cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caveolin-1 Expression Is Required for the Development of Pulmonary Emphysema through Activation of the ATM-p53-p21 Pathway

Free radicals play a role in aging and age-related human diseases, including pulmonary emphysema. Cigarette smoke represents a source of oxidants and is considered an environmental hazard that causes pulmonary emphysema. Here, we show that caveolin-1 activates ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) after oxidative stress by sequestering the ATM inhibitor, the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, into caveolar membranes. We demonstrate that cigarette smoke extracts promote stress-induced premature senescence in wild type but not caveolin-1 null lung fibroblasts and that caveolin-1 expression is required for activation of the ATM-p53-p21Waf1/Cip1 pathway following stimulation with cigarette smoke extracts in vitro. In vivo studies show that caveolin-1 expression is necessary for cigarette smoking-induced senescence of lung fibroblasts and pulmonary emphysema. These findings bring new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying free radical activation of the ATM-p53 pathway and indicate that caveolin-1 is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment and/or prevention of pulmonary emphysema.
Structures, Rotation Barrier, and Thermodynamic Properties ΔHf°298, S°298, and Cp(T) of Chloromethyl Hypochlorites CH3OCl, CH2ClOCl, CHCl2OCl, and CCl3OCl

Hypochlorites are formed from reactions of chlorine monoxide (ClO) addition to unsaturates and association with radicals. ClO is a prevalent and an important species in the chemistry of the atmosph...
SU‐GG‐I‐89: Absorbed Dose to the Conceptus and Patient Size in X‐Ray Projection Imaging

Purpose To investigate how absorbed doses to the conceptus vary with patient size in projection radiography.Method and Materials Absorbed doses to the uterus (i.e., conceptus) were obtained using a commercial patient dosimetry software package (PCXMC 2.0.1). Pelvic x‐ray images were simulated for a range of projections (Anteroposterior to Posteroanterior), and x‐ray beam qualities were varied by making adjustments to the x‐ray tube voltage (50 to 120 kV). Calculations were performed on patients whose weights ranged from 50 to 120 kg. For a given projection and beam quality, normalized uterus doses were obtained by dividing the uterus dose by the free‐in‐air kerma incident on the patient (i.e. mGy per mGy). Results For AP projections performed at 50 kV, increasing the patient size from 50 to 120 kg reduced the normalized uterus dose from 0.24 to 0.097 mGy per mGy; at 120 kV, the corresponding normalized uterus dose was reduced from 0.71 to 0.40 mGy per mGy. At 80 kV, increasing patient size from 50 to 120 kg reduced the normalized uterus dose from 0.28 to 0.11 for PA projections, and from 0.061 to 0.0085 for lateral projections. Conclusion Increasing patient size from 50 to 120 kg changes normalized uterus doses by about a factor of 2.0 for AP projections, a factor of 2.5 for PA projections, and a factor of 7 for lateral projections.
The surface compartment model (SCM) with a voltage-sensitive channel

Abstract We have used the surface compartment model (SCM) to study the effects of surface concentrations, charges, potentials and capacitances in the electrical double-layer regions of excitable membranes. The ion fluxes that arise during voltage clamp transients have helped to characterize the properties of ion channels [Blank et al., Bioelectrochem. Bioenerg, 9 (1982) 439] and to develop a model for a voltage-sensitive channel [Blank, ibid., 9 (1982) 615]. When a non-selective channel is included in the SCM, it is possible to obtain currents like those normally observed during voltage clamp (i.e. an early inward and late outward current). The early peak and late steady-state currents are functions of clamp voltage, and it is possible to account for many of the observed changes in the currents under particular experimental conditions in terms of changes in membrane properties. The SCM appears to be a useful model for excitable membranes during voltage clamp.
Influence of corn co-products on the behavioral repertoire of growing-finishing swine

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the pigs’ behavior when dietary hemicellulose content increased over the growing-finishing phase. Forty-eight crossbred barrows were allocated to eight chambers (n=2/treatment). Four diets were compared; Corn Germ Meal, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Dehulled Degermed Corn and Corn. Behavior was recorded over six days when diets changed. Two behaviors (time spent at feeder and time spent at drinker) and two postures (active and inactive) were recorded. There was no treatment or treatment by time effects for any behaviors. Regardless of treatment, pigs spent more time at the feeder; 0700 and between 1600 and 1700. Time spent at the drinker peaked at 1400 and 1600. Pigs were most active at 0600 and then 0700–0900, 1300–1700 and 0500. Inclusion of hemicellulose content in the diet resulted in no changes to the pigs’ behavioral repertoire and they adapted quickly to all of the diets in this study.
Linkage analysis of the genetic determinants of high density lipoprotein concentrations and composition: evidence for involvement of the apolipoprotein A-II and cholesteryl ester transfer protein loci

