cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous and receptor-controlled soluble guanylyl cyclase activity in anterior pituitary cells.

Nitric oxide (NO)-dependent soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is operative in mammalian cells, but its presence and the role in cGMP production in pituitary cells have been incompletely characterized. Here we show that sGC is expressed in pituitary tissue and dispersed cells, enriched lactotrophs and somatotrophs, and GH3 immortalized cells, and that this enzyme is exclusively responsible for cGMP production in unstimulated cells. Basal sGC activity was partially dependent on voltage-gated calcium influx, and both calcium-sensitive NO synthases (NOS), neuronal and endothelial, were expressed in pituitary tissue and mixed cells, enriched lactotrophs and somatotrophs, and GH3 cells. Calcium-independent inducible NOS was transiently expressed in cultured lactotrophs and somatotrophs after the dispersion of cells, but not in GH3 cells and pituitary tissue. This enzyme participated in the control of basal sGC activity in cultured pituitary cells. The overexpression of inducible NOS by lipopolysaccharide 1 interferon-g further increased NO and cGMP levels, and the majority of de novo produced cGMP was rapidly released. Addition of an NO donor to perifused pituitary cells also led to a rapid cGMP release. Calcium-mobilizing agonists TRH and GnRH slightly increased basal cGMP production, but only when added in high concentrations. In contrast, adenylyl cyclase agonists GHRH and CRF induced a robust increase in cGMP production, with EC50s in the physiological concentration range. As in cells overexpressing inducible NOS, the stimulatory action of GHRH and CRF was preserved in cells bathed in calcium-deficient medium, but was not associated with a measurable increase in NO production. These results indicate that sGC is present in secretory anterior pituitary cells and is regulated in an NO-dependent manner through constitutively expressed neuronal and endothelial NOS and transiently expressed inducible NOS, as well as independently of NO by adenylyl cyclase coupled-receptors. (Molecular Endocrinology 15:
The Diffusion of Judicially Provided Employment Protection: The Employment-at-Will Doctrine

Labour economists in the private sector of the United States have historically expressed concerns that private-sector employers too often terminate employees' employment without just cause. Because the USA lakes statutory restrictions against such actions, many state judicial branches seem to have taken a leading role in providing some degree of employment security. The present note tests the ‘intensity’ of the occurrence (across states) of judicially provided employment protection, as a function of several demographic, labour and political variables across states. The maximum likelihood tobit results point out that education attainment of the voting population, the current rate of unemployment, and population density of the state are important factors that lead judicial branches of government (across states) to provide such protection at different points in time. The note supports several findings of a previous study by Kesselring and Pittman (1993) which models the dependent variable as a zero/one dummy...
The role of Krs1 in cell cycle arrest.

The Krs1 (kinase responsive to stress 1) kinase has been proposed to mediate signals initiated by various forms of cellular or environmental stress for the process of growth arrest and apoptosis. The functional role of Krs1 in cell growth arrest may involve a constant, stress-independent proteolytic modification of the full-length kinase p63(Krs1), via caspase-like activity, to produce kinase-active kinase fragment, p33(Krs1). Induction of the kinase activity of p33(Krs1) is closely correlated with cell growth arrest in the G(0)/G(1) phase due to serum starvation, contact inhibition or growth-arresting agents. Deactivation of p33(Krs1) is closely associated with cell entry into the cell cycle. In response to stress shock the conversion of p63(Krs1) to p33(Krs1) is enhanced, and the kinase activity of p33(Krs1) is additionally increased in quiescent cells that undergo apoptosis. Both mechanisms of proteolytic modification and protein phosphorylation are involved in a complex control of the kinase activity and function of p33(Krs1) in response to environmental changes leading to cell growth arrest in quiescence or quiescence-related apoptosis. Numerous studies have shown that signaling pathways in malignantly transformed cells are regulated differently from their counterpart pathways in normal counterpart cells in response to stress shock or anticancer agents. It is desirable to develop one type of anticancer agent to selectively growth-arrest normal counterpart cells in G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle through the control of Krs1-involved signaling pathways. The success of arresting normal cells in a quiescent state will provide access for other types of anticancer treatments to induce cell death of cancerous cells, which are resistant to growth arrest in other phases of the cell cycle.
Prestin's Anion Transport and Voltage-Sensing Capabilities Are Independent

The integral membrane protein prestin, a member of the SLC26 anion transporter family, is responsible for the voltage-driven electromotility of mammalian outer hair cells. It was argued that the evolution of prestin's motor function required a loss of the protein's transport capabilities. Instead, it was proposed that prestin manages only an abortive hemicycle that results in the trapped anion acting as a voltage sensor, to generate the motor's signature gating charge movement or nonlinear capacitance. We demonstrate, using classical radioactive anion ([14C]formate and [14C]oxalate) uptake studies, that in contrast to previous observations, prestin is able to transport anions. The prestin-dependent uptake of both these anions was twofold that of cells transfected with vector alone, and comparable to SLC26a6, prestin's closest phylogenetic relative. Furthermore, we identify a potential chloride-binding site in which the mutations of two residues (P328A and L326A) preserve nonlinear capacitance, yet negate anion transport. Finally, we distinguish 12 charged residues out of 22, residing within prestin's transmembrane regions, that contribute to unitary charge movement, i.e., voltage sensing. These data redefine our mechanistic concept of prestin.
Monoaminergic drugs and directly observable signs of LAAM withdrawal in rhesus monkeys

