cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sympathetic Activity as the Cause of the Morning Increase in Cardiac Events: A Likely Culprit, but the Evidence Remains Circumstantial

The well-documented morning increase in myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and other cardiovascular disorders provides a new opportunity to identify the causes of disease onset. In this issue of Circulation , Middlekauff and Sontz1 report on efforts to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the increase in disease onset in the morning. They have picked a prime candidate for a causal role, because (1) events associated with increased sympathetic discharge, such as heavy exertion, have been shown to trigger infarction onset2 ; (2) morning is a time associated with a transition from low to high sympathetic activity3 ; and (3) both observational and randomized studies have demonstrated elimination of the morning peak of disease onset in individuals receiving β-adrenergic blocking agents.4 5 Middlekauff and Sontz directly measured firing rates of sympathetic nerves to skeletal muscle at rest and during stress in the morning and afternoon. The study was conducted in eight healthy subjects who had spent the previous night in the Clinical Research Center. The morning measurements (obtained between 6:30 and 8:30 am) were compared with afternoon measurements (obtained between 2 and 4 pm). After basal levels were recorded, lower-body negative pressure was applied (to simulate the stress of assuming the upright …
Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To delineate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis with particular attention to laryngeal amyloidosis. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of patients with amyloidosis of Thomas Jefferson University and its affiliated hospitals. Material and Methods: The charts of 16 patients with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis identified from the databases of the Thomas Jefferson University pathology department were reviewed and included in the study. Results: Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female, with an average age of 49.8 years) with upper aerodigestive tract amyloidosis were identified. The most common site of amyloid involvement was the larynx. Consequently, patients most commonly presented with hoarseness (14 of 16). All patients underwent surgical removal of the amyloid deposits. Fourteen patients had primary localized amyloidosis. Two experienced systemic involvement. Seven of the 16 patients developed recurrences requiring further treatment. Conclusions: Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract generally behaves as a benign, localized condition treatable by surgical resection. Regular follow-up with laryngoscopy is indicated for early diagnosis of recurrence, and multiple surgical procedures may be required to control symptoms.
Visual field differences in the magnitude of the Oppel-Kundt illusion vary with processing time.

Three experiments were performed to investigate hemispheric differences in susceptibility to the Oppel-Kundt illusion presented tachistoscopically to the two visual hemifields. Experiment 1 used a successive comparison mode, in which 16 undergraduate students indicated whether the second of two successive extents looked shorter or longer than the first. Experiment 2 (20 undergraduates) and Experiment 3 (1 commissurotomy patient) required judgments of two extents presented simultaneously. The first experiment found no significant visual field differences, although females were more susceptible than males. In the second experiment, the illusion magnitude was greater in the left visual field, and in the third experiment, it was greater in the right visual field. Post hoc analyses resolve the conflicting results and show that in all three experiments, the susceptibility of the right hemisphere declined more than that of the left hemisphere during illusion processing. An interpretation is offered in terms of two parallel processes, one that is fast, uses feature extraction, and is performed more effectively in the left hemisphere, and one that is slow, uses visuospatial analysis to compute distances between parts of the illusion figure, and is performed more effectively in the right hemisphere.
Clinical correlates of abnormal sensitivity to intraesophageal balloon distension.

Sixty-five patients with esophageal complaints were studied to determine clinical associations with abnormal sensitivity to intraesophageal balloon distension (esophageal sensory dysfunction). Associations were examined in four categories: motility, esophageal symptoms, recent psychological symptoms, and general clinical features. A positive response to balloon distension (pain with ≤8 ml volume) was found in 29 (45%) of the subjects. This response was associated with specific findings in each category except recent psychological symptoms. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that an increased frequency of multipeaked waves on motility testing, presence of dysphagia, and shorter height of the subject each had an independent association with positive response to balloon distension (P≤0.05 for each). Further comparison of subjects with sensory dysfunction, motor dysfunction, or both (sensorimotor dysfunction) indicated that subjects with the combined disorder appeared more symptomatic than those with either finding alone. These observations indicate that: (1) esophageal motor and sensory dysfunction are partially associated, but both contribute to the symptomatic state; (2) dysphagia may be representative of sensory dysfunction in some cases; and (3) subject height should be taken into consideration when interpreting balloon distension results.
Evaluation of postmilking teat germicides containing Lauricidin, saturated fatty acids, and lactic acid.

