cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of cytokine-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in human astrocytes

Leukocyte transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a cardinal feature of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Astrocytes form an integral part, both structurally and functionally, of the BBB. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, is involved in extravasation into inflamed tissues and activation of T-lymphocytes. In this study, we investigated the role of TGF-beta, an immunosuppressive cytokine, in regulating cytokine-induced VCAM-1 expression in astrocytes. Human astroglioma cell lines and primary human fetal astrocytes were examined for VCAM-1 gene expression after treatment with proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IFN-gamma) in the absence or presence of TGF-beta. Astroglioma cell lines as well as primary human fetal astrocytes expressed low levels of VCAM-1 constitutively, and the proinflammatory cytokines induced marked increases in VCAM-1 expression, particularly TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The inclusion of TGF-beta1 or TGF-beta2 with the proinflammatory cytokines inhibited VCAM-1 gene expression to varying degrees (33-93%) in all the astroglioma cell lines and primary fetal cells. These results indicate that TGF-beta is an important regulator of cytokine induced VCAM-1 expression on astrocytes and may prove useful clinically in controlling CNS inflammation.
Visual Acuities of Monocular IOL and Non-IOL Aphaldc Children

The vision of 341 monocular aphakic children was corrected with contact lens, intraocular lens, or spectacles and the visual results of each series were compared. The acquired and infantile contact lens and IOL cataract patients achieved similar levels of aphakic visual acuities. Seventy percent of the IOL and 64% of the contact lens-acquired cataract patients achieved 20/20 to 20/40, while 22% of the IOL and 16% of the contact lens infantile cataract patients also reached this level. Twenty patients wore monocular spectacles and none achieved adequate levels of visual rehabilitation. Forty-six patients were unable to wear or did not receive aphakic correction because of patient or parental refusal or ocular pathologic contraindications.
Behavior of chromatophores of the fiddler crab Uca pugilator and the dwarf crayfish Cambarellus shufeldti in response to synthetic Pandalus red pigment-concentrating hormone.

Synthetic Pandalus red pigment-concentrating hormone was effective in concentrating the pigment in the erythrophores of the fiddler crab Uca pugilator and the dwarf crayfish Cambarellus shufeldti. However, this hormone had no effect on the melanophores of the crab or the leucophores of the crab and crayfish. These results are in accord with the hypothesis that in the fiddler crab and the dwarf crayfish, respectively, the hormonal control for each type of chromatophore is different.
Cell death induced by β-amyloid 1–40 in MES 23.5 hybrid clone: the role of nitric oxide and NMDA-gated channel activation leading to apoptosis

The molecular events associated with beta-amyloid-induced neuronal injury remain incompletely characterized. Using a substantia nigra/neuroblastoma hybrid cell line (MES 23.5) synthetic beta-amyloid 1-40 induced a time and dose-dependent apoptotic cell death which was characterized by cell shrinkage and fragmentation of DNA, and was inhibited by aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), and cycloheximide (CHX). Following beta-amyloid 1-40 treatment, cyclic GMP, an index of NO synthesis, was increased in MES 23.5 cells. The NO scavenger hemoglobin, as well as the NO synthase inhibitors NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) and L-N5-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine hydrochloride (L-NI0) attenuated such increases. These same inhibitors and scavengers also significantly prevented cytotoxicity. beta-Amyloid also induced an early and transient increase in intracellular calcium as monitored with laser scanning confocal microscopy and Fluo-3 imaging. These induced calcium transients could be significantly blocked by the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801. Pretreatment with MK-801 or removal of extracellular Ca2+ also reduced beta-amyloid-induced NO production and neurotoxicity. Furthermore, beta-amyloid neurotoxicity was greatly enhanced in the absence of Mg2+ or in the presence of glutamate or NMDA. These data suggest that beta-amyloid can lead to apoptotic cell death through a NO mediated process possibly triggered by Ca2+ entry through activated NMDA-gated channels.
General cosmology: Overview and outstanding problems

Abstract The Universe is well described by the standard “Hot Big-Bang” model. Indeed, the consensus of observational results supports a homogeneous and isotropic model of the Universe which is expanding as described by Hubble's law. The ratio of the relative velocity of two (moderately) distant objects to their distance is Hubble's constant, Ho = (30 – 120) km s−1 Mpc−1. There is a background of blackbody radiation with a temperature, TCBR = 2.735±0.06 (0.017) K, isotropic to 3 parts in 105 on all angular scales except for a dipole component. The age of the Universe is probably in the range (14 – 18) × 109 years. The light-element abundances are consistent with 3 neutrino species and 0.007 h −2 ≤ Ω B ≤ 0.016 h −2 . As Ω B ( luminous matter ) ∼ 0.007 , there is likely to be baryonic dark matter. Since Ω B ( dynamical ) ∼ 0.2 – 0.3 , there could be some non-baryonic dark matter. We do not know qo, Λo and probably never will. We might not yet have probed in detail a “fair sample” of the Universe.
Tensile damage development in fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites

Abstract The mechanisms that control damage development and tensile failure of cross-plied Nicalon-fiber-reinforced glass and glass ceramic matrix composites were investigated using an edge replication technique. Four different systems were studied to determine the effect of interfacial bond strength and residual stress on the failure process. Composites with weak interfacial bonds were more resistant to matrix microcracking. Residual stresses, due to fiber-matrix and ply-ply thermal expansion mismatch, were found to have a strong influence on the damage development process; initiation of transverse ply cracks was delayed to higher strains (greater than 0.1%) in systems with residual compressive stresses in the transverse plies. Crack spacing measurements showed a saturation crack density was achieved with increasing load in both the longitudinal and transverse of all four composites. The experimental findings were used to modify for ceramic matrix composites the Laws and Dvorak model of composite cracking.
A COMPARISON OF CHROMOSOME KNOB FREQUENCIES BETWEEN SYMPATRIC AND ALLOPATRIC POPULATIONS OF TEOSINTE AND MAIZE

Unrestricted gene flow would be expected to lead to similar chromosome knob frequencies in sympatric populations of maize and teosinte. Chi-square tests were therefore used to compare chromosome knob frequencies of 45 collections of Mexican teosinte, grouped according to six geographic regions, with sympatric and allopatric populations of maize. Comparisons of knob frequencies between sympatric and allopatric populations within each region produced an initial classification for each knob-forming position. Further comparisons for each knob position over all regions, led to an interpretation of results for sympatric populations of maize and teosinte in terms of gene flow, selection, differentiation, ancestral similarities, and ancestral differences. Within regions, a high number of knob positions suggesting gene flow was associated with a low number of knob positions suggesting recent differentiation, and vice versa. It is suggested that the teosinte populations most likely to represent unique sources of germplasm are those most susceptible to future genetic erosion by maize. These relationships may represent a general model applicable to a number of crop plants and associated weed races.
Developmental switch in requirement for PKA RIIβ in NMDA-receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapses

Abstract The cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade is crucial for synaptic plasticity in a wide variety of species. PKA regulates Ca 2+ permeation through NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and induction of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity at the Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapse. Whereas the role of PKA in induction of NMDAR-dependent LTP at CA1 synapses is established, the identity of PKA isoforms involved in this phenomenon is less clear. Here we report that protein synthesis-independent NMDAR-dependent LTP at the Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapse in the hippocampus is deficient, but NMDAR-dependent LTD is normal, in young (postnatal day 10 (P10)–P14) mice lacking PKA RIIβ, the PKA regulatory protein that links PKA to NMDARs at synaptic sites. In contrast, in young adult (P21–P28) mice lacking PKA RIIβ, LTP is normal and LTD is abolished. These findings indicate that distinct PKA isoforms may subserve distinct forms of synaptic plasticity and are consistent with a developmental switch in the signaling cascades required for LTP induction.
A controlled study of a simulated workplace laboratory for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Despite an extant literature documenting that adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for significant difficulties in the workplace, there is little documentation of the underlying factors associated with these impairments. The main aim of this study was to examine specific deficiencies associated with ADHD on workplace performance in a simulated workplace laboratory relative to controls. Participants were 56 non-medicated young adults with DSM-IV ADHD and 63 age- and sex-matched controls without ADHD. Participants spent 10 h in a workplace simulation laboratory. Areas assessed included: (1) simulated tasks documented in a government report (SCANS) often required in workplace settings (taxing vigilance; planning; cooperation; attention to detail), (2) observer ratings, and (3) self-reports. Robust findings were found in the statistically significant differences on self-report of ADHD symptoms found between participants with ADHD and controls during all workplace tasks and periods of the workday. Task performance was found to be deficient in a small number of areas, and there were a few statistically significant differences identified by observer ratings. Symptoms reported by participants with ADHD in the simulation including internal restlessness, intolerance of boredom and difficulty maintaining vigilance were significant and could adversely impact workplace performance over the long-term.
The COPD Ontology and Toward Empowering Clinical Scientists as Ontology Engineers

Ontology development and maintenance is a costly undertaking, despite known benefits. Empowerment via ownership may offer a solution to this problem. This article considers empowering clinical scientists as ontology engineers and illustrates this concept through an account of an ontology project in Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The article begins with a brief review of ontology and clinical science. Next, the SPIROMICS project is introduced and the inter-workings (nuts-and-bolts) of the current COPD ontology are described, including an overview of the ontology development team's accomplishments. Following is an initial high-level proposal of steps to engage clinical scientists in the COPD work—as engineers, as well as some processing guidelines. The final section presents conclusions and highlights next steps.
Asteroids in infrared

