cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of Alamethicin in solution: One- and two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance studies at 500 MHz***

We report here the 500 MHz 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of Alamethicin, an icosapeptide antibiotic isolated from Trichoderma viride, in methanol, water and methanol/water mixtures. At this frequency, resonances from all the protons are well-resolved in methanol and may be assigned unambiguously. Spectral assignments were made using two-dimensional spin-echo correlated spectroscopy and by spin-decoupling experiments. The amide coupling constants (JNH-αCH) facilitated conformational predictions, which were confirmed in part by two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser experiments. On the basis of these data, we propose a secondary structure for Alamethicin that is α-helical toward the N terminus and extended β-sheet at the C-terminal end. This structure is consistent with earlier circular dichroism measurements (McMullen et al., 1971), infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy studies (Frigeli & Fringeli, 1979) and proton exchange data (Davis & Gisin, 1981). The proposed structure is a tightly bound dimer, wherein the β-sheet is stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen-bonds between opposing molecules. An interesting feature of this structure is that it exhibits both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic surface. This highly amphiphilic nature of the dimer structure may account for the extensive further aggregation of Alamethicin in water. The 1H n.m.r. spectrum of Alamethicin in water is broad, suggesting extensive association. However, spectral assignments and amide coupling constant measurements in water, which were accomplished by titration of methanolic solution of Alamethicin by water, revealed no gross changes in the basic secondary structure of the molecule.
A heat-labile factor required in extrusion of water from mitochondria.

Isolated rat liver mitochondria undergo swelling in the presence of certain substances of physiological occurrence which include inorganic phosphate (I), Ca*, (2), L-thyroxine (2, 3), reduced glutathione (4)) and an isooctane-soluble uncoupling agent formed enzymatically in mitochondria, designated U factor (5). Such swelling, with the exception of that brought about by glutathione (4), has been found to be reversed by the addition of adenosine triphosphate + Mg* + serum albumin, with extrusion of water from the mitochondria (6, 7). Adenosine triphosphate also reverses swelling produced by such nonphysiological agents as arsenate (7) and phlorizin (7, 8). These and other aspects of mitochondrial swelling and contraction1 have been reviewed in detail by Lehninger (9, 10). The failure of ATP to reverse mitochondrial swelling induced by glutathione appeared to be a significant exception, since swelling of this type is more drastic and apparently diierent in kind from that produced by the other agents listed (4, 11). In this paper it is shown that although ATP will not contract glutathione-swollen mitochondria in relatively dilute suspensions as are ordinarily used in such assays, it will produce contraction when relatively dense suspensions of mitochondria are employed. The dependence of the ATPlinked contraction on the concentration of mitochondria led to the finding that exposure of mitochondria to GSH causes leakage into the medium and dilution of a critical heat-labile factor. This substance, designated “contraction factor,” or C factor, is apparently a protein and is shown to be required, together with ATP, Mg*, and bovine serum albumin, for the reversal of glutathione-induced swelling. Leakage of C factor reduces its effective concentration below a critical level in dilute suspensions of mitochondria swollen with GSH. A preliminary account of these and some related findings has been published (12) and the following papers describe further investigations on this subject (13).2* 3
Hepatitis C prevalence and risk factors in Georgia, 2015: setting a baseline for elimination

The country of Georgia launched the world’s first Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Elimination Program in 2015 and set a 90% prevalence reduction goal for 2020. We conducted a nationally representative HCV seroprevalence survey to establish baseline prevalence to measure progress toward elimination over time. A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted in 2015 among adults aged ≥18 years using a stratified, multi-stage cluster design (n = 7000). Questionnaire variables included demographic, medical, and behavioral risk characteristics and HCV-related knowledge. Blood specimens were tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA. Frequencies were computed for HCV prevalence, risk factors, and HCV-related knowledge. Associations between anti-HCV status and potential risk factors were calculated using logistic regression. National anti-HCV seroprevalence in Georgia was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.7, 8.9); HCV RNA prevalence was 5.4% (95% CI = 4.6, 6.4). Testing anti-HCV+ was significantly associated with male sex, unemployment, urban residence, history of injection drug use (IDU), incarceration, blood transfusion, tattoos, frequent dental cleanings, medical injections, dialysis, and multiple lifetime sexual partners. History of IDU (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 21.4, 95% CI = 12.3, 37.4) and blood transfusion (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.8, 7.2) were independently, significantly associated with testing anti-HCV+ after controlling for sex, age, urban vs. rural residence, and history of incarceration. Among anti-HCV+ participants, 64.0% were unaware of their HCV status, and 46.7% did not report IDU or blood transfusion as a risk factor. Georgia has a high HCV burden, and a majority of infected persons are unaware of their status. Ensuring a safe blood supply, implementing innovative screening strategies beyond a risk-based approach, and intensifying prevention efforts among persons who inject drugs are necessary steps to reach Georgia’s HCV elimination goal.
Biaxial Basal Tone and Passive Testing of the Murine Reproductive System Using a Pressure Myograph.

