (selection) that occurred between generations, but rather CO2-induced changes in seeds that affected seedling responses to CO2 enrichment. Wir quantifizierten die intergenerationelle ober- und unterirdische Reaktionen von zwei Genotypen mittellangen, hartroten Winterweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) auf erhohtes CO2 (700 µmol mol ‐1 ). Diese Pflanzen waren Abkommlinge von Samen, die von Pflanzen der vorherigen Generation produziert wurden, welche ihrerseits bei erhohtem CO2 und bei ausreichender Wasserversorgung sowie guten Nahrstoffbedingungen kultiviert wurden. Weil keiner der beiden Genotypen in der ersten Generation eine verbesserte Leistung bei CO2-Anreicherung zeigte, war unser Ziel, in der Untersuchung abzuschatzen, ob die Exposition einer CO2-Anreicherung in den nachfolgenden Generationen zu temporaren Veranderungen in der relativen Forderung (erhoht/umgebend) des ober- und unterirdischen Wachstums fuhrte. Eine relative Steigerung fand in der zweiten und in der dritten Generation sowohl bei den ober- als auch unterirdischen Variablen statt. Bei jedem Erntetermin waren die ober- und unterirdischen Variablen innerhalb einer Generation bei erhohtem CO2 mit ahnlichen relativen Anteilen positiv beeinflusst. Die relative Steigerung der gemessenen Variablen war im Allgemeinen bei Pflanzen im Keimlings- oder vegetativen Stadium in der dritten Generation groser als in der zweiten, jedoch nicht bei reproduktiven Pflanzen. Zusatzliche Forschung ist notwendig, um physiologische oder andere Limitierungen zu untersuchen, die ober- und unterirdische Reaktionen von vegetativen Wachstumsstadien auf CO2 in die reproduktiven Leistung ubersetzen.
Nasca: Woven Cosmos and Cross-looped Time

The Brooklyn Museum textile (BMT), sometimes called “The Paracas Textile,” is an exquisite ceremonial cloth produced on the South Coast of Peru and dated to Nasca 2 (c. 100–200AD). The cloth's comp...
Screening mammography beginning at age 40 years: a reappraisal of cost-effectiveness.

BACKGROUND. Several recent studies have added significant information regarding the benefit of screening mammography, especially in the 40-49-years age group. This new information makes it important to reassess the cost-effectiveness of screening. METHODS. A Markov model was used to study the cost-effectiveness of 4 age-related screening strategies: 1) annually from ages 40-79 years; 2) annually from ages 40-64 years and biennially from ages 65-79 years; 3) annually from ages 40-49 years and biennially from ages 50-79 years; and 4) annually from ages 40-79 years in high risk women (10%) and biennially from ages 40-49 years followed by annually from ages 50-79 years in normal risk women (90%). An additional strategy simulating hormone status and estrogen exposure was evaluated. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as marginal cost per year-life saved (MCYLS). RESULTS. The MCYLS varied from $18,800 to $16,100. For all strategies this was within the range of other generally acceptable diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. There was a 14% decrease in MCYLS from the least cost-effective to the most cost-effective strategy. CONCLUSIONS. Cost-effectiveness of four age-related mammographic screening strategies was evaluated. The MCYLS for all strategies was within a generally accepted range. With increasing concerns regarding the cost of health care, this information may be useful in health policy decision-making.
Sparsely substituted chlorins as core constructs in chlorophyll analogue chemistry. Part 1: Synthesis

Abstract Five routes to stable chlorins bearing 0 or 1 meso substituents have been investigated, among which reaction of a 9-bromo-1-formyldipyrromethane and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,3,3-trimethyldipyrrin proved most effective. Application of this route afforded metallochlorins [Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pd(II)] including the chlorin lacking any β-pyrrole and meso substituents.
Clinical experience with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) are effective in reducing mortality in patient populations at risk for sudden cardiac death, but transvenous ICDs are associated with complications such as infections, pneumothorax, venous thrombosis, lead dislodgement, lead malfunction, and haemopericardium. In this Review, Lewis and Gold describe a novel design of entirely subcutaneous ICDs that avoid some of the complications of transvenous systems, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of both ICD systems.
Gene-specific control of inflammation by TLR-induced chromatin modifications

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) induce a multi-component inflammatory response that must be tightly regulated to avoid tissue damage. Most known regulatory mechanisms target TLR signalling pathways and thus broadly inhibit multiple aspects of the inflammatory response. Given the functional diversity of TLR-induced genes, we proposed that additional, gene-specific regulatory mechanisms exist to allow individual aspects of the TLR-induced response to be differentially regulated. Using an in vitro system of lipopolysaccharide tolerance in murine macrophages, we show that TLR-induced genes fall into two categories on the basis of their functions and regulatory requirements. We demonstrate that representatives from the two classes acquire distinct patterns of TLR-induced chromatin modifications. These gene-specific chromatin modifications are associated with transient silencing of one class of genes, which includes pro-inflammatory mediators, and priming of the second class, which includes antimicrobial effectors. These findings illustrate an adaptive response in macrophages and reveal component-specific regulation of inflammation.
African climate change and faunal evolution during the Pliocene-Pleistocene

