cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiply deleted [E1, polymerase-, and pTP-] adenovirus vector persists despite deletion of the preterminal protein.

BACKGROUND The inherent limitations of [E1-]Ad vectors as gene therapy vehicles suggest that further modifications may improve their overall performance profiles. However, Ad vector modifications can have untoward effects on their basic biology, e.g., some helper-virus dependent Ad vectors have been found to be unstable without the presence of preterminal protein (pTP) activities. Despite this concern, we generated a new class of helper-virus independent Ad vector that was multiply deleted for the E1, polymerase, and pTP genes, and investigated the ramifications of these deletions upon several vector performance parameters. METHODS The construction and propagation of an [E1-, polymerase-, pTP-]Ad vector was achieved with the use of trans-complementing cells co-expressing the Ad E1, polymerase and pTP genes. RESULTS High titer production of the [E1-, polymerase-, pTP-]Ad vector was successfully accomplished via conventional Ad purification techniques. This unique class of Ad vector was capable of long-term gene transfer in vivo (despite lacking pTP functions) that was concomitant with a significantly decreased hepatic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Previous studies had suggested that Ad genome persistence in vivo may be dependent upon the presence of low level vector genome replication and/or pTP functions. Our results suggest that [E1-, polymerase-, pTP-]Ad vectors can overcome these barriers. The further benefits afforded by the use of this class of Ad vector (increased cloning capacity, high level growth, decreased propensity to generate replication competent Ad (RCA), decreased toxicity) suggests that they will be highly beneficial for use in several aspects of human gene therapy.
Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare Pedetes capensis in Botswana

Summary The fossorial ecology of the springhare was studied in the Republic of Botswana (August 1971-August 1974). Springhare burrows were located on well-drained sandy soils and were generally associated with an abundant short-grass food resource and flat open terrain. The composition of grasses in the vicinity of the burrows differed markedly from that of the surrounding areas as a result of springhare activities. Digging behaviour is discussed. Excavation of burrows occurred during all times of the year, but was most frequent during the wet season. The overall pattern of three excavated burrows was circular with most entrances on the periphery of the system; mean depth = 78 cm, mean length = 42.1 m, greatest depth =122 cm, tunnel height = 17–25 cm, tunnel width = 10–23 cm, and mean number of entrances = 9.3. Both temporary and permanent earthen plugs were formed within the burrows. No chambers, side-pockets, blind tunnels, food or nesting materials were found in the burrows. Two types of entrances, ‘mound’ and ‘clean’ holes, were present. Springhares are not colonial. One springhare, or at most a mother with its one young, was associated with each burrow. Resume L'ecologie souterraine du lievre sauteur fut etudiee en Republique du Botswana (aout 1974). Les terriers des lievres sauteurs sont situes dans des sols sablonneux bien draines, et sont generalement associes aved d'abondantes resources alimentaires en courtes graminees et avec un terrain plat et degage. La composition des graminees au voisinage des terriers, qui differe nettement de celle des zones environnantes, est le resultant des activites du lievre sauteur. Le comportement de creusage est discute. L'excavation de terriers se produit tout au long de l'annee mais est plus frequente durant la saison des pluies. La structure en plan de trois terriers degages est circulaire, avec la plupart des entrees sur la peripherie du reseau (profondeur moyenne: 78 cm, longueur moyenne: 42.1 m, profondeur maximale: 122 cm, hauteur de galerie: 17–25 cm, largeur de galerie: 10–23 cm, nombre moyen d'entreees: 9.3). Des bouchons de terre temporaires et permanents sont edifies a l'interieur du terrier. Aucune chamber poche laterale, cul-de-sac, nourriture ou materiaux de nidification n'a ete trouve. Deux types d'entres sont notes: des trow ‘en remblai’ et des trous ‘nets’. Les lievres sauteurs ne sont pas coloniaux; un individu, ou tout au plus une mere avec son unique jeune occupe un seul terrier.
Cerebroprotection mediated by angiotensin II.

I read with great interest the provocative study by Fournier et al. ([1][1]) on cerebroprotection mediated by angiotensin II. The investigators state that beta-blockers are remarkably ineffective in reducing the risk of stroke; however, they cite three studies all performed with one beta-blocker,
Cyclic GMP affceting the tracheal nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory system

