cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tic disorders and trichotillomania

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the tic disorders and trichotillomania. Tic disorders are characterized by sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic motor and vocal tics. Tic disorders can be categorized into three primary categories: transient tic disorder, chronic tic disorder, and Tourette's disorder (TD). Evidence for automatic negative reinforcement of tics comes primarily from self-report data in which individuals describe the occurrence of unpleasant sensations. Most functional assessment research with hair pulling involves indirect assessment in which individuals with trichotillomania (TTM) report the antecedents and consequences of hair pulling. While direct functional assessment methods may be desired, direct observation of antecedents and consequences of pulling is problematic for two reasons. First, hair pulling is often a behavior that is not performed in the presence of others, possibly because of a history of social punishment. Second, the functional antecedents and consequences to pulling are often private and not directly available for observation by others.
The major progesterone-modulated proteins secreted into the sheep uterus are members of the serpin superfamily of serine protease inhibitors.

The uterine milk proteins (UTMP) are a pair of structurally related basic glycoproteins that when newly synthesized carry phosphorylated mannosyl residues on their carbohydrate chains. They are the major proteins secreted by ovine endometrium under the influence of progesterone. RNA from a late pregnant ewe endometrium was isolated for use in in vitro translation assays and for constructing cDNA libraries. Translation experiments, initially with total cellular RNA and subsequently with RNA selected by hybridization with a specific cDNA, demonstrated the production of two polypeptides (Mr = 47,000 and 55,000) that were precipitated with antiserum to the UTMP. With microsomal membranes in the translation assay, there was increased production of an Mr = 57,000 form that was protected from protease digestion. Antibody screening of a cDNA library in λgt11 identified a short clone representing the 3′ terminus of the mRNA that was shown by epitope selection experiments to be UTMP specific. This clone was then used to screen a λgt10 library. A longer clone (1.3 kilobases) was isolated and sequenced but lacked the 5′ terminus to the mRNA. The latter sequence was obtained directly from the mRNA. Interesting features of the UTMP mRNA sequence, which was 1,352 bases long and contained a 1,287-base open reading frame, were two strong start codons, two potential sites for N-glycosylation and a repeat of 21 bases, six bases apart, that resulted in a repeat of seven amino acids. The inferred amino acid sequence agreed closely with the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence obtained directly from the UTMP and clearly placed the UTMP in the serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors. However, we have been unable to demonstrate inhibitory activity toward any serine protease so far tested.
Measurement and dynamical analysis of computer performance data

In this paper we give a detailed description of a new methodology—nonlinear time series analysis—for computer performance data. This methodology has been used successfully in prior work [1,9]. In this paper, we analyze the theoretical underpinnings of this new methodology as it applies to our understanding of computer performance. By doing so, we demonstrate that using nonlinear time series analysis techniques on computer performance data is sound. Furthermore, we examine the results of blindly applying these techniques to computer performance data when we do not validate their assumptions and suggest future work to navigate these obstacles.
Dexlansoprazole MR in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Dexlansoprazole MR, an enantiomer of lansoprazole, is a unique proton pump inhibitor with a duel release mechanism. This release mechanism produces two distinct peak concentrations that result in a prolonged mean residence time with increased duration of plasma concentrations and a greater percent time the pH is maintained above 4. The prolonged residence time allows dexlansoprazole MR to be administered throughout the day without regards to meals or the timing before a meal. In two trials of patients with erosive esophagitis, dexlansoprazole MR 60 mg and 90 mg demonstrated comparable healing rates to lansoprazole 30 mg. In patients with healed EE, dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg (75%) and 60 mg (83%) were superior to placebo (27%; p < 0.0025) in maintenance of healing. Dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg and 60 mg had a greater percentage of heartburn-free days (91%–96%) and heartburn-free nights (96%–99%) than placebo (29%–72%) over the 6-month maintenance trial. Dexlansorpazole MR appears to be well tolerated with the safety profile being similar to lansoprazole with gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common. Dexlansoprazole MR provides a new treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease due to the flexible dosing, the unique release mechanisms and prologned pharmacodynamic effect.
Allylamine cardiotoxicity—IV: Metabolism to acrolein by cardiovascular tissues

Acrolein was detected in homogenates of rat aorta, lung, skeletal muscle, and heart incubated with allylamine. Semicarbazide and hydralazine, which protect against allylamine-induced myocardial injury in vivo in the rat, inhibited acrolein formation. Hydrogen peroxide, a product of oxidative deamination, was generated during allylamine oxidation. Acrolein was also produced from allylamine by bovine plasma amine oxidase and porcine kidney diamine oxidase but not by rat liver or brain homogenates. Allylamine competitively inhibited benzylamine oxidation in rat aorta, but pargyline-sensitive monoamine oxidase was not involved in acrolein production. The high activity in aorta, the competition with benzylamine, and the sensitivity to benzylamine oxidase inhibitors indicate that benzylamine oxidase is the active enzyme in oxidizing allylamine. The formation of acrolein may be the basis of the cardiotoxic action of allylamine.
Design for manufacturability and time‐to‐market

