cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serial pH Changes in the Duodenal Bulb During Smoking

The effect of smoking on the pH of the duodenal bulb was studied in 10 normosecretors and 10 hypersecretors using a Beckman pH electrode. The pH was monitored during three study periods, basal, smoking, and postsmoking, of 1 hr each. The pH remained below 3.5 significantly longer during the smoking period compared to the basal period for both groups. The bulbar pH remained under 3.5 during the smoking period longer in the hypersecretor group compared to the normosecretor group (60 versus 20%). Hypersecretors who were smokers exhibited acidic bulbar pH values longer and more consistently than hypersecretor-nonsmokers during smoking. In 5 hypersecretors with data for both bulbar pH and bicarbonate output, inhibition of bicarbonate output during smoking was generally associated with acidic pH values in the bulb. These observations suggest that the association between cigarette smoking and peptic ulcer disease may be attributable to, in part, the persistently acidic pH values in the duodenal bulb during smoking. This study further suggests that the degree and the duration of acidification of the duodenal bulb during smoking are influenced by the secretory and the smoking status of the subject.
Regulation of purine metabolism adenylosuccinate synthetase from novikoff ascites tumor cells

Abstract Adenylosuccinate synthetase has been partially purified from Novikoff ascites tumor cells. The properties of the protein are quite different from the enzyme from rat liver in that the K m for aspartate is higher and the K I for the feedback inhibitor AMP is also higher. The antibiotic hadacidin has a preferential inhibitory effect on the tumor enzyme. These results suggest that the Novikoff ascites tumor enzyme is less sensitive to normal feedback controls but may be more sensitive to specific antitumor drugs.
USEFULNESS OF LH. FSH, AND TESTOSTERONE DETERMINATIONS AT 2 TO 10 WEEKS OF AGE (THE WINDOW PERIOD) IN MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM

To assess whether LH, FSH, and testosterone (T) values are helpful in the differential diagnosis of male pseudohermaphroditism, we evaluated 22 patients in the window period (2-10 weeks of age) and compared results with those obtained by karyotype, genitogram, and hCG stimulation. While 3 patients with panhypopituitarism had low LH (X = 3 mIU/ml) and low T (X = 11 ng/dl), one had a high FSH (52 mIU/ml). Two patients with Prader willi had normal gonadotrophins and high T (509, 610 ng/dl). Two patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis (XO/XY) and 3 patients with XY gonadal dysgenesis with mullerian remnants had normal to high-normal LH (X = 19 mIU/ml) and low-normal T (X = 158 ± 32 ng/dl); FSH was high-normal to high (X = 15 mIU/ml). Values in a patient with “vanishing tastes” were FSH 212 mIU/ml, LH 167 mIU/ml, and T <30 ng/dl. A patient with Leydig cell hypoplasia had low T (22 ng/dl), normal FSH (2.9 mIU/ml), but low LH (3 mIU/ml). Two patients with high gonadotrophins and normal testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are awaiting tests of androgen receptor function. In 6 patients who were judged idiopathic, no helpful gonadotrophin pattern was found. Two patients are still being evaluated. In conclusion, we found window period LH, FSH, and testosterone values useful and generally consistent with results obtained by other diagnostic tests.
Facilitating ESL Reading by Teaching Text Structure

Recent research has shown that the rhetorical organization of narrative and expository texts interacts with the formal schemata of native English-speaking readers (the readers' background knowledge of and experience with textual organization) to affect reading. Researchers have recently shown that formal, rhetorical schemata have similar effects on reading in English as a second language. Moreover, the research in native English reading has shown that explicit teaching of various aspects of text structure can facilitate first language reading. This article reports a controlled training study designed to answer the related question for second language reading, Can we facilitate ESL reading by explicit teaching of text structure? The results indicate that training on the top-level rhetorical organization of expository texts significantly increased the amount of information that 25 intermediate-level ESL students could recall.
Multiple Apoptotic Defects in Hematopoietic Cells from Mice Lacking Lipocalin 24p3

The lipocalin mouse 24p3 has been implicated in diverse physiological processes, including apoptosis, iron trafficking, development and innate immunity. Studies from our laboratory as well as others demonstrated the proapoptotic activity of 24p3 in a variety of cultured models. However, a general role for the lipocalin 24p3 in the hematopoietic system has not been tested in vivo. To study the role of 24p3, we derived 24p3 null mice and back-crossed them onto C57BL/6 and 129/SVE backgrounds. Homozygous 24p3−/− mice developed a progressive accumulation of lymphoid, myeloid, and erythroid cells, which was not due to enhanced hematopoiesis because competitive repopulation and recovery from myelosuppression were the same as for wild type. Instead, apoptotic defects were unique to many mature hematopoietic cell types, including neutrophils, cytokine-dependent mast cells, thymocytes, and erythroid cells. Thymocytes isolated from 24p3 null mice also displayed resistance to apoptosis-induced by dexamethasone. Bim response to various apoptotic stimuli was attenuated in 24p3−/− cells, thus explaining their resistance to the ensuing cell death. The results of these studies, in conjunction with those of previous studies, reveal 24p3 as a regulator of the hematopoietic compartment with important roles in normal physiology and disease progression. Interestingly, these functions are limited to relatively mature blood cell compartments.
NMR Structure of VarI, a Novel Bioactive Peptide Toxin from Terebrid Marine Snails