An association between guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and the nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory system (NANCIS) has been demonstrated in the isolated bovine tissue (Bowman and Drummond, 1984). In order to investigate this association in the guinea pig trachea, we used cyclic GMP derivatives, guanylate cyclase activators (N-methylhydroxylamine (NMH) and nitroglycerin (NG)] and inhibitors [oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and methylene blue (MB)]. Under general anesthesia paralysis, the animals were ventilated and hourly injected with atropine (0.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (1 mg/kg). Cervical segment of the trachea was converted to a closed tracheal pouch and then filled with Kreb's solution augmented with atropine (1 microM) and propranolol (3.5 microM). A decrease in the pouch pressure (Pp) reflected NANCIS nerve transmural stimulation (TS)--or drug-induced relaxation. Pharmacological agents were applied intravenously. At 2-11 min after injection, NMH and NG decreased baseline Pp and reduced TS-induced relaxation. NMH, which is more potent than NG in activating particulate guanylate cyclase activity, potentiated the TS-induced relaxation at high frequencies, but NG did not. HBO2 inhibited the TS-induced relaxation at high but not at low frequencies. In contrast, MB inhibited the relaxation at low but not high frequencies. The results suggest that activation of particulate or membrane bound guanylate cyclase potentiates NANCIS-induced decrease in Pp. Therefore, there is a possible association between cyclic GMP and the NANCIS in the guinea pig trachea.
Retention: rhetoric or realistic agendas for the future of higher education

Proposes the use of relationship management as a perspective on student retention management in higher education. “Good practice” that might aid in the management of student engagement with learning is hungrily shared, but there are some inherent contradictions amongst these recommendations. Previous work on withdrawal identifies some of the factors that influence the withdrawal decision; this approach aligns with transaction based marketing and study of consumer behaviour. This article proposes that the relationship marketing and management approach that focuses on customer loyalty and commitment may offer different insights. This model is used to describe the development of the relationship between the student and their college or university. An important facet of this relationship development is that it needs to be maintained by different “service agents” through different stages of the relationship, and therefore communication, and student record systems that share student knowledge across the university are crucial.
Mechanisms of epileptogenicity in focal malformations caused by abnormal cortical development

In this article, the authors review the cellular mechanisms of epileptogenicity in malformations caused by abnormalities of cortical development as related to neuronal excitation, reduced inhibition, disorganized synaptic connections, and glial function (or dysfunction).
HERITABILITY AND CORRELATION STRUCTURE OF NECTAR AND FLORAL MORPHOLOGY TRAITS IN NICOTIANA ALATA

The heritability and genetic basis of nectar traits have been rarely studied in the field, where plants are exposed to environmental factors that could mask underlying genetic effects. Heritabilities and variance components were estimated for nectar and morphological traits of Nicotiana alata, using a partial diallel design. The main experiment was conducted in a Missouri experimental garden using a randomized block design with three plant density treatments, whereas a smaller experiment was conducted near native Brazil habitat to compare the environmental variance in traits between Missouri and Brazil. Significant heritability was detected for nectar volume and energy content, and for corolla tube length. Phenotypic correlations were significant between all traits investigated, whereas significant genetic correlations were only found between nectar volume and energy and between corolla limb width and mouth diameter. There were no significant family-by-density interactions detected in the Missouri field environment. All traits differed significantly between Missouri and Brazil environments, but significant genetic by environment (G × E) interactions between Missouri and Brazil were detected for only one trait. This study shows that nectar traits can be heritable despite considerable environmental variation.
Tuberculosis surveillance of community hospital employees. A recommended strategy.

Objective and Methods: To suggest a cost-effective strategy with a high degree of surveillance for the transmission of tuberculosis infection to employees in community hospitals. We performed a cost-benefit analysis of tuberculin skin testing over a 4-year period. The setting was a community hospital in Bronx, NY. The subjects consisted of employees of the hospital who were categorized into high-risk employees defined as individuals who worked daily in patient care and low-risk employees defined as those not directly involved in patient care. All cases of tuberculin skin test conversion among employees were reviewed over a 4-year period. The departments involved, total number of employees, chest radiographic findings, and prophylaxis instituted were noted. Results: The number of employees who were screened over the past 4 years consisted of 897 in 1990, 857 in 1991, 1357 in 1992, and 1316 in 1993. The mean annual conversion rate was 1%, 1.5%, 1.7%, and 1.4% for the 4 years, respectively. Skin test conversions according to job description revealed that of the total number of conversions 42% were from the nursing staff, 6.2% among the physicians and residents, and 52% among the ancillary staff. There was no difference in conversion between medical and nonmedical services such as the gynecology and surgical floors. Conclusion: Since tuberculin conversion rates of high-risk employees and those exposed to infectious tuberculosis cases have been low, we suggest a comprehensive strategy of 6-month tuberculin testing for high-risk employees and yearly testing for low-risk employees and eliminating boosting and repeated testing at 12 weeks in those exposed to infectious cases of tuberculosis. (Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:1637-1639)
SEVERITY OF MATERNAL DEPRESSION AND THREE TYPES OF MOTHER‐TO‐CHILD AGGRESSION

This study of low-income, single mothers suggests that severity of depression conditions the relationship between depression and three types of mother-to-child aggression. Compared to nondepressed mothers, moderately but not severely depressed women are more likely to be physically violent, and both moderately and severely depressed women are at increased risk for high frequencies of verbal/symbolic aggression.
Wave Propagation in a Solid Ice Pack