The efficacies of postmilking teat germicides containing Lauricidin (glyceryl monolaurate), saturated fatty acids, lactic acid, and lauric acid were determined against new IMI caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae in three controlled infection trials. In trial 1, a germicide was evaluated containing 1% Lauricidin, 5% caprylic and capric acids, 6% lactic acid, and .85% lauric acid. New IMI with Staph. aureus and Strep. agalactiae were reduced 81.3 and 49.6%, respectively. Trial 2 germicide involved an artificially aged sample of the formulation evaluated in trial 1. The germicide was aged at 40 degrees C for 5 mo, which was approximately equal to 2 yr at room temperature (24 degrees C). Reductions in new IMI were 81.2 and 27.5% for Staph. aureus and Strep. agalactiae, respectively. In trial 3, a teat germicide aged at ambient temperature for 33 mo, which was originally formulated to contain 1% Lauricidin, 5% caprylic and capric acids, and 6% lactic acid, was evaluated. Reductions in new IMI were 75.5 and 40.4% for Staph. aureus and Strep. agalactiae, respectively. The formulation evaluated in trial 1 was superior to other formulations in reducing new IMI by the two test organisms.
Association of Cross-Reactive Antibodies Targeting Peptidyl-Arginine Deiminase 3 and 4 with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Background A subset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have detectable antibodies directed against the peptidyl-arginine deiminase (PAD) enzyme isoforms 3 and 4. Anti-PAD3/4 cross-reactive antibodies (anti-PAD3/4XR) have been shown to lower the calcium threshold required for PAD4 activation, an effect potentially relevant to the pathogenesis of RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Genetic Dissection of the Amyloid Precursor Protein in Developmental Function and Amyloid Pathogenesis

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates large soluble APP derivatives, β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, and APP intracellular domain. Expression of the extracellular sequences of APP or its Caenorhabditis elegans counterpart has been shown to be sufficient in partially rescuing the CNS phenotypes of the APP-deficient mice and the lethality of the apl-1 null C. elegans, respectively, leaving open the question as what is the role of the highly conserved APP intracellular domain? To address this question, we created an APP knock-in allele in which the mouse Aβ sequence was replaced by the human Aβ. A frameshift mutation was introduced that replaced the last 39 residues of the APP sequence. We demonstrate that the C-terminal mutation does not overtly affect APP processing and amyloid pathology. In contrast, crossing the mutant allele with APP-like protein 2 (APLP2)-null mice results in similar neuromuscular synapse defects and early postnatal lethality as compared with mice doubly deficient in APP and APLP2, demonstrating an indispensable role of the APP C-terminal domain in these development activities. Our results establish an essential function of the conserved APP intracellular domain in developmental regulation, and this activity can be genetically uncoupled from APP processing and Aβ pathogenesis.
Treatment Outcome Measures: Nomothetic or Idiographic?

One possible effect of managed health care may be the increased use of nomothetic outcome measures, that is, outcome measures that are utilized across clients, regardless of diagnosis or identified treatment goals. It is argued here that such measures should be supplemented by outcome measures that are Idiographic to particular diagnostic categories and/or to particular clients.
Mitogen activated protein kinase plays a significant role in metaphase II arrest, spindle morphology, and maintenance of maturation promoting factor activity in bovine oocytes.

Mammalian oocytes are arrested at the G2/M transition of the first meiotic division from which, after reaching full size and subsequent to an LH surge, they undergo final maturation. Oocyte maturation, which involves germinal vesicle breakdown, progression through metaphase I (MI), and arrest at MII, is triggered and regulated by the coordinated action of two kinases, maturation promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). The importance of the role of MPF in mammalian oocyte maturation is well established, while the role of MAPK, although well understood in mouse oocytes, has not been fully elucidated in oocytes of large domestic species, especially bovine oocytes. Here we show that injection of MKP-1 mRNA, which encodes a dual specificity MAPK phosphatase, into germinal vesicle stage bovine oocytes prevents the activation of MAPK during maturation. Despite the lack of MAPK activity, MKP-1-injected oocytes resume and progress through meiosis, although they are unable to arrest at MII stage and, by 22-26-hour post-maturation, exhibit decondensed pronucleus-like chromatin, a clear sign of parthenogenetic activation. MKP-1-injected bovine oocytes exhibit normal activation of MPF activity; however, by 18-hour post-maturation, MPF activity starts to decline and by 22-26 hr MPF activity is absent. MKP-1-injected oocytes also show disorganized MII spindles with poorly aligned chromosomes. In summary, our results demonstrate that in bovine oocytes MAPK activity is required for MII arrest, maintenance of MPF activity, and spindle organization.
Rapid partial purification of S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase by affinity chromatography☆

Abstract A Sepharose-ethylenediamine-PCMB column can be used to obtain a rapid purification of S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase. PCMB-affinity fractions from both rat liver and sea urchin eggs have high specific activity, particularly the latter. The activity of the purified rat liver enzyme is stimulated by the addition of either putrescine or spermidine, whereas the purified enzyme fraction from sea urchin eggs has no measurable activity without the addition of either putrescine or spermidine. In both preparations there is a stoichiometric relationship between the release of 14 CO2 from S-adenosyl-L-carboxyl- 14 C-methionine and the formation of spermidine.
Classroom note: On the telescoping sum

The telescoping sum constitutes a powerful technique for summing series. In this note, this technique is illustrated by a series of problems starting off with some simple ones in arithmetic, then some in trigonometry, famous families of numbers, Apery-like formulas, and finally ending with a class of problems that are solved by computer.
The Origin of Variations