Abstract Environmental theories of African faunal evolution state that important evolutionary changes during the Pliocene–Pleistocene interval (the last ca. 5.3 million years) were mediated by changes in African climate or shifts in climate variability. Marine sediment sequences demonstrate that subtropical African climate periodically oscillated between markedly wetter and drier conditions, paced by earth orbital variations, with evidence for step-like (±0.2 Ma) increases in African climate variability and aridity near 2.8 Ma, 1.7 Ma, and 1.0 Ma, coincident with the onset and intensification of high-latitude glacial cycles. Analysis of the best dated and most complete African mammal fossil databases indicates African faunal assemblage and, perhaps, speciation changes during the Pliocene–Pleistocene, suggesting more varied and open habitats at 2.9–2.4 Ma and after 1.8 Ma. These intervals correspond to key junctures in early hominid evolution, including the emergence of our genus Homo. Pliocene–Pleistocene shifts in African climate, vegetation, and faunal assemblages thus appear to be roughly contemporary, although detailed comparisons are hampered by sampling gaps, dating uncertainties, and preservational biases in the fossil record. Further study of possible relations between African faunal and climatic change will benefit from the accelerating pace of important new fossil discoveries, emerging molecular biomarker methods for reconstructing African paleovegetation changes, tephra correlations between terrestrial and marine sequences, as well as continuing collaborations between the paleoclimatic and paleoanthropological communities.
ARISTOTLE'S CRITICISM OF PLATO'S FORM OF THE GOOD: ETHICS WITHOUT METAPHYSICS?

(1989). ARISTOTLE'S CRITICISM OF PLATO'S FORM OF THE GOOD: ETHICS WITHOUT METAPHYSICS? Philosophical Papers: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 137-160.
Evaluation Of Peak Location Algorithms With Subpixel Accuracy For Mosaic Focal Planes

The ability to achieve subpixel peak location accuracy for point source taraets in the cross-scan direction for scanning sensors and in both directions for staring sensors is examined systematically by means of Monte Carlo experiments. The performance of three peak location algorithms (simple centroid, extended centroid, polynomial least squares fit) is tested for sensitivity to system signal-to-noise ratio, detector deadspace, and blur spot size relative to detector size. A symmetrical, gaussian intensity profile of the blur spot is used in all cases. Computational efficiency, in terms of the number of multiplies and adds required, was considered in selecting the algorithms to be compared. Overall, we found that the simple centroid algorithm provides the optimum performance, giving %1/10 pixel accuracy for S/N=10 and no deadspace. In addition, performance improves for the centroid algorithms and degrades for the least squares fit algorithm as the blur spot size increases. Increasing deadspace markedly degrades the performance of the centroid algo-rithms.
Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease in four ethnic groups of older adults.

Objectives The present study evaluated knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in four ethnic groups of older adults. Methods Ninety-six Anglo, 37 Latino, 30 Asian, and 30 African American older adults completed a short survey about AD. Results Results indicated that Anglo older adults are significantly more knowledgeable about AD than African American, Asian, and Latino older adults. Level of education partially accounted for differences in knowledge of AD between Latino to Anglo older adults. After controlling for age, number of years of speaking English was associated with knowledge of AD in Asian older adults. Conclusions The results suggest that certain ethnic minority groups do not have sufficient information about AD, and this may explain the lack of AD service use by minorities. Extensive evaluation of barriers to knowledge of AD is needed in order to specifically target minority groups and educate them about AD and the importance of early intervention. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
36 Walk: a case study of reciprocity in movement and computation

In the context of a choreographed media arts performance, we consider the relationship between movement and computation. We describe the case study of one sequence of this performance, 36 Walk, a composition that is built on algorithmic precepts. Drawing on observed experience from a series of movement and design residencies, we outline potentials for new relationships between movement and computation found within this project. We describe the need for new reciprocal relationships between computer and performer and highlight an opportunity space for movement and computation.
Telomeres and telomerase: broad effects on cell growth

During the past year, major advances have been made in understanding the link between telomerase expression and cell immortality. Studies of yeast telomeres have revealed an unexpected role for the non-homologous end-joining machinery in telomere maintenance and have provided the first definitive evidence that telomeres play a critical role in meiosis. Identification of new telomere proteins has led to a better understanding of vertebrate telomere structure and function.
Orthogonal polynomial expansion of the spectral density operator and the calculation of bound state energies and eigenfunctions