The female reproductive organs, specifically the vagina and cervix, are composed of various cellular components and a unique extracellular matrix (ECM). Smooth muscle cells exhibit a contractile function within the vaginal and cervical walls. Depending on the biochemical environment and the mechanical distension of the organ walls, the smooth muscle cells alter the contractile conditions. The contribution of the smooth muscle cells under baseline physiological conditions is classified as a basal tone. More specifically, a basal tone is the baseline partial constriction of smooth muscle cells in the absence of hormonal and neural stimulation. Furthermore, the ECM provides structural support for the organ walls and functions as a reservoir for biochemical cues. These biochemical cues are vital to various organ functions, such as inciting growth and maintaining homeostasis. The ECM of each organ is composed primarily of collagen fibers (mostly collagen types I, III, and V), elastic fibers, and glycosaminoglycans/proteoglycans. The composition and organization of the ECM dictate the mechanical properties of each organ. A change in ECM composition may lead to the development of reproductive pathologies, such as pelvic organ prolapse or premature cervical remodeling. Furthermore, changes in ECM microstructure and stiffness may alter smooth muscle cell activity and phenotype, thus resulting in the loss of the contractile force. In this work, the reported protocols are used to assess the basal tone and passive mechanical properties of the nonpregnant murine vagina and cervix at 4-6 months of age in estrus. The organs were mounted in a commercially available pressure myograph and both pressure-diameter and force-length tests were performed. Sample data and data analysis techniques for the mechanical characterization of the reproductive organs are included. Such information may be useful for constructing mathematical models and rationally designing therapeutic interventions for women’s health pathologies.
RNA binding activates RIG-I by releasing an autorepressed signaling domain

The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) innate immune receptor is an important immunotherapeutic target, but we lack approaches for monitoring the physical basis for its activation in vitro. This gap in our understanding has led to confusion about mechanisms of RIG-I activation and difficulty discovering agonists and antagonists. We therefore created a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based method for measuring RIG-I activation in vitro using dual site-specific fluorescent labeling of the protein. This approach enables us to measure the conformational change that releases the signaling domain during the first step of RIG-I activation, making it possible to understand the role of stimulatory ligands. We have found that RNA alone is sufficient to eject the signaling domain, ejection is reversible, and adenosine triphosphate plays but a minor role in this process. These findings help explain RIG-I dysfunction in autoimmune disease, and they inform the design of therapeutics targeting RIG-I.
Introduction to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and Urban Spatial Analysis

There is a great deal of excitement regarding the use of small unmanned aerial systems for mapping and spatial analysis. The enthusiasm for this emerging technology is well deserved. No other data collection platform offers a similar combination of cost-effectiveness, quality, frequency, flexibility, extensibility, portability, safety, and reliability. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight both the promises and pitfalls of sUAS for urban spatial analysis, helping readers make a more informed decision on whether to include sUAS in their technology portfolio. We conclude this chapter by providing an organizational overview of the book, more clearly delineating the material to be covered in subsequent chapters.
Hyaluronic Acid for Malar Area and Zygomatic Arch

Malar and zygomatic areas are responsible for midface shape and young appearance; aging causes a loss of subcutaneous fat and bone reabsorption resulting in a bony skeleton appearance and a wider orbital aperture with less anterior projection. A three-dimensional volumetric approach is the key to have a harmonic outcome, when treating the aged face. Although every patient has an individual need, midface treatment has a major role to achieve a youthful appearance. Therefore, rejuvenation techniques should start at the midface and be supplemented as needed. The most studied filler is the HA; however, other products such as calcium hydroxylapatite and polymethylmethacrylate can be used. This chapter will provide the tips to a successful treatment of the midface using high-density hyaluronic acid fillers. Also, it will describe possible complications associated with the procedure and the many ways to prevent them.
Improvement of the storage stability of C-phycocyanin in beverages by high-pressure processing

Abstract This study investigates the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the structure and color stability of phycocyanin, phycocyanin-whey protein, and phycocyanin-carrageenan mixtures. All samples at pH 3.0 are very stable during HPP treatment, as evidenced by the minimal color loss and minor structural changes of phycocyanin. However, at pH 5.0 and 7.0, the materials are not stable under the same HPP treatment, losing 10–30% of the blue color intensity. Circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence confirmed the samples at pH 5.0 lose more secondary structure than those at pH 3.0 and pH 7.0 after HPP treatment. Electrophoresis revealed that phycocyanin-whey protein samples at pH 5.0 form large protein aggregates after HPP treatment. In addition, we also studied the stability of these HPP-treated samples under natural light exposure and found the light stability of the phycocyanin-whey protein mixture at pH 5.0 significantly improved after HPP treatment at both 450 MPa and 600 MPa. The light stability of phycocyanin-carrageenan at pH 7.0 was also improved after HPP treatment at 450 MPa. HPP treatment of the phycocyanin-whey protein and phycocyanin-carrageenan samples appears to encapsulate the blue chromophore inside the apoprotein network and decrease the attack of oxidizing radicals. This study illustrates the changes of phycocyanin under HPP treatment and yield insights to improve its storage stability under light exposure.
Energy Conservation in a Motor-Driven Generator