We have tested for evidence of linkage between the genetic loci determining concentrations and composition of plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) with the genes for the major apolipoproteins and enzymes participating in lipoprotein metabolism. These genes include those encoding various apolipoproteins (apo), including apoA-I, apoA-II, apoA-IV, apoB, apoC-I, apoC-II, apoC-III, apoE, and apo(a), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), HDL-binding protein, lipoprotein lipase, and the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. Polymorphisms of these genes, and nearby highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers, were examined by quantitative sib-pair linkage analysis in 30 coronary artery disease families consisting of a total of 366 individuals. Evidence for linkage was observed between a marker locus D16S313 linked to the CETP locus and a locus determining plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration (P = 0.002), and the genetic locus for apoA-II and a locus determining the levels of the major apolipoproteins of HDL, apoA-I and apoA-II (P = 0.009 and 0.02, respectively). HDL level was also influenced by the variation at the apo(a) locus on chromosome 6 (P = 0.02). Thus, these data indicate the simultaneous involvement of at least two different genetic loci in the determination of the levels of HDL and its associated lipoproteins.
Body mass index is inversely related to intra-follicular HCG concentrations, embryo quality and IVF outcome

Decreased periovulatory human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentrations have been shown to be associated with diminished fertilization rates. This study evaluated if intra-follicular HCG concentration may be related to body mass in 247 IVF patients using their own oocytes and 58 patients receiving donor oocytes, and evaluated if such a relationship might affect IVF outcome. A significant inverse correlation (r = -0.353, P 30 kg/m(2) compared with patients with a BMI of 20-30 kg/m(2) or BMI 25 kg/m(2) compared with those with a BMI from 21-25 kg/m(2) and BMI <21 kg/m(2) (43.8 versus 72 and 76.5%, respectively). These data indicate that intra-follicular HCG concentration is inversely related to BMI, and may be related to a concurrent decrease in embryo quality and pregnancy rates.
Separation of humic acid with XAD resins

Separation of humic acid with different XAD resins has been studied. The effect of pH on the adsorption of humic acid by XAD resins and effect of pH on the distribution coefficient constant in a system of XAD resin and humic acid solution are reported. The XAD-12 was found to be the most efficient resin to remove humic acid from a solution at pH 5.0.
Export promotion: A framework for finding opportunity in change

Governments view exports as “special” for their macroeconomic impact. As a result, many governments have developed programs to assist exporters. In order to function efficiently and to be permissible under the anti-subsidy rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), it is proposed that export promotion programs become the venture capital of international trade by being innovative and iconoclastic. Particular attention is recommended for captive trade among affiliates, the generation of unsolicited orders, the rise of new technology, and the sharing of resources among internationalizing firms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High-dielectric polymer composite materials from a series of mixed-metal phenylphosphonates, ATi(C6H5PO3)3 for dielectric energy storage.

We report the preparation of new polymer composite dielectric materials for energy storage applications. New layered 1:1 mixed A+2/Ti4+ metal phenylphosphonates, ATi(O3PC6H5)3, A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Pb, have been prepared via a melt route, in which mixed metal oxides, ATiO3, were reacted with molten phenyl phosphonic acid. The mixed-metal phosphonates were combined with polystyrene (PS) via a solution route and cast as thin films for dielectric permittivity measurements. The ATi(O3PC6H5)3−PS composites exhibit a substantial enhancement in the dielectric permittivity as a function of weight loading relative to the parent ATiO3−PS composites. For both ATiO3−PS and ATi(O3PC6H5)3−PS, the composites’ dielectric permittivity increases with A cation polarizability. Unusually large increases for 40 wt % ATi(O3PC6H5)3−PS composites (A = Sr, Ba, and Pb) indicate permittivity enhancement that goes beyond the effect of varying filler composition.
The Pre-tRNA Nucleotide Base and 2′-Hydroxyl at N(−1) Contribute to Fidelity in tRNA Processing by RNase P

Fidelity in tRNA processing by the RNase P RNA from Escherichia coli depends, in part, on interactions with the nucleobase and 2′ hydroxyl group of N(−1), the nucleotide immediately upstream of the site of RNA strand cleavage. Here, we report a series of biochemical and structure–function studies designed to address how these interactions contribute to cleavage site selection. We find that simultaneous disruption of cleavage site nucleobase and 2′ hydroxyl interactions results in parallel reactions leading to correct cleavage and mis-cleavage one nucleotide upstream (5′) of the correct site. Changes in Mg2+ concentration and pH can influence the fraction of product that is incorrectly processed, with pH effects attributable to differences in the rate-limiting steps for the correct and mis-cleavage reaction pathways. Additionally, we provide evidence that interactions with the 2′ hydroxyl group adjacent to the reactive phosphate group also contribute to catalysis at the mis-cleavage site. Finally, disruption of the adjacent 2′-hydroxyl contact has a greater effect on catalysis when pairing between the ribozyme and N(−1) is also disrupted, and the effects of simultaneously disrupting these contacts on binding are also non-additive. One implication of these results is that mis-cleavage will result from any combination of active site modifications that decrease the rate of correct cleavage beyond a certain threshold. Indeed, we find that inhibition of correct cleavage and corresponding mis-cleavage also results from disruption of any combination of active site contacts including metal ion interactions and conserved pairing interactions with the 3′ RCCA sequence. Such redundancy in interactions needed for maintaining fidelity may reflect the necessity for multiple substrate recognition in vivo. These studies provide a framework for interpreting effects of substrate modifications on RNase P cleavage fidelity and provide evidence for interactions with the nucleobase and 2′ hydroxyl group adjacent to the reactive phosphate group in the transition state.
Luteolin and GroESL modulate in vitro activity of NodD.