AN article by Sir Oliver Lodge, dealing with the extracts from the Hooker Lecture on “The Origin of Adaptations” which were published in NATURE for June 1 (p. 841), appears in the issue for June 29 (p. 982). It is very gratifying that the lecture has aroused the interest of so distinguished a physicist, and I can assure him that all biologists will welcome his intervention and value the analysis of their problems to which he has given expression. With much of his article I am in full agreement, and for the rest, two quotations will perhaps most briefly make my position clear. The first has appeared on the title-page of every issue of NATURE since its first number was printed in 1869:
Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on pulmonary fibrosis in rats and mice

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a putative anti-inflammatory agent and free radical scavenger, was shown to protect against acute bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat (Pepin and Langner, Biochem. Pharmacol., 34 (1985) 2386). We examined the effect of DMSO on bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity in Swiss outbred mice and Sprague-Dawley rats, and on butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)-induced pulmonary toxicity in Swiss outbred mice. Bleomycin (BL)-induced mortality in mice (20% at 0.1 units BL) and rats (50% at 1.5 units BL) was increased to 100% by daily DMSO (5 g/kg 50% in saline). Similar DMSO treatment after lower doses of bleomycin (1 unit BL in rats and 0.075 or 0.050 units in mice) increased lung hydroxyproline content in the rat but had no effect in the mouse. Lung hydroxyproline content in mice 14 days after 400 mg/kg BHT in corn oil was also slightly increased by daily DMSO at 5 g/kg, but not at 1 or 2 g/kg. Daily DMSO (5 g/kg) did not alter cellular proliferation [( 14C]thymidine incorporation into pulmonary DNA) in the lung at 2 or 5 days after BHT. Thus, we found that DMSO potentiated the lethality of bleomycin, and potentiated or had no effect on bleomycin or BHT-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat and mouse.
WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT: BUT WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THAT?

At the beginning of Die Grundlagen der Arithmetik (§2) (1884), Frege observes that "it is in the nature of mathematics to prefer proof, where proof is possible". This, of course, is true, but thinkers differ on why it is that mathematicians prefer proof. And what of propositions for which no proof is possible? What of axioms? This talk explores various notions of self-evidence, and the role they play in various foundational systems, notably those of Frege and Zermelo. I argue that both programs are undermined at a crucial point, namely when self-evidence is supported by holistic and even pragmatic considerations. At the beginning of Die Grundlagen der Arithmetik (§2) (1884), Gottlob Frege observes that "it is in the nature of mathematics to prefer proof, where proof is possible", noting that "Euclid gives proofs of many things which anyone would concede him without question". Frege sets himself the task of providing proofs of such basic arithmetic propositions as "every natural number has a successor", the induction principle, and "1 + 1 = 2". Frege's observation was true in Euclid's day, and it remains true now. We still admire the achievements of Euclid, Archimedes, Cauchy, Weierstrass, Bolzano, Dedekind, Frege, and a host of others on providing rigorous proofs of "many things that formerly passed as self-evident", as Frege put it (§1). Many of these are propositions that no one in their right mind would doubt—unless it be on skeptical or nominalist grounds (in which case mathematical proof would not settle the issue). Nevertheless, thinkers differ widely on why it is that we prefer proof, and this question goes to the very heart of mathematics. My topic here is closely related to this. It is a commonplace that one cannot provide a nontrivial or noncircular proof of every known proposition. Frege's observation is that mathematics prefers proof, "where proof is possible". What about cases where proof is not possible? What is the epistemic status of the axioms, or basic truths (or inference principles), from which other propositions are derived? If we claim to know the theorems, on the basis of the proofs, then surely we must claim to know the axioms (or inference principles)? How?
Induction of the serotonin1A receptor in neuronal cells during prolonged stress and degeneration.

Neuronal migration in brain is followed by differentiation of committed neurons and simultaneous apoptosis of uncommitted preneuronal cells due to a limiting supply of trophic factors and nutrients. We have dissected differentiation and apoptosis by designing a simple in vitro model for this nutrient deprivation using engineered neuronal cell lines stably transfected with a promoterless segment (G-21) of the intronless human serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT 1A -R) gene. Despite the use of widely different heterologous promoters (cytomegalovirus and Rous sarcoma virus) for the stable expression of G-21, a dramatic increase in expression of the 5-HT 1A -R (five- to 15-fold) and its mRNA was always observed during degeneration and apoptosis of nutrient-deprived neuronal cells. Involvement in this induction of a 170-bp 5'-end untranslated sequence (5'-UT) (tail end of the 500-bp natural promoter) of G-21 was confirmed by stable transfection of neuronal cells with an SV-40 promoter-driven construct harboring the 5'-UT and the reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) cDNA. Presence of the 5'-UT resulted in a threefold increase in CAT expression during nutrient deprivation in randomly chosen clones. The induction was also observed in the endogenous 5-HT 1A -R, expressed by embryonic day 16 mouse hippocampal neurons, subsequent to nutrient deprivation and onset of degeneration. A trophic role of the 5-HT 1A -R has been suggested in earlier studies. Considering the example of protective heat shock proteins, which are induced during various types of stress, our results suggest that stressed neuronal cells undergoing degeneration and apoptosis synthesize increased levels of 5-HT 1A -R as a final attempt to survive.
Premature coronary heart disease and autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia: Increased risk in women with LDLR mutations.

