cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal postpartum behaviors and mother-infant relationship during the first year of life.

Abstract Objective: To assess the hypothesis that maternal postpartum behaviors toward the newborn may predict the quality of the maternal-infant relationship during the first year. Design: Prospective, non-randomized, longitudinal cohort study of 174 maternal-infant dyads. Methods: A Postpartum Parenting Behavior Scale (PPBS) was formulated to measure clearly defined observed maternal behaviors toward the infant shortly after birth. The quality of the maternal-infant relationship was assessed at 6 months after birth with the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training (NCAST) Feeding Scale and at 12 months after birth with the NCAST Teaching Scale and Ainsworth Strange Situation. Results: The PPBS score correlated significantly with the Feeding Scale score ( r =.27, P r =.23, P P Conclusions: Maternal behaviors in the immediate postpartum period may aid in predicting quality of the maternal-infant relationship during the subsequent 12 months, suggesting the potential for early identification of suboptimal parenting. (J Pediatr 2001;138:905-9)
Assessment of myocardial perfusion by videodensitometry in the canine model

Assessment of the functional severity of coronary stenoses has become increasingly important as the intrinsic limitations of coronary angiography have been documented. Videodensitometric coronary flow reserve has been proposed as a means to assess the physiologic significance of a coronary stenosis in humans. This study compared videodensitometric assessment of coronary flow with microsphere quantitation in the closed chest canine model. In five dogs, flow rates were assessed at baseline, after vasodilation with adenosine, after vasoconstriction with vasopressin and during rapid cardiac pacing. The videodensitometric peak density, time to one-half peak density and washout time (time from peak to one-half peak density) were compared at each flow state with flow assessed by microsphere injection. Reproducibility of videodensitometric measurements from two different coronary injections during the same flow state was best with peak density (r = 0.94). Videodensitometric flow ratios (flow state under study to flow at rest) using peak density demonstrated a fair correlation with flow ratios by microsphere (r = 0.81). There was poor correlation between flow ratios when time to one-half peak or washout time was used. Videodensitometric flow measurements used in vivo to assess a wide range of drug-induced coronary flows may not accurately reflect coronary flow measured by microsphere.
Global output feedback stabilization of upper-triangular nonlinear systems using a homogeneous domination approach

This paper addresses the problem of global output feedback stabilization for a class of upper-triangular systems with perturbing nonlinearities that are higher-order in the unmeasurable states. A new design method based on the homogeneous domination approach and finite-time stabilization technique is developed, which leads to global output feedback stabilizers for the upper-triangular nonlinear systems under a homogeneous growth condition. A new perspective shown in this paper is that the finite-time stabilization, in addition to its faster convergence rate, can also be utilized to handle control problems that were previously unresolved under asymptotic stabilization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Islamophobia? Religion, Contact with Muslims, and the Respect for Islam

In the midst of growing reservations about Muslims in America, this study seeks to explore the factors accounting for Islamophobia by utilizing nationally representative data. The findings suggest that religious affiliations have differential effects on the degree to which one respects Islam, with Christians more likely to have low regard for Islam. The image of a God who punishes his followers for their sins has a positive association with the odds of Islam being least respected among all religions. While higher frequency of contact with Muslims predicts an overall improved opinion for Islam, evangelical and black Protestants present the opposite picture. Their increased exposure to Muslims leads to lower respect for Islam. I discuss the implications of these findings for theories of intergroup contact and subcultural identity.
EFFECTS OF ELECTRICALLY GENERATED SILVER IONS ON HUMAN CELLS AND WOUND HEALING

A method of producing local antibiotic effects by means of an iontophoretic technique using free silver ions has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo for more than two decades. The antibiotic properties of the technique have proved useful in both animal and human studies. In the course of determining the optimal clinical methodology for infected open wounds, a significant growth stimulation property resembling local tissue regeneration was noted. This has been traced to either the apparent production of dedifferentiation of normal mature cells or the stimulation of preexisting stem cells in the wound, resulting in the production of large numbers of progenitor cells. This process has now been studied in detail, and the results are presented herewith.
H2S adsorption/oxidation on unmodified activated carbons: importance of prehumidification

Abstract Three microporous activated carbons supplied by Norit® (of peat and bituminous coal origin) were used in this study as hydrogen sulfide adsorbents. Their surface properties were evaluated by means of nitrogen adsorption, Boehm titration, potentiometric titration, and thermal analysis. The results show that the carbons significantly differ in their pore structure and surface chemistry. This is reflected in their hydrogen sulfide breakthrough capacity. The breakthrough capacity is underestimated when not enough water is adsorbed on the carbon surface. The performance follows the expectations after extensive humidification of the sorbents’ surfaces. Moderately low pH in the acidic range of coal-based carbon, Vapure 612, promotes the oxidation of H2S to sulfur oxides which is important from the point of view of water regeneration. The high pH of peat-based carbon, RB 4, results in H2S oxidation to elemental sulfur.
High-resolution measurement of planar waveguide birefringence using ring resonator