An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical work and an electric generator converts mechanical work into electrical energy. The symmetry between the motor and generator naturally leads to questions about creating a perpetual motion machine. The allure of this question has inspired textbook problems, physics education articles, and award-winning physics demonstrations. It is commonly taught that spinning a generator faster produces a larger electromotive force (EMF), because the generator’s instantaneous EMF is proportional to the angular rate of rotation. When making this point in class, students will often ask about an interesting thought experiment, which is depicted in Fig. 1. The student question is as follows: “If an electric motor is connected via a system of gears to an electric generator, so that the generator spins faster than the motor, then does the generator’s output power PG exceed the motor’s input power PM ?”
Frequency and Severity of Moral Distress in Nephrology Fellows: A National Survey.

Introduction Moral distress is a negative affective response to a situation in which one is compelled to act in a way that conflicts with one's values. Little is known about the workplace scenarios that elicit moral distress in nephrology fellows. Methods We sent a moral distress survey to 148 nephrology fellowship directors with a request to forward it to their fellows. Using a 5-point (0-4) scale, fellows rated both the frequency (never to very frequently) and severity (not at all disturbing to very disturbing) of commonly encountered workplace scenarios. Ratings of ≥3 were used to define "frequent" and "moderate-to-severe" moral distress. Results The survey was forwarded by 64 fellowship directors to 386 fellows, 142 of whom (37%) responded. Their mean age was 33 ± 3.6 years and 43% were female. The scenarios that most commonly elicited moderate to severe moral distress were initiating dialysis in situations that the fellow considered futile (77%), continuing dialysis in a hopelessly ill patient (81%) and carrying a high patient census (75%), and observing other providers giving overly optimistic descriptions of the benefits of dialysis (64%). Approximately 27% had considered quitting fellowship during training, including 9% at the time of survey completion. Conclusion A substantial majority of nephrology trainees experienced moral distress of moderate to severe intensity, mainly related to the futile treatment of hopelessly ill patients. Efforts to reduce moral distress in trainees are required.
Altered prefrontal signaling during inhibitory control in a salient drug context in human cocaine addiction

Drug addiction is characterized by impaired Response Inhibition and Salience Attribution (iRISA), where the salience of drug cues is postulated to overpower that of other reinforcers with a concomitant decrease in self-control. However, the neural underpinnings of the interaction between the salience of drug cues and inhibitory control in drug addiction remain unclear. We developed a novel stop-signal fMRI task where the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT--a classical inhibitory control measure) was tested under different salience conditions (modulated by drug, food, threat or neutral words) in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD; n=26) vs. demographically matched healthy control participants (HC; n=26). Despite similarities in drug cue-related SSRT and valence and arousal word ratings between groups, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activity was diminished during the successful inhibition of drug versus food cues in CUD, and was correlated with lower frequency of recent use, lower craving, and longer abstinence (Z > 3.1, p < .05 corrected). Results suggest reduced involvement of cognitive control regions (e.g., dlPFC) during inhibitory control under a drug context, relative to an alternative reinforcer, in CUD. Supporting the iRISA model, these results elucidate the direct impact of drug-related cue-reactivity on the neural signature of inhibitory control in drug addiction. Significance statementExcessive salience attribution to drugs and related cues at the expense of nondrug reinforcers and cues and inhibitory control impairments are hallmark symptoms of drug addiction. Although these neuropsychological functions have been investigated independently, brain representations of their interaction are less clear. We illustrate that, despite matched behavioral performance and valence and arousal ratings, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex--a key node of the cognitive control network also associated with craving--exhibits decreased signaling when successfully inhibiting responses to drug compared to nondrug (food) cues (words) in cocaine-addicted individuals. Modulating salience while taxing self-control permits the study of their combined impact, an ecologically valid examination of the addiction experience. Better understanding inhibitory control under drug cue-reactivity may refine targeted neuromodulatory interventions.
Corticospinal neuron subpopulation-specific developmental genes prospectively indicate mature segmentally specific axon projection targeting