Examines the impact of the intensity level of design for manufacturability (DFM) on the time‐to‐market. Hypothesizes that companies which use the DFM technology strategically are more likely than their counterparts to exhibit a shorter time‐to‐market, introduce new products and processes more often, and are more responsive to their customers needs. An index for measuring the intensity level of DFM is developed. The analysis was based on data collected from 165 manufacturing firms in three industry groups in US – industrial machinery equipment, electronic and electric machinery equipment, and transportation equipment. Suggests that differences in time‐to‐market among firms with different intensity level of DFM do exist. Shows the existence of moderate association between DFM and time‐to‐market, and between DFM and introducing new products and new processes.
A spatiotemporal coding mechanism for background independent recognition of odors

Sensory stimuli often evoke temporal patterns of spiking activity across a population of neurons in the early processing stages. These neural responses are considered a ‘temporal code’ if they change on a timescale that is different than the stimulus variations that caused them and when they convey useful information about the stimulus. A fundamental problem in sensory neuroscience is determining what stimulus-specific information is encoded by dynamic patterns of ensemble neural activity and whether this information is behaviorally relevant. Furthermore, since the same stimulus can be encountered in a variety of ways in natural environments, what attributes of the spatiotemporal population responses are invariant to any or all such variations in stimulus features? In this talk, I will describe how dynamic processing of odor signals allows an invertebrate olfactory system to recognize odorants in a background-independent manner. I will first discuss how freshly introduced odors are received by olfactory receptor neurons in the locust antenna (Schistocerca americana), and then show how the generated sensory input is transformed, step-by-step, into background-invariant neural representations. I will conclude with a brief discussion of correlations between temporally patterned neural activity and behavioral performance of locusts in an odor recognition task.
Antidiuretic effect of [Sar1, Val5, Ala8] angiotensin II in Lophius americanus

We have reported previously that angiotensin II increases urine flow and Na and K excretion rates in the aglomerular goosefish Lophius americanus. The present experiments were undertaken to determine if antagonism of endogenous angiotensin has the opposite renal effects. Arterial blood pressure, urine flow, and plasma and urine electrolytes were measured during two consecutive clearance periods in two groups of goosefish. The control group (n = 7) received saline intravenously during both periods; the experimental group (n = 8) received saline during the first period and a competitive antagonist of angiotensin II (saralasin, or [Sar1, Val5, Ala8] angiotension II) dissolved in saline during the second period. The control group exhibited no significant change over time in any of the measured variables: arterial blood pressure; plasma [Na], [K], [Mg], [Ca]; osmolality; urine flow; and excretion rates of Na, K, Ca, and Mg. Arterial blood pressure and plasma electrolytes and osmolality were stable over time in the experimental group also. However, during saralasin infusion there were significant decreases in urine flow and in excretion rates of K, Mg, and Ca. Taken together with our previous results, these observations suggest that endogenous levels of angiotensin in goosefish are sufficient to have direct renal effects. The mechanisms of action of angiotensin are not clear, but involve neither changes in systemic blood pressure nor filtration but might involve inhibitory effects of angiotensin on tubular reabsorptive processes.
Bifurcation analysis of axial flow compressor stability

With a one-mode truncation it is possible to reduce the Moore–Greitzer model for compressor instability to a set of three ordinary differential equations. These are approached from the point of view of bifurcation theory. Most of the bifurcations emerge from a degenerate Takens–Bogdanov bifurcation point. The bifurcation sets are completed using the numerical branch tracking scheme AUTO. Despite the severity of the truncation, the agreement with experimental results is excellent.
Highly scalable non-volatile and ultra-low-power phase-change nanowire memory.

The search for a universal memory storage device that combines rapid read and write speeds, high storage density and non-volatility is driving the exploration of new materials in nanostructured form1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Phase-change materials, which can be reversibly switched between amorphous and crystalline states, are promising in this respect, but top-down processing of these materials into nanostructures often damages their useful properties4,5. Self-assembled nanowire-based phase-change material memory devices offer an attractive solution owing to their sub-lithographic sizes and unique geometry, coupled with the facile etch-free processes with which they can be fabricated. Here, we explore the effects of nanoscaling on the memory-storage capability of self-assembled Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires, an important phase-change material. Our measurements of write-current amplitude, switching speed, endurance and data retention time in these devices show that such nanowires are promising building blocks for non-volatile scalable memory and may represent the ultimate size limit in exploring current-induced phase transition in nanoscale systems.
The incidence, prevalence and burden of OM in unselected children aged 1-8 years followed by weekly otoscopy through the "common cold" season.