Birefringence measurement of planar silica-on-silicon waveguides with high resolution is proposed and demonstrated using a ring resonator. For the presented waveguide sample, the measured birefringence at 1550 nm was (4.115/spl plusmn/0.094)/spl times/10/sup -6/ at 25.000/spl plusmn/0.001/spl deg/C. The minimum low-level birefringence resolution of 6.266/spl times/10/sup -7/ was experimentally realised.
Reallocation of labor in honeybee colonies during heat stress: the relative roles of task switching and the activation of reserve labor

Social insect colonies reallocate labor in response to changing environmental circumstances. This study addresses the reallocation of labor by middle-age honeybees in response to heat stress. I tested the hypothesis that the additional labor required to respond to heat stress is obtained by reallocating labor away from unrelated tasks (task switching), activating reserve labor, or both. I found that task switching plays the primary role in this process. Although self-grooming decreased, other indicators of inactivity increased or remained unchanged, leaving the role of reserve labor ambiguous. I also explored the relative importance of specialists versus generalists in the production of work. Wax working, a common task among middle-age workers, was used as a model. I found that although there is a distinct group of wax specialists, they contributed only 19.5% of the total number of wax-working observations. Most wax working was found to be performed by generalists. In addition, I tested for a distinct group of reserve specialists. I found that although activity rates differed between individuals, there was no evidence for a stable group of reserve specialists. The high rate of task switching, in both stressed and unstressed environments, observed in this study highlights the possible significance of frequent task quitting as an organizing principle in the allocation of labor in social-insect colonies.
Composition of the continuous phase in partially miscible blends of epoxy resin and epoxidized rubber by dynamic mechanical analysis

The dynamic mechanical properties of blends of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A based epoxy resin and internally epoxidized polybutadiene rubber have been studied as a function of initial rubber content, stoichiometry and cure cycle of the epoxy resin. It is shown that both the glass transition temperature of the epoxy-rich continuous phase, TgE(r). and the apparent enthalpy of activation associated with this transition, ΔHaE(r), are sensitive to the state of the rubber in the sample. Specifically, dynamic mechanical analysis can be used to distinguish between rubber dissolved in the matrix (plasticizer), incorporated into the network (flexibilizer) or phase separated (toughener). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the Gordon-Taylor equation rather than the more commonly used Fox equation should be used to model the effect of dissolved rubber on TgE(r) and that the Gordon-Taylor equation can also be extended to describe the variations of ΔHaE(r). Ultimately this equation can be generalized to predict the glass transition temperature of a sample containing both dissolved and phase separated rubber.
Ethical Issues in the Qualitative Researcher—Participant Relationship

Qualitative research poses ethical issues and challenges unique to the study of human beings. In developing the interpersonal relationship that is critical to qualitative research, investigator and participant engage in a dialogic process that often evokes stories and memories that are remembered and reconstituted in ways that otherwise would not occur. Ethical issues are raised when this relationship not only provides qualitative research data, but also leads to some degree of therapeutic interaction for the participant. The purpose of this article is to examine some of the controversies inherent in the researcher's dilemma when this occurs, set within the context of a nursing caring theory (Swanson), and the International Council of Nurses Code of ethics for nurses, which provides guidance on global nursing practice.
459 The treatment of localized prostate cancer by external beam irradiation: Long-term freedom from biochemical recurrence

The outcome for 1044 men with Tl-4NxM0 prostate cancer treated by conventional external beam radiation therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1977 and 1991 was assessed using strict biochemical criteria of disease eradication. Median follow-up was 49 months. Failure was defined as: two sequential rises in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level; a PSA > 1 ng/ml 2 or more years after radiation; or any clinical failure. The 10 year actuarial freedom from PSA failure for T1–2 patients was 40%. Those with Gleason grade 1-2/5 tumors exhibited a 53% actuarial 10-year disease-free survival, Gleason 3/5 42%, and Gleason 45/5 20%. Pretreatment serum PSA was available in those treated after 1988 and was a strong predictor of outcome independent of grade in a multivariate analysis. Those with a pretreatment serum PSA of ≤4 ng/ml showed an 89% 4 year freedom from biochemical recurrence, those 4–10 ng/ml 63%, and those >10 ng/ml 33%. The 10 year actuarial freedom from PSA failure for T3–4 patients was 18% (Gleason 1–2 33%, Gleason 3 20%, and Gleason 4–5 10%). Less than half of the Tl–2NxM0 and less than one-fifth of the T3–4NxM0 patients receiving conventional radiation therapy were biochemically disease free at 10 years. Pretreatment serum PSA and Gleason grade were independent predictors of outcome.
Transdermal antihypertensive therapy: Clinical and metabolic considerations

