cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motorische und sensorische Antworten bei Fusion vertikaler Disparitäten in verschiedenen Konvergenzstellungen

Fragestellung: Untersucht wurde der Einflus unterschiedlicher konvergenter Augenstellungen auf die vertikale Fusionsbreite. Methodik: 12 Normalpersonen wurde haploskopisch mit einer LCD-Brille ein Kreuz angeboten, das unter einem Gesichtswinkel von 3,4°×3,2° gesehen wurde. Vertikale Disparitat wurde durch Verschiebung eines der beiden Kreuze um 0.08° alle 8 Sekunden nach oben oder nach unten erzeugt. Beim Fernblick betrug die Konvergenzanforderung 1°, beim Nahblick wurden je nach Proband zwischen 6 und 15° Konvergenzanforderung toleriert. Die jeweilige Augenlage wurde mit der Search-Coil-Methode registriert. Ergebnisse: Bei 9 der 12 Probanden war die vertikale Fusionsbreite bei Nahblick groser als bei Fernblick. Fur die Gesamtgruppe zeigte die Gesamtfusion (Summe aus motorischer und sensorischer Fusion) einen signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Fernblick (MW 1,68°) und Nahblick (MW 2,39°). Die motorische Fusionsantwort war bei Nahblick signifikant groser (MW 2,13°) als bei Fernblick (MW 1,42°). Der sensorische Fusionsanteil zeigte keinen Unterschied (Nahblick MW 0,27°, Fernblick MW 0,26°). Schlussfolgerung: Die vertikale Fusionsbreite erhoht sich bei konvergenter Augenstellung durch eine Zunahme des motorischen Anteils an der Fusionsantwort.
Genome-wide tissue-specific gene expression, co-expression and regulation of co-expressed genes in adult nematode Ascaris suum.

Background Caenorhabditis elegans has traditionally been used as a model for studying nematode biology, but its small size limits the ability for researchers to perform some experiments such as high-throughput tissue-specific gene expression studies. However, the dissection of individual tissues is possible in the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum due to its relatively large size. Here, we take advantage of the recent genome sequencing of Ascaris suum and the ability to physically dissect its separate tissues to produce a wide-scale tissue-specific nematode RNA-seq datasets, including data on three non-reproductive tissues (head, pharynx, and intestine) in both male and female worms, as well as four reproductive tissues (testis, seminal vesicle, ovary, and uterus). We obtained fundamental information about the biology of diverse cell types and potential interactions among tissues within this multicellular organism.
Evolution of the glycophorin gene family in the hominoid primates.

Analysis of nucleotide sequences of the human glycophorin A (GPA) and glycophorin B (GPB) genes has indicated that the GPA gene most closely resembles the ancestral gene, whereas the GPB gene likely arose from the GPA gene by homologous recombination. To study the evolution of the glycophorin gene family in the hominoid primates, restricted DNA on Southern blots from man, pygmy chimpanzee, common chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon was probed with cDNA fragments encoding the human GPA and GPB coding and 3′-untranslated regions. This showed the presence in all of the hominoid primates of at least one GPA-like gene. In addition, at least one GPB-like gene was detected in man, both chimpanzee species, and gorilla, strongly suggesting that the event that produced the GPB gene occurred in the common ancestor of man-chimpanzee-gorilla. An unexpected finding in this study was the conservation ofEcoRI restriction sites relative to those of the other four enzymes used; the significance of this observation is unclear, but raises the question of nonrandomness ofEcoRI restriction sites in noncoding regions. Further analysis of the evolution of this multigene family, including nucleotide sequence analysis, will be useful in clarification of the evolutionary relationships of the hominoid primates, in correlation with the structure and function of the glycophorin molecules, and in assessment of the role of evolution in the autogenicity of glycophorin determinants.
Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Spiritual Fitness Assessment

Using a sample of 196 undergraduate students, the present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Spiritual Fitness Assessment, a measure of spiritual fitness designed for use by health and fitness professionals. Examination of inter-item consistency produced satisfactory alpha coefficients for the total test and its three subscales. Correlations of the SFA with measures of spirituality and spiritual well-being provide support for convergent validity. Significant positive correlations with a measure of self-esteem suggest that the test has satisfactory criterion validity. Correlations with age, sex, and a measure of social desirability indicate that the SFA is significantly, though only moderately, affected by demographic variables and motivated response tendencies. Factor analysis of the SFA items indicate that the test is factorially complex and subscales may need to be refined to better measure their intended constructs. Overall, the results of the study suggest that the test may be useful for evaluations of spiritual fitness. Further research with samples drawn from different populations is needed on the test to better establish its reliability and validity.
Diagnosis of acute conditions within the abdomen in the presence of diabetes

