cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Methylmercury and Theaflavin Digallate on Adipokines in Mature 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: A Recent Study

Diabetes is a contributor to morbidity across the globe and is often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and other inflammatory diseases associated with aging. In addition to genetic and lifestyle factors, environmental factors such as metals and persistent organic pollutants may increase the severity or lower the threshold of these conditions. In cell culture, methylmercury is toxic to adipocytes and may impact adipokine secretions. In this study, we determined the effects of different concentrations of theaflavin digallate on methylmercury exposed 3T3-L1 adipocytes in cell culture. Secretions of resistin, adiponectin and lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were monitored using ELISA assays. Cell morphology of methylmercury and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate treated adipocytes was assessed using Lipid (Oil Red O) staining. Exposure to methylmercury increased the levels of resistin and adiponectin as well as 4-HNE when compared to the control cells. Methylmercury treated cells resulted in smaller number of adipocytes and clumped lipid droplets. These results suggest that methylmercury induces reactive oxygen species leading to development of an inflammatory response. Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate reduced the impact of methylmercury by maintaining the adipocytes morphology and secretion patterns of adiponectin, resistin and 4-hydroxynonenal. With this experimental model system other anti-inflammatory and signaling agents could be tested at the biochemical level before eventually leading to studies in animal models. Different TF-3 concentrations can be used to have a clearer understanding of the anti-oxidative effects of polyphenolic compounds.
Recapturing the Business Side of Innovation in Antitrust Merger Analysis

The antitrust laws were not passed as an academic exercise. They were passed to break up the great Trusts, and to preserve competition. These were and are business issues. Our current debate over the impact of mergers on innovation seems to have left that business purpose and dimension out of the discussion. It is time to bring business reality back into the antitrust analysis. Innovation drives progress, and is a key factor in determining the success or failure of a business, an industry, and society overall. Innovation also is a concept with a rich heritage in business and social science. But our current legal discussions focus on only a part of what makes innovation important. We have set up a distinction between the idea of an innovation and the development of that idea into a successful product, and then downgraded or ignored that second part. But the transition from idea to product is a critical step in the process. After reviewing the ways in which innovation has been defined in the legal literature, we propose a definition arising out of the business world that captures the full meaning of innovation. It turns out that the current approach to evaluating the impact of mergers on innovation doesn’t really have much to do with innovation at all.
The effect of noncondensables on buoyancy–thermocapillary convection of volatile fluids in confined geometries

Abstract Recent experimental studies have shown that buoyancy–thermocapillary convection in a layer of volatile liquid subjected to a horizontal temperature gradient is strongly affected by the presence of noncondensable gases, such as air. Specifically, it was found that removing most of the air from a sealed cavity containing the liquid and its vapors significantly alters the flow structure and, in particular, suppresses transitions between the different convection patterns found at atmospheric conditions. Yet, at the same time, the concentration of noncondensables has almost no effect on the flow speeds in the liquid layer, at least for the parameter range studied in the experiments. To understand these results, we have formulated and numerically implemented a detailed model that accounts for mass and heat transport in both phases as well as the phase change at the interface. The predictions of this model, which assumes that the gas phase is dominated by either noncondensables or the vapor, agree well with experiments in both limits. Furthermore, we find that noncondensables have a large effect on the flow at concentrations even as low as 1%, i.e., values much lower than those achieved in experiment.
Real Estate versus Financial Asset Returns and Inflation: Can a P* Trading Strategy Improve REIT Investment Performance?

The ability of a financial or real asset to provide a rate of return above the rate of inflation is crucial to investors. The financial literature on the inflation-hedging effectiveness of various ...
Binding of pyridoxal 5-phosphate to cystathionase.

Abstract The binding of pyridoxal 5-phosphate to the apoprotein of the enzyme cystathionase from rat liver was investigated by two independent methods, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The increase in absorbance at 525 nm associated with Schiff's base formation was used to investigate the binding of pyridoxal-5-P at a protein concentration of 1 x 10-5 m. A model based on two classes of independent binding sites fits the spectrophotometric data reasonably well. The affinity constant determined for the class of weak binding sites (K2 = 1.4 x 104 m-1) corresponds to extraneous binding of pyridoxal-5-P to lysine residues which are not implicated in catalysis. In order to avoid interference by extraneous binding of the cofactor to the enzyme, binding studies were conducted at a protein concentration of 2 x 10-6 m using the method of protein fluorescence quenching. This method gives a value of Ka = 7 x 105 m-1 for the class of tight binding sites. It is proposed that the catalytic subunits of the enzyme cystathionase display similar affinity constants for the cofactor pyridoxal-5-P.
Negative Externalities, Network Effects, and Compatibility