The first systematic infrared search for asteroids in the Solar System estimates that there are about twice as many objects than are indicated in two recent visiblelight surveys. Between 1.1 million and 1.9 million asteroids larger than 1 kilometer are in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, according to results from the Deep Asteroid Search conducted with the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory The results were reported by Edward Tedesco and Francois-Xavier Desert in the April 2002 issue of The Astronomical Journal.
Investigation of blast-induced traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE: Many troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have sustained blast-related, closed-head injuries from being within non-lethal distance of detonated explosive devices. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms associated with blast exposure that give rise to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study attempts to identify the precise conditions of focused stress wave energy within the brain, resulting from blast exposure, which will correlate with a threshold for persistent brain injury. METHODS: This study developed and validated a set of modelling tools to simulate blast loading to the human head. Using these tools, the blast-induced, early-time intracranial wave motions that lead to focal brain damage were simulated. RESULTS: The simulations predict the deposition of three distinct wave energy components, two of which can be related to injury-inducing mechanisms, namely cavitation and shear. Furthermore, the results suggest that the spatial distributions of these damaging energy components are independent of blast direction. CONCLUSIONS: The predictions reported herein will simplify efforts to correlate simulation predictions with clinical measures of TBI and aid in the development of protective headwear. Language: en
Modifications of the swift stability test

An all-glass aeration tube and improved air-distributing apparatus are described for use in the Swift stability test or similar accelerated method of determining stability of fats. A procedure is described in which only one tube is required for each test sample. By this procedure, it is possible to carry out as many stability tests simultaneously on one standard apparatus as on three such units by the usual three-tube method. Observations on the use of adaptations of Wheeler’s method of determining peroxide values are reported. The effects of air, time of reaction, size of sample, and quantities of reagents were investigated.
A NEW SPECIES OF LEPTOMONAS PARASITIZING THE MACRONUCLEUS OF PARAMECIUM TRICHIUM.

SYNOPSIS. A leptomonad zooflagellate infecting the macronucleus of Paramecium trichium is described. The cell body of Leptomonas karyophilus n. sp. is 5μ long and the flagellum is 12μ long. There is a central ovoid nucleus, a bar-shaped kinetoplast and a contractile vacuole. The flagellate undergoes division in the macronucleus, proliferating there until it has killed its host. Mildly infected paramecia are able to divide and if fed regularly can be maintained carrying the parasite. Cross infections with P. caudatum, P. bursaria and P. aurelia were successful to varying degrees.
The history and disposition of transposable elements in polyploid Gossypium

Transposable elements (TEs) are a major component of plant genomes. It is of particular interest to explore the potential activation of TE proliferation, especially in hybrids and polyploids, which often are associated with rapid genomic and epigenetic restructuring. Here we explore the consequences of genomic merger and doubling on copia and gypsy-like Gorge3 long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons as well as on non-LTR long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) in allotetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. Using phylogenetic and quantitative methods, we describe the composition and genomic origin of TEs in polyploid Gossypium. In addition, we present information on ancient and recent transposition activities of the three TE types and demonstrate the absence of an impressive proliferation of TEs following polyploidization in Gossypium. Further, we provide evidence for present-day transcription of LINEs, a relatively minor component of Gossypium genomes, whereas the more abundant LTR retrotransposons display limited expression and only under stressed conditions.
Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. XI. Identification of a 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR12909) analog that allosterically modulates the serotonin transporter

Previous studies identified partial inhibitors of serotonin (5-HT) transporter and dopamine transporter binding. We report here on a partial inhibitor of 5-HT transporter (SERT) binding identified among a group of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine analogs (4-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy]ethyl]-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-piperidine; TB-1-099). Membranes were prepared from rat brains or human embryonic kidney cells expressing the cloned human dopamine (hDAT), serotonin (hSERT), and norepinephrine (hNET) transporters. beta-(4'-(125)Iodophenyl)tropan-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([(125)I]RTI-55) binding and other assays followed published procedures. Using rat brain membranes, TB-1-099 weakly inhibited DAT binding (K(i) = 439 nM), was inactive at NET binding ([(3)H]nisoxetine), and partially inhibited SERT binding with an extrapolated plateau ("A" value) of 20%. Similarly, TB-1-099 partially inhibited [(125)I]RTI-55 binding to hSERT with an extrapolated plateau (A value) of 14%. Upon examining the effect of increasing concentrations of TB-1-099 on the apparent K(d) and B(max) of [(125)I]RTI-55 binding to hSERT, we found that TB-1-099 decreased the B(max) in a dose-dependent manner and affected the apparent K(d) in a manner well described by a sigmoid dose-response curve. TB-1-099 increased the K(d) but not to the magnitude expected for a competitive inhibitor. In rat brain synaptosomes, TB-1-099 noncompetitively inhibited [(3)H]5-HT, but not [(3)H]dopamine, uptake. Dissociation experiments indicated that TB-1-099 promoted the rapid dissociation of a small component of [(125)I]RTI-55 binding to hSERT. Association experiments demonstrated that TB-1-099 slowed [(125)I]RTI-55 binding to hSERT in a manner unlike that of the competitive inhibitor indatraline. Viewed collectively, these results support the hypothesis that TB-1-099 allosterically modulates hSERT binding and function.
DIFFERENTIAL PERFORMANCE OF FIRST-GRADE CHILDREN WHEN SOLVING ARITHMETIC ADDITION PROBLEMS