Abstract Abdominal signs and symptoms are frequently seen in individuals with diabetic acidosis. The differentiation between this picture and a co-existing, acute condition within the abdomen may at times be difficult and surgical intervention necessary. No satisfactory explanation exists for the abdominal symptoms in acidosis, but the association of anoxemia is thought to be important. A case in which a diabetic acidosis existed and at operation no intra-abdominal lesion was demonstrated, was reported.
Driving the TING model with GAIM electron densities: Ionospheric effects on the thermosphere

[1] In order to study the effects of ionospheric plasma densities on the thermosphere, the electron and O+ densities in the Thermosphere Ionosphere Nested Grid (TING) model were replaced by electron densities from the Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (GAIM) model at pressure level z = 0 (about 210 ∼ 230 km altitude) and above. This GAIM-derived TING model (G-TING) was then run for the period 1–4 April 2004. The TING model was also run as a stand-alone coupled model (S-TING), without using the GAIM electron densities, for the same period. The resulting thermospheric responses from the two simulations were compared at around the F region peak altitude. There was an extended quiet period during this interval followed by a moderate geomagnetic storm (Kp ∼ 6.0). The ingestion of the GAIM electron densities had little effect on the neutral temperature and composition during the quiet period before the storm, but there were noticeable global effects on the neutral winds, mainly as a result of changes in the ion drag force. During disturbed periods, changed electron densities produced much more significant effects on the global thermosphere. The increased auroral electron densities enhanced the Joule heating rate, in addition to the ion drag, which resulted in significant global changes not only in the neutral winds, but also in the neutral temperature and composition. The results of our study confirm that having correct ionospheric plasma densities is critical to accurately predicting the thermosphere in the coupled thermosphere-ionosphere model.
Binding of Estrone Sulfate in Human Plasma

Estrone sulfate is strongly bound by human serum albumin with one strong binding site (n1 ∼ 1) and several weaker binding sites. The apparent intrinsic association constants, k1 and k2, decrease with increasing concentration of albumin from 0.1–4.6% albumin. Serum albumin appears to be the only protein that binds estrone sulfate in human plasma. Estradiol-3-sulfate, estradiol-17-sulfate, estradiol-3,17-disulfate, estriol-3-sulfate, androsterone sulfate, and dehydropiandrosterone sulfate were shown to compete for estrone sulfate binding. Under physiological conditions, however, their concentrations are too low to measurably affect estrone sulfate binding in plasma. At 37 C, about 98.4% of endogenous estrone sulfate is bound in plasma of young adults.
Self in Learning: Chinese Adolescents' Goals and Sense of Agency.

This study examined goals and agency as the 2 core aspects of self in learning among Chinese adolescents. A sample of 259 adolescents aged 12-19 responded to open-ended probes about themselves. Counter to the common view that Chinese selves are predominantly social, adolescents expressed many more individual than social goals and agency. Moreover, older adolescents showed overall more goals and agency than younger adolescents. However, their specific goals did not differ by age. Regarding agency, older adolescents articulated more of the so-called "learning virtues." Yet their social agency did not differ by age. We interpret these findings as in reference to the Confucian learning tradition, the existing research on goals and agency, and self in culture from a domain-specific perspective.
Measuring ionospheric electron density using the plasma frequency probe

During the past decade, the plasma frequency probe (PFP) has evolved into an accurate, proven method of measuring electron density in the ionosphere above about 90 km. The instrument uses an electrically short antenna mounted on a sounding rocket that is immersed in the plasma and notes the frequency where the antenna impedance is large and nonreactive. This frequency is closely related to the plasma frequency, which is a direct function of free electron concentration. The probe uses phase-locked loop technology to follow a changing electron density. Several sections of the plasma frequency probe circuitry are unique, especially the voltage-controlled oscillator that uses both an electronically tuned capacitor and inductor to give the wide tuning range needed for electron density measurements. The results from two recent sounding rocket flights (Thunderstorm II and CRIT II) under vastly different plasma conditions demonstrate the capabilities of the PFP and show the importance of in situ electron density measurements of understanding plasma processes.
Novations: Strategies for Career Management

The article reviews the book “Novations: Strategies for Career Management,” by Gene Dalton and Paul Thompson.
Vaginal pain caused by laparoscopic colposuspension with tacks.