In the early stages of symbiosis between the soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and its leguminous host plant, alfalfa, bacterial nodulation ( nod ) genes are controlled by NodD1, NodD2, and NodD3, members of the LysR family of transcriptional regulators, in response to flavonoid and other inducers released by alfalfa. To gain an understanding of the biochemical aspects of this action, epitope-tagged recombinant NodD1 and NodD3 were overexpressed in Escherichia coli . The DNA binding properties of the purified recombinant NodD proteins were indistinguishable from those of NodD isolated from S. meliloti . In addition, the E. coli GroEL chaperonin copurified with the recombinant NodD proteins. In this study, we showed that NodD proteins are in vitro substrates of the GroESL chaperonin system and that their DNA binding activity is modulated by GroESL. This confirmed the earlier genetic implication that the GroESL chaperonin system is essential for the function of these regulators. Increased DNA binding activity by NodD1 in the presence of luteolin confirmed that NodD1 is involved in recognizing the plant signal during the early stages of symbiosis.
Anomalous mixing times in turbulent binary mixtures at high Prandtl number

A theory of turbulent binary fluid mixtures is applied to situations where the diffusive Prandtl number, $P=\frac{\ensuremath{\nu}}{D}$, far exceeds the Reynolds number $R$. This regime is accessible just above the consolute point in binary mixtures, where Prandtl numbers in excess of ${10}^{6}$ have been observed. We find that sizable large-scale inhomogeneities are mixed to uniformity quite slowly, in a time of order $\ensuremath{\tau}=\frac{{t}_{0}P}{R}$, where ${t}_{0}$ is a characteristic stirring time. The spectrum of concentration fluctuations rapidly acquires a peak at wave vector ${k}^{*}\ensuremath{\sim}{k}_{0}R$, where ${k}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is the scale of the initial inhomogeneity. Mixing times of ten minutes or more are possible.
Salt gland blood flow in the hatchling green turtle, Chelonia mydas.

Microsphere and morphometric techniques were used to investigate any circulatory changes that accompany secretion by the salt glands of hatchling Chelonia mydas. Salt glands were activated by a salt load of 27.0 mmol NaCl kg body mass (BM)−1, resulting in a mean sodium secretion rate of 4.14 ± 0.11 mmol Na kg BM−1 h−1 for a single gland. Microsphere entrapment was approximately 160–180 times greater in the active salt gland than the inactive gland, inferring a similar change in blood flow through salt gland capillaries. The concentration of microspheres trapped in the salt gland was significantly correlated with the rate of tear production (ml kg BM−1 h−1) and the total rate of sodium secretion (mmol Na kg BM−1 h−1) but not with tear sodium concentration (mmol Na l−1). Adrenaline (500 μg kg BM−1) inhibited tear production within 2 min and reduced microsphere entrapment by approximately 95% compared with active glands. The volume of filled blood vessels increased from 0.03 ± 0.01% of secretory lobe volume in inactive salt gland sections to 0.70 ± 0.11% in active gland sections. The results demonstrate that capillary blood flow in the salt gland of C. mydas can regulate the activity of the gland as a whole.
Transonic flow modes of an axisymmetric blunt body

An experimental investigation of transonic flow past a plane-nosed circular cylinder with a plane-nosed circular probe extended coaxially ahead is reported. The possibilities of significant transonic drag reduction and the fluid mechanic phenomena which occur are examined. The probe length and diameter and the approaching flow Mach number are the independent variables. The relations which exist among the probe/cylinder geometry, Mach number, and flow field as revealed by measurements of the drag forces acting on the body are explored.
Location of rabbit auditory cortex and description of single unit activity

Abstract The following data were obtained from microelectrode exploration of rabbit auditory cortex (AC). (1) Location of AC — Major portions of the rabbit's raght hemisphere were stereotaxically mapped for auditory responsive and non-responsive regions. Auditory responsive regions were found to lie behind the rhinal sulcus, extending from its midpoint to its inferior border. (2) Frequency selectivity — Characteristic frequencies (CFs) ranged from 0.4 to 33 kHz. Sharp, multipeaked and broad tuning curves were described. (3) Response patterns — A variety of post-stimulus-time (PST) histogram shapes were obtained in response to tonal stimuli. The response of a given neuron often varied with changes in stimulus frequency or intensity. (4) Latency — Neural response latencies ranged from 10 to 100 msec following stimulus onset. (5) Spontaneous rate — In the absence of acoustic stimulation, spike discharges ranged from less than 1 spike/sec to 48 spikes/sec. Spontaneous rates of (6) Response variability — Stimulus-evoked activity was seen to vary over time. Changes consisted of an overall increase or attenuation of discharge rate, as well as modifications of selected portions of the response pattern (PST histogram shape). The characteristics of single unit activity in rabbit auditory cortex are consistent with findings reported in other species.
Biomimetic Design of Protein Nanomaterials for Hydrophobic Molecular Transport