For precise motor control, distinct subpopulations of corticospinal neurons (CSN) must extend axons to distinct spinal segments, from proximal targets in the brainstem and cervical cord to distal targets in thoracic and lumbar spinal segments. We find that developing CSN subpopulations exhibit striking axon targeting specificity in spinal white matter, which establishes the foundation for durable specificity of adult corticospinal circuitry. Employing developmental retrograde and anterograde labeling, and their distinct neocortical locations, we purified developing CSN subpopulations using fluorescence-activated cell sorting to identify genes differentially expressed between bulbar-cervical and thoracolumbar-projecting CSN subpopulations at critical developmental times. These segmentally distinct CSN subpopulations are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of axon extension, enabling prospective identification even before eventual axon targeting decisions are evident in the spinal cord. This molecular delineation extends beyond simple spatial separation of these subpopulations in the cortex. Together, these results identify candidate molecular controls over segmentally specific corticospinal axon projection targeting.
The role of vascular cell integrins αvß3 and αvß5 in angiogenesis

Six hundred thousand new cases of lung, colon, breast and prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, accounting for 75% of new solid tumor cancers and 77% of solid tumor cancer deaths (Fraumeni et al, 1993). Although advances in therapy and in our understanding of cancer causes and risk factors have led to improved outcomes overall, many cancers will have low five year survival rates. Despite these advances in primary tumor management, 50% of patients will ultimately die of their disease, largely due to the metastatic spread of tumors to numerous or inoperable sites through the tumor-associated vasculature (Fraumeni et al., 1992; Weinstat-Saslow, 1994). It is now known that the growth and spread of solid tumor cancer depends on the development of a tumor-associated vasculature by a process known as angiogenesis.
Editorial: On Tears of Sorrow and Joy

The issue is dedicated to the audacious works of three women lionesses Gbowee, Johnson Sirleaf and Karman.
Neurohumoral Regulation in Ischemia‐Induced Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by neurohumoral excitation. Increased sympathetic drive and activation of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), with vasoconstriction and volume retention, are hallmarks of the CHF syndrome. Treatment strategies have targeted the peripheral influences of these two systems, but have not addressed the central mechanisms that drive them. We monitored the development of CHF following coronary ligation in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Left ventricular dysfunction characteristic of CHF was confirmed by echocardiography, and the CHF syndrome was validated by measurements of circulating hormones, sodium appetite, thirst, renal sodium and water retention, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). In CHF rats, neuronal activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which mediates downstream effects of forebrain circumventricular organs, was increased and was inhibited by blocking components of the RAAS at the forebrain level. Forebrain (AV3V) lesions and intracarotid (forebrain directed) injections of agents (captopril, losartan, spironolactone) that block RAAS substantially attenuated the behavioral and physiological manifestations of CHF. Intravenous losartan and captopril, in doses that lower arterial pressure, increased RSNA. These findings demonstrate an important role for RAAS-activated forebrain mechanisms in CHF and suggest that the central neural mechanisms driving sympathetic nerve activity and volume retention may persist and promote the progression of CHF despite treatments directed toward the peripheral influences of RAAS.
The Brain Metabolic Activity after Resuscitation with Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin in a Rat Model of Hypovolemic Shock

We examined the effect of resuscitation with liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) on cerebral bioenergetics in a rat model of 45% hypovolemia. The rats were resuscitated with isovolemic LEH or saline after 15 minutes of shock and followed up to 6 hours. Untreated hypovolemic rats received no fluid. The cerebral uptake of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was measured by PET, and at 6 hours, the brain was collected for various assays. Hypovolemia decreased cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), phosphocreatine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)/NADH ratio, citrate synthase activity, glucose-6-phosphate, and nerve growth factor (NGF), even when FDG uptake remained unchanged. The FDG uptake was reduced by saline, but not by LEH infusion. The reduced FDG uptake in saline group was associated with a decrease in hexokinase I expression. The LEH infusion effectively restored ATP content, NAD/NADH ratio, and NGF expression, and reduced the hypovolemia-induced accumulation of pyruvate and ubiquitinated protein...
Malnutrition is prevalent among hemodialysis patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Malnutrition (MN) in hemodialysis patients (HDP) is prevalent worldwide. How­ever, data regarding the nutritional status among HDP living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is lacking. The purpose of this study was to detect MN in HDP at the Jeddah Kidney Center, with an inexpensive nutritional assessment protocol consisting of anthropometric body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and biochemical (albumin) blood measurements and the seven-point subjective global assessment (SGA). A cross-sectional study assessed 269 HDP for MN through a questionnaire, SGA and anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were determined between SGA and anthropometric and biochemical measurements as well as the relative odds of MN. Statistical significance was P <0.05. These HDP were 48.7% moderately and 6.3% severely malnourished. Albumin, BMI, TSF and MAMC correlated positively with the seven-point SGA (r s = 0.16, P = 0.007; r s = 0.33, P <0.001; r s = 0.29, P <0.001; and r s = 0.34, P <0.001, respectively). Those HDP who were female (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, P = 0.036), older (≥55 years) (OR = 1.70, P = 0.087), uneducated (OR = 1.80, P = 0.072), with a lower BMI (<18 kg/m 2) (OR = 2.00, P = 0.077) and thinner TSF (OR = 1.45, P = 0.041) had a greater risk of MN. The high prevalence of MN was detected with an inexpensive protocol. Women with thinner TSF were more likely to be malnou­rished. The implementation of this protocol is warranted along with dietary education and counseling to decrease MN in HDP.
Development and characterization of nontumorigenic and tumorigenic epithelial cell lines from rat dorsal-lateral prostate.