Authors of mathematical curricula use set theory as a basis for the natural numbers and their operations. There are, however, different substantive approaches to constructing a program based on the use of sets, among which is the intuitive set approach. In this approach, sometimes called the environmental approach, children usually first learn to observe, construct, and describe collections of objects in their environment. Next, they match the objects of two sets and thereby learn concepts of more than, fewer than, or the same number as. In all this work, there is no symbolism except the numerals. When learning the operation of addition, children may be presented with two sets of physical objects and then a new set formed by combining the two original sets. A transition is then made to pictorial representations where the children may participate at a somewhat higher level of mental activity, since combining or separating of the two sets does not occur in a physical sense. For the abstraction, numerals are presented with pictorial representations and the pictorial representations are gradually eliminated. The intuitive set approach is exemplified for the first grade by the series Modern Arithmetic through Discovery (Morton, Gray, & Rosskopf, 1965), which was used by the school system that participated in this study at the
The refined crystallographic structure of a DD-peptidase penicillin-target enzyme at 1.6 A resolution.

Abstract The D -alanyl- D -alanine peptidase fromStreptomycessp. R61 is a 37,500 dalton exocellular enzyme that has served as a model for membrane-bound peptidases that are involved in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Inhibition of these enzymes by β-lactam antibiotics ultimately leads to bacterial cell death. The X-ray crystal structure of the R61 D -alanyl- D -alanine peptidase has been solved using multiple isomorphous replacement, simulated annealing and least squares refinement. The space group and unit cell parameters areP212121witha=51.1 A,b= 67.3 A andc=102.4 A. The structure has been refined using 2σ data to 1.6 A resolution with a crystallographicR-factor of 0.148. The model contains 347 residues (2938 atoms) and 254 solvent molecules. The overall temperature factor is 9.6 A2, and the estimated coordinate error is 0.14 A. The protein consists of a single polypeptide chain organized into two regions. One region contains a nine-stranded antiparallel β-sheet with helices on both faces; this region includes both the amino and carboxyl termini. The second region is all helical. Sixty percent of the residues occur in helices or β-sheet. The reactive Ser62 is found between the two regions of the enzyme at the amino end of the protein's longest helix which begins with one turn of 310helix and continues with four turns of α-helix. The active site is an elongated pocket that contains four basic and four aromatic residues. An oxyanion hole is formed by Ser62 NH and Thr301 NH. The pocket also contains the few key residues that are conserved in all penicillin-binding proteins and β-lactamases. Two of these residues, Lys65 and Tyr159, are among the 16 side-chains that take on multiple conformations in the R61 crystal structure. Three of the 12 proline rings adopt two conformations which we believe has not been previously reported. There is no anionic acid equivalent to the catalytic Glu166 found in Class A β-lactamases. Two ordered water molecules (O507 and O644) are found buried in the active site and hydrogen-bonded to each other (2.6 A). O507 could potentially act as the hydrolytic water molecule for deacylation.
Neuroligin 1: A splice site-specific ligand for β-neurexins

Abstract Neurexins are neuronal cell surface proteins with hundreds of isoforms generated by alternative splicing. Here we describe neuroligin 1, a neuronal cell surface protein that is enriched in synaptic plasma membranes and acts as a splice site-specific ligand for β-neurexins. Neuroligin 1 binds to β-neurexins only if they lack an insert in the alternatively spliced sequence of the G domain, but not if they contain an insert. The extracellular sequence of neuroligin 1 is composed of a catalytically inactive esterase domain homologous to acetylcholinesterase. In situ hybridization reveals that alternative splicing of neurexins at the site recognized by neuroligin 1 is highly regulated. These findings support a model whereby alternative splicing of neurexins creates a family of cell surface receptors that confers interactive specificity onto their resident neurons.
Excitations in Liquid Helium: Thermodynamic Calculations

The entropy, specific heat, normal fluid density, and velocity of second sound in liquid helium II have been calculated by applying statistical mechanics to the thermal excitations. The calculations were based on the energy-momentum relation obtained by neutron scattering measurements described by Yarnell, Arnold, Bendt, and Kerr, and were made on an IBM-704 electronic digital computer by numerical integrations over the observed excitation curve. A better approximation than Landau's has been obtained by extending Landau's theory to take account of the temperature dependence of the excitation curve. An expression of the form $E(p, T)=c\ensuremath{-}d(\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{n}}{\ensuremath{\rho}})$ was used to interpolate the excitation energy between temperatures at which it was measured. Results between 0.2 and 1.8\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are not sensitive to the exact form of the interpolation expression. Agreement of the calculations with experimental measurements is as follows: entropy, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3% in the temperature range 0.2 to 1.8\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; specific heat, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4% between 0.2 and 1.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; second sound velocity, \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4% between 0.8 and 1.8\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2% between 1.0 and 1.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The calculated normal fluid density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{n}$ agrees with experimental values derived from second sound velocity and specific heat measurements within \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}8% between 0.7 and 2.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and within \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5% from 1.1 to 1.9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. These values are, however, higher than those obtained from torsion pendulum measurements, which are 27% below the calculated value at 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Also calculated as functions of temperature are the average effective mass (as defined by Landau) of excitations in four momentum intervals, and values of $\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\kappa}}{\overline{B}}$, the thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ divided by the average over momentum of the Khalatnikov nonequilibrium kinetic coefficient $\ensuremath{-}B$, and $\frac{\ensuremath{\eta}}{\overline{C}}$, the viscosity $\ensuremath{\eta}$ divided by the average value of the Khalatnikov coefficient $C$.
Why Has US Policy Uncertainty Risen since 1960