Transdermal administration of antihypertensive agents such as clonidine is an attractive concept, for it allows therapeutically effective constant concentrations of drug to be maintained in the plasma with comparatively low total doses. Blood pressure can be controlled without the need for the larger drug doses associated with oral therapy, and adverse effects are thereby minimized. Clinical studies with transdermal clonidine applied once weekly have established its efficacy during prolonged treatment periods in hypertensive patients. Approximately 60% of patients with mild to moderate hypertension have their blood pressures controlled with this therapy, which works equally well in white and in black patients. Symptomatic side effects are fewer and milder than with corresponding oral therapy, but 10% to 15% of patients develop local skin reactions to the transdermal systems. These reactions may reflect simple irritation or may be allergic in nature; in either case, they tend to disappear rapidly if the treatment is withdrawn, and there is very little evidence for systemic consequences. Transdermal clonidine is effective in elderly patients and its action does not seem to be associated with deleterious effects on cerebral blood flow in these individuals. Other studies with this treatment have confirmed an absence of adverse effects on glucose metabolism in diabetic patients or on renal function in patients with kidney disease. Endocrinologic and metabolic effects with transdermal clonidine are similar to those with the oral form: norepinephrine, renin, and aldosterone all tend to be reduced; and there are no significant changes in the lipid profile, uric acid, or electrolytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bcl-2 upregulation by HIV-1 tat during infection of primary human macrophages in culture

The ability of cells of the human monocyte/macrophage lineage to host HIV-1 replication while resisting cell death is believed to significantly contribute to their ability to serve as a reservoir for viral replication in the host. Although macrophages are generally resistant to apoptosis, interruption of anti-apoptotic pathways can render them susceptible to apoptosis. Here we report that HIV-1BAL infection of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) upregulates the mRNA and protein levels of the anti-apoptic gene, Bcl-2. Furthermore, this upregulation can be quantitatively mimicked by treating MDM with soluble HIV-1 Tat-86 protein. These results suggest that in infecting cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, HIV-1 may be benefiting from additional protection against apoptosis caused by specific upregulation of cellular anti-apoptotic genes.
A revision of Salvia sect. Ekmania (Lamiaceae)

A taxonomic treatment ofSalvia sect.Ekmania, a group of tall shrubs endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is provided. Morphology, phenology, pollination biology, habitats, and distributions are discussed. Species boundaries are examined using phenetic analysis of morphological data. Eight species are here accepted as belonging to the section. Two recently described species,S. lavendula andS. paryskii, are considered for inclusion in the section, but only the latter appears to be a member.Salvia lachnaiclada andS. ottoschulzii are treated as conspecific.Salvia bahorucona is recognized as a distinct species.
Modified Nikaidoh procedure with double-root translocation in a 1-year-old boy

A 1-year-old boy weighing 10.4 kg underwent successful biventricular repair for transposition of the great arteries, a ventricular septal defect, and a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with moderate pulmonary stenosis of the bicuspid pulmonary valve (z score of −4.4 for the pulmonary valve) by means of a modified Nikaidoh procedure with double root translocation by use of a valve-spared pulmonary root. The postoperative echocardiogram showed no LVOT obstruction, no aortic valve regurgitation, and mild pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary valve regurgitation. No reintervention has been required during the 6-year follow-up, with annular growth of the pulmonary valve.
Using automated model analysis for reasoning about security of web protocols

Interoperable identity and trust management infrastructure plays an important role in enabling integrations in cloud computing environments. In the past decade or so, several web-based workflows have emerged as de-facto standards for user identity and resource access across enterprises. Establishing correctness of such web protocols is of immense importance to a large number of common business transactions on the web. In this paper, we propose a framework for analyzing security in web protocols. A novel aspect of our proposal is bringing together two contrasting styles used for security protocol analysis. We use the inference construction style, in which the well-known BAN logic has been extended to reason about web protocols, in conjunction with, an attack construction style that performs SAT based model-checking to rule out certain active attacks. The result is an analysis method that shares simplicity and intuitive appeal of belief logics, at the same time covers a wider range of protocols, along with an ability to automatically find attacks. To illustrate effectiveness, case study of a leading web identity and access management protocol is presented, where application of our analysis method results in a previously unreported attack being identified.
Dynamic Responses in Nanocomposite Hydrogels

The shear response of a series of polymer−clay gels has been investigated by means of rheology and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The gels have the same composition by mass but different polymer molecular weights (Mw). While long polymer chains can interconnect several platelets, which act as multifunctional cross-links, very short polymer chains should not be able to do so, allowing us to explore the effects of bridging on structure and dynamical responses. Increasing the polymer Mw in the gels leads to increasingly strong anisotropy in the SANS data, indicating a larger and larger degree of shear orientation. This relative increase in orientation, however, is accompanied by a relatively lower amount of shear thinning. Simple solutions of anisotropic particles usually shear thin by alignment of the particles with the flow, allowing them for example to slide past each other more easily. In a connected gel, breaking of the connectivity should also lead to shear thinning. Thus, the inverse relations...
Formal analysis of the optimal duration of tilt testing for the diagnosis of neurally mediated syncope.