Summary Background There is a continuing interest in defining the incidence, prevalence and burden of otitis media (OM) in the individual and population for purposes of assigning “risk factors”. Often overlooked in past studies are the contributions of cold-like illnesses (CLIs) and sampling interval to those estimates. Objective Describe the incidence of symptomatic (AOM) and asymptomatic (OME) OM, the prevalence of OM, the contribution of CLI incidence, burden and other OM “risk factors” to the incidence and burden of OM, and the effect of sampling interval on those measures in children. Methods 148 children (74 male; 131 white, aged 1.0–8.6 years) were followed from November 1 to April 30 by weekly pneumatic otoscopy to diagnose OM presence/absence and by daily parental diary to assign CLI episodes. Data for previously identified OM “risk factors” were collected on 127. Results were summarized using standard measures of incidence, prevalence and burden, and multiple regression techniques were used to identify OM “risk factors”. Results The basal OM prevalence was 20% with peaks in December and March and the temporal pattern was correlated with CLI prevalence. The incidence of OME (per 27232 child-days) was 317, AOM was 74 and CLI was 456. The seasonal pattern of AOM and OME incidences tracked and was correlated with that for CLIs. New OM episodes were usually of short duration (≤7 days in 40%, ≤4 weeks in 75–90%) and the usual OM burden was low (median = 12%). OM and breastfeeding histories and CLI incidence/prevalence were significant predictors of OME and AOM incidence and OM burden. Longer sampling intervals were less efficient in capturing AOM and OME durations and incidences, but not OM burden. Conclusions These results demonstrate a high incidence and prevalence of OM, most OM episodes were of short duration and longer sampling intervals introduced biases into some parameter estimates. There was a significant relationship between OM and CLI incidence, prevalence and burden suggesting that CLI experience should be controlled for in assessing independent “risk factors” for AOM and OME.
The fine structure of connective tissue in the tunica propria of bronchioles.

The tunica propria of bronchioles of adult mice has been examined in the electron microscope. The following components are regularly encountered in the tunica propria: the basement membrane of the epithelium, the fibroblasts, the collagen fibrils, the elastic fibers, and the filaments. The basement membrane, a thin sheet which underlies the epithelium, is believed to be part of the connective tissue. Some fibroblasts are enveloped by a filamentous layer resembling a basement membrane. Others have thin filaments radiate from the surface. The collagen fibrils show as many as eight bands per period. Their morphology corresponds to that found in purified fibrils. The elastic fibers are of irregular size, form, and shape. They split up into fine filaments at their periphery. Thin (about 10 mμ) filaments resembling those associated with fibroblasts and with elastic fibers occur also between the collagen fibrils. Some of these show a periodic beading. They are probably related to collagen.
Synthesis and characterization of branched polystyrene. Part II. Fractionation

Fractionations have been carried out by a column-elution method on mixtures of linear and branched polystyrene. These had been prepared by anionic polymerization followed by a coupling reaction to form star-shaped branched polymers. Therefore, the components of the mixture were each of narrow distribution, and their molecular weights differed from each other as multiples of the original single chain length. For single chains in the 25,000–30,000 molecular weight range, separations were accomplished in which the multiples (number of branches) were 1, 2, 4, and 6. By this means, virtually monodisperse samples of the branched polymers could be isolated.
Resonance tuning of piezoelectric vibration energy scavenging generators using compressive axial preload

Vibration energy scavenging, harvesting ambient vibrations in structures for conversion into usable electricity, provides a potential power source for emerging technologies including wireless sensor networks. Most vibration energy scavenging devices developed to date operate effectively at a single specific frequency dictated by the device's design. However, for this technology to be commercially viable, vibration energy scavengers that generate usable power across a range of driving frequencies must be developed. This paper details the design and testing of a tunable-resonance vibration energy scavenger which uses the novel approach of axially compressing a piezoelectric bimorph to lower its resonance frequency. It was determined that an axial preload can adjust the resonance frequency of a simply supported bimorph to 24% below its unloaded resonance frequency. The power output to a resistive load was found to be 65–90% of the nominal value at frequencies 19–24% below the unloaded resonance frequency. Prototypes were developed that produced 300–400 µW of power at driving frequencies between 200 and 250 Hz. Additionally, piezoelectric coupling coefficient values were increased using this method, with keff values rising as much as 25% from 0.37 to 0.46. Device damping increased 67% under preload, from 0.0265 to 0.0445, adversely affecting the power output at lower frequencies. A theoretical model modified to include the effects of preload on damping predicted power output to within 0–30% of values obtained experimentally. Optimal load resistance deviated significantly from theory, and merits further investigation.
Pulmonary Alveolar Hypoxia: Release of Prostaglandins and Other Humoral Mediators

Hypoxic ventilation of isolated perfused cat lungs caused the frequent appearance in pulmonary perfusates of biologically active substances, which included prostaglandins or prostaglandin-like compounds. In anesthetized cats, inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis with infusions of aspirin (more than 50 milligrams per kilogram) reduced the pulmonary vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor responses to hypoxic breathing.
Secular trend in height and weight within old American families at Harvard, 1870–1965. I. Within twelve four-generation families