Abstract Background For patients with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), it remains unclear whether differences exist in the risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) between patients with confirmed mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ) vs those without detectable mutations. Objective This study sought to assess the risk of premature CHD in ADH patients with mutations in LDLR (referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia [FH]) vs those without detectable mutations (unexplained ADH), stratified by sex. Methods Comparative study of premature CHD in a multiethnic cohort of 111 men and 165 women meeting adult Simon–Broome criteria for ADH. Results Women with FH (n = 51) had an increased risk of premature CHD compared with unexplained ADH women (n = 111; hazard ratio [HR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–5.34; P = .003) even after adjustment for lipid levels and traditional CHD risk factors (HR, 2.53 [1.10–5.83]; P = .005). Men with FH (n = 42), in contrast, had a similar risk of premature CHD when compared with unexplained ADH men (n = 66; unadjusted: HR, 1.48 [0.84–2.63]; P = .18; adjusted: HR, 1.04 [0.46–2.37]; P = .72). To address whether mutation status provides additional information beyond LDL-cholesterol level, we analyzed premature CHD risk for FH vs unexplained ADH at various percentiles of LDL-cholesterol: the risk ratios were significant for women at 25th percentile (HR, 4.90 [1.69–14.19]) and 50th percentile (HR, 3.44 [1.42–8.32]) but not at 75th percentile (HR, 1.99 [0.95–4.17]), and were not significant for men at any percentile. Conclusions Our findings suggest that genetic confirmation of ADH may be important to identify patient's risk of CHD, especially for female LDLR mutation carriers.
Reflections-legacies, incentives, and advice

AbstractLessons from the early literature in environmental economics are used to assess the impact of an early contributor, Ralph C. d’Arge; discuss the prospects for designing incentive-based appr...
The Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS): Construction, Validity, and Reliability

Psychometric properties of mathematics anxiety measures have not adequately been studied. Using a large sample size (N = 1,239), the authors developed an abbreviated math anxiety measure, examined its psychometric properties, and assessed the generalizability of the model across samples. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a nine-item measure and strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and good convergent/divergent validity was demonstrated with an independent sample. When administered to a replication sample, indexes suggested an excellent model fit. TheAbbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) may represent a more parsimonious and valid approach to assess mathematics anxiety.
Reduction of undulator radiation and FEL small gain due to wiggler errors

A deterministic approach is taken to study the effect of errors in the wiggler magnet field on the spontaneous emission and the gain of free electron lasers (FELs). A 3-D formulation is used to derive the reduction in spontaneous emission due to changes in the time of flight of the electrons. A generalization of J.M.J. Madey's (1971) theorem to 3-D is then used to calculate the reduction in the FEL small gain. >
Biomechanical Assessment of a New Tenodesis for Correction of Hallux Varus

Each of six below-the-knee amputation specimens were transfixed to a wooden block and mounted to a jig on an amputee testing device preloaded with 5 N applied to the proximal phalanx and displaced at a constant rate of 2 mm/min. Load displacement curves were generated for the intact joint and after sequential incisions of the lateral capsule, the adductor hallucis, and the lateral slip of the flexor hallucis brevis tendon, which caused varus dislocation of the hallux. An extensor hallucis brevis tenodesis was performed after the varus dislocation. Division of the lateral capsule, the adductor, and the flexor brevis reduced the force required to displace the hallux by 42.2%, an additional 25.2%, and a further 14.2%, respectively. Use of the extensor hallucis brevis tenodesis restored the load displacement curves to that of the normal joint. We conclude that the extensor hallucis brevis tendon may be useful as a tenodesis for reconstructing the deformity of acquired hallux varus.
Is Microprocessor Software Really A Problem

The likelihood of success associated with any software project has two main paramaters; the problem complexity and the experience level of the designer/implementers. These factors are important because the lowering costs of microprocessor and memory devices results in a large increase in the number of designs which incorporate these devices. In many cases, these designs are dominated by the cost of their software. The understanding of these two parameters is important to the successful management of the resulting software project.
Recovery of Thyroid Function in Primary Hypothyroidism

