cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPases in phenotypically distinct canine vascular smooth muscle cells.

Our laboratory has identified at least two types of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that exist in canine arteries and veins: type 1 cells, located in the media express muscle specific proteins but do not proliferate in culture; and type 2 cells, located in both media and adventitia, do not express muscle specific protein but proliferate in culture. Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases (PMCAs) have been implicated in proliferation control. The present study examines the expression of PMCA isoforms and calmodulin-binding domain splice variants in these two types of canine VSMCs. PMCA protein was found in both type 1 and type 2 cells. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction assays were developed for canine PMCA calmodulin-binding domain splice variants. We cloned and sequenced isolates corresponding to PMCA1b, 4a and 4b from canine VSMCs. PMCA 2 and 3 were not detected. Freshly isolated type 1 cells expressed PMCA 1b, 4a and 4b, while freshly isolated type 2 cells expressed PMCA1b and 4b. Upon placement in culture, type 2 cells originating from either carotid artery or saphenous vein demonstrated a time-dependent upregulation of PMCA4a mRNA. Treatment with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin produced concentration-dependent inhibition of both PMCA4a upregulation and [3H]thymidine incorporation. These findings suggest a role for phosphoinositide 3-kinase in regulating PMCA expression, which may be important in the control of Ca2+-sensitive VSMC functions.
An axial dispersion model of competing ion etching and mixing of binary solids

Ion bombardment of solid surfaces produces a number of changes in the near-surface region. The surface is etched by ejection of material by momentum exchange. The surface concentrations of the components of a multicomponent solid, such as an alloy, are altered by preferential sputtering. Finally, the incident ions penetrate a distance into the solid, producing a damaged region referred to as the altered layer' in which diffusion is enhanced relative to that in the unaltered bulk. Previous models have not explicitly accounted for the ion penetration depth and the discontinuity of solid diffusivities at this boundary. The authors demonstrate that this problem is directly analogous to that of a plug-flow reactor with axial dispersion, and solve for steady-state and transient concentration profiles in a binary solid, taking into account the different values of the Peclet number' appropriate for the two regions, the altered layer and the unaltered bulk of the solid.
Massive Digitoxin Intoxication Treated with Digoxin-Specific Antibodies in a Child

A 20-month-old girl with massive digitoxin intoxication (initial digitoxin serum level: 629 ng/ml) was successfully treated with digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Fab). She presented with moderate signs of digitalis toxicity (somnolence, bradycardia, first-degree AV block) and improved rapidly during fractional Fab administration. Free serum-digitoxin disappeared after 6 vials of Fab (480 mg), but was measurable again on days 6 and 7. This case demonstrated that digoxin-specific antibodies, despite a 30–100 times lesser affinity for digitoxin, are effective in massive digitoxin intoxications. A rebound phenomenon may occur several days later and should be taken into consideration.
Tectonics and history of the Andaman Sea region

Abstract The Andaman Sea is an active backarc basin lying above and behind the Sunda subduction zone where convergence between the overriding Southeast Asian plate and the subducting Australian plate is highly oblique. The effect of the oblique convergence has been formation of a sliver plate between the subduction zone and a complex right-lateral fault system. The late Paleocene collision of Greater India and Asia with approximately normal convergence started clockwise rotation and bending of the northern and western Sunda Arc. The initial sliver fault, which probably started in the Eocene, extended through the outer arc ridge offshore from Sumatra, through the present region of the Andaman Sea into the Sagaing Fault. With more oblique convergence due to the rotation, the rate of strike-slip motion increased and a series of extensional basins opened obliquely by the combination of backarc extension and the strike-slip motion. These basins in sequence are the Mergui Basin starting at ∼32 Ma, the conjoined Alcock and Sewell Rises starting at ∼23 Ma, East Basin separating the rises from the foot of the continental slope starting at ∼15 Ma; and finally at ∼4 Ma, the present plate edge was formed, Alcock and Sewell Rises were separated by formation of the Central Andaman Basin, and the faulting moved onshore from the Mentawai Fault to the Sumatra Fault System bisecting Sumatra.
Treatment of erythroblastosis fetalis by exchange transfusion

Summary Among thirty-six stillbirths causedby Rh sensitization, all but one of the patients had Rh antibody titers of 16 units or higher by the albumin-plasma conglutination method. (In the single exceptional case, where the albuminplasma titrations were negative, it was possible to show that antibodies were present, but of an unusual type, since the titer was high by the antiglobulin and enzyme techniques.) Therefore, when using antibody titer as a criterion of severity, it was decided to consider 8 units by the albumin-plasma titration method as the upper limit for cases classified as “mildly” affected. The results of treatment by exchange transfusion in a series of 222 erythroblastotic infants were compared with the results obtained in a series of sixty-seven erythroblastotic babies who were left untreated or given one or more simple transfusions. Among “mildly” affected babies, i.e., those whose mothers had antibody titers of 8 units or less, no significant difference in the mortality rate in the two series was demonstrable. On the other hand, among severely affected babies treated by exchange transfusion, the mortality rate was 15.5±2.0 per cent, while among the babies receiving simple transfusions or no treatment, the mortality rate was as high as 46.4±6.2 per cent. The difference in mortality rate, 28.9±6.5 per cent, is statistically significant. During the past few years changeshave been introduced into our method of carrying out exchange transfusions. In the method now used by us, part of the citrated plasma is removed from bank blood not more than three days old, which has been allowed to sediment in the refrigerator in order to reduce the volume to 400 ml., and the resulting concentrated blood (hematocrit, approximately 0.50) is used for the exchange transfusion, equal volumes of blood being withdrawn and injected. In more severely affected babies, a second such exchange transfusion is given twenty-four to forty-eight hours after birth. Among seventy-eight erythroblastotic babics treated in this way, of whom fifty-three had mothers with antibody titers above 8 units by the albumin-plasma method, the mortality rate was only 5.1±1.6 per cent. (In this discussion, mortality rate is used to include neurological sequelae as well as deaths.) Case reports are presented in orderto illustrate the course of Rh sensitization in women followed through several pregnancies and to compare the results of treatment of several erythroblastotic babies born to the same mother. A case is cited which demonstrates the importance of icterus per se as a criterion of severity, and therefore this sign is a strong indication for treatment by exchange transfusion even in the absence of anemia. In view of the innocuousness of exchange transfusion carried out by the radial artery-saphenous vein technique and the excellent results obtained by this treatment, our tendency has been to widen the indications for its use in treating erythroblastotic babies.
Community College Practices for U.S.-Educated Language-Minority Students: A Resource-Oriented Framework

Community colleges are critical points of access for language-minority students and others historically underrepresented in U.S. higher education. Yet there is evidence that community colleges are far from reaching their potential as a stepping-stone to 4-year colleges and universities for underrepresented minorities, especially in states with the most ethnically diverse populations. Within this context, the needs of one particular group of students have not been adequately explored: students from immigrant language-minority backgrounds who have done some of their schooling in U.S. secondary schools yet whose language is still considered by community college faculty, staff, or assessment measures to be inadequate for mainstream academic work. In this article, we propose a framework that emphasizes building on these U.S.-educated language-minority students' strengths and experiences in order to support their academic and linguistic development, and we review the literature on innovative institutional pract...
Spray-on superhydrophobic coatings with high mechanical durability for anti-corrosion and anti-soiling applications

A superhydrophobic (SH) surface has many characteristics - of which are its self-cleaning and anti-corrosion functionalities - that are desirable across various industries. A superhydrophobic surface utilizes the right combination of surface chemistry and roughness that force water droplets to form high water contact angles (CA). This in turn allows droplets to easily roll off and pick up dirt and debris across the surface while also preventing water from penetrating the surface. We have developed a simple yet durable spray-on coating based on functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles that can easily be applied to surfaces including, but not limited to, optical sensors, photovoltaics, sights and lenses, textiles, construction materials, and electronic devices. In addition, these coatings exhibit practical mechanical and environmental durability that allow prolonged use of the coatings in harsh environments.
Rhizobium meliloti inoculation of alfalfa selected for tolerance to acid, aluminium-rich soils

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and nodulation is reduced in acid soil because the plant and its bacterial symbiont Rhizobium meliloti cannot tolerate acid, Al-rich soil. A two-year field study was conducted to determine if the ‘Acid-Tolerant’ (AT) alfalfa germplasm could be combined with relatively acid-tolerant R. meliloti strains for the establishment of alfalfa in moderately acid, Al-rich soils. In the first year, inoculated ‘Acid-Sensitive’ (AS) and AT germplasms had significantly greater nodule numbers, nodule weight, and acetylene reduction values than the uninoculated controls in an acid soil (pH 5.0; Al ⩾ 0.25 cmol(+) kg−1). These differences were not observed in the second year because of plot cross contamination. In the first year no significant differences (P < 0.05) in plant top weights were observed within the unlimed treatments; however, in the second year the inoculated AT germplasm had greater plant top weights than the inoculated AS germplasm. The reason for the significant rhizobia X germplasm interaction in the second year was probably a result of heavy rainfall, reducing soil fertility. In the second year plant top weights of the inoculated AT and AS germplasms in unlimed soil were 71 and 16% of the inoculated plant top weights in limed soil, respectively. Nodule occupancy of the AT and AS germplasms in limed and unlimed soil by the introduced R. meliloti strains ranged from 88 to 99%. The results show the importance of combining an acid- and aluminium-tolerant alfalfa germplasm with acid-tolerant R. meliloti where liming is not practical or economically feasible.
Posttranslational Processing of Carboxypeptidase E, a Neuropeptide‐Processing Enzyme, in AtT‐20 Cells and Bovine Pituitary Secretory Granules

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) functions in the posttranslational processing of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Like other peptide processing enzymes, CPE is present in secretory granules in soluble and membrane-associated forms that arise from posttranslational processing of a single precursor, "proCPE." To identify the intracellular site of proCPE processing, the biosynthesis and posttranslational processing were investigated in the mouse anterior pituitary-derived cell line, AtT-20. Following a 15-min pulse with [35S]Met, both soluble and membrane-bound forms of CPE were identified, indicating that the posttranslational processing event that generates these forms of CPE occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum or early Golgi apparatus. The relative proportion of soluble and membrane-bound forms of CPE changed when cells were chased for 2 h at 37 degrees C but was unaffected when cells were chased at either 20 or 15 degrees C, suggesting that further processing of membrane forms to the soluble form occurs in a post-Golgi compartment. Treatment of the cells with chloroquine did not alter the relative distribution of soluble and membrane forms, suggesting that an acidic compartment is not required for this processing event. Overexpression of CPE did not influence the distribution of soluble and membrane forms of CPE, indicating that the CPE-processing enzymes are not rate-limiting. To examine directly CPE-processing enzymes, bovine anterior pituitary secretory vesicles were isolated. An enzyme activity that releases the membrane-bound form of CPE was detected in the purified secretory vesicle membranes. This enzyme, which removes the C-terminal region of CPE, is partially inhibited by EDTA and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and is activated by CaCl2. Together, the data indicate that posttranslational processing of CPE occurs in secretory granules and that this activity may be mediated by a prohormone convertase-like enzyme.
Glucose shortens the life span of C. elegans by downregulating DAF-16/FOXO activity and aquaporin gene expression.

Summary Many studies have addressed the effect of dietary glycemic index on obesity and diabetes, but little is known about its effect on life span itself. We found that adding a small amount of glucose to the medium (2%) shortened the life span of C. elegans by inhibiting the activities of life span-extending transcription factors that are also inhibited by insulin signaling: the FOXO family member DAF-16 and the heat shock factor HSF-1. This effect involved the downregulation of an aquaporin glycerol channel, aqp-1. We show that changes in glycerol metabolism are likely to underlie the life span-shortening effect of glucose and that aqp-1 may act cell nonautonomously as a feedback regulator in the insulin/IGF-1-signaling pathway. Insulin downregulates similar glycerol channels in mammals, suggesting that this glucose-responsive pathway might be conserved evolutionarily. Together, these findings raise the possibility that a low-sugar diet might have beneficial effects on life span in higher organisms.
Independent home versus supervised rehabilitation following arthroscopic knee surgery—A prospective randomized trial

This prospective study compared 30 patients randomly assigned to either a home exercise program or supervised outpatient physical therapy following arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. Their knee functions were assessed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively using isokinetic analysis and subjective questionnaires. At each evaluation, the home exercise group performed as well or better than the supervised physical therapy group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. At 4 weeks postoperation, the mean percent deficit in torque (strength) between the affected and unaffected limbs was 22.1% in the supervised rehabilitation group and 22.0% in the home exercise. The percent deficit in terms of endurance was 7.7% in the supervised group and 3.6% in the home group. Similar results were noted with regard to the patients' subjective evaluations of their knee function and ability to resume work and recreational activities. We conclude that a well-planned, unsupervised home exercise knee rehabilitation program can produce equally good postoperative recovery as compared to a supervised outpatient physical therapy regimen in properly selected patients following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the knee.
Comparative Effects of Heterologous TRPV1 and TRPM8 Expression in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

Heterologous channel expression can be used to control activity in select neuronal populations, thus expanding the tools available to modern neuroscience. However, the secondary effects of exogenous channel expression are often left unexplored. We expressed two transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family members, TRPV1 and TRPM8, in cultured hippocampal neurons. We compared functional expression levels and secondary effects of channel expression and activation on neuronal survival and signaling. We found that activation of both channels with appropriate agonist caused large depolarizing currents in voltage-clamped hippocampal neurons, exceeding the amplitude responses to a calibrating 30 mM KCl stimulation. Both TRPV1 and TRPM8 currents were reduced but not eliminated by 4 hr incubation in saturating agonist concentration. In the case of TRPV1, but not TRPM8, prolonged agonist exposure caused strong calcium-dependent toxicity. In addition, TRPV1 expression depressed synaptic transmission dramatically without overt signs of toxicity, possibly due to low-level TRPV1 activation in the absence of exogenous agonist application. Despite evidence of expression at presynaptic sites, in addition to somatodendritic sites, TRPM8 expression alone exhibited no effects on synaptic transmission. Therefore, by a number of criteria, TRPM8 proved the superior choice for control over neuronal membrane potential. This study also highlights the need to explore potential secondary effects of long-term expression and activation of heterologously introduced channels.
The southern dream of a Caribbean empire, 1854-1861

A path-breaking work when first published in 1973, The Southern Dream remains the standard work on attempts by the South to spread American slavery into the tropics - Cuba, Mexico, and Central America in particular - before the Civil War. Robert May shows that the South's expansionists had no more success than when they tried to extend slavery westward. As one after another of their plots failed, southern imperialists lost hope that their labor system might survive in the Union. Blaming northern Democrats and antislavery Republicans alike for their disappointed dreams, alienated southerners embraced secession as an alternative means to achieving a tropical slave empire. Had war not erupted at Fort Sumter, Confederates might have attempted to conquer the Caribbean basin. May's book serves as an important reminder that foreign policy cannot be divorced from the writing of American history, even in regard to seemingly domestic matters like the causes of the Civil War. Contending that America's Manifest Destiny became "sectionalized" in the 1850s, he explains why southerners considered Caribbean expansion so important and shows how southerners used their clout in Washington to initiate diplomatic schemes like the notorious Ostend Manifesto and presidential attempts to buy the slaveholding island of Cuba from Spain. He also relates how Caribbean plots affected American public opinion and ignited sectional friction in congressional debates. May argues that President-elect Abraham Lincoln might have saved the Union in the winter of 1860-61, had he agreed to last minute concessions facilitating slavery's future expansion towards the tropics.
Rural growth and urban newcomers

Abstract The recent population turnaround has led to considerable speculation about the impact newcomers from cities will have on future population growth and development in rural areas. It is generally felt that their views will conflict with those of established residents. What has been overlooked in recent discussions of impact, however, is the fact that fast growing rural areas are also experiencing an influx of newcomers from other rural areas as well. This article compares the attitudes of newcomers from cities with those of rural newcomers and rural residents on several growth and development issues. The findings demonstrate a strong consensus in favor of future population growth and economic development among newcomers and residents alike. Differences arise, however, on questions regarding tax increases to improve various services. Newcomers from rural areas tend to be more disposed toward tax increases than either the urban newcomers or residents. The research suggests that rural newcomers may be...
Up-promoter mutations in the lpp gene of Escherichia coli

The promoter of the gene for the major outer membrane lipoprotein, the most abundant protein in Escherichia coli, is considered to be one of the strongest promoters in E. coli. The nucleotide sequences of the -10 and the -35 regions of the lpp promoter were altered in a step-wise manner to conform to their respective consensus sequences by synthetic oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis. The mutated promoters were then fused to the lacZ gene to measure promoter activity. The beta-galactosidase activity increased approximately 1.9 and 2.4 fold when the -10 region (AATACT) was altered to TATACT(P1) and TATAAT (consensus sequence; P2), respectively. Similarly, it increased approximately 1.2 and 4.2 fold, when the -35 region (TTCTCA) was altered to TTCACA(R1) and TTGACA (consensus sequence; R2), respectively. When the mutations at the -10 and -35 regions were combined, the overall improvement of the promoter activity for R2-P1 was 4.0 fold over that of the wild-type promoter, while it was only 2.5 fold for R2-P2. These results indicate that substantial improvement of the promoter activity can be achieved by changing either of the two key regions to their respective consensus sequences. However, the complete conformity to consensus sequences at both regions does not necessarily result in the highest activity. With use of the improved lpp promoter in an expression cloning vehicle pIN-III-ompA, staphylococcal nuclease A was produced at a level of approximately 47% of the total cellular protein.
How much better is disaggregate data

Abstract The estimation efficiency of aggregate and disaggregate data is compared for the two-group case. Conditions for a maximum and minimum difference between the two approaches are obtained.
Planning-Based Approach for Fusing Data from Multiple Sources for Construction Productivity Monitoring

AbstractProject management tasks, such as productivity monitoring and cost estimation, require data to be fused from multiple data sources. Data fusion approaches incorporated in the existing research studies within the construction management domain support a specific task or a decision (e.g., labor productivity monitoring or defect detection). Hence, most of the previously developed approaches do not necessarily support tasks other than the ones that they were intended for. This paper describes an automated planning approach as a general way to fuse data from multiple sources to support construction productivity monitoring tasks. A prototype system, which incorporates two planning algorithms, was developed to validate the generality of the approach on the basis of representative queries of construction engineers and managers identified in previous research studies.
Girls' Relational Self in Sri Lanka and the United States

Abstract The self-conceptions of 100 girls (11–17 years old) from Sri Lanka and the United States were studied from the traditional Western perspective of identity development as a process in which adolescents become increasingly independent and autonomous. This perspective is based on male development in Western countries and may not adequately describe the experience of girls or of non-Western adolescents, for whom relationships with others may be central to identity formation. The participating girls drew self-portraits and either answered the question “How would you describe yourself to yourself?” or completed the sentence “I am …” 20 times. The results indicate that relationships and independence are important themes for the girls from the United States and from Sri Lanka. Older girls differed from younger girls in that greater maturity was associated with greater interest in interpersonal relationships and future lives.
The Power of the English Nineteenth-Century Visual and Verbal Sketch: Appropriation, Discipline, Mastery

(2002). The Power of the English Nineteenth-Century Visual and Verbal Sketch: Appropriation, Discipline, Mastery. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 73-100.
Melatonin Biosynthesis in Cultured Chick Retinal Photoreceptor Cells: Calcium and Cyclic AMP Protect Serotonin N‐Acetyltransferase from Inactivation in Cycloheximide‐Treated Cells

The aim of the present study was to examine the roles of membrane depolarization, calcium influx, and cyclic AMP synthesis in regulating the stability and inactivation of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity (NAT) in cultured chick photoreceptor cells. NAT activity was induced by pretreating cells for 6 h with 1 microM forskolin. Cycloheximide was subsequently added, and the rate of loss of enzyme activity (inactivation) was determined. After induction, in the presence of cycloheximide, NAT activity declined with a half-life of approximately 30 min. The rate of inactivation was greatly reduced when depolarizing concentrations of K+, forskolin, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine were added together with cycloheximide. The apparent increase in NAT stability caused by K+ was abolished by addition of EGTA or nifedipine and potentiated by Bay K 8644, indicating the involvement of Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive channels. MDL-12330A, and inhibitor of K(+)-stimulated cyclic AMP formation, blocked the effect of depolarizing concentrations of K+. This result suggests that the effect of Ca2+ influx on the stability of NAT is at least partially mediated by increased levels of cyclic AMP. Thus, depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx and cyclic AMP formation have two roles in the regulation of NAT activity in chick photoreceptor cells. First, they stimulate the de novo synthesis of NAT or a regulatory protein required for NAT activity. Second, they increase the half-life of the enzyme, presumably by regulating the turnover of existing enzyme molecules.
PROPOSAL OF THE EUPTILOTEAE HOMMERSAND ET FREDERICQ, TRIB. NOV. AND TRANSFER OF SOME SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE PTILOTEAE TO THE CALLITHAMNIEAE (CERAMIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA)1

Morphological and molecular studies demonstrate that the tribe Ptiloteae (Ceramiaceae, Ceramiales) is polyphyletic. The Ptiloteae, sensu stricto, occur only in the Northern Hemisphere and all Southern Hemisphere representatives belong in other tribes. Three genera (Euptilota, Seirospora, and Sciurothamnion) are transferred to the Euptiloteae Hommersand et Fredericq, trib. nov., and the Callithamnieae is revised to include three Ptilota-like genera, Georgiella, Falklandiella, and Diapse, and two new genera. Heteroptilon Hommersand, gen. nov. is erected to receive Euptilota pappeana Kutzing 1849 and Aglaothamnion rigidulum De Clerck, Bolton, Anderson et Coppejans 2004 from South Africa, and Aristoptilon Hommersand et W. A. Nelson, gen. nov. is established to receive Euptilota mooreana Lindauer 1949 from New Zealand. The principal difference between the Euptiloteae and the Callithamnieae is seen in the earliest stages after fertilization. The fertilized carpogonium enlarges and forms a pair of tube-like protuberances directed toward the auxiliary cells that are cut off as connecting cells in the Euptiloteae, whereas in the Callithamnieae the carpogonium usually divides into two cells, each of which cuts off a small connecting cell that fuses with an adjacent enlarging auxiliary cell. Nuclei are terminal in spermatangia of the Euptiloteae, subtended by mucilaginous vesicles, and are medial in the Callithamnieae situated between apical and basal vesicles. The Euptiloteae and Callithamnieae (including the Ptilota-like members) are each strongly supported in maximum-likelihood tree topologies resulting from analyses of combined 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and rbcL data sets. Their sister relationship is also well supported.
Adolescents with learning disabilities: risk and protective factors associated with emotional well-being: findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Abstract Purpose: To identify differences in emotional well-being among adolescents with and without learning disabilities and to identify risk and protective factors associated with emotional distress. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of adolescent in-home interview data of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A total of 20,780 adolescents were included in this study of whom 1,301 were identified as having a learning disability. Initially, emotional distress, suicidal behaviors, and violence involvement were compared among those adolescents with and without learning disabilities using Student's t-test for the continuous or semicontinuous variables and Chi-square for the dichotomous variables. Subsequently, logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify which variables were most strongly associated with risk and protective factors for emotional distress. Results: Adolescents with learning disabilities had twice the risk of emotional distress, and females were at twice the risk of attempting suicide and for violence involvement than their peers. While educational achievement is below that of peers, connectedness to school is comparable. So, too, is connectedness to parents. Connectedness to parents and school was identified as most strongly associated with diminished emotional distress, suicide attempts, and violence involvement among adolescents with learning disabilities. Conclusions: Given the increased association with emotional distress, suicidal attempts, and violence involvement, clinicians need to assess social and emotional as well as educational and physical functioning of these young people. We also need to be aware of the role protective factors play in the lives of young people with learning disabilities.
THE C-S LYASES OF HIGHER PLANTS. PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CYSTINE LYASE ISOZYMES FROM TURNIP (BRASSICA RAPA) ROOTS