Abstract Background Although tilt testing has emerged as the test of choice for assessing patients with suspected neurally mediated syncope, the optimum duration of tilt testing is poorly defined. This in part relates to the absence of a gold standard to assess test performance. Objective Our purpose was to formally estimate the effects of varying duration of drug-free tilt testing on test performance in diagnosing neurally mediated syncope. Design If a test's specificity is known, then in the absence of a gold standard an imputed (estimated) sensitivity may be calculated on the basis of the observed diagnostic yield in a given population as a function of assumed population prevalence. We determined the relationship of specificity to drug-free tilt test duration by use of data from 11 previous studies reporting the results of drug-free tilt testing in a total of 435 control subjects (60 to 80 degrees of tilt, footboard support, 15- to 60-minute duration). Data (weighted for study size) were fit to an exponential function relating specificity to tilt duration. Test yield was evaluated as a function of tilt duration in 213 consecutive patients referred to our laboratory for the evaluation of suspected neurally mediated syncope who underwent passive tilt testing for up to 30 to 60 minutes. Results The estimated specificity of tilt testing was 94% at 30 minutes, 92% at 40 minutes, and 88% after 60 minutes of passive tilt. The cumulative yield of tilt testing was only 17% at 30 minutes, 22% at 40 minutes, and 28% after 60 minutes. On the basis of an estimated population prevalence of 25% to 50% in this referral population, imputed sensitivity is 27% to 48% at 30 minutes, 36% to 64% at 40 minutes, and 43% to 74% after 60 minutes of passive tilt. The overall diagnostic accuracy was not strongly influenced by tilt duration beyond 30 minutes and ranged from 60% to 84%. Conclusions Passive tilt testing (ie, tilt testing without pharmacologic provocation) for durations of up to 60 minutes has limited sensitivity for diagnosing neurally mediated syncope. For populations with a pretest likelihood of 25% to 50%, test results are inaccurate in one to two fifths of patients. (Am Heart J 2001;141:282-8.)
Human nature and the nature of reality : Conceptual challenges from consciousness research

Holotropic states (a large special subgroup of nonordinary states of consciousness) have been the focus of many fields of modern research, such as experiential psychotherapy, clinical and laboratory work with psychedelic substances, field anthropology, thanatology, and therapy with individuals undergoing psychospiritual crises ("spiritual emergencies"). This research has generated a plethora of extraordinary observations that have undermined some of the most fundamental assumptions of modern psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Some of these new findings seriously challenge the most basic philosophical tenets of Western science concerning the relationship between matter, life, and consciousness. This article summarizes the most important major revisions that would have to be made in our understanding of consciousness and of the human psyche in health and disease to accommodate these conceptual challenges. These areas of changes include: a new understanding and cartography of the human psyche; the nature and architecture of emotional and psychosomatic disorders; therapeutic mechanisms and the process of healing; the strategy of psychotherapy and self-exploration; the role of spirituality in human life; and the nature of reality.
The underlying dimensions of tipping behavior: An exploration, confirmation, and predictive model

Abstract Tipping is unique in that the customer provides a major portion of the employee's wage. Because tipping is voluntary and because it usually occurs retrospectively of the service rendered, tipping practices have stimulated historic interest from both economic and psychological perspectives. This research extends the body of knowledge on tipping by integrating recent advances in motivational research which support the existence of a universal, multifaceted model of intrinsic motivation. Inasmuch, the present research investigated the underlying motives for tipping under various conditions of service. Findings supported the existence of six underlying behavioral dimensions associated with tipping: (a) Heuristic Model, (b) Impress Others, (c), Reciprocal Reward, (d) Social Obligation, (e) Generosity, and (f) Control Service. Each of these six corresponded closely with the basic motivators proposed by the multifaceted model. Results from a hierarchical linear regression confirmed the overriding influence of heuristics on tip amounts under various service conditions.
Electrophoresis of ribonuclease and of β-lactoglobulin: Isoelectric points of proteins

Abstract Electrophoretic mobilities were measured for ribonuclease and for β-lactoglobulin as a function of ionic strength and of pH in unbuffered potassium chloride solutions at 25 °C. Mobilities were also observed for ribonuclease in Tris buffer at 25 °. It is noted that the isoelectric points decrease with increasing ionic strength. The mobilities have been compared with the net charge as estimated from ion-binding studies both for the two proteins indicated above and also for bovine serum albumin. It is found that the point of zero net charge as measured by ion binding does not in general coincide with the isoelectric points and furthermore the greater the ionic strength the greater the divergence. It is concluded that not all the changes on the protein are electrophoretically effective. The electrophoretic radii of the proteins have been calculated from a form of the Henry equation; the variation of the radii with ionic strength is consistent with the notion of electrophoretically hidden charges.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization—boundary-activated dissociation of peptide ions in a quadrupole ion trap