Abstract The analysis presented in this paper was inspired by the report that the R/V Polarstern has encountered surface waves of large amplitude hundreds of kilometers inside the ice pack in the Weddell Sea. This paper presents analysis of processes that affect waves in an ice pack, namely the refraction of waves at the pack edge, the effects of pack compression on wave propagation, wave train stability and buckling stability in the ice pack. Sources of pack compression and interaction between wave momentum and pack compression are discussed. Viscous damping of propagating waves are also studied. Significant results include the conditions for total reflection of waves at the pack edge, the strong effect of pack compressive stress on wave group speed, with the concomitant possibility of extreme local concentration of wave energy. The result that compressive stress in the pack leads to very rapid development of wave packets, through changes in the parameters for weakly nonlinear modulational instability of...
Examining Mutual Elements of the Job Strain Model and the Effort--Reward Imbalance Model among Special Education Staff in the USA.

Two theories of occupational stress are often cited as being most supported by research: the job strain model (JSM) and the effort—reward imbalance model (ERIM). In order to investigate the applica...
Preface: Epilepsy and depressive behaviors

The last decade has witnessed significant progress in our understanding of the relation between depression and epilepsy. In fact, neurologists are starting to appreciate the need to recognize and treat this psychiatric comorbidity. Advances have been made on understanding the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of this relationship as well as on its neurobiologic and psychosocial pathogenicmechanisms. For example, the long-held concept that depression in epilepsy is a complication of the seizure disorder is now being replaced by the recognition of a bidirectional relation between the two conditions, whereby not only patients with epilepsy are at higher risk to develop depression, but patients with depression are at a higher risk to develop epilepsy. This complex relation has been found to impact in a negative way the response to pharmacotherapy and surgical treatment of the sei-
On the mechanism of histamine-induced bronchodilation in conscious guinea-pigs

The bronchodilatory effect of histamine was evaluated in a conscious guinea-pig model of cholinergically mediated bronchoconstriction. The H1, bronchoconstrictor, property of histamine was masked using high doses of the H1-antagonist chlorpheniramine (30 mg/kg), and the bronchodilatory activity evaluated by observing the increase in latency to collapse induced by aerosol methacholine. Under these conditions, histamine (1.0, 3.0 or 10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) delayed methacholine-induced collapse in a dose-dependent manner. Cimetidine, an H2-receptor antagonist (10 to 100 mg/kg), did not delay collapse either in the presence or absence of an H1-antagonist. However, when cimetidine was administered prior to histamine, the bronchodilatory activity of histamine was abolished. A similar abolition of histamine bronchodilation was observed if propranolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, was administered prior to histamine. Propranolol alone had no effect on methacholine-induced bronchospasm. These data suggest that the major bronchodilatory property of histamine may be mediated indirectly via catecholamine release through an H2-receptor mechanism.
Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung in a child. Report of an Epstein-Barr virus-related neoplasm

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LEC), an undifferentiated carcinoma with pronounced lymphocytic infiltration, often is seen in the nasopharynx as well as in other areas. But such primary pulmonary lung neoplasms in children are rare, and we present the first reported case of primary pulmonary LEC in a child.
Percutaneous Coil Occlusion of Ascending Aorta to Pulmonary Artery Shunts

Two patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum each underwent early palliative surgery with a pulmonary valvotomy and an ascending aorta to pulmonary artery shunt. Adequate right ventricular growth and relief of pulmonary stenosis rendered the shunts unnecessary. The shunts were successfully occluded percutaneously with Gianturco coils.
A useful approximation for planning block designs with potential missing data

Many empirical studies are planned with the prior knowledge that some of the data may be missed. This knowledge is seldom explicitly incorporated into the experiment design process for lack of a candid methodology. This paper proposes an index related to the expected determinant of the information matrix as a criterion for planning block designs. Due to the intractable nature of the expected determinantal criterion an analytic expression is presented only for a simple 2x2 layout. A first order Taylor series approximation function is suggested for larger layouts. Ranges over which this approximation is adequate are shown via Monte Carlo simulations. The robustness of information in the block design relative to the completely randomized design with missing data is discussed.
Sensationalism or sensitivity: Reporting suicide cases in the news media☆

Abstract This article investigates the nature of sensitivity in reporting the news in cases of suicide. We examine the boundaries of privacy and the appropriate guidelines for reporting as outlined in the Society of Professional Journalists, the 9 Principles of Journalism as noted by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, and CDC. Suicide contagion and the susceptibility of the audience are explored. Specifically, we will look at two cases where the suicides were well-documented in the media: the Dateline's To Catch a Predator suicide of Louis William Conradt, Jr. and the Rutger's University first-year student, Tyler Clementi.
FURTHER STUDIES ON CLOTTING AND FIBRINOLYSIS IN PLASMA FROM THE SMOOTH DOGFISH (MUSTELIS CANIS).