Among 85 members of 12 Old American families in which four generations were measured at Harvard, there were 12 fathers, 24 sons, 30 grandsons, and 19 great-grandsons. Mean birthdates for the four generations were 1858, 1888, 1918, and 1941, and mean ages when measured were 21.9, 19.0, 18.9, and 18.8 years. There was a significant increase in height between generations I and II (2.63 cm, p<0.02), a smaller rise (1.14 cm, not significant) to generation III, and no rise at all to generation IV. Weight rose negligibly until generation III and then increased 1.9 kg (not significant) to generation IV. The ponderal index, height/, rose slightly to generation III, then fell significantly (p<0.02) in generation IV to its original value in generation I. These findings confirm other indications that the secular increase in height has ended among economically-favored Americans. Weight, on the other hand, may still be increasing.
The use of medical resources by residency-trained family physicians and general internists. Is there a difference?

This study compared the use of medical resources by recently trained family physicians and general internists. Analyses are based on records of 3,737 adult office encounters with 132 family physicians and 2,250 adult office encounters with 102 general internists. General internists are twice as like
Effects of cervical spinal hemisection on dihydromorphine binding in brainstem and spinal cord in cat.

Cats were sacrificed 1–3 weeks after cervical (C1-C2) hemisection and receptor binding experiments were carried out with 4.0 and 0.6 nM concentrations of [3H]dihydromorphine ([3H]DHM); these concentrations were shown by Scatchard analysis to represent the approximate Kd values of high and low affinity dihydromorphine binding sites in brain homogenates. Unilateral cervical hemisection produced significant (P < 0.05), bilateral, reductions in the levels of [3H]DHM binding in the periaqueductal gray (PAG; 35–40%) and mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF; 47–51%), medial pons (40–56%) and medial medulla (30–37%). In paramedial pons and medulla, numerical reductions in [3H]DHM binding were observed (18 and 28%) which did not achieve statistical significance. In spinal cord, significant reductions were observed in the dorsal (45%) and ventral (29%) ipsilateral but not contralateral quadrants. We believe that these results in the brainstem and spinal cord reflect in part the loss of opiate binding on spinobulbar terminals and bulbospinal terminals, respectively, following orthograde degeneration. These observations support the hypothesis that the analgetic effects of opiates in the brainstem may in part be mediated by the direct inhibition of transmission through spinobulbar terminals.
Economic Potential of the California Trawl Fishery

This paper presents a technique for estimating the physical yield function of a fishery when detailed biological and environmental data are lacking. The physical yield function of the California trawl fishery is incorporated in an economic model to show the relationship between maximum sustainable physical yield of the fishery and maximum economic yield. Maximizing the economic benefit of the fishery to society would involve a drastic reduction in resource use at a catch level considerably below the biological maximum sustainable yield. Only through marginal cost pricing can resources be allocated efficiently to the fishery.
Implicit Political Identity

It is easy enough to rattle off numerous categories of social identities long of interest to political behavior scholars—race, sex, state or nation, party, ideology, social class, etc. But, a precise definition and measurement strategy for examining these identities is more elusive. This article discusses the conceptual foundations of a recently developed approach to measuring identity and focuses on its specific application as a new measure of partisanship in the United States.
Timelessness and foreknowledge

Theists often claim that human beings have libertarian freedom, i.e. that at some time t, some human S performs an action A and yet has the ability to refrain from A and can exercise this ability at t. Theists also often claim that God knows what humans will do before they do it. Arguments that these claims are incompatible have attracted much discussion since Nelson Pike's seminal "Divine Omniscience and Voluntary Action."' One such argument runs this way:
Comparative Analysis of the Biosynthetic Gene Clusters and Pathways for Three Structurally Related Antitumor Antibiotics: Bleomycin, Tallysomycin, and Zorbamycin

The biosynthetic gene clusters for the glycopeptide antitumor antibiotics bleomycin (BLM), tallysomycin (TLM), and zorbamycin (ZBM) have been recently cloned and characterized from Streptomyces verticillus ATCC15003, Streptoalloteichus hindustanus E465-94 ATCC31158, and Streptomyces flavoviridis ATCC21892, respectively. The striking similarities and differences among the biosynthetic gene clusters for the three structurally related glycopeptide antitumor antibiotics prompted us to compare and contrast their respective biosynthetic pathways and to investigate various enzymatic elements. The presence of different numbers of isolated nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) domains in all three clusters does not result in major structural differences of the respective compounds. The seemingly identical domain organization of the NRPS modules responsible for heterocycle formation, on the other hand, is contrasted by the biosynthesis of two different structural entities, bithiazole and thiazolinyl-thiazole, for BLM/TLM and ZBM, respectively. Variations in sugar biosynthesis apparently dictate the glycosylation patterns distinct for each of the BLM, TLM, and ZBM glycopeptide scaffolds. These observations demonstrate nature's ingenuity and flexibility in achieving structural differences and similarities via various mechanisms and will surely inspire combinatorial biosynthesis efforts to expand on natural product structural diversity.
The Neural Correlates of Motor Skill Automaticity