In recent years transient primary hypothyroidism has reported with increasing frequency. Physicians are often unsure whether withdrawal of thyroid hormone to identify the transient hypothyroidism is indicated and cost-effective and in which patients this should be done. To study these questions, thyroid hormone therapy was withdrawn from 63 patients with proven primary hypothyroidism at 6 months and again at 1 and 3 years to determine if there was recovery of thyroid function. Of the 49 patients with primary hypothyroidism (PH) that was not attributable to such causes as drug therapy, surgery, iodine-131 therapy, or silent or subacute thyroiditis, only two patients recovered thyroid function. In the other 14 patients, hypothyroidism developed within 6 months postpartum. Nine of these 14 recovered thyroid function. Therefore, it appears that when PH is not related to certain specific causes or states, it is likely to be permanent. Furthermore, withdrawal of thyroid hormone therapy to assess recovery of thyroid function is unnecessary and not cost-effective.
Dynamics of fisheries that affect the population growth rate coefficient

Conventional surplus production models indicate that destruction of fish populations by overfishing is difficult, if not impossible, but catastrophic declines in abundance of exploited populations are common. Surplus production models also do not predict large continuing fluctuations in yield, but large fluctuations in yield are common. Conventional surplus production models assume that fisheries do not impact the population's capacity to increase, but changes in age structure or a decrease in age-specific fecundity resulting from fishing can decrease the coefficient of increase. A surplus production model is developed in which fishing reduces the capacity of a population to increase; the model is applied to describe the fluctuations observed in yield of lake herring (Coregonus artedii) from the upper Great Lakes. The fisheries of the Great Lakes were decimated by the combined effects of heavy fishing and a changing environment. For some species, yield increased to high levels and then the fisheries collapsed; for other species, yield and effort fluctuated greatly.
A survey of the quality of generic clarithromycin products from 18 countries.

Objective: This study compared the quality of 65 generic clarithromycin products manufactured in 18 countries with that of the innovator product. Design: To assess quality, the generic products were examined visually, assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography for clarithromycin content and impurities, tested for dissolution properties, and compared with the innovator product manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Results: This survey found that many generic clarithromycin products were not equivalent to the innovator product and many of these generic products fell short of the approved specifications developed for the innovator product. Overall, 9% (6 of 65) of all generic tablets tested failed to contain between 95% and 105% of the clarithromycin claimed in the label, thus falling short of the approved registered specification for the innovator product. Seventeen percent (1 of 6) of tablets from Latin America (LA), 8% (3 of 38) of tablets from the Asia, Africa, Pacific (AAP) region, and 10% (2 of 21) of tablets from Europe did not contain the amount of clarithromycin drug content claimed in the label. A total of 34% (17 of 50) of the generic products tested released less drug in 30 minutes than did the innovator tablets. Although the majority of these generic products met the dissolution specification requiring that 80% of the drug must dissolve in 30 minutes, one generic product failed to meet this specification with 68% of drug dissolving in 30 minutes. Moreover, 19% (12 of 65) of all the generic products tested exceeded the Abbott Laboratories’ 3% limit for total impurities in bulk drug, and 30% (20 of 65) exceeded the Abbott Laboratories’ 0.8% limit for the known impurity 6, 11 di-O-methyl erythromycin A. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that generic tablets are often not comparable in vitro to the innovator product. These findings suggest that results achieved with branded clarithromycin (Abbott Laboratories) should not be extrapolated to generic products. In vivo studies would be needed to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
Augmenting Atypical Antipsychotics with a Cognitive Enhancer (Donepezil) Improves Regional Brain Activity in Schizophrenia Patients: A Pilot Double-blind Placebo Controlled BOLD fMRI Study

Cognitive impairments are cardinal features of schizophrenia and predictors of poor vocational and social outcome. Imaging studies with verbal fluency tasks (VFT) lead some to suggest that in schizophrenia, the combination of a failure to deactivate the left temporal lobe and a hypoactive frontal lobe reflects a functional disconnectivity between the left prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe. Others have theorized that an abnormal cingulate gyrus modulates such fronto-temporal connectivity. Thus addition of a cognitive enhancing medication to current antipsychotic therapy might improve functionality of networks necessary in working memory and internal concept generation. To test this hypothesis, we serially measured brain activity in 6 subjects on stable atypical antipsychotics performing a VFT, using BOLD fMRI. Measurements were made at baseline and again after groups were randomized to receive 12 weeks of donepezil (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) and placebo in a blind cross-over design. Donepezil addition provided a functional normalization with an increase in left frontal lobe and cingulate activity when compared to placebo and from baseline scans. This pilot study supports the cingulate's role in modulating cognition and neuronal connectivity in schizophrenia.
Learning from Classroom Questions and Answers: Teachers' Uncertainties About Children's Language.

