cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Passport to Toledo: Cuno, the World Trade Organization, and the European Court of Justice

The purpose of this article is to try to place the debate about Cuno v. DaimlerChrysler in a broader perspective by connecting it with the overall discussion of harmful tax competition. It discusses two hypothetical scenarios under which the city of Toledo, Ohio, is (a) a separate country and (b) a member state of the European Union. If the first hypothetical were true, the tax incentives offered by Toledo would violate the rules of the World Trade Organization; if the second hypothetical were true, the tax incentives would also violate the Treaty of Rome, as interpreted by the European Court of Justice. The reason for those outcomes is that tax incentives like those at issue in Cuno violate well established policies of both the WTO and the ECJ designed to prevent harmful tax competition from skewing trade and investment patterns. Thus, consideration of the two hypotheticals may shed some light on the policy issues at stake in Cuno, as well as on the desirable outcome if the Supreme Court were to decide Cuno on the merits.
QUICK SWITCHING SYSTEMS

Quick switching systems (QSSs) are used to make accept/reject decisions when inspecting a series of lots. QSSs change the number of units inspected and the acceptance criteria based on past results, in order to provide extra protection during periods of..
Linear Codes and Their Duals Over Artinian Rings

Linear codes over commutative artinian rings R are considered. For a linear functional-based definition of duality, it is shown that the class of length-n linear block codes over R should consist of projective submodules of the free module R n. For this class, the familiar duality properties from the field case can be generalized to the ring case. In particular, the MacWilliams identity is derived for linear codes over any finite commutative ring. Duals of convolutional codes are also considered, and it is shown that for convolutional codes over commutative artinian rings, the duality property holds for a code and its dual as well as for the local description of the code by its canonical trellis section and its dual trellis section.
Coupled Oscillators and Locomotion by Fish

Fish of many species propel themselves through water by rhythmic undulations; fins are used for stabilization and change of direction, but not for stereotypic straight line movements [1], The undulations are caused by contractions which pass down the muscles along the spinal cord (with muscles on the opposite sides of the fish 180° out of phase). These contractions are in turn directed by motoneurons which emerge from special positions in the spinal cord having a spatial periodicity that matches the segmentation of the backbone. Measurements from these positions (“ventral roots”) show rhythmic voltage changes (bursts of activity) at each such point, with a uniform frequency and a phase lag between any two points that are proportional to the distance between the points; i.e., the neural activity is a constant speed travelling wave. For technical reasons, much of this data has been gathered for dogfish and lamprey [1,2]; some of the observations have been corroborated for other species.
Fourth Time Redo Common Femoral Vein Reconstruction with a Novel Hybrid Technique.

Background Iliofemoral vein thrombosis can lead to debilitating edema and venous claudication that significantly worsens quality of life, especially in young active individuals. Venous reconstruction becomes increasingly complex and has worsening patency with subsequent revisions so preoperative planning is critical to success. Methods We report a case of a 54-year-old man in active military service with profoundly symptomatic leg swelling after failure of 3 previous common femoral vein (CFV) reconstructions. The CFV and distal external iliac vein were thrombosed up to a few centimeters above the inguinal ligament. Direct proximal control would have required a retroperitoneal or transabdominal incision. However, a hybrid approach utilizing through-wire access, remote balloon control of the external iliac vein, cryopreserved vein graft, stent graft, and arteriovenous fistula was able to address the factors (graft size, external compression, adequate flow) contributing to his previous graft failures with a novel, less invasive approach. Results At 1-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic and the graft remained patent with normal vascular duplex studies. His leg swelling subsided and he was able to return to his previous physical activity level. Conclusions A hybrid approach to complex venous reconstruction can provide a minimally invasive and durable alternative to more invasive procedures and alleviate mechanical causes of early graft failure.
Clodronate improves lameness in horses without changing bone turnover markers