Abstract We have established two new epithelial cell lines (NRP-152, NRP-154), with markedly different properties, from the dorsal-lateral prostate of Lobund/Wistar rats treated with N -methyl- N -nitrosourea and testosterone propionate. NRP-152 cells do not form tumors in athymic mice and retain many of the properties of normal prostatic epithelial cells. They produce prostatic acid phosphatase, have functional androgen receptors, and require the combination of several growth factors in addition to serum for optimal growth. Their growth is stimulated by epidermal growth factor, insulin, dexamethasone, cholera toxin, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone, and their growth is inhibited by transforming growth factor βs and retinoic acid. These cells also respond to 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 with an early growth stimulation followed by growth inhibition at later times. In contrast, tumorigenic NRP-154 cells lack detectable androgen receptor mRNA and have less stringent growth factor requirements for optimal growth. Growth of NRP-154 cells is stimulated by dexamethasone and insulin, inhibited by transforming growth factor β1, but not significantly altered by epidermal growth factor, cholera toxin, dihydrotestosterone, retinoic acid, or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 . Our data suggest that the NRP-152 and NRP-154 cell lines are suitable systems for analysis of normal prostate growth and prostatic carcinogenesis.
ATP is required at an early step in compensatory endocytosis in synaptic terminals.

Whole-terminal capacitance measurements were used to examine membrane retrieval that follows Ca 2+ -triggered exocytosis in single synaptic terminals. Exocytosis was followed by endocytosis only when the internal solution contained a hydrolyzable analog of ATP. ATP-γ-S, a poorly hydrolyzable ATP analog, did not support endocytosis but instead produced a rapid and profound inhibition of membrane retrieval. Under similar conditions, the GTP analogs GTP-γ-S and GDP-β-S failed to block endocytosis, suggesting that ATP is the preferred substrate. Furthermore, the requirement for ATP was independent of the role of ATP in regulating intraterminal Ca 2+ , and the role of Ca 2+ in endocytosis was different from that of ATP. The results suggest a direct, acute requirement for ATP hydrolysis in compensatory fast endocytosis in synaptic terminals. Given that the capacitance technique detects changes in membrane surface area, ATP must be required for the membrane fission step or at a step that is a prerequisite for membrane fission.
Epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum in an adolescent with a history of a Nissen fundoplication: A case report

Abstract Epiphrenic esophageal diverticuli (EED) are exceedingly rare in children. While esophageal dysmotility is often associated with this diagnosis in adults, the few reports in children implicate retained foreign bodies as the cause. The patient presented here is an 18 year-old female with a distant history of a Nissen fundoplication who developed dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and weight loss, and was found to have an EED. Her symptoms completely resolved following laparoscopic diverticulectomy and hiatal hernia repair. Though the exact etiology of her EED remained unclear, it may have been related to her fundoplication. This potential late complication may be seen more frequently as a large number of children with a history of fundoplication are reaching adulthood.
Myocardial Injury Associated with Potassium Arrest

The relative efficacy of potassium-induced ischemic arrest using buffered, isosmotic potassium (25 mEq/liter) was compared with hypothermic arrest in an experimental protocol employing an intact canine heart preparation. Myocardial function (LVSW, dp/dt max), serum creatine phosphokinase levels, myocardial perfusion, and light and electron microscopical examination of the heart were assessed in five groups of 5 dogs each. There was one control group (90 minutes of bypass, no anoxia) and four experimental groups, each subjected to 1 hour of ischemic arrest and 30 minutes of reperfusion, comparing normothermic ischemic arrest (NIA), hypothermic ischemic arrest (myocardial temperature less than 25 degrees C) (HIA), normothermic potassium arrest (NKA), and hypothermic potassium arrest (HKA). Myocardial function decreased significantly following NIA and NKA but remained essentially equal in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Serum creatine phosphokinase analysis documented a significant increase in each group of animals: 2,250 mU after NIA, 1,778 mU after NKA, 1,388 mU after HIA, 1,220 mU after HKA, and 838 mU after control bypass. Left ventricular myocardial perfusion was unmeasurably low after NIA, reduced to 111 m/100 gm of tissue/min after NKA, and increased to 165 to 188 ml/100 gm/min in the control, HIA and HKA groups. Electron microscopical studies showed a range of myocardial changes, from probably irreversible damage after NIA to similar but less diffuse changes after NKA, and to potentially reversible changes after HKA and HIA with the least alteration from control after HIA. The results indicate that potassium arrest alone is not as effective as hypothermia in preventing ischemic injury, and the combination of hypothermia with a single 150 cc administration of potassium (25 mEq/liter) does not appear to provide significant additional protection.
Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis: Get Two for the Price of One?