Positive network effects arise where incremental product use increases the utility of users of compatible products (user-positive effects), but also in situations where product use imposes negative externalities that selectively affect the adopters of incompatible alternatives (nonuser-negative effects). This paper compares the social optimality of firms’ incentives for compatibility under these two regimes. Using a “location” model of differentiated products, I find that, under both regimes, incentives for unilateral action to increase compatibility tend to be suboptimal when firms’ networks are close in size, but they may be excessive for small firms when networks differ greatly in size. The result is consistent with prior analysis of the user-positive context (e.g., Katz & Shapiro, 1985), but challenges the intuition that activities involving negative externalities are always oversupplied in an unregulated market. Public policy implications are discussed.
Designing smart environments: a paradigm based on learning and prediction

We propose a learning and prediction based paradigm for designing smart home environments. The foundation of this paradigm lies in information theory as it manages uncertainties of the inhabitants’ contexts (e.g., locations or activities) in daily lives. The idea is to build compressed dictionaries of context-aware data collected from sensors and devices monitoring and/or controlling the smart environment, efficiently learn from these profiles, and finally predict inhabitant’s future contexts. Successful prediction helps automate device control operations and tasks within the environment as well as to identify anomalies. Thus, the learning and prediction based paradigm optimizes such goal functions of smart environments as minimizing maintenance cost, manual interactions and energy utilization. After identifying important features of smart environments, we present an overview of our MavHome architecture and apply the proposed paradigm to the inhabitant’s location and activity tracking and prediction, and automated decision-making capability.
Comment on "On the Origin of the OZI Rule in QCD", by N. Isgur and H. B. Thacker

We comment on the recent paper (hep-lat/0005006) by Isgur and Thacker on the origin of the OZI rule in QCD. We show that instantons explain the sign and magnitude of the observed OZI-violating amplitude in all mesonic channels, not just in the $\eta'$ channel. We comment on the role of instantons in hadronic spectroscopy and the relation between instantons and the large $N_c$ limit of QCD.
Oliver Twisted: the origins of Lord Voldemort in the Dickensian orphan.

Given the theatrical extremities of Harry Potter's birth, early childhood and treatment, we could expect some similarities between Charles Dickens' Victorian waif, Oliver Twist, and the boy wizard, to the point that we might reasonably trace Harry’s origins to his literary predecessor. However, while such an attempt might uncover places where Rowling’s creation in some ways faces similar circumstances as Dickens’, for the most part, Rowling gives a backstory and characterization to Harry which diverge so greatly from Oliver and his workhouse experiences that other similarities seem largely superficial. Instead, if we seek to find the influence of Oliver Twist, we find the most convincing comparison not with the protagonist of Rowling’s series but with the villain, for in Tom Riddle, the boy who will become Lord Voldemort, we find the true inheritor of the Dickensian model.
Jacobian Motion: A Direct Approach

We present a direct approach to the calculation of the Jacobian matrix of a manipulator. The approach is based on the use of the expression for the forward kinematics of the manipulator in terms of the usual product of Denavit-Hartenberg matrices, combined with the usual velocity calculations in the presence of rotating reference frames. The method is illustrated for the AdeptOne SCARA robot.
Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects.

Aims Withdrawal symptoms have been linked to a propensity for relapse to drug abuse. Inasmuch as this association applies to methamphetamine (MA) abuse, an understanding of the course of MA withdrawal symptoms may help to direct treatment for MA dependence. Previous studies of symptoms manifested during abstinence from MA have been limited in size and scope. We asked (i) whether debilitating psychological and/or physical symptoms appear during the first several weeks of MA abstinence, (ii) how craving for MA evolves and (iii) whether psychiatric symptoms (e.g. depression, psychosis) persist beyond a month of abstinence. Design A study of MA‐dependent participants, who initiated and maintained abstinence from the drug for up to 5 weeks, compared to a matched healthy comparison group. Setting In‐patient research hospital ward (MA‐dependent subjects) and out‐patient (comparison subjects). Participants Fifty‐six MA‐dependent and eighty‐nine comparison subjects. Measurements Rater‐assessed MA withdrawal questionnaire and self‐report assessment of craving (MA‐dependent subjects) and self‐report assessment of psychiatric symptoms (both groups). Findings At study entry, MA‐dependent subjects exhibited a wide range in severity of depressive symptoms, with the average score at a mild–moderate level of severity. Symptoms of psychosis were also prevalent. While depressive and psychotic symptoms largely resolved within a week of abstinence, craving did not decrease significantly from the time of initiating abstinence until the second week, and then continued at a reduced level to the fifth week. Conclusions Depressive and psychotic symptoms accompany acute withdrawal from methamphetamine but resolve within 1 week. Craving is also present and lasts at least 5 weeks.
Gastrointestinal secretions and vomiting