Cystine lyase, a C-S lyase which utilizes L-cystine and S-alkyl cysteine sulfoxides as substrates, has been shown to exist as two isozymes in several species of Brassica. The isozymes from turnip (Brassica rapa) have been isolated, purified, and their physical and enzymatic properties characterized. Isozyme 1 has a molecular weight of 400, 000 and isozyme 2 one of 440, 000 kD. Both isozymes are glycoproteins possessing 0.3% and 1.1% carbohydrate, respectively, on a weight basis. Both enzymes had optimum activity at pH 8.4. The Km values for L-cystine were 0.54 mM and 0.42 mM for isozymes 1 and 2, respectively.
Spirit-Christology in Irenaeus: A Closer Look

AbstractOur understanding of Irenaeus’ Spirit-Christology has benefited from several noteworthy studies published over the course of the past century. These investigations, however, failed to reach a consensus on whether Irenaeus’ Spirit-Christology jeopardizes his Trinitarian logic. The purpose of this article is to provide a long-overdue reexamination of Irenaeus’ utilization of Spirit-Christology. I argue Spirit-Christology does have a place in Irenaeus’ theology, but that it poses no threat to his Trinitarian logic. I contend that two passages, previously thought to identify the Holy Spirit with the person of Christ, refer to the reception of the Holy Spirit by the believer for his or her redemption. Moreover, I maintain two other passages do not use Spirit language to refer to the person of Christ, but his divinity.
In Vivo Association of v-Abl with Shc Mediated by a Non-phosphotyrosine-dependent SH2 Interaction

A necessary downstream element of Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV)-mediated transformation is Ras, which can be activated by the phosphotyrosine-dependent association of Shc with the Grb2-mSos complex. Here we show that Shc is tyrosine-phosphorylated and associates with Grb2 in v-Abl-transformed cells, whereas Shc in NIH3T3 cells is phosphorylated solely on serine and is not Grb2-associated. In addition, Shc coprecipitates with P120 v-Abl and P70 v-Abl, which lacks the carboxyl terminus. Surprisingly, a kinase-defective mutant of P120 also binds Shc, demonstrating that Shc/v-Abl association is a phosphotyrosine-independent interaction. Glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins were used to map the interacting domains and showed that Shc from both NIH3T3 and v-Abl-transformed cells binds to the Abl SH2 domain and that P120 v-Abl binds to a region in the amino terminus of Shc. Consistent with these data, a v-Abl mutant encoding only the Gag and SH2 regions was able to bind Shc in vivo. The unique non-phosphotyrosine-mediated binding of Shc may allow direct tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc by v-Abl and subsequent activation of the Ras pathway through assembly of a signaling complex with Grb2-mSos.
Influence of fibre properties on ballistic penetration of textile panels

Abstract A number of computer simulations have been performed in order to assess the ballistic penetration resistance of a series of textile panels. The results indicate that the rate of energy absorption of the panel increases monotonically with the fibre modulus, but that very high modulus material tends to exhibit poor impact resistance due to its low breaking strain. Aramid fibre seems to exhibit the best combination of high modulus while still maintaining reasonably high breaking strain. A ‘master-curve’ description of impact response has been developed from the computer results, which may be useful in minimising the number of full computer simulations necessary in the design of impact protective devices.
Domain determination in PLZT ceramics by photo-deposition of silver

Knowledge of grain size and domain structure is essential to understanding the electro-optical properties of ferroelectric lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics. In this paper, a nondestructive technique for studying the grain size and domain structure is presented. This technique takes advantage of the generation of photo-carriers to reduce silver ions adsorbed on grain and domain boundaries. The results of using this technique to decorate randomly poled PLZT are discussed and compared to conventional acid etching techniques.
The thermal conductivity of some sodium tungsten bronzes

Abstract The thermal conductivity of two cubic sodium tungsten bronze samples (Na x WO 3 ) with x -values of 0.513 and 0.804 were measured between 350 and 800°K. The measurements were made by a series comparative method using Armco iron as the standard. The thermal conductivity of both samples was found to increase with increasing temperature and to have a discontinuity between 400 and 500°K. The positive temperature coefficients are interpreted as a combination of electron and phonon conduction limited by impurity scattering.
Comparative studies on human carboxypeptidases B and N.