Biomaterials such as self-assembling biological complexes have demonstrated a variety of applications in materials science and nanotechnology. The functionality of protein-based materials, however, is often limited by the absence or locations of specific chemical conjugation sites. In this investigation, we developed a new strategy for loading organic molecules into the hollow cavity of a protein nanoparticle that relies only on non-covalent interactions, and we demonstrated its applicability in drug delivery. Based on a biomimetic model that incorporates multiple phenylalanines to create a generalized binding site, we retained and delivered the antitumor compound doxorubicin by redesigning a caged protein scaffold. Through an iterative combination of structural modeling and protein engineering, we obtained new variants of the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase with varying levels of drug-carrying capabilities. We found that an increasing number of introduced phenylalanines within the scaffold cavity generally resulted in greater drug loading capacities. Drug loading levels could be achieved that were greater than conventional nanoparticle delivery systems. These protein nanoparticles containing doxorubicin were taken up by breast cancer cells and induced significant cell death. Our novel approach demonstrates a universal strategy to design de novo hydrophobic binding domains within protein-based scaffolds for molecular encapsulation and transport, and it broadens the ability to attach guest molecules to this class of materials.
Action, Language and Neuroinformatics: An Introduction

This Special Issue is based on presentations at the Workshop on “Action, Language and Neuroinformatics” held in July of 2011. It contributes to the view that neuroinformatics must include the informatics of computational modeling of neural systems as well as the development and linkage of database resources for both models and empirical data. The papers introduce key results in empirical research, computational modeling, and neuroinformatics for two areas of neuroscience–neurolinguistics and the study of neural mechanisms underlying manual action and its recognition– and assess ways in which the study of language processing can benefit from models of action production. Because the two areas span the spectrum from animal studies to human studies, and from basic sensorimotor processes to cognition, they provide a setting for assessing the diverse challenges of creating computational models for neuroscience, for providing databases for the very different forms of empirical data now exploited by neuroscience, and for linkage of data and models in systems and cognitive neuroscience generally, not just within our two focal areas. The papers in this Special Issue are divided into four parts: Part 1, Databasing the Brain, presents three approaches to the development of neuroinformatics databases, including a new methodology for linking data and models in systems and cognitive neuroscience, tools for federating online neuroinformatics databases, and tools to link gene expression data to cognitive brain systems. Part 2, Action, Imitation and Gesture, provides two cases studies linking research on monkeys, apes, humans and machines, exemplifying neuroinformatics in the wide sense that embraces computational modeling as well as database construction. Part 3, Language, develops this story in relation to the uniquely human capacity for language, offering models of human syntactic encoding and decoding, actor-based language comprehension and the linkage of visual scenes to language via template construction grammar, in each case considering how to test the models against data from human behavior and brain imaging. Finally, Part 4 builds upon a series of intense discussions held at the Workshop on the present and future of neuroinformatics, with especial emphasis on the integration of computational models with empirical data.
Rate parameter uncertainty effects in assessing stratospheric ozone depletion by supersonic aviation

Box model sensitivity-uncertainty calculations for O3 depletion from supersonic aircraft emissions were performed at the most perturbed locale using localized outputs of the LLNL 2-D diurnally averaged assessment model. Processes controlling N2O5, catalytic O3 loss steps O+NO2 and HO2+O3, HOx sink reactions OH+ HNO3/HNO4, and the O+O2 recombination that forms O3 are identified as the dominant photochemical uncertainty sources. Guided by local sensitivities, 2-D model runs were repeated with 9 targeted input parameters altered to 1/3 of their l-σ uncertainties to put error-bounds on the predicted O3 change. Results indicate these kinetic errors can cause the predicted local O3 loss of 1.5% to be uncertain by up to 3% in regions of large aircraft NOx injection.
Steady neutron source measurement method for Σa and Σs in geological samples

An improved experimental method, using a steady neutron source in a moderating medium, has been developed to determine thermal neutron absorption and scattering cross sections for bulk geological media using discrete samples. The system design has been optimized and experimental results have been benchmarked using Monte Carlo simulation. Studies have been performed to improve the measurement sensitivity and reproducibility over previous designs. A semi-empirical model has been developed for determining both absorption and scattering cross sections of the sample.
Personality diagnostic questionnaire-revised (PDQ-R) personality disorder scores and negative life events independently predict changes in hopkins symptom checklist (SCL-90) Psychopathology Scores