We consider two classes of explanations for the rise in policy-related economic uncertainty in the United States since 1960. The first stresses growth in government spending, taxes, and regulation. A second stresses increased political polarization and its implications for the policymaking process and policy choices.
Leftward Ho!: V. F. Calverton and American Radicalism

Introduction "Very Foolish Calverton" "Lenin-Cassanova-Pericles" Sex Wars "A quiet island for dreams" "How many a strength hath fallen since thy fall?" "Love as free and fancy and intelligent as reason" "The sex boys" Lit Wars "So red and fundamental" "New Masses proliterati" Party Wars: The First Campaign, 1923-1933 "The most interesting part of the Soviet Union" "You are driving me directly and inevitably left" "I became a social fascist--overnight" Party Wars: The Second Campaign, 1933-1940 "The Modern Quarterly is the one thing they fear" "In the United States ... the pattern is different" Calverton's War "The madness of death eats like a cancer in the mind's universe" "If there were no selves there would be no annihilation" "Christ, what is life worth?"
Key Educational Influences in Outreach Program Design.

Effective instruction in continuing education will be significantly different in relation to the learner, the educational provider, and the selected instructional model.
Manipulation of gap junction proteins: effect on cellular coupling and impulse propagation

www.elsevier.com/locate/jelectrocard Manipulation of gap junction proteins: effect on cellular coupling and impulse propagation S.M. Taffet, S. Shah, R.L. Lewandowski, W. Coombs J. Shibayama, P. Sorgen, M. Delmar (Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA; University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA) The cardiac gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), is not a passive pore but an actively regulated channel. Under conditions of cellular stress, such as acidification, the pore closes resulting in alterations in impulse propagation. We have previously demonstrated that the carboxyl terminal (CT) domain of Cx43 (Cx43CT) is involved in various intraand intermolecular interactions that regulate gap junctions. Here, we used a nonbiased phage display library to identify novel peptidic sequences that bind Cx43CT and hopefully will alter the properties of the channel. A library of phage containing a randomized series of 12–amino acid peptides (approximately 10 different sequences) was presented to immobilized Cx43CT (pH, 6.5). Analysis of the selected phage revealed a total of 48 Cx43CTinteracting peptides. One third of the peptides had a preserved arginine-X-proline (RXP) sequence. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed binding of 6 of these peptides to Cx43CT. Two of these peptides (RXP-1 and RXP-4) were further analyzed. The interaction of RXP-4 with the CX43-CT was further analyzed by NMR revealing 0022-0736/$ – see front matter D 2005 Published by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2005.06.091 that this peptide modifies the structure of region 375-379 of Cx43CT. Dual-patch clamp analysis revealed that RXP-4 (but not RXP-1) reduced the frequency with which Cx43 channels transit into the residual state. Unitary conductances were not modified by this peptide. To further analyze the optimal RXP sequences for binding and modifying the function of Cx43, we generated a biased phage display library where the RXP sequence was flanked on each side by 4 random amino acids. Approximately 40000 distinct sequences were presented to Cx43CT. A minor fraction of the inserts resulted from concatenation of 2 peptides in tandem (a bdoublet Q). No doublets were found in a random sampling of 63 inserts obtained before binding. Yet, of the 485 clones sequenced after selection by binding, 85% were doublets, suggesting a high selectivity of Cx43CT for doublets during the binding step. This increased affinity of doublets for CT interaction was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. Further analysis of the sequences obtained by phage display indicated that there was an increased occurrence of acidic amino acids at position 3 (relative to RXP) but an absence of acidic residues at positions 2 and +1. Basic amino acids were absent from position 1. Overall, these data show that RXP peptides can lead to structural modifications in Cx43CT and changes in the function of Cx43 channels. These results open the door for further development of peptide-based strategies to modify the regulation of Cx43-containing gap junctions in native tissues such as heart. ardiology 38 (2005) 51
Candidate uncertainty, mental models, and complexity: Some experimental results