Acquisition of a new skill is generally associated with a decrease in the need for effortful control over performance, leading to the development of automaticity. Automaticity by definition has been achieved when performance of a primary task is minimally affected by other ongoing tasks. The neural basis of automaticity was examined by testing subjects in a serial reaction time (SRT) task under both single-task and dual-task conditions. The diminishing cost of dual-task performance was used as an index for automaticity. Subjects performed the SRT task during two functional magnetic imaging sessions separated by 3 h of behavioral training over multiple days. Behavioral data showed that, by the end of testing, subjects had automated performance of the SRT task. Before behavioral training, performance of the SRT task concurrently with the secondary task elicited activation in a wide network of frontal and striatal regions, as well as parietal lobe. After extensive behavioral training, dual-task performance showed comparatively less activity in bilateral ventral premotor regions, right middle frontal gyrus, and right caudate body; activity in other prefrontal and striatal regions decreased equally for single-task and dual-task conditions. These data suggest that lateral and dorsolateral prefrontal regions, and their corresponding striatal targets, subserve the executive processes involved in novice dual-task performance. The results also showed that supplementary motor area and putamen/globus pallidus regions showed training-related decreases for sequence conditions but not for random conditions, confirming the role of these regions in the representation of learned motor sequences.
Superconducting and magnetic properties of the oxide superconductors La1.85Sr0.15Cu1−xFexO4

Abstract Mossbauer and magnetic measurements have been made in the perovskite superconductors La 1.85 Sr 0.15 Cu 1− x 57 Fe x O 4 for x =0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10. The superconducting transition temperature is rapidly depressed as x increases, reaching T c=0 for x ≈0.03. Mossbauer data for x =0.05 show behavior below ≈15 K which indicates magnetic ordering. Magnetic susceptibility data give an effective moment of 3–4 μ B /Fe atom, and a hand-like susceptibility which increases with x .
α2-Macroglobulin-protease reactions: Relationship of covalent bond formation, methylamine reactivity, and specific proteolysis

Abstract Experiments were performed to define the relation between covalent binding of enzymes to β 2 -macroglobulin ( α 2 M), the specific proteolysis of α 2 M subunits to 85K fragments, and the reactivity of the methylamine site on α 2 M. We studied the reaction of α 2 M with native trypsin, anhydrotrypsin, and two active lysyl-blocked derivatives, methyl-trypsin and dimethylmaleyl-trypsin, the last with reversibly modified amino groups that can be regenerated at low pH. The results were: (1) All enzymes tested reacted with α 2 M but only native trypsin formed covalent complexes (not dissociable by sodium dodecyl sulfate). Trypsin and the lysyl-blocked enzymes caused complete proteolysis of the α 2 M subunits, in agreement with previous studies. (2) The dimethyl-maleyl-trypsin became covalently bound to α 2 M only after removing the blocking groups of the bound enzyme, indicating that sequential proteolysis and covalent bond formation is possible. Under the conditions used for deblocking, there was no change in the covalent/noncovalent binding ratio of native trypsin, anhydrotrypsin, or the other lysyl-blocked derivative, methyl-trypsin. (3) Native trypsin or anhydrotrypsin displaced methyl- or dimethylmaleyl-trypsin from their α 2 M complexes but the newly bound enzymes with free amino groups did not form covalent bonds indicating that enzymes must remain in association with the inhibitor for the bond to form. (4) Methylamine reacts with noncovalent α 2 M complexes but not with covalent complexes. (5) Methylamine-treated α 2 M can still form complexes with trypsin but at a drastically reduced rate and only noncovalent complexes are formed. In summary, sequential proteolysis and covalent bond formation is possible under certain conditions, and there is a strong correlation between covalent binding and loss of methylamine reactivity. The latter observation is suggestive evidence for the identity of the covalent binding site of α 2 M and the putative thiol ester of the methylamine site. The enzyme lysyl amino groups, are likewise possible candidates for attacking nucleophile at that site.
Estimating Cn 2 over snow and sea ice from meteorological data

Because turbulent fluctuations in the atmospheric refractive index (n) at a wavelength λ are related to fluctuations in the temperature (t) and the humidity (q) by n = A(λ, P, T, Q)t + B(λ, P, T, Q)q it is possible to estimate the refractive-index structure parameter Cn2 from meteorological quantities. I describe and evaluate two such estimation procedures,one based on the velocity, temperature and humidity scales u*, t*, and q*and a second based on the routine meteorological quantities Uh, Ts − Th and Qs − Qh. The subscript h here denotes the wind speed (Uh), temperature (Th), or humidity (Qh) at a reference height h; the subscript s indicates the surface value. I also develop analytical expressions for the coefficients A and B as functions of λ, the atmospheric pressure (P), and the temperature and the humidity in four wavelength regions: visible (including near infrared), an infrared window, near millimeter, and radio. In a sensitivity analysis of the two estimation procedures, the core of the paper, I demonstrate that the accuracy of the Cn2 estimate is a strong function of the Bowen ratio (Bo). At two Bo values within the interval [−10, 10], one dependent on λ and the other dependent on meteorological conditions, the uncertainty in the Cn2 estimate becomes infinite.
Photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate using benzoin isopropyl ether as photoinitiator: Effect of thiophenol compounds