This article examines the interaction of language varieties with teachers' perceptions and evaluations of how k-2 students answer classroom questions. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodology, we trace the processes, findings, and reflections from 2 years of collaboration with teachers in a low-income, multiethnic, inner-city school where all students spoke marginalized or stigmatized varieties of English, including Appalachian/rural and African-American English, or Ebonics. Among other findings, we and the teachers discovered ambiguity in their questions which created problems for students accustomed to different discourse practices. We noticed examples of Delpit's “silenced dialogue” when young White teachers would not listen to the exhortations of an experienced Black teacher that they should show students exactly what they wanted as answers. We worked with the teachers to uncover their concerns about racism and classism to discover what they heard and valued in students' answers and to modi...
The BIR Motifs Mediate Dominant Interference and Oligomerization of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Op-IAP

The defining structural motif of the inhibitor of apoptosis (iap) protein family is the BIR (baculovirus iap repeat), a highly conserved zinc coordination domain of ;70 residues. Although the BIR is required for inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) function, including caspase inhibition, its molecular role in antiapoptotic activity in vivo is unknown. To define the function of the BIRs, we investigated the activity of these structural motifs within Op-IAP, an efficient, virus-derived IAP. We report here that Op-IAP 1‐216 , a loss-of-function truncation which contains two BIRs but lacks the C-terminal RING motif, potently interfered with Op-IAP’s capacity to block apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli. In contrast, Op-IAP 1‐216 had no effect on apoptotic suppression by caspase inhibitor P35. Consistent with a mechanism of dominant inhibition that involves direct interaction between Op-IAP 1‐216 and full-length Op-IAP, both proteins formed an immunoprecipitable complex in vivo. OpIAP also self-associated. In contrast, the RING motif-containing truncation Op-IAP 183‐268 failed to interact with or interfere with Op-IAP function. Substitution of conserved residues within BIR 2 caused loss of dominant inhibition by Op-IAP 1‐216 and coincided with loss of interaction with Op-IAP. Thus, residues encompassing the BIRs mediate dominant inhibition and oligomerization of Op-IAP. Consistent with dominant interference by interaction with an endogenous cellular IAP, Op-IAP 1‐216 also lowered the survival threshold of cultured insect cells. Taken together, these data suggest a new model wherein the antiapoptotic function of IAP requires homo-oligomerization, which in turn mediates specific interactions with cellular apoptotic effectors.
Adrenal androgen levels as predictors of outcome in prostate cancer patients treated with ketoconazole plus antiandrogen withdrawal: results from a cancer and leukemia group B study.

Purpose: Adrenal androgens activate the androgen receptor and stimulate prostate cancer growth. Ketoconazole is used as an inhibitor of adrenal androgen synthesis in men with androgen-independent prostate cancer. This study analyzes the relationship between pretreatment androgen levels and outcome following ketoconazole treatment. Experimental Design: Baseline levels of three adrenal androgens (androstenedione, dehydroepiandrostenedione, and dehydroepiandrostenedione-sulfate) and testosterone were measured. Regression models (logistic and proportional hazard) were used to assess the prognostic significance of these levels in predicting overall survival and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response defined by Consensus Criteria. Results: In 103 patients with available levels, PSA response rate was 28% and median response duration was 4.8 months. The median baseline androstenedione level was 0.64 ng/mL and was 0.88 ng/mL versus 0.53 ng/mL for those with and without a PSA response, respectively ( P = 0.034). In univariate analysis, elevation of baseline androstenedione levels was predictive of PSA response [odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.03-4.96; P = 0.043]. In multivariate analysis, both the uppermost and the middle tertile of baseline androstenedione level were associated with an improved overall survival compared with those in the lower tertile (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.98; P = 0.40; hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.90; P = 0.018, respectively). A linear correlation was observed among all androgen levels. Conclusions: Higher androstenedione levels predict likelihood of response to ketoconazole and improved survival compared with patients with lower levels. These data suggest that therapy with ketoconazole is less effective in patients with low levels of androgen at baseline.
The opinion poll as a cultural form

The article examines public opinion polls from a cultural studies perspective. Polls are discussed as a cultural form, a system of representation that attempts to signify the public. The article explores the differences between the products of polling agencies and the interpretation of polls in the mainstream media. It is argued that for all its attempts at closure, the opinion poll discourse is a fairly ‘open’ text, signifying a far wider range of political ideas than is found in mainstream political discourse. Once these representations of the public are re-presented in mainstream media, the discourse narrows: responses that might be articulated within a progressive political framework are generally ignored or repressed. The article examines this form of closure and concludes by proposing that a pro-corporate, center-right hegemony in the field of public opinion is a narrow, strategic project rather than a broad ideological victory.
Effects of a 12-wk resistance exercise program on skeletal muscle strength in children with burn injuries

The posttraumatic response to burn injury leads to marked and prolonged skeletal muscle catabolism and weakness, which persist despite standard rehabilitation programs of occupational and physical therapy. We investigated whether a resistance exercise program would attenuate muscle loss and weakness that is typically found in children with thermal injury. We assessed the changes in leg muscle strength and lean body mass in severely burned children with >40% total body surface area burned. Patients were randomized to a 12-wk standard hospital rehabilitation program supplemented with an exercise training program (n = 19) or to a home-based rehabilitation program without exercise (n = 16). Leg muscle strength was assessed before and after the 12-wk rehabilitation or training program at an isokinetic speed of 150 degrees /s. Lean body mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We found that the participation in a resistance exercise program results in a significant improvement in muscle strength, power, and lean body mass relative to a standard rehabilitation program without exercise.
The Call to Bridge Knowledge and Action: The Response of the Boston College Doctoral Program In Organization Transformation