Abstract The nonresonant excitation technique of boundary-activated dissociation (BAD) has been used to obtain tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra for peptide ions generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) in a quadrupole ion trap. BAD MS/MS spectra for proctolin, des-Arg9-bradykinin, and substance P are qualitatively similar to those for which resonant excitation has been used and can be obtained with the same activation time. The conditions for optimal product ion formation are easily established when BAD is used because of its dependence upon a single activation parameter. Consequently, MS/MS spectra of MALDI-generated ions are easier to obtain than when single-frequency resonant excitation is used. These advantages, in conjunction with the simpler electronic equipment required for the implementation of BAD, provide an alternative to broadband excitation when MS/MS data for MALDI-generated ions are desired.
Repeated measurement designs for factorial treatments when high order interactions are negligible

Abstract Existing repeated measurement designs can be modified when the treatments have a symmetric and asymmetric factorial structure and when high order interactions can be considered negligible under a fixed effects additive model. This can lead to a substantial reduction in the number of periods.
Ethnic-group Differences in Retail Enterprise: The Late-nineteenth-century United States

Applying the idea that ethnic enterprise benefits from the vertical integration of complementary economic activities, the present study examines ethnic-group differences in the retail trade in the late nineteenth century. Census data are used to estimate a regression model that explains retail enterprise as an outcome affected by wholesale enterprise and by the vertical integration of retail and wholesale enterprise. The results provide insights into the under- or overrepresentation of ethnic groups in the retail trade. For example, even if blacks had the same level of wholesale enterprise as did whites, and had vertically integrated retail and wholesale enterprise to the same extent as did the latter, blacks still would have been greatly underrepresented as merchants in the retail trade. This finding implies that blacks’ underrepresentation was substantially affected by outright discrimination against black retail merchants as well as by blacks’ extraordinarily low level of wholesale enterprise.
Effects of pressure overload on the passive mechanics of the rat left ventricle

Both myocyte growth and changes in the extracellular matrix may affect the passive mechanics of the left ventricle (LV). Pressure-volume (PV) relationships and midwall two-dimensional strainsversus passive loading were measured in isolated rat hearts 2 and 6 weeks after ascending aortic banding. Collagen area fractions and perimysial fibril orientations were determined with picrosirius-polarization microscopy, and the equatorial region of the LV was modeled with finite element analysis of a transversely isotropic cylinder with the same material properties in hypertrophy and control. Compared with weight-matched shams, heart weight increased at 2 (19%) and 6 (22%) weeks, as did LV wall thickness (6% and 31%, respectively). The PV curve became less compliant with hypertrophy; only circumferential strain decreased after hypertrophy. Collagen area fractions were not different at either subendocardium or subepicardium (3.37±1.06versus 3.96±0.76 at 2 weeks and 3.61±1.30versus 4.22±1.50 at 6 weeks for banded and sham, respectively; subendocardium). Collagen and muscle fiber orientations also did not change with hypertrophy. The finite element model predicted trends in the strains similar to those found experimentally. Thus, in this model of pressure-overload hypertrophy, the decreases in compliance and circumferential strain of the passive LV are not due to changes in the percentage of extracellular matrix, but rather to global geometric changes.
Not All Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Are Equal: Focus on Ramipril and Perindopril

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a heterogeneous class, varying in pharmacologic properties, which have different therapeutic impacts on patient profiles, including lipophilicity, tissue-ACE binding, duration of action, half-life, and increased bradykinin availability. Among the ACE inhibitor class, the agent perindopril, in particular, has pleiotropic effects that are not equally shared by other ACE inhibitors, including bradykinin site selectivity and subsequent enhancement of nitric oxide and inhibition of endothelial cell apoptosis. Moreover, there is a large amount of evidence to suggest that perindopril therapy may reduce cardiovascular event rates in patients, yet perindopril is rarely prescribed in the United States. Ramipril is another ACE inhibitor with both a favorable clinical profile and impressive outcomes data. Our review compares the pharmacologic and trial data among perindopril, ramipril, and other ACE inhibitors. In patients with or at high risk for coronary heart disease who do not have heart failure, or in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, perindopril should be among the preferred treatment agents in the ACE inhibitor class. Ramipril has an impressive track record of improving cardiovascular outcomes, too, and should be considered a preferred agent among the ACE inhibitor class.
Basic FGF attenuates amyloid β-peptide-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impairment of Na+/K+-ATPase activity in hippocampal neurons