Since the work of Downs (1957), spatial models of elections have been a mainstay of research in political science and public choice. Despite the plethora of theoretical and empirical research involving spatial models, researchers have not considered in great detail the complexity of the decision task that a candidate confronts. Two facets of a candidate’s decision process are investigated here, using a set of laboratory experiments where subjects face a fixed incumbent in a two-dimensional policy space. First, we analyze the effect that the complexity of the electoral landscape has on the ability of the subject to defeat the incumbent. Second, we analyze the impact that a subject’s “mental model” (which we infer from a pre-experiment questionnaire) has on her performance. The experimental results suggest that the complexity of a candidate’s decision task and her perception of the task may be important factors in electoral competition.
Impact of foreign operations on reported effective tax rates: interplay of foreign taxes, U.S. taxes and U.S. GAAP

Abstract Effective tax rates can have a significant effect on a firm’s cash flows and reported earnings. As the operations of U.S. companies become increasingly global in scope, an important issue is how their foreign operations impact their effective tax rates, and, in turn, their reported earnings. This study describes how foreign taxes, U.S. taxes, and U.S. accounting principles interact to determine the impact of foreign operations on a firm’s effective tax rate. This analysis will assist users of financial statements in assessing the quality of earnings, making interfirm comparisons, evaluating the performance of management, judging the risks of additional tax assessments, and predicting future effective tax rates.
Do not-for-profit firms maximize profit?

Abstract This paper tests for profit versus utility maximization by comparing the estimated marginal cost with the Medicaid reimbursement rate for 228 not-for-profit (NFP) nursing homes in New York. Seventy-nine percent of the homes operate where the rate exceeds or equals marginal cost; only 49 homes (21%) behave as if they maximize a utility function (marginal cost exceeds the rate) instead of a profit function. There is no difference in the choice of maximand among voluntary, religious or government NFPs. Utility maximizing homes provide a higher level of resident care.
Construction of a recombinant vaccinia virus which expresses immunoreactive plant virus proteins.

Abstract A chimeric transcription unit was assembled consisting of a vaccinia virus promoter linked to a 2400 bp 3 double-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) made to the 3′ end of the genomic RNA of the plant pathogen, tobacco etch virus (TEV). Marker rescue techniques were used to introduce virus recombinant genes into the vaccinia virus genome. The recombinant virus (designated WNAT) was isolated, purified, and subjected to molecular genetic analyses. The ability of WNAT to direct the expression of plant virus genetic information in a mammalian system was assessed by infecting a line of monkey kidney cells. The plant virus cDNA insert was transcribed into RNA molecules that were correctly processed, and subsequently translated into proteins that were recognized by monospecific antisera directed against either the capsid protein or nuclear inclusion protein of TEV. These results are discussed in relation to using vaccinia virus to investigate other aspects of the plant virus replicative cycle.
Physical activity behavior of American Indian mothers.

BACKGROUND Mothers of young children who live in low-income households are a population at-risk for sedentary living that could experience important health benefits from improved physical activity behavior. Previous research among Caucasian mothers attending the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program showed that the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change was an appropriate model for designing interventions for activity promotion. PURPOSE This study examined the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change in relationship to the physical activity behavior of low-income American Indian mothers. DESIGN A descriptive-correlational study employed a purposive sample (N = 30) of six American Indian mothers at each of five stages of behavior change. Participants were recruited from a Women, Infants and Children program located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Instruments included the 7-day Activity Recall, Stages of Exercise Adoption tool, Pros and Cons to Exercise tool, Self-efficacy for Exercise scale, and the Processes of Exercise Adoption tool. FINDINGS Significant relationships were found between stage of change and energy expenditure indices (r = 0.69-0.74, p < .01), pros (r = 0.62, p < .01), cons (r = -0.58, p < .05), decisional balance (r = 0.59, p < .01), and self-efficacy (r = 0.60, p < .01). Pros and cons were different from a prior study of mothers attending the Women, Infants and Children program. CONCLUSIONS The Transtheoretical Model is relevant to American Indian mothers and should be tested in future physical activity interventions.
Theory of cellular precipitation

Abstract The rate of cellular precipitation can be described by three parameters: Db, the diffusion coefficient of atoms in the cell boundary; l, the spacing of the precipitate lamellae in the cell; and N, the number of cells nucleated per unit volume. In the precipitation of tin (β) from lead (α), the activation energy for cell boundary diffusion is deduced to be 9–10 kcal/gm atom to be compared with the activation energy 26 kcal/gm atom for the volume diffusion of tin into lead. It is inferred that nucleation of β is catalyzed by structural impurities in the α and that the rate of the cellular reaction should be many orders of magnitude slower in structurally perfect crystals than in ordinary polycrystalline aggregates. The existing kinetic results on precipitation in lead-tin appear to be consistent with the Becker nucleation theory and not consistent with Borelius' theory.
Influence of a heterogeneous Al2O3 surface on the electronic properties of single Pd atoms.