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic colposuspension is a popular surgical procedure for stress incontinence. To simplify the laparoscopic approach, many physicians have replaced laparoscopic suturing with mesh, secured with staples or tacks. Cases: Two women developed severe, shooting vaginal pain after laparoscopic colposuspension with mesh and tacks. The tacks could be palpated vaginally in both, reproducing the pain. Tack removal relieved their pain, but one had recurrent cystocele. Conclusion: Laparoscopic colposuspension with tacks might produce shooting vaginal pain, possibly unique to tacks versus staples or sutures.
Methane production from bicarbonate and acetate in an anoxic marine sediment

Methane production from C-14 labeled bicarbonate and acetate was measured over the top 28 cm of anoxic Cape Lookout Bight sediments during the summer of 1983. The depth distribution and magnitude of summed radioisotopically determined rates compare well with previous measurements of total methane production and the sediment-water methane flux. Methane production from CO2 reduction and acetate fermentation accounts for greater than 80 percent of the total production rate and sediment-water flux. Methane production from bicarbonate was found to occur in all depth intervals sampled except those in the top 2 cm, whereas significant methane production from acetate only occurred at depths below 10 cm where sulfate was exhausted. Acetate provided 20 to 29 percent of the measured methane production integrated over the top 30 cm of the sediments.
MCMI‐III scores on substance abusers with and without histories of suicide attempts

Sixty-eight patients with a history of suicide attempt were compared to 340 patients without a history of suicide attempt using the MCMI-III, a frequently used test for measuring personality disorders. Patients with a suicide attempt history scored higher on Schizoid, Avoidant, Depression, Dependent, Passive-Aggressive (Negativistic), Self-Defeating, and Paranoid and significantly lower on Histrionic and Compulsive and scored higher on all clinical syndrome scales except for Drug Dependence and Delusional Disorder. Logistic regression correctly predicted the no-suicide-history group with 97% accuracy, but only accurately predicted 16% of the patients with a suicide attempt history. A discriminant function analysis correctly predicted 90% of the patients with a suicidal attempt history and 63% of the patients with no history of suicide attempt. Results suggest that MCMI-III scores may be able to detect patients with a history of suicide attempt, using multivariate statistics.
Enhancement of ELISAs for screening peptides in epitope phage display libraries

Abstract The complete analysis of epitope phage display libraries requires sensitive assays capable of detecting peptides expressed on phage that have a wide range of affinities for antibody. We have compared two ELISAs, a ‘direct’ assay where the phage is captured by an anti-phage antibody and the peptide detected by the antibody used for screening, and a ‘reverse’ assay where the antibody used for screening is first coated on the well and the binding of phage detected by the anti-phage antibody. We demonstrate, by comparing two fUSE5 derived phage bearing five peptides reacting with the anti-cryptococcal polysaccharide antibody 2H1, that the reverse ELISA is the more sensitive assay. Further, there is a limit in affinity, here around 1 μM, above which phage clones are negative by the direct ELISA. We describe an enhancement of the direct assay by mixing 2H1 with 3-fold excess of anti-heavy or anti-light chain antibody. The resulting polymerization of 2H1 induces an increase in antibody avidity that is responsible for the enhancement. The enhanced direct ELISA allowed rapid and sensitive detection of positive clones and is easily inhibited by free peptide, while the reverse ELISA is not. The enhanced ELISA has also been used successfully for immunological screening of intermediate libraries, allowing detection of rare positive clones that would otherwise be lost. The combination of the three ELISAs, reverse, direct, and enhanced direct, should provide a way to rank phage clones into three classes: very low, low, and high affinity, providing information previously obtained only by the synthesis and testing of many peptides.
Pelvic distraction to improve exposure in radical surgery for pelvic tumours in children

We describe one patient who had pubic osteotomy and three who had symphysiotomy as an aid to radical tumour resections, over the last 7 years. In each it was possible to distract the pelvis so improving access to the tumour. All four patients had pelvic rhabdomyosarcomata, three primarily in the prostate and lower bladder and one was a large tumour filling the pelvis, probably of bladder origin. No immediate or long-term