Background Clodronate is prescribed to performance horses with lameness. Despite its clinical popularity, little research has been done to understand the effects of clodronate in the horse. Objectives Our objective was to determine if a single treatment with clodronate at the clinically approved dose altered bone remodelling, bone cell recruitment or lameness in the horse. Study design Twelve university-owned equestrian team competition horses with a history of forelimb lameness due to navicular syndrome were randomised to receive either 1.4 mg/kg clodronate (CLOD n = 6) or an equivalent volume of LRS (CONT; n = 6) in a blinded manner. Methods Blood was evaluated weekly for 8 weeks before and after drug administration (clodronate or placebo) for bone turnover markers CTX-I and osteocalcin. Lameness evaluations were performed to assess for change in lameness 1 week before and 1, 2, 3 and 8 weeks after drug administration. Coach questionnaires were performed to assess for change in ridden performance 1, 2, 3 and 8 weeks after drug administration. Bone cell recruitment was evaluated in vitro 2 weeks before and after drug administration. Results There were no differences in in vitro bone cell recruitment from whole bone marrow or in bone turnover markers CTX-I or osteocalcin. A small but significant decrease in forelimb lameness was detected in CLOD treated horses 1 week after treatment (P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in hindlimb lameness. Coaches identified an improvement in performance significantly more often in CLOD vs. CONT (P = 0.01) at week 8. Main limitations Two CONT horses received intra-articular anti-inflammatory medication after treatment, which may have altered lameness results. Conclusions A single dose of clodronate appears to reduce lameness without producing detectable effects on bone turnover markers. Due to the long half-life of a bisphosphonate drug, the effect of multiple doses on bone remodelling and lameness should be investigated. The Summary is available in Portuguese - see Supporting Information.
Migration versus proliferation as contributor to in vitro wound healing of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Wound closure, as a result of collective cell growth, is an essential biological response to injury. In the field of vascular biology, the response of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) to injury and substrate surface is important in therapeutic clinical treatment interventions such as angioplasty and atherectomy. Specifically, the mechanism by which cells close wounds (i.e. proliferation versus migration) in response to injury stimuli is of interest to better modulate recurrent vascular stenosis, prevent thrombus formation, occlusion, and life-threatening cardiovascular events. Here, we examine growth extent and temporal sequence of events following wound or gap introduction to a confluent monolayer of vascular SMCs or ECs. Significant differences in the preferred mechanisms of these cells to close wounds or gaps were observed; after 48 h, 73% of SMC wound closure was observed to be due to proliferation, while 75% of EC wound closure resulted from migration. These mechanisms were further modulated via addition or removal of extracellular matrix substrate and injury, with ECs more responsive to substrate composition and less to injury, in comparison to SMCs. Our results indicate that ECs and SMCs heal wounds differently, and that the time and mode of injury and associated substrate surface all impact this response.
Vessel graft fabricated by the on-site differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells towards vascular cells on vascular extracellular matrix scaffold under mechanical stimulation in a rotary bioreactor

Although a significant number of studies on vascular tissue engineering have been reported, the current availability of vessel substitutes in the clinic remains limited mainly due to the mismatch of their mechanical properties and biological functions with native vessels. In this study, a novel approach to fabricating a vessel graft for vascular tissue engineering was developed by promoting differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) on a native vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold in a rotary bioreactor. The expression levels of CD31 and vWF, and the LDL uptake capacity as well as the angiogenesis capability of the EC-like cells in the dynamic culture system were significantly enhanced compared to the static system. In addition, α-actin and smoothelin expression, and contractility of VSMC-like cells harvested from the dynamic model were much higher than those in a static culture system. The combination of on-site differentiation of stem cells towards vascular cells in the natural vessel ECM scaffold and maturation of the resulting vessel construct in a dynamic cell culture environment provides a promising approach to fabricating a clinically applicable vessel graft with similar mechanical properties and physiological functions to those of native blood vessels.
Pouch Excision vs. Redo IPAA After a Failed Pouch

Failure of the ileoanal pelvic pouch (IPAA) is an uncommon but disastrous situation for patients motivated to preserve intestinal continuity after restorative proctocolectomy [1]. Patients with IPAA dysfunction unresponsive to local corrective measures have historically been faced with the limited option of permanent fecal diversion +/− excision of the failed pelvic pouch [2]. However, advancements in the understanding of pouch failure have opened avenues for surgical revision of the failed pouch in some instances as an alternative to permanent ileostomy. Carefully selected patients who are decidedly motivated to avoid permanent conventional ileostomy may be considered for surgical pouch salvage, with a high likelihood of safely creating a durable, functional result similar to a de novo pouch [3–6]. Whether to pursue pouch salvage vs. redo IPAA is a challenging decision that is best approached in a multi-disciplinary, patient-centered fashion with input from both patient and experienced IPAA clinicians for best results (Table 44.1).
Empathic design: imagining the cognitive and emotional learner experience

In an effort to create meaningful user experiences, instructional designers participate in continuous projection and reflection during design. Empathic design draws on instructional designers’ sensitivity toward their learners as a reference for design. Empathic forecasting, or predictions about an emotional reaction to future events, is an important influence on design in general and may be particularly meaningful for empathic design. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined how instructional designers’ imagined the cognitive and emotional learner experience as they designed a collaboration-based interactive case study to promote interaction and collaboration among physicians, radiobiologists, and radiation physicists. We employed a protocol analysis methodology to document the verbal exchanges of members of this design team during collaborative meetings. Online surveys that included scale-based ratings and short open-ended questions assessed learners’ perceptions of their instructional experience. Findings indicate that instructional designers visualized learner interaction with the Virtual Hospital, and emoted learner feelings with the activity while engaging in design. User results indicate that the outcome the instructional designers envisioned for the user experience aligned with user perceptions of their experiences during the activity.
Molecular simulation of polymers with a SAFT-γ Mie approach