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) exhibits trophic activity for many populations of neurons in the brain, and can protect those neurons against excitotoxic, metabolic and oxidative insults. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) fibrils accumulate in plaques which are associated with degenerating neurons. A beta can be neurotoxic by a mechanism that appears to involve induction of oxidative stress and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Plaques in AD brain contain high levels of bFGF suggesting a possible modulatory role for bFGF in the neurodegenerative process. We now report that bFGF can protect cultured hippocampal neurons against A beta25-35 toxicity by a mechanism that involves suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and maintenance of Na+/K+-ATPase activity. A beta25-35 induced lipid peroxidation, accumulation of H2O2, mitochondrial ROS accumulation, and a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential; each of these effects of A beta25-35 was abrogated in cultures pre-treated with bFGF. Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly reduced following exposure to A beta25-35 in control cultures, but not in cultures pre-treated with bFGF. bFGF did not protect neurons from death induced by ouabain (a specific inhibitor of the Na+/K+-ATPase) or 4-hydroxynonenal (an aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation) consistent with a site of action of bFGF prior to induction of oxidative stress and impairment of ion-motive ATPases. By suppressing accumulation of oxyradicals, bFGF may slow A beta-induced neurodegenerative cascades.
An evaluation of ion-textured aluminum oxide dental implants

A study was undertaken to evaluate the ion-beam texturing of aluminum oxide as a means of providing a surface which will produce a biological prosthetic attachment. A wafflelike pattern of surface contours 150 × 75 × 35 μm deep was produced on cylindrical dental implants. The textured surfaces were compared to the as received surfaces in adult mongrel dogs. Implants were inserted into surgically modified healed extraction sites and were left in place for six months. Post-sacrifice mechanical testing was used to quantify the displacement response of the implants. The clinical, radiographic and mechanical testing evaluations did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the performance of the dental implants. However, it was observed that anatomical site and mandibular geometry with respect to implant size play a significant role in affecting implant retention.
Monitoring the Consequences of Uninsurance: A Review of Methodologies:

The proportion of the United States population without health insurance continues to grow. How will this affect the health of the nation? Prior research suggests that the uninsured are at risk for poor health outcomes. They use fewer medical services and have higher mortality rates than do insured persons. The episodic nature of uninsurance and its prevalence among disadvantaged groups makes it difficult to ascertain the health effects of uninsurance. The goal of this review is to assist researchers and policy makers in choosing methodologies to assess the effects of uninsurance. It provides a compendium of methods that have been used to examine the health consequences of uninsurance, the populations in which these methods have been used, and the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. The review highlights the need for more longitudinal studies that focus on community-based samples of the uninsured.
Generation of Surface‐Bound Multicomponent Protein Gradients

Spatial control of bioactive ligands is achieved by integrating microfluidics and protein engineering. The proteins of interest are mixed in a gradient generator and immobilized on artificial polypeptide scaffolds through the strong association of heterodimeric ZE/ZR leucine zipper pairs. Protein densities and gradient shapes are easily controlled and varied in this method.
Synthesis and characterization of perylene diimide based molecular multilayers using CuAAC: towards panchromatic assemblies

Three perylene diimides (PDI) were synthesized with propargyl groups at the diimide positions to enable the fabrication of molecular multilayer thin films via sequential copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) coupling reactions in a layer-by-layer (LbL) fashion. The new PDIs with phenoxy (PhO-PDI), dodecylthiol (Thiol-PDI), and pyrrolidine (Pyrr-PDI) substituents in bay positions have optical absorption spectra that span a large portion of the visible region. Multilayer growth on 11-azidoundecylsiloxane coated silica glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) surfaces was demonstrated up to 10 bilayers of each PDI with 1,3,5-tris(azidomethyl)-benzene (N3Mest) via optical and infrared spectroscopy. Polarized UV-visible absorption measurements showed a strong dependence on the orientation of the film in the light path and was consistent with a preferential orientation of the PDI molecules in the film at 40–42° with respect to the substrate surface. Grazing-angle attenuated total reflectance (GATR) infrared spectra of the films show an increase in content of unreacted azides during multilayer growth from N3Mest as a result of the smaller molecular footprint as compared to the PDI components. Electrochemical scans of the multilayer films grown on ITO exhibited reversible two-electron reduction waves for the PDIs with linear increases in charge with bilayer growth. The electrochemically derived surface coverages of PDIs averaged 1.2–1.3 × 1014 molecules per cm2 for each layer added to the multilayer films. The flexibility of the CuAAC based LbL assembly methodology is highlighted by the assembly of a mixed multilayer film containing five layers of each PDI, resulting in a panchromatic film that is a summation of individual chromophores.
Vitamin A as an Activator and Sensitizing Chromophore for Rhodopsin