Monoaminergic ligands modified a naltrexone discriminative stimulus in rhesus monkeys dependent on 2 mg/kg per day of the mu opioid L-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM). This study examined a role for monoamines in the directly observable and physiologic manifestations of LAAM withdrawal induced by naltrexone in the same monkeys. The effects of saline, clonidine (0.032 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.032 mg/kg), cocaine (1.0 mg/kg), amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) and imipramine (10.0 mg/kg) were examined in LAAM-dependent monkeys that subsequently received saline or naltrexone (0.0001-1.0 mg/kg). Naltrexone dose-dependently increased respiration, abdominal rigidity and salivation. Clonidine attenuated each of these withdrawal signs, whereas haloperidol increased some (i.e. respiration) and decreased others (i.e. salivation). When administered alone, cocaine and amphetamine increased respiration and also increased the respiratory stimulant effects of naltrexone; cocaine and amphetamine did not attenuate any measure of withdrawal. With the exception of a decrease in naltrexone-induced salivation, imipramine was without effect. These results are strikingly different from results in these same LAAM-dependent monkeys showing that cocaine and amphetamine, but not clonidine, markedly attenuated a naltrexone discriminative stimulus. That monoaminergic ligands differentially alter the directly observable and discriminative stimulus effects of naltrexone in LAAM-dependent monkeys supports the view that monoamines differentially mediate the physical manifestations (norepinephrine) and subjective experience (dopamine) of opioid withdrawal.
The role of envelope statistics in detecting changes in interaural correlation

The role of envelope statistics in binaural masking-level differences (BMLDs) and correlation change detection was investigated in normal-hearing listeners. Thresholds and just-noticeable differences (JNDs) were measured for different bandwidths and center frequencies (500, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz) using Gaussian noises (GNs) and low-fluctuation noises (LFNs). At a 500-Hz center frequency, GN NoSo thresholds were higher than, NoSπ thresholds were lower than, and correlation change detection JNDs were the same as LFN thresholds and JNDs. At higher center frequencies, GN NoSπ thresholds were the same or higher than LFN thresholds and GN correlation change detection JNDs were much smaller than LFN JNDs. Using a pulsed sine vocoder, a second experiment was performed to investigate if binaural adaptation might contribute to the difference in GN and LFN detection. There was no effect of pulse rate, thus providing no clear evidence that binaural adaptation plays a role in these tasks. Both a cross-correlation model and a model that utilized the fluctuations in the interaural differences could explain a majority of the variance in the LFN correlation change JNDs.
Synthesis of [3H]2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid and characterization of its binding to rat brain membranes: a selective ligand for the chloride/calcium-dependent class of L-glutamate binding sites.

[ 3 H]2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid was synthesized by the conjugate addition of 1-lithio-2-trimethylsilyethyne to diethyl ethynylphosphate followed by catalytic tritiation and hydrolysis. Radiolabelled 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid binds to a distinct class of l -glutamate binding sites and does not exhibit appreciable binding to sites not displaced by l -glutamate. The binding affinity ( K d = 5.1 ± 0.4 μ M) and pharmacological profile correspond to those values obtained from physiological studies of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid inhibition of synaptic transmission, and to those values obtained in [ 3 H] l -glutamate binding assays. [ 3 H]2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid does not exhibit significant binding to the Cl − /Ca 2+ -independent l -glutamate binding site(s), nor to the Na + -dependent l -glutamate binding site (up to 50 mM Na + ). These data provide further evidence that the physiological action of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid is mediated by the previously described Cl − /Ca 2+ -dependent l glutamate binding sites, and provides an assay system which is optimal for the study of these sites.
Polytryptophane terminated dendritic macromolecules

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of dendritic macromolecules coated with tryptophan moieties are described. A direct relationship between the molecular ellipicity () and the number of surface tryptophans has been demonstrated.
Do patients with insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes have different risks for complications after arthroplasty?