Peptide toxins display great specificity in both targeting and function, and are a viable resource for enriching the available arsenal of pharmaceutical compounds. For example Ziconotide (Prialt), a peptide toxin derived from cone snails (conotoxin), is the first FDA approved conotoxin drug used to treat chronic pain in cancer and HIV patients by targeting voltage dependent Ca2+ channels. Cone snail toxins have long been identified as effective compounds for characterizing ion channels and receptors. However, the Terebridae, a less studied, related venomous snail family, are also a pharmacologically relevant source of toxins. Similar to cone snails, genomic and proteomic analyses of terebrid venom reveal a vibrant diversity of peptide toxins (teretoxins). Here, we present the first structural elucidation of a teretoxin, VarI. VarI was chemically synthesized, oxidatively refolded, and structurally characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Standard homonuclear NMR methods were used in the structure determination, and the final bundle of lowest energy structures revealed an unusual pattern of disulfide bond connectivities potentially unique to teretoxins. The NMR structure of Var1 will assist in understanding the toxin's pharmacological properties, and is being used to guide the search for functional receptors of VarI.
PbSe vs. CdSe: Thermodynamic properties and pressure dependence of the band gap

Thermodynamic properties and band structure have been calculated for both PbSe and CdSe, using full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital (FP-LMTO) method and various energy functionals. Both local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were used. It was found that LDA underestimates both band gap and lattice constant for PbSe, whereas GGA overestimates them. Opposite trends in band gap dependence upon pressure for PbSe and CdSe have been confirmed. Band gap pressure coefficients have been determined for both PbSe and CdSe. For PbSe, this coefficient is in relatively good agreement with other calculations and recent experiments.
Comparison and causal explanation

Since the classical authors of the nineteenth century, the explanation of macro‐social phenomena has been considered as the essential epistemic achievement, hence the raison d’etre, of comparative analysis in the social sciences. In practice, however, the claims of comparative social enquiry for providing convincing explanations are not easily kept. Their realization depends upon quasi‐ontological understandings of causation, and on varying conceptions of social theory. The article resumes and tackles these issues while trying to avoid the pitfalls of both positivist orthodoxy and historicist methodology. In so doing, the essay draws heavily on Max Weber’s model of ‘singular causal explanation’. It is based on a dynamic and triadic scheme of causal relationships—and of causal analysis—that deals in courses of events, and in divergences between alternative paths and outcomes. The model is both reinterpreted in the light of more recent epistemological debates and illustrated by examples taken from the autho...
The United States in the balkans: There to stay

U.S. criticisms of Europe's efforts in the Balkans, though widely held, are deeply flawed. Focusing on the spring 1999 air war as a case study, the authors make their case for a sustained U.S. role alongside the existing larger European contributions.
Sigma receptors: recent advances and new clinical potentials

Several recent advances are leading to a better understanding of sigma receptors. Here we focus on our recent findings regarding cellular functions of sigma-2 receptors and discuss their possible clinical implications. Agonists at sigma-2 receptors induced changes in cell morphology and apoptosis in various cell types. Sigma-2 receptor activation produced both transient and sustained increases in [Ca++]i, derived from different intracellular stores. These changes in [Ca++]i and cytotoxic effects are mediated by intracellular sigma-2 receptors. Sigma-2 agonists induced apoptosis in drug-resistant cancer cells, enhanced the potency of DNA damaging agents, and down-regulated expression of p-glycoprotein mRNA. Thus, sigma-2 receptor agonists may be useful in treatment of drug-resistant cancers. Sigma radioligands have been used in tumor imaging. We also discuss how sigma-2 antagonists might prevent the irreversible motor side effects of typical neuroleptics. Sigma-2 receptors may subserve a novel signalling pathway to apoptosis, involved in regulation of cell proliferation and/or viability.
PIK3CA somatic mutations in breast cancer: Mechanistic insights from Langevin dynamics simulations