It has recently been reported that certain elasmobranch fish have a clotting diathesis which can be overcome in vitro by high concentrations of calcium ion (Doolittle and Surgenor, 1962). Under such conditions, a rapid coagulation occurs which is soon followed by a spontaneous fibrinolysis. The present report deals with the effects of varying certain other conditions of the physico-chemical environment and also the effectiveness of certain inhibitors known to repress either clotting or lysis in mammalian systems.
Reassessing how society prioritizes the health of young people.

A number of important health policy issues, such as the allocation of flu vaccines during a pandemic, require society to determine priorities across different age groups. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and related methods of economic evaluation are often useful for determining optimal resource allocations. Using the examples of recently evaluated vaccine interventions, we show that current methods of CEA are likely to undervalue health interventions for young people, relative to societal preferences inferred from research on age preferences and the value of health over time. These findings demonstrate important considerations regarding how society distributes health resources across age groups.
The effects of therapeutic ultrasound on tendon healing: a biomechanical study

The effect of 1 MHz therapeutic ultrasound on the healing strength of tendons was studied in the tenotomized, repaired and immobilized right Achilles tendons of 26 rabbits. Twelve tendons were sonicated daily in continuous waves at a spatial averaged intensity of 1 W cm(2) [corrected] for 5 min. After nine consecutive treatments, the tendons were excised under anesthesia and compared biomechanically. Exposure to ultrasound induced a significant increase in both the tensile strength and the energy absorption capacity of the tendons. Although healing in rabbits may not translate directly to healing in humans, these findings suggest that surgically repaired human Achilles tendons may heal faster if ultrasound is applied during the early stages of healing.
Gonadotropin Secretion in Response to Low and High Doses of LRF in Normal and Hypogonadal Women (Functional Disparity of the Gonadotrophs)

A comparison was made of gonadotropin release after an iv bolus of large (150 μg) and small (10 μg) doses of LRF during various phases of the menstrual cycle and in primary hypogonadal women. Gonadotropin release was quantitatively similar to small and large doses of LRF in hypogonadal women with low estradiol levels. In contrast, in normal women from the early to late follicular phase of the cycle, the gonadotropin response to a small dose of LRF (10 μg) was not as great as that observed with a large dose of LRF (150 μg) and did not elicit the augmented gonadotropin response of the late follicular phase. During the mid-luteal phase, a significant enhancement of responses to small doses of LRF was observed. The sustained gonadotropin release induced by the large dose of LRF in the late follicular phase was no longer apparent during the mid-luteal phase, although the dose-related discrimination of LH release was maintained. These dose-related disparities in the gonadotropin release to LRF might represent f...
The importance of specification uncertainty and intolerance to measurement error in a study of the impact of dentine lead on childrens’ IQs

Needleman et al. concluded that, on average, an increase in the dentine lead of children from 24 ppm was associated with a 4‐point IQ decrement. Recently, a spate of papers has conjectured that the reports of Needleman et al. and others could be spurious because of measurement error and omitted variable bias. In this Bayesian analysis of the reconstituted Needleman et al. data set, we replace such conjectures by empirical tests. Even though we structure the tests to provide very favourable opportunities for the conjectures to acquire support, the possibility is seen to be remote that omitted variable bias significantly alters the estimated influence of lead exposures upon childrens’ psychometric intelligence. Similarly, the Bayesian analysis demonstrates that other included covariates are likely to affect the estimated influence of lead exposures only if they are quite poorly measured.
Monoclonal antibodies to bovine platelet factor 4: Species interactions to platelets and megakaryocytes using indirect immunocytofluorescence

Murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were raised to a purified product of bovine PF-4, a 9,500 dalton protein with heparin neutralization activity comparable to that of human PF-4. Using a non-radioactive slide immunoenzymatic assay, four major classes of mAb could be identified when comparisons were made between purified antigens of PF-4 and beta-TG-like protein from both bovine and human species. Type 1 cross-reacted with all four antigens; type 2 reacted with PF-4s; type 3 reacted with only bovine PF-4 and beta-TG-like protein; and type 4 reacted only with bovine PF-4. Differences in immunoreactivities of types 1, 2 and 3 were retained throughout the growth of succeeding clones and in ascitic fluids. Using a modified factor Xa, S-2222 chromogenic substrate-heparin inhibition assay, no mAb was found to block PF-4's ability to neutralize heparin. mAbs representative of types 1, 2 and 3 were successfully raised in stable cell lines from at least second generation clones. These were purified with protein A agarose and found to be IgG1. By indirect immunocytofluorescence a purified type 2 mAb, 2E7, was found to specifically stain granules of human platelets and megakaryocytes, as well as masses (putative platelets within late stage megakaryocytes) without staining other cellular types in either bone marrow or peripheral blood. Species comparisons displayed positive staining for human, rat, and rabbit platelets and megakaryocytes, and negative staining for mouse, guinea pig and dog platelets and megakaryocytes. It seems likely that mAb, 2E7, is directed against an epitope, common to PF-4 of bovine, human, rabbit and rat.
Trypanosoma lewisi: cell populations and antibody formation in riboflavin deficient rats.