The present study employed a prospective design to investigate whether Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire—Revised (PDQ-R) scores and/or Hassles Scale—Revised (HS-R) scores predict changes in Axis I psychopathology levels over 1 month, in a nonclinical sample of young adults. The PDQ-R, HS-R, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) were administered to a mixed-sex sample of 100 undergraduate students on two occasions separated by 1 month. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that (1) time 1 PDQ-R composite scores predicted changes in scores on 11 SLC-90 scales; (2) time 1 PDQ-R impairment/distress index scores predicted changes in SCL-90 general symptom index scores; (3) only one of the individual PDQ-R personality disorder subscales—the schizotypal personality disorder subscale—predicted changes in SCL-90 general symptom index scores; (4) HS-R scores predicted changes in scores on 9 SCL-90 scales; and (5) in only 3 of the 27 analyses conducted did the statistical interaction between PDQ-R and HS-R scores predict changes in SCL-90 scores. These findings indicate that personality disorder symptomatology and negative life events may independently predict changes in Axis I psychopathology levels and, thus, support the continued inclusion of Axis II and Axis IV in future versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Considerations in perioperative assessment of valproic acid coagulopathy

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the widely prescribed antiepileptic drugs in children with multiple indications. VPA-induced coagulopathy may occur and constitute a pharmacological and practical challenge affecting pre-operative evaluation and management of patients receiving VPA therapy. This review summarizes the different studies documenting the incidence, severity and available recommendations related to this adverse effect.
Subcritical Water and Sulfured Water Extraction of Anthocyanins and Other Phenolics from Dried Red Grape Skin

ABSTRACT: Water, an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solvent is an ideal solvent for industrial extraction of phenolics, but its use is limited due to poor extraction efficiency at low temperatures. In this study, subcritical water (SW) and subcritical sulfured water (SSW) (containing 1400 μg/mL sodium metabisulfite) extractions of grape skin phenolics were conducted over the temperature range of 100 to 160°C in 10°C increments for a short time (40 s), and compared with conventional hot water or aqueous 60% (v/v) methanol extractions (50°C, 1 h). The composition and contents of anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamates, phenolic acids, and antioxidant capacities (Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity [ORAC]) in the extracts were determined. Increasing SW extraction temperature from 100 to 160°C resulted in a linear increase in ORAC values, but extraction temperatures > 110°C resulted in decreased contents of individual and total anthocyanins. Subcritical sulfured water extracts had higher levels of total anthocyanins and total phenolics than SW extracts. The SW and SSW extracts had comparable or higher levels of anthocyanins and ORAC values than extracts obtained using conventional hot water or 60% methanol. Subcritical water at 100 to 110°C appears to be an excellent alternative to organic solvents to extract anthocyanins and other phenolics from dried red grape skin and possibly other grape processing byproducts.
Youth Alienation as an Emerging Pediatric Health Care Issue: Update

In my Editorial in May 1991,1I stated that "the number of adolescents without a defined role in modern society is growing," and "these are our alienated youth." The number of alienated youth in America remains large. Since my Editorial on this subject, there have been forces that have aggravated the problem of youth alienation in this country. There have been many positive responses to this crisis as well. Among the factors that have promoted youth alienation have been the economic recession in the United States, with a subsequent increase in unemployment and a decrease in access to health benefits. As a result many more families have experienced economic crisis. This crisis has been felt especially in our large urban centers, where gang affiliation has increased in the last 2 years. Youth involvement in violence was most acutely observed in the Los Angeles, Calif, riots of 1992. The rate
Uncertainty characterization of particle depth measurement using digital in-line holography and the hybrid method

In the detection of particles using digital in-line holography, measurement accuracy is substantially influenced by the hologram processing method. In particular, a number of methods have been proposed to determine the out-of-plane particle depth (z location). However, due to the lack of consistent uncertainty characterization, it has been unclear which method is best suited to a given measurement problem. In this work, depth determination accuracies of seven particle detection methods, including a recently proposed hybrid method, are systematically investigated in terms of relative depth measurement errors and uncertainties. Both synthetic and experimental holograms of particle fields are considered at conditions relevant to particle sizing and tracking. While all methods display a range of particle conditions where they are most accurate, in general the hybrid method is shown to be the most robust with depth uncertainty less than twice the particle diameter over a wide range of particle field conditions.
Enveloped viruses: A common mode of membrane fusion?