Somatic mutations in PIK3CA (phosphati-dylinositol-3 kinase, catalytic subunit, alpha isoform) are reported in breast and other human cancers to concentrate at hotspots within its kinase and helical domains. Most of these mutations cause kinase gain of function in vitro and are associated with oncogenicity in vivo. However, little is known about the mechanisms driving tumor development. We have performed computational structural studies on a homology model of wildtype PIK3CA plus recurrent H1047R, H1047L, and P539R mutations, located in the kinase and helical domains, respectively. The time evolution of the structures show that H1047R/L mutants exhibit a larger area of the catalytic cleft between the kinase N- and C-lobes compared with the wildtype that could facilitate the entrance of substrates. This larger area might yield enhanced substrate-to-product turnover associated with oncogenicity. In addition, the H1047R/L mutants display increased kinase activation loop mobility, compared with the wildtype. The P539R mutant forms more hydrogen bonds and salt-bridge interactions than the wildtype, properties that are associated with enhanced thermostability. Mutant-specific differences in the catalytic cleft and activation loop behavior suggest that structure-based mutant-specific inhibitors can be designed for PIK3CA-positive breast cancers.
DNA SYNTHESIS AND THYMIDINE KINASE ACTIVITY DURING CEREBELLAR DEVELOPMENT: EFFECT OF THYROXINE

Thyroid hormone administered from birth has been found to increase cerebellar DNA production in the rat by 6 days of age and to decrease DNA synthesis thereafter. This acceleration of development under hormonal influence has led to studies involving the relationship between thyroxine, DNA and activities of enzymes involving pyrimidine biosynthesis during cerebellar development. Using daily doses of thyroxine, we found rat cerebellar DNA to be increased significantly above control values by age 2 days until age 6 days. Following that, cerebellar DNA synthesis decreased to 78% of control values by age 12 days. The activity of thymidine kinase, a salvage pathway enzyme for pyrimidine biosynthesis, was found to be significantly elevated over control values by age 1 day. This elevation of enzyme activity in cerebella of treated animals continued until age 5 days, at a maximum of 137% of control values, following which activity fell significantly below control values by 9 days of age. Thyroxine thus appears to induce thymidine kinase activity in early cerebellar development and is apparently related to premature decrease of activity. These findings provide evidence that thymidine kinase may be subject to hormonal control, and may be a critical regulatory enzyme for cerebellar DNA biosynthesis.
Bronchoextrapleural fistula after extrapleural pneumonolysis.

: This case illustrates the development of a bronchoextrapleural fistula 40 years after extrapleural pneumonolysis with placement of a paraffin pack. The various diagnostic possibilities in the presence of such a radiographic presentation are reviewed.
Neonatal circumcision: a dispassionate analysis.

This review provides a dispassionate analysis of the evidence on the benefits and risks of neonatal circumcision. The evidence is considered within a clinically relevant framework in which decision-making relies on three interrelated factors: 1) clinical experience 2) scientific evidence and 3) patient preference. The roles of patient preference and clinical experience are outlined; then health benefits risks and economic costs of circumcision are explored. The most commonly proposed benefits of circumcision are prevention of penile inflammatory disorders urinary tract infections penile cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. Meanwhile the short-term risks of circumcision include surgical complications and the infliction of pain and distress on the neonate. A potential long-term consequence of the procedure is sexual dysfunction. In considering the cost-effectiveness of circumcision the following areas are taken into account: 1) economic data on the direct and indirect cost of the procedure and subsequent care 2) valid estimates of the probability of events prevented and events cause by the intervention and 3) an accurate estimate of the circumcisions impact on health status. Evidence of the technical aspects of circumcision namely the surgical and anesthetic techniques are also reviewed.
Associations of caregiver stress with working conditions, caregiving practices, and child behaviour in home-based child care

Home-based child caregivers face unique stressors related to the nature of their work. One hundred and fifty-five home-based child care providers in Oregon, USA, participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. We investigated associations between indicators of caregiver stress and child care working conditions, the quality of caregiver practices, frequency of child behaviour challenges, and caregivers' tolerance for those behaviours. Levels of stress in this sample were moderate to low. Significant associations were found between greater caregiver stress with higher child–caregiver ratio, working in isolation, less frequently observed caregiver positive attention, more caregiver-reported child problem behaviours and lower tolerance for problem behaviours. A multiple regression analysis with these variables significantly contributed to 23% of the variance of caregiver stress. Number of hours worked, observed caregiver negative attention, and responsiveness to children were not associated with car...
Flexibility in maritime assets and pooling strategies: A viable response todisaster

Abstract This paper addresses the use of maritime resource options in natural and non-natural disasters on land and at sea. The Macondo oil spill disaster as well as other marine disasters such as hurricanes has triggered a review of responses to disasters. A model of maritime asset response and implementation is developed using three dimensions: the nature of the disaster, natural or man-made; the nature of the responder, government/common environment or private; and the nature of the recipient, an individual citizen or an entity. Each of these dimensions is further impacted by the ability and speed of response; the experience for response and the staging or the strategic positioning of the response. The model shows that disaster decision making options require pre-disaster planning and flexible post-disaster strategies, which encompass the various dimensions. A pooling system of identifying and deploying all available maritime assets to assist in recovery can be an important factor in successful and speedy recovery.
EGR2 mutation R359W causes a spectrum of Dejerine-Sottas neuropathy