The influence of riboflavin deficiency on severity and duration of parasitemia was studied in Trypanosoma lewisi infected rats.
Rationale for early versus late intervention with arthroscopy for treatment of inflammatory/degenerative temporomandibular joint disorders.

Purpose The goal of this study was to determine if there were differences in outcomes of arthroscopic surgery in patients with inflammatory/degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease who underwent early surgical intervention versus late surgical intervention. Materials and Methods The study population included 44 consecutive patients who met the criteria for TMJ operative arthroscopy who were divided into early and late intervention groups. The time between the onset of symptoms and the performance of arthroscopy was used to determine entry into the early versus late intervention group. All groups were evaluated for changes in preoperative versus postoperative pain levels based on visual analog scale (VAS) scores and maximum interincisal opening distance. Statistical analyses included the Student t test to determine if there were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative assessments in the early and late intervention groups. Results The mean time between onset of symptoms in the early intervention group (21 patients) was 5.4 months compared with 33 months in the late intervention group (23 patients). All patient groups had statistically significant decreases in pain and improvement in maximum interincisal opening distance after arthroscopy. The early intervention group had a mean decrease in VAS pain scores of 5.14 compared with the late intervention group with a mean decrease in VAS pain scores of 2.84, and this difference was significant (P = .012). The early intervention group had a mean increase in maximum interincisal opening of 12.38 mm compared with the late intervention group with a mean increase of 7.70. Although statistical significance was not achieved for increases in maximum interincisal opening between the early and late intervention groups (P = .089), the difference between the 2 groups was suggestive of a trend. There were no surgical complications for either group; however, 2 patients in the late intervention group developed persistent chronic neuropathic pain, requiring pain management. Conclusions TMJ arthroscopy reliably decreased pain and increased the maximum interincisal opening distance in the early and late intervention groups. The early intervention group had better surgical outcomes than the late intervention group. Arthroscopic surgery should be considered early in the management of patients with inflammatory/degenerative TMJ disease.
Effect of Employment on Quality of Life and Psychological Functioning in Patients With HIV/AIDS

The need to address the role of employment in the psychosocial adjustment of persons with HIV/ AIDS has been consistently recognized in the clinical care and research literature. In this study, 200 volunteer HIV/AIDS patients completed questionnaires assessing medical and vocational histories, quality of life, and psychological functioning. Employed and unemployed participants did not significantly differ in terms of gender, education level, ethnicity, prevalence of diagnosed psychiatric and substance use disorders, or overall level of psychological functioning. However, with HIV illness severity statistically controlled, employed participants reported significantly higher overall quality of life.
Integrating a traffic router and microsimulator into a land use and travel demand model

Abstract This paper describes one of the first known attempts at integrating a dynamic and disaggregated land-use model with a traffic microsimulator and compares its predictions of land use to those from an integration of the same land-use model with a more traditional four-step travel demand model. For our study area of Chittenden County, Vermont, we used a 40-year simulation beginning in 1990. Predicted differences in residential units between models for 2030 broken down by town correlated significantly with predicted differences in accessibility. The two towns with the greatest predicted differences in land use and accessibility are also the towns that currently have the most severe traffic bottlenecks and poorest route redundancy. Our results suggest that this particular integration of a microsimulator with a disaggregated land-use model is technically feasible, but that in the context of an isolated, small metropolitan area, the differences in predicted land use are small.
Surgical Options for the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in the Cat

Since the first description of feline hyperthyroidism in 1978, numerous treatment options for hyperthyroidism have been reported. Surgical removal of enlarged, autonomously functioning thyroid glands is one of the most commonly used treatment options. Affected cats must have a careful pre-operative evaluation to detect concurrent medical conditions such as renal disease or cardiomyopathy. Since more than 80% of hyperthyroid cats have neoplastic changes in both thyroid glands, bilateral thyroidectomy is necessary for treatment of the majority of hyperthyroid cats. Several different thyroidectomy techniques have been developed in an attempt to minimise potential post-operative complications associated with bilateral thyroidectomy such as hypocalcemia or recurrence of hyperthyroidism. Damage to or removal of all four parathyroid glands during bilateral thyroidectomy causes hypocalcemia, the most common post-operative complication. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism can occur months after initial thyroidectomy if residual adenomatous thyroid tissue is retained in the surgical site. The most effective surgical techniques for bilateral thyroidectomy involve preservation of at least one external parathyroid gland on the surface of the thyroid capsule. Additionally, the majority of the thyroid capsule must be removed to ensure that all neoplastic thyroid tissue is removed. The most recently described feline thyroidectomy techniques involve sequential removal of bilaterally affected thyroid glands. Staging a bilateral thyroidectomy allows time for ipsilateral parathyroid tissue to revascularise before the second thyroid gland is removed and the blood supply to the contralateral parathyroid glands is potentially interrupted. Thyroidectomy is a very effective treatment option for hyperthyroid cats. Surgical treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats offers permanent cure without chronic medical management. No specialised equipment other than standard surgical instrumentation and facilities are necessary. With practice, feline thyroidectomy can become a routine procedure in most veterinary hospitals.
MPP+ depletes retinal dopamine and induces D-1 receptor supersensitivity