Absorption of light by rhodopsin isomerizes its 11-cis retinal chromophore to the all-trans conformation. The rhodopsin then activates a biochemical cascade that produces an electrical response by the photoreceptor. Eventually, all-trans retinal dissociates from the opsin and is reduced to vitamin A. The truncated retinal analog, beta-ionone, can pharmacologically activate some types of visual pigment, mimicking the effects of light. Beta-ionone is not normally found in the retina, however, vitamin A is present within the photoreceptor and can reach millimolar concentrations after exposure to bright light. Can vitamin A activate rhodopsin? In suction electrode recordings from isolated green-sensitive rods of salamander, exogenous vitamin A decreased circulating current and flash sensitivity, and accelerated flash response kinetics, changes that can also be seen during exposure to background light. Microspectrophotometric measurements showed that vitamin A accumulated in the outer segments, and an in vitro binding assay confirmed the binding of vitamin A to rhodopsin. These results suggested that vitamin A activated rhodopsin. In addition, suction electrode recordings showed that vitamin A improved the relative sensitivity of rods to UV light and in an in vitro bleaching assay, vitamin A enhanced the bleaching of rhodopsin by UV light. Presumably, both effects involved Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from vitamin A to the 11-cis chromophore of rhodopsin. Next, we tested whether FRET could be induced by endogenous vitamin A. After bleaching a large fraction of the rhodopsin in green-sensitive rods to generate vitamin A, relative sensitivity to UV wavelengths did indeed increase. Therefore, vitamin A can bind rhodopsin, activate it and also serve as a sensitizing chromophore.
Transfer of memory cells into antigen‐pretreated hosts. II. Influence of localized antigen on the migration of specific memory B cells

Following i.v. injection, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP)-primed memory cells localized in recipient lymph nodes draining a footpad injection of TNP-hemocyanin (TNP-KLH) in greater numbers than in contralateral nodes draining a p-azobenzenearsonate-coupled KLH injection. Such hapten-specific, unilateral memory B cell localization was still observed in immunosuppressed mice when antigen injections were given as long as 4 days prior to the memory cell transfer. The memory cells could be challenged to form plaque-forming cells by footpad injections of TNP-labeled Brucella abortus at 5 days, but not one day, after cell transfer. The present studies further clarify some parameters of this adoptive memory, as a model for the study of persistent local memory. Measures that promoted the unilateral lymph node retention of 125I-labeled antigen also facilitated unilateral accumulation of TNP-specific memory cells. Such measures included pretreatment of the recipients with cyclophosphamide, rather than gamma irradiation, injection of anti-carrier antibody the day before antigen, or use of small doses of preformed immune complexes instead of antigen alone. In general, a high ratio of lymph node-to-spleen and lymph node-to-blood concentration of antigen in recipients appeared crucial for unilateral localization of memory B cells. Splenectomy of recipients prior to cell transfer enhanced the difference in plaque-forming cell responses between draining and contralateral nodes, but decreased their difference when performed 1 day after cell transfer, suggesting that the spleen may have served as a trap for memory cells. I.v. injection of antigen at the time of B cell transfer also interfered with unilateral localization. The results demonstrate that in the presence of persisting depots of antigen within lymph nodes (and absence of significant amounts of antigen elsewhere), memory B cells can be retained locally without activation into antibody-secreting cells. This mechanism may, therefore, by responsible for the phenomenon of local, humoral, immunological memory.
Vestibularly Evoked Climbing‐Fiber Responses Modulate Simple Spikes in Rabbit Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons

The nodulus receives a primary vestibular afferent input from the ipsilateral labyrinth and a vestibularly related climbing-fiber input originating from the contralateral labyrinth. Previously we demonstrated that increased discharge of vestibularly evoked climbing-fiber responses (CFRs) in nodular Purkinje cells was correlated with decreased discharge of simple spikes (SSs). This left unresolved the question of whether vestibularly evoked antiphasic behavior of CFRs and SSs reflects a common neural mechanism or the activation of two separate parallel pathways. We answered this question using natural vestibular stimulation to modulate the discharge of uvula-nodular Purkinje cells recorded extracellularly in unilaterally labyrinthectomized, chloralose urethane-anesthetized rabbits. In such animals, vestibular primary afferents projecting to the uvula-nodulus as mossy fibers remained intact on the side contralateral to the unilateral labyrinthectomy. The discharge of CFRs recorded in ipsilateral nodular Purkinje cells was increased by ipsilateral roll-tilt while the discharge of SSs was increased by contralateral roll-tilt. These polarities were reversed for Purkinje cells recorded in the contralateral uvula-nodulus. The polarity of SS discharge recorded from Purkinje cells on both sides of the nodulus was opposite to that of the vestibular primary mossy-fiber afferents. SSs continued to respond to contralateral roll-tilt even when the primary vestibular afferent mossy-fiber pathway was destroyed by the unilateral labyrinthectomy. Although the discharge of SSs recorded in the contralateral uvula-nodulus was increased by contralateral roll-tilt, this modulation was reduced relative to that observed in Purkinje cells recorded in the ipsilateral uvula-nodulus. We conclude that vestibularly evoked CFRs caused the modulation of SS discharge.
Intrinsic viscosities of cellulose derivatives