Heterozygous mutations in the early growth response gene 2 (EGR2), which encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor that regulates the late stages of myelination, cause myelinopathies including congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy, Dejerine-Sottas neuropathy (DSN), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1. We screened 170 unrelated neuropathy patients without mutations involving the peripheral myelin protein 22 gene (PMP22), the myelin protein zero gene (MPZ), or the gap junction protein s1 gene (GJB1) and identified two DSN patients with the heterozygous mutation R359W in the α-helix domain of the first zinc-finger of EGR2. We now report that this mutation is a recurrent cause of DSN, and that expressivity ranges from that typical for DSN to a more rapidly progressive neuropathy that can cause death by age 6 years. Furthermore, in contrast to patients with typical DSN, patients with the EGR2 R359W mutation have more respiratory compromise and cranial nerve involvement.
A retrospective evaluation of the radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastatic disease on initial presentation in the dog.

Thoracic radiographs of 346 dogs, diagnosed as having primary neoplasms, were reviewed for radiographic changes associated with pulmonary metastatic disease at the time of initial presentation. Dogs having radiographic changes of single or multiple interstitial nodular opacities, in the absence of concurrent intrathoracic disease, were considered to have pulmonary metastatic disease. The frequency of metastasis associated with each histologic tumor type was compared by chi-squared analysis. Dogs having primary thyroid carcinomas and transitional cell carcinomas demonstrated the greatest frequency of radiographic changes, 62.5% and 26% respectively. In dogs having a variety of other neoplasms, including nasal adenocarcinomas and cutaneous neoplasms, thoracic radiography proved useful in delineating intercurrent disease and staging, as well as the extent of neoplastic involvement. These results indicate early radiographic evaluation of the thorax should be performed on all dogs with confirmed or suspected primary neoplasms.
Aneurysms: leukotrienes weaken aorta from the outside.

5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in the formation of proinflammatory leukotrienes, is upregulated in the macrophages of the outer layer of the aorta and promotes aneurysm formation in mice fed a high cholesterol diet. Could this point to nonsurgical prevention of aortic aneurysms ( pages 966–973 )?
Potential use of repeated fluorescence in situ hybridization in the same human blastomeres for preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Abstract Objective: To assess the feasibility of repeated fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedures in the same nucleus of a human blastomere. Design: Three consecutive FISH procedures were performed in the same human blastomere by using direct label fluorescence CEP and WCP probes (Vysis). Setting: Hospital-based private IVF program. Patient(s): Twenty-eight infertile couples who underwent conventional IVF in our center. Intervention(s): Embryos from oocytes with three pronuclei after in vitro insemination were used in this study. Main Outcome Measure(s): The rates of nuclear loss, present signals, and absent signal were examined. Result(s): In group 1, the rates of presence of signals were 94% after the first FISH, 92% after the second FISH, and 88% after the third FISH. In group 2, the rates of presence of signals were 96% after the first FISH, 93% after the second FISH, and 87% after the third FISH. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of nuclear loss, present signals, and absent signal between three consecutive FISH procedures and between CEP and WCP probes. Conclusion(s): Six or more chromosomes of a single blastomere may be examined with use of this repeated FISH procedure, which may be important for preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) Vpr induced downregulation of NHE1 induces alteration in intracellular pH and loss of ERM complex in target cells

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr is known to dysregulate host cellular functions through its interaction with cellular proteins. Using a protein array we assessed Vpr-mediated differential regulation of host cellular proteins expression. Results demonstrated that Vpr differentially regulated host factors that are involved in functions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. One of the most highly downregulated proteins attained was the sodium hydrogen exchanger, isoform 1 (NHE1), which showed a significant (60%) decrease in HIV-1 Vpr(+) virus infected cells as compared to HIV-1 Vpr(−) virus infected control. NHE1 downregulation further led to acidification of cells and was directly correlated with loss of ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM) protein complex and decreased AKT phosphorylation. Vpr-mediated NHE1 dyregulation is in part through GR pathway as GR antagonist, mifepristone reversed Vpr-induced NHE1 downregulation.
On the potential use of stimulated positron emission (SPE) in the detection and monitoring of some bone diseases