This chapter proposes that a new kind of social science, along the lines described as Cooperative Inquiry and Developmental Action Inquiry in Chapter 5, is necessary if we are to bridge knowledge and action in our real-time work and in our families in ways that contribute to human flourishing. The aim of this new kind of social science is not just to inform detached readers, but also to create conditions for transformation of the participants and/or the organization at the site studied (Bradbury, et al., 1998).
A Review of “Blockbuster History in the New Russia: Movies, Memory and Patriotism”

This is not a book about twenty-first century Russian cinema, nor is it only about blockbusters, for not all the films discussed here attracted very large audiences. (For example, Burnt by the Sun ...
Role of Runx2 in transcriptional regulation of MMP9 in bone metastatic cancer cells and the control of cell invasion

6122 Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) is a key regulator in the development of the growth plate during endochondral bone formation. The transcription factor runt-related gene 2, (RUNX2, CBFA1/AML3) is essential for maturation of the growth plate and bone formation. Up regulation of MMP9 expression has been implicated in invasion and metastasis of breast and prostate tumors, and Runx2 is ectopically expressed in breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells that metastasize to bone. By cDNA expression array, we identified MMP9 as a novel downstream target of Runx2 using total RNA from wild type and Runx2ΔC /ΔC mutant mouse. MMP9 expression, like MMP13 but not MMP2, is nearly depleted in Runx2 deficient mice. In vivo analysis by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and in vitro by EMSA revealed recruitment of Runx2 to the MMP9 promoter. We show by mutational analysis that the Runx2 site mediates transactivation of the MMP9 promoter activity in both osteoblastic cells (MC3T3- E1) and non-osseous (HeLa) cells. Runx2 regulation of MMP9 was examined relative to the invasive properties of tumor cells. We find that over-expression of Runx2 by adenovirus delivery in both primary and bone metastatic cancer cell lines significantly increases endogenous levels of MMP9. Furthermore, knockdown of Runx2 by RNA interference results in decreased MMP9 expression. Importantly, we have demonstrated using a cell migration assay that Runx2 regulated MMP9 levels are functionally related to the invasion properties of cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the role of Runx2 in transcriptional regulation of MMP9 and that modulation of MMP9 expression by Runx2 influences cell migration .We suggest that Runx2 is a primary initiator for expression of genes that contribute to the metastatic properties of cancer cells and their activity in the bone environment.
Noninvasive testing strategies in symptomatic, intermediate-risk CAD patients: a perspective on the “PROMISE” trial and its potential implementation in clinical practice

While the results of the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain trial (PROMISE trial) are negative for the primary outcome, the results from this large, contemporary trial of >10,000 patients provide important insights into clinical management of patients presenting with chest pain. The results reinforce that while diagnostic testing is an important component of modern management, its choice should be directed by a clinician in a clinical context and with subsequent management in mind. Based on presentation and pre-test probability, the clinician will decide if any additional testing necessary is necessary and if that is the case chose the most appropriate test according to current guidelines, applied to the individual patient and clinical scenario.
Vibronic Characteristics and Spin-Density Distributions in Bacteriochlorins as Revealed by Spectroscopic Studies of 16 Isotopologues. Implications for Energy- and Electron-Transfer in Natural Photosynthesis and Artificial Solar-Energy Conversion.

Vibronic characteristics and spin-density distributions in the core bacteriochlorin macrocycle were revealed by spectroscopic and theoretical studies of 16 isotopologues. The vibrational modes in copper bacteriochlorin isotopologues were examined via resonance Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The resonance Raman spectra exhibit an exceptional sparcity of vibronically active modes of the core macrocycle, in contrast with the rich spectra of the natural bacteriochlorophylls. The Qy-excitation resonance Raman spectrum is dominated by a single mode at 727 cm–1, which calculations suggest is due to a symmetrical accordion-like deformation of the five-atom Cm(CaNCa)pyrroleCm portion of the ring core. This deformation also dominates the vibronic features in the absorption and fluorescence spectra. The spin-density distributions in the π-cation radical of the zinc bacteriochlorin isotopologues were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spectra indicate a significant electr...
An alternative approach to the dimension theorem for inner product spaces

(1987). An Alternative Approach to the Dimension Theorem for Inner Product Spaces. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 94, No. 7, pp. 671-679.
The effect of the roentgen ray and mustard gas (dichlorethylsulphid) on active anaphylaxis in the guinea-pig