Effects of a series of thiophenols RArSH with substituting groups R in the para-position and 2-mercaptobenzoic acid on the kinetics of polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) photoinitiated by benzoin isopropyl ether (BIPE) were investigated using an autorecording dilatometer. Thiophenols were found to have a dual effect on polymerization: reducing induction time and accelerating rate of polymerization. A mechanism was proposed suggesting that this increased rate of polymerization and reduced induction time with addition of a thiophenol is due to the fact that, instead of consuming radicals, the dissolved oxygen in the MMA/BIPE system can be converted into active radicals through effective photooxidation of the thiophenol. Although the maximum increase in rate of polymerization is of a minor difference between various thiophenol compounds, reduction in induction time is strongly dependent on the nature of substituting groups in the following order: CH3 > CH(CH3)2 > OCH3 or Cl > H. 2-Mercaptobenzoic acid, on the other hand, increases induction time and decreases rate of polymerization. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silencing of Abcd1 and Abcd2 genes sensitizes astrocytes for inflammation: implication for X-adrenoleukodystrophy.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a metabolic disorder arising from a mutation/deletion in the ABCD1 gene, leading to a defect in the peroxisomal adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP), which inhibits the oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Thus, these VLCFAs accumulate. In a cerebral form of ALD (cALD), VLCFA accumulation induces neuroinflammation that leads to loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin, which ultimately shortens the lifespan. To establish a relationship between the metabolic disease and inflammatory disease induction, we document that small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of Abcd1 (ALDP) and Abcd2 [adrenoleukodystrophy-related protein (ALDRP)] genes in mice primary astrocyte cultures resulted in accumulation of VLCFA and induction of an inflammatory response characteristic of human cALD. Correction of the metabolic defect using monoenoic FAs in Abcd1/Abcd2-silenced cultured astrocytes decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase and inflammatory cytokine expression, suggesting a link between VLCFA accumulation and inflammation. The inflammatory response was found to be mediated by transcription factors NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBP in Abcd1/Abcd2-silenced mouse primary astrocytes. Although mechanisms of VLCFA-mediated induction of the inflammatory response have been investigated here in vitro, the in vivo mediators remain elusive. Our data represent the first study to suggest a direct link between the accumulation of VLCFA and the induction of inflammatory mediators.
Altered cerebellar and prefrontal cortex function in rhesus monkeys that previously self-administered cocaine.

Rationale Differences in brain function in cocaine users can occur even when frank deficits are not apparent, indicating neuroadaptive consequences of use. Using monkeys to investigate altered metabolic activity following chronic cocaine self-administration allows an assessment of altered function due to cocaine use, without confounding pre-existing differences or polysubstance use often present in clinical studies.
Constellation X-Ray Mission: recent developments for mission concept and technology development

The Constellation X-ray Mission is a high-throughput X-ray facility emphasizing observations at high spectral resolution (R ~ 300-3000) while covering a broad energy band (0.25-60 keV). The mission is intended to achieve a factor of 25-100 increase in sensitivity over current high resolution X-ray spectroscopy missions. Constellation-X is the X-ray astronomy equivalent of the Keck and the VLT, complementing the high spatial resolution capabilities of Changra. Constellation-X achieves its high-throughput and reduces mission risk by dividing the collecting area across four separate spacecraft launched two at a time into an L2 orbit. We describe the overall mission concept and also present a brief overview of alternate concepts which are under consideration. We discuss recent progress on the key technologies, including: lightweight, high-throughput X-ray optics, micro-caloriment spectrometer arrays, low-power and low-weight CCD arrays, lightweight gratings, multilayer coatings to enhance the hard X-ray performance of X-ray optics, and hard X-ray detectors.
Autoshaping in adolescence enhances sign-tracking behavior in adulthood: Impact on ethanol consumption

Autoshaping refers to a procedure during which a cue repeatedly paired with a reward elicits a conditioned response directed at either the reward delivery location ("goal-tracking") or the cue itself ("sign- tracking"). Individual differences in expression of sign-tracking behavior may be predictive of voluntary ethanol intake. The present study was designed to explore the development of differences in sign-tracking behavior in adolescent and adult male and female rats in an 8-day autoshaping procedure. Consistency of sign-tracking and goal-tracking across age was examined by retesting adolescents again in adulthood and comparing their adult data with animals tested only as adults to explore pre-exposure effects on adult responding. In order to assess the relationship between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, voluntary ethanol consumption was measured in an 8-day, 2-hr limited access drinking paradigm following the 8-day autoshaping procedure in adulthood. Animals tested as adolescents showed notably less sign-tracking behavior than animals tested as adults, and sign-tracking behavior was not correlated across age. Animals exposed to the autoshaping procedure as adolescents demonstrated greater sign-tracking behavior as adults when compared to control animals tested only in adulthood. When examining the relationship in adulthood between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, an increase in ethanol intake among sign-trackers was found only in animals pre-exposed to autoshaping as adolescents. Whether or not these results reflect an adolescent-specific experience effect is unclear without further work to determine whether comparable pre-exposure effects are seen if the initial autoshaping sessions are delayed into adulthood.
Observations on labor epidural analgesia and operative delivery rates