The feasibility of a new method for i n v i v o regional measurement of the loss of bone tissue in osteoporosis and bone mineral in osteomalacia has been studied analytically. A cross section in the patient’s body containing the bone is excited by high energy x rays (hν>1.022 MeV) to produce positron–electron pairs. The positron distribution is imaged by detecting the resulting annihilations using two detectors placed on opposite sides of the irradiated slice and focused to receive annihilations produced inside the bone. Since the cross section for pair production is proportional to the square of the atomic number of the absorber, any pathological processes involving demineralization or loss of bone tissue are expected to strongly affect the number of counts received from the region imaged. This technique is unique among other radiological procedures for bone measurements in its d i r e c t three‐dimensional imaging capability. It has no fundamental limit on precision, and higher precision is achieved by resorting to higher dose or greater bony volume irradiated. In addition, the measurement can be confined to an anatomically and physiologically appropriate bone site, thus maximizing the signal and minimizing interference from surrounding tissues. Using radiological models for osteoporosis and osteomalacia, it is shown that a high sensitivity to small changes (∼5%) in density or amount of mineral of cortical bone can be obtained with a relatively low radiation dose (<0.5 rad). With the same radiation dose, the method is less sensitive to changes in vertebral bone, due to the lower mineral fraction in this type of bone. The dependence of sensitivity on incident x‐ray energy is studied, and it is shown that the optimum energy, from a point of view of maximizing sensitivity while minimizing the loss of spatial resolution due to positron range lies at between 2 and 3 MeV. Finally, the application of the technique in the detection and monitoring of bone cancer and tumors metastatic to bone is suggested.
The clinical significance of highly purified pig-insulin preparations.

Side effects of insulin treatment (red spots at the injection site, lipoatrophy and insulin antibody formation) are primary related to the purity and the species of the insulin preparations used in treatment. To evaluate the clinical significance of these factors daily insulin requirements were registered in 1685 protamine insulin treated cases; red spots and lipoatrophy recorded in 500 NPH insulin treated patients and insulin antibodies determined in 173 patients. 51 of the patients were treated for more than 12 months with highly purified porcine insulin (proinsulin contamination <0.5 mmol/mol). 96 patients were treated for 1–4 years with porcine NPH insulin (proinsulin contamination 12–13 mmol/mol), and most of the remaining patients have been treated with mixed porcine-bovine insulin preparations in earlier periods. It was shown that high purification of porcine NPH insulin is of importance in reducing insulin dose, lipoatrophy and insulin binding capacity of serum. Thus insulin antibodies could be demonstrated in only 3 of 51 patients after 11/2 year of treatment with highly purified porcine NPH insulin. None of these patients developed red spots at the injection site and only one patient developed a small shallow depression of the subcutaneous tissue on one thigh. The daily insulin requirement was significantly lower when compared with the insulin requirement of a porcine NPH insulin treated control group.
A Systems-Based Model Provides More Scientific Approach for Designing Instruction

A systematic approach to designing instruction, says this edu cator, can recognize the complex nature of the instructional process. He describes here a model that integrates the major activities of instructional design with instructional levels.
Hepatic lipogenesis in fasted, re-fed rats and mice: response to dietary fats of differing fatty acid composition

Abstract To establish whether there is, as has been suggested, a species difference in the homeostatic response of hepatic lipogenesis to fat feeding and to clarify the role of linoleate in this response, groups of six Long-Evans rats and of six C3H mice were fed one of the following diets for five days following a two day fast: a fat-free diet; a diet containing tripalmitin, triolein, or safflower oil as the major source of fat. Lipogenic activity of liver was gauged by incorporation of [1-14C]acetate into lipid by tissue slices and by the activity of five enzymes related to lipogenesis. The content of unesterified, or free, fatty acids in the liver was also measured. There was a stepwise decrease in hepatic lipogenic activity in mice in the order: fat-free, tripalmitin, triolein and safflower oil. The relationship was similar in rats except that livers from tripalmitin- and triolein-fed rats had the same, intermediate activity. The only diet to alter the free fatty acid composition of liver was the safflower oil diet (trilinolein). The lipogenic response of liver to refeeding was depressed in both species by all the dietary fats, but not equally, as mice were more sensitive than rats to the fat in the diet. Diets in which the fat was primarily trilinolein were more effective than others in both species. Hepatic lipogenesis was decreased in the absence of a concommitant increase in unesterified linoleate or arachidonate. Hence, the unique facility with which dietary linoleate regulates hepatic lipogenesis is not related to the tissue level of linoleate and arachidonate in the free form.
Limited reinforced space in segmental retaining walls

Abstract Current design of geosynthetic reinforced segmental retaining walls considers an a priori limitless length for reinforcement installation. Such length is typically 0.5–0.7 times the height of the wall. However, often there are constraints on such space; e.g., bedrock formation located at a small distance behind the facing. The objective of this note is to introduce a procedure for assessing the required long-term strength of the reinforcement while considering its limited length. Predictions by a conventional slope stability analysis were first checked against a continuum-mechanics based numerical analysis. Upon obtaining good agreement, a design chart was developed. The chart enables the determination of the reduction in the lateral earth pressure coefficient due to the constrained space. The revised earth pressure coefficient can be used with current analytical methods to account for the limited space. The results appear to be valid for conventional walls retaining a limited volume of soil. Comparison with limited experimental results for unreinforced backfill shows reasonably good agreement.
Bahamamide, An Unusual Cyclic BIS-Amide Produced by an Undescribed Marine Bacterium

Abstract An unusual 12-membered ring bis−amide, bahamamide (1), has been isolated from the culture broth of an undescribed gram-negative marine bacterial strain, CNE-852, isolated from a sediment sample collected in the Bahama Islands. The structure of bahamamide was assigned by interpretation of combined spectral data.
Race/ethnic differences in health care use for orofacial pain among older adults