Abstract The two main gastrointestinal secretions are mucus and digestive enzymes. There are numerous pits or crypts throughout the gastrointestinal tract containing specialized secretory cells. Tubular glands are present in the stomach and proximal duodenum. Specialized glands include the salivary glands, pancreas and liver. The presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract causes direct stimulation of mucous (goblet) cells and nearby glands, which release digestive enzymes. The mucus protects the epithelium and acts as a lubricant. Mucous cells and glands are also stimulated by local enteric reflexes in response to distension or irritation. Parasympathetic stimulation increases secretion from salivary, oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic, duodenal Brunner's and distal large intestinal glands. Secretion from the rest of the small intestine and proximal large intestine is controlled predominantly by local neural and hormonal stimuli. Sympathetic stimulation alone slightly increases gastrointestinal secretion, but in the presence of parasympathetic or hormonal stimulation can reduce secretion because it induces constriction of splanchnic blood vessels. Nausea is a conscious awareness of arousal of the vomiting centre or related areas of the brain. It often precedes vomiting and may be initiated by higher CNS centres or local irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting can be initiated by overdistension or irritation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, resulting in afferent impulses transmitted via the parasympathetic (vagus) and sympathetic nervous systems to the vomiting centre in the medulla. It can also be initiated by stimulation of other areas of the brain, especially the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
Nitrate assimilation is inhibited by elevated CO 2 in field-grown wheat

Reductions in the protein and nitrogen content of plants grown under enhanced atmospheric CO2 concentrations could adversely affect the quality of food grown in the future, but the mechanisms of change remain unclear. Now research investigating plant responses to enhanced levels of atmospheric CO2 under field conditions finds that wheat nitrate assimilation was slower for elevated CO2 than for ambient CO2.
Health care technology issues in home care.

Every 2 years the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics updates its employment outlook for the next decade. In its publication, The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1998–1999 edition, the agency projects that employment in home health care is expected to grow the fastest of all health care sections in the next decade. One of the main reasons for this trend is advances in health care technology that have allowed health care activities once performed only in hospitals or physicians' offices to be performed in clients' homes.
Separation of peptides and intact proteins by electrostatic repulsion reversed phase liquid chromatography.

Abstract A new brand of BEH-C 18 hybrid particles chemically bonded to a leash carrying an amine group permits the implementation of electrostatic repulsive interactions chromatography. Using columns packed with this material, the influence of the concentration of positive charges bonded to the BEH-C 18 surface on the overloaded band profiles of a few positively charged peptides and proteins was investigated in the gradient elution mode. Three columns packed with endcapped BEH-C 18 particles bonded with three different surface-charge densities (LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH) were used and compared with those provided by a column packed with non-doped, endcapped BEH-C 18 particles. The surface concentrations of fixed charges in the LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH columns were estimated at 0.029, 0.050, and 0.064 μmol/m 2 , for example, about two orders of magnitude smaller than the surface density of bonded C 18 chains (2.1 μmol/m 2 ). Three different mobile phase additives (0.1% v/v of trifluoro-acetic, phosphoric, and formic acid) were used to optimize the purification levels of proteins under different loading conditions. The weak ion-pairing ions (formate and phosphate) generate smaller retention but broader, more fronting band profiles than those eluted with a stronger ion-pairing ion (trifluoroactate). This effect is worse in the presence of fixed charges at the surface of the BEH-C 18 particles. This was explained by an enhanced anti-Langmuirian adsorption behavior of the charged proteins in the presence of fixed surface charges. As the protein concentration increases in the bulk, so does the internal ionic strength, the electrostatic repulsive interactions weaken, and retention increases. Band fronting is mostly eliminated by replacing weak ion-pairing acids with TFA with which the adsorption isotherm remains weakly langmuirian. Faster but still complete gradient separation of insulin and myoglobin were achieved with the HIGH column than with the reference neutral column, despite a measurable loss in selectivity.
Metabolic Abnormalities in Offspring of NIDDM Patients with a Family History of Diabetes Mellitus

NIDDM appears to be an inherited condition. Our aim was to identify early metabolic abnormalities in non-diabetic offspring with one NIDDM parent and with a strongly positive (n = 58, age 27.8 +/- 7.0 years) or a negative family history (n = 38, age 27.4 +/- 6.7 years) of diabetes. These were compared with 31 offspring of non-diabetic parents (age 26.9 +/- 5.5 years). After an overnight fast, blood was taken for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, insulin receptors, and lipids. All the subjects underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. The positive family history group had significantly higher fasting levels of triglycerides (1.09 +/- 0.24 vs control subjects: CS: 0.93 +/- 0.16 mmol l-1, p < 0.001), insulin (102.8 +/- 46.4 vs CS: 77.5 +/- 32.4 pmol l-1, p < 0.01) and C-peptide (0.69 +/- 0.22 vs CS: 0.61 +/- 0.19 nmol l-1, p < 0.05) and lower numbers of insulin receptors per red cell (9.1 x 10(3) (4.5-18.1, 95% confidence intervals) vs CS: (11.2 x 10(3) (6.3-19.9)), p < 0.01, despite similar blood glucose levels. After a glucose challenge (120 min), the increases in both insulin and C-peptide concentrations were significantly greater in the positive family history group (289.2 +/- 214.1 pmol l-1, 2.23 +/- 1.48 nmol l-1), respectively, than in CS (192.4 +/- 170.3 pmol l-1, p < 0.05) (1.54 +/- 0.99 nmol l-1 p < 0.01), respectively. No significant differences were found in fasting and post-challenge glucose levels. The negative family history group had significantly lower numbers of insulin receptors 9.4 x 10(3) (4.1-15.2) compared with CS (p < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity was significantly reduced in the positive family history group (41.6%) compared with control subjects (51.9%), p < 0.01. The results strongly support the familial basis of the disease.
Note on simplified forms of the quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation

Different approximations of the general quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation under high Richardson number condition are obtained for different types of large-scale disturbances in the atmosphere. It is found that the complete equation is needed for the long waves in middle latitudes, but that the barotropic and non-divergent approximation is adequate for ordinary long waves in low latitude, whereas for disturbances with ultra-long horizontal length-scale in both zonal and meridional directions, the potential vorticity can be approximated by the thermal portion alone. On the other hand, for the EW-elongated ultra-long waves in the tropics, the uy term in the potential vorticity must be included. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1984.tb00239.x
Revision cochlear implantation in children

The cochlear implant intervention is the standard of care for the rehabilitation of severe to profound hearing loss in children. Growing case numbers are associated with increasing prevalence of conditions that may require surgical revision to maintain electrical hearing and language acquisition. Scalp complications can be avoided by observing core surgical principles, which also reduces the risk of wound infections. Providers of cochlear implant care should also become familiar with the indications for revision surgery, including the work-up and appropriate technique for electrode re-insertion. A summary of the literature reveals varied outcomes depending on indication, ranging from diminished speech performance to significant gains after revision surgery. Patient selection must be carefully considered to minimize additional delays in language development. The decision for revision surgery is straightforward in cases of documented speech perception decline, device failure and infection. In cases of failure to progress, however, the outcome may be reduced or unchanged.
MicroRNAs and Colon and Rectal Cancer: Differential Expression by Tumor Location and Subtype

MicroRNAs are thought to have an impact on cell proliferation, apoptosis, stress responses, maintenance of stem cell potency, and metabolism and are, therefore, important in the carcinogenic process. In this study, we examined 40 colon tumors, 30 rectal tumors, and 30 normal tissue samples (10 proximal colon, 10 distal colon, and 10 rectal paired with cancer cases) to examine miRNA expression profiles in colon and rectal tumors. MiRNA expression levels were adjusted for multiple comparisons; tumor tissue was compared with noncancerous tissue from the same site. A comparison of normal tissue showed 287 unique miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed at the 1.5-fold level and 73 with over a two-fold difference in expression between colon and rectal tissue. Examination of miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed at the 1.5-fold level by tumor phenotype showed 143 unique miRNAs differentially expression for microsatellite instability positive (MSI+) colon tumors; 129 unique miRNAs differentially expressed for CpG Island Methylator Phenotype positive (CIMP+) colon tumors; 135 miRNAs were differentially expressed for KRAS2-mutated colon tumors, and 139 miRNAs were differentially expressed for TP53-mutated colon tumors. Similar numbers of differentially expressed miRNAs were observed for rectal tumors, although the miRNAs differentially expressed differed. There were 129 unique miRNAs for CIMP+, 143 unique miRNAs for KRAS2-mutated, and 136 unique miRNAs for TP53-mutated rectal tumors. These results suggest the importance of miRNAs in colorectal cancer and the need for studies that can confirm these results and provide insight into the diet, lifestyle, and genetic factors that influence miRNA expression.
Rapid isoelectric focusing and detection of nanogram amounts of proteins from body tissues and fluids

Polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing was carried out using 250 μm thick gels backed with polyester films at voltage gradients up to 460 V/cm. Peltier cooling was employed with berrylium oxide heat transfer plates to achieve adequate cooling. Visualization of low protein concentrations was obtained by the use of a highly sensitive silver staining technique. Results indicated that over separating distances of 5.4 cm 150 to 200 bands should be resolved and that considerable differences between two commercial carrier ampholytes exist. Pharmalyte carrier ampholytes from Pharmacia have better continuity and conductance over the range of pH 3–10 but require much higher field strengths to achieve maximal separation than do LKB Ampholines over a similar pH range.
Current Concepts in the Pharmacotherapy of Pseudobulbar Affect