Tight coupling between synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis is critical for the maintenance of neurotransmission. In this issue of Neuron , Zhu et al. reveal a surprising facet of this coupling by showing that, at low frequencies, fusion of a single vesicle leads to retrieval of two vesicles with dissimilar attributes.
Attitudes Toward the Treatment of Sex Offenders: A SEM Analysis

Evidence suggests that public attitudes toward sex offenders are often complex, which is partly due to the lack of sophisticated measures that capture different dimensions of individual attitudes. This article examined public attitudes toward sex offenders and their specific attitudes toward sex offender treatment using 2 validated attitudinal scales among a group of 316 psychology students at a southern public university. Structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to test the relation between the general attitude and treatment specific attitude. Findings indicated an acceptable model fit with the data (e.g., CFI = .95, SRMR = .07, and RMSEA = .06). Attitudes toward sex offenders and the level of concern for victims are significantly related to individual attitudes toward the treatment of sex offenders. Females were found to hold less negative attitudes toward sex offenders than males. The implications of the findings in relation to policy and program development are discussed.
Light-induced reduction of cytoplasmic free calcium in retinal rod outer segment

The response of retinal rod photoreceptors to light consists of a membrane hyperpolarization resulting from the decrease of a light-sensitive conductance in the outer segment1. According to the calcium hypothesis, this conductance is blocked by a rise in intracellular free Ca triggered by light2, a notion supported by the findings that an induced rise in internal Ca leads to blockage of the light-sensitive conductance3–9 and that light triggers a net Ca efflux from the outer segment via a Na–Ca exchanger, suggesting a rise in internal free Ca in the light10–13. We have now measured both Ca influx and efflux through the outer segment plasma membrane and find that, contrary to the calcium hypothesis, light seems to decrease rather than increase the free Ca concentration in the rod outer segment. This result implies that Ca does not mediate visual excitation but it probably has a role in light adaptation.
Water, Sanitation, And Primary School Attendance: A Multi-Level Assessment Of Determinants Of Household-Reported Absence In Kenya

This cross-sectional analysis examined the influence of school and household water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)conditions on recent primary school absence in light of other individual, household, and school characteristics in western Kenya. School latrine cleanliness was the only school WASH factor associated with reduced odds of absence.The marginal effect of household characteristics, such as distance to water source, child involvement in water collection, and presence of a latrine, differed by gender. Demographic features were more important predictors of absence, suggesting that interventions to improve attendance must consider existing differentials attributable to gender, socioeconomicstatus, and other household characteristics.
CME geometry in relation to cosmic ray anisotropy

Strong enhancements of the cosmic ray anisotropy were observed before and during the January 1997 CME/magnetic cloud. From a multi-station analysis of neutron monitor data, we conclude that “B × ∇n” drift is a primary source of CME-related anisotropies for 5 GeV cosmic rays. Evolution of the cosmic ray density and density gradients is closely linked to magnetic properties of the ejecta, and provides information on the magnetic cloud and related features as they approach and pass Earth. Strong enhancement of the field-aligned anisotropy was observed primarily during the 9 hours prior to shock arrival. If typical, this phenomenon should prove useful for space weather forecasting.
Ten Commandments of urban regeneration: creating healthy, safe, affordable, sustainable, and just neighbourhoods

Social critic Paul Goodman (1960, p. 17) wrote in Growing Up Absurd, “A man has only one life and if during it he has no great environment, no community, he has been irreparably robbed of a human r...
Integrated resource management for cluster-based internet services

Client request rates for Internet services tend to be bursty and thus it is important to maintain efficient resource utilization under a wide range of load conditions. Network service clients typically seek services interactively and maintaining reasonable response time is often imperative for such services. In addition, providing differentiated service qualities and resource allocation to multiple service classes can also be desirable at times. This paper presents an integrated resource management framework (part of Neptune system) that provides flexible service quality specification, efficient resource utilization, and service differentiation for cluster-based services. This framework introduces the metric of quality-aware service yield to combine the overall system efficiency and individual service response time in one flexible model. Resources are managed through a two-level request distribution and scheduling scheme. At the cluster level, a fully decentralized request distribution architecture is employed to achieve high scalability and availability. Inside each service node, an adaptive scheduling policy maintains efficient resource utilization under a wide range of load conditions. Our trace-driven evaluations demonstrate the performance, scalability, and service differentiation achieved by the proposed techniques.
Talking and body complaints in group therapy patients.

