cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a multifactor nonrandom mating model in population genetics

Abstract The complete time dependent behavior of a population under the system of mixed random mating and selfing is discussed, assuming multiple unlinked loci with multiple alleles. Expressions are obtained for the distribution of genotypes. The genotypic mean and variance under the assumption that the effects of different loci are additive are considered. The covariance between a pair of factors depends upon the dominance deviations; the parameter of nonrandom mating, β; and the gene frequencies. It vanishes in the absence of dominance or when β=0 or 1. The usual assumption that the variance due to several independently segregating loci is equal to the sum of variances due to each locus separately is not valid in the present case.
Effects of epidermal growth factor on the tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in monolayer cultures of porcine granulosa cells.

We have examined porcine granulosa cells (pGCs) for the presence of immunodetectable mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinases, ERK) and have further studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the activation of these kinases. Cell lysates prepared from untreated monolayer cultures of pGCs were subjected to Western immunoblotting analysis using monoclonal antibodies to ERK1, ERK2 and pan-specific ERK. MAP kinases were detected having mol wts of 87K (ERK87), 54K (ERK54), 44K (ERK1), and 42K (ERK2). Treatment of pGCs with increasing concentrations (1-10 ng/ml) of EGF for 10 min resulted in electrophoretic mobility shifts of ERK1 and ERK2 suggesting hyperphosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation with an antiphosphotyrosine antibody (PY20), followed by Western analysis using pan-ERK, revealed a marked concentration-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK2 in response to EGF treatment. The mobility shift and tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK2 was observed as early as 1 min after treatment with 10 ng/ml EGF. In-gel myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase assays revealed significant MBP kinase activity associated with ERK1 and ERK2 in total cell lysates and ERK2 in PY20 immunoprecipitates. Although ERK1 displayed a moderate mobility shift in response to EGF, tyrosine phosphorylation of this MAP kinase was not appreciably increased by EGF. Furthermore, PY20 immunoprecipitates demonstrated minimal MBP kinase associated with ERK1 in response to EGF treatment. Electrophoretic migration, tyrosine phosphorylation, and MBP kinase activity of the ERK54 and ERK87 was not effected regardless of EGF concentration or duration of treatment. These data demonstrate for the first time that pGCs contain immunodetectable MAP kinases. EGF, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, increases tyrosine phosphorylation and MBP kinase activity (i.e. activation) of ERK2, and to a lesser degree ERK1, suggesting that the activation of MAP kinase may mediate the mitogenic action of EGF in pGCs.
Evaluating symptom expression as a function of a posttraumatic stress disorder severity

Little is known about the relative severity or typical sequence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using data from the National Comorbidity Study-Replication (NCS-R) [Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Heeringa, S., & Hiripi, E., et al. (2004). The US National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R): design and field procedures. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 13(2), 69-92], the current study used a logistic item response model to assess the degree to which DSM-IV symptoms combine to define a primary construct underlying PTSD, to identify which symptoms are associated with greater severity of PTSD, and to determine whether the symptoms and symptom patterns are influenced by gender. Results suggested that PTSD symptoms can be combined to assess a single dimension of PTSD severity, providing support for a continuum of symptom severity. However, several DSM-IV symptoms provided overlapping information, potentially reducing the effectiveness of these symptoms in describing a broad range of PTSD. More precise assessment of PTSD severity may help improve the descriptive value of PTSD measures relationship to continuous measures of treatment outcomes, and ultimately inform more effective treatments.
Molecular cloning of the t complex responder genetic locus.

Abstract Although mouse t haplotypes carry recessive mutations causing male sterility and embryonic lethality, they persist in wild mouse populations via male transmission ratio distortion (TRD). Genetic evidence suggests that at least five t -haplotype-encoded loci combine to cause TRD. One of these loci, called the t complex responder (Tcr) , is absolutely required for any deviation from Mendelian segregation to occur. A candidate for the Tcr gene has previously been identified. Evidence that this gene represents Tcr is its localization to the appropriate genomic subregion and testis-specific expression pattern. Here, we report the molecular cloning of the region between recombinant chromosome breakpoints defining the Tcr locus. These results circumacribe Tcr to a 150- to 220-kb region of DNA, including the 22-kb candidate responder gene. This gene and two other homologs were created by large genomic duplications, each involving segments of DNA 10-fold larger than the individual genes.
Positively Invariant Regions for a Problem in Phase Transitions

Positively invariant regions for the system v t + p(w) x =e v xx ,w t − v x =e w xλ are constructed where p′ β, p′(w)= 0, α ≦ w ≦ β, e > 0. Such a choice of p is motivated by the Maxwell construction for a van der Waals fluid. The method of an analysis is a modification of earlier ideas of Chueh, Conley, & Smoller [1]. The results given here provide e independent L ∞, bounds on the solution (w, v).
On estimating air pollution control benefits from land value studies