The importance attributed to allergy in the resistance to tuberculosis makes it advisable to study this state in as many ways as possible. In view of the report that certain leukotoxic agents, notably benzene and the roentgen ray, influence the allergic condition, a way seemed open to gain information as to the importance of allergy in the resistance to tuberculosis, especially as the guinea-pig is susceptible to both tuberculosis and sensitization. Corper1 failed to note any effect from thorium x, another leukotoxic agent, on active anaphylaxis in the guinea-pig, while v. Heinrich2 concluded that the formation of "sensibilisin" was reduced markedly by the roentgen ray, and was most marked when guinea-pigs were treated with the roentgen ray immediately after the sensitizing injection, the reinjection of foreign protein being given 3 weeks later, coincident with the maximum destructive effect of the roentgen ray on the lymphoid tissues. If the reinjection was given 6 weeks after treatment with the roentgen ray, the effect on the anaphylactic reaction was much less marked. The protein solution, horse serum, was used in amounts of 0.01 cc for sensitizing and from 0.05 to 0.5 c c for the second injection.
Characterization of Liquid Jets-In-Crossflow Under High Temperature, High Velocity Non-oscillating and Oscillating Flow Conditions

Experiments were conducted for the purpose of characterizing a transversely injected liquid jet into a high temperature and velocity crossflow in a unique experimental test facility. Two-dimensional Mie scattering imaging and a laser-line Mie scattering measurement were employed to characterize the behavior of the liquid jet under both non-oscillating and oscillating flow conditions at various crossflow velocities and liquid to gas momentum flux ratios at the crossflow temperature of 650C. The test liquid used in the experiment was the aviation fuel Jet-A. Characterization of the liquid jet under non-oscillating crossflow conditions was first conducted to establish the similarities and differences of the current study to previous researches, providing a baseline for comparison to the characteristics of the liquid jet under oscillating flow conditions. Characterization of the liquid jet within an oscillating environment was also conducted to understand the effects of acoustics on the behavior of the liquid jet. The results show various similarities and differences in the liquid jet behavior under non-oscillating and oscillating flow conditions. The data collected provides information useful in understanding vaporizing jet-in-crossflow, while also providing the groundwork for more detailed studies involving this unique experimental facility.
The Negative Difference Event-Related Brain Potential during Cross-Modality Time-Sharing

The effects of manual tracking and allocation policy on the “negative difference” (Nd) event-related brain potential (ERP) were investigated. Five measures of performance were analyzed—root-mean-square-error, reactions time, sensitivity, N1 and P2 amplitude and N1 and P2 latency. Two results are discussed. The first results discussed show that the “negative difference” potential is unaffected by either the manual tracking task or the priority given the Nd task. The ERP data is further corroborated by the behavioral data. Both the sensitivity measure and reaction time were unaffected by the difficulty of the manual tracking task or the priority given the auditory task. However, the auditory task affected the manual tracking task. This asymmetric pattern of interference is explained in terms of the mechanism of preemption (Wickens, 1987; Wickens & Liu, 1988). The second results discussed show that high and low tones differentially effected Nd. Nd was greater at N1 for the low tone and greater at P2 for the ...
Bulk cooked meat products nitrate contents monitoring in Pingdingshan city from 2011 to 2013

Objective To know the application of nitrate in bulk cooked meat products of Pingdingshan city,pay attention to food health safety,guarantee the health of the residents. Methods Respectively select 3-5 monitoring points( markets) in urban district and counties,more than 1 bulk cooked meat products were checked in each monitoring points to check the residual quantity of nitrate. Results 344 samples was selected and checked in 3 years,residual quantity of nitrite detected in 331 samples,the detection rate was 96. 2%; residual quantity of nitrate over-standard in 94 samples,the detection rate was 27. 3%,difference of over-standard rate in 3 years from 2011 to 2013 was statistically significant( t = 1. 106,P = 0. 270),difference of over-standard rate was no obvious significance( χ2= 16. 44,P = 0. 000),difference between urban district and counties was no obvious significance( χ2= 0. 406,P = 0. 524),difference of over-standard rate between pork and beef was statistically significant( χ2= 20. 832,P = 0. 000),it is the same between mutton and beef( χ2= 12. 423,P = 0. 000),the over-standard rate in beef is much higher than that in pork and mutton. Conclusions The over-standard rate in bulk cooked meat products is serious,among which beef is most serious,the situation has seriously affects the people's health,which should be highly valued socially.
Comprehensive Assessment of Atmospheric Pollution by Weighting Association Analysis

Objective To research the comprehensive assessment method of atmospheric pollution.Methods Weighting association analysis was taken to comprehensively evaluate the data of air monitoring in 11 cities in China. Results Values of weighting association of air monitoring in 11 cities were calculated,and the ordering result was in full accord with the result of TOPSIS.The frequency distribution of weighting association showed obvious difference with estimating regression equation of =-0.177 9+0.999 1y(P(0.001).) There were 7 cities with medium and 4 cities with light atmospheric pollution by reasonable classification.Conclusions Weighting association analysis can show the general picture of city's atmospheric pollution directly,quantificationally,concisely and clearly as well as roundly.It is applicable to comprehensive assessment of atmospheric pollution.