Abstract In a population of 71 psychiatric patients, the kind and duration of body complaints were compared with verbal activity in group therapy. A score for verbal output was devised, correcting for differences in group size, number of sessions and verbal activity of co-members. Patients with no physical complaints had significantly higher verbal scores than patients experiencing various combinations of somatic complaints. For the group as a whole, a rise in verbal scores was inversely correlated at the level of significance with the duration in years of the primary somatic problem.
The cytogenetics of 90 patients with idiopathic mental retardation/malformation syndromes and of 90 normal subjects

A cytogenetic study, done on randomized coded slides, of 90 patients with idiopathic mental retardation and at least 3 other developmentally independent congenital anomalies and of 90 normal subjects is reported. Audiatorography, Q-banding and C-staining were used in the analysis of chromosomally abnormal cases. Eight patients were found to have chromosome abnormalities. Four had substantial chromosome aberrations that would be expected to cause abnormal phenotype. These were CD165 (46,18q-); CD25 (46,18q+) (partial trisomy of 10q); CD175 (46,4q+) and CD95 (46,mar22). In addition, 4 patients were found to have chromosomal anomalies that could not account for their conditions. Three of these were considered to have heterochromatic variants. Patient CD167 had an 9qh+ chromosome which had been inherited from her mother. Case CD137 had a No. 19 chromosome with additional centric heterochromatin. A similar chromosome was found in her mother, maternal grandmother and 2 of 3 half sibs. In patient CD125 a telocentric No. 13 was found. In addition, CD80 was shown to have an XYY constitution. In the normal subjects, no unbalanced chromosome rearrangements were found. Four persons, however, had minor chromosome anomalies. Three were considered to have heterochromatic variants. These were CD54 (46,22p+); CD149 (46,21p+) and CD19 (46,tel22). One normal subject (CD51) was found to be a balanced t(13q14q) carrier. The translocation chromosome had been inherited from his father.
Weed control and potato (Solanum tuberosum) tolerance with dimethenamid isomers and other herbicides

Two research studies were conducted to evaluate weed control in potato with dimethenamid and dimethenamid-p. No significant injury was observed from most applications of dimethenamid prior to potato emergence, but injury was 20% to 38% with dimethenamid when emerging potatoes were covered slightly by soil during “drag-off” and rain occurred within 24 h. Common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) control with dimethenamid preemergence (PRE) did not exceed 68%. Dimethenamid-p plus metribuzin or dimethenamid-p followed by (fb) rimsulfuron postemergence (POST) controlled common lambsquarters 95% to 96% and common ragweed 71% to 92%. Annual grass control was greater with S-metolachlor alone than with dimethenamid isomers alone. Broadleaf and grass control was similar with dimethenamid and dimethenamid-p.
FUSION OF ORDINAL INFORMATION USING WEIGHTED MEDIAN AGGREGATION

Abstract The weighted median is introduced as a fusion operation which can be used in situations in which, while having numeric values for the weights associated with the objects to be fused, the actual objects being fused only satisfy an ordering property. After introducing the concept of weighted median we compare it with the weighted average and show that they have many properties in common. We then provide an algorithm for learning the weights associated with a median aggregation. We then show how we can use this technique to extend the applicability of the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operator to situations in which the arguments are nonnumeric. Finally we show how we can use the weighted median as an alternative to the expected value in the evaluation of probabilistic lotteries.
Gram Polynomials and the Kummer Function

Let {φk}nk=0,n<m, be a family of polynomials orthogonal with respect to the positive semi-definite bilinear form(g, h)d:=1m∑j=1mg(xj)h(xj),xj:=−1+(2j−1)/m.These polynomials are known as Gram polynomials. The present paper investigates the growth of |φk(x)| as a function ofkandmfor fixedx∈[−1, 1]. We show that whenn⩽2.5m1/2, the polynomials in the family {φk}nk=0are of modest size on [−1, 1], and they are therefore well suited for the approximation of functions on this interval. We also demonstrate that if the degreekis close tom, andm⩾10, thenφk(x) oscillates with large amplitude for values ofxnear the endpoints of [−1, 1], and this behavior makesφkpoorly suited for the approximation of functions on [−1, 1]. We study the growth properties of |φk(x)| by deriving a second order differential equation, one solution of which exposes the growth. The connection between Gram polynomials and this solution to the differential equation suggested what became a long-standing conjectured inequality for the confluent hypergeometric function1F1, also known as Kummer's function, i.e., that1F1((1−a)/2, 1, t2)⩽1F1(1/2, 1, t2) for alla⩾0. In this paper we completely resolve this conjecture by verifying a generalization of the conjectured inequality with sharp constants.
Transnational Structuring in Food Processing and Marketing: Introduction