We review the group contribution Statistical Associating Fluid Theory with Mie interaction potentials (SAFT-γ Mie) approach for building coarse-grained models for molecular simulation of polymeric ...
Wide-band Blazed Grating for All Polarizations

A resonant-type blazing grating surface, which is capable to reflect oblique incident waves with any kind of polarization back to the incident path, has been reported recently [1]. The performance of the design is comparable to 3D blazed structures, but, just as many 3D structures, it is limited by the bandwidth. In this paper, a method is presented to achieve wide-band all-polarization blazing on a low-profile surface. The idea is borrowed from filter concepts that uses multiple coupled resonators to expend the bandwidth without hurting the blazing performance. As an example, the two-pole responses are demonstrated in the unit-cell simulation realized by two coupled square patches. A finite grating sample is simulated and measured in X band to show the blazing performance.
The skeletal consequences of epidural steroid injections: a literature review

This literature review summarized studies that evaluated the effects of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) on skeletal health. While evidence is limited, studies suggest that ESIs may cause bone loss. Better understanding of these skeletal consequences will help foster strategies to prevent bone loss in the growing population of patients receiving ESIs. Approximately nine million epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are administered annually in the United States to treat radicular back pain. ESIs often provide pain relief and functional improvement. While the overall incidence of adverse events resulting from ESIs is low, their effects on the skeleton are poorly understood. This is an important consideration given the profound skeletal impact of other forms of glucocorticoids. Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed search results since 2010, including older, frequently referenced publications were reviewed. Systemic absorption of glucocorticoids occurs after ESI, which can cause hyperglycemia and endogenous cortisol suppression. The majority of studies investigating the skeletal effects of ESIs are retrospective. Several have found a relationship between low areal bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and ESI exposure, but this finding is not uniform. Recently a dose-response relationship between ESI exposure and low spine volumetric BMD by computed tomography has been reported. Few studies have investigated the relationship between ESI exposure and fracture risk. Results of these studies are conflicting, and most have not been adequately powered to detect fracture outcomes. While evidence is limited, studies suggest that ESIs may cause bone loss, particularly those investigating volumetric BMD. Larger doses appear to confer greater risk. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the relationship between ESI and fracture risk. Better understanding of the skeletal consequences of ESIs will help foster strategies to prevent bone loss in the growing population of patients receiving this treatment.
Adjunctive Perampanel in Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE): A Report of Two Cases. (1729)

Objective: We present two cases where Perampanel was used to wean patients in non-convulsive SE (NCSE) from anesthetic drugs. Background: Prolonged status epilepticus (SE) causes internalization of inhibitory gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) receptors. Perampanel is the first orally-active noncompetitive antagonist of the excitatory AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic-acid) receptor, a subtype of glutamate receptor and is approved for focal seizures with or without secondary generalization. Design/Methods: Perampanel was used as the last anti-epileptic drug (AED) in two patients with NCSE who were on maximal doses of three other AEDs including levetiracetam, phenytoin and lacosamide, in addition to midazolam infusion. Results: Case 1: A 73-year-old woman with a history of multiple cryptogenic embolic strokes presented with new onset SE. SE was initially controlled with levetiracetam, phenytoin and lacosamide on admission. On Day 6, long-term video EEG showed right frontal lobe NCSE. Midazolam infusion was started, with resolution of SE. After a loading dose of 12mg, Perampanel was adjusted to 8mg daily. Midazolam was weaned within 72 hours and the patient remained seizure free, clinically and electrographically, for the next 11 days until discharge. Case 2: A 40-year-old man with a right thalamic hemorrhage on admission, developed focal seizures from the right posterior quadrant on Day 4, initially controlled with levetiracetam. However, on Day 16, he was found to be in NCSE resistant to the addition of phenytoin and lacosamide. High dose Perampanel (36mg loading dose, 12mg daily), along with midazolam infusion terminated his refractory NCSE. Midazolam was successfully weaned over the next 96 hours. Conclusions: Patients with RSE who fail first-line AEDs may require an intravenous anesthetic agent. Both our patients with RSE were successfully weaned off the anesthetic drug with introduction of Perampanel. The use of Perampanel in this manner deserves further study to determine its efficacy and safety, more quantitatively as an adjunctive therapy for RSE. Disclosure: Dr. Yang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marji has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohamed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ibrahim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Basha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rao has nothing to disclose.
Combined effects of THC and caffeine on working memory in rats

Leigh V Panlilio, PreclinicalPharmacology Section, BehavioralNeuroscience Research Branch,Intramural Research Program,National Institute on DrugAbuse, National Institutes ofHealth, Department of Healthand Human Services, 251Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore,MD 21224, USA. E-mail:lpanlili@intra.nida.nih.gov
An Analysis of the Effect of Price on Residential Water Demand: Metropolitan Miami, Florida