Intrinsic viscosities of cellulose acetates of degrees of substitution 2.86 and 3.00 and of cellulose trinitrate have been investigated as functions of temperature, solvent, and molecular weight. Large negative temperature coefficients (ca. −0.6% per degree) of [η] appear to be characteristic of cellulosic chains. These observed decreases in [η] with temperature are due to increases in chain flexibility, which are reflected in decreases in the characteristic ratio r/M. The rather large variations in [η] with the solvent are shown also to be manifestations of altered chain flexibilities brought about in some manner, as yet unexplained, by specific solvent interaction. This behavior stands in marked contrast to that of other polymers for which r/M is independent of the solvent and varies only slightly with temperature, and for which solvent effects on [η] are wholly attributable to changes in the molecular expansion (α3) brought about by solvent action,
Studies on the Effect of Crop Rotation on Some Insects Infesting Corn Roots in Illinois

Recommendations are frequently made by entomologists that some certain rotation or a general type of rotation be followed to prevent insect losses to field crops. In the main these recommendations are correct, but it is hard to find much data showing how they would actually work out over a period of years.
A four-parameter corresponding-states method for the prediction of thermodynamic properties of polar and nonpolar fluids

A four-parameter corresponding-states correlation has been developed for the prediction of thermodynamic properties of polar and nonpolar fluids. Required input constants include the critical temperature, the critical pressure, the radius of gyration (to account for geometrical deviations from simple corresponding states), and a liquid density at any known conditions from which a fourth constant (to account for polar and association effects) is calculated. The fluid property is written as a Taylor's series expansion about the simple fluid at the same reduced conditions, thereby separating deviations from simple corresponding states into geometric and polar contributions. Three fixed reference fluids are used to evaluate the deviation terms. Nonpolar results were equivalent to those obtained by the Lee-Kesler three-parameter method; polar results were substantially better than obtainable from any other currently available method. Average errors for calculated compressibility factors of polar fluids were 1.9 and 1.6% for the vapor and liquid phases, respectively, while those for enthalpy departure functions were 250 and 422 J·mol−1, respectively.
Kinetic-energy-stabilized superconductivity in cuprates

The possibility of kinetic energy driven superconductivity in cuprates as was recently found in the tJ model is discussed. We argue that the violation of the virial theorem implied by this result is serious and means that the description of superconductivity within the tJ model is pathological.
Possible humidity receptor mechanisms in the clover mite, Bryobia praetiosa Koch

Abstract Adult mites from a wild population were exposed to humidity gradients in small tubes at 20, 25, and 30°C. The humidity response was found to be almost entirely due to the steepness of the gradient in evaporation rate and essentially the same in all parts of the range. There is evidence of a negative influence of the higher humidity, but this is definitely of minor importance. The receptor is considered to be an evaporating organ and the possible mechanisms for this type are discussed: osmoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and thermoreceptors. The similarity between the responses of the mites and of thermoreceptors to rate of change of the stimulus as well as to a constant stimulus makes close comparison possible. It is shown that an evaporating receptor of a size small enough for this mite would be cooled sufficiently to stimulate thermoreceptors and that the rate of water loss would not be too great.
Plasma Steroid Tendency, Social Environment and Eimeria necatrix infection

Abstract Chickens from a line selected for high levels of plasma corticosterone when housed in an environment facilitating considerable social interaction were more resistant to Eimeria necatrix infection than those from a line selected for low levels of plasma corticosterone housed in an environment that minimized social interaction. Individuals in the high steroid group had a more active phagocytic defense and fewer schizonts than those in the low steroid group.
Synthesis, Structure, and Molecular Orbital Calculations of (Pyrazolato)vanadium(III) Complexes − Understanding η2‐Pyrazolato Ligand Coordination on d2 Metal Centers

Treatment of trichlorotris(tetrahydrofuran)vanadium(III) with (3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)potassium (1, 2, or 3 equiv.) in tetrahydrofuran afforded V(tBu2Pz)Cl2(THF)2 (48%), V(tBu2Pz)2Cl(THF)2 (67%), and V(tBu2Pz)3(THF) (77%), respectively, as purple crystalline solids. The X-ray crystal structures of V(tBu2Pz)Cl2(THF)2, V(tBu2Pz)2Cl(THF)2, and V(tBu2Pz)3(THF) reveal six- and seven-coordinate vanadium centers with η2-pyrazolato ligands. Molecular orbital calculations were carried out to understand the electronic nature of pyrazolato coordination to transition metal centers containing d electrons. It is demonstrated that η2-pyrazolato ligand coordination occurs through interaction of filled symmetric and antisymmetric combinations of the nitrogen lone pairs with empty dz and dyz orbitals. The complexes described herein are the first examples of η2-pyrazolato ligand coordination to a d2 metal center. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)
BMP2 signaling in bone development and repair

BMPs are best known for their actions as bone formation signals. Recent studies using transgenic mice in which individual osteogenic BMPs have been removed from the limb skeleton have identified BMP2 as a fundamental component of the inherent regenerative capacity of bone. This review summarizes current findings on the specific requirement for BMP2 in bone formation and repair.