It is widely recognized that international markets are increasingly important to the economic viability of the U.S. food and agricultural sector. During the past three decades, for example, the value of the sector's exports, when measured in real terms, has more than doubled and, when measured as a share of the sector's gross domestic product, has increased by 80%. Further, with an estimated income multiplier for agricultural and food exports that exceeds 2.3, the overall American economy realizes significant benefits. It is also recognized that international marketings are highly variable. Indeed, much of the boom in the agricultural economy during the 1970s was directly attributed to an unparalleled rate of growth in exports, just as the bust in the first half of the 1980s was tied to a sharp decline. The sources and consequences of this variability have been the subject of much speculation, discussion, and research. Closer examination, however, reveals that much of the variability has been caused by wide swings in exports of primary commodities, essentially the feed grains, food grains, and oilseeds. By contrast, international sales of high-value agricultural products, including processed commodities and manufactured foods, have been more stable. Since 1980, for example, the standard deviation in the annual value of primary commodity exports has been 2.5 times larger than for high-value products. At the least, therefore, stability argues that export markets for high-value products deserve particular attention. Furthermore, estimates of income multipliers suggest that the economy-wide gains from high-value exports (2.9) are more than 50% higher than those from primary commodities (1.8), mainly because of further processing and other valueadding activities. A comparison of the profile of U.S. trade in food and agricultural products with the world market, however, raises questions regarding the international competitiveness of American firms. FAO trade data indicate that during the past twenty-five years, high-value products have accounted for roughly three-fourths of all world trade in agricultural products, whereas they have made up less than 45% of U.S. agricultural exports. By contrast, more than 90% of U.S. agricultural imports are in highvalue categories. This suggests that the American food and agricultural sector is, in essence, transferring to other countries many of the jobs and much of the income that can be earned by producing value-added products for world markets.
Measuring participation in people living with multiple sclerosis: A comparison of self-reported frequency, importance and self-efficacy

Purpose. To compare three dimensions related to participation in everyday situations in community-dwelling adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods. Mail survey was obtained from 112 respondents...
Cellular and chemical mediators of type 1 hypersensitivity in calves infected with Ostertagia ostertagi: Mast cells and eosinophils

Abomasal mucosal mast cell and eosinophil accumulation was morphometrically evaluated in 26 Holstein steers after natural or experimental infection with Ostertagia ostertagi. Results showed that following infection, accumulation of mast cells and eosinophils in abomasal tissue was dependent on infection pattern. Eosinophilia was greater in steers with type 1 ostertagiosis, while mastocytes was more pronounced in steers with type 2 ostertagiosis.
Sensitivity to perspective structure while walking without vision.

Experiments are reported of the nonvisual sensitivity of observers to their paths of locomotion and to the resulting changes in the structure of their perspectives, ie changes in the network of directions and distances spatially relating them to objects fixed in the surrounding environment. In the first experiment it was found that adults can keep up to date on the changing structure of their perspectives even in the absence of sights and sounds that specify changes in self-to-object relations. They do this rapidly, accurately, and, according to the subjects' reports, automatically, as if perceiving the new perspective structures. The second experiment was designed to investigate the role of visual experience in the development of sensitivity to occluded changes in perspective structure by comparing the judgments of sighted adults with those of late-blinded adults (who had extensive life histories of vision) and those of early-blinded adults (who had little or no history of vision). The three groups perfo...
Programmed cell death, mitochondria and the plant hypersensitive response

The plant response to attempted infection by microbial pathogens is often accompanied by rapid cell death in and around the initial infection site, a reaction known as the hypersensitive response. This response is associated with restricted pathogen growth and represents a form of programmed cell death (PCD). Recent pharmacological and molecular studies have provided functional evidence for the conservation of some of the basic regulatory mechanisms underlying the response to pathogens and the activation of PCD in animal and plant systems. In animals, the mitochondrion integrates diverse cellular stress signals and initiates the death execution pathway, and studies indicate a similar involvement for mitochondria in regulating PCD in plants. But many of the cell-death regulators that have been characterized in humans, worms and flies are absent from the Arabidopsis genome, indicating that plants probably use other regulators to control this process.
Clinical evaluation of patients with temporomandibular joint implants.

Purpose: An undetermined number of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms have been treated with intra-articular disc implants composed of Teflon ethylene/propylene or Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene and aluminum oxide (Proplast-Teflon; Vitek, Houston, TX). These implants have shown the potential to fragment in situ resulting in nonbiodegradable particles that stimulate a giant cell reaction and lead to degeneration of local structures, pain, and limitation of mandibular opening. We examined the possible relationship between TMJ implants and persistent pain, responses to sensory stimuli, quality of life, and systemic immune dysfunction. Patients and Methods: This case series (32 patients) were referred from university-based orofacial pain centers and private practices from across the United States. Laboratory and clinical assessments evaluated orofacial pain symptoms, neurologic function, clinical signs and symptoms of rheumatologic disease, physical function, systemic measures of immune function, and behavioral measures. Results: We found that TMJ implant patients appeared to have altered sensitivity to sensory stimuli, a higher number of tender points with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, increased self-report of chemical sensitivity, higher psychologic distress and significantly lower functional ability. Systemic illness or autoimmune disease was not evident in this series of TMJ implant patients. Conclusions: Significant problems were noted on clinical assessment of TMJ implant patients. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:1389-1399, 2002