The economic development of any area is tied to its natural resource base. Water, one of the most important of these natural resources, is used for a multitude of purposes including crop irrigation, human consumption, food processing, generation of electricity, transportation, recreation and waste disposal. Municipal water use is essential in the development of any state. Florida is no exception. One of the first considerations in development of an area's water resources is that of furnishing municipal water for commercial, industrial, residential and public uses.
Fine Scale Baleen Whale Behavior Observed via Tagging Over Daily Time Scales

Abstract : Tagging studies of cetaceans have focused primarily on two disparate time scales: short (hours) or long (weeks to months). Studies using sensor-rich suction-cup tags, focal follows, and proximate environmental sampling provide highly detailed observations of behavior that can be interpreted in the context of conspecific behavior, oceanographic conditions and prey distribution; however, tag attachment durations are typically short (hours) and sustained tracking and environmental sampling from small vessels is logistically challenging. Longer-term tagging studies using implanted satellite tags can provide location data over periods of weeks to months; however, inferences about behavior at time scales of hours to days are difficult to make with the limited sensor data returned by the tags and the low rate at which location data are provided (typically only 1-2 locations per day). While studies at both short and long time scales are enormously beneficial, there is also a critical need to understand cetacean behavior at intermediate daily time scales. Recent efforts to assess the impacts of sound on marine mammals and to estimate foraging efficiency have called for the need to measure daily activity budgets to quantify how much of each day an individual devotes to foraging, resting, traveling, or socializing. Moreover, many conservation issues require an understanding of daily diving activity (e.g., how much time each day does an individual spend near the bottom, at depth, in a sound channel, or at the surface?). Finally, several studies have observed diel trends in calling behavior or prey distribution that suggest diel variability in cetacean behavior; hypotheses about diel patterns in behavior can only be addressed definitively with tagging studies over daily time scales.
Coulomb blockade and Kondo effect in quantum dots

We review the mechanisms of low-temperature electron transport across a quantum dot weakly coupled to two conducting leads. Conduction in this case is controlled by the interaction between electrons. At temperatures moderately lower than the single-electron charging energy of the dot, the linear conductance is suppressed by the Coulomb blockade. Upon further lowering of the temperature, however, the conductance may start to increase again due to the Kondo effect. This increase occurs only if the dot has a non-zero spin S. We concentrate on the simplest case of S = 1/2, and discuss the conductance across the dot in a broad temperature range, which includes the Kondo temperature. Temperature dependence of the linear conductance in the Kondo regime is discussed in detail. We also consider a simple (but realistic) limit in which the differential conductance at a finite bias can be fully investigated.
Full duplex transhybrid circuit for voice communications through a single crosspoint

With the deregulation of the telephone industry, it has become essential for system designers to develop competitive solutions with better performance. The circuit described here offers a better solution for analog private branch exchanges (PBX) than the typical discrete transformer solution. The Full Duplex Transhybrid (FDT) circuit combines a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) with two operational amplifiers. This combination results in superior circuit performance with full duplex transhybrid voice communication through a single crosspoint. The two operational amplifiers convert the two port network of the SLIC (transmit output TX and receive input RX) into a one port network for connection through a single crosspoint. They also serve to cancel channel to channel and inter-channel echo and are the main focus of this paper. A brief comparison between the discrete transformer solution and the FDT circuit is presented along with the design equations for calculating the proper feedback.
Representing climate, disturbance, and vegetation interactions in landscape models

The prospect of rapidly changing climates over the next century calls for methods to predict their effects on myriad, interactive ecosystem processes. Spatially explicit models that simulate ecosystem dynamics at fine (plant, stand) to coarse (regional, global) scales are indispensable tools for meeting this challenge under a variety of possible futures. A special class of these models, called landscape models (LMs), simulates dynamics at intermediate scales where many critical ecosystem processes interact. The complicated dependencies among climate, disturbance, and vegetation present a difficult challenge for LMs, however, because their simulation must reconcile processes and their interactions that occur at different spatial and temporal scales. In the absence of these interactions, key thresholds in ecosystem responses to changes in climate may go undetected or misrepresented. In this paper, we present a general strategy for constructing the next generation of LMs that ensures that interactions are modeled at appropriate scales of time and space, and that, when possible, processes representing these interactions are simulated mechanistically. We identify six key questions to frame this strategy and then provide guidance and possible solutions on the structure and content needed in future LMs to ensure that climate-vegetation-disturbance interactions are incorporated effectively.
Testosterone effects on development of vasopressin messenger RNA expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and medial amygdaloid nucleus in male rats

To study whether testicular secretions in development have a permanent influence on vasopressin (AVP) messenger RNA expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and medial amygdaloid nucleus (MA), male rats that were castrated neonatally or in adulthood were compared after both were similarly treated with testosterone. Males castrated neonatally had fewer cells that were labeled for AVP mRNA and a less density of grains per labeled cell in the BST and MA than males castrated in adulthood. These data indicate that testicular secretions in early development have an organizational effect on AVP mRNA expression in the BST and MA, and this effect was accomplished not only by determining the number of cells that produce AVP, but also by influencing the ability of each individual cell to produce AVP.
In the tracks of the historicist movement: Re-assessing the Carnap-Kuhn connection