Abstract This paper deals with some unresolved issues in interpreting empirical property value/air pollution studies. A model is developed in which it is shown that in general regressions of property values on pollution variables do not identify the demand curve for clean air. However since the first derivative of the observed rent function is a locus of household equilibrium marginal willingnesses to pay, aggregate benefits can be calculated directly. The possibilities for obtaining approximate measures of aggregate benefits for nonmarginal changes in air quality are also discussed.
Localization of γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone (γMSH) immunoreactivity in rat brain and pituitary

Abstract γ-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (γMSH) is a possibly biologically active material discovered in the cryptic N-terminus of the pro-opiocortin precursor by recombinant DNA analysis of bovine pituitary mRNA. Well-characterized antisera to synthetic bovine γ-3MSH ( γ 3 MSH) were used to localize immunoreactive sites in sections of formaldehyde-fixed rat brain and pituitary by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Specificity for staining was established by absorption with the synthetic antigen peptides or their fragments; staining was not blocked by absorption with synthetic replicates of other natural peptides that contain redundant amino acid sequences, with those of γMSH such as corticotropin or β-MSH. The general patterns of staining within adenohypophysis, intermediate lobe, and central nervous system closely followed the previously described patterns of β-endorphin immunoreactivity. Corticotrophs, all intermediate lobe cells and neuronal perikarya in the ventro-basal hypothalamus exhibited immunoreactivity for γ 3 MSH as they do for β-endorphin. Furthermore, the general distribution of immunoreactive nerve fibers and terminals within the diencephalon and pons was quite similar to endorphin immunoreactivity patterns as well. In series of alternating sections, prepared for either γ 3 MSH β-endorphin immunoreactivity, the same specific terminal fields were found to exhibit very similarly shaped varicose axons and probable terminal bouton configurations. However, the density of the innervation by fibers exhibiting immunoreactivity for the two peptides varied among the common target areas. Furthermore, the perikarya exhibiting γ 3 MSH immunoreactivity were fewer in number, smaller in size, and more medially clustered than those exhibiting immunoreactivity for β-endorphin. These results demonstrate that γ 3 MSH also occurs in rat brain and in pituitary cells which were already known to contain endorphin immunoreactivity. However, γ 3 MSH-immunoreactive neurones may not be coexistent with all endorphin-immunoreactive neurons, and these cells project with varying intensity to common target fields. Such observations are in agreement with the proposal of different processing of a common precursor in different cells.
Two Cases of Intranasal Naloxone Self-Administration in Opioid Overdose

ABSTRACT. Background: Overdose is a leading cause of death for former prisoners, exacting its greatest toll during the first 2 weeks post release. Protective effects have been observed with training individuals at high risk of overdose and prescribing them naloxone, an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of the opioid-induced respiratory depression that causes death. Cases: The authors report 2 people with opiate use histories who self-administered intranasal naloxone to treat their own heroin overdoses following release from prison. Patient A is a 34-year-old male, who reported having experienced an overdose on heroin the day after he was released from incarceration. Patient B is a 29-year-old female, who reported an overdose on her first injection of heroin, 17 days post release from incarceration. Both patients self-administered the medication but were assisted at some point during the injury by a witness whom they had personally instructed in how to prepare and administer the medication. Neit...
EXOGENOUS CORTICOSTERONE REDUCES L-DOPA-INDUCED DYSKINESIA IN THE HEMI-PARKINSONIAN RAT: ROLE FOR INTERLEUKIN-1β

While the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown, there is overwhelming evidence that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons. Because nearly all persons suffering from PD receive l-DOPA, it is surprising that inflammation has not been examined as a potential contributor to the abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) that occur as a consequence of chronic l-DOPA treatment. As an initial test of this hypothesis, we examined the effects of exogenously administered corticosterone (CORT), an endogenous anti-inflammatory agent, on the expression and development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in unilateral DA-depleted rats. To do this, male Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral medial forebrain bundle 6-hydroxydopamine lesions. Three weeks later, l-DOPA primed rats received acute injections of CORT (0-3.75 mg/kg) prior to l-DOPA to assess the expression of LID. A second group of rats was used to examine the development of LID in l-DOPA naive rats co-treated with CORT and l-DOPA for 2 weeks. AIMs and rotations were recorded. Exogenous CORT dose-dependently attenuated both the expression and development of AIMs without affecting rotations. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of striatal tissue implicated a role for interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta in these effects as its expression was increased on the lesioned side in rats treated with l-DOPA (within the DA-depleted striatum) and attenuated with CORT. In the final experiment, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was microinjected into the striatum of l-DOPA-primed rats to assess the impact of IL-1 signaling on LID. Intrastriatal IL-1ra reduced the expression of LID without affecting rotations. These findings indicate a novel role for neuroinflammation in the expression of LID, and may implicate the use of anti-inflammatory agents as a potential adjunctive therapy for the treatment of LID.
Isotopic probes into pathways of ethanol metabolism.