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe race/ethnic differences in the use of formal health care services for painful oral symptoms by older adults. We also considered the sex of the respondent rather than assuming that males and females within a specific racial group would use health care services similarly. To our knowledge, these specific utilization patterns have never been reported before in the pain literature. Telephone interviews were conducted on a stratified random sample of 1636 community dwelling older (65+) north Floridians. A total of 5860 households were contacted and screened, with 75.3% participating to the point where their eligibility for the study could be determined. Overall race/ethnic differences in patterns of health care use for orofacial pain were not found. However, when we stratified race/ethnicity by sex, Black females (37.6%) were the least likely to have visited a health care provider, followed by non-Hispanic White females (47.2%), non-Hispanic White males (49.3%), and Black males (62.7%). Point estimates of odds ratio, adjusting for financial differences, indicate that more non-Hispanic White males (OR=1.79) and Black males (OR=2.74) visited a health care provider than Black females. Our results also suggest that for older Black adults, financial constraints have a more significant impact on decisions about health care for orofacial pain than they do for non-Hispanic Whites. For non-Hispanic White respondents, characteristics of the pain symptoms were significant determinates of health care use for their painful oral symptoms. Pain at its worst was a positive predictor for four of the five analyses (jaw joint pain, painful oral sores, temperature sensitivity, and toothache pain). The duration variable (years with pain) was a negative predictor of health care use. This is consistent with the conclusion that individuals seek care early in the course of the symptom, i.e. an active care seeking phase, make emotional or physical adjustments, and then resign themselves to the symptoms.
Label-free mass spectrometry exploits dozens of detected peptides to quantify lamins in wildtype and knockdown cells

Label-free quantitation and characterization of proteins by mass spectrometry (MS) is now feasible, especially for moderately expressed structural proteins such as lamins that typically yield dozens of tryptic peptides from tissue cells. Using standard cell culture samples, we describe general algorithms for quantitative analysis of peptides identified in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The algorithms were foundational to the discovery that the absolute stoichiometry of A-type to B-type lamins scales with tissue stiffness (Swift et al., Science 2013). Isoform dominance helps make sense of why mutations and changes with age of mechanosensitive lamin-A,C only affect "stiff" tissues such as heart, muscle, bone, or even fat, but not brain. A Peak Ratio Fingerprinting (PRF) algorithm is elaborated here through its application to lamin-A,C knockdown. After demonstrating the large dynamic range of PRF using calibrated mixtures of human and mouse lysates, we validate measurements of partial knockdown with standard cell biology analyses using quantitative immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Optimal sets of MS-detected peptides as determined by PRF demonstrate that the strongest peptide signals are not necessarily the most reliable for quantitation. After lamin-A,C knockdown, PRF computes an invariant set of "housekeeping" proteins as part of a broader proteomic analysis that also shows the proteome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is more broadly perturbed than that of a human epithelial cancer line (A549s), with particular variation in nuclear and cytoskeletal proteins. These methods offer exciting prospects for basic and clinical studies of lamin-A,C as well as other MS-detectable proteins.
LAR tyrosine phosphatase receptor: proximal membrane alternative splicing is coordinated with regional expression and intraneuronal localization.

Examination of null-mutant Drosophila and Leukocyte Common Antigen-Related (LAR)-deficient transgenic mice has demonstrated that the LAR protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) receptor promotes neurite outgrowth. In the absence of known ligands, the mechanisms by which LAR-type PTP receptors are regulated are unknown. We hypothesized that an alternatively spliced eleven amino acid proximal membrane segment of LAR (LAR alternatively spliced element-a; LASE-a) contributes to regulation of LAR function. Human, rat and mouse LAR cDNA sequences demonstrated that the predicted eleven amino acid inserts in rat and mouse are identical and share nine of eleven residues with the human insert. LASE-a splicing led to the introduction of a Ser residue into LAR at a position analogous to Ser residues undergoing regulated phosphorylation in other PTPs. In-situ studies revealed increasingly region-specific expression of LASE-a containing LAR transcripts during postnatal development. RT-PCR analysis of cortical and hippocampal tissue confirmed that the proportion of LAR transcripts containing LASE-a decreases during development. Immunostaining of cultured PC12 cells, cerebellar granule neurons, dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve sections with antibody directed against the LASE-a insert demonstrated signal in cell bodies but little if any along neurites. In contrast, staining with antibody directed to a separate domain of LAR showed accumulation of LAR along neurites. The findings that LASE-a splicing is conserved across human, rat and mouse, that the LASE-a insert introduces a Ser at a site likely to be targeted for regulated phosphorylation and that developmentally regulated splicing is coordinated with specific regional and intraneuronal localization point to important novel potential mechanisms regulating LAR-type tyrosine phosphatase receptor function in the nervous system.
Democracy, Territory, and Armed Conflict, 1919–1995†