Intraocular administration of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) to mice resulted in a dose-dependent depletion of retinal dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Pretreatment with benztropine partially prevented the MPP+-induced depletion. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was less active than MPP+ for depleting DA when administered by the same route and pretreatment with deprenyl partially prevented the depletion. Supersensitivity of retinal D-1 receptors resulted following MPP+-induced DA depletion.
Control of α-herpesvirus IE gene expression by HCF-1 coupled chromatin modification activities

The immediate early genes of the alpha-herpesviruses HSV and VZV are transcriptionally regulated by viral and cellular factors in a complex combinatorial manner. Despite this complexity and the apparent redundancy of activators, the expression of the viral IE genes is critically dependent upon the cellular transcriptional coactivator HCF-1. Although the role of HCF-1 had remained elusive, recent studies have demonstrated that the protein is a component of multiple chromatin modification complexes including the Set1/MLL1 histone H3K4 methyltransferases. Studies using model viral promoter-reporter systems as well as analyses of components recruited to the viral genome during the initiation of infection have elucidated the significance of HCF-1 chromatin modification complexes in contributing to the final state of modified histones assembled on the viral IE promoters. Strikingly, the absence of HCF-1 results in the accumulation of nucleosomes bearing repressive marks on the viral IE promoters and silencing of viral gene expression.
CRIT-LINE: a noninvasive tool to monitor hemoglobin levels in pediatric hemodialysis patients

The national average for achieving the KDOQI-recommended hemoglobin (Hgb) target level of 11–12 g/dL is low with the current anemia management protocol of measuring Hgb levels every 2–4 weeks to guide intervention. The objective of this study was to correlate initial Hgb readings from the CRIT-LINE monitor with actual serum Hgb levels in pediatric patients on hemodialysis (HD). Data were collected from pediatric HD patients who had Hgb tests ordered for routine and/or clinical reasons. Hgb concentrations were read with the CRIT–LINE after 0.5 or 1 L of blood had been processed by HD in patients with a body weight of ≤20 or >20 kg, respectively. Ultrafiltration was kept at a minimum until the CRIT-LINE Hgb was read. In total, 217 Hgb readings from 23 HD patients were analyzed. Results showed a statistically significant correlation between CRIT-LINE readings and laboratory Hgb measurements (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001) using Pearson correlation coefficients for well-distributed data. The mean Hgb levels measured by CRIT-LINE and the laboratory were 11.12 ± 1.63 and 11.31 ± 1.69 g/dL, respectively. The CRIT-LINE monitor is an accurate instrument for monitoring Hgb levels in HD patients. Further studies will be needed to evaluate whether using CRIT-LINE Hgb levels to guide anemia management will improve the percentage of children with Hgb levels within target.
Balancing the Perspective On Pac Contributions: In Search of an Impact on Roll Calls

Researchers have generally stressed the limited influence of PAC contributions on roll calls. The author contends that an important reason for the failure to confirm an impact stems from the nature...
A variational principle for band calculations in the kq-representation

Abstract A known variational principle satisfied by Wannier functions is extended to cover free electron-like solids. The extension is achieved by formulating the principle in the kq -representation where Wannier functions of a given band equal to Bloch functions of the same band.
H.264/AVC deblocking filter correlation analysis in embedded systems

The performance improvement of the in-loop deblocking filter module in the H.264/AVC video coding standard in embedded systems is studied in this research. A novel prediction scheme is presented in to reduce the complexity of the filter selection process and hence increase overall performance. We first examine the H.264/AVC deblocking filters by studying their correlation in terms of the filter type and pattern among a sequence of consecutive P frames and I frames. The experimental results show a high correlation of the filter skip rate and the filter pattern between different P frames and their leading I frame. Based on the correlation analysis, a binary history table predictor (the BHT predictor) and a complete history table predictor (the CHT predictor) are proposed to facilitate the deblocking filter selection process while maintaining good subjective and objective visual quality. We further present a hybrid filter prediction scheme that integrates both BHT and CHT to further improve prediction results.
Whole Body Pharmacokinetic Models