Abstract The relative extent of tritium labeling in glucose and water was determined when l -[2- 3 H]lactate or [(1 R )1- 3 H]ethanol were the labeled substrates for rat liver parenchymal cells, incubated with 20 m m ethanol and 10 m m l-lactate. From the relatively lower specific yield in glucose from the tritiated ethanol one can calculate a percentage contribution of a non-alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated pathway to total ethanol metabolism. This calculated value (about 35%) is somewhat higher than that determined by the use of pyrazole at 5 m m to inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase. The utilization of [(1 R )1- 3 H]ethanol is slower than that of unlabeled ethanol, both in the absence and presence of 5 m m pyrazole, indicating isotope discrimination against tritium in both the alcohol dehydrogenase and non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathways. There was only a slight difference in the rate of utilization of normal and fully deuterated ethanol by rat liver cells in the absence of pyrazole. However, in the presence of 5 m m pyrazole, where essentially only the non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathway operates, deuterated ethanol was utilized at only about half the rate of nondeuterated ethanol. These findings are difficult to reconcile with a catalase-mediated pathway of ethanol metabolism in which the rate-limiting factor is the rate of H 2 O 2 generation.
Measuring HIV stigma: Existing knowledge and gaps

The growing recognition of the reduction of HIV stigma as central to effective programs across the HIV/AIDS prevention to care and treatment continuum is leading to an increasing number of programs focused on stigma reduction. Correctly evaluating the impact of these programs depends on having a good set of measures that effectively capture and distinguish the complexities of HIV stigma. This paper reviews the existing literature on HIV stigma measurement and identifies key gaps that remain. There is a need for measures at the general population level that are unambiguous about the cause of the stigmatizing behavior, that capture enacted stigma (discrimination), and that can distinguish compound (layered) stigma. In addition, studies are needed in a wider variety of contexts and on a larger scale that include a comprehensive set of measures to capture the complexity of HIV-related stigma and ensure appropriate evaluation of stigma-reduction programs.
Center Stage: Arts‐Based Read‐Alouds

Arts-based literacy instruction can qualitatively change teaching and learning. This article opens with vignettes of two classroom teachers who use music and drama as core strategies to introduce, develop, and follow-up on a reading lesson during an integrated social studies unit. These examples introduce an expanded definition of literacy that includes use of language and the arts as equal communication partners. A case is presented for arts-based literacy, and the author cites a significant research base that connects arts integration to academic, personal, and social gains. She goes on to explain the process of collaborative arts-based literacy planning, showing how a team of teachers selects specific music, visual art, drama, and dance strategies to develop a book's “big ideas” or themes. Arts strategies are then used as processes to help students make meaning before, during, and after reading.
A self-inducing runaway-replication plasmid expression system utilizing the Rop protein.

Abstract A highly efficient prokaryotic expression system has been developed that produces proteins at levels exceeding 150 μg/ml of culture medium. The system consists of a temperature-sensitive-copy-number plasmid that carries the rop gene and promoter downstream from the trp promoter. Any sequence cloned into the PvuII site of the rop gene alters Rop protein activity and causes lethal runaway plasmid DNA replication. This plasmid replication can be suppressed in trans by complementation with a similar wild-type plasmid. Cells harboring both plasmids are quite stable, and induction of plasmid DNA synthesis occurs only after cells are grown for several generations under conditions that lead to the loss of the trans-acting repressor. Large amounts of Rop fusion proteins accumulate in the cell as the trp operon is gradually induced via repressor titration. All chimeric proteins accumulate as insoluble aggregates, and are therefore easily purified. They can be solubilized using relatively mild conditions, and the partially purified proteins are highly amenable to cleavage by chemical methods. Using this system we have made Rop fusions with the HIV Tat protein, the herpes simplex virus type-2 38K protein, and Chinese hamster metallothionein.
The development and homology of the chelonian carpus and tarsus

The long-standing controversies involving the number and homologies of the elements of the carpus and tarsus of turtles are reviewed from a developmental perspective. The analysis is based on a detailed description of the chondrogenesis of the carpus and tarsus in the species Chelydra serpentina and Chrysemys picta. The first stage described is the differentiation of a Y-shaped chondrogenetic condensation involving the humerus (femur)-radius/ ulna (tibia/fibula). This stage is followed by the early formation of a series of connected condensations off the distal end of the postaxial element (ulna or fibula). This linear array, which we refer to as the primary axis, comprises the ulnare-distal carpal 4-metacarpal 4 in the carpus and the fibulare-distal tarsal 4-metatarsal 4 in the tarsus. There are two precondensations that branch off the primary axis. The proximal one will soon form the intermedium while the distal one will generate a digital arch that will give rise sequentially to digits 3-2-1, in this order. Digit 5 is not part of the digital arch and forms as an independent condensation. We emphasize that chondrogenetic foci often form as "branches" off existing condensations. This well-defined pattern of connectivity is used to establish unambiguous homologies and allows comparisons with other vertebrates. We conclude that preaxial elements such as the radiale and tibiale are absent in the turtles examined and probably in all turtles. The observed proximal elements that form in the anterior region of the limb and that are often homologized as radiale or tibiale have clear connections to the postaxial elements. For this reason we argue that these elements should be homologized as centralia. Therefore, we find two chondrogenetic condensations in the tarsus and three in the carpus, which we consider centralia. They subsequently fuse with neighboring elements in a complex pattern. We also describe the variable presence of a late-developing element in the tarsus of Chelydra, which, to our knowledge, has never been described. We propose this element to be an atavistic pretarsale. Comparison of the chondrogenetic pattern in turtles with those described in the literature for other vertebrates indicates that there are two invariant patterns in all tetrapods with the exception of the urodeles. These are (1) the primary axis and (2) the digital arch.
Truth-reliability and the evolution of human cognitive faculties