Abstract Thirty years after the publication of Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions , sharp disagreement persists concerning the implications of Kuhn's ‘historicist’ challenge to empiricism. I discuss the historicist movement over the past thirty years, and the extent to which the discourse between two branches of the historical school has been influenced by tacit assumptions shared with Rudolf Carnap's empiricism. I begin with an examination of Carnap's logicism — his logic of science — and his 1960 correspondence with Kuhn. I focus on problems in the analysis applied to the unit of meta-scientific study or appraisal, arguing for a re-assessment of historicist treatment of the internal/external distinction and historiographic meta-methodology. The critique of objectivism and relativism that eventuates from this re-assessment is a double-edged blade, undercutting both objectivist and relativist treatments of cognitive evaluation and scientific change. I use it to cut across an otherwise diverse group of historicist-influenced writers, including Imre Lakatos, Larry Laudan, H.M. Collins and Stephen Stich.
Effect of a buried-wire gage on the separation bubble Numerical study

A numerically simulated buried-wire separation gage is investigated with emphasis on its effect on the separation bubble. The conjugated problem of a supersonic, time-dependent, two-dimensional flowfield above a conductive solid wall with an embedded heat source is solved using implicit finite difference algorithms. Steady-state and transient cases were computed for different locations of the heat source within the bubble. Results show that by using a steady heat source, the flow direction near the wall can be detected, without distorting the flowfield, only if the source is located in regions where the bubble is thick (i.e., not too close to the separation). The flow direction near separation can be detected by using a temperature pulse at the solid/fluid interface with insignificant distortion of the flowfield.
Vibration of a rotating discontinuous shaft by the distributed transfer function method

A systematic method is presented for analyzing the vibration of a rotating, geometrically discontinuous shaft with general boundary conditions. Both the Rayleigh and Timoshenko beam models are considered in the analysis. Exact, closed form solutions for the free and forced responses are obtained by the distributed transfer function method and a generalized displacement formulation. Numerical results of the natural frequencies, mode shapes and steady state response of a rotating, stepped two-span shaft are presented. Effects of system parameters such as the slenderness ratio and diameter ratio of the shaft on the free response are examined and discussed. It is shown that, with different combinations of boundary conditions, the forward and backward precision modes have different shapes even for the simply-simply supported shaft. Moreover, the difference between the forward and backward mode shapes increases with the rotation speed of the shaft.
Image structure and perceptual errors in mammogram reading: a pilot study

Early detection of breast cancer is very desirable, considering that it can significantly change the prognosis for a woman diagnosed with this disease. Nonetheless 10 - 30% of all breast cancers are missed by the radiologist, albeit they are visible in the mammogram. In this work we have studied the underlying structure of the image in the location of the lesions that were missed and the ones that were found, as well as in the locations of the lesions that did not exist but were reported by the radiologist. We have shown that there is a statistically significant difference in the information content of different frequency bands that results in various decision types. We have also shown that it is possible to use a pattern classifier, based upon the information contents of the spectral decomposition of a local image region, to predict the most likely decision outcome.
EFFECTS OF SIGNALING INVASIVE PROCEDURES ON A HOSPITALIZED INFANT'S AFFECTIVE BEHAVIORS

We report the effects of using a visual and auditory stimulus signaling impending painful medical procedures versus "safe" periods on the affective behavior of a hospitalized infant. The results of a reversal design suggested that the signaling procedures increased positive behaviors and decreased negative behaviors during both noninvasive and invasive caregiver events.
Fluctuation analyses of spontaneous mutations to 6-thioguanine resistance in Chinese hamster ovary cells in culture.

Abstract Fluctuation analyses of the spontaneous appearance of 6-thioguanine (TG)-resistant mutants in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were performed to investigate (1) whether the resistance is induced by the selective agent or is the result of a mutation which occurs prior to the TG selection and (2) to estimate the spontaneous mutation rate at the hypoxanthine—guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (hgprt) locus. The potential problem of phenotypic delay was minimized by allowing an adequate expression time through maintenance of the cultures in a division-arrested, viable state. The results demonstrate that the TG-resistant (TG r ) cells arise randomly in the cultures, independently of the selective agent, which is consistent with spontaneous mutations. The average values for mutation rate ± standard deviation, based on 4 independent determinations and 2 methods of calculation, are 3.4 ± 1.2 × 10 −7 (median method) and 5.1 ± 1.8 × 10 −7 (mean method) mutants/cell/generation.
Protein metabolism and amino acid accumulation in the rat submaxillary gland during reduced sympathetic activity.