Electronic properties of single Pd atoms, deposited on ${\mathrm{A}\mathrm{l}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}/\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{A}\mathrm{l}(110)$, have been characterized by scanning tunneling spectroscopy at 12 K. The spectra reveal distinct conductivity resonances, assigned to discrete electronic levels in the atom. The energy position of the resonances reflects adsorption properties of Pd atoms on different sites of the oxide support. Mapping the spatial extent of conductivity channels in the Pd atoms yields the symmetry of the underlying electronic states. The results demonstrate the effect of a heterogeneous oxide surface on the electronic structure of adsorbed metal atoms.
Development of a Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Adults with Strabismus

Purpose We report the development of a patient-derived, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) questionnaire for adults with strabismus. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Twenty-nine patients with strabismus in a first phase, and 32 patients with strabismus, 18 patients with other eye diseases, and 13 visually normal adults in a second phase. Methods Individual patient interviews generated 181 questionnaire items. For item reduction, we asked 29 patients with strabismus to complete the 181-item questionnaire, analyzed responses, and performed factor analysis. Two prominent factors were identified, and the 10 items with the highest correlation with each factor were selected. The final 20-item questionnaire (10 psychosocial items and 10 function items) was administered to an additional 32 patients with strabismus (22 with diplopia, 10 without diplopia), 13 visually normal adults, and 18 patients with other eye diseases. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used for responses (never = 100, rarely=75, sometimes=50, often=25, and always=0). Median overall questionnaire scores and psychosocial and function subscale scores, ranging from 0 (worst HRQOL) to 100 (best HRQOL), were compared across groups. Main Outcome Measures The HRQOL questionnaire response scores. Results Median overall scores were statistically significantly lower (worse quality of life) for patients with strabismus (56) compared with visually normal adults (95; P P P P P P Conclusions We have developed a 20-item, patient-derived, HRQOL questionnaire specific for adults with strabismus, with subscales to assess psychosocial and function concerns. This 20-item, condition-specific questionnaire will be useful for assessing HRQOL in individual strabismus patients and also as an outcome measure for clinical trials. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Isolation and purification of closely related citrus limonoid glucosides by flash chromatography.

Several citrus limonoid glycosides have proved to be particularly difficult to purify using conventional techniques. A reversed-phase flash chromatographic technique has been developed for the separation and isolation of the closely related limonoid glucosides, nomilin 17-β-d-glucopyranoside and nomilinic acid 17-β-d-glucopyranoside, with confirmation of their identities by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the semipurification of the mixture of glucosides enriched with flavanone glucosides such as naringin, narirutin and other limonoid glucosides was obtained. The closely eluting glucosides were successfully separated to achieve a good yield and purity of 93%. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of the Induction of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Interferons by the NS1 and NS2 Proteins of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Human Epithelial Cells and Macrophages

Wild-type human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a poor inducer of alpha/beta interferons (IFN-α/β). However, recombinant HRSV lacking the NS1 and NS2 genes (ΔNS1/2) induced high levels of IFN-α and -β in human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549) as well as in macrophages derived from primary human peripheral blood monocytes. Results with NS1 and NS2 single- and double-gene-deletion viruses indicated that the two proteins function independently as well as coordinately to achieve the full inhibitory effect, with NS1 having a greater independent role. The relative contributions of the individual NS proteins were the converse of that recently described for bovine RSV (J. F. Valarcher, J. Furze, S. Wyld, R. Cook, K. K. Conzelmann, and G. Taylor, J. Virol. 77:8426-8439, 2003). This pattern of inhibition by HRSV NS1 and NS2 also extended to the newly described antiviral cytokines IFN-λ1, -2 and -3.
Complementation Analysis of Metabolite-Resistant Mutations with Forced Heterokaryons of NEUROSPORA CRASSA.

The double mutant strain pyr-3 arg-12s is a prototroph because a common precursor of arginine and pyrimidine is supplied by the arginine pathway. Growth of this strain is inhibited by exogenous citrulline or arginine. Citrulline-resistant mutants of this strain were selected, and they resulted from modifier mutations at other loci. Forced heterokaryons were used to study complementation among these modifiers. Since the complementation test requires the scoring of non-growth as the positive result, there was concern that variations in nuclear ratios could give erroneous results. This possibility does not seem significant, since groups of mutants established by complementation correspond with groups established by physiological, enzymatic, and recombinational measurements.-The technique has revealed that the most frequently mutated loci are arg-1 and what is probably un-3. Azg-1 mutations affect the conversion of citrulline to argininosuccinate, while un-3 mutations reduce the citrulline uptake rate. Since most of these mutations are of the intracistronic complementing type, a complementation map was constructed for most of the affected loci. The high proportion of complementors in each map can be explained by assuming that partially functioning gene products are more likely to complement with each other than are those which are nonfunctional. N Neurospora, if not in all eukaryotes, both arginine and pyrimidine synthesis I utilize carbamyl phosphate (CAP) as a precursor. Each biosynthetic pathway has its own source of CAP (Figure 1 ) , with the pyrimidine source apparently being localized in the nucleus and the arginine source in the mitochondria (DAVIS 1972). The metabolic separation of the two paths in Neurospora is nearly complete, since mutations which specifically block the synthesis of pyrimidinespecific CAP (CAPpyr) are auxotrophs under normal growth conditions. That the sequestering of CAP by the two pathways is not absolute, however, is demonstrated by the suppressor (a~gj2~) of CAPpyr-deficient mutants. The ~g-12~ mutation is a very leaky mutant affecting the utilization of CAParg but not causing an arginine requirement (DAVIS 1962). Insertion of the arg-1Z8 suppressor into a CAPpyr-deficient mutant such as KS-20 (a pyr-3 allele) results in the accumulation of CAParg and an overflow to the pyrimidine pathway. Thus the pyr-3, arg-l2* double mutant is a prototroph, but since CAParg production is subject to repression by arginine (WILLIAMS, BERNHARDT and DAVIS 1970),
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) activates p38 MAP kinase and induces post‐transcriptional stabilization of the C/EBPδ mRNA in G0 growth arrested mammary epithelial cells