Many philosophers have claimed that evolutionary theory provides good reason to believe that human cognitive faculties are reliable. Specifically, they claim that reliable cognitive faculties enjoy a selective advantage over unreliable cognitive faculties. Thus, it is concluded that natural selection favors cognitive faculties that are capable of fulfilling the epistemic goal of having mostly true beliefs. In this paper, I argue that the fact that human cognitive faculties have an evolutionary origin provides no reason to accept the claim that they are reliable with respect to generating true beliefs. While evolution might warrant the claim that human cognitive faculties are adaptive (or fitness-enhancing), the claim that human cognitive faculties reliably generate true beliefs is not supported by an appeal to evolution. I begin by constructing an argument linking natural selection with reliability. I argue, however, that such an argument fails because itexploitsan ambiguitybetween twodistinctnotionsofreliability:fitness-reliabilityand truth-reliability.While it is plausibleto think that our cognitive faculties are fitness-reliable, our epistemic goals require them to be truth-reliable. After discussing reasons for doubting whether true beliefs are more adaptive than false beliefs, I conclude that natural selection provides no reason to suppose that human cognitive faculties are truth-reliable.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 responsiveness in the promoter of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit.

Abstract Previous studies have shown cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)-dependent transcriptional up-regulation of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL). To identify sequences mediating constitutive and induced expression of the catalytic subunit of GCL (GCLC), a series of deletion mutants from the 5'-flanking region (−3,802 to +465) were transfected into control (C34) and CYP2E1-overexpressing (E47) HepG2 cells. Increased luciferase expression, both basal (2- to 3-fold) and following exposure to ethanol, arachidonic acid (AA), or AA plus iron, was detected in E47 cells with the full-length but not shorter reporter vectors. Basal induction was blocked by CYP2E1 inhibitors and catalase. Basal and inducible luciferase expression in E47 cells was blunted by the full-length construct mutated in the ARE4 site. Catalase and diallyl sulfide prevented basal and AA-induced messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of GCLC and the modulatory subunit of GCL (GCLM). Preincubation with low doses of AA increased glutathione (GSH) levels as well as GCLC and GCLM mRNAs, and this protected against H2O2 and menadione toxicity. Primary hepatocytes from pyrazole-injected rats with high levels of CYP2E1 showed an increase in GSH levels as well as GCLC and GCLM mRNAs compared with saline controls, and this was prevented by diallyl sulfide. In conclusion, redox-sensitive elements directing constitutive and induced expression of the GCLC in CYP2E1-expressing cells are present in the ARE4 distal portion of the 5'-flanking region, between positions −3,802 and −2,752, perhaps a reflection of metabolic adaptation to CYP2E1-generated oxidative stress. (H EPATOLOGY 2003;37:96-106.)
Magnetic Sensors for Diagnostic Medicine: CMOS-Based Magnetic Particle Detectors for Medical Diagnosis Applications

There is an ever-increasing yet unmet market demand for high-performance biosensors that can reliably interface with the biological entities under test and accurately interpret the microscopic biochemical processes by readily measurable signals. These sensors will provide radical solutions to future medical diagnosis applications. Such sensors need to provide high sensitivity, large dynamic range, and handheld portability all within a low price tag to be qualified as functionally and economically viable products. Once fully developed, they can serve as a portable molecular level medical diagnostic platform to address applications such as low-cost home health care, epidemic disease control, bio-threat detection, and environmental monitoring [1], [2]. In parallel, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), as one of the most mature integrated circuit (IC) processes, has gained increased attention among the biosensors and bioelectronics community. The modern CMOS process provides high-performance signal receiving and generation, unparalleled on-chip computation, and low cost at a mass-production level. As a result, CMOS ICs naturally offer a powerful, versatile, and cost competitive platform for implementing integrated biosensors.
Carotenoid diagenesis in recent marine sediments: II. Degradation of fucoxanthin to loliolide