Abstract An orthogonal polynomial expansion method is presented, and illustrated with calculations, for calculating δ( E – H ), the spectral density operator (SDO), the projection operator that projects out of any L 2 wavepacket the eigenstate (s) of H having energy E . If applied to an L 2 wavepacket which overlaps the interaction, it yields either scattering-type (improper) eigenstates or proper bound eigenstates. For negative energies, the exact SDO yields zero away from an eigenvalue, and yields the energy eigenstate (times a constant) when E equals an eigenvalue. The finite orthogonal polynomial expansion of the SDO, acting on an L 2 wavepacket, yields approximately zero for E not equal to an eigenvalue, and becomes nonzero in the neighborhood of an eigenvalue.
Current diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objective To review recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Material and Methods Original English language reports were obtained through a Medline search of the National Library of Medicine up to and including 1993. The reference lists of all original reports and review articles were searched to locate any further material. In the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, randomized studies were preferentially considered; greatest priority was given to double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Abstracts, nonrandomized trials, and non-English language publications were considered only when other data were unavailable. Results Information obtained from histories and physical examinations suggests that GERD occurs in many patients. Evaluation of mucosal injury with use of either endoscopy or air contrast barium radiography is an important early step in the diagnosis of GERD. Endoscopy obtains tissue for histologic study, especially in Barrett's esophagus. Prolonged esophageal pH monitoring is the most useful determinant of the presence and amount of reflux of acid. Patients with GERD should be counseled on lifestyle modification and the use of antacids and antirefluxants. Histamine type 2 receptor antagonists provide symptomatic relief in 32 to 82% of patients with GERD and resolution of verified esophagitis in 0 to 82%. Responses with omeprazole therapy are higher; symptomatic responses were noted in 62 to 94% of patients, and healing of esophagitis occurred in 71 to 96%. Promotility agents and surgical therapy have a role in selected patients. Conclusion GERD is a chronic disorder that often necessitates individualized lifelong therapy. Many questions remain to be answered about the cost-effectiveness of both diagnostic tests and therapy for GERD.
Čerenkov Scintillation Counter Measurements Relating to the Isotopic Composition of Helium Nuclei in the Primary Cosmic Radiation

A balloon-borne scintillation-scintillation \ifmmode \check{C}\else \v{C}\fi{}erenkov telescope has been used to measure the spectrum and geomagnetic cutoff-transmission effects on the low-energy proton and helium components in the primary cosmic radiation. Differences are found in the cutoff effects (assumed to be rigidity-dependent) of these two components in flights at closely adjacent latitudes. It is shown that these differences can be related to the presence of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ in the primary radiation. The ratio (${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$/${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$+${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$) is deduced to be 0.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07, essentially independent of energy in the range 120-300 MeV/nucleon. This result is compared with other measurements and some implications regarding the production of the ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ nuclei are discussed.
Thermomechanical Analysis of a Damaged Thermal Protection System

Thermomechanical analysis of the space shuttle tile thermal protection system (TPS) subjected to damage is conducted using the finite element method. The thermal and structural response of the damaged configurations are compared with the undamaged configuration to determine the relative effects of damage on the thermal protection capability and the induced thermal stresses in the TPS. The TPS is modeled as a discrete three-layered structure, consisting of the LI-900 tile, strain isolation pad (SIP) and the underlying structure. The atmospheric re-entry heating profile of the Access to Space (ATS) vehicle is used for the analysis. The transient temperature distribution in the system is calculated and these results are then used to determine the thermal stresses in the system. The temperature and thermal stress solutions are assumed to be uncoupled. Three different sizes of damage having diameters 0.5", 1" and 1.5", based on hypervelocity impact, are considered. Material nonlinearity as well as cavity radiation is included in the models. The axisymmetric case is considered first and subsequently, square configurations that resemble the actual system are analyzed. The damage increases the surface area exposed to heating and affects radiation heat loss from the surface, allowing more heat to penetrate into the system. The resulting higher temperatures, coupled with stress concentrations introduced by the damage cause significant increases in the thermal stresses.
Experimental study of neptunyl adsorption onto Bacillus subtilis

The subsurface mobility of Np is difficult to predict in part due to uncertainties associated with its sorption behavior in geologic systems. In this study, we measured Np adsorption onto a common gram- positive soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. We performed batch adsorption experiments with Np(V) solutions as a function of pH, from 2.5 to 8, as a function of total Np concentration from 1.29 10 5 M to 2.57 10 4 M, and as a function of ionic strength from 0.001 to 0.5 M NaClO4. Under most pH conditions, Np adsorption is reversible and exhibits an inverse relationship with ionic strength, with adsorption increasing with increasing pH. At low pH in the 0.1 M ionic strength systems, we observed irreversible adsorption, which is consistent with reduction of Np(V) to Np(IV). We model the adsorption reaction using a nonelectrostatic surface complexation approach to yield ionic strength dependent NpO2 -bacterial surface stability constants. The data require two bacterial surface complexation reactions to account for the observed adsorption behavior: R-L1 NpO2 ↔ R-L1-NpO2 and R-L2 NpO2 ↔ R-L2-NpO2 , where R represents the bacterium to which each functional group is attached, and L1 and L2 represent the first and second of four discrete site types on the bacterial surface. Stability constants (log K values) for the L1 and L2 reactions in the 0.001 M system are 2.3 0.3 and 2.3 0.2, and in the 0.1 M system the values are 1.7 0.2 and 1.6 0.2, respectively. The calculated neptunyl-bacterial surface stability constants are not consistent with values predicted using the linear free energy correlation approach from Fein et al. (2001), suggesting that possible unfavorable steric interactions and the low charge of NpO2 affects Np-bacterial adsorption. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd