cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance of pentapeptides of glycine containing central residues of serine, threonine, aspartic and glutamic acids, asparagine, and glutamine.

Abstract Pentapeptides containing either l-serine, l-threonine, l-aspartic acid, l-asparagine, l-glutamic acid, or l-glutamine as central residue in the pattern glycylglycyl-X-glycylglycine have been studied by proton-decoupled natural abundance 13C Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Resonances were assigned by comparison with the free amino acids and by detailed observation of changes in chemical shifts with pH over the range 1.3 to 10.5. The effect of varying the nature of the central residue on the chemical shifts of the flanking glycine residues was established. Each resonance was categorized according to the degree of sensitivity to the state of protonation of the terminal and side chain groups, and the pK values at 26° for those groups were determined from the pH dependence of the most sensitive resonances. The side chain carboxyl group dissociation constants were 3.92 and 4.15 for the aspartic and glutamic acid peptides, respectively. Several resonances showed pH-sensitive broadening phenomena, with splitting detectable in the Cβ of the aspartic acid peptide near the pH corresponding to its pK value. Spin-lattice relaxation times, T1, of protonated carbon nuclei were measured, often at more than one pH value for a given pentapeptide. The pattern of grading of T1 values within each peptide was similar to that observed previously (Keim, P., Vigna, R.A., Marshall, R.C., and Gurd, F. R. N. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 6104–6113), except that effects of aggregation were not apparent in the present study. In most cases there appear to be considerable restrictions on the freedom of rotational motion of the β-carbons. Changes in T1 attributable to pH changes were again more marked for resonances most sensitive to amino group protonation than for those most sensitive to carboxyl group protonation.
Studies on the hexapod nervous system: V. The ultrastructure of cockroach gliosomes

Neuroglial cytoplasmic inclusions which correspond to gliosomes have been studied with the electron microscope in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. The inclusions occur as irregularly-shaped bodies bounded by, or enclosing, variably-elaborated multiple membranes. Gliosomes commonly contain a moderately osmiophilic, homogeneous, finely-granular matrix. The limiting membranes frequently appear to be interrupted. Where this occurs the granular matrix seems continuous with the surrounding glial cytoplasm. The possible cytological significance of these findings is discussed.
Avoiding failure via pre-planned responses and time-bounded planning

Complex plans are required to safely operate an autonomous system in a dynamic environment. An ideal planner would build all reactions offline so it could deliberate as long as necessary to develop its response set. However, it may be impossible to build and store all plans offline, so online planning is required whenever previously unplanned-for situations arise. In a dynamic system, online planning must be terminated within time bounds imposed by the environment, with potentially adverse affects on plan quality. We propose that the primary goal of any system is to avoid failure (e.g., system destruction), and a secondary consideration is to achieve other goals. In this abstract, we propose a method to balance offline vs. online planning in terms of failure avoidance. We combine pre-planned responses with time-bounded online planning in CIRCA, the Cooperative Intelligent Real-time Control Architecture (Musliner, Durfee, and Shin 1993), shown in Figure 1. CIRCA combines a planner, scheduler, and real-time plan execution subsystem (RTS) to allow guaranteed performance for critical responses. We have augmented CIRCA to allow contingency plan storage via a Plan Dispatcher module and a small but quicklyaccessed cache within the RTS.
Types of Contact Binary Systems and Ways to Find Them

Generally, the designation of contact system among close binary systems means that the components are so close that they are physically touching each other or are joined together. They can be classified into four distinct groups based on the characteristics of their common atmospheres: late-type low mass systems (W UMa systems) with common convective atmospheres, early-type massive systems with common radiative atmospheres, mix- or intermediate-type systems consisting of a cooler component with a convective stellar atmosphere and a hotter companion with a radiative stellar atmosphere, and supergiant contact systems with very deep common convective atmospheres. In addition, there is one very peculiar group called double contact systems. In these systems, each of their components is being in contact with its respective critical equal potential surface but the components are not in physical contact with each other!
Emergence and definitions of digital libraries

This is a preprint of a chapter whose final and definitive form was co-published in Exploring Digital Libraries: Foundations, Practice, Prospects by Facet Publishing (2014) and ALA Neal-Schuman (2014).
Incorporation of vascular information into interactive image-guided surgery

Incorporation of Vascular Information into Interactive, Image-Guided SurgeryRobert L. Galloway, W. Andrew Bass, James D. Stefansic, Robert J. MaciunasVanderbilt University, Department of Biomedical EngineeringNashville, TN 37235ABSTRACTIn interactive, image-guided surgery (JIGS) we use stacked slice tomographic image sets as three dimensionalmaps of the patient's anatomy. Such sets can provide exquisite information on bony anatomy (Computed Tomography),soft tissue structure and lesion definition (Magnetic Resonance) or function (Positron Emission Tomography). However,none of these tomographic sets clearly show the location and extent of vascular structures, which may be of criticalimportance to the surgical process.Vascular information can be obtained from conventional x-ray angiography (XRA), a form of projection imaging,or from tomographic scans sensitive to flow such as Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) or Computed TomographyAngiography (CTA). Projection images show the extent and intersection of vessels at high resolution but lose the three-dimensional relationship of the vessels during image formation. The high resolution available from conventionalangiograms makes them attractive for the localization of small aneurysms and other vascular anomalies, but the projectionnature of the image makes displaying surgical position difficult.We have developed techniques for interactively displaying surgical position on both tomographically derivedvascular sets such as CTA and MRA and on projection sets such as XRA. In the XRA images, homologous points aredetermined on the film and on the patient. Since we use extrinsic, bone-implanted fiducial markers for our surgicalguidance system, these markers can serve as most, if not all, of our homologous points and can be localized very preciselyon the film and in 3-space. A homogeneous transform matrix (HTM) is constructed to provide a best "first-guess" ofposition. The HTM is decomposed into nine spatial parameters which represent the XRA process and those parametersare optimized using Powell's Conjugate Direction Method.In the tomographic vascular images, the issue is not one of registration but one of display. We presently trackprobe position on tomographic slices but the information inherent in vascular tomograms is masked by a raster-slicedisplay; the vessel's path and extent are difficult to discern. Vascular path and extent are best displayed as a rotoscope ofprojection images created from the raster-slice set. By "rotating" a series of projection images the three-dimensionalgeometry is discerned by motion parallax.Keywords: Image-Guided Surgery, Registration, Angiography
Transcendental philosophy and mathematical physics

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Kant’s views on the metaphysical foundations of Newtonian mathematical physics and his more general transcendental philosophy articulated in the Critique of pure reason. I argue that the relationship between the two positions is very close indeed and, in particular, that taking this relationship seriously can shed new light on the structure of the transcendental deduction of the categories as expounded in the second edition of the Critique.
Oleic Acid Inhibits Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase by a Protein Kinase C–Independent Mechanism

Many obese hypertensive individuals have a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. This cluster includes plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations and turnover rates that are higher and more resistant to suppression by insulin than in lean and obese normotensive individuals. The higher fatty acids may contribute to cardiovascular risk in these patients by inhibiting endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase activity. To test this hypothesis, we quantified the effects of oleic (18:1[cis]) and other 18-carbon fatty acids on nitric oxide synthase activity in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells by measuring the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline. Oleic acid (from 10 to 100 mumol/L) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in nitric oxide synthase activity at baseline and during ATP and ionomycin (Ca2+ ionophore) stimulation. At 100 mumol/L, linoleic (18:2[cis]) and oleic acids caused similar reductions of nitric oxide synthase activity, whereas elaidic (18:1[trans]) and stearic (18:0) acids had no effect. Oleic acid also inhibited the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine in rabbit femoral artery rings preconstricted with phenylephrine (P < .05) but had no effect on the response to nitroprusside. The pattern of 18-carbon fatty acid effects on nitric oxide synthase activity in endothelial cells is consistent with activation of protein kinase C. Although oleic acid increased protein kinase C activity in endothelial cells, neither depletion of protein kinase C by 24-hour pretreatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate nor its inhibition with staurosporine eliminated the inhibitory effect of oleic acid on nitric oxide synthase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Attenuated expression of SECIS binding protein 2 causes loss of telomeric reserve without affecting telomerase

The family of selenoproteins have a broad range of functions, including protection against oxidative damage. Previous studies have shown that elevated levels of oxidative damage can induce accelerated loss of telomeric DNA during proliferation of mammalian cells. The incorporation of selenocysteine (Sec) into proteins in mammalian cells requires the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) binding protein 2 (SBP2). Thus in the present study we have assessed the effect of knocking down the expression of SBP2 on telomere length. Following knock-down of SBP2 expression in 2 different human cell lines, the MSTO mesothelioma cell line (~5 Kb average telomere length) and SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line (~4.2 Kb average telomere length), we observed a significant reduction (−0.6 to −1.1Kb; P≤0.01) in telomere length as compared to control cells. This reduction in telomere length was independent of affects on telomerase, since both telomerase activity levels and Tert mRNA expression levels were not altered by knockdown of SBP2 expression. Furthermore, telomeres were particularly sensitive to S1 nuclease digestion following SBP2 knock-down, indicating an increased frequency of oxidative damage induced lesions in the telomeric DNA in these cells. Together, these observations imply that selenoproteins may help protect telomeric reserve in mammalian cells.
Localization of human ERBA2 to the 3p22----3p24.1 region of chromosome 3 and variable deletion in small cell lung cancer

Human genes homologous to the v-erbA oncogene of avian erythroblastosis virus have been mapped to at least two human chromosomes. Recently, the ERBA2 gene was shown to encode a thyroid hormone receptor and localized to chromosome 3 by using flow-sorted chromosomes. We now demonstrate that this gene is located at 3p22----3p24.1, using both somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization studies. Since this localization is close to the distal border of the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) 3p14----3p23 deletion, we undertook additional studies to examine the ERBA2 gene in SCLC. Using somatic cell hybrids constructed from the SCLC line NCI-H182 as well as matched patient tumor and control tissue samples, we found that ERBA2 is variably deleted. Therefore, ERBA2 defines at the molecular level the distal border of the SCLC deletion and further implies that the putative suppressor gene is located centromeric of this locus. We also determined that, at least in NCI-H182, the 3p14 breakpoint is proximal to the constitutive 3p14.2 fragile site. These studies would indicate that the mechanism or initiation site of chromosomal rearrangement in SCLC is different from that which occurs during induction of the 3p14 fragile site by aphidicolin.
Evaluation of interfacial properties in adhesive joints of aluminum alloys using angle-beam ultrasonic spectroscopy

This paper reports an ultrasonic angle-beam technique for the evaluation of interfacial properties of adhesive joints. The technique is based on measurement of the frequency response of obliquely incident ultrasonic signals from an adherend-adhesive interface. A theoretical model was developed for analysis of the interaction between the obliquely incident ultrasonic waves and multilayered adhesive joints. A special ultrasonic goniometer using only one ultrasonic transducer was built to measure the reflected signals. Samples with controlled interfacial properties were prepared for experimental determination of these properties. The experimental results were in good agreement with those predicted from the model. It was found that some of the minima loci in the reflected frequency spectra are independent of either the thickness or the elastic properties of the interfacial layer. This enables us to develop a simple and stable reconstruction procedure to determine the thickness and interfacial properties from ...
Brain imaging findings in symptomatic patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Correlation with clinical outcome

To investigate the risk factors for, and the incidence of, structural abnormalities on brain imaging in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, and correlate these findings with survival. We retrospectively reviewed all brain computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies obtained during the first post-HSCT year from 2004 thru 2007 in allogeneic HSCT recipients. A total of 128 patients had brain imaging in the first post-HSCT year. Forty one of these 128 patients (32 %) had structural abnormalities on brain imaging: cerebrovascular complications (n = 10), central nervous system (CNS) infection (n = 9), subdural fluid collection (n = 6), CNS recurrence of haematological malignancy (n = 11), and drug toxicity abnormalities (n = 5). The only significant risk factor for structural imaging abnormality was younger patient age (P = 0.01). MRI was significantly more likely than CT to provide specific imaging diagnosis of cerebral lesions (P = 0.001). HSCT patients with cerebrovascular complications have poor survival (P < 0.05). However, overall survival was not significantly worse for the 41 patients with the structural imaging abnormalities as compared to the 87 patients who had brain imaging but no structural abnormalities. There was no survival difference in patients whose brain imaging was normal or abnormal. However, there was poor outcome in patients with cerebrovascular complications after HSCT. • Brain imaging frequently demonstrates neurological complications following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. • Younger HSCT patients are more likely to exhibit abnormal brain imaging findings. • HSCT recipients with cerebrovascular complications have the worst survival. • However brain imaging results are weak indicators of overall survival after HSCT.
Multiple sclerosis: Which MRI findings predict MS development in children?

MRI-based diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been devised for use in adult populations, but diagnosis of MS in children remains a challenge. To address this issue, a new study attempts to identify MRI characteristics that predict development of MS in children with acute demyelinating syndromes.
2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) Directly Enhances the Maturation and Apoptosis of Dendritic Cells In Vitro.

Abstract2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) suppresses adaptive immune responses and modulates the function of numerous cells involved in these responses. Our laboratory has shown that dendritic cells (DCs), which are important for the initiation of T-cell-dependent immunity, from TCDD-exposed mice exhibited reduced cell numbers and had altered expression of costimulatory molecules that are critical for the activation of T-cells. To further characterize the effects of TCDD on DCs and to elucidate a potential mechanism of toxicity, we investigated the direct effects of TCDD on DC maturation and survival in vitro. DCs, derived from bone marrow cells, were exposed to TCDD and then treated with TNFα to induced maturation. Apoptosis of bone marrow derived DCs (bmDCs) was induced by activating CD95 on the surface of the cells and was measured by annexin V staining. The TCDD-mediated changes in the expression of genes associated with apoptosis were examined using a pathway-specific c-DNA microarray. The r...
Development and validation of an Overall Anxiety Severity And Impairment Scale (OASIS)

Establishing severity and impairment associated with anxiety is important in many settings. We developed a brief (five-item) continuous measure, the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS), which can be used across anxiety disorders, with multiple anxiety disorders, and with subthreshold anxiety symptoms. Seven hundred eleven college students completed the OASIS and additional self-report assessments of anxiety-related concerns and symptoms. A subset of students completed several measures again 1 month later. Results of a split-sample analysis suggested a single-factor structure, with all five items having salient loadings. The OASIS demonstrated excellent 1-month test-retest reliability, and convergent and divergent validity. The OASIS merits consideration as a brief measure of anxiety-related severity and impairment that can be used across anxiety disorders.
Luminance--brightness comparisons of separated circular stimuli.

An experiment was conducted in which observers adjusted the luminance of a 2856-K white comparison source to appear as bright as a chromatic source of known luminance. Twenty different chromatic sources were used, each subtending a visual angle of 1°. The results show that, for sources having the same dominant wavelength, the amount of white light required to make a brightness match increases as saturation increases. Additional observations were made using four of the chromatic sources at viewing subtenses of 20′ and 6′. These results show that the amount of white light required to make a brightness match decreased as the source size decreased. The rate of decrease was most rapid for the red source.
Developmental aspects of the Brückner test.

Normal infants ranging from newborn to 10 months of age were examined in order to study age-related variation in the behavior of the fundus reflexes seen in the course of performing the Bruckner test. Most infants 8 months of age and older show the characteristic symmetric dimming of the fundus reflexes in both eyes occurring with central fixation. Neonates and most infants younger than 2 months of age do not show dimming of the fundus reflex with fixation, probably due to an inability to accommodate accurately. Between 2 and 8 months of age, up to 28% of infants have asymmetric dimming of the fundus reflexes in the two eyes. In contrast to older children in which this is a pathologic finding, asymmetric fundus reflexes occurring in this age range may represent a normal stage of development.
Sensitivity Enhancement of Remotely Coupled NMR Detectors using Wirelessly Powered Parametric Amplification

A completely wireless detection coil with an integrated parametric amplifier has been constructed to provide local amplification and transmission of MR signals. The sample coil is one element of a parametric amplifier using a zero-bias diode that mixes the weak MR signal with a strong pump signal that is obtained from an inductively coupled external loop. The NMR sample coil develops current gain via reduction in the effective coil resistance. Higher gain can be obtained by adjusting the level of the pumping power closer to the oscillation threshold, but the gain is ultimately constrained by the bandwidth requirement of MRI experiments. A feasibility study here shows that on a NaCl/D2O phantom, 23Na signals with 20 dB of gain can be readily obtained with a concomitant bandwidth of 144 kHz. This gain is high enough that the integrated coil with parametric amplifier, which is coupled inductively to external loops, can provide sensitivity approaching that of direct wire connection. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parabrachial gustatory neural responses to monosodium glutamate ingested by awake rats.

Abstract A sample of 41 gustatory neurons isolated in the parabrachial nuclei of awake, behaving rats was tested with sapid solutions of 0.1 M monosodium glutamate (MSG), 0.5 mM of guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP), and a mixture of MSG and GMP as well as with 0.3 M sucrose, 0.1 M NaCl, 0.01 M citric acid, and 0.0001 M QHCl. Interneuronal correlation coefficients and factor analysis indicated that both the sodium cation and glutamic anion contributed to the activity elicited by MSG. Guanosine potentiated the responses to MSG, but only in neurons that also responded to sucrose. These results suggest that the gustatory contribution to the flavor denoted by the Japanese word “umami” may be mediated, in part, by neurons that also respond to chemicals described by humans as sweet.
A single service for Canada

(1967). A single service for Canada? The Adelphi Papers: Vol. 7, A Single Service for Canada, pp. 1-14.
Three different molecular weight forms of the vitellogenin peptide from Xenopus laevis.

Summary Vitellogenin derived from the blood of estrogen-treated Xenopus laevis is comprised of at least 3 different polypeptides, designated α-, β-, and γ-vitellogenin. The molecular weights of the three polypeptides are 197,000, 188, 000 and 182, 000, respectively, and the ratio of their relative amounts is approximately 2α: 2β: 1γ.
Trends in culturally relevant interface design features for Latino Web site users

There is a lack of published research on designing Web-based instruction for the adult U.S. Latino population. Instructional designers need guidance on how to design culturally relevant learning environments for this audience, particularly for Latino people from Mexican heritage. The authors used content analysis to investigate the extent to which 20 U.S. state food stamp Web sites and 20 Mexican state government Web sites contained culturally relevant interface features targeted at the Spanish-speaking Latino population. Web sites were coded for 10 features distilled from Hofstede’s work on cultural differences. Results indicated that more culturally and linguistically relevant features, including Hofstede’s dimensions of collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance, as well as adequacy of information in Spanish, were found on Mexican than on U.S. Web sites. The findings suggest that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory might provide a useful framework for designing Web-based resources for the adult U.S. Spanish-speaking Latino population and provides additional evidence to further investigate if Web-based interface features tailored for U.S. Latino Web users motivate users, strengthen communication, and promote learning.
Network Mediated Discursive Education: From Computational to Networked Knowledge in the University

In the 1990s, knowledge management originated as a post-Fordist, information society, discourse that stressed the sociotechnical “capture” and distribution of knowledge as a sharable, information resource. Following a postindustrial model, the information/knowledge economy was seen as the leading productive sector. Today's networked systems mix information processing and retrieval and communication technologies in new ways. While such systems demand new tools for capturing, organizing, searching, ranking, and visualizing knowledge, such systems also offer new opportunities for education and for better, shared, research. This article reviews the status of computational technologies in university education in, and since, Jean-Francois Lyotard's The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge and then offers recommendations on bridging the divide between networked and critical thinking through the reorganization of the university and some of its functions.
Measured overall perturbation factors at depths greater than dmax for ionization chambers in electron beams.

In electron beamdosimetry the perturbation effect in the medium by the ionization chamber cavity is accounted for by introducing a replacement correction factor, P repl . Another perturbation correction factor, denoted as P wall , is due to the materials of the walls of the parallel-plate chamber differing from the phantom material. Because of the difficulties in separating these two components, we measure the overall perturbation factor, p q =P repl P wall . A distinct advantage of parallel-plate ionization chambers over cylindrical chambers is that p q has been shown to be close to unity at the standard calibration depth, d max . However, for many dosimetry applications it is necessary to know the overall perturbation factor at depths greater than d max . We measured the overall perturbation factor at depths greater than d max (approximating the 95%, 90% and 50% depth dose) for a Farmer-type cylindrical ionization chamber and three parallel-plate ionization chambers. We assumed that p q for the NACP chamber is unity at these measurement depths. The depth dependence for the other chambers was then measured relative to the NACP chamber. The mean energy at depth, E d , and percentage depth dose gradient ranges studied were 1.9–18.5 MeV and 0 to 4.5%/mm, respectively. For the other two parallel-plate chambers, we find p q to be unity at depths where the percent depth dose is greater than 90%, but it deviates from unity at deeper depths, where the dose gradients exceed about 2.5%/mm. For the cylindrical chamber, p q values at depths greater than d max were found to be in good agreement with those in TG 21, where the energy at depth, E d , is used to evaluate p q .
Metaphyseal and diaphyseal chondroblastomas.

Objective Epiphyseal/apophyseal locations are important diagnostic radiological features of chondroblastomas (CB). Although the tumor may secondarily involve the metaphysis, reports of primary metaphyseal or diaphyseal CB without any epiphyseal or apophyseal involvement are exceptionally rare and frequently present as a diagnostic dilemma. The purpose of this study was to present seven cases of pure metaphyseal and/or diaphyseal CB along with a review of pertinent literature.
NANOPLASTICITY OF SINGLE-WALL CARBON NANOTUBES UNDER UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION

Nano-plasticity of thin single-wall carbon nanotubes under uniaxial compression is investigated through generalized tight-binding molecular dynamics (GTBMD) and ab-initio electronic structure methods. A novel mechanism of nano-plasticity of carbon nanotubes under uniaxial compression is observed in which bonding geometry collapses from a graphitic (sp(sup 2)) to a localized diamond like (sp(sup 3)) reconstruction. The computed critical stress (approximately equals 153 G Pa) and the shape of the resulting plastic deformation is in good agreement with recent experimental observation of collapse and fracture of compressed carbon nanotubes in polymer composites.
The Introduction of an Indigenous Blowfly Parasite, Alysia ridibunda Say, Into Uvalde County, Texas.

The great injury by blowflies to the livestock industry in Texas and the occurrence of a braconid, Alysia ridibunda Say, in abundance as a parasite of blowfly larvae in New Mexico and Arizona led to attempts to introduce this species into southwestern Texas, where several years' work comprising thousands of observations and tests during all seasons of the year indicated that this parasite was not present.
A Search for Ultra-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from the Crab Nebula and Pulsar

We have examined 2.4 × 109 events recorded by the Chicago Air Shower Array-Michigan Muon Array (CASA-MIA) experiment for evidence of ultra-high-energy (100 TeV) neutral particle and gamma-ray emissions from the Crab Nebula and Pulsar between 1990 March 4 and 1995 October 9. No such emissions have been detected. Over this interval, the 90% confidence level integral flux limits for continuous emission above 141 TeV are 2.08 × 10-14 cm-2 s-1 for any neutral particle (which can produce a detectable air shower) and 9.21 × 10-15 cm-2 s-1 for gamma rays. There is no evidence of transient emission on timescales of 1 day or longer. The 90% confidence level integral flux limit for emission on a single day is conservatively estimated to be 4.40 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 for any neutral particle and 5.09 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 for gamma rays. There is no evidence for emission from the pulsar at the radio period on intervals of 1 day or longer. The 2 σ (97.7% confidence) limit on the pulsed flux on the most significant day is 3.29 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 for any neutral particle with mass less than 21 MeV, and 8.31 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 for gamma rays. For an interval of 162 sidereal days beginning 1992 March 1, the pulsed flux limit was 2.39 × 10-13 cm-2 s-1 for any neutral particle with mass less than 21 MeV, again above 141 TeV.
CRNK Gene Transfer Improves Function and Reverses the Myosin Heavy Chain Isoenzyme Switch During Post-Myocardial Infarction Left Ventricular Remodeling

PYK2 is a Ca(2+)-dependent, nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase that is involved in the induction of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and its transition to heart failure. We and others have previously investigated PYK2's function in vitro using cultured neonatal and adult rat ventricular myocytes as model systems. However, the function of PYK2 in the in vivo adult heart remains unclear. Here we evaluate the effect of PYK2 inhibition following myocardial infarction (MI) using adenoviral (Adv) overexpression of the C-terminal domain of PYK2, known as CRNK. First we demonstrate that CRNK functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of PYK2-dependent signaling, presumably by displacing PYK2 from focal adhesions and costameres. Then, male Sprague-Dawley rats (~300 g) underwent permanent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. One wk post-MI, either Adv-GFP (n=34) or Adv-CRNK (n=28) was administered (10(10) pfu, 0.1 ml) via catheter-based, Optison-mediated gene transfer. LV structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography 1 and 3 wk after gene transfer, and LV tissue was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. CRNK overexpression was readily detected by Western blotting 1 wk following gene transfer. Adv-CRNK improved overall survival (P=0.03; Logrank Test) and LV fractional shortening (23+/-2% vs. 31+/-2% for Adv-GFP vs. Adv-CRNK infected animals, respectively; P<0.05). Whereas MI hearts exhibited increased beta-, and decreased alpha-myosin heavy chain (MHC) mRNA expression characteristic of LVH, Adv-CRNK reversed the MHC isoenzyme switch (3.3+/-1.4 fold increase in alpha MHC; 0.4+/-0.1 fold decrease in beta MHC; P<0.05 for both). In summary, CRNK gene transfer improves survival, increases LV function, and alters MHC gene expression suggesting an attenuation of LV remodeling post-MI.
AJR teaching file: fat-containing mass in the interatrial septum

Clinical History A 78-year-old woman with nonspecific chest pain and palpitations was found to have a hyperechoic mass in the interatrial septum (IAS) on echocardiography. Contrast-enhanced chest CT was performed for further evaluation of the mass.
Densitometric equipment for rapid quantitation of aflatoxins on thin layer chromatograms 1

A densitometric instrument (Spotmeter) has been designed for rapid measurement of aflatoxin on thin layer chromatographic plates. The Spotmeter measures the total amount of fluorescence of the aflatoxin spot and thus eliminates the need for scanning mecha-nisms, plotters and integrators incorporated into most commercially available densitometers used for aflatoxin analyses. In comparison with a Schoeffel SD 3000 Spectrodensitometer, the Spotmeter was more accurate in one test and at least equally accurate in another test. The Spotmeter made measurements in 1/4 the time required for the Spectrodensitometer and would cost about 1/6 as much as commercially available densitometers suitable for aflatoxin analyses.
The role of cognitions in bulimia nervosa

This research investigated several characteristics of the cognitions of 15 bulimics, 15 repetitive dieters, and 15 nonbulimic, nondieting women using an in vivo thought-sampling procedure. Following training, subjects self-monitored their thoughts every 30 min for two randomly selected days. Subjects' cognitions were rated by independent raters on content, affective tone, accuracy, and adherence to a dichotomous thinking style. Results indicated bulimics reported significantly greater proportions of eating- and weight-related thoughts than non-eating-disordered control subjects and significantly greater proportions of negative affective thoughts than repetitive dieters and non-eating-disordered control subjects. Furthermore, bulimics were significantly more likely to report distorted eating- and weight-related thoughts than the remaining groups. While bulimics were not significantly more preoccupied with thoughts of food independent of eating, thoughts of weight and body shape composed a significantly greater proportion of their eating- and weight-related thoughts than those of the remaining groups. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Differential Regulation of Vitamin D Responsive Elements in Normal and Transformed Keratinocytes

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) derived from human epidermis fail to differentiate normally under the influence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 [ despite the presence of the vitamin D receptor. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) was upregulated transcriptionally by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in normal human keratinocytes, and a vitamin D responsive element (VDRE) in its promoter region has been identified. To examine the inducibility of human PLC-γ1 transcription by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and/or retinoic acid in SCC cell lines, we transiently transfected SCC4 and SCC12B2 cells with human PLC-γ1 promoter-luciferase constructs containing the VDRE and tested the response of these constructs to 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and/or all-trans retinoic acid. The induction of the human PLC-γ1 VDRE by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was synergistic with all-trans retinoic acid in normal human keratinocytes, but none of the constructs was induced by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and/or all-trans retinoic acid in SCC4 and SCC12B2 cells. In contrast, the construct containing the VDRE of the human 24-hydroxylase gene was induced several fold by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in normal human keratinocytes and by both 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and all-trans retinoic acid in SCC4 and SCC12B2 cells. DNA mobility shift assays showed that both the vitamin D receptor and the retinoic acid receptor in SCC4 and SCC12B2 cells bound the human PLC-γ1 VDRE similarly to that seen in normal keratinocytes. The data indicate that the VDRE in the human PLC-γ1 gene is not functional in SCC4 and SCC12B2 cells, unlike normal human keratinocytes, even though vitamin D receptors bind normally to it. Failure of transcriptional control of the PLC-γ1 gene by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 suggests the lack of a cofactor(s) linking the VDRE to the transcriptional machinery.
The Experiencing, Negotiation, Breaking, and Remaking of Gender Rules and Regulations by Queer Youth

ABSTRACT Earlier research positioned queer students as victims, and more recent scholarship positions them as agents. This study works to recognize and learn from the multiple subject positions of these youth by documenting subtleties regarding the experiences and negotiations of gender rules and regulations. When youth claim multiple subject positions, they are better able to identify, name, and work against oppression. Educators need to strive to make schools spaces where all students can engage in story lines that position them, and in which they position themselves, in multiple and variable ways so that they are more able to work for social change.
Zigzag chain of hepta-coordinate manganese complexes

Abstract The preparation of the polymeric chain complex, }[Mn(bic)(H2O)]2 · 2Br · 2H2O){n (2) is reported. Characterization is made by single X-ray structure, IR and magnetochemistry data. Each seven-coordinate manganese ion has a slightly distorted pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry. Bicine is a hexadentate ligand using one nitrogen, three oxygen and one μ2-oxygen atom from the carboxylate group to coordinate to two MnII ions. The two hydroxyl groups are not deprotonated, and the μ2-oxygen atom of the carboxylate moiety of the bic− ligand is a bridge leading to a polymeric chain. One water molecule coordinates to the MnII ion, and also forms a strong hydrogen bond with other non-coordinated water molecules. Both non-coordinated water and counter Br− ion are located between the zigzag chains. Weak pairwise antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (J = −1.42 cm−1) are found within the chain complex due to antiparallel geometry orientations of neighboring MnII centers.
Traditional and Non-Traditional Determinants of Accounting Rates in International Telecommunications

The accounting rate system currently in place is used to reimburse telephone companies around the world for terminating calls originating in foreign countries. Increased competition in more liberalized countries has led to imbalances between traffic originating in these countries and traffic coming in from less liberalized countries, leading to huge settlement payments being made to less liberalized countries. Some variation in accounting rates across countries can be explained by traditional factors such as the actual cost of terminating calls. Our results suggest that accounting rates are also significantly affected by non-traditional factors such as the extent of government regulation, the level of corruption, and the like. These findings support the need for consideration of these factors in reforming the accounting rate system currently in place. “High settlement rates are a product of oligopolistic cooperation in a market with little transparency and anti-competitive regulation in the majority of nations” [Cowhey, 1998; p. 908].
Building digital libraries for scientific data: an exploratory study of data practices in habitat ecology

As data become scientific capital, digital libraries of data become more valuable. To build good tools and services, it is necessary to understand scientists’ data practices. We report on an exploratory study of habitat ecologists and other participants in the Center for Embedded Networked Sensing. These scientists are more willing to share data already published than data that they plan to publish, and are more willing to share data from instruments than hand-collected data. Policy issues include responsibility to provide clean and reliable data, concerns for liability and misappropriation of data, ways to handle sensitive data about human subjects arising from technical studies, control of data, and rights of authorship. We address the implications of these findings for tools and architecture in support of digital data libraries.
Significance of the juxtaoral organ (of Chievitz).

Background. Most physicians are unaware of the juxtaoral organ (of Chievitz) and its clinical significance. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the clinical importance of this organ. Methods. Review and interpretation of the English and non-English literature pertaining to the juxtaoral organ. Results. The juxtaoral organ is a small structure located within the soft tissue overlying the angle of the mandible in the buccotemporal space. It is composed of an epithelial parenchyma embedded in a highly organized connective tissue stroma rich in nerves and sensory receptors innervated by the buccal nerve. This metabolically active structure presumably serves as a mechanosensor in the lateral wall of the oral cavity. Needless surgical removal of this juxtaoral structure is therefore best avoided. In children, the normal organ may be discovered as a small mass in the cheeks, which may lead to extensive and unnecessary investigations. Hyperplasia of the parenchyma may occur, but carcinoma originating from this organ has not been reported. Conclusion. Awareness of this normal anatomic structure is important, because the finding of epithelial islands intimately admixed with nerves could be misinterpreted as perineural invasion by carcinoma. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000–000, 2003
Abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications: evidence-based guidance for surgical decisions

The purpose of this review is to provide evidence-based guidance for surgical decisions during abdominal hysterectomy performed for benign indications. Using combinations of terms “abdominal,” “hysterectomy,” and “randomized clinical trials (RCT),” we performed Ovid, PubMed, and Cochrane searches for publications between 1988 and 2008. After reviewing over 3,000 abstracts, 19 RCT were identified. There are no grade A recommendations. The only grade B suggestion is use of a bipolar vessel sealing device (LigaSure) for vascular pedicles rather than sutures. Routine closure of peritoneum should be avoided. Evidence behind 71 % (15/21) of surgical steps is insufficient (grade I). Despite its common performance, there are no grade A recommendations that can be made for the technical aspects of abdominal hysterectomy. Since almost 70 % of the surgical steps during abdominal hysterectomy lack randomized clinical trials, adequately designed studies are needed to decrease perioperative morbidity.
Mechanistic insight into how Shh patterns the vertebrate limb

The hands and feet of a newborn baby are a beautiful reminder of the complexity of embryonic patterning. Classical studies on how these structures form have led to a theoretical framework for understanding, in general, how discrete groups of cells can instruct differential fates across a wider field through the action of long-range signals. The discovery just more than a decade ago that localized expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) differentially patterns structures across the limb field, resulting in digits with unique characteristics, provided a starting point for readdressing these models at a molecular level. Current research has revealed unexpected complexity in how a gradient of Shh activity is both established and received, prompting re-evaluation of the nature of patterning mechanisms within the limb.
Responses of Single Dorsal Cord Cells to Peripheral Cutaneous Unmyelinated Fibres

IN the dorsal part of the dorsal horn there is a lamina of cells which respond to cutaneous stimulation and send their axons into the dorsolateral tract. In previous investigations1 it was apparent that many different types of A fibres converged on these cells. It is, therefore, interesting to see whether C fibres also affect their firing. In a recent investigation2 it was found that an afferent volley in the unmyelinated fibres led to a positive dorsal root potential as opposed to the well-known negative dorsal potential which is elicited by the large myelinated fibres. It was suggested that C fibres led to presynaptic hyperpolarization which would produce facilitation as contrasted with the presynaptic inhibitory effects of the A fibres. An investigation of the ventral root reflex (VRR, ref. 2) showed no late component which could be attributed to C fibres; however, a tetanus in the C's was found to potentiate the VRR elicited by the A fibres in the same peripheral nerve. It was also known that a large stimulus to a peripheral nerve led to late discharges in various midbrain and forebrain structures3. With these factors in mind an investigation of the response of cells in the dorsolateral tract of the cat to C fibres was carried out.
Forced to Play by the Rules? Theorizing How Mixed-Sex Founding Teams Benefit Women Entrepreneurs in Male-Dominated Contexts

We examine how establishing a mixed–sex entrepreneurial founding team may benefit women entrepreneurs in male–dominated cultures and industries. We contend that as a result of sex–based stereotypes...
Is heart failure an abnormality of myocardial cell growth

The evolution of our understanding of the pathogenesis and therapy of heart failure can be described in terms of three paradigms that have also proven useful in describing the development of knowledge of cardiovascular regulation and the actions of angiotensin II. Organ physiology, the first paradigm, viewed the variable performance of the heart in terms of length-dependent changes in myocardial contractile function (Starling's Law), and angiotensin II as a pressor factor that elevated blood pressure. This paradigm focused treatment of heart failure on the major circulatory abnormalities: salt and water retention and vasoconstriction. According to the second paradigm, cell biochemistry, regulation of cardiac performance reflected altered calcium fluxes and changing myocardial contractility, and the clinical effects of angiotensin II as arising from altered calcium fluxes involved in the control of smooth muscle tension. Following this second paradigm, treatment of heart failure focused on powerful inotropic agents designed to increase myocardial contractility. The third paradigm, gene expression (molecular biology) describes what is probably the most primitive, and almost certainly the most complex of these regulatory mechanisms. Altered gene expression explains long-term regulation of cardiac performance in terms of adaptive changes in the architecture and composition of the heart, and key effects of angiotensin II as arising from increased protein synthesis and promotion of cell growth. In the case of heart failure, this third paradigm may explain the accelerated deterioration of the hypertrophied, failing heart as being due to altered myocardial cell growth composition. While the useful life of the normal human heart appears to be at least 80-90 years, overload-induced hypertrophy may reduce the heart's life span to about 5 years. This unwelcome consequence of myocardial hypertrophy may arise from the expression of fetal isoforms of key muscle proteins, a hypothesis that is supported by evidence that deterioration of the failing heart can be alleviated by the converting enzyme inhibitors which have important effects to inhibit cellular growth.
Perceptions of Current and Ideal Body Shape of Athletes and Nonathletes

This study was done to examine the relationship between sex and perception of body image among athletes and nonathletes. A total of 211 men and women athletes and nonathletes completed a questionnaire which asked them to identify from a nine-figure body-silhouette scale their current image and the image that they thought was most ideal. t tests showed no significant differences for men based upon athletic participation and that both athletes and nonathletes were satisfied with their body image. However, when comparing current image and ideal image, significant differences were found for women athletes and nonathletes. These data support previous research documenting women's dissatisfaction with their body images and show athletic participation is not associated with this perception.