Background Patients with diabetes are known to be at greater risk for complications after arthroplasty than are patients without diabetes. However, we do not know whether there are important differences in the risk of perioperative complications between patients with diabetes who are insulin-dependent (Type 1 or 2) and those who are not insulin-dependent.
Understanding OpenURL standard and electronic resources: effective use of available resources

The OpenURL standard provides a mechanism to transport metadata or identifiers of a digital item from one resource to another as well as a way to construct links in a dynamic linking environment. The OpenURL standard provides a means of integrating electronic resources. This article first describes some integration issues for electronic resources in the library and continues to discuss types of URL before giving an overview of the OpenURL standard and the OpenURL linking system, the link resolver. The major OpenURL linking products and host solution options are described, and the impact of the OpenURL standard and OpenURL linking system on library users and library services are discussed. New developments in the OpenURL standard and OpenURL linking systems are provided in the concluding section.
Lipid changes in mature‐green bell pepper fruit during chilling at 2°C and after transfer to 20°C subsequent to chilling

Lipid composition and pigment content in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Bell Tower) fruit that were freshly harvested, chilled 14 days at 2° C. or chilled and then transferred to 20 °C for 3 days (“rewarmed”) were determined. There was slight to moderate loss of membrane glycerolipids during chilling, with much greater losses after chilled fruit was rewarmed. Galactolipid (GL) loss exceeded that of phospholipid (PL). The ratio of monogalactosyl -to digalactosyl-diacylglycerol did not change in chilled or in rewarmed fruit, and there was no chlorophyll loss, but the amount of neutral carotenes declined during chilling and dropped further alter rewarming. Only minor changes in total membrane sterols (TMS = free sterols + steryl glycosides + acylated steryl glycosides) were noted in chilled and in rewarmed fruit (a small increase followed by a small decrease), but major changes occurred in sterol glycosylation and esterification. The ratio of stigmasterol to sitosterol increased during chilling and rose further after rewarming. Due to PL loss, the ratios of TMS and free sterols to PL increased in rewarmed fruit. The ratio of linolenate (18:3) to linoleate (18:2) rose during chilling and after rewarming in all fatty-acyl lipids (GL. PL. and acylated steryl glycosides), but the unsaturation index increased only in GL. These results indicate that most membrane damage occurs after rewarming of chilled fruit and that the chloroplasts are especially chilling sensitive.
Physicochemical Behavior of Cement Kiln Dust-Treated Kaolinite Clay

The physicochemical responses induced in kaolinite clay treated with 25% of a high free lime content cement kiln dust (CKD) were investigated. Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength, and stiffness of the compacted, CKD-treated kaolinite were measured as functions of the curing period. These properties were compared with those of the untreated clay and of the clay treated with quicklime, so as to determine the comparative extent of enhancement induced by the CKD treatment. The CKD-treated clay developed significantly higher strength than quicklime-treated clay containing the same amount of lime. The remarkable enhancement in clay properties observed suggests significant potential for use of some CKDs as soil stabilizers. The mineralogical and morphologic changes induced in the clay by the CKD addition were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses, so as to help provide an understanding of the CKD-clay interaction mechanism. T...
Alfalfa N2-fixation enhances the phosphorus uptake of walnut in interplantings

Walnut tree seedlings exhibited greater phosphorus (P) uptake from32P-labelled hydroxyapatite when interplanted with alfalfa than with other walnuts, black locust, or orchard grass. Three mechanisms are proposed as possible explanations of this enhnaced P uptake by walnut. In this study, diffusion of solubilized apatite-P to the roots of walnut at points of walnut-alfalfa root intersection is believed to be the operative mechanism. Phosphorus is solubilized due to rhizosphere acidification of alfalfa during nitrogen fixation. These results underscore the interdependence of nutrient cycles. Enhancement of the phosphorus cycle through manipulation of the nitrogen cycle has important implications for world food and fiber production.
The choreography of cyclooxygenases in the kidney

Nihil est ab omni parte beatum. (No blessing is unmixed.) —Horace Consideration of the cardiovascular effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition has generated much heat and some light since the emergence of selective inhibitors of COX2 onto the US market in January 1999. COX2 inhibitors have gained an increasingly dominant share of the prescription market for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), currently dividing yearly sales of over $6 billion among three products: celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib. Approval of these first three coxibs was based on their superiority over conventional NSAIDs (which inhibit both COX1 and COX2) in surrogate studies of endoscopically visualized gastric ulceration. Gastric epithelial COX1 is thought to generate the prostaglandins (PGs) — PGE2 and prostacyclin (PGI2) — that afford cytoprotection, while COX2 is thought to be the dominant source of PGs — interestingly, also PGE2 and PGI2 — that mediate pain and inflammation (1). The results of the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) study (2) verified the COX2 hypothesis. More than 8,000 patients, mostly with rheumatoid arthritis, were randomized to receive therapeutically equivalent doses of rofecoxib or naproxen, a traditional NSAID. The incidence of prespecified primary and secondary clinical endpoints reflecting ulceration and its complications was significantly reduced, from around 4% on naproxen to around 2% on the COX2 inhibitor. Perhaps surprisingly, the incidence of cardiovascular events diverged between the groups, with an almost fivefold difference in the incidence of myocardial infarction.
Twin-precipitate interaction in Ti-1wt%Cu