Abstract The quantitative distributions of loliolide and the major phytoplankton carotenoids: fucoxanthin, diadinochrome, diatoxanthin, and β-carotene in two cores of anoxic marine sediment recovered from the Peru continental shelf are reported. Our results demonstrate that the rapid degradation of carotenoids in sediments is not a result of their high degree of unsaturation as has been previously suggested. Instead, carotenoids exhibit a wide range of degradation rates that are proportional to the ability of specific pigments to form unstable bicyclic furanoxides. Carotenoid furanoxides undergo subsequent fragmentation to loliolide, isololiolide, dihydroactinidiolide and other, as yet undetermined, low molecular weight products. This degradation pathway accounts for the relative rates of removal for specific carotenoids (fucoxanthin = fucoxanthinol > diadinoxanthin > diatoxanthin = carotene), the distribution of carotenoids reported by Wpatts and Maxwell (1977) and C ardoso et al. (1978) in ancient sediments, the occurrence of novel carotenoid transformation products in surface sediments reported by r pidout et al. (1984), and the distribution of loliolides in recent sediments recovered from the Namibian shelf reported by k plok et al. (1984a,b). We predict that loliolide and isololiolide will inherit a specific stereochemistry from their carotenoid precursors, but that dihydroactinidiolide will be racemic. For every μmole of fucoxanthin degraded in Peru sediments, 0.7–1.1 μmole of loliolide is produced. Summation of fucoxanthin and loliolide at each subsurface horizon yields an estimate of the total deposition of fucoxanthin at t = 0. Throughout the 0–20 cm depth of our samples, this parameter is remarkably constant to ±16%. Individual horizons exhibit excursions which may reflect changes in surface productivity. Extrapolation of our measurements to deeper sediments may therefore be of some value in deciphering questions on environmental conditions of deposition and paleoproductivity.
HYPERTROPHY OF THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS OF FROG TADPOLES AFTER PARTIAL PANCREATECTOMY.

Subsequent to incomplete surgical removal of the dorsal pancreatic rudiment of Rana pipiens embryos, islets of Langerhans arise in the pancreas, but in smaller amount than normal. Conpensatory hypertrophy of the beta cells occurs, and the islets are transformed from a larval into an adult histological type. Larval growth and metamorphosis is otherwise unaffected. The evidence supports the hypothesis that metamorphic maturation of the islets of Langerhans is a consequence of an increase in the functional demand on the islets of the frog as compared to the tadpole, and not to direct metamorphic effects of thyroxine. Possible causes for a relatively higher insulin requirement of the frog include (1) an increase in the carbohydrate load on the islets, (2) an increase in the secretion of hyperglycemic hormones, and (3) a higher rate of insulin inactivation.
Facilitating Trust Engenderment in Secondary School Nurse Interactions With Students

School nurses are involved in a complex framework of interactions with students, other professionals, parents, and administrators. Trust between nurse and student is critical for interaction effectiveness. The goal of this study was to understand through phenomenology the process of engendering trust in school nurse-high school student interactions. The qualitative approach explored school nurse perceptions of experiences interacting with students, yielding insights into nurse- and setting-based factors contributing to the development of trust. Subthemes within these included key behaviors and attributes enhancing trust engenderment in school nurse-student interactions. Study findings were well supported by the existing nursing and psychological research literature. Nurses that purposefully strive to develop trust in young people will maximize adolescent health results.
A REVIEW OF INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING FAMILY HISTORY

The influence of family history on one's development has long been a focus of psychological theory, research, and practice. In recent years, however, conceptualizations of family influences on development have evolved considerably, and there has also been increased concern about the reliability of individuals' memory for their childhoods in general. Current knowledge regarding these and other issues are applied to reviewing the instruments that have been developed to assess aspects of family history. The complexity of this type of assessment is emphasized, and a variety of problems with the reliability and validity of the currently available instruments are discussed. Suggestions for future research are also offered.
Immunoelectrophoresis adapted for the clinical laboratory

Summary A clinically useful system of protein immunoelectrophoresis is described which incorporates (a) a widely-available electrophoresis chamber—the Beckman Durrum Cell—used with agar-coated microscope slides and gauze wicks, (b) the use of a purified pre-weighed agar tablet, (c) a simple inexpensive lighting device and a rapid print photographic system employing unstained slides and (d) a report-form showing the protein electrophoretic tracing together with photographic prints of the patients immunoelectrophoresis pattern compared with a normal control serum.
Stepchildren’s Perceptions of the Contradictions in Communication with Stepparents

This interpretive study, framed in relational dialectics theory, sought to identify stepchildren’s perceptions of the contradictions that animate communication with the stepparent in their household of primary residence. In-depth interviews were conducted, producing 802 pages of double-spaced interview transcripts, which were analyzed inductively for commonly experienced contradictions of stepchild-stepparent communication. Three underlying contradictions were identified. First, stepchild-stepparent communication was perceived to be characterized by a dialectic of integration, characterized by both closeness and distance. Second, stepchild-stepparent communication was perceived to be characterized by a dialectic of parental status, in which the stepparent was, and was not, granted legitimacy in a parent role. Third, stepchild-stepparent communication was perceived to be animated by a dialectic of expression in which both candor and discretion were featured.
The Effects of Learning Confusable Words on Subsequent Learning of High or Low Imagery Words.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the type of words beginning first graders initially learned on the subsequent learning rate of words. One hundred and twenty firs...
Reactions to Blue-Collar Work: A Comparison of Women and Men