Abstract A series of dicarboxylic acid bi-product analogs of lysine and arginine have been tested as competitive inhibitors of human pancreatic carboxypeptidase B and human plasma carboxypeptidase N. The most effective derivative was guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic acid with K i s of 0.5 and 1.0 × 10 −6 m for Carboxypeptidases B and N, respectively. Values for the all-carbon guanidinopropylsuccinic acid were similar. In addition the kinetic parameters, K m and k cat K m , have been determined for the hydrolysis of benzoyl-alanyl-lysine and benzoylalanyl-arginine by human Carboxypeptidases B and N. These substrates have been proposed for use in improved spectrophotometric assays. An enhanced affinity of these substrates versus benzoyl-glycyl-lysine or benzoyl-glycyl-arginine indicates a significant participation of the penultimate amino acid in catalysis of substrate.
Immunologic Mechanisms of Renal Disease

Most immune renal diseases are caused by the formation of immune complexes of antibody with either fixed glomerular antigens or exogenous non-renal antigens. Much progress has been made recently in understanding the ways by which these immune deposits form in glomeruli. Immune complex deposits of exogenous antigens may involve prior antigen localization in the glomerulus to initiate immune complex formation locally, or in situ. The type of glomerular lesion produced depends in large part on the site at which deposit formation occurs, which in turn determines what mediators of tissue injury are activated. The nature and quantity of immune reactants are also important. Subepithelial deposits may result from antibody binding to fixed epithelial cell-derived antigens or to exogenous antigens localized by direct interaction with glomerular anionic sites (cationic antigens) or with nonimmune cationic proteins bound to glomerular anionic sites (anionic antigens). Cationic antibody may also localize first, and deposits can form from subendothelial immune complex deposits dissociating to cross the GBM and re-form in a subepithelial distribution. Proteinuria induced by subepithelial immune deposit formation appears to be due to a direct effect of complement, probably involving membrane attack complexes, and independent of inflammatory cells. Intramembranous deposits form from anti-GBM antibody reacting with intrinsic GBM antigens. Subendothelial and mesangial deposits appear not to involve fixed antigens. Rather, they represent immune complexes containing exogenous antigens and antibody to the antigens. These complexes may result from the passive trapping of pre-formed immune complexes from the circulation or may form in situ by several different mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Molecular cloning and characterization of a Ca2+/calmodulin-insensitive adenylyl cyclase from rat brain.

Abstract Biochemical, immunological, and molecular cloning studies have suggested the existence of multiple forms of adenylyl cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1). An adenylyl cyclase cDNA clone (type II) was isolated from a rat brain library and found to encode a protein of 1090 amino acids that was homologous to but distinct from the previously described Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase from bovine brain. Expression of the type II cDNA in an insect cell line resulted in an increased level of adenylyl cyclase activity that was insensitive to Ca2+/calmodulin. Addition of activated Gs alpha protein to type II-containing membranes increased enzyme activity. The mRNA encoding the type II protein was expressed at high levels in brain tissue and at low levels in olfactory epithelium and lung. The existence of multiple adenylyl cyclase enzymes may provide for complex and distinct modes of biochemical regulation of cAMP levels in the brain.
Continuous intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in predicting postoperative injury during parotidectomy.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess whether the use of continuous intraoperative f/cial nerve monitoring correlates to postoperative facial nerve injury during parotidectomy. Study Design: A retrospective analysis. Methods: Forty-five consecutive parotidectomies were performed using an electromyograph (EMG)-based intraoperative facial nerve monitor. Of those, 37 had complete data for analysis. Intraoperative findings and final interpretation of the EMGs were analyzed by a senior neurologist and neurophysiologist. All patients were analyzed, including those with preoperative weakness and facial nerve sacrifice. Results: The overall incidence of facial paralysis (House-Brackmann scale > 1) was 43% for temporary and 22% for permanent deficits. This includes an 11% incidence of preoperative weakness and 14% with intraoperative sacrifice. An abnormal EMG occurred in only 16% of cases and was not significantly associated with permanent or temporary facial nerve paralysis (χ2, P < 1.0; Fisher's exact P < .68). Of the eight patients with permanent paralysis, only two had abnormalities on the facial nerve monitor. Also, only one of five patients with intraoperative sacrifice of the facial nerve had an abnormal EMG. Factors significantly associated with the incidence of facial paralysis include malignancy, advanced age, extent of parotidectomy, and dissection beyond the parotid gland (χ2 and Fisher's, P < .05). Conclusions: The results suggest that abnormalities on the intraoperative continuous facial nerve monitor during parotidectomy do not predict facial nerve injury. The incidence of permanent and temporary facial nerve paralysis compare favorably with the literature given that this study includes patients with revision surgery, intraoperative sacrifice, and preoperative paralysis. Standard of care implications will be discussed.
Applications of 1Ha–1Hd correlated 2hJ(N,N) spectroscopy for identifying Ha—C—Na···Hd—Nd hydrogen bonds in nucleic acids

Trans-hydrogen bond coupling constants across 15Nd—H···15Na hydrogen bonds [2hJ(N,N)] have been immensely beneficial in providing direct evidence for these hydrogen bonds in nucleic acids and their complexes. A very commonly occurring hydrogen bonding topology is the Ha—Ca—Na···Hd—Nd alignment, which is usually identified via 1Hd–15Na correlated spectra (HNN-COSY, soft HNN-COSY) or 1Ha–15Nd correlated spectra [H(C)NN(H)]. In these experiments, the donor/acceptor nitrogens need to be assigned independently, which is often compromised by degeneracy problems among the 15N nuclei. Recently, we have designed NMR techniques for alleviating these problems by providing direct 1Ha–1Hd correlations across Ha—Ca—Na···Hd—Nd hydrogen bonds in G·G·G·G tetrads and sheared G·A mismatches. Here, we present further demonstrations of these H(NN)H sequences as useful tools for identifying Ha—Ca—Na···Hd—Nd alignments in G·G and A·A mismatches, and reverse A–T Watson–Crick base pairs, on two uniformly 13C/15N-labeled dimeric DNA molecules, d(GGAGGAT) and d(G2A2G2T3G3AT). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modernization and tradition in the recent history of italian fertility.

The secular decline of Italian fertility, started in the last decade of the nineteenth century, came to an end in the early 1950’sand has recovered slightly in the last fifteen years. Italian experience seems to follow, with a twenty-year lag, the experience of the more advanced western European populations. At present, with an average of 2.5 children per marriage, Italian fertility is very close to the French and to the average European level.
Theoretical and Experimental Dynamics of Nonlinear and Dispersion Managed Solitons in an Ultrashort Pulsed Laser

We study, for an ultrashort laser, the scaling of the fundamental parameters of energy and temporal duration under the condition of varying the average cavity dispersion. Remarkable agreement is observed between theory and experiment.
Global innovation performance: Strategic challenges for multinational corporations

In the emerging knowledge economy many companies are forced to access globally dispersed technological and market knowledge to maintain their competitive advantage. A conceptual model is presented to analyze the relationship between the globalization of the innovation function and firm performance. Longitudinal data from 10 multinational companies are used to support the proposed model. The analysis concludes that the relationship between global innovation reach and firm performance is concave and time lagged. The results suggest the strategic importance of globalization decisions. The managerial implications are structured in five distinctive strategic challenges to successfully manage global innovation.
Dynamic segmentation of gray-scale images in a computer model of the mammalian retina

Biological studies suggest that neurons in the mammalian retina accomplish a dynamic segmentation of the visual input. When activated by large, high contrast spots, retinal spike trains exhibit high frequency oscillations in the upper gamma band, between 60 to 120 Hz. Despite random phase variations over time, the oscillations recorded from regions responding to the same spot remain phase locked with zero lag whereas the phases recorded from regions activated by separate spots rapidly become uncorrelated. Here, a model of the mammalian retina is used to explore the segmentation of high contrast, gray-scale images containing several well-separated objects. Frequency spectra were computed from lumped spike trains containing 2×2 clusters of neighboring retinal output neurons. Cross-correlation functions were computed between all cell clusters exhibiting significant peaks in the upper gamma band. For each pair of oscillatory cell clusters, the cross-correlation between the lumped spike trains was used to estimate a functional connectivity, given by the peak amplitude in the upper gamma band of the associated frequency spectra. There was a good correspondence between the largest eigenvalues/eigenvectors of the resulting sparse functional connectivity matrix and the individual objects making up the original image, yielding an overall segmentation comparable to that generated by a standard watershed algorithm.
Thin Basement Membrane Disease Associated With Nephrotic Range Proteinuria, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease

Thin basement membrane disease (TBMD) is typically associated with hematuria but proteinuria is an uncommon presentation. When proteinuria is present, it is mostly in a non-nephrotic range, moreover, when proteinuria is in nephrotic range, generally it is associated with presence of glomerulopathies, Focal Segmental Nephrosclerosis, IgA Nephropathy or minimal change and is rarely present in an isolated TBMD. We present a case of 53-year-old male with history of hypertension for 15 yrs, coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis and stage III chronic kidney disease who was referred to us for evaluation of long-standing chronic microscopic hematuria and new onset nephrotic range proteinuria. Given the fact that the proteinuria was new and in nephrotic range a biopsy was performed and was consistent with TBMD without other glomerlopathies or any other abnormalities seen. Our patient had CKD stage III serum (creatinine1.2 - 1.6 mg/dL), which was a stable finding for past 12 years. Microscopic hematuria was persistent for 24 years with new onset (6 month) of proteinuria. This case of TBMD is unique in terms of new onset nephrotic range proteinuria after long standing hematuria for 24 years. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/wjnu97w
Behavior of the exposure odds ratio in a case-control study when the hazard function is not constant over time.

In case-control studies of adverse drug effects there is rarely much evidence to support the assumption that the hazard function among users is constant during therapy. Nonetheless, this assumption is often implicitly made. We will use both clinical reasoning and a simple model to show how non-constancy of the hazard function affects odds ratio interpretation. When the hazard function is non-constant and there is more than one temporal pattern of drug usage, the odds ratio will estimate a weighted mean of incidence ratios with weights, dependent on the corresponding fractions of person-time. If the duration-specific incidence ratios differ widely, the odds ratio will depend not only on the drug but also on its usage pattern in the study population. This may explain some of the large regional odds ratio variation for dipyrone-related agranulocytosis in the International Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia Study (JAMA 1986; 256: 1749–1757 [9].