Abstract The interaction between deformation twins and precipitates in Ti-lwt%Cu and also the effect of subsequent short term aging on the stability of precipitates in the twinned zone was studied. The alloy was thermomechanically processed to form a supersaturated α-Ti solid solution, and aged at various times and temperatures to produce a fine dispersion of either fully coherent or semi-coherent plate-like precipitates all lying on {1011} 2 planes. The samples were deformed at high strain rates at liquid nitrogen temperatures to induce deformation twins. The passage of twins sheared the precipitates and also altered the habit plane of some of the variants. Irrespective of their habit plane orientation, all of the fully coherent precipitates in the twinned zone were observed to be stable, even upon subsequent short term aging. In contrast, short term aging caused the initially semicoherent precipitates in the twinned zone to disintegrate and form small spherical precipitates. Also investigated was the interaction between deformation twins and small transformed β particles within the α grains. When the size of the β particle was larger than the twin, the twin bypassed the particle by looping around it. Otherwise the twin forced the particle to deform.
Cellular responses to O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate-induced pulmonary injury in rats

O,O,S-Trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS-TMP), an impurity of many organophosphorus insecticides, causes a delayed toxicity in rats and mice which is associated with morphological and biochemical changes in the lung. Oral administration of doses as low as 20 mg/kg alters bronchiolar epithelial morphology and causes an increase in bronchopulmonary lavage lactate dehydrogenase levels. In the present study, the effects of OOS-TMP on alveolar and bronchiolar cells were examined by determining the patterns of cellular regeneration in rats at periods of 12 hr, 24 hr, 3 days, and 7 days after treatment. Dividing cells were labeled with tritiated thymidine and studied with autoradiographic techniques. The results showed that OOS-TMP treatment initiated proliferation of alveolar type II cells within 24 hr. The proliferative response of type II cells continued to increase in 3-day and 7-day treatment groups. Labeled alveolar type I cells began to appear after 3 days, indicating that type II cells were dividing to replace damaged type I cells. Cells of the alveoli were thickened and showed vacuolization. In the bronchioles, labeled Clara cells were increased on Day 3 and Day 7 while the number of labeled ciliated cells remained near control levels throughout all time points, indicating that in bronchiolar epithelium, OOS-TMP stimulates the proliferation of Clara cells but does not damage ciliated cells. The binding of tritiated OOS-TMP to lung tissue was also examined by autoradiography. It was found that [3H]OOS-TMP binds to all regions of lung tissue.
On-line syntactic processing in aphasia: studies with auditory moving window presentation.

Twenty-eight aphasic patients with left hemisphere strokes and matched control subjects were tested on an auditory moving windows task in which successive phrases of a sentence were presented in response to subjects' self-paced button presses and subjects made timed judgments regarding the plausibility of each sentence. Pairs of sentences were presented that differed in syntactic complexity. Patients made more errors and/or took longer in making the plausibility judgments than controls, and were more affected than controls by the syntactic complexity of a sentence in these judgments. Normal subjects showed effects of syntactic structure in self-paced listening. On-line syntactic effects differed in patients as a function of their comprehension level. High-performing patients showed the same effects as normal control subjects; low performing patients did not show the same effects of syntactic structure. On-line syntactic effects also differed in patients as a function of their clinical diagnosis. Broca's aphasic patients' on-line performances suggested that they were not processing complex syntactic structures on-line, while fluent aphasics' performances suggested that their comprehension impairment occurred after on-line processing was accomplished. The results indicate that many aphasic patients retain their ability to process syntactic structure on-line, and that different groups of patients with syntactic comprehension disorders show different patterns of on-line syntactic processing.
The Generativity of Institutional Logics

Institutional logics have sometimes been characterised as relatively static formations; even though they are subject to both exogenous and endogenous sources of change. In this paper, we seek to co...
Microstructural evolution of {113} rodlike defects and {111} dislocation loops in silicon-implanted silicon

Recent study indicated that transient enhanced diffusion in implanted silicon is attributed to {113} rodlike defects. We have used plan-view and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy to study the microstructural evolution of {113} rodlike defects as well as their transition to {111} dislocation loops in heat treatment of Si-amorphized silicon. We found that {113} rodlike defects undergo three stages of change during postimplantation anneals; accumulation of point defects to form homogeneous circular interstitial clusters, growth of these clusters along the 〈110〉 direction in a {113} habit plane, and dissolution into the matrix. We observed that the nucleation of {111} dislocation loops at the amorphous/crystalline interface lags behind that of the {113} defects and occurs while the latter grow and/or dissolve. This suggests that there is a period when {113} defects release interstitial point defects before the {111} dislocation loops nucleate from matrix. The {113} defects were found to disappe...
Structure and property development of poly(3-hexylthiophene) organogels probed with combined rheology, conductivity and small angle neutron scattering