Viruses use elaborate stratagems to enter cells. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, which mediates both attachment and membrane fusion, has grudgingly begun to yield high-resolution structural information that suggests mechanistic similarities with the hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus.
As the gut ages: Timetables for aging of innervation vary by organ in the Fischer 344 rat

To explore the effects of aging on the vagal innervation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, male Fischer 344 rats at 3 and 24 months of age were injected in the left nodose ganglion with 3 μl of either 4% wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (to label sensory endings) or 1% cholera toxin subunit B-horseradish peroxidase (to label motor endings). The stomach and duodenum were prepared as wholemounts and processed with tetramethyl benzidine. In addition, to study age-related changes in the myenteric plexus, the stomachs, small intestines, and large intestines from 3-, 12-, 21-, 24- and 27-month-old rats were prepared as wholemounts and processed with Cuprolinic Blue (to stain the neurons). Vagal afferent endings, motor terminal profiles, and myenteric neurons were counted and mapped with a sampling grid. In the stomach, both the vagal and myenteric innervation were stable between the ages of 3 and 24 months; however, a decrease in the number of myenteric neurons in the forestomach was noted at 27 months. In the small and large intestines, myenteric cell loss occurred by 12 months of age, progressed with age, and appeared to be governed by several general principles: (1) the rate of cell loss was organ-specific, with a gradient of increasing severity from proximal to distal in the gut; (2) within organs of the GI tract, the rate of cell loss differed between regions; and (3) for given regions, cell losses progressed linearly with increasing age. The findings suggest that a positive relationship exists between the density of vagal extrinsic innervation and myenteric neuron survival; however, whether this results from the vagal innervation and/or other factor(s) protecting or rescuing myenteric neurons from age-related attrition remains to be determined. J. Comp. Neurol. 434:358–377, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Divided Lives of Women in Literature

In our culture, where female independent selfhood has been defined as theologically evil, biologically unnatural, psychologically unhealthy, and socially in bad taste, women in literature, like their real life counterparts, struggle to present a restricted, socially defined image to the world and to maintain at the same time a well-hidden separate self. In this respect, the woman is an artist, who uses her imagination to create the image that society requires. The “feminine” image is defined in terms of negatives—inaction, lack of intelligence, weakness, etc.–while its creator must employ not only imagination and intelligence but great amounts of psychic energy. The woman may act out the restrictive, socially acceptable image as a way of protecting the male ego or as a way of avoiding conflict and social abuse. She may assume a more aggressive attitude toward the dichotomy, using it to gain money and social position. The discrepancy between what a woman is and thinks and what she appears to be and to thin...
X¯ chart with adaptive sample sizes

Abstract Standard Shewhart control charts employ fixed sample sizes at equal sampling intervals. By varying the sample size depending on the current location of the process mean, the mean time to detect an off-target condition can be reduced. The adaptive-sample-size control chart is compared with the fixed-sample-size control chart in terms of average run length under shifts in the process mean of variable magnitude. Significant improvements have been obtained with the adaptive-sample-size charts, particularly for small shifts. These improvements are achieved without increasing the in-control average sample size beyond that of the fixed-sample-size approach. A fast initial response is suggested and advantages of the procedure over fixed-sample-size control are illustrated with two examples from discrete manufacturing processes.
LIMITS ON TURBULENT H I FLUCTUATIONS TOWARD PSR B0329+54 ON SCALES BETWEEN 0.0025 AND 12.5 AU

We have measured the H I absorption toward pulsar B0329+54 using the Green Bank Telescope during 18 epochs between 2002 June 30 and 2003 October 10. Three observing epochs consisted of a continuous period of 20 hr each, while 15 epochs were 1-2 hr each. We calculate the structure function of H I absorption variations toward the pulsar on timescales of 10 minutes to 16 months, which using the proper motion of 95 km s-1 and the parallactic distance of 1.03 kpc measured toward B0329+54 (Brisken et al.), corresponds to angular scales of 0.37 μas to 23.8 mas and samples structures between 0.0025 and 12.5 AU, assuming H I gas halfway to the pulsar and ignoring scintillation effects. We find no evidence for any turbulent H I absorption fluctuations toward B0329+54, with the following upper limits on Δτ for various absorption features: 0.026 at -31, -21, -18, and +4 km s-1; 0.12 at -11 km s-1; and 0.055 at -1 km s-1.
Care of older people in China

Daunting challenges lie ahead in providing chronic care for the aged In the linked study (doi:10.1136/bmj.b1175), Dupre and colleagues assess the relation between levels of frailty and type of death in a prospective cohort study of older adults in China, using recent data from two waves (2002 and 2005) of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey.1 The study found that higher levels of frailty at baseline significantly increased the overall risk of death in the subsequent three year period, as would be expected. More interestingly, frailty had varying effects on people’s dying experiences, mainly with respect to sex and age. In general, elderly women had a higher risk of mortality relative to men as frailty increased. Although both elderly men and women with the highest level of frailty (ranked in upper quarter of the frailty index) …
Quantifying population recovery rates for ecological risk assessment

Ecological effects of modern agrochemicals are typically limited to brief episodes of increased mortality or reduced growth that are qualitatively similar to natural disturbance regimes. The long-term ecological consequences of agrochemical exposures depend on the intensity and frequency of the exposures relative to the rates of recovery of the exposed populations. This paper explores the feasibility of using readily available life history information to quantify recovery rates of aquatic populations. A simple modeling framework based on the logistic population growth model is used to compare population recovery rates for different types of organisms and to evaluate the influence of life history, initial percent reduction, disturbance frequency, and immigration on the time required for populations to recover from simulated agrochemical exposures. Recovery models are developed for aquatic biota ranging in size and longevity from unicellular algae to fish and turtles. Population growth rates and recovery times derived from life history data are consistent with measured recovery times reported in mesocosm and enclosure experiments, thus supporting the use of the models for quantifying population recovery rates for ecological risk assessment.
Marriageable Women: A Focus on Participants in a Community Healthy Marriage Program.