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to compare operative vaginal and abdominal delivery rates in a large population before and after on-demand labor epidural analgesia became available. Study Design: We retrospectively compared patients who gave birth during a 20-month period immediately before the introduction of an on-demand labor epidural analgesia service with those who gave birth during a 20-month period after the epidural usage rate had reached a plateau at approximately 60%. Operative vaginal and cesarean delivery rates were stratified according to parity and history of prior cesarean delivery. Results: A total of 4859 women gave birth during the study period when on-demand epidural analgesia was available, and 4778 women gave birth in the study period before the availability of on-demand epidural analgesia. Comparisons between the women with and those without on-demand availability of epidural analgesia demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery (69.5% vs 68.3%), the overall cesarean delivery rate (19.0% vs 19.4%), the primary cesarean delivery rate (13.2% vs 13.4%), or the operative vaginal delivery rate (11.1% vs 11.9%) between the 2 periods. There were no statistically significant differences in mean gestational age at the time of delivery between the 2 groups, whereas there were statistically significant increases in the proportion of nulliparous women and in mean birth weight during the on-demand epidural period. Analysis after substratification of the study groups according to parity also revealed no statistically significant differences in the primary cesarean delivery rate or the proportion of women undergoing vaginal delivery. The sample size was adequate to exclude a 2% increase in the primary cesarean delivery rate between the 2 periods with 80% power. Subgroup analysis of the population of women who gave birth while epidural analgesia was available on request demonstrated that nulliparous parturient women who requested epidural analgesia were almost twice as likely to require operative vaginal or cesarean delivery as women who did not request epidural analgesia, a finding suggesting that women who request labor epidural analgesia have an inherent propensity toward operative delivery. Conclusion: The introduction of an on-demand labor epidural analgesia service does not increase the rate of cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:353-9.)
Communicating Successes and Convincing Others

Communication is an oft-undervalued component of success. In the fish world, with complexities we know too well, both words and the mode of conveyance are crucial to all we do—establishing program ...
The role of CXCL12 and CCL7 chemokines in immune regulation, embryonic development, and tissue regeneration

Chemotactic factors direct the migration of immune cells, multipotent stem cells, and progenitor cells under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Chemokine ligand 12 and chemokine ligand 7 have been identified and investigated in multiple studies for their role in cellular trafficking in the setting of tissue regeneration. Recent early phase clinical trials have suggested that these molecules may lead to clinical benefit in patients with chronic disease. Importantly, these two proteins may play additional significant roles in directing the migration of multipotent cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. This article reviews the functions of these two chemokines, focusing on recruitment to sites of injury, immune function modulation, and contributions to embryonic development. Additional research would provide valuable insight into the potential clinical application of these two proteins in stem cell therapy.
Globalisation is good for your health, mostly.

We live in extraordinary times. Since December 1999 in Seattle, every meeting of the leaders of the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the world's richest nations (the G8) has been met by increasingly large and violent demonstrations against global processes that are manifestly beneficial. The protestors comprise such a diverse array of groups and opinions that it is impossible to capture their message in a single phrase (how simple were the anti-Vietnam war protests by comparison). The central theme of the protests is discernible, however, and is something like: “Increasing global economic and social integration is a conspiracy by the rich and powerful to exploit the poor and underprivileged.” Beyond this central theme one hears strands that are against capitalism, economic growth, multinational companies, international institutions, and the governments of wealthy countries. Strangely, the protesters are muted or silent in their objection to the corrupt and inefficient governments of some low income countries or to the massive human rights abuses that occur daily in some poorer countries. The protestors are right about two things. Firstly, poverty is indeed the most pressing moral, political, and economic issue of our time. Secondly, the tide of globalisation can be turned back. However, to reverse that tide would be, in the words of an Economist editorial, “an unparalleled catastrophe for the planet's most desperate people and something that could be achieved only by trampling down individual liberty on a daunting scale.” Many formal definitions of globalisation have been proposed. I think of it as openness: openness to trade, to ideas, to investment, to people, and to culture. It brings benefits today, as it has for centuries—and it also brings risks and adverse consequences, as it has for centuries. There are three main flaws in the protesters' positions. Firstly, …
Contesting heritage: language, legitimacy, and schooling at a weekend Japanese-language school in the United States