The structural, mechanical and electrical properties of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) organogels have been probed during the sol–gel transition through combined rheology, AC dielectric spectroscopy and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). SANS shows that structural features of P3HT gels, which are crucial for the optimization of organic photovoltaic devices, evolve throughout the gelation process. In situ structure–property analyses also demonstrate that there are very different mechanisms for the formation and dissolution of fibers and networks prepared from these polymeric semiconductors. It is determined that P3HT gels form conductive pathways that are maintained even after up to 50% of the fibers re-dissolve upon heating. P3HT organogels formed in different aromatic solvents also show differences of more than two orders of magnitude in conductivity despite having similar nanoscale fiber structures. These results demonstrate the importance of controlling the self-assembled morphology of fiber networks for maintaining optimal electronic properties. This work also highlights the potential for using organogels as flexible platforms for designing efficient organic photovoltaic devices.
Group Issues and Activities for Female Teen Survivors of Sexual Abuse

The impact of sexual abuse can be devastating, especially for young girls at the crucial stage of adolescent development. Ramifications for these survivors of incest and extrafamilial abuse are addressed. Group therapy as an effective means of intervention is described. Group considerations discussed include group name; member and leadership selection; confidentiality; contracting and closed nature; parent meetings; self-disclosure; and objectives.
Mechanism of Muong Nong‐type tektite formation and speculation on the source of Australasian tektites

The source crater of the youngest and largest of the tektite strewnfields, the Australasian strewnfield, has not been located. A number of lines of evidence indicate that the Muong Nong-type tektites, primarily found in Indochina, are more primitive than the much more abundant and widespread splash-form tektites, and are proximal to the source. In this study the spatial distribution of Muong Nong-type tektite sites and chemical character have been used to indicate the approximate location of the source. The variation of Muong Nong-type tektite chemical composition appears to be caused by mixing of two silicate rock end-members and a small amount of limestone, and not by vapor fractionation. The variation in composition is not random, and does not support in situ melting or multiple impact theories. The distribution of both Muong Nong and splash-form tektite sites suggest the source is in a limited area near the southern part of the Thailand-Laos border.
A formulation for 2-D array neural nets for electro-optical implementation

A description is given of a formulation for 2-D neural nets which is suitable for the processing of 2-D array images. The formulation essentially processes a 2-D input array to be premultiplied and postmultiplied by a matrix of weights. Then the resulting 2-D array of data is processed via the usual sigmoidal thresholding and feedback, which are characteristic of neural nets. The authors describe two electrooptical implementations of their formulation: the first includes adaptations of the available incoherent optical techniques for the real-time multiplication of three matrices, while the second includes adaptations of vector-matrix multiplication and the sum of the outer product of vectors. The second requires less optical hardware for its implementation. >
Expression and regulation of an FMRFamide‐related neuropeptide gene family in Caenorhabditis elegans

FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) and related peptides (FaRPs) have been found throughout the animal kingdom, where they are involved in many behaviors. We previously identified 22 genes comprising the flp gene family that encodes FaRPs in Caenorhabditis elegans; in this paper we report the identification of another flp gene, flp-23. As a first step toward determining their functional roles in C. elegans, we examined the cell-specific expression pattern of the flp gene family. Of the 19 flp genes examined, each gene is expressed in a distinct set of cells; these cells include interneurons, motor neurons, and sensory neurons that are involved in multiple behaviors, as well as supporting cells, muscle cells, and epidermal cells. Several flp genes show sex-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, we find that expression of two flp genes changes in response to the developmental state of the animal. Many neurons express multiple flp genes. To investigate how flp genes are regulated in different neuronal subtypes, we examined flp expression in a small, well-defined subset of neurons, the mechanosensory neurons. Mutations in the unc-86 and mec-3 genes, which are necessary for the production and differentiation of the mechanosensory neurons, result in the complete loss of flp-4, flp-8, and flp-20 expression in mechanosensory neurons. Collectively, these data indicate that members of the flp gene family are likely to influence multiple behaviors and that their regulation can be dependent on the developmental state of the organism. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:540–550, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Early results after introduction of biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch at a military bariatric center

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is one of the most effective procedures in terms of weight loss and durability. It is also one of the most complex and highest risk bariatric procedures. The authors report their initial experience with BPD/DS. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing BPD/DS was performed, including a descriptive analysis of demographics, operative data, complications, and outcomes. Results were also compared with those among a group of 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB). RESULTS: Forty-three patients were identified. Mean preoperative body mass index was 52 kg/m 2 , and 56% of patients had body mass indexes > 50 kg/m 2 . Twenty (47%) were attempted laparoscopically, with 5 (25%) requiring conversion to open approach. Overall mean operative time was 269 minutes, with no significant difference between laparoscopic (256 minutes) and open (280 minutes). No major intraoperative complications occurred. Major postoperative complications included 4 gastric sleeve leaks, 2 small bowel obstructions, 1 intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and 1 duodenal stump leak. There was 1 death. Mean percentage excess body weight loss was 85% at 1 year. No patients developed severe malabsorptive symptoms or evidence of protein malnutrition. BPD/DS was associated with longer operative times and higher complication rates (P < .05 for both) compared with LGB but had significantly greater weight loss at 1 year (P < .05). CONCLUSION: BPD/DS is a complex procedure associated with increased operative times, increased risk for conversion from laparoscopic to open approach, and higher postoperative complication rates. However, it results in significantly greater weight loss than LGB without major adverse nutritional impact.
Soil Characteristics and the Accumulation of Inorganic Nitrogen in an Arid Urban Ecosystem