Although disadvantaged women are the targets of marriage programs, little attention has been paid to women's marriage constraints and their views of marriage. Drawing on an exchange framework and using qualitative data collected from single women participating in a marriage initiative, we introduce the concept of marriageable women—the notion that certain limitations may make women poor marriage partners. Like their male counterparts, we find women also possess qualities that are not considered assets in the marriage market, such as economic constraints, mental and physical health issues, substance use, multiple partner fertility, and gender distrust. We also consider how women participating in a marriage program frame their marriage options, whereas a few opt out of the marriage market altogether.
Religious attendance and mortality: implications for the black-white mortality crossover.

This study investigates the relationships among religious attendance, mortality, and the black-white mortality crossover. We build on prior research by examining the link between attendance and mortality while testing whether religious involvement captures an important source of population heterogeneity that contributes to a crossover. Using data from the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, we find a strong negative association between attendance and mortality. Our results also show evidence of a racial crossover in mortality rates for both men and women. When religious attendance is modeled in terms of differential frailty, clear gender differences emerge. For women, the effect of attendance is race- and age-dependent, modifying the age at crossover by 10 years. For men, however, the effect of attendance is not related to race and does not alter the crossover pattern. When other health risks are modeled in terms of differential frailty, we find neither race nor age-related effects. Overall, the results highlight the importance of considering religious attendance when examining racial and gender differences in age-specific mortality rates.
Binary diffusion in a confined vortex.

Pressure diffusion of a binary mixture in confined vortices (of a type considered for possible hydrodynamic containment in a gas-core nuclear rocket) is investigated theoretically and experimentally. An approximate integral solution is presented for the species distribution resulting from the combined actions of convection, and concentration and pressure diffusion. The flow model includes secondary flows induced by boundary-layer interaction on the end walls of the vortex chamber. The qualitative effect of varying the degree of boundarylayer interaction is demonstrated by a flow-visualization experiment using dye in a water vortex. Quantitative data are obtained from an experiment in which iodine vapor and heated helium are premixed and injected tangentially into a vortex chamber, forming a low-density, high-velocity flowfield. The resulting radial distribution of iodine concentration is determined optically. Peak density ratios of iodine to helium within the vortex are found to be as much as three times the density ratio of the mixture flowing into the chamber. The experimental data agree favorably with the theoretical predictions and demonstrate that a gas of high molecular weight can be substantially retained in a vortex comprised of a gas of low molecular weight.
Effect of main-stem dams on zooplankton communities of the Missouri River (USA)

The persistence of plankton in flowing water presents an enigma, i.e., how can populations be sustained while constantly losing individuals downriver? We examined the distribution and abundance of zooplankton from 146 sites on the Missouri River (USA) and found large shifts in the dominance of major taxa between management zones of this regulated river. Crustacean zooplankton were dominant in the inter-reservoir zone of the river, and their taxonomic composition was similar to regional lakes and reservoirs. The exponential decline of cladocerans and copepods with distance from main-stem dams suggests that conditions within the river are adverse to population growth and that reservoirs are the main source of these crustaceans in the river. Rotifers dominated in the channelized zone of the river. High algal biomass and rapid population growth rates likely allow persistence of rotifers in segments of the river that do not receive direct reservoir inputs. Rotifers were less abundant in the inter-reservoir zone, suggesting that their numbers are limited by internal processes, such as food or predators. Since zooplankton are known to be an important food for larval fishes in rivers, this shift of major taxa in regulated rivers has implications for river food webs.
Application of an Integrated Behavioral Model to Predict Condom Use: A Prospective Study Among High HIV Risk Groups1

An integrated theoretical model using constructs from multiple behavioral models was applied to understand and predict condom use among a sample of injecting drug users, commercial sex workers, men who have sex with men, and multipartnered heterosexuals. Elicitation interviews were conducted to develop a questionnaire to measure model constructs that may be predictive of condom use for sex with vaginal, anal, and oral regular and casual partners. A prospective survey design was used, with 993 participants interviewed at Time 1, and 686 returning for Time 2 interviews 3 months later. Regression analyses were conducted using Time 1 measures to predict intention and Time 2 behavior. Strong support was found for a model that includes attitude, social norm, and facilitators/constraints as predictors of behavior, with multiple correlations in the 0.20 to 0.40 range. Findings also indicate perceived control and facilitators/constraints are distinct constructs and both, along with attitude and social norm, contribute to explaining behavioral intention. Implications for intervention development are discussed.
Helping patients decide: from Hippocrates to videodiscs—an application for patients with low back pain