Abstract— Unilateral sympathetic decentralization of the superior cervical ganglion of rats was performed 3 days prior to the experiments. A two-compartment kinetic model was proposed to describe the effect of decentralization on (1) the uptake of a nonphysiological amino acid from plasma to the submaxillary gland and (2) the incorporation of a physiological amino acid from precursor pool into protein. The calculations based on the model showed that the fractional rate constant for efflux of the nonphysiological amino acid, α-[3-14C] aminoisobutyric acid, was greater in the decentralized than in the normal gland. However, efflux rate was equal in the two glands because the extrapolated zero time value of the initial concentration was greater in the normal gland. The labelled physiological amino acid, [14C]leucine, was used in initial experiments to assess turnover rate of the gland proteins but it was rapidly metabolized to many other radioactive compounds. Therefore, arginine[14C]guanido was employed-arginine being the only labelled amino acid found after injection. Since the steady state content of submaxillary gland proteins was not changed but the fractional rate constant of conversion of free arginine into protein (kp) was greater in the decentralized gland (kp= 0-40 h_l) than in the normal (kp= 0-27 h−1), we can conclude that decentralization increases protein turnover rate; thus, assuming that arginine[14C]guanido is homogeneously distributed in the tissue pools of free arginine, the rate of protein turnover is greater in the sympathetically decentralized gland than in the normal.
On the role of social norms in a market economy

Given that the discussion in Section 2 focuses on but two potential sources of norms and on only a pair of variables affecting the activities of these sources, it may appear premature to attempt to generalize about the supply of NETN norms in a market economy. However, based on the above discussion, it is nevertheless quite reasonable to hypothesize that the norms market will not operate in such a way as to ensure the proper supply of NETN norms. The ‘failures’ found by economic theory in the economic marketplace and by PETP in the political market have their analogue in the norms market. That this can be said with some assurance even though the investigation has been so limited is due to the importance of the variables and group activities investigated. The specific structural characteristics (the high degree of specialization in society) and the specific cluster of values (those related to individualism) examined above and found to be inhibitory to the supply of NETN norms, are of considerable importance and their negative impact on the norms market cannot readily be altered. In the first place, these variables are significantly and synergistically related to one another; but secondly, and more importantly, these variables are so closely associated with the market economy itself, that short of replacing the market, little can be done to diminish the negative effect that these variables have on the supply of NETN norms.
Depression, dietary habits, and cardiovascular events among women with suspected myocardial ischemia

Abstract Background Dietary habits and depression are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Patients with depression often report poor eating habits, and dietary factors may help explain commonly observed associations between depression and cardiovascular disease. MethodS From 1996 to 2000, 936 women were enrolled in the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation at 4 US academic medical centers at the time of clinically indicated coronary angiography and then assessed (median follow-up, 5.9 years) for adverse outcomes (cardiovascular disease death, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke). Participants completed a protocol including coronary angiography (coronary artery disease severity) and depression assessments (Beck Depression Inventory scores, antidepressant use, and depression treatment history). A subset of 201 women (mean age, 58.5 years; standard deviation, 11.4) further completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adults (1998 Block). We extracted daily fiber intake and daily servings of fruit and vegetables as measures of dietary habits. Results In separate Cox regression models adjusted for age, smoking, and coronary artery disease severity, Beck Depression Inventory scores (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.10), antidepressant use (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.01-5.9), and a history of treatment for depression (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3) were adversely associated with time to cardiovascular disease outcomes. Fiber intake (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.97) and fruit and vegetable consumption (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.70) were associated with a decreased time to cardiovascular disease event risk. In models including dietary habits and depression, fiber intake and fruit and vegetable consumption remained associated with time to cardiovascular disease outcomes, whereas depression relationships were reduced by 10% to 20% and nonsignificant. Conclusions Among women with suspected myocardial ischemia, we observed consistent relationships among depression, dietary habits, and time to cardiovascular disease events. Dietary habits partly explained these relationships. These results suggest that dietary habits should be included in future efforts to identify mechanisms linking depression to cardiovascular disease.
A Toll-Like Receptor 2 Pathway Regulates the Ppargc1a/b Metabolic Co-Activators in Mice with Staphylococcal aureus Sepsis