Researchers have shown that the maintenance of a minority language has positive effects on the minority students' view of self, educational attainment, and career opportunities (Cho 2000; Wright and Taylor 1995). In the research for this article, however, we found that such a focus on the effects of heritage-language education on the students is of limited usefulness in analyzing the complex processes of heritage-language education. Based on our ethnographic study at a weekend Japanese-language school in the United States, we illustrate contestations among administrators, students, and parents regarding the legitimacy of two types of Japanese heritage-language program and diverse subjectivities of heritage-language students that are causes and effects of such contestations. We suggest approaching heritage-language education not merely as an effort to enhance awareness of one's heritage or an instruction in language but also as a schooling process in which legitimacy of the knowledge and ways to achieve it...
Synthesis and characterization of sodium-titanium phosphates, Na4(TiO)(PO4)2, Na(TiO)PO4, and NaTi2(PO4)3

Experimental examination of part of the system Na/sub 2/O-TiO/sub 2/-P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ revealed the existence of two new sodium-titanium phosphates, Na(TiO)(PO)/sub 4/ and Na(TiO)P)/sub 4/. Their synthesis was accomplished by several different reactions and their identity was established by means of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, novel reactions for the synthesis of NaTi/sub 2/(PO/sub 4/)/sub 3/ have been demonstrated.
The effect of acid rain on the growth and nutrient content of two species of hardwood tree seedlings, and on the pH, microflora and nutrient content of the soil

The increasing acidity of precipitation may cause foliage damage, de­ crease plant growth and leach essential nutrients from the soil. The pur­ pose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of two hardwood tree species and three soils to simulated acid rain. The value of infecting tree seedlings with mycorrhizal fungi before transplanting into acidleached soils was also examined. Dundas silt loam, Hayden loam and Luther loam supporting col eus and sorghum were leached three times each week for 20 weeks with a mixture of H2SO4 and HNO3 adjusted by dilution to pH 5.5, 4.0 or 2.5. Ninety seed­ lings each of green ash {praxinus pennsyivanica Marsh.) and silver maple {Acer saccharinum L.) were transplanted into the soils and were misted twice weekly with the acid solutions for 32 weeks. Ash seedlings misted with the pH 2.5 solution were shorter, had a smaller total leaf area and produced less leaf and stem material than ash seedlings misted with pH 5.5 solution. In contrast, the growth and weight of the maple seedlings increased in response to the pH 2.5 treatments. Leaves of the ash exposed to the pH 2.5 treatment were covered with numer­ ous small lesions, and the cuticular wax was partially worn away. No le­ sions were observed on the leaves of the maple. Nitrogen concentrations in the leaves, stems and roots of both species increased with increasing acidity, while phosphorus concentration in the leaves decreased. Potassium and calcium levels were unaffected by the acidity of the rain. Soil type and preinfection with mycorrhizal fungi had little effect on plant growth or nutrient content.
Metabolic Changes in Myocardial infarction

Efforts to study cardiac metabolism have focused on matters of physiologic and biochemical interest; little attention has been paid to clinical applicability. At the outset, concern was with the nutrition of the heart, as first studied in the perfused cold-blooded animal and finally in the human heart in situ.’ This phase was followed by investigations into the mechanism of coupling between excitation and contraction in heart muscle, processes related to calcium binding and uptake, and studies on the nature of contractile proteins. In addition, changes in biochemical pathways in myocardial infarction were defined and morphologic correlations accompanying the repair of myocardial infarction were described.” During these phases, the clinician’s interest in cardiac metabolism has been peripheral, although the fundamental importance of these studies to the clinical investigator must have been obvious. They concern the nature of disturbances underlying myocardial failure, the morphology and biochemistry of heart muscle exposed to sudden ischemia, and the development and progression and healing of a myocardial infarcti0n.s The knowledge gained has been valuable, but has failed to influence clinical thinking even though evidence has been presented showing that it is possible to increase the rate of healing of a myocardial infarction with growth hormones, catabolic steroids, ascorbic acid or insulin.* From these fundamental bases, Opie, in an article in this issue of the Journal,” has taken a further step in relating fundamental studies on cardiac metabolism to the clinical course of patients with myocardial infarction. From a discussion of the metabolism of free fatty acids and their still doubtful relation to arrhythmias and myocardial infarction, he digresses to a discussion of the interaction between free fatty acids and catecholamines, the cellular effects of free fatty acids and the therapeutic use of glucose in heart
The economic spin

In business today “spinning” typically has a negative connotation. But it's more basic meaning, as a counter-twisting action producing multipurpose threads, actually better describes economic acts and relations. It especially illustrates Adam Smith's basic insight into the economic act as blending the mutual self-interests of buyers and sellers, of workers and employers, of borrowers and lenders. This meaning is obviously evident in private economic actions but it is also implicit in public undertakings. Indeed, just a few “look-sees” into the histories of national economies demonstrate the conclusion that where economic “weaving and spinning” interests are most effective, their economies evolve most productively and where not, they don’t.