Arising in settings of CNS insult, pseudobulbar affect (PBA) consists of uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughter incongruent to the patient’s mood. The syndrome has been described by a plethora of names, including pathological laughing and crying, emotional lability, emotionalism and emotional incontinence, which hampers efforts to survey published assessments of pharmacological intervention. Still, until quite recently, all treatment has unavoidably been off-label, chiefly involving antidepressants. Using PBA and other syndrome names as search terms, a PubMed search for English-language case reports and therapeutic trials involving at least five patients identified 22 such publications from 1980 through to 2010. Among the seven randomized, double-blind, antidepressant studies with placebo control, two trials assessed 106 and 123 subjects, respectively. However, the other five assessed only 12–28 subjects, and only one of these seven trials (with 28 subjects) measured change in syndrome severity using a validated scale. The three randomized, double-blind studies of dextromethorphan plus quinidine assessed 129, 150 and 326 subjects. Among these studies, two were placebo-controlled and all three used a validated severity scale. Across all placebo-controlled trials, response to active treatment — either an antidepressant or dextromethorphan/quinidine — has in general been significantly greater than response to placebo, but placebo response has sometimes been substantial, suggesting caution in interpreting uncontrolled findings. In October 2010, dextromethorphan/quinidine received approval from the US FDA as first-in-class PBA pharmacotherapy. Advocates of a continuing role for antidepressants, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can point to numerous positive case reports and trials, the potential benefit of attempting to treat PBA and concomitant depression without using multiple drugs, and the ever-present need to tailor treatment to the individual patient.
Recruitment of Infauna: Positive or Negative Cues?

The current paradigm for recruitment invokes passive transport of the larva in the water column followed by larval choice of habitat after deposition of the larva on or near the bottom. Larval choice is typically considered to be based on positive cues. I argue herein that the evidence for emphasizing rejection of substrata by negative cues is at least as compelling as that for acceptance by positive cues. Data from the literature on costs of rejection of settlement sites, types of emigration by larvae and/or juveniles, and criteria by which infaunal larvae and/or juveniles reject habitats are used to support this thes.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of seedling-derived maize callus

Efficient production of seedling-derived Type I callus was demonstrated for several corn genotypes including commercial inbred lines. Seeds were germinated on MS-based medium containing 10 mg l−1 picloram and 3 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine, which induced the development of axillary buds in the area of coleoptilar node. Nodal sections of 7–10-day old seedlings were isolated, split longitudinally, and placed on callus induction medium supplemented with 2.2 mg l−1 picloram and 0.5 mg l−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. For lines L4 and L9 the frequency of embryogenic callus induction was 38–42% based on calli per split nodal section. Frequency of callus induction from split nodal sections of seeds germinated on media without growth regulators was 0–3%. Seedling-derived callus of five genotypes was used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Two constructs containing the green fluorescence protein gene and genes for either neomycin phosphotransferase II or glyphosate selection were used in transformation experiments. Transformation frequency varied from 2 to 11% and about 60% of the T0 plants had 1–2 copies of transgenes.
Spectroelectrochemical studies of cobalt(II) porphyrins with paracyclophanyl, pyridinium and nucleoside substituents

Abstract This work describes the synthesis of novel cobalt complexes of porphyrins: ( meso -tetrakis [2.2]paracyclophanylporphyrinato)cobalt(II) (T(PCP)PCo(II)); ( meso -mono[2.2]paracyclophanyltriphenylporphyrinato)cobalt(II) (PCPPCo(II)); ( meso -tetrakis(5′-0- p -phenylene-2′,3′-0-isopropylideneuridine)porphyrinato)cobalt(II) (TPUPCo(II)), and ( meso -5′-0- p -phenylene-2′,3′-0-isopropylideneuridinetri( N -methyl-4-pyridinium)porphyrinato)cobalt(II) (PUPCo(II)). The redox properties of these complexes were characterized by voltammetry and UV—visible spectroelectrochemistry. The effects of the electron-donating and electron-withdrawing properties of the substituents on the electrochemical and spectroscopic data obtained are described and discussed. These compounds are the first examples of a linkage of a biomolecule, such as uridine, with the porphyrin system. These porphyrins also undergo electrochemical polymerization with the formation of conductive films.
Optical implementation of fuzzy logic operations

We investigate the optical implementation of fuzzy logic operations. After a brief introduction of the aspects of fuzzy logic operations and fuzzy set theory, we discuss the optical implementations of fuzzy logic operation, fuzzy set reasoning, and fuzzy associative memory using various linear and nonlinear optical techniques. We also propose and discuss a fuzzy neural network model for optical pattern recognition. Experimental results achieved in our laboratory are presented and discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimizing Transition of Care Through the Facilitation of a Pharmacist-Managed Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment Program

A pharmacist-managed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment program was put into operation at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida to provide appropriate transition of care to the outpatient setting for patients diagnosed with DVT. A postgraduate year 1 pharmacy practice resident partnered with a clinical pharmacist to establish and implement the DVT pilot program in the emergency department (ED). Once contacted, the pharmacy resident or the clinical pharmacist communicated with the ED physician and made recommendations regarding appropriate anticoagulation. The pharmacist met with the patient to obtain informed consent and provide counseling regarding the anticoagulants. A timely outpatient appointment at the pharmacy-managed warfarin clinic was arranged for the patient and contact information was exchanged between the patient and the pharmacist. On average, patients enrolled in the DVT program from the ED were released 18.29 hours (±7.06) following the time of arrival. Following release from the hospital, 91% of patients attended their outpatient follow-up appointment at the warfarin clinic. Since the initiation of the DVT program, 1 patient experienced a recurrent DVT and major bleed during their treatment course. Due to successful implementation of this pharmacist-managed DVT program in the ED, the services were subsequently extended to inpatients with DVT.
Application of atomic absorption and plasma emission spectrometry for environmental analysis