Activation of the host antibacterial defenses by the toll-like receptors (TLR) also selectively activates energy-sensing and metabolic pathways, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. This includes the metabolic and mitochondrial biogenesis master co-activators, Ppargc1a (PGC-1α) and Ppargc1b (PGC-1β) in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) sepsis. The expression of these genes in the liver is markedly attenuated inTLR2−/− mice and markedly accentuated in TLR4−/− mice compared with wild type (WT) mice. We sought to explain this difference by using specific TLR-pathway knockout mice to test the hypothesis that these co-activator genes are directly regulated through TLR2 signaling. By comparing their responses to S. aureus with WT mice, we found that MyD88-deficient and MAL-deficient mice expressed hepatic Ppargc1a and Ppargc1b normally, but that neither gene was activated in TRAM-deficient mice. Ppargc1a/b activation did not require NF-kβ, but did require an interferon response factor (IRF), because neither gene was activated in IRF-3/7 double-knockout mice in sepsis, but both were activated normally in Unc93b1-deficient (3d) mice. Nuclear IRF-7 levels in TLR2−/− and TLR4−/− mice decreased and increased respectively post-inoculation and IRF-7 DNA-binding at the Ppargc1a promoter was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Also, a TLR2-TLR4-TRAM native hepatic protein complex was detected by immunoprecipitation within 6 h of S. aureus inoculation that could support MyD88-independent signaling to Ppargc1a/b. Overall, these findings disclose a novel MyD88-independent pathway in S. aureus sepsis that links TLR2 and TLR4 signaling in innate immunity to Ppargc1a/b gene regulation in a critical metabolic organ, the liver, by means of TRAM, TRIF, and IRF-7.
Variations in fertility and earning patterns among immigrants in the United States, 1970-1980: assimilation or disruption?

This paper examines the assimilation of immigrants in familial and economic fields....Specific objectives are as follows: (1) to describe fertility and earning patterns among immigrants to the United States in 1970-1980 from several countries of origin and (2) to describe some effects of assimilation human capital and the dual labor market perspectives on immigrant earnings. Findings vary in both fertility and economic categories for migrants depending on whether they are from developed or developing countries. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
Expression of a plasmin/trypsin Kunitz inhibitor by pig trophoblast.

Under the influence of progesterone, the porcine uterus synthesizes plasmin/trypsin inhibitor (PTI), a low molecular weight protein (Mr ∼ 14,000) belonging to the Kunitz family of proteinase inhibitors. Here it is demonstrated that mRNA for the same protein is produced by the developing trophoblast during early pregnancy and by the placenta throughout gestation. The transcript for PTI was represented in approximately 0.1% of total phage plaques of a day 13–17 porcine conceptus cDNA library. It shared 99% nucleotide sequence identity with the cDNA isolated from the uterine library and encoded a 112-amino-acid protein identical to the uterine-produced PTI, which has a well-defined Kunitz domain comprised of 64 residues at its amino terminus. Northern analysis and in situ hybridization studies confirmed that expression of PTI by the conceptus begins as early as day 10 of pregnancy and is continued in placental tissues until at least day 90 of gestation. Expression was trophoblast specific at day 20 of gestation, as in situ hybridization detected no mRNA in the embryo. The pattern of PTI expression during pregnancy is consistent with a role either in controlling trophoblast invasiveness or in inhibiting proteinases with trypsin-like specificity released by immune or inflammatory cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:443–449, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Auditory proactive interference in monkeys: The roles of stimulus set size and intertrial interval

We conducted two experiments to examine the influences of stimulus set size (the number of stimuli that are used throughout the session) and intertrial interval (ITI, the elapsed time between trials) in auditory short-term memory in monkeys. We used an auditory delayed matching-to-sample task wherein the animals had to indicate whether two sounds separated by a 5-s retention interval were the same (match trials) or different (nonmatch trials). In Experiment 1, we randomly assigned stimulus set sizes of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 192 (trial-unique) for each session of 128 trials. Consistent with previous visual studies, overall accuracy was consistently lower when smaller stimulus set sizes were used. Further analyses revealed that these effects were primarily caused by an increase in incorrect “same” responses on nonmatch trials. In Experiment 2, we held the stimulus set size constant at four for each session and alternately set the ITI at 5, 10, or 20 s. Overall accuracy improved when the ITI was increased from 5 to 10 s, but it was the same across the 10- and 20-s conditions. As in Experiment 1, the overall decrease in accuracy during the 5-s condition was caused by a greater number of false “match” responses on nonmatch trials. Taken together, Experiments 1 and 2 showed that auditory short-term memory in monkeys is highly susceptible to proactive interference caused by stimulus repetition. Additional analyses of the data from Experiment 1 suggested that monkeys may make same–different judgments on the basis of a familiarity criterion that is adjusted by error-related feedback.
Migration of follicle cells through the zona pellucida and their sequestration by human oocytes in vitro.