This paper outlines a modular, microcomputer and videodisc expert system, for patients with mechanical low back pain. The system incorporate facts, rules, and methods to extract data, opinions, information, and user preferences. It supports individual patient needs with a broad knowledge base, and analytical modelling techniques that connect flexible inference structures and user choices. Videodisc based expert systems help break the bottleneck in relevant medical knowledge representation. The expert system program serves the user in the capacity of teacher, confidant, interpreter, diagnostician, and adviser.
Power Spectral Analysis of the Neonatal Primate Electroencephalogram during Acute Hypoxemia

Power Spectral Analysis of the Neonatal Primate Electroencephalogram during Acute Hypoxemia
Nanometer-Scale Roughness Having Little Effect on the Amount or Structure of Adsorbed Protein

Neither the adsorbed amount per unit actual surface area nor the structural stability of hen egg lysozyme is influenced by increasing the nanometer-scale roughness (5 < Rave < 60 nm) of a series of model substrates. Seven poly(ether sulfone) (PES) ultrafiltration membranes of increasing mean pore size with the same surface chemistry were chosen as model rough surface substrates. Topographical images, using atomic force microscopy, combined with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) and sessile captive bubble contact angle measurements were used to characterize the surface properties of the substrates. ATR/FTIR spectroscopy together with a newly developed optimization algorithm for predicting the content of secondary structure motifs is used to correlate the secondary structure and amount of adsorbed lysozyme with the substrate surface roughness. From the adsorption measurements, the net adsorbed amount (total minus nonspecific adsorbed amount) of lysozyme correspon...
A region-based model framework for the rat urine concentrating mechanism.

The highly structured organization of tubules and blood vessels in the outer medulla of the mammalian kidney is believed to result in preferential interactions among tubules and vessels; such interactions may promote solute cycling and enhance urine concentrating capability. In this study, we formulate a new model framework for the urine concentrating mechanism in the outer medulla of the rat kidney. The model simulates preferential interactions among tubules and vessels by representing two concentric regions and by specifying the fractions of tubules and vessels assigned to each of the regions. The model equations are based on standard expressions for transmural transport and on solute and water conservation. Model equations, which are derived in dynamic form, are solved to obtain steady-state solutions by means of a stable and efficient numerical method, based on the semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit method and on Newton’s method. In this application, the computational cost scales as O(N2), where N is the number of spatial subintervals along the medulla. We present representative solutions and show that the method generates approximations that are second-order accurate in space and that exhibit mass conservation.
Division of labor between undertaker specialists and other middle-aged workers in honey bee colonies

A primary determinant of colony organization in temporally polyethic insect societies is inter-individual variation in behavior that is independent of worker age. We examined behavioral repertoires, behavioral correlates of adult development, and spatial distributions within the hive to explore the mechanisms that produce behavioral variation among middle-age honey bees (Apis mellifera). Individually labeled undertakers, guards, food storers, and wax workers exhibited a broad range of task-related behavior, but bees tagged as undertakers were more likely to subsequently remove a corpse from the hive and handle a corpse compared to other middle-aged bees. The activity level of undertakers was similar to other task groups, suggesting that undertaking specialists were neither hyper-active “elites” nor quiescent “reserves” that become active only when a dead bee stimulus is present. Undertakers also were more likely to remove debris and to remain in the lower region of the hive or near the entrance, even when not engaged in corpse removal; both preferences may promote colony efficiency by reducing inter-task travel times. Guards and undertakers were less likely to perform behavior normally associated with young bees compared to food storers and wax workers. Undertakers and guards also initiated foraging at earlier ages than the other task groups. These results suggest that undertakers and guards may be slightly developmentally advanced compared to food storers and wax workers. There also was evidence for lifetime differences in behavioral preferences which could not be explained by differences in adult development. Bees tagged as undertakers were more likely to subsequently remove a dead bee during their entire pre-foraging career compared to other task groups or members of their general age cohort. Differences in both the rate of adult development and individual behavioral preferences, both of which may be subject to genetic and environmental influences, are important determinants of inter-individual variation among honey bees of middle age.
Mediating water governance: point-of-use water filtration devices for low-income communities along the US–Mexico border

Small-scale decentralised facilities and household-level water purification technologies (HWTs) have become unconventional modes of delivering potable water. This paper examines how HWTs transformed from a temporary solution to unsanitary drinking water conditions in the global South to a legitimised technological fix for communities that experience chronic household water insecurity in the United States. We examine the discursive and material processes through which HWTs are applied in periurban and rural subdivisions on the Texas–Mexico border, called colonias. HWTs, through the intervention of social entrepreneurs, experts, and the state, mediate water governance by rearticulating the individual solution and foreclosing a collective or political process to improve community water systems for colonia residents.