Abstract The application of flame atomic absorption (FAAS), electrotehrmal atomic absorption (ETAAS), inductively coupled plasma emission (ICP), and direct-current plasma emission spectrometry (DCP) for the determination of major, minor, and trace elements in Urban Particulates (SRM 1648), Wear Metals in Oil (SRM 1084 and 1085), and Simulated Solid-Waste Leachates is described. Interference were encountered in the determination of the trace elements in SRM 1648 by ETAAS; however, these interferences were alleviated using a 1% solution of ammonium dibasic phosphate as a matrix modifier. The concentration of elements in SRM 1084 and 1085 and the simulated solid-waste leachates were significantly above the detection limits by FAAS or ICP and no analytical difficulty was encountered.
Genetic relationships between resistance to stalk-tunneling by the European corn borer and cell-wall components in maize population B73×B52

The objective of this study was to assess the relationships among quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected for European corn borer (ECB) tunneling and cell-wall components (CWC) neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content in leaf-sheath and stalk tissues in a maize recombinant inbred line population derived from inbred lines B73 and B52. Most of the QTL for ECB resistance (10/13) were at QTL positions for one or more CWC. Of the 12 QTL for NDF and ADF in leaf-sheaths, five for each trait were at or near QTL for ECB tunneling. Four of these five QTL for NDF and ADF mapped to common locations. Four of the eight leaf-sheath ADL QTL were detected in the same genomic regions as ECB QTL. For stalk tissue, four regions contained common/overlapping QTL for ECB tunneling, NDF, and ADF. Six such regions were observed for stalk ADL and ECB tunneling. Seven of the ten QTL associated with both CWC and ECB tunneling contributed to the negative correlations observed between these traits, while relatively few QTL effects were positively correlated. This suggests that while CWC contribute to ECB resistance in this population, other mechanisms and other genes also are involved. Several QTL contributing to the negative correlations between ECB tunneling and CWC in the leaf-sheaths mapped to similar positions as QTL detected in tropical maize populations for resistance to leaf-feeding by Diatraea grandiosella Dyar and Diatraea saccharalis Fabricus. These regions may contain genes involved in the synthesis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths of maize.
Metalworking Fluid Exposures in Small Machine Shops: An Overview

Sampling was conducted in 79 small machine shops to assess airborne exposures to metalworking fluids (MWFs). Measured exposures were compared with data from the literature and exposure criteria currently recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration MWF Standards Advisory Committee. Sixty-two percent of 942 personal samples collected were less than the recommended exposure limit (REL) of 0.50 mg/m3 for total particulate. However, at least 1 sample exceeded the REL in 61 of the 79 facilities studied; 100% of the samples collected in 10 shops were greater than the REL. Similar trends were found for thoracic particulate exposures where 75% of 238 samples were below the thoracic particulate REL of 0.40 mg/m3. The ratio between thoracic and total particulate for 238 paired samples was 0.55 (r2=0.73). Workers exposed to straight fluids had the highest exposures (GM=0.67 mg/m3) when compared with workers exposed to other classes of ...
Regulation of glucose and insulin release following acute and repeated treatment with the synthetic galanin analog NAX-5055

The neuropeptide galanin is widely expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However there is limited understanding of how individual galanin receptor (GalR1, 2, and 3) subtypes mediate the physiological activity of galanin in vivo. To address this issue we utilized NAX-5055, a systemically available, metabolically stable galanin analog. NAX-5055 displays a preference for GalR1 receptors and possesses potent anticonvulsant activity in vivo, suggesting that NAX-5055 engages central galanin receptors. To determine if NAX-5055 also modulates the activity of peripheral galanin receptors, we evaluated the effect of NAX-5055 on blood glucose and insulin levels in mice. Acute and repeated (once daily for four days) systemic administration of NAX-5055 (4 mg/kg) significantly increased blood glucose levels compared to vehicle treated mice. However, a hyperglycemic response was not observed following systemic administration of NAX-805-1, a scrambled analog of NAX-5055, with critical receptor binding residues, Trp(2) and Tyr(9), reversed. These results suggest that chemical modifications independent of the galanin backbone of NAX-5055 are not responsible for the hyperglycemic response. The effect of NAX-5055 on glucose homeostasis was further evaluated with a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Mice administered either acute or repeated (once daily for four days) injections of NAX-5055 (4 mg/kg) displayed impaired glucose handling and reduced insulin response to an acute glucose (1g/kg) challenge. Here we have shown that systemic administration of a centrally active GalR1-preferring galanin analog produces acute hyperglycemia and an inhibition of insulin release in vivo and that these effects are not attenuated with repeated administration. NAX-5055 thus provides a new pharmacological tool to further the understanding of function of both central and peripheral GalR1 receptors in vivo.
Heat stress‐induced apoptosis in porcine in vitro fertilized and parthenogenetic preimplantation‐stage embryos

Decades worth of research have consistently shown the adverse effects of elevated temperatures on reproductive parameters of livestock species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the developmental and apoptotic responses of porcine in vitro fertilized (IVF) and parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos heat stressed at the late 1-cell stage. Embryos were heat stressed (HS) at 42 degrees C for 9 hr starting 22 hr after insemination or artificial activation stimulus. Non heat-stressed (NHS) control embryos were maintained at 39 degrees C for the duration of the experiments. TUNEL staining on Day 5 of development demonstrated that heat stress elicited a significant apoptotic response in IVF embryos (45.6% of HS embryos and 26.7% of NHS embryos were apoptotic; P 0.1). And, while IVF embryos were highly susceptible to heat-induced developmental perturbations (20.6% and 8.8% development to blastocyst for NHS and HS embryos, respectively; P 0.1). These findings indicate that, as in other systems studied, IVF pig embryos are directly affected adversely by heat stress conditions. Parthenogenetic embryos, though, appear to be surprisingly tolerant of the elevated temperatures. The differences between IVF and PA embryos in their response to heat stress warrants further investigation.
Tilt angle of a trans-membrane helix is determined by hydrophobic mismatch.

In order to investigate the compensation mechanism of a trans-membrane helix in response to hydrophobic mismatch, the tilt and rotation angles of the trans-membrane helix of Vpu aligned in lipid bilayers of various thickness were determined using orientation-dependent frequencies obtained from solid-state NMR experiments of aligned samples. A tilt angle of 18° was observed in 18:1-O-PC/DOPG (9:1) lipid bilayers, which have a hydrophobic thickness that approximately matches the hydrophobic length of the trans-membrane helix of Vpu. Upon decreasing the hydrophobic thickness of lipid bilayers, no significant change in rotation angle was observed. However, the tilt angle increased systematically with increasing positive mismatch to 27° in 14:0-O-PC/DMPG (9:1), 35° in 12:0-O-PC/DLPG (9:1), and 51° in 10:0 PC/10:0 PG (9:1) lipid bilayers, indicating that the change in tilt angle of the trans-membrane helix is a principal compensation mechanism for hydrophobic mismatch. In addition, the distinctive kink in the middle of the helix observed in 18:1 bilayers disappears in thinner bilayers. Although the opposite of what might be expected, this finding suggests that a helix kink may also be a part of the hydrophobic matching mechanism for trans-membrane helices.
An Evolutionary Psychological Investigation of Parental Distress and Reproductive Coercion During the “Coming Out” of Gay Sons

The lack of success of the "coming out" studies over the last three decades to explain and predict parental responses has motivated an evolutionary psychological reconceptualization. According to this reconceptualization, it was predicted that (a) biological mothers would experience more distress and apply more pressure on gay sons to change than would biological fathers and; (b) obligate investment for fathers on dependent sons would cause fathers to experience more distress and apply more pressure on gay sons to change than it would fathers without this obligate investment. In contrast, a cultural-norm hypothesis predicted that fathers would experience more distress and apply more pressure on gay sons to change than mothers. The majority of predictions were tested using 787 participants from two-biological parent families, who were drawn from a total sample of 891 participants from various family backgrounds. As predicted by the evolutionary hypothesis, biological mothers were reported to have been more distressed and coercive than biological fathers, in spite of a strong, societal expectation to the contrary. Furthermore, the results supported the obligate investment argument for paternal reactions. The model not only correctly explained and predicted parental behavior during coming out, but also was shown to unify within its theoretical framework discrepant results from the literature previously considered inconsistent.
DOES AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE AFFECT PARASITISM AND PARASITOID DIVERSITY

This study evaluates whether previous observations of a higher percentage of parasitism and parasitoid diversity in a complex agricultural landscape, relative to a simple landscape, represent a general phenomenon. Rates of parasitism and parasitoid diversity of the armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta) were assessed in three replicate (On- ondaga, Ingham, and Benton) regions in southern Michigan. Within each region, a simple landscape (primarily cropland) and a complex landscape (cropland intermixed with mid and late successional noncrop habitats) were identified through analysis of aerial photo- graphs. In each landscape, three maize fields were selected, and second to fourth instar P. unipuncta were released into three replicate plots of maize plants. Larvae were recovered after 6 d and reared in the laboratory to record parasitoid emergence. A principal component analysis conducted on landscape variables indicated that simple and complex landscapes were true replicates. Extra-field vegetation was similar among the three simple landscapes but differed among complex sites. Parasitoid species diversity differed among regions, with six species recovered in Onondaga and two species from both Benton and Ingham. Rates of parasitism were only partially consistent with previous experimental results. In Ingham, results were similar to those found previously in this region; rates of parasitism and par- asitoid diversity were higher in the complex landscape. However, in Onondaga and Benton, no difference in rates of parasitism or parasitoid diversity were found. Thus, the hypothesis that landscape complexity increases parasitoid diversity and rates of parasitism was not supported. Possible reasons for the observed differences in rates of parasitism among regions are discussed.
Plant-derived anticancer agents: a promising treatment for bone metastasis

Bone metastasis is a very frequent complication of advanced cancer, and it remains an incurable disease. Current therapies that have been approved for the treatment of bone metastases delay the occurrence of skeletal-related events and can extend the patient’s lifespan by a few years. However, they will not cure or cause the regression of established bone metastases, and new side effects are emerging after prolonged treatment. Thus, new therapies are severely needed. There are compelling evidences from in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies that support the use of compounds derived from plants to treat several forms of cancers including bone metastasis. More than 25% of the drugs used during the past 20 years were directly derived from plants, whereas another 25% are chemically altered natural products. Still, only 5–15% of the B250 000 higher plants have ever been investigated for bioactive compounds. There is a growing interest for the study of anticancer drugs with relatively low side effects that target specific key signaling pathways that control the establishment and progression of the cancer metastasis. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify new natural compounds with high efficiency in cancer prevention and treatment. Extensive reviews about plant-derived agents and their use in cancer have been published, but none when it comes to the treatment of bone metastases. Only a few of these compounds have been evaluated for the treatment of bone metastasis; here we describe some of the most prominent ones that are having the potential to reach the clinic soon.
Skin Barrier Function

Like other inflammatory dermatoses, the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been largely attributed to abnormalities in adaptive immunity. T helper (Th) cell types 1 and 2 cell dysregulation, IgE production, mast cell hyperactivity, and dendritic cell signaling are thought to account for the chronic, pruritic, and inflammatory dermatosis that characterizes AD. Not surprisingly, therapy has been directed toward ameliorating Th2-mediated inflammation and pruritus. Here, we review emerging evidence that inflammation in AD occurs downstream to inherited and acquired insults to the barrier. Therapy based upon this new view of pathogenesis should emphasize approaches that correct the primary abnormality in barrier function, which drives downstream inflammation and allows unrestricted antigen access.
Single file ion diffusion and the schmoluchowski equation

Abstract The Schmoluchowski equation is introduced into the problem of single file ion diffusion in a channel. The ions mutually interact due to coulomb repulsion and are also subject to a single ion potential due to the channel. The positions of the ions are represented by a continuous co-ordinate. The problem is reduced to the solution of a pair of transfer integral equations. The resistivity of finite and infinite channels is calculated for various dielectric constants and mean ionic separations. The ionic density for finite channels is also calculated. The results clearly demonstrate that strong coulomb interaction leads to a co-operative motion of the ions across channels.
Teratogenic effects of methamphetamine in mice and rabbits

Pregnant CFI mice and New Zealand White rabbits were given methamphetamine hydrochloride intravenously during days 9–15 and 12–30 of gestation, respectively. Offspring of mice given 5.0 mg/kg on days 9–15 of gestation had less than 2% anomalies. When 10.0 mg/kg were given on days 9–15, a 13.6% incidence of anomalies was observed. Offspring of rabbits receiving 1.5 mg/kg of methamphetamine on days 12–15, 15–20, and 12–30 of gestation showed an incidence of fetal anomalies of 12, 4, and 15.5% respectively. Offspring sired by treated males showed no significant weight change and had no increased anomaly rate.
Higher Order Spacing Distributions for a Class of Unitary Ensembles

We consider the $n\mathrm{th}$-order spacing distribution, ${P}^{n}(s)$, in the statistical theory of energy levels of complex systems. Each ${P}^{n}$ is written as a sum of multiple integrals over correlation functions. This procedure is used to establish the identity of the spacing distributions for all members of a class of Hamiltonian unitary ensembles. A power-series expansion of ${P}^{n}(s)$, valid for all $n$, is developed.
Diploid and haploid hybridization of different populations of the Rana pipiens complex. II. Experiments with females from Oklahoma.

Diploid and androgenetic haploid hybrids have been made with eggs of Rana pipiens from the Mexican locality Oaxaca and sperm from individuals of the pipiens-complex from nine localities in Mexico and the United States. The diploid hybrids are normal or nearly so when the males are from localities as distant as Florida, Vermont, or Wisconsin. They are very abnormal when the males are from a locality in the nearby Gulf Coast lowlands, San Andres Tuxtla. Haploid hybrids on the other hand are almost always very abnormal. This suggests that there has been considerable evolutionary divergence in the local populations of the pipiens-complex and that androgenetic hybridization is a useful technique for detecting this divergence. A few experiments with eggs with another Mexican locality, Zamora, are also reported.