Urbanization represents the extreme case of human influence on an ecosystem. Biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen (N) in cities is very different from that of non-urban landscapes due to the large input of reactive forms of N and the heterogeneous distribution of various land uses that alters landscape connections. To quantify the likely effects of human activities on soil N and other soil properties in urban ecosystems, we conducted a probability-based study to sample 203 plots randomly distributed over the 6,400 km2 Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) area, which encompasses metropolitan Phoenix with its 3.5 million inhabitants. Soil inorganic N concentrations were significantly higher in urban residential, non-residential, agricultural, transportation, and mixed sites than in the desert sites. Soil water content and organic matter were both significantly higher under urban and agricultural land uses, whereas bulk density was lower compared to undeveloped desert. We calculated that farming and urbanization on average had caused an accumulation of 7.23 g m−2 in soil inorganic N across the CAP study area. Average soil inorganic N of the sampled desert sites (3.23 g m−2) was much higher than the natural background level reported in the literature. Laboratory incubation studies showed that many urban soils exhibited net immobilization of inorganic N, whereas desert and agricultural soils showed small, but positive, net N mineralization. The large accumulation of inorganic N in soils (mostly as nitrate) was highly unusual in terrestrial ecosystems, suggesting that in this arid urban ecosystem, N is likely no longer the primary limiting resource affecting plants, but instead poses a threat to surface and groundwater contamination, and influences other N cycling processes such as denitrification.
Examination of the Electrochemical Interface between Two Immiscible Electrolyte Solutions by Second Harmonic Generation

The potential-induced accumulation of electrolyte ions at the water/1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) electrochemical interface has been examined by total internal reflection second harmonic generation (TIR SHG). TIR SHG experiments provide the first direct optical measurements of the accumulation of the base electrolytes, tetraphenylarsonium (Ph4As+) and tetraphenylborate (Ph4B-), in the interfacial region between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES). The standard Galvani potential for ion transfer across the water/DCE interface for the tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) is measured from the SHG data. Using the Ph4As+ ion as a reference, a value of 219 ± 5 mV is determined for TBA+. In addition, optically determined potential-dependent concentration profiles for the Ph4As+ and Ph4B- ions are correlated with the modified Verwey−Niessen model for surface excess. Results suggest that less than 10% of the potential drop across the water/DCE interface occurs in the organic phase.
Pyridine nucleotides in the thyroid gland. II. Effect of nicotinamide, nicotinic acid and L-tryptophan administration.

The concentration of pyridine nucleotides in thyroid glands of rats given nicotinamide (NAm), nicotinic acid (NAc) or L-tryptophan (L-T) was measured. NAm, NAc and L-T given 4 and 24 hr before thyroidectomy substantially increased thyroid NAD and NADH, while NADP and NADPH were unchanged. The most potent agent was NAm; thyroid NAD concentration remained high for at least 24 hr after a single injection. TSH by acute injection (3 hr) and 6-n-PTU added to diet for 10 days further enhanced the increase in NAD induced by NAm, but not that by NAc or L-T. Hypophysectomy and puromycin injection diminished, while actinomycin did not prevent the NAm-induced increase in NAD and NADH. NAm injection did not affect glandular uptake or release of 131I nor organification of 131I in vivo or by homogenates. Thyroid ATP concentration and oxidation of glucose-U-14CO2 were unaffected by NAm injection. Glandular NAD does not appear to be rate limiting for NADP formation nor does its presence in high concentrations affect the m...
Manuel and the Genoese: A Reappraisal of Byzantine Commercial Policy in the Late Twelfth Century

The study attempts to rehabilitate the reputation of the Byzantine emperor, Manuel I Comnenus, by considering often overlooked evidence of the Genoese experience in Constantinople during his reign. Manuel's alleged ill-treatment of Italian merchants is seen to have resulted not from greed but from his concern with maintaining peace in Constantinople. The Genoese, who remained peaceful and loyal to their agreements with Manuel, prospered under his goodwill in spite of Genoa's refusal to commit itself to a Byzantine offensive alliance. It is concluded that Manuel's commercial policy was equitable to the Italians and beneficial to his empire's economic health.
Growth of Boron-rich nanowires by chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

B-rich nanowires are grown on Ni coated oxidized Si(111) substrate using diborane as the gas precursor in a CVD process at 20 torr and 900°C. These nanowires have diameters around 20-100 nanometers and lengths up to microns. Icosahedron B12 is shown to be the basic building unit forming the amorphous B-rich nanowires as characterized by EDAX, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopies. The gas chemistry at low [B2H6]/ [N2] ratio is monitored by the in situ mass spectroscopy, which identified N2 as an inert carrier gas leading to formation of the B-rich compounds. A nucleation controlled growth mechanism is proposed to explain the rugged nanowire growth of boron. The role of the Ni catalyst in the synthesis of the B-rich nanostructures is also discussed.
A Comparison of Platinized Grooved Electrode Performance with Ring‐Tip Electrodes