This study describes the fine morphologic features of follicle cell penetration through the zonae pellucidae of cultured human oocytes and the subsequent sequestration of the cells into the ooplasm. The observations made in this study would indicate that follicle cells progress through the zona pellucida because of their motility and that their sequestration by the oocytes occurs by phagocytosis. These phenomena are discussed on the basis of the knowledge of the process of sperm progression toward and into the egg at fertilization.
Interaction of an altered β-crystallin with other proteins in the Philly mouse lens

Abstract An altered βB2-crystallin is synthesized in the lens of the Philly mouse. This βB2 has a more acidic isoelectric point than the βB2 that is isolated from normal mouse lens. The altered βB2 is immunologically reactive with antibody to the amino terminal of the βB2-crystallin, but appears to be present in only very small quantities in the Philly lens. When the soluble proteins are isolated from the Philly lens and chromatographed by gel exclusion chromatography, the βB2 can be found primarily in the heavy molecular weight fraction. Some immunoreactive material was also found throughout the higher molecular weight β-crystallin region, βH, and the lower molecular weight region, βL. These results would indicate that the altered βB2-crystallin in the Philly lens can interact with the other β-crystallins in the lens; however, interactions of the βB2-crystallin with the other proteins of the lens may cause rapid aggregation of the cellular proteins leading to the formation of the heavy molecular weight material. The increased number of these aggregates may eventually lead to the cataract formation in the Philly mouse.
Characterization of cDNA encoding the human tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) catalytic subunit.

Abstract Queuosine (Q) is a 7-deazaguanosine found in the first position of the anticodon of tRNAs that recognize NAU and NAC codons (Tyr, Asn, Asp and His). Eukaryotes synthesize Q by the base-for-base exchange of queuine (Q base) for guanine in the unmodified tRNA, a reaction catalyzed by TGT. A search of the human EST database for sequences with significant homology to the well studied TGT from Escherichia coli identified several candidates for full-length (1.3–1.4 kb) cDNA clones. Three candidate cDNA clones, available from IMAGE Consortium, LLNL, (Lennon et al., 1996, Genomics 33, 151-152) were obtained: IMAGE Clone Id Nos. 611146, 1422928, and 72154. Here we report the complete sequences of these clones. IMAGE:72154 contains an ORF encoding a 44 kDa polypeptide with high homology to bacterial TGTs and was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pMAMneo-Cat. When this construct was transfected into the TGT-negative cell line, GC3/c1 (Gunduz et al., 1992, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1139, 229–238), it restored the ability of the cells to form Q-containing tRNA. This TGT cDNA sequence is encoded in human chromosome 19 clone CTC-539A10 (GenBank accession no. AC011475), enabling determination of the exon-intron boundaries for the TGT gene. The sequence of IMAGE:611146 is 5′-truncated by 76 bp compared to that from IMAGE:72154 and, except for two differences in the 3′-non-coding region, the remainder of the sequence is identical to that of IMAGE:72154. IMAGE:1422928 is a 1390 bp chimera: the 5′-portion, bp 1–708, is identical to a genomic DNA sequence from chromosome 15 (GenBank accession no. AC067805, bp 148976–149683); the 3′-end, bp 726–1390, is identical to the 3′-end of the TGT cDNA sequence from IMAGE:611146.
Funding for Everglades Restoration Research Program “Inadequate” says Academy Report

Inadequate funding is hampering the efforts of a science research component of the ambitious, multi-year, federal-state-private sector effort to restore the Greater Everglades ecosystem, according to a recent report by the U.S. National Research Council. Investment in the U.S. Interior Department's Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative (CESI), established in the mid-1990s, “has measurably eroded,” the NRC report noted, and as a result, “high-priority scientific research needs” of the restoration effort “have gone unmet.”
Discriminative stimulus effects of CP 55,940 and structurally dissimilar cannabinoids in rats.

Abstract CP 55,940 is a potent synthetic bicyclic cannabinoid analog that has been used in a number of studies as a radioligand for the cannabinoid receptor. This compound shares behavioral and biochemical properties with naturally occurring cannabinoids such as Δ9-THC. The purpose of the present study was 3-fold: to establish the ability of CP 55,940 to serve as a discriminative stimulus, to determine whether this discriminative stimulus is identical to that of Δ9-THC, and to examine whether a newly developed cannabinoid antagonist, SR141716A, would antagonize the discriminative stimulus effects of CP 55,940. Rats were trained to discriminate 0.1 mg/kg CP 55,940 from vehicle in standard 2-lever operant conditioning chambers. CP 55,940 produced dose-dependent generalization from the training dose in dose-effect determinations conducted before and after testing with other drugs. The effects of the training dose of CP 55,940 were dose-dependently antagonized by co-administration of SR141716A. Results of substitution tests showed that Δ9-THC, WIN 55,212-2, and cannabinol substituted completely for CP 55,940 in a dose-dependent manner; however, CP 55,940 was approx 10-fold more potent than any of the other drugs in producing CP 55,940-like discriminative stimulus effects. Several drugs with CNS depressant properties (phencyclidine, haloperidol and diazepam) failed to produce reliable substitution for CP 55,940. These results demonstrate that CP 55,940 has discriminative stimulus effects and that it shares these effects with structurally dissimilar compounds that, like CP 55,940, bind to the cannabinoid receptor. Further, these effects are blocked by SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor antagonist. The present results provide support for the use of CP 55,940 as a probe for cannabinoid receptor-mediated effects related to cannabis abuse.