cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The contribution of executive functions to participation in school activities of children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder

Abstract This study describes the contribution of executive functions to participation in school activities of children diagnosed with ASD ages 6–9 years while controlling for sensory processing. Twenty-four children, ages 73–112 months (S.D. = 11.4), diagnosed with high functioning ASD were assessed with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Their teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the School Function Assessment questionnaire. Parents completed the Sensory Profile and a demographic questionnaire. We found that executive functions contribute to participation in school activities over and above the contribution of sensory processing. In particular, the abilities to resist impulsive responses, to stop a behavior at the appropriate time, and to regulate emotional responses contributed to participation. Pediatric therapists are encouraged to address executive functions in their treatments.
Development of integrated protection for a miniaturized drug delivery system

A bi-layer structure comprising a thin gold layer and a polypyrrole (PPy) film is developed as a valve. To create such structures, the thin metal layer is used as a working electrode, and the polypyrrole film is electrochemically deposited on the metal electrode. A layer of Cr deposited under a stationary part of the bi-layer flap adheres strongly to the gold layer and anchors the hinge of the flap, while the layer of polyimide deposited under a movable part of the flap adheres weakly to the gold layer of the flap. This bi-layer flap structure functions as an actuator valve for the opening and closing of an aperture. The actuation mechanism of the valve is based on a volume change in the PPy layer as cations move in and out of the polymer film during reduction and oxidation reactions. A bias of 1.2 V is used to actuate the flap. A method is proposed to increase the drug release system's functionality by placing the drug release flap within a protective enclosure that also serves as a drug reservoir. This integrated protection ensures reliable operation of the drug release flap unencumbered by surrounding tissues when used in vivo. A prototype system using a PDMS drug reservoir has been successfully tested in PBS buffer solution. The proposed integrated protection system holds promise for implantable biomedical devices.
Time-domain theory for pump–probe experiments with chirped pulses

We present a time-domain treatment of pump–probe experiments with chirped pulses derived from the same laser source. In this theory we treat the nonlinearities as decaying either instantaneously or exponentially. Therefore the results from it cover different mechanisms originating from electronic orbitals, molecular vibrations, molecular orientations, excited-state populations, etc., as long as their decay falls into one of the two classes. We derive expressions for the transmission of the probe in each case. We divide the transmission expression from nonlinearities with exponential decay into a number of terms, each of which describes a unique situation. These include two-beam coupling in the coherent region that is not present with chirp-free pulses, two-photon absorption, and excited-state absorption. We give analytical expressions for the transmission where possible, and we give the first-order approximation and the estimated error when expression in closed form is unattainable. We discuss various aspects of these terms.
Effects of soil moisture regimes on photosynthesis and growth in cattail (Typha latifolia)

Both waterlogging and water deficiency are major environmental factors affecting plant growth and functioning in many wetland and floodplain ecosystems across North America. Wetland plants possess various characteristics that enable them to survive and function in the intermittently flooded wetland environments, while their sensitivity to drought has received less attention. The present study quantified the photosynthetic and growth responses of cattail (Typha latifolia), an important species of freshwater wetlands, to a wide range of soil moisture regimes. In addition, changes in the efficiency of photosynthetic apparatus following initiation of the treatments were investigated. Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings were subjected to four soil moisture regimes: (1) drained (control), (2) continuous flooding, (3) periodic flooding, and (4) periodic drought. Results indicated that dark fluorescence yield was increased in response to periodic drought, while it showed decreases under continuous flooding. Net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were enhanced by continuous flooding and periodic flooding. In contrast, these parameters exhibited reduction under periodic drought. In addition, leaf chlorophyll content was adversely affected by periodic drought. Recovery of net photosynthesis was noted, along with enhanced height growth, in both continuously and periodically flooded plants. Meanwhile, continuous flooding enhanced biomass production while periodic drought led to biomass reduction. Periodic drought also contributed to substantial reduction in root growth compared with shoot growth. Therefore, the combined photosynthetic performance and growth responses of cattail are likely to contribute to the ability of this species to thrive in flooded condition but be susceptive to periodic drought.
Drosophila RecQ4 has a 3'-5'DNA helicase activity that is essential for viability

Members of the RecQ family of proteins are highly conserved DNA helicases that have important functions in the maintenance of genomic stability. Deficiencies in RecQ4 have been linked to human diseases including Rothmund-Thomson, RAPADILINO, and Baller-Gerold syndromes, all of which are characterized by developmental defects, tumor propensity, and genetic instability. However, there are conflicting results shown in the literature regarding the DNA helicase activity of RecQ4. We report here the expression of Drosophila melanogaster RecQ4 with a baculoviral vector and its purification to near homogeneity. The purified protein has a DNA-dependent ATPase activity and is a 3′-5′ DNA helicase dependent on hydrolysis of ATP. The presence of 5′-adenylyl-β,γ-imidodiphosphate (AMPPNP), a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, promotes stable complex formation between RecQ4 and single-stranded DNA. Drosophila RecQ4 can also anneal complementary single strands; this activity was reduced in the presence of AMPPNP, possibly because of the stable protein-DNA complex formed under such conditions. A point mutation of the highly conserved lysine residue in the helicase domain, although retaining the wild type level of annealing activity, inactivated ATPase and helicase activities and eliminated stable complex formation. These results suggest that the helicase domain alone is responsible for the DNA unwinding action of the Drosophila enzyme. We generated a null recq4 mutant that is homozygous lethal, which we used to test the genetic function of the helicase-dead mutant in flies. Complementation tests showed that the helicase-dead mutant recq4 transgenes are incapable of rescuing the null mutation, demonstrating that the helicase activity has an essential biological function.
Conventional and future diagnostics for avian influenza

The significant and continued transboundary spread of Asian avian influenza H5N1 since 2003, paired with documented transmission from avian species to humans and other mammals, has focused global attention on avian influenza virus detection and diagnostic strategies. While the historic and conventional laboratory methods used for isolation and identification of the virus and for detection of specific antibodies continued to be widely applied, new and emerging technologies are rapidly being adapted to support avian influenza virus surveillance and diagnosis worldwide. Molecular tools in particular are advancing toward lab-on-chip and fully integrated technologies that are capable of same day detection, pathotyping, and phylogenetic characterization of influenza A viruses obtained from clinical specimens. The future of avian influenza diagnostics, rather than moving toward a single approach, is wisely adopting a strategy that takes advantage of the range of conventional and advancing technologies to be used in "fit-for-purpose" testing.
How to Set Up a Successful Tumor Ablation Practice

Tumor ablation services have increased in prevalence across the country and can now be found in modern health care systems of all sizes. These services have become an integral part of the coordinated multidisciplinary approach to patient care that must take place at any oncologic center of excellence. However, building a reputable tumor ablation practice at an institutional level can be a very difficult task as there are many financial, political, and material considerations that must be addressed during the early phases of operation to ensure its success. This article discusses each of these considerations in turn and provides insight into ways to overcome the inherent challenges faced when bringing all of the necessary elements together to create a thriving tumor ablation practice at an institutional level.
A method for the in vivo study of the gastric microcirculation

Abstract A method for the in vivo microscopic study of the rat gastric microcirculation is described. Two preparations were used: the exteriorized stomach to study the serosal, muscular, and submucosal circulation (the latter following careful dissection of the serosa and submuxcosa) and the inverted pouch to study the superficial mucosal circulation. The preparations were transilluminated utilizing a high intensity light source and an intragastric quartz rod light carrier. The gastric microvessels and their blood flow could be readily followed through all layers of the stomach except the deep mucosa.
The Lymphotoxin LTα1β2 Controls Postnatal and Adult Spleen Marginal Sinus Vascular Structure and Function

The lymphotoxin LTalpha(1)beta(2) supports the development and maintenance of several aspects of spleen structure, but its significance for marginal sinus (MS) vascular organization is unclear. We showed here that, in early postnatal lymphotoxin-deficient mice, the developing Flk-1+ white pulp vessels failed to organize or upregulate MAdCAM-1, leading to altered spatial rearrangement of both the white pulp endothelial cells and the smooth muscle actin-expressing cells. In vitro, MAdCAM-1 directed the reorganization of LTbeta receptor+ endothelial cells grown on Matrigel. LTalpha(1)beta(2) also regulated the maintenance of both MAdCAM-1 expression and mature MS structure in adult mice, contributing importantly to normal trafficking of CD11b+ cells in response to bacterial antigens. Together, our studies demonstrate that LTalpha(1)beta(2) and LTbeta receptor signals control proper development and maintenance of the mature MS structure and implicate MAdCAM-1 in the structuring of the MS endothelial cells that is important for the movement of immune cells within the spleen.
Analysis of nonsolvent‐solvent‐polymer phase diagrams and their relevance to membrane formation modeling

Calculations have been carried out, based on Flory–Huggins solution theory, to analyze the behavior of the ternary nonsolvent–solvent–polymer phase diagram for typical membrane-forming systems. Consideration is given to the behavior of the spinodal as well as binodal curves, tie-line slopes, and critical points as a function of various parameters, most especially those related to the concentration dependency of the interaction parameters. Implications regarding membrane structure formation are discussed, and the suitability of different functional forms for the interaction parameter concentration dependence is also analyzed. The net result of these calculations is to demonstrate the importance of the various parameters in controlling the phase-diagram behavior and particularly to show the critical role of the concentration dependence of the solvent–polymer interaction parameter in affecting the nature of the miscibility gap.
Feeding behavior response of zucker rats to proglumide, a CCK receptor antagonist1

Proglumide not only antagonizes the gastric secretion induced by histamine, tetragastrin and ligation of the pylorus, but also antagonizes the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) on contraction of the gallbladder and stimulation of amylase secretion from the pancreas. Since CCK is a putative satiety peptide, it was hypothesized that administration of proglumide would increase food intake by inhibiting the satiety effect of CCK. Zucker obese (638±26 g) and lean (462±24 g) rats, trained to bar press for food pellets, were administered intragastrically 0.25, 0.42 or 0.59 g/kg proglumide 15 min before the end of a 3- or 6-hr fast. Feeding behavior was analyzed during the subsequent 18 hr using an automated data collection system. Food intakes, while not affected by proglumide treatment during the first meal (4.30 vs. 4.30 g) were increased 3 (5.60 vs. 4.92 g, p<0.02) and 18 (34.0 vs. 32.5 g. p<0.008) hr after treatment. In addition, water intake 18 hr after proglumide treatment was increased (46.8 vs. 41.5 ml, p<0.001) and food intake to water intake ratio was decreased (0.74 vs. 0.80 g/ml, p<0.004). These responses were not different in obese compared with lean rats or in 3-hrs vs. 6-hr fasted rats. Daily feeding patterns in 6-hr fasted obese rats treated with 0.59 g/kg proglumide were characterized by increased meal frequency (12.4±1.0 vs. 9.6±1.1, p<0.001) and decreased average meal size (3.1±0.2 vs. 3.6±0.3 g, p<0.03). In 3-hr fasted obese and lean rats serum concentrations of proglumide were 7.1±2.1 mg/dl 20 min and 6.6±1.5 mg/dl 120 min after administration of 0.59 g/kg proglumide, indicating levels remained significantly elevated after 120 min. Since proglumide has been shown previously to be an antagonist to the effects of CCK on gallbladder, gastric and pancreatic function, it is postulated that increased food intake in Zucker obese and lean rats after proglumide administration is a result of antagonism of the receptor for the effect of CCK on satiety.
A note on utility-based futures hedging performance measure

This note considers the estimator for the utility-based hedging performance. It shows that the estimator incurs a downward bias, regardless of whether the conventional mean-variance expected utility function or the more general risk-averse utility function is adopted. Consequently, the usefulness of the futures contract is under-estimated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Major Developments at the 1989 Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights

On 10 March 1989 the United Nations Commission on Human Rights concluded its six week session in Geneva with a number of significant decisions as to country situations in which human rights violations have occurred, including the establishment of a Special Rapporteur on Romania. The Commission also continued monitoring disappearances, torture, executions, religious intolerance, and mercenaries; approved a draft Convention on the Rights of the Child after nine years of discussion; promptly transmitted to the General Assembly a draft Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights for the abolition of the death penalty; reaffirmed the right of conscientious objection to military service; renewed emphasis on the provision of advisory services to assist governments in protecting the rights of their citizens; and acted on a number of other matters.' The Commission session was marred, however, by the failure to take any action on human rights abuses in Iraq or even to discuss human rights in Africa (outside of Southern Africa). The Commission also refused to seek greater scrutiny of the human rights situation in Cuba, despite strenuous lobbying by the United States delegation.
Quantitative analysis of fuel-related hydrocarbons in surface water and wastewater samples by solid-phase microextraction.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) parameters were examined on water contaminated with hydrocarbons including benzene and alkylbenzenes, n-alkanes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Abso...
Impairment of mitochondria in adult mouse brain overexpressing predominantly full-length, N-terminally acetylated human α-synuclein

While most forms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are sporadic in nature, a small percentage of PD have genetic causes as first described for dominant, single base pair changes as well as duplication and triplication in the α-synuclein gene. The α-synuclein gene encodes a 140 amino acid residue protein that interacts with a variety of organelles including synaptic vesicles, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi vesicles and, reported more recently, mitochondria. Here we examined the structural and functional interactions of human α-synuclein with brain mitochondria obtained from an early, pre-manifest mouse model for PD over-expressing human α-synuclein (ASOTg). The membrane potential in ASOTg brain mitochondria was decreased relative to wildtype (WT) mitochondria, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated in ASOTg brain mitochondria. No selective interaction of human α-synuclein with mitochondrial electron transport complexes cI-cV was detected. Monomeric human α-synuclein plus carboxyl terminally truncated forms were the predominant isoforms detected in ASOTg brain mitochondria by 2-dimensional PAGE (Native/SDS) and immunoblotting. Oligomers or fibrils were not detected with amyloid conformational antibodies. Mass spectrometry of human α-synuclein in both ASOTg brain mitochondria and homogenates from surgically resected human cortex demonstrated that the protein was full-length and postranslationally modified by N-terminal acetylation. Overall the study showed that accumulation of full-length, N-terminally acetylated human α-synuclein was sufficient to disrupt brain mitochondrial function in adult mice.
Methods of Analysis of Illegal Immigration into the United States.

The inadequacy of existing data on illegal immigration to the United States is described. The attempts that have been made by various government agencies and individual researchers to measure the extent and employment impact of illegal immigrants are then reviewed. (ANNOTATION)
Self-assembled nanoporous electrodes for sensitive and labeling-free biomolecular recognition

We fabricated nanoporous electrodes with uniform pore sizes using surfactant self-assembly techniques. These nanoporous electrodes were functionalized. When the target biomolecules are captured in the pore channels through specific binding or hybridization, the nanopores are totally or partially blocked. As a result, the access of indicator molecules to the conductive surface of the electrode is affected, and the electrochemical response on the electrode is reduced. This mechanism is sensitive to the presence of nanomole (10−9mole) to femtomole (10−15mole) level molecules and has potential as a simple, general, and labeling-free technique for electrochemical biomolecular recognition.
Effects of outdoor air pollutants on platelet activation in people with type 2 diabetes.

Exposure to air pollution is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that increases in exposure to ambient air pollution are associated with p...
Anesthesia machine basics

The anesthesia machine is that component of the anesthesia delivery system that receives medical gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, air, heliox) under pressure and controls the flow of each gas individually. It creates a gas mixture of known composition at a known flow rate and delivers it to the common gas outlet of the machine. From here, the fresh gas flow is conducted to the anesthesia circle breathing system. This review will discuss the storage of compressed oxygen and nitrous oxide and how these gases arrive to a generic anesthesia machine. The paths taken by these gases as they flow through the generic machine will be described. The important components used to create the precisely controlled fresh gas mixture, as well as the safety features of the machine will also be described. The reader should gain an understanding of the machine basics that he/she can use to understand his/her particular model of machine.
The substrate specificity of L-alanine dehydrogenase.

Abstract l -Alanine dehydrogenase complexes with l -alanine and several of its analogues. Glycine, sarcosine and structural analogues of alanine having alkyl, hydroxymethyl or thiomethyl substitutions on the α-carbon of alanine bind with the enzyme. The l -isomers of these amino acids are substrates while the d -isomers, glycine, and sarcosine are competitive inhibitors of l -alanine deamination. Substitution or modification of the -COOH group, the -NH 2 group or the -H of the α-carbon of l -alanine results in complete loss of complexing ability. As in the case of glutamic acid dehydrogenase, l -alanine dehydrogenase metabolizes aliphatic amino acids with chain lengths of less than 7 carbons and is inhibited by the d -isomers of its substrates.
Geoscience methods lead to paleo-anthropological discoveries in afar rift, Ethiopia

With few exceptions, most of the hominid evolutionary record in Africa is closely associated with the East African Rift System. The exceptions are the South African and Chadian hominids collected from the southern and west-central parts of the continent, respectively Ethiopia's Middle Awash region stands alone as the most prolific paleo-anthropological area ever discovered (Figure 1). Its paleontological record has yielded over 13,000 vertebrate fossils, including several hominid taxa, ranging in age from 5.8 Ma to the present. The uniqueness of the Middle Awash hominid sites lies in their occurrence within long, > 6 Ma volcanic and sedimentary stratigraphic records.
Yeast RNA helicases of the DEAD-box family involved in translation initiation.

RNA helicases of the DEAD-box and related families have been found to be required for all processes involving RNA molecules. Biochemical and genetic analyses have shown that at least two RNA helicases are required for translation initiation in yeast. Although it is generally believed that these enzymes are necessary to unwind secondary structures in the 5′ untranslated region of mRNAs, their exact role has not been convincingly shown. We discuss here our present knowledge of the function of eIF4A and Ded1p, two DEAD-box proteins required for translation in eukaryotic cells.
Resignation as a Response to Alienation in a Depressed Rural Area: A Case Study of Poverty and Lack of Opportunity in 4 Counties of Eastern Oklahoma

Abstract. Recently a four‐county depressed area was studied in Oklahoma. Normally depressed areas record losses in population, but an Economic Development Administration‐financed industrial park in one of the counties was successful in attracting industry, which also was expanding in adjoining counties in Arkansas. Almost half of the high school seniors had moved into the rural depressed area in the five years prior to the study. Many of the families moved from Tulsa and western urban areas, indicating a rejection of urban living. Although jobs were available for many of the patents, there were too few for both parents and recent high school graduates. High school seniors and graduates both scored high on Srole's anomie test. This group adapted to alienation by resignation. In the first year or so after high school, most of the graduates elected to remain in the area at low paying jobs; their anomie test scores dropped slightly but remained quite high. Little job counseling was provided.
Chusquea and swallenochloa poaceae bambusoideae generic relationships and new species

One new species of Chusquea and three of Swallenochloa are described. Morphological characters, especially of the culm leaves and branching, are pointed out as useful in distinguishing the two genera. A key to the 7 recognized species of Swallenochloa is given, and a discussion of its habitat, the paramo. Comment is made upon the recent evolution of the paramo habitat and therefore of the bamboo adapted to it, and reasons offered for the apparent active speciation which characterizes this bamboo genus.
Evaluation of concurrent and adjuvant carboplatin with radiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Abstract Objective. To analyze the toxicity profile and long-term outcomes of patients receiving carboplatin with concurrent radiation for locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods. A retrospective study was performed to identify patients treated with carboplatin and concurrent radiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Records were reviewed for demographic data, chemotherapy doses, toxicities, and survival outcomes. Specifically reviewed were hematologic, gastrointestinal, and renal toxicities and the need for dose modification and treatment delays. Results. Twenty-one patients with cervical carcinoma Stage IIB (7), III (13), or IVA (1) treated with carboplatin chemotherapy from 1993 to 2001 were identified. Carboplatin at a dose of 300 mg/m 2 administered every 3 weeks for an intended six courses was initiated at the start of radiation therapy. No grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or renal toxicity was observed. Nine patients had delays in chemotherapy administration and/or received a 25% reduction in the dose of chemotherapy based on one or more of the following: thrombocytopenia (platelet count n = 3), granulocytopenia (ANC n = 4), or anemia (hemoglobin n = 5). The median carboplatin AUC was 3.9 (range 3.0–5.0). Six patients developed recurrent disease (five local and one distant) with a pelvic control rate of 76% and an overall survival of 71%. Conclusion. Carboplatin at a dose of 300 mg/m 2 (equivalent to an AUC of 3.9) on an every 3-week schedule is tolerable with concurrent pelvic radiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. The efficacy of carboplatin, compared to cisplatin, as a radiation sensitizer can only be determined in a randomized clinical trial.
Factors affecting follicular populations on Day 3 postweaning and interval to ovulation in a commercial sow herd

Sows (n=146) in a commercial herd were studied to determine factors affecting follicular populations and interval to ovulation after weaning. Ovaries were examined daily by ultrasonography beginning on Day 3 postweaning and twice daily from Day 4.5 until ovulation. Ovarian images were recorded on videotape on Day 3 postweaning and follicles were counted. Subsequent ultrasounds were used to determine time of ovulation. Sows with short weaning to ovulation intervals (≤6.5 days) had follicular populations on Day 3 postweaning that were more advanced (comprised of follicles with greater diameter) when compared to sows with long (≥9 days) weaning to ovulation intervals (P<0.001). Follicular populations in sows with intermediate (7–8.5 days) intervals to ovulation were intermediate in diameter when compared to sows with short or long intervals to ovulation. Parity and body condition score (BCS) affected interval to ovulation; first parity and low body condition sows had longer intervals to ovulation (P<0.001 and 0.05, respectively). The longer intervals to ovulation in first parity and low body condition sows were associated with lesser follicular diameters on Day 3 after weaning. We conclude that follicular populations measured by ultrasonography on Day 3 after weaning were different for sows with different intervals to ovulation. Furthermore, production factors (i.e. parity and BCS) known to influence interval to ovulation were associated with differences in follicular growth within the first 3 days after weaning in sows.
All primitive and definitive hematopoietic progenitor cells emerging before E10 in the mouse embryo are products of the yolk sac

The relative contribution of yolk sac (YS)–derived cells to the circulating definitive hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) pool that seeds the fetal liver remains controversial due to the presence of systemic circulation and the onset of hematopoiesis within the embryo proper (EP) before liver seeding. Ncx1−/− embryos fail to initiate a heartbeat on embryonic day (E) 8.25, but continue to develop through E10. We detected normal numbers of primitive erythroid progenitors in Ncx1−/− versus wild type (WT) YS, but primitive erythroblasts did not circulate in the Ncx1−/− EP. While there was no significant difference in the number of definitive HPCs in Ncx1−/− versus WT YS through E9.5, the Ncx1−/− EP was nearly devoid of HPCs. Thus, primitive erythroblasts and essentially all definitive HPCs destined to initially seed the fetal liver after E9.5 are generated in the YS between E7.0-E9.5 and are redistributed into the EP via the systemic circulation.
Pathophysiology of Lymphedema

Objectives To provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and the pathophysiology of lymphedema. Data Sources Peer-reviewed publications, textbooks, and professional experience. Conclusion Many cancer patients and survivors are at risk for lymphedema that can occur in any area of the body. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses should become leaders in the early identification of lymphedema. When caring for patients with lymphedema, nurses should: 1) encourage self-care, 2) provide emotional support, 3) offer patient and lay caregiver education, 4) assess symptoms patients with lymphedema may be experiencing, and 5) develop a plan of management.
Intracellular distribution and functional importance of vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 in gastric parietal cells.

Abstract Background & Aims: Acid secretion by parietal cells involves secretagogue-dependent recycling of the H + -K + -ATPase. Proteins called soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) have been implicated as participants in membrane trafficking, docking, and fusing processes. Here we studied the intracellular distribution and functional importance of one SNARE protein, vesicle associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2), in gastric parietal cells. Methods: Using an adenoviral recombinant expression system encoding VAMP-2 (synaptobrevin-2) fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP), we expressed the GFP-VAMP-2 protein in primary cultures of rabbit parietal cells, which enables us to visualize the dynamics of GFP-VAMP-2 in a variety of functional states by fluorescence microscopy. To ascertain the function of VAMP-2 in parietal cell activation, streptolysin-O permeabilized gastric glands were treated with tetanus toxin, a potent and preferential protease for VAMP-2, and acid secretion was measured. Results: In resting parietal cells GFP was detected throughout the cytoplasm in a pattern of distribution that was very similar to that of H + -K + -ATPase. After stimulation, we observed that the GFP–VAMP-2 translocated to the apical plasma membrane along with the H + -K + -ATPase. A relatively high degree of co-localization was detected between GFP–VAMP-2 and H + -K + -ATPase. Tetanus toxin inhibited cAMP/ATP-stimulated acid secretion by about 45% in permeabilized gastric glands with a concomitant reduction in the level of immunoreactive VAMP-2. Conclusions: Adenovirus-based GFP reporter fusion proteins can be used to efficiently study the functional dynamics of SNAREs. VAMP-2 is associated with tubulovesicle membranes in the parietal cell and plays a role in stimulation-associated membrane recruitment and acid secretion. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:281-290
Fighting with one hand tied behind the back: political budget cycles in the West German states

Theories of political budget cycles have been contested because scholars find that incumbents can manipulate deficits in the pre-election period only if fiscal transparency is low. I argue that these findings do not generally rule out the possibility of fiscal electioneering. Governments may increase spending on highly visible policies. The composition of the budget serves as a second-best strategy. It increases political support without straining the budget balance. An empirical analysis of the West German states reveals alternative electoral budget strategies and ultimately point to the importance of analyzing how governments choose between alternative fiscal instruments.
Dexmedetomidine in the Treatment of Serotonin Syndrome

Objective: Patients suffering from moderate to severe serotonin syndrome frequently present with autonomic instability and altered mental status. Management of serotonin syndrome can be complex and may be refractory to treatment with benzodiazepines alone. The objective of this series is to present 3 cases of serotonin syndrome that demonstrated clinical improvement with initiation of dexmedetomidine. Case Series: We present 3 cases of severe serotonin syndrome in adolescents requiring intubation that were refractory to midazolam and/or propofol. Dexmedetomidine, an α-2 receptor agonist, was used in all 3 cases with temporal stabilization of the autonomic nervous system and improvement of agitation, and aided in successful extubation. Discussion: Although no human studies exist, rat and mouse models offer evidence that dexmedetomidine can reduce serotonin excess and stabilize signs of serotonin neurotoxicity. Conclusion: Accordingly, health care providers may consider using dexmedetomidine as adjunctive t...
Thin-Ideal Internalization: Mounting Evidence for a New Risk Factor for Body-Image Disturbance and Eating Pathology:

Body-image disturbance and eating disorders are a significant physical and mental health problem in Western countries. We describe emerging work on one newly identified variable that appears to be a potent risk factor for the development of these problems internalization of societal standards of attractiveness. Work conducted independently in our labs over the past decade has included scale development, correlational studies, prospective risk-factor studies, randomized experiments, and randomized prevention trials. Findings collectively suggest that internalization is a causal risk factor for body-image and eating disturbances, and that it appears to operate in conjunction with other established risk factors for these outcomes, including dieting and negative affect. Future research is needed to examine the specific familial, peer, and media influences that promote internalization and to replicate and extend our prospective and experimental studies.
Relationship between phase-conjugation efficiency and grating response time in semiconductor-doped glasses

It is shown experimentally that deviations from the square dependence of the phase-conjugate reflectivity in CdSxSe1−x-doped glasses on the reduced pump power can be explained by the dependence of the relaxation time of the induced optical nonlinearity on intensity. The same argument explains the diversity of several previously published results.
Three tiers of genome evolution in reptiles

Characterization of reptilian genomes is essential for understanding the overall diversity and evolution of amniote genomes, because reptiles, which include birds, constitute a major fraction of the amniote evolutionary tree. To better understand the evolution and diversity of genomic characteristics in Reptilia, we conducted comparative analyses of online sequence data from Alligator mississippiensis (alligator) and Sphenodon punctatus (tuatara) as well as genome size and karyological data from a wide range of reptilian species. At the whole-genome and chromosomal tiers of organization, we find that reptilian genome size distribution is consistent with a model of continuous gradual evolution while genomic compartmentalization, as manifested in the number of microchromosomes and macrochromosomes, appears to have undergone early rapid change. At the sequence level, the third genomic tier, we find that exon size in Alligator is distributed in a pattern matching that of exons in Gallus (chicken), especially in the 101-200 bp size class. A small spike in the fraction of exons in the 301 bp-1 kb size class is also observed for Alligator, but more so for Sphenodon. For introns, we find that members of Reptilia have a larger fraction of introns within the 101 bp-2 kb size class and a lower fraction of introns within the 5-30 kb size class than do mammals. These findings suggest that the mode of reptilian genome evolution varies across three hierarchical levels of the genome, a pattern consistent with a mosaic model of genomic evolution.
An Interactive Web-Based Approach to Perform Full-Scale Tensile Testing Experiments

An interactive web-based software on ‘Tensile Testing of Materials’ is developed to help undergraduate students learn more effectively about the objectives, procedure, and methods used in the experiment. The main objective was to better prepare the students in performing their tasks during the physical experiment. The intention of this project is to reap the benefits of both web based training as well as performing the experiments in a practical and interactive sense. Access to the software is given to the students before performing the actual experiment. The software is evaluated to assess its effectiveness. Our initial results verify that the virtual lab could be an effective tool in preparation of the students for the actual experimental tasks in a laboratory environment. In the following paper, the design of the software, important elements of the virtual lab and the evaluation results will be presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Inequalities for ordered sums

Letx i =y i +z i ,i=1, ...n, and writex (1)≦...≦x (n) , with corresponding notation for the orderedy i andz i . It is shown, for example, that\(x_{(r)} \geqq \mathop {\max }\limits_{i = 1, \cdots ,r} (y_{(i)} + z_{(r + 1 - i)} )\),r=1, ...n. Inequalities are also obtained for convex (or concave) functions of thex (i) . The results lead immediately to bounds for the expected values of order statistics in nonstandard situations in terms of simpler expectations. A small numerical example illustrates the method.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Expression Prevents Diet-Induced Atherosclerotic Lesions in Male db/db Mice

Objective— Accompanying more atherogenic lipoprotein profiles and an increased incidence of atherosclerosis, plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is depressed in diabetic obese patients...
A reliable transport protocol for the tactical internet

This paper presents a candidate transport protocol that is being developed to provide reliable data transfer over tactical communications systems. The paper addresses data transport requirements, protocol comparisons, and baseline protocol modifications. The modifications include improvements in communications efficiency for large or small messages and communications reliability within a tactical internet. The baseline protocol selection is the block transfer protocol NETBLT.
A framework for modeling agent-oriented software

With the increasing importance of complex software systems in the software industry, the need for using agent technologies to develop large-scale commercial and industrial software systems is growing rapidly. Such systems are complex, and there is a pressing need for system modeling techniques to support reliable, maintainable and extensible design. G-nets are a type of Petri net defined to support the modeling of a system as a set of independent and loosely-coupled modules. In this paper, we first introduce an extension of G-nets - the agent-based G-net - as a generic model for agent design. Then, to progress from an agent-based design model to an agent-oriented model, new mechanisms to support inheritance modeling are introduced. To illustrate our formal modeling technique for multi-agent systems, an example of an agent family in electronic commerce is provided.
Administration of Voriconazole in Patients With Renal Dysfunction

Background. The intravenous use of voriconazole requires coadministration with sulphobutylether-b-cyclodextrin, which may accumulate in patients with impaired renal function. Methods. All adult patients treated with the same formulation of voriconazole for a minimum of 3 consecutive days were included. Renal function was assessed based on the creatinine level and the calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl). Change in renal function was calculated on days 3, 7, and end of treatment (EOT) and was defined based on the RIFLE criteria. Results. Among 166 patients in whom baseline renal function was assessed, 42 (25.3%) had a CrCl ,50 mL/min and received intravenous voriconazole, 77 (46.4%) had a CrCl $50 mL/min and received intravenous voriconazole, and 47 (28.3%) had a CrCl ,50 mL/min and were treated with oral voriconazole. Renal function changed on days 3, 7, and EOT in 19 (11.4%), 14 (8.4%), and 28 (16.9%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified significant predictors of renal dysfunction: (1) day 3, hematologic malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 5.09, P 5 .01), fluconazole use within 30 days prior to voriconazole (OR, 6.21; P 5 .008), coadministration of penicillins (OR, 6.12; P 5 .03), and immunosuppressants (OR, 7.00; P 5 .002); (2) day 7, baseline liver impairment (OR, 5.30; P value 5 .004); (3) EOT, administration of penicillins (OR, 2.39; P 5 .04). Conclusions. Voriconazole route of administration and baseline renal function were not predictors of worsening renal dysfunction on days 3, 7, and EOT. Underlying disease, baseline liver impairment, and concomitant administration of other drugs (eg, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, immunosuppressants) were the strongest predictors
Nek4 Regulates Entry into Replicative Senescence and the Response to DNA Damage in Human Fibroblasts

When explanted into culture, normal human cells exhibit a finite number of cell divisions before entering a proliferative arrest termed replicative senescence. To identify genes essential for entry into replicative senescence, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi)-based loss-of-function screen and found that suppression of the Never in Mitosis Gene A (NIMA)-related protein kinase gene NEK4 disrupted timely entry into senescence. NEK4 suppression extended the number of population doublings required to reach replicative senescence in several human fibroblast strains and resulted in decreased transcription of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. NEK4-suppressed cells displayed impaired cell cycle arrest in response to double-stranded DNA damage, and mass spectrometric analysis of Nek4 immune complexes identified a complex containing DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit [DNA-PK(cs)], Ku70, and Ku80. NEK4 suppression causes defects in the recruitment of DNA-PK(cs) to DNA upon induction of double-stranded DNA damage, resulting in reduced p53 activation and H2AX phosphorylation. Together, these observations implicate Nek4 as a novel regulator of replicative senescence and the response to double-stranded DNA damage.
Reassessing hominoid phylogeny: evaluating congruence in the morphological and temporal data

The phylogenetic relationships of fossil and extant members of the primate superfamily Hominoidea are reassessed by using both conventional (morphological) cladistic and stratocladistic (incorporating morphological and temporal data) techniques. The cladistic analysis recovers four most parsimonious cladograms that distinguish postcranially primitive (“archaic”) and derived (“modern”) hominoid clades in the earliest Miocene of East Africa and supports distinct hominine and pongine clades. However, the relationships among the pongines and hominine clades and other Eurasian hominoids remain ambiguous and there is weak support (Bremer decay indices, reduced consensus, and bootstrap proportions) for several other parts of the proposed phylogeny. An examination of the partitioning of homoplasy across the two major hominoid clades recovered in the cladistic analysis indicates that the majority of the observed homoplasy resides in the postcranially derived clade. An examination of the partitioning of homoplasy across anatomical regions indicates that dental characters display a significantly higher level of homoplasy than postcranial characters. A rarefaction analysis demonstrates that the higher homoplasy associated with the dental characters is not the result of sampling biases, indicating that postcranial skeletal characters are likely the more reliable phylogenetic indicators in the hominoids. The branching order of the most parsimonious cladograms shows better than average congruence with the observed ordering of first appearances in the fossil record, implying that the hominoid fossil record is surprisingly good. As with morphologic parsimony debt, most of the stratigraphic parsimony debt in these cladograms is associated with the “modern” hominoid clade. A stratocladistic analysis of the data recovers a single most parsimonious phylogenetic tree with a different cladistic topology from the morphological cladogram. The most striking difference is the elimination of the postcranially primitive clade of hominoids in the early Miocene in favor of a pectinate succession of taxa. The relative position of the late-appearing taxon Oreopithecus is also altered in the stratocladistic hypothesis. Topological differences between the cladistic and stratocladistic hypotheses highlight two intervals of significant discord between the morphological and temporal data—the early Miocene of eastern Africa and the late Miocene of Eurasia. The first discrepancy is likely the result of poor preservation and morphological homoplasy in Morotopithecus , as the fossil record in the early Miocene of eastern Africa for the ingroup is rather good. The second discrepancy is likely the result of the unusual preservation conditions associated with the late Miocene hominoid Oreopithecus .
Truck tyres and roads

Firstly, the article analyses the contact interactions exerted by the tyre on the roadway, as well as the influence of certain parameters (load, inflation pressure, internal temperature) on these interactions. The article then proceeds to compare wide base single and dual tyre assemblies. This section describes: the peculiarities of dual tyre assemblies on contact interactions; elements from a bibliographical study of the influence of the type of tyre compared with that of other factors on the rutting of roadways; the advantages of wide base single tyre assemblies. Using these elements as a base, the article raises the problem of the pertinence of certain regulations introduced in some countries, due to problems of damage to roadways, that led to wide base single assemblies being penalised.
Characterization of embryonic aortic impedance with lumped parameter models.

We systematically constructed and analyzed 18 analog circuit models to characterize embryonic arterial impedance. We measured simultaneous dorsal aortic pressure and flow, and we calculated experim...