The G(0) growth arrest (quiescent) state is highly conserved in evolution to promote survival under adverse environmental conditions. To maintain viability, G(0) growth arrested cells limit gene expression to essential growth control and pro-survival genes. CCAAT enhancer binding protein delta (C/EBPdelta), a member of the C/EBP family of nuclear proteins, is highly expressed in G(0) growth arrested mammary epithelial cells (MECs). Although C/EBPdelta gene transcription is elevated during G(0) growth arrest, C/EBPdelta mRNA and protein are relatively short lived, suggesting tight control of the cellular C/EBPdelta content in unstressed, quiescent cells. Treatment of G(0) growth arrested MECs with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) dramatically increases the C/EBPdelta mRNA half-life (approximately 4-fold) and protein content (approximately 3-fold). The mRNA stabilizing effects of UVR treatment are mediated by the C/EBPdelta mRNA 3'untranslated region, which contains an AU rich element. UVR increased p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) activation and SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, blocked UVR-induced C/EBPdelta mRNA stabilization. UVR increased the nuclear to cytoplasmic translocation of HuR, an ARE-binding protein that functions in mRNA stabilization. Finally, HuR siRNA treatment blocked UVR-induced stabilization of the C/EBPdelta and C/EBPbeta mRNAs but had no effect on C/EBPzeta (CHOP) mRNA stability. In summary, G(0) growth arrested MECs respond to UVR treatment by activating p38 MAPK, increasing HuR translocation and HuR/C/EBPdelta mRNA binding and stabilizing the C/EBPdelta mRNA. These results identify post-transcriptional stabilization of the C/EBPdelta mRNA as a mechanism to increase C/EBPdelta levels in the stress response of quiescent cells to UVR.
Client TouchPoint modeling: understanding client interactions in the context of service delivery

Service delivery organizations oftentimes overlook opportunities to cultivate client relationships due to a lack of awareness of the totality of touchpoints, or interactions, that occur between service delivery personnel and client personnel over time. To enable service delivery organizations to strategically manage their client relationships, we introduce the first phase of the Client TouchPoint Modeling (CTM) process in which service delivery teams create a touchpoint map of their collective interactions across a client account. Participatory design sessions with service delivery personnel informed the design of a CTM TouchPoint Map prototype. Through these sessions, we also discovered a more collaborative approach to CTM, one in which service delivery team members work together to co-construct a unified account map in a way that promotes team transparency and sensemaking of the service experience.
Representative Bureaucracy: a Research Note on Demographic Representation in State Bureaucracies

The debate over how "representative" the bureaucracy is has now gone on for some years, with recent analyses stressing the importance of "active" as opposed to "passive" representation. Passive or ...
An Evaluation of Organizational Due Process in the Resolution of Employee/Employer Conflict

A need for organizational procedures to resolve employee/employer conflict has been stimulated by expanding definitions of employee rights, greater statutory protection of employees, and the opportunity for corporate adaptation in areas of employee dissatisfaction. The utility of internal organizational systems of conflict resolution, or “due process,” rests on the formulation of specific objectives and values, a high degree of decision-maker independence, balanced formality of procedures, and matching types of conflict with means of resolution.
Age and experience affect the recruitment of new neurons to the song system of zebra finches during the sensitive period for song learning: ditto for vocal learning in humans?

: Vocal learning in songbirds and humans is a complex learned skill with sensory, motor, and social aspects. It culminates in the imitation of sounds produced by other, usually older individuals. Song learning and language learning may differ in their cognitive content, but both require coordination of auditory feedback and fine motor control, which may be supported by similar brain structures. Vocal learning in birds as in humans requires the use of forebrain networks; in songbirds these networks are thought to be related, in part, to the frontal association cortex-basal ganglia loops that mature in humans at adolescence.
Penetration of Coaxial Cables by Transient Fields

This paper has presented the solution of the problem of a coaxial cable immersed in a transient electromagnetic field when the cable acts as a linear antenna. The general method of solution is applicable to other cable configurations if the sheath current distribution is known. Furthermore, the results and the approach are valid not only for transient fields but also for single frequency excitation, the case considered by Harrison and King.