The aim of the current review is to summarise the present status of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling and its applications in drug research, and thus serve as a reference point to people interested in the methodology. The review is structured into three major sections. The first discusses the existing methodologies and techniques of PBPK model development. The second describes some of the most interesting PBPK model implementations published. The final section is devoted to a discussion of the current limitations and the possible future developments of the PBPK modelling approach. The current review is focused on papers dealing with the pharmacokinetics and/or toxicokinetics of medicinal compounds; references discussing PBPK models of environmental compounds are mentioned only if they represent considerable methodological developments or reveal interesting interpretations and/or applications. The major conclusion of the review is that, despite its significant potential, PBPK modelling has not seen the development and implementation it deserves, especially in the drug discovery, research and development processes. The main reason for this is that the successful development and implementation of a PBPK model is seen to require the investment of significant experience, effort, time and resources. Yet, a substantial body of PBPK-related research has been accumulated that can facilitate the PBPK modelling and implementation process. What is probably lagging behind is the expertise component, where the demand for appropriately qualified staff far outreaches availability.
Lottery Games and Risky Technologies: Communications About Low‐Probability/High‐Consequence Events

There are strong structural similarities between risks from technological hazards and big-purse state lottery games. Risks from technological hazards are often described as low-probability, high-consequence negative events. State lotteries could be equally well characterized as low-probability, high-consequence positive events. Typical communications about state lotteries provide a virtual strategic textbook for opponents of risky technologies. The same techniques can be used to sell lottery tickets or sell opposition to risky technologies. Eight basic principles are enumerated.
Adaptive gait control for a walking robot

Walking vehicles have the potential to emulate the superior off-road mobility of biological systems. However, it is important to make the walking machine terrain adaptive and versatile, and to minimize man's role as an operator in order to realize this potential. Terrain adaptive locomotion involves intelligent foothold selection and the control of gait to produce the desired motion. This requires a departure from the idealized, structured stepping patterns for statically stable gaits which have been the object of considerable research. A modified wave gait is used to demonstrate that it is possible for the vehicle velocity to be varied continuously in accordance with higher level commands even with irregular, asymmetric, and changing support patterns, A varying duty factor is employed to enable optimal leg cycling frequencies. Implementation of gait control algorithms and results from a computer simulation are also presented.
Complex-valued wavenumber, reflection and transmission in an elastic solid containing a cracked slab region

Propagation of ultrasonic or seismic waves in an elastic solid where slit cracks are randomly distributed is investigated. The distribution has a uniform probability density in a slab region, the cracks are parallel to the boundaries of the slab, and the solid is uncracked on either side of the slab. When an antiplane wave is normally incident on the cracks, it is shown that the average (coherent) motion is governed by two coupled integral equations. These equations are solved assuming that the average exciting stress near a fixed crack is equal to the average total stress. Inside the slab, where multiple scattering occurs, there is a forward motion and a backward motion. The velocity and attenuation of the two motions are shown to be given by simple formulae that depend on frequency and crack density. Simple formulae, which depend on frequency, crack density, and slab thickness, are also obtained for the wave amplitudes outside the slab. Plots of the velocity, attenuation, reflected amplitude, and transmitted amplitude vs the frequency are presented for several values of crack density and slab thickness. Low and high frequency limits of these quantities are examined analytically and numerically.
Evidence that DNA methylation engenders dynamic gene regulation

Bestor et al. present the thesis that although DNA methylation is important for “irreversible” silencing events (e.g., transposon silencing), it has no role in “dynamic” patterns of gene expression, such as during development (1). Although this report nicely defines this controversial topic, it ignores most of the evidence that DNA methylation does indeed have a causal role in regulating dynamic gene expression events.
Anesthetic potency and acute toxicity of optically active disubstituted barbituric acids.

The anesthetic activity (loss of righting reflex) and acute toxicity of the optically pure enantiomers of various disubstituted barbituric acids containing and optically active 5-(1-methylbutyl)alkyl group (pentobarbital, secobarbital, thiopental and thioamylal) and of their racemates was determined in mice after iv and ip administration. The S(−)-isomer was found in every case to be significantly more toxic and potent as an anesthetic agent than the R(+)-isomer or the racemate, presumably owing to the steric configuration of the 1-methylbutyl group. However, the therapeutic indices were similar for all the compounds, averaging 3.4.
Disordering energy versus disorder in minerals: A phenomenological relation and application to orthopyroxene

Abstract Many minerals, such as pyroxenes and amphiboles, show nonconvergent disordering and, therefore, cannot be treated in terms of the classic Bragg and Williams theory. A simple phenomenological model has been developed that is applicable to nonconvergent disordering and reduces to the well-known Bragg and Williams relation for the energy change of disordering from the state of complete order for the special case of linear convergent disordering and ‘simple mixture’ behavior for the whole crystal. The model has been applied to calculate the energetic parameters of disordering in orthopyroxene from site occupancy and calorimetric data, and compared with the measured or independently derived values of these parameters.
On the nature of Alexandrium fundyense blooms in the Gulf of Maine

Blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium fundyense, are a common feature during the summer months in the Gulf of Maine, potentially resulting in paralytic shellfish poisoning when human beings consume shellfish that have ingested these dinoflagellates. Factors that control the dynamics of offshore blooms, including their timing, distributions and cell densities were investigated on three research cruises in the Gulf of Maine: 25 April to 3 May and 5–14 June, 2000, and 19–28 July, 2001; additional samples were collected by our colleagues on separate cruises in May and June, 2001. Measurements included hydrographic data, concentrations of phytoplankton chlorophyll, inorganic nutrients, cell densities of Alexandrium at standard depths, and near-surface densities of major phytoplankton taxa. The Alexandrium bloom in 2000 began sometime between the April–May cruise, when we observed low Alexandium cell densities (o200 cells L � 1 ), and June, when broad patches of 41000 cells L � 1 were observed. In July of 2001 we observed high cell densities of Alexandrium (410,000 cells L � 1 ), which were most abundant at subsurface depths. Vertical pump samples collected at 1-m resolution in July 2001 revealed high densities of Alexandrium cells in thin layers at depths corresponding to the pycnocline and nutricline. We present evidence that the distributions, abundances and timing of onset of the seasonal Alexandrium bloom may be related to oceanographic processes that control differences in the relative concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and silicate. While by no means conclusive, results are suggestive of an allelopathic interference by diatoms on Alexandrium growth, which might impede the development of high densities of Alexandrium cells. r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Accuracy of Directional Coupler Theory in Fiber or Integrated Optics Applications

Based on the solution of a simplified canonical problem, the possible margin of error on the predicted coupling length according to the coupled-mode theory as applied to fiber and integrated optical guides is inferred. It was found that coupling length obtained according to the coupled-mode theory is usually accurate to within 20% of the actual value provided that the frequency of operation is above the cutoff frequency of the antisymmetric mode of the coupled structure.
Effects of caffeine on intracellular calcium, calcium current and calcium-dependent potassium current in anterior pituitary GH3 cells

Caffeine elicits physiological responses in a variety of cell types by triggering the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular organelles. Here we investigate the effects of caffeine on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ionic currents in anterior pituitary cells (GH3) cells. Caffeine has a biphasic effect on Ca2+-activated K+ current [IK(Ca)]: it induces a transient increase superimposed upon a sustained inhibition. While the transient increase coincides with a rise in [Ca2+]i, the sustained inhibition of IK(Ca) is correlated with a sustained inhibition of the L-type Ca2+ current. The L-type Ca2+ current is also inhibited by other agents that mobilize intracellular Ca2+, including thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and ryanodine, but in a matter distinct from caffeine. Unlike the caffeine effect, the TRH-induced inhibition “washes-out” under whole-cell patch-clamp conditions and is eliminated by intracellular Ca2+ chelators. Likewise, the ryanodine-induced inhibition desensitizes while the caffeine-induced inhibition does not. Simultaneous [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ current measurements show that caffeine can inhibit Ca2+ current without changing [Ca2+]i. Single-channel recordings show that caffeine reduces mean open time without affecting single-channel conductance of L-type channels. Hence the effects of caffeine on ion channels in GH3 cells are attributable both to mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and to a direct effect on the gating of L-type Ca2+ channels.
Partitioning of biomass and carbohydrates in field‐grown radish under ambient concentrations of ozone, and treated with the anti‐ozonant ethylene‐diurea (EDU)

summary The use of an anti-ozonant provides a potential way for assessing yield losses caused by oxidant air pollution, predominantly ozone (O3), in field-grown crops without the need of enclosures like open-top chambers. One major prerequisite for the soundness of this method is the absence of direct effects of the anti-ozonant EDU (ethylenediurea) itself on plant growth at low concentrations of O3 pollution. This condition was tested for field-grown cultivars of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) parallel with investigations on the influence of soil drench treatments with EDU on the partitioning of biomass and carbohydrates between shoot and sink organs, i.e. hypocotyl and fibrous root, under ambient amounts of atmospheric O3, pollution. During 9 staggered plantings in two years, radish cultivars of differential sensitivity to O3 were harvested at two-day intervals from emergence until vegetative maturity. Mean relative growth rates (RGR) for both sink and shoot organs were compared between EDU-treated and non-treated plants. When the relative deviation in RGR between EDU-treatments was regressed vs. the O3 exposure of corresponding time intervals, linear relationships were highly significant for the sink organs of all three cultivars tested. Significant decreases in RGR attributable to O3 occurred above thresholds of O3 exposure equivalent to 52-58 nl l−1O3 (daily 7-h mean). No significant alterations of RGR of shoots were observed due to O3. Shoot growth rate of one variety was slightly increased by EDU as was RGR of sink organs in two of the cultivars at low-levels of O3. Amounts of soluble carbohydrates (TSC) increased with biomass accumulation of both shoot and sink organs, and starch content decreased. These patterns were more apparent in sink tissues than in shoots. No significant differences in carbohydrate partitioning between treatments or between cultivars were detected. The linear relationship between the sink-to-shoot ratios of biomass and total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) was highly significant. From the results it is suggested that sink-to-shoot patterns of TNC occur synchronously with or slightly precede the partitioning of biomass rather than lag behind it.