This article compares the levels and determinants of job satisfaction and organizational commitment among blue-collar women and men in an assessment of the gender role and job structure perspectives on work attitudes. The results, based on samples of 2,489 men and 1,070 women who work in midwestern factories, suggest that women's reactions to work are formed in ways which contradict traditional gender role interpretations of the relationship of women to paid work. These women's job satisfaction and organizational commitment are affected most by the intrinsic and financial rewards which their jobs provide, as is true of their male counterparts. Still, there are gender differences in the formation of work attitudes which are consistent with the feminist strand of the gender model. This suggests that both theory and social policy must consider the work-related and nonwork manifestations of the gender role division of labor. Given their different positions in the gender stratification system, there is remarka...
Molecular neurobiology of lead (Pb(2+)): effects on synaptic function.

Lead (Pb2+) is a ubiquitous environmental neurotoxicant that continues to threaten public health on a global scale. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated detrimental effects of Pb2+ on childhood IQ at very low levels of exposure. Recently, a mechanistic understanding of how Pb2+ affects brain development has begun to emerge. The cognitive effects of Pb2+ exposure are believed to be mediated through its selective inhibition of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Studies in animal models of developmental Pb2+ exposure exhibit altered NMDAR subunit ontogeny and disruption of NMDAR-dependent intracellular signaling. Additional studies have reported that Pb2+ exposure inhibits presynaptic calcium (Ca2+) channels and affects presynaptic neurotransmission, but a mechanistic link between presynaptic and postsynaptic effects has been missing. Recent work has suggested that the presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of Pb2+ exposure are both due to inhibition of the NMDAR by Pb2+, and that the presynaptic effects of Pb2+ may be mediated by disruption of NMDAR activity-dependent signaling of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These findings provide the basis for the first working model to describe the effects of Pb2+ exposure on synaptic function. Here, we review the neurotoxic effects of Pb2+ exposure and discuss the known effects of Pb2+ exposure in light of these recent findings.
On the stiffness of materials containing a disordered array of microscopic holes or hard inclusions

We study the macroscopic mechanical behavior of materials with microscopic holes or hard inclusions. Specifically, we deal with the effective elastic moduli of composites whose microgeometry consists of either soft or hard isolated inclusions surrounded by an elastic matrix. We approach this problem by taking the stiffness of the inclusion phase to be a complex variable, which we eventually evaluate at the soft or hard limits. Our main result states that there is a certain class of non-physical, negative-definite values of the elastic moduli of the inclusion phase for which the effective tensor does not have infinities or become otherwise singular.
Effects of 4-Tertiary Butyl Catechol on Melanocytes of Hairless Mice

Depigmentary effect of 4-tertiary butyl catechol (TBC) on UV-stimulated melanocytes on the flanks and naturally active melanocytes of ears were compared in Uscd strain hairless mice. UVB irradiation, twice a week for 1 or 2 mo, induced brown-black pigmentation on the flanks. A 1 m TBC application twice a week for 1 mo not only prevented the UV-stimulated pigmentation, but also promoted fading of the post-UV tanning. Dopastained split epidermal sheets showed a decrease in the number of melanocytes to less than one-half during the first month of TBC treatment. Melanocytes were often enlarged or lost their dendrites and both premelanosomes and melanosomes showed ultrastructural changes. However, TBC application on the ears for 1 mo showed neither color change nor a decrease in the number of melanocytes. There were ultrastrutural changes in melanocytes but the degree of abnormality was much less than those seen in UV-stimulated melanocytes. Continuation of TBC application for 2month with the UV irradiation on the flanks or the nonirradiated ears caused an increase in the number of melanocytes. These results suggest that the initial effect of TBC may be primarily cytotoxicity to melanocytes and may correlated with their cellular functions. The stimulatory effects of TBC on melanocytes seen during the longer period of times requires further investigation.
A sufficient condition for global regularity of the ∂¯-Neumann operator

Abstract A theory of global regularity of the ∂ ¯ -Neumann operator is developed which unifies the two principal approaches to date, namely the one via compactness due to Kohn–Nirenberg [J.J. Kohn, L. Nirenberg, Non-coercive boundary value problems, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 18 (1965) 443–492] and Catlin [David Catlin, Global regularity of the ∂ ¯ -Neumann problem, in: Y.-T. Siu (Ed.), Complex Analysis of Several Variables, in: Proc. Sympos. Pure Math., vol. 41, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, RI, 1984, pp. 39–49] and the one via plurisubharmonic defining functions and/or vector fields that commute approximately with ∂ ¯ due to Boas and the author [Harold P. Boas, Emil J. Straube, Sobolev estimates for the ∂ ¯ -Neumann operator on domains in C n admitting a defining function that is plurisubharmonic on the boundary, Math. Z. 206 (1) (1991) 81–88; Harold P. Boas, Emil J. Straube, De Rham cohomology of manifolds containing the points of infinite type, and Sobolev estimates for the ∂ ¯ -Neumann problem, J. Geom. Anal. 3 (3) (1993) 225–235].
The Relationship between Temperature and Calcium in Acute Cell Damage after Exposure to Radiofrequency or Thermal Energy in Isolated Neonatal and Adult Rabbit Cardiac Myocytes

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a nonsurgical technique using catheter-directed RF energy for treating cardiac arrhythmias in children and adults. Previous reports have suggested that sequestration of calcium (Ca2+) by the sarcoplasmic reticulum may partially protect mature cardiac myocytes from the effects of RF energy. The purposes of this study were to determine whether differences exist between neonatal and adult myocyte responses to RF energy and if myocyte damage is a Ca2+-dependent process. Because immature myocardium is functionally deficient in sarcoplasmic reticulum, we hypothesized that immature myocytes would be more susceptible to damage induced by RF energy. Isolated ventricular myocytes were obtained from neonatal and adult New Zealand White rabbits by enzymatic dissociation, then placed in a perfusion chamber designed to deliver RF energy or a heated perfusate solution. Measurements of bath temperature, cell morphology, and contractile response to electrical stimuli were recorded. RF energy application associated with increased perfusate temperature resulted in cell death, but not when the temperature rise was inhibited. Thus, the acute damage to cells exposed to RF energy appears to be mediated by thermal energy. After exposure to thermal energy, neonatal cells underwent contracture at lower temperatures than did adult cells. Perfusion with solutions containing low Ca2+ concentrations, comparable to intracellular diastolic Ca2+ levels, had a protective effect for both neonatal and adult myocytes. These findings indicate that acute cell damage after exposure to RF energy is mediated by a Ca2+-dependent process. Furthermore, immature myocardium is particularly susceptible to RF-mediated cell damage, possibly secondary to reduced Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Chemical studies on malformin. 1. Malformin A

Abstract The optical configuration and sequence of amino acids of malformin A has been determined. From partial hydrolysates of malformin A, desthiomalformin A, and oxidized malformin A, eleven peptides were isolated. The structure cyclo- l -isoleucyl- d -cysteinyl- l -valyl- d -cysteinyl- d -leucyl was assigned to malformin A. The complete racemization of d -half-cystine to dl - cysteic acid after performic acid oxidation and acid hydrolysis made it difficult to postulate the presence of an SS bond in the molecule. The structure surrounding the sulfur was investigated. A new isomer of malformin A was isolated by alumina chromatography.
TMC-1 attenuates C. elegans development and sexual behaviour in a chemically defined food environment

Although diet affects growth and behaviour, the adaptive mechanisms that coordinate these processes in non-optimal food sources are unclear. Here we show that the C. elegans tmc-1 channel, which is homologous to the mammalian tmc deafness genes, attenuates development and inhibits sexual behaviour in non-optimal food, the synthetic CeMM medium. In CeMM medium, signalling from the pharyngeal MC neurons and body wall muscles slows larval development. However, in the non-standard diet, mutation in tmc-1 accelerates development, by impairing the excitability of these cells. The tmc-1 larva can immediately generate ATP when fed CeMM, and their fast development requires insulin signalling. Our findings suggest that the tmc-1 channel indirectly affects metabolism in wild-type animals. In addition to regulating the development, we show that mutating tmc-1 can relax diet-induced inhibition of male sexual behaviour, thus indicating that a single regulator can be genetically modified to promote growth rate and reproductive success in new environments.
Engineering hERG Channel Inner Cavity within KcsA Structure

To provide some structural insights about the molecular basis of the inactivation gating and drug binding properties of the hERG channel, we have reasoned that a chimeric approach in which we recreate the cavity of the hERG channel in to the KcsA structure could potentially lends a structural framework to begin understand inactivation gating and pharmacology of the hERG channel from a structural point of view. Recently, we have made an important advance toward this goal by expressing, purifying and crystallizing a KcsA-hERG chimera that contains the entire inner cavity of the hERG channel. A comprehensive biochemical, functional and crystallographic study will be presented.Support: AHA-11SDG5440003
Comparative expression of endogenous retrotransposons in adult mouse mammary gland during normal development and differentiation.

Amplified expression of the endogenous retrotransposons, intracisternal A particles (IAPs) and murine leukemia virus-related elements (MLVEs), along with decreased expression of VL30 elements frequently occurs during mouse mammary tumorigenesis. We have now analyzed the expression of these retroelements during the normal developmental and differentiation cycle of the mammary gland as found in virgin, pregnant, lactating, and post-lactation adult female BALB/c mice. Retrotransposon expression was either unchanged or decreased during the progressive stages of the cycle compared to virgin tissue. Likewise, growth of mammary epithelial cells in primary culture had little or no effect on expression of IAPs, MLVEs and VL30 sequences. Thus, the dramatic changes involving these retrotransposons in many mouse mammary tumors appear unrelated to any normal state.
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor protects mesenchymal stem cells

Background We have previously demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration protects the intestines from injury in a mouse model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We have also shown that heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a potent intestinal cytoprotective agent in vivo that may protect the intestines via its effects on SC (SC). The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of HB-EGF on both amniotic fluid (AF)- and bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs in vitro.
Development of an integrated hardware and software platform for the rapid detection of cerebral aneurysm rupture

A cerebral aneurysm is defined as a weakened portion of an artery in the brain. Rupture of a cerebral aneurysm leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A significant number of patients with SAH are initially misdiagnosed and subjected to the risks associated with aneurysm re-rupture. Traditional detection methods recommended by physicians include computed tomography (CT) scan, lumbar puncture and angiography. Unfortunately, the CT scan is ineffective after 12 h, and angiography is best suited for those cases of finding the aneurysm before surgery. Physicians may therefore rely on lumbar puncture to develop a quick and objective evaluation by assessing xanthochromia. Bilirubin in the cerebrospinal fluid, resulting from the chemical decomposition of whole blood, is an indicator of hemorrhage. This metabolite can be detected after lumbar puncture, by differentiating its optical signature in the spinal fluid. In cases of traumatic spinal tap, bilirubin needs to be distinguished from whole blood. We introduce a diagnostic system based on visible spectroscopy to quickly and objectively assess low blood-volume SAH. The system integrates innovative hardware and a powerful software interface. We explore an algorithm that accounts for the noise and distortion from blood in the cerebrospinal fluid. We introduce a portable, user-friendly hardware platform composed of specific components designed for their sensitivity and specificity.
Retained central venous lines (CVLs) after attempted removal: An 11-year series and literature review

Abstract Background Central venous lines (CVLs) are frequently used in the management of many neonatal and pediatric conditions. Failure to remove the luminal part of the line (retained CVL) is rare. Consequently, there is lack of experience and consensus in its optimal management. Aim To document the incidence and management of retained CVLs in a tertiary pediatric surgical centre with access to interventional cardiology services. To review the literature and report efficacy/morbidity of attempted extraction of retained CVLs. Methods Children with retained CVLs were identified from departmental morbidity and mortality records over an 11-year period. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus to identify studies reporting retained CVLs (earliest date to 1 January 2012). This was supplemented by scanning bibliographies of retrieved articles. Results The 11-year incidence of retained CVL was 0.3% (n=10; median duration in-situ 66.5 {range 47–146} months). The underlying pathology in 8 was cystic fibrosis. Antegrade transfemoral snare retrieval was successful in 6 of 7 attempts. In the remaining 3, a conservative approach was adopted following consultation with the family. None of the 4 with retained CVL developed complications (median follow-up 7.5 {range 1–53} months). The literature describes 38 pediatric index cases (including 10 from the current series). Seventeen (49%) were managed conservatively either intentionally or by default after failed endovascular removal attempt (n=4). No complications directly attributed to retained CVLs have been reported (median follow-up 40 {range 1–120} months). Reported morbidity associated with endovascular retrieval includes: procedural failure 30%, line embolization 8%, and intra-operative thrombo-embolism 8%. Conclusion Literature regarding management of retained CVLs is anecdotal. Although uncommon, the complication should feature in consent for removal of CVLs. Conservative management carries long-term risks of infection, thrombosis, and even migration, albeit unquantified over a child's lifetime. Endovascular retrieval is feasible with appropriate expertise.
Monte-Carlo simulations of large-scale problems of random rough surface scattering and applications to grazing incidence with the BMIA/canonical grid method

Scattering of a TE incident wave from a perfectly conducting one-dimensional random rough surface is studied with the banded matrix iterative approach/canonical grid (BMIA/CAG) method. The BMIA/CAG is an improvement over the previous BMIA. The key idea of BMIA/CAG is that outside the near-field interaction, the rest of the interactions can be translated to a canonical grid by Taylor series expansion. The use of a flat surface as a canonical grid for a rough surface facilitates the use of the fast Fourier transform for nonnear field interaction. The method can be used for Monte-Carlo simulations of random rough surface problems with a large surface length including all the coherent wave interactions within the entire surface. We illustrate results up to a surface length of 2500 wavelengths with 25000 surface unknowns. The method is also applied to study scattering from random rough surfaces at near-grazing incidence. The numerical examples illustrate the importance of using a large surface length for some backscattering problems. >
A mixed hamartoma of the liver: light and electron microscopy.

Abstract The gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural features of a mixed liver hamartoma occurring in a three month old infant are reported. The differentiation from two other solid liver masses, focal nodular hyperplasia and liver cell adenoma, is emphasized. Mesenchymal hamartomas, though usually cystic rather than solid masses, share the histologic feature of fibroductular tissue with mixed liver hamartomas and focal nodular hyperplasia. Only the mixed liver hamartoma has extremely broad fields of ductules and an embryonic, type of hepatocyte at the ultrastructural level. These and other hepatic lesions show morphologic evidence of transformation of liver cells into biliary epithelial cells in association with vascular connective tissue.