cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyponatremia due to an Additive Effect of Carbamazepine and Thiazide Diuretics

Both carbamazepine (CBZ) and thiazide diuretics (TDs) are commonly prescribed medications. Each drug may cause hyponatremia (1,2). The Joint National Commission VI on the treatment of hypertension declared TDs the drug of choice for hypertension in the elderly. CBZ is a first-line antiepileptic drug (AED) and has multiple other off-label uses. Patients with hyponatremia treated with both agents have been described (2). Yassa et al. (3) suggested a possible interaction between the two agents. We report a 60-year-old woman with history of hypertension treated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), 25 mg, in whom new onset of complex partial seizures developed, and CBZ, 200 mg b.i.d., was prescribed. Within 2 weeks of the initiation of CBZ, lethargy, somnolence, dizziness, and imbalance developed. Her serum sodium had decreased from a baseline of 140 mEq/L to 125 mEq/L, chloride was 92 mEq/L, potassium was 3.4 mEq/L, and the CBZ level was 7.4 µg/ml. Because her seizure frequency improved with CBZ, it was elected to continue CBZ and change her HCTZ to a β-blocker. One week later, her sodium had corrected to 141 mEq/L, and neurologic symptoms had resolved. Her seizures remained well controlled. This patient had normal sodium levels with HCTZ, had hyponatremia after the addition of CBZ, and had symptom resolution after discontinuation of HCTZ. Each agent alone was tolerated well, whereas the combination was deleterious. The mechanisms whereby CBZ and TDs cause hyponatremia are not entirely clear. TDs appear to cause hyponatremia through decreased sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion, and intracellular potassium depletion (1). CBZ-induced hyponatremia may occur through the induction of excessive water reabsorption in the collecting tubule. Whether this is due to a central effect by increasing ADH secretion from the pituitary gland or due to increased sensitivity of ADH receptors in the kidneys is debated. One report of a patient with CBZ-induced
Inferring investor behavior: Evidence from TORQ data

Abstract We use a unique dataset (TORQ) to calibrate several techniques commonly used to infer investor behavior from transactions data. Specifically, we evaluate the Lee–Ready (1991) Journal of Finance 46, 733–746) algorithm for distinguishing trade direction, and we examine the use of trade size as a proxy for trader identity. We find that, due to complexities in the NYSE auction process, up to 40% of reported trades cannot be unambiguously classified as either buyer- or seller-initiated. However, for those trades that can be classified, the Lee–Ready algorithm is 93% accurate. In addition, we construct a firm-specific trade size proxy that is highly effective in separating the trading activities of individual and institutional investors. These findings should be useful to researchers interested in inferring trader sophistication and buy/sell direction from transactions data.
Preliminary evidence of neuropathology in nonhuman primates prenatally exposed to maternal immune activation.

Maternal infection during pregnancy increases the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Rodent models have played a critical role in establishing maternal immune activation (MIA) as a causal factor for altered brain and behavioral development in offspring. We recently extended these findings to a species more closely related to humans by demonstrating that rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) prenatally exposed to MIA also develop abnormal behaviors. Here, for the first time, we present initial evidence of underlying brain pathology in this novel nonhuman primate MIA model. Pregnant rhesus monkeys were injected with a modified form of the viral mimic polyI:C (poly ICLC) or saline at the end of the first trimester. Brain tissue was collected from the offspring at 3.5 years and blocks of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA46) were used to analyze neuronal dendritic morphology and spine density using the Golgi-Cox impregnation method. For each case, 10 layer III pyramidal cells were traced in their entirety, including all apical, oblique and basal dendrites, and their spines. We further analyzed somal size and apical dendrite trunk morphology in 30 cells per case over a 30 μm section located 100 ± 10 μm from the soma. Compared to controls, apical dendrites of MIA-treated offspring were smaller in diameter and exhibited a greater number of oblique dendrites. These data provide the first evidence that prenatal exposure to MIA alters dendritic morphology in a nonhuman primate MIA model, which may have profound implications for revealing the underlying neuropathology of neurodevelopmental disorders related to maternal infection.
Double Giant Lambl's Excrescence of aortic valve causing posterior circulation stroke

Diagnostic evaluation of embolic neurologic events requires the consideration of cardiac causes. Lambl’s Excrescences (LE)are filiform fronds that occur at sites of valvular closure due to “wear and tear” (Lambl Wien Med Wschr 6:244–247, 1856). The complex form of LE is “giant Lambl’s Excrescences” which results from the adherence of multiple adjacent excrescences that grow large. We recently had young male adult who presented with features of posterior circulation stroke (basilar) and detected to have two separate giant Lambl’s Excrescences on the aortic valve and treated successfully.
Magnetic resonance imaging of central nervous system vasculitis. A case report of Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

. A case of Henoch-Schlonlein purpura (HSP) with central nervous system vasculitis diagnosed by MRI is discussed.
Positive solutions to boundary value problems with nonlinear boundary conditions

Abstract In this paper, we consider the boundary value problem y Δ Δ ( t ) = − λ f ( t , y σ ( t ) ) subject to the boundary conditions y ( a ) = ϕ ( y ) and y ( σ 2 ( b ) ) = 0 . In this setting, ϕ : C rd ( [ a , σ 2 ( b ) ] T , R ) → R is a continuous functional, which represents a nonlinear nonlocal boundary condition. By imposing sufficient structure on ϕ and the nonlinearity f , we deduce the existence of at least one positive solution to this problem. The novelty in our setting lies in the fact that ϕ may be strictly nonpositive for some y > 0 . Our results are achieved by appealing to the Krasnosel’skiĭ fixed point theorem. We conclude with several examples illustrating our results and the generalizations that they afford.
Mandibular symphysis (medial suture) closure in modern Homo sapiens: Preliminary evidence from archaeological populations

Four archaeologically derived populations of human infants provide evidence for age at closure of the mandibular suture. These data suggest fusion by 7-8 months of age, with a range from 6 to 9 months. This provides a useful tool for age identification of the remains of young children recovered from archaeological and other contexts.
Synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and psychopharmacological agents

Abstract 1. Intraperitoneal injections of LSD-25 (0·5–10 mg/kg), chlorpromazine (2–8 mg/kg) and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (JB-835, 3–6 mg/kg) with 5-HTP (1–2 mg/kg), do not affect consistently and uniformly the commissural evoked potentials in the dorsal hippocampus of rats and guinea pigs. This was found in both chronic animals and in acute preparations. 2. The incidence of a markedly increased amplitude of evoked commissural hippocampal responses was unusually high in the case of JB-835 and 5-HTP experiments. Altogether, in experiments with JB-835 and 5-HTP combinations, variance of the amplitudes of evoked potentials was significantly increased. This suggests the “unstabilizing” effects of this agent on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. 3. The lack of consistent effects of LSD-25 and chlorpromazine on oligosynaptic or monosynaptic axo-dendritic processes in the hippocampus are observed under conditions leading to considerable behavioural changes in the animal.
Inheritance of red foliage in flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.).

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) is an ornamental tree valued for its showy white, pink, or red spring bract display and red fall color. A “pseudo” F2 flowering dogwood population was recently developed from a honeybee mediated cross of ‘Cherokee Brave’ × ‘Appalachian Spring’. The foliage color of 94 “pseudo” F2 plants segregated into green- and red- leaved phenotypes and was visually rated for color on five spring dates over 3 years (2007–2009). Chi-square analyses of observed segregation of phenotypes indicated that a complementary gene interaction form of epistasis controls foliage color with a 9:7 two gene ratio. We propose the symbols rl 1 and rl 2 for the genes controlling this trait.
Stable isotopes track biogeochemical processes under seasonal ice cover in a shallow, productive lake

Biogeochemical dynamics under seasonal ice cover were investigated in the shallow (<10 m) water column of highly productive Georgetown Lake, western Montana, USA. This high altitude (1,800 m) reservoir is well-mixed in summer, but becomes strongly stratified under ice cover (mid-November–mid-May). A rapid drop in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and rise in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration was observed after the onset of ice, with a corresponding increase in δ18O-DO and decrease in δ13C-DIC, likely caused by respiration (R) of organic carbon. Photosynthesis/respiration ratios (P/R) estimated from simultaneous measurement of DO and δ18O-DO were near unity prior to ice formation but then systematically decreased with time and depth in the lake under ice cover. P/R in the water column was higher at a shallower monitoring site compared to a deeper site near the dam outlet, which may have been important for over-winter survival of salmonids. By March, the bottom 3 m of the water column at both sites was anoxic, with the bottom 1 m being euxinic. Elevated concentrations of dissolved sulfide, ammonium, phosphate, Fe2+, and Mn2+ in deep water suggest coupling of organic carbon degradation with reduction of a number of electron acceptors (e.g., Fe3+, $${\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } ,\;{\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$ ). The concentrations and δ34S values of H2S in the deep water and $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - }$$ in the shallow water were similar, indicating near-complete reduction of sulfate in the euxinic zone. Late in the winter, an influx of isotopically heavy DIC was noted in the deep water coincident with a buildup of dissolved CH4 to concentrations >1 mM. These trends are attributed to acetoclastic methanogenesis in the benthic sediments. This pool of dissolved CH4 was likely released from the lake to the atmosphere during spring ice-off and lake turnover.
Memory for Reward in Probabilistic Choice: Markovian and Non-Markovian Properties

Pigeons were rewarded with food for pecking keys in various forms of two-armed bandit situation for an extended series of daily sessions in two experiments. The average daily preference (S=R/[R+L]) is very well fit by a markovian linear model in which predicted preference today is an average of predicted preference yesterday and reinforcement conditions today: s(N+1) = as(N) + (1-a)A(N+1), where A(N+1) is set equal to 1 when all rewards are for the Right response, and 0 when all are for the Left, and a is a longterm memory parameter. This linear model explains some apparent paradoxes in earlier reports of memory effects in two-armed bandit experiments. Nevertheless, closer examination of the details of preference changes within each experimental session showed several kinds of non-markovian effects. The most important was a regression at the beginning of each experimental session towards a preference characteristic of earlier sessions (spontaneous recovery). This effect, but not a smaller, less reliable non-markovian reminiscence effect, is consistent with a very simple rule, namely that the effect on preference of each individual reward for a Right or Left response is inversely related to how long ago the reward occurred. Thus, animals learn to prefer the rewarded side each day because these rewards are recent; but they regress to earlier preferences overnight because the most recent rewards become relatively less recent with lapse of time.
The Labor of Fun How Video Games Blur the Boundaries of Work and Play

Video games are often framed as sites of play and entertainment. Their transformation into work platforms and the staggering amount of work that is being done in these games often go unnoticed. Users spend on average 20 hours a week in online games, and many of them describe their game play as obligation, tedium, and more like a second job than entertainment. Using well-known behavior conditioning principles, video games are inherentlywork platforms that train us to become better gameworkers. And thework that is being performed in video games is increasingly similar to the work performed in business corporations. The microcosm of these online games may reveal larger social trends in the blurring boundaries between work and play.
Localization of Shaw-related K+ channel genes on mouse and human chromosomes.

Four related genes, Shaker, Shab, Shaw, and Shal, encode voltage-gated K+ channels in Drosophila. Multigene subfamilies corresponding to each of these Drosophila genes have been identified in rodents and primates; this suggests that the four genes are older than the common ancestor of present-day insects and mammals and that the expansion of each into a family occurred before the divergence of rodents and primates.
Activation of dinuclear gold(I) ylide complexes by Lewis acids. Isomerization of trans-[Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2, and the crystal structures of [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2, [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2[SO2]2, [Au(CH2)2PPh2]2[SO2]2 and [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2[S2CNEt2]2

The compound Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2 has been made in greater than 90% isomeric purity as the trans isomer. Isomerization occurs in solution leading to a mixture of the cis and trans isomers in a 47% to 53% ratio. Addition of strong protonic acids produces previously characterized monomeric Au(I) species. Weaker acids catalyze the isomerization of the dimer. When deutero-acids are used no deuterium incorporation into the ligands is observed. Lewis acids such as Me3SnCl, (Ph3Au)NO3 and SO2 also catalyze the isomerization. Crystal structures of [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2 and SO2 adducts [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2[SO2]2 and [Au(CH2)2PPh2]2[SO2]2 are presented. A mechanism involving formation of a partial AuAu bond and AuC bond rupture, followed by formation of a chelating ylide ligand which can undergo the reverse processes using either ylide-methylene center is proposed for the acid catalyzed isomerization. Oxidation with tetraethyldithiuram disulfide results in the metal-metal bonded complex [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2[S2CNEt2]2. For [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2, P21, a = 7.432(1), b = 13.826(2), c = 9.261(1) A, β = 99.98(1)°, V = 937.2(2) A3, R = 0.0494, Rw = 0.0681 for 2070 reflections with (I 3σ(I)) and 181 parameters. For [Au(CH2)2PPhMe]2[S2CNEt2]2, Pdash1, a = 10.423(3), b = 11.970(3), c = 7.522(2) A, α = 96.46(2), β = 91.06(2), λ Rw = 0.0325 for 2122 reflections (I > 4σ(I)), 172 parameters.
Locus of control as a personality and situational variable.

Previous studies of the personality variable, locus of control (LC), have focused on the relationship between LC and chance versus skilled performance. This study examined the interaction between LC and an experimental task which elicited in Ss differential levels of control as a subjectively felt state. The experimental task consisted in driving an automobile simulator in such a way that S felt he had maximum or little control over the number of errors he made in his driving performance on subsequent trials. S's performance on the simulator and his own evaluation of that performance were studied in relation to the amount of control experienced and individual differences in LC assessed by a forced-choice questionnaire. Although experimental manipulation of control had significant effects on performance, there was no significant interaction with this main effect and individual differences in LC.
A Kalman-filter-based multi-sensor terrain profile measurement system: principle, implementation and validation

This paper discusses an improved design of vehicle-based mobile terrain profile measurement system that derives the terrain profile by combining information from several different sensors measuring distance, altitudes and position. The main challenge of the measurement system design is to derive the instantaneous dynamic motion of the platform vehicle in order to correct the direct profile elevation measurement from a set of laser optical sensors. By processing the velocity and attitude data from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the absolute position data from a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Kalman Filter/Smoother algorithm is utilized in this sensor fusion application as a key step to obtain an accurate measurement of the platform vehicle's dynamic motion. Through the implementation of this approach, not only is a high accuracy of measurement during short-time vehicle dynamic motion achieved, the algorithm also eliminates a sensor drift problem associated with the long term stability of the measurement system. The hardware and software prototype of this design have been implemented, and initial field tests show that the methodology has achieved good measurement accuracy.
Quantifying energy expenditure and physical activity in the context of dose response.

LAMONTE, M. J., and B. E. AINSWORTH. Quantifying energy expenditure and physical activity in the context of dose response. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 33, No. 6, Suppl., 2001, pp. S370–S378. Purpose:Methods for assessing physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure (EE) were reviewed to identify
An estimate of the high temperature, metal rich phase boundary of plutonium sesquioxide

Abstract The composition of the metal rich phase boundary of plutonium sesquioxide has been estimated at 1400 K by comparing the calculated, equilibrium pressure of Pu( g ) over the solid solution range of the sesquioxide with the reported Pu( g ) pressure over the mutually saturated system, Pu ( liquid , O 2 saturated )+〈 Pu 2 O 3−x 〉 hex . The Pu( g ) pressure at the previously recommended metal rich phase boundary is shown to be low by a factor of nearly 3000. The newly estimated metal rich phase boundary results in a homogeneity range for the sesquioxide that is larger by a factor of 1.8.
Hoover Dam: An American Adventure

In the spring of 1931, in a rugged desert canyon on the Arizona-Nevada border, an army of workmen began one of the most difficult and daring building projects ever undertaken - the construction of Hoover Dam. Through the worst years of the Great Depression as many as five thousand laborers toiled twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to erect the huge structure that would harness the Colorado River and transform the American West.Construction of the giant dam was a triumph of human ingenuity, yet the full story of this monumental endeavor has never been told. Now, in an engrossing, fast-paced narrative, Joseph E. Stevens recounts the gripping saga of Hoover Dam. Drawing on a wealth of material, including manuscript collections, government documents, contemporary newspaper and magazine accounts, and personal interviews and correspondence with men and women who were involved with the construction, he brings the Hoover Dam adventure to life. Described here in dramatic detail are the deadly hazards the work crews faced as they hacked and blasted the dam's foundation out of solid rock; the bitter political battles and violent labor unrest that threatened to shut the job down; the deprivation and grinding hardship endured by the workers' families; the dam builders' gambling, drinking, and whoring sprees in nearby Las Vegas; and the stirring triumphs and searing moments of terror as the massive concrete wedge rose inexorably from the canyon floor. Here, too, is an unforgettable cast of characters: Henry Kaiser, Warren Bechtel, and Harry Morrison, the ambitious, headstrong construction executives who gambled fortune and fame on the Hoover Dam contract; Frank Crowe, the brilliant, obsessed field engineer who relentlessly drove the work force to finish the dam two and a half years ahead of schedule; Sims Ely, the irascible, teetotaling eccentric who ruled Boulder City, the straightlaced company town created for the dam workers by the federal government; and many more men and women whose courage and sacrifice, greed and frailty, made the dam's construction a great human, as well as technological, adventure. Hoover Dam is a compelling, irresistible account of an extraordinary American epic.
On Inference for Kendall's τ within a Longitudinal Data Setting.

Kendall's τ is a non-parametric measure of correlation based on ranks and is used in a wide range of research disciplines. Although methods are available for making inference about Kendall's τ, none has been extended to modeling multiple Kendall's τs arising in longitudinal data analysis. Compounding this problem is the pervasive issue of missing data in such study designs. In this article, we develop a novel approach to provide inference about Kendall's τ within a longitudinal study setting under both complete and missing data. The proposed approach is illustrated with simulated data and applied to an HIV prevention study.
Dynamic crack initiation and growth in thick unidirectional graphite/epoxy plates

Abstract In this work we present some preliminary results of optical experiments performed on dynamically deforming thick polymeric-composite laminate plates. The composites used for this study are unidirectional graphite/epoxy fiber-reinforced composite plates, consisting of 48 plies (6 mm thickness). Edge-notched plates are impact loaded in a one-point bend configuration using a drop-weight tower. The lateral shearing interferometer of coherent gradient sensing (CGS), in conjunction with high-speed photography, is used to obtain real-time interferograms of the near-tip deformation during dynamic crack initiation and growth. Initiation fracture toughness data are obtained and reported. Crack growth speeds of 900 m s −1 are recorded and significant dynamic effects are observed through emission of stress waves from the propagating crack tip.
The Effect of Previous Abdominal Surgery on Urological Laparoscopy

ABSTRACTPurpose: Abdominal surgery causes adhesions that may render subsequent laparoscopic access and dissection problematic. We determined the effect of previous surgery on the operative outcome in a large series of patients undergoing urological laparoscopy.Materials and Methods: The records of 700 consecutive laparoscopic procedures performed at a single institution from 1995 to 2001 were reviewed. Patient gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) patient classification, surgical history, operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, rate of conversion to an open procedure, complication rate and hospital stay were assessed in each patient. Patients were categorized by anatomical site of previous surgeries and the type of laparoscopic procedure performed. Statistical analysis was performed with 1-way ANOVA, and the chi-square, Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results: Of the 700 patients 366 (52%) had never undergone surgery, 105 (15%) had a history of abdominal surgery at the ...
The glyoxylate cycle and the conversion of triglycerides to carbohydrates in developing eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides

Abstract 1. 1. It is known that stored trehalose and glycogen are metabolized during the first 10 days of development of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs and are completely resynthesized from triglyceride fatty acids during the next 15 days. It has now been found that changes in the specific activities of the glyoxylate cycle enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase closely parallel changes in the rate of carbohydrate resynthesis as well as changes in the rate of incorporation of label from absorbed U-14C-palmitate in both trehalose and glycogen. 2. 2. The gluconeogenic enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase are present throughout development. 3. 3. The glyoxylate cycle and the conversion of th eresulting 4-carbon dicarboxylic acids to trehalose and glycogen account for the unique synthesis of carbohydrate from higher fatty acids. 4. 4. Neither isocitrate lyase nor malate synthase could be detected in homogenates of adult A. lumbricoides muscle.
BIRC5 expression is a poor prognostic marker in Ewing sarcoma.

Background BIRC5 (Survivin), an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), is over-expressed in several human cancers and increased expression is associated with poor prognosis. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the role of BIRC5 in Ewing sarcoma (ES), the second most common pediatric bone sarcoma. Procedure BIRC5 protein expression was determined in ES cell lines using Western Blot analysis. Functional role of survivin on growth and viability of ES cells was assessed by siRNA knockdown of BIRC5 and by using a small molecule inhibitor YM155. Immunohistochemical analysis for BIRC5 protein was performed on patient tumor samples using an anti-survivin antibody. The degree of BIRC5 protein expression was correlated with clinical parameters and patient outcome. Results BIRC5 is over-expressed in a panel of ES cell lines. Gene silencing of BIRC5 in the ES cell line TC-71 decreases cell growth by more than 50% for each BIRC5 siRNA construct compared to non-silencing siRNA control constructs. YM155 also reduces ES cell growth and viability with an EC50 ranging from 2.8 to 6.2 nM. BIRC5 protein is expressed in majority of the ES tumor samples with minimal expression in normal tissue (P < 0.005). Tumors with more than 50% expression are associated with worse overall survival than tumors with less than 50% expression (Hazard Ratio: 6.05; CI: 1.7–21.4; P = 0.04). Conclusion BIRC5 is over-expressed in ES cell lines and tumor samples. Further, it plays an important role in cell growth and viability in vitro. Higher degree of expression in patients is an independent poor prognostic factor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 35–40. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti-blocker design techniques for MOSFET-C filters for direct conversion receivers

A linearized MOSFET-C low-pass filter suitable for a baseband channel selection filter for a direct conversion receiver is presented. Using polysilicon resistors instead of MOSFET resistors in the input and output part, the filter achieves very high out-of-band linearity but maintains the original transfer function under the control of a continuous on-chip cutoff tuning scheme. In order to enhance the linearity of the triode-mode MOSFET variable resistors, the gates of the MOSFETs are driven by a charge pump in the cutoff control loop. Also, an appropriate gain scaling is implemented to lower the input referred noise, thus making the out-of-band dynamic range wider. This fifth-order elliptic filter achieves -2 dBV in-band IIP3, +28 dBV out-of-band IIP3, +94 dBV out-of-band IIP2 and -87 dBV input-referred noise, and dissipates 6.2 mW from a 2.7-V supply; the on-chip continuous automatic tuning system dissipates 4.1 mW.
A MODEL FOR DETERMINING RIDER INDUCED ENERGY LOSSES IN BICYCLE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS.

SUMMARY The energy dissipated by the suspension systems used for off-road bicycles is a major concern due to the limited power source in cycling. Rider induced energy losses are those that arise from the muscular action of the rider. The purpose of this study was to develop and verify a dynamic model of a seated cyclist riding an off-road bicycle up a smooth road. With the absence of terrain irregularities, all suspension motion was rider induced. Knowing the stiffness and dissipative characteristics of the suspension elements, the power dissipated by the suspensions was calculated. Simulation results were compared to suspension deflections that were experimentally measured for a cyclist riding a commercially available dual suspension bicycle up a 6% grade at 6.5m/s. For this particular case, no fork motion was observed in the experiments which was consistent with the simulation results. For the rear suspension, the mean and amplitude of the largest harmonic were experimentally determined to be 6.6 and ±2...
Mouse Spermatozoa Contain a Nuclease that Is Activated by Pretreatment with EGTA and Subsequent Calcium Incubation

We demonstrated that mouse spermatozoa cleave their DNA into approximately 50 kb loop-sized fragments with topoisomerase IIB when treated with MnCl(2) and CaCl(2) in a process we term sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF). SCF can be reversed by EDTA. A nuclease then further degrades the DNA in a process we term sperm DNA degradation (SDD). MnCl(2) alone could elicit this activity, but CaCl(2) had no effect. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a nuclease in the vas deferens that can be activated by ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to digest the sperm DNA by SDD. Spermatozoa were extracted with salt and dithiothreitol to remove protamines and then incubated with EGTA. Next, the EGTA was removed and divalent cations were added. We found that Mn(2+), Ca(2+), or Zn(2+) could each activate SDD in spermatozoa but Mg(2+) could not. When the reaction was slowed by incubation on ice, EGTA pretreatment followed by incubation in Ca(2+) elicited the reversible fragmentation of sperm DNA evident in SCF. When the reactions were then incubated at 37 degrees C they progressed to the more complete degradation of DNA by SDD. EDTA could also be used to activate the nuclease, but required a higher concentration than EGTA. This EGTA-activatable nuclease activity was found in each fraction of the vas deferens plasma: in the spermatozoa, in the surrounding fluid, and in the insoluble components in the fluid. These results suggest that this sperm nuclease is regulated by a mechanism that is sensitive to EGTA, possibly by removing inhibition of a calcium binding protein.
Hepatitis C — identifying patients with progressive liver injury†

Hepatitis C follows a variable course with some patients developing progressive liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while others have minimal or no significant liver disease after decades of infection. Studies have identified both host and viral factors associated with disease progression. The importance of general factors such as age at infection, gender, immune status and alcohol consumption has long been recognized; however recently, polymorphisms in a wide array of genes have also been shown to be associated with progressive fibrosis. How specific viral proteins may contribute to disease progression has also been studied. This review highlights what is currently known about the factors associated with progressive liver injury in patients with hepatitis C. A greater understanding of the determinants of disease progression will hopefully lead to improved utilization of existing treatments and ultimately may aid in identification of new therapeutic targets.
Chusquea sect. Swallenochloa (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) and allies in Brazil.

The 13 high altitude/latitude, dwarf species ofChusquea in Brazil are described, illustrated, and mapped, and their morphology, habitats, distributions, and taxonomic affinities are discussed. Two keys to species are provided, one based solely on vegetative characters, and the other on vegetative and flowering characters.Chusquea erecta, C. nutans, C. riosaltensis,C. windischii, C. caparaoensis, andC. nudiramea are described as new, andC. microphylla is elevated to specific status. Two subspecies are recognized within the variableC. mimosa: C. mimosa subsp.australis and subsp.mimosa. Seven species are formally classified withinChusquea sect.Swallenochloa; the remaining six species are classified into two informal categories, theNudiramea andHeterophylla groups. A list of all the species currently included withinChusquea sect.Swallenochloa is provided.
Significance of the labeling index and labeling distribution as kinetic parameters in colorectal mucosa of cancer patients and DMH treated animals

To shed light on the more elevated labeling index (LI) found in the normal appearing mucosa of a group of colon cancer patients previously reported by Maskens and Deschner, the same data together with that from patients with an isolated adenoma, DMH treated CF1 mice and BD IX rats were analyzed on the basis of individual crypt values. One of 13 control patients had crypt values over 15% in contrast to 17 of the 26 cancer and polyp patients (P 15% revealed the Stage I defect in addition to an upward shift in the major zone of DNA synthesis from the lower to the middle and upper thirds of glands (Stage II abnormality), although both abnormalities were more emphatically expressed in glands with a high LI. Individual crypts in DMH treated mice had LI far higher than controls whereas no real differences in crypt LI were found between DMH treated rats and controls. Similar to colon cancer patients, both categories of crypts in DMH treated mice had the Stage I and II proliferative defects. Crypts in DMH treated rats, however, showed a downward shift of the major zone of DNA synthesis from the middle and upper third of glands. That DMH induces primarily microinvasive carcinomas in rats while in mice predominantly adenomas form, a proportion of which becomes malignant, would suggest a relationship between the direction of the shift of the major zone of proliferation and the type lesion induced. In man and mouse, hyperactive crypts would have a selective advantage over other glands allowing earlier expression of neoplastic transformation within them. Furthermore, their recognition as a marker along with the Stage II defect may be useful in tissues at high risk for colorectal tumorigenesis.
Spectral Effects in Polarization-Entanglement Swapping

Polarization entanglement swapping in spectrally correlated photons produced by a spontaneous parametric down conversion and photons entangled by a beam splitter is studied. The concurrence is used to investigate the spectral effects in the swapping.
Cyclin E-cdk2 activation is associated with cell cycle arrest and inhibition of DNA replication induced by the thymidylate synthase inhibitor Tomudex.

Tomudex (ZD1694) is a specific antifolate-based thymidylate synthase inhibitor active in a variety of solid tumor malignancies. Studies were carried out in vitro to evaluate downstream molecular alterations induced as a consequence of the potent and sustained inhibition of thymidylate synthase by Tomudex. Twenty-four hours following the initial 2-h treatment with Tomudex, human A253 head and neck squamous carcinoma cells, not expressing p53 and p21(WAF1), were accumulated with DNA content characteristic of early S phase of the cell cycle with a concomitant reduction of cells in G1 and G2/M phases. The changes in cyclin and cdk protein expression and their kinase activities were examined in control and drug-treated A253 cells. Tomudex treatment resulted in the decrease in p27(kip1) expression, with an increase in cyclin E and cdk2 protein expression and kinase activities 24 h after a 2-h exposure. Although cyclin A protein expression was markedly increased, cyclin A kinase activity was only slightly increased. Cyclin D1, cyclin B, cdk4, and cdc2 protein expression and kinase activities remain constant. Lack of activation of cyclin A- and B-cdc2 was associated with a reduced proportion of cells in G2/M phases. Increased cyclin E-cdk2 protein expression was accompanied by the inhibition of DNA synthesis, with a decrease in E2F-1 expression. These results propose that cyclin E-cdk2 kinase can negatively regulate DNA replication. The studies with dThyd rescue from cyclin E-cdk2 protein overexpression and growth inhibition by Tomudex indicate that increased cyclin E-cdk2 protein expression is associated with effective inhibition of thymidylate synthase and resultant dNTP pool imbalance. Provision of dThyd more than 24 h after exposure to Tomudex allowed cells to replicate DNA for a single cycle back to G1, but did not prevent the profound growth-inhibitory effect manifested in the following 5 days. Tomudex treatment resulted in a time-dependent induction of the megabase DNA fragments, followed by secondary 50- to 300-kb DNA fragmentation. The 50- to 300-kb DNA fragmentation may be derived from the inhibition of DNA synthesis associated with cyclin E-cdk2 activation. These results suggest that the megabase DNA fragmentation is induced as a consequence of inhibition of thymidylate synthase by Tomudex and kilobase DNA fragmentation may correlate with the reduction of p27(kip1) expression and the increase in cyclin E and cdk2 kinase activities. Activation of cyclin E and cdk2 kinases allows cells to transit from G1 to S phase accompanied by the inhibition of DNA synthesis. The changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins associated with growth inhibition and DNA damage by Tomudex are not p53 dependent.
Transmembrane potential of J774.2 mouse macrophage cells measured by microelectrode and ion distribution methods

The transmembrane potential (Em) of J774.2 macrophage cells measured by microelectrodes was −24.1±0.7 mV (mean±SEM). Em measured by lipophilic ion distribution was −35±2 mV or −40±2 mV, using a cation or anion, respectively. By any method, colchicine reduced Em by ∼3 mV.
Financial Ratio Adjustment: Industry-Wide Effects or Strategic Management

This paper proposes an alternative model for analyzing financial ratio behavior. The model postulates that (1) firms' financial ratios reflect unexpected changes in industry conditions; and (2) managers attempt to move their financial ratio toward the long-run desirable target. This model is employed to assess the relative weights of financial ratio movement that are associated with these two forces. The results show that changes in financial ratios can be due to both external shocks and strategic adjustment by management. The amount of financial ratio smoothing due to strategic adjustment appears to be substantial. Furthermore, the speed of convergence toward the optimal targets varies across industries and firms of different size.
The failing cardiomyocyte

Heart failure is a syndrome that arises primarily from a loss of power of the contracting muscle of the heart. Genetic studies have shown that some ‘‘idiopathic’’ dilated cardiomyopathies are caused by a defect in the individual muscle units of the heart (cardiomyocytes), such as a mutation in the proteins of the sarcomere, which leads directly to poor contractility [1]. Most heart failure is a result of a mismatch between power output and demand, however, either because of cardiomyocyte loss (myocardial infarction, chemical agents) or increased load (hypertension, valve disease). The key question has been whether the contractility of cardiomyocytes in this group of ‘‘acquired’’ (rather than genetic) cardiomyopathies is normal, or whether the continued stress has produced secondary changes. The answer seems to be that the function of the cardiomyocyte in the failing human heart deteriorates with time. Not only are fewer cardiomyocytes attempting to support the same load, but their ability to contract is impaired progressively. With continued cell loss (see article by Grazette and colleagues elsewhere in this issue), this leads to the cycle of decline that characterizes the etiology of heart failure. This article describes the changes in function that are observed in the cardiomyocyte from the failing human heart. In many cases, the alterations are remarkably similar whether the originating cause of the condition was cell loss or increased load. Even when there is a known mutation, secondary alterations will decrease contractility further. It has been
An Insertable Nonlinear Gradient Coil for Phase Compensation in SEA Imaging

In magnetic resonance imaging with array coils with many elements, as the radiofrequency (RF) coil dimensions approach the voxel dimensions, the phase gradient due to the magnetic field pattern of the coil causes signal cancellation within each voxel. In single echo acquisition (SEA) imaging with coil arrays, a gradient pulse can be applied to compensate for this effect. However, because RF coil phase varies with distance from the array and reverses on opposite sides of a dual-sided array, this method of phase compensation can be optimized for only a single slice at a time. In this study, a nonlinear gradient coil was implemented to provide spatially varying phase compensation to offset the coil phase with slice position for dual-sided arrays of narrow coils. This nonlinear gradient coil allows the use of one phase compensation pulse for imaging multiple slices through a slab, and, importantly, is shown to enable simultaneous SEA imaging from opposite sides of a sample using a dual-sided receive array.
A non-selective cation channel in rabbit corneal endothelium activated by internal calcium and inhibited by internal ATP.

Abstract The apical membrane of the rabbit corneal endothelium contains a cation selective channel of 21·7 ± 0·4 pS conductance which is activated by internal Ca 2+ and inhibited by internal ATP. Patch clamp studies show the channel to be quite selective for cations over anions but not to select between Na + and K + . In excised patches in the inside-out configuration, the open probability increases when the internal Ca 2+ is raised above 10 −4 m . ATP decreases the open probability when its internal concentration exceeds 10 μ m . At 1 m m ATP, no channel openings are ever seen. AMP and ADP also inhibit at least as well as does ATP. One μ m AMP-PNP, a non-hydrolyzable ATP, also inhibits gating and so phosphorylation by a PO 4 −3 cleaved from ATP is not the mechanism of ATP inhibition. The channel is apparently impermeable to divalent ions since neither Ba 2+ nor Ca 2+ carry any detectable current. Quinidine produces a flickery, weakly voltage dependent blockade when applied to the channel's cytoplasmic surface. Both Ca 2+ and ATP work at concentrations not expected to occur inside healthy cells. It is presently uncertain if this is a physiologically important channel in these cells.
An Evaluative Review of Outcome Research on Universal Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Programs for Higher Education Students

Abstract Objective: This review is the first large-scale attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of universal promotion and prevention programs for higher education students on a range of adjustment outcomes. Participants/Methods: The current review examined 83 controlled interventions involving college, graduate, and professional students, with a focus on 3 main outcomes: social and emotional skills, self-perceptions, and emotional distress. Results/Conclusions: Skill-oriented programs that included supervised practice demonstrated the strongest benefits, thus showing promise as a successful mental health promotion and preventive intervention. In comparing different intervention strategies, mindfulness training and cognitive-behavioral techniques appear to be the most effective. Furthermore, interventions conducted as a class appear to be effective, suggesting the potential for exposing higher education students to skill training through routine curricula offerings. This review offers recommendations for i...
Comparative Study on Recovered Binder Properties Using Three Asphalt Emulsion Recovery Methods

Determining the properties of residual binders is important to the effective use of asphalt emulsion chip seals. Yet, the effect of laboratory methods on recovered binder properties used to simulate residual binders in the field is not well understood. In this research, the residues of five asphalt emulsions were compared after recovery by three methods, a Hot Oven procedure (similar to ASTM D244-04), a Stirred-Can procedure (as reported in TXDOT 0-1710), and a Warm Oven method (ASTM D7497-09). The recovered binders were tested with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to assess the presence of residual moisture. Properties of the original base binders and the corresponding recovered binders were compared using dynamic shear rheometry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The SEC results showed no residual water in any of the recovered samples, except the samples from Warm Oven recovery, which showed a small detectable amount of residual moisture. The results from statistical analysis of binder properties using ANOVA plus Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test suggest that recovered binders from the Warm Oven method are statistically different from their base binders. Nevertheless, considering each of the residues recovered from the three methods in paired comparisons with the other residues, none is statistically different from the others.
Comparison of Corynebacterium parvum with Freund's complete adjuvant as a potentiator of the immune response to β-human chorionic gonadotropin linked to tetanus toxoid

Corynebacterium parvum was compared with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) for potentiation of the rabbit immune response to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin linked to tetanus toxoid (beta-hCG-TT). With each adjuvant, antibodies to hCG were detected using passive hemagglutination. Higher antibody titers were produced by FCA-treated animals. The ability of antisera to beta-hCG-TT to neutralize the biological action of native hCG was determined by the rat uterine weight assay. Anti-beta-hCG-TT sera from C. parvum-treated rabbits were not significantly different (p greater than 0.10) from FCA potentiated anti-beta-hCG-TT sera in neutralizing hCG-induced uterine weight gain. C. parvum has potential for future application in active immunization studies of fertility regulation.
A COMPARISON OF PEDIATRIC INTERVIEWING SKILLS USING REAL AND SIMULATED MOTHERS

In order to allay concerns about using simulators as opposed to real mothers for teaching and evaluating interviewing skill, a study was designed to test for differences in students' approaches when interviewing simulated and real mothers. Three mothers were trained to give their own child's history consistently and two mothers trained to simulate a history. 30 Yr. III medical students conducted 2 interviews which were audiotaped. Students were told the nature of the study and whether the “mother” was real or simulated. Half of the time the mothers were presented as simulators and half of the time the simulators were presented as mothers. The variable of order was controlled. An objective checklist containing 70-80 bits of organic and personal data per case as well as a modified interaction analysis (with an average of 285 interactions per interview) were utilized to measure the content material and approach used by the students. The data were analysized using an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. All hypotheses were accepted, i.e., no significant differences were found in any of the groupings examined (truth, lie, simulator, mother) for any of the variables. THE USE OF SIMULATION FOR TEACHING AND EVALUATING INTERVIEWING SKILLS PROVIDES A VALID EXPERIENCE.
Nagataʼs research in dimension theory

Abstract We give a survey of Jun-iti Nagataʼs many contributions to dimension theory: characterizations of n -dimensional metric spaces in terms of a special base; characterizations of n -dimensional metrizable spaces in terms of a special metric; imbedding theorems and universal spaces for n -dimensional metric spaces; countable-dimensional metric spaces; dimension and rings of continuous functions; dimension theory beyond metric spaces.
Teenage sexual activity in Zambia: the need for a sex education policy

Data from a study of teenage sexual activity among secondary school girls show the need for a sex education policy as a first step in controlling teenage fertility in Zambia. A large proportion of teenage females enter into close relationships with males at young ages and a high proportion of young females have engaged in sexual intercourse. Most of these sexually active females do not use family planning methods even though a large proportion of them have heard of modern methods. The teenagers receive very little sex education from their parents and a modern institutional sex education programme is needed.