One of the determinants of the capture threshold of an endocardial pacing lead is the configuration of the electrode tip. To evaluate whether micro- and macroporous electrodes have better initial and chronic thresholds than nonporous electrodes, acute and chronic capture thresholds, stimulation impedance and sensing thresholds were determined in 22 patients in whom a ventricular ring-tip electrode and a unipolar, dual chamber pacemaker with bidirectional teiemetry had been implanted. These values were compared to those obtained from 25 patients receiving an electrode constructed with a platinized groove surface at the time of implant of an identical pulse generator. The ventricular capture threshold at implant was 0.7 V ± 0.3 at 0.6 msec pulse width for both groups. The capture threshold was significantly greater in the ring tip electrode group at follow-up periods of 1 month (1.1 V ± O.5 vs 1.6 V ± 0.6, P < 0.008), 4 months (1.0 V ± 0.2 vs 1.7 V ± 0.8. P < 0.002), and 10 months (1.2 V ± 0.4 vs 1.7 V ± 0.5, P < 0.04) following implantation. The stimulation impedance at the time of implantation was lower in the ring-tip electrode group (530 ohms vs 603 ohms, P < 0.03), but thereafter no significant difference was seen between the two groups. The acute and chronic sensing threshoids ivere similar in both groups. While the microporous electrode had significantly lower chronic capture threshoids, the magnitude of this difference is small, and probably clinically inconsequential. Since three patients with ring-tip electrodes and two patients with microporous electrodes had at least one chronic threshold exceeding 2.5 V, periodic threshold determination is prudent in all patients.
Combinatorial biology and evolution: A perspective

Over the past several years, combinatorial libraries of biological molecules, such as peptides and nucleic acids, have proven invaluable as reagents with which to study molecular recognition of proteins and non-proteins. Such libraries have been used extensively to define the specificity of protein/protein, protein/RNA, protein/peptide, and RNA/small molecule interactions.
Organizing teamwork-oriented design project

The author describes a program designed to integrate into the educational design experience the traditionally sequential phases of product design, product manufacturing, and product marketing. The interdisciplinary nature is emphasized in the author's undergraduate electrical engineering class through interactions with local industry, other departments in the university, and students at different educational levels. Team-work-oriented design is explained, and the relationship between a few team-work-oriented groups and the whole class is discussed. >
Managing Low Back Pain: Attitudes and Treatment Preferences of Physical Therapists

Background and Purpose. We surveyed physical therapists about their attitudes, beliefs, and treatment preferences in caring for patients with different types of low back pain problems. Subjects and Metbods. Questionnaires were mailed to all 71 therapists employed by a large health maintenance organization in western Washington and to a random sample of 331 other therapists licensed in the state of Washington. Results. Responses were received from 293 (74%) of the therapists surveyed, and 186 of these claimed to be practicing in settings in which they treat patients who have back pain. Back pain was estimated to account for 45% of patient visits. The McKenzie method was deemed the most useful approach for managing patients with back pain, and education in body mechanics, stretching, strengthening exercises, and aerobic exercises were among the most common treatment preferences. There were significant variations among therapists in private practice, hospital-operated, and health maintenance organization settings with respect to treatment preferences, willingness to take advantage of the placebo effect, and mean number of visits for patients with back pain. Conclusions and Discussion. These variations emphasize the need for more outcomes research to identify the most effective treatment approaches and to guide clinical practice.
Ptch2 mediates the Shh response in Ptch1 −/− cells

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling response is regulated by the interaction of three key components that include the sonic hedgehog (Shh) ligand, its receptor patched 1 (Ptch1) and the pathway activator smoothened (Smo). Under the prevailing model of Shh pathway activation, the binding of Shh to Ptch1 (the key Shh receptor) results in the release of Ptch1-mediated inhibition of Smo, leading to Smo activation and subsequent cell-autonomous activation of the Shh response. Consistent with this model, Ptch1−/− cells show a strong upregulation of the Shh response. Our finding that this response can be inhibited by the Shh-blocking antibody 5E1 indicates that the Shh response in Ptch1–/– cells remains ligand dependent. Furthermore, we find that Shh induces a strong response in Ptch1–/–;Shh–/– cells, and that Ptch1–/– fibroblasts retain their ability to migrate towards Shh, demonstrating that Ptch1–/– cells remain sensitive to Shh. Expression of a dominant-negative Ptch1 mutant in the developing chick neural tube had no effect on Shh-mediated patterning, but expression of a dominant-negative form of patched 2 (Ptch2) caused an activation of the Shh response. This indicates that, at early developmental stages, Ptch2 functions to suppress Shh signaling. We found that Ptch1–/–;Ptch2–/– cells cannot further activate the Shh response, demonstrating that Ptch2 mediates the response to Shh in the absence of Ptch1.
Prognostic Significance of Elevated Cardiac Troponin-T Levels in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients

Background Elevated levels of biochemical markers of myocardial necrosis have been associated with worsened outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), but there are few prospective data on this relationship. We investigated elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels and their relationship with outcome in patients with ARDS. Methods A prospective cohort study of patients with ARDS was conducted at a tertiary-care academic medical center. Patients had blood taken within 48 hours of ARDS onset and assayed for cTnT. Patients were followed for the outcomes of 60-day mortality, number of organ failures, and days free of mechanical ventilation. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic (ECG) data were analyzed for signs of myocardial ischemia, infarction, or other myocardial dysfunction. Results 177 patients were enrolled, 70 of whom died (40%). 119 patients had detectable cTnT levels (67%). Median cTnT level was 0.03 ng/mL, IQR 0–0.10 ng/mL, and levels were higher among non-survivors (P = .008). Increasing cTnT level was significantly associated with increasing mortality (P = .008). The association between increasing cTnT level and mortality remained significant after adjustment in a multivariate model (HRadj = 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.81, P = .001). Elevated cTnT level was also associated with increased number of organ failures (P = .002), decreased number of days free of mechanical ventilation (P = .03), echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities (P = 0.001), and severity of tricuspid regurgitation (P = .04). There was no association between ECG findings of myocardial ischemia or infarction and elevated cTnT. Conclusions Elevated cTnT levels are common in patients with ARDS, and are associated with worsened clinical outcomes and certain echocardiographic abnormalities. No association was seen between cTnT levels and ECG evidence of coronary ischemia.
Early evaluation of IBM BlueGene/P

BlueGene/P (BG/P) is the second generation BlueGene architecture from IBM, succeeding BlueGene/L (BG/L). BG/P is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) design that uses four PowerPC 450 cores operating at 850 MHz with a double precision, dual pipe floating point unit per core. These chips are connected with multiple interconnection networks including a 3-D torus, a global collective network, and a global barrier network. The design is intended to provide a highly scalable, physically dense system with relatively low power requirements per flop. In this paper, we report on our examination of BG/P, presented in the context of a set of important scientific applications, and as compared to other major large scale supercomputers in use today. Our investigation confirms that BG/P has good scalability with an expected lower performance per processor when compared to the Cray XT4's Opteron. We also find that BG/P uses very low power per floating point operation for certain kernels, yet it has less of a power advantage when considering science driven metrics for mission applications.
"Liking" and "wanting" of sweet and oily food stimuli as affected by high-fat diet-induced obesity, weight loss, leptin, and genetic predisposition.

Cross-sectional studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated associations between obesity and altered reward functions at the behavioral and neural level, but it is unclear whether these alterations are cause or consequence of the obese state. Reward behaviors were quantified in male, outbred Sprague-Dawley (SD) and selected line obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) rats after induction of obesity by high-fat diet feeding and after subsequent loss of excess body weight by chronic calorie restriction. As measured by the brief access lick and taste-reactivity paradigms, both obese SD and OP rats “liked” low concentrations of sucrose and corn oil less, but “liked” the highest concentrations more, compared with lean rats, and this effect was fully reversed by weight loss in SD rats. Acute food deprivation was unable to change decreased responsiveness to low concentrations but eliminated increased responsiveness to high concentrations in obese SD rats, and leptin administration in weight-reduced SD rats shifted concentration-response curves toward that seen in the obese state in the brief access lick test. “Wanting” and reinforcement learning as assessed in the incentive runway and progressive ratio lever-pressing paradigms was paradoxically decreased in both obese (compared with lean SD rats) and OP (compared with OR rats). Thus, reversible, obesity-associated, reduced “liking” and “wanting” of low-calorie foods in SD rats suggest a role for secondary effects of the obese state on reward functions, while similar differences between select lines of OP and OR rats before induction of obesity indicate a genetic component.
If you can't stand the heat, get into the kitchen: obligatory passage points and mutually supported impediments at the climate–development interface

This paper examines the recent integration of cookstove dissemination activities into the global carbon economy. The concepts mutually supported impediments and obligatory passage points are used to advance our understanding of win–win outcomes at the climate–technology–development interface. Focusing on the recent integration of cookstove dissemination activities into the global carbon economy, these concepts provide a theoretical foundation for advancing geographical perspectives on the spatial allocation of control over technology-based development projects. Each concept highlights household cooking spaces as informal sites for activating alternative development potentials under carbon financing. Given that programme success – in both development and climate objective areas – ultimately rests on the willingness of female stove-users to adopt improved cooking technologies and commit to their long-term use, this paper articulates a clear framework that emphasises the need for close and substantive dialogue between project officers, local manufacturers and targeted households; hence the need for diverse programme decision makers to 'get into the kitchen' when generating strategies that improve both household-scale development and carbon-reduction outcomes.