Democracy and territory are two of the most important factors that affect conflict and war. Yet no research design looks directly at a possible interaction between these two variables to influence occurrence of armed conflict. This study seeks to answer the following question: “How do two democracies behave when a contentious issue such as territory arises as the source of conflict between them?” Results based on Militarized Interstate Dispute data from 1920 to 1996 produce the conclusion that the pacifying effect of democracy stands up for both territorial dyads and non-territorial ones in spite of the imperatives toward militarization created by territorial conflict. However, territory of high salience still appears to increase the likelihood of armed conflict between two democracies.
A metallic impregnation method for the demonstration of cerebral vascular patterns

A reliable metallic impregnation method and two variants are described for the demonstration of the components of the vasculature of the brain substance in experimental animals and in man. This method and its variants are easy to manipulate and permit the selective visualization of the blood vessels in the gray and white matter with excellent contrast in three dimensions.
Assessment of the accuracy of Le Claire's equation for determination of grain boundary diffusion coefficients from solute concentration gradients

Abstract The accuracy with which Le Claire's equation may be used to evaluate grain-boundary diffusion coefficients from an experimentally measured solute distribution was determined for ranges of the experimental variables β = [( D′ D ) − 1]a √Dt and η = y √Dt , The assessment was performed by obtaining the value, βc, calculated upon application of Le Claire's relation to a distribution of solute that had been numerically evaluated from Whipple's exact solution to the diffusion problem. The calculated value, βc, was then compared with the true value, β, from which the gradient had been computed. The relative errors that resulted from the application of Le Claire's equation were found to be less than ± 10% in the range of conditions β ≥ 10 and 2 ≤ η √β ≤ 20 that were stated as its field of applicability. The method yielded very inaccurate grain-boundary diffusivity in the ranges β ≤ 10 or solη √β ≤ 2 . Special care should be taken in selecting a range of β and η √β for an experiment if the application of Le Claire's relation is to provide a reliable value of the grain-boundary diffusion product aD′ from the measured diffusion gradient.
Using Sounder Foundations to Help Avoid the "Why New Teachers Cry" Phenomenon

How can we avoid the "why new teachers cry" phenomenon and the high dropout rate for beginning teachers? Start teacher preparation with an introductory foundations class that is experience based and allows students to study themselves and their preferences for teaching styles, learning styles, and classroom management by living through case studies of sample lessons and classroom simulations. The author describes the nature of the course and presents research showing the effectiveness of the course for five academic years: 2000-1 through 2004-5.
Implementation and test of wave optics code using parallel FFT algorithms

Wave optics propagation codes are widely used to simulate the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through a turbulent medium. The basis of these codes is typically the two dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Conventional FFTs (i.e. the standard Matlab FFT) do not use parallel processing and for large arrays, the processing time can be cumbersome. This research investigates the use of network- based parallel computing using personal computers. In particular, this study uses the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Bimodal Cluster a heterogeneous cluster of PCs connected by fast Ethernet for parallel digital signal processing using an FFT algorithm developed for use on this system. The parallel algorithms developed for the Parallel Distributed Computing Laboratory could greatly increase the computational power of current wave optics codes. The objective of this research is to implement current parallel FFT algorithms for use with wave optics propagation codes and quantify performance enhancement. With the parallel version of the FFT implemented into existing wave optics simulation code, high resolution simulations can be run in a fraction of the time currently required using conventional FFT algorithms. We present the results of implementing this parallel FFT algorithm and the enhanced performance achieved over the Matlab FFT2 function.
Functional prostaglandin E (EP) receptors in human penile corpus cavernosum.

In this study, we have characterized functional EP receptors in human corpus cavernosum (HCC) tissue and in HCC smooth muscle cells (SMC). Using RNase protection assays, we determined expression of EP2, EP3I and EP3II receptor mRNA. In organ bath preparations of HCC tissue strips, PGE1 caused dose-dependent relaxation at concentrations below 300 nM. At concentrations greater than 300 nM, PGE1 caused contraction. Addition of the EP1/EP2/EP3 receptor antagonist AH6809 inhibited this contraction and facilitated further relaxation through concentrations above 1 μM of PGE1. The EP1/EP3 receptor selective agonist 17-phenyltrinor-PGE2 caused dose-dependent contraction that was partially attenuated by SC51322, an EP1 selective antagonist. In cultures of HCC SMC, PGE1 stimulated cAMP accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, AH6809 significantly attenuated PGE1-induced cAMP accumulation. Sulprostone, a selective EP3 receptor agonist, induced weak contractions in HCC tissue strips but augmented forskolin-induced cAMP synthesis in HCC SMC. The data in this study suggest that HCC and cultured smooth muscle cells express EP1, EP2 and EP3 receptors. These receptors mediate their responses via different biochemical pathways and are expected to have different responses in regulating smooth muscle tone. Thus, we suggest that the ultimate response in erectile tissue to various prostanoids is the integration of responses elicited by individual EP receptor subtypes to a given ligand.
Physical activity does not mitigate G-protein-related genetic risk for obesity in individuals of African descent.

The G-protein beta3 subunit 825 TT genotype has been associated with obesity and hypertension. We examined the interaction between the G-protein TT genotype, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) in a cross-sectional study of African immigrants and African Americans. The genotype frequencies were 6.3% CC, 37.7% CT, and 56% TT. After adjusting for potential confounders, BMI was found to be significantly higher in the sedentary than in the physically active participants (p=0.045). There was no statistically significant effect for genotype (p=0.215) or the interaction between genotype and the level of physical activity (p=0.219). However, the individuals with the CC or CT genotype who were physically active had substantially lower BMIs (M+/-SE) (i.e., 25.74+/-2.02) than any of the other groups: sedentary CC + CT (30.58+/-1.03), sedentary TT (30.65+/-1.00) or active TT (29.43+/-1.65). Because of the low statistical power of this study, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore potential gene-environment/lifestyle interactions.
Multisensory Exploration and Object Individuation in Infancy

Recent research indicates that by 4.5 months, infants use shape and size information as the basis for individuating objects but that it is not until 11.5 months that they use color information for this purpose. The present experiments investigated the extent to which infants' sensitivity to color information could be increased through select experiences. Five experiments were conducted with 10.5- and 9.5-month-olds. The results revealed that multimodal (visual and tactile), but not unimodal (visual only), exploration of the objects prior to the individuation task increased 10.5-month-olds' sensitivity to color differences. These results suggest that multisensory experience with objects facilitates infants' use of color information when individuating objects. In contrast, 9.5-month-olds did not benefit from the multisensory procedure; possible explanations for this finding are explored. Together, these results reveal how an everyday experience—combined visual and tactile exploration of objects—can promote infants' use of color information as the basis for individuating objects. More broadly, these results shed light on the nature of infants' object representations and the cognitive mechanisms that support infants' changing sensitivity to color differences.
Cefamandole therapy in hand infections.

Hand lacerations, especially when inadequately treated, may result in infections caused by aerobic or anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic infections most commonly result from human bite injuries in which there is contact between hand and mouth. The search continues for an ideal antibiotic to employ when anaerobic organisms are suspected. In this study cefamandole, a new cephalosporin antibiotic, was employed whenever anaerobic hand infections were suspected following trauma. In each patient quantitative cultures for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms were obtained. All organisms isolated were tested by standard susceptibility assays for both aerobes and anaerobes. In the case of anaerobes, minimum inhibitory concentration assays were also performed. After the initial culture was obtained, each patient received approximately 1.5 gm of cefamandole every 6 hours for a period of 5 days. This therapy was changed only if susceptibility studies indicated resistance to cefamandole. In our patients, 58% of the infectious organisms were aerobic and facultative anaerobic and 42% were obligate anaerobes. The predominant organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius , which accounted for 42% of the infections. In most of the aerobic infections a single organism was isolated, whereas multiple organisms were identified in the anaerobic infections. All but one of the infections responded to cefamandole; the one that didn't was caused by Enterobacter cloacae and required treatment with an aminoglycoside. Because of its broad-spectrum coverage, which includes both aerobes and anaerobes, cefamandole is useful in treating infections, especially those resulting from human bites.
Procedural Generation of Narrative Puzzles in Adventure Games: The Puzzle-Dice System

This project tackles procedural generation of narrative puzzles found in adventure games. The challenge is not only generating the puzzles in games which traditionally only have one walkthrough, but also making the development process accessible to designers. Given that the goal is to make these games playable and easy to develop, the focus of this project is facilitating the immediate development of these games. This paper describes the system of procedural generation of one game, Symon, which was the reference and inspiration for a standalone toolset, the Puzzle Dice System to create other adventure games with procedurally generated puzzles. The toolset has been put to the test with another game, Stranded in Singapore, and it is still being expanded and improved on at the moment of writing.
Inequality and the global climate regime: breaking the north-south impasse

This article explores the hypothesis that global inequality may be a central impediment to interstate cooperation on climate change policy. Conventional wisdom suggests that outcomes in international environmental politics are primarily attributable to material self-interest, bargaining power, coercion, domestic environmental values, exogenous shocks and crises, the existence of salient policy solutions, the strength of political leadership and the influence of nonstate actors. Yet none of these approaches offers a completely satisfactory explanation for the long-standing north-south divide on climate change. Drawing on social inequality literature and international relations theory, we argue that inequality dampens cooperative efforts by reinforcing ‘structuralist’ world-views and causal beliefs, polarizing policy preferences, promoting particularistic notions of fairness, generating divergent and unstable expectations about future behaviour, eroding conditions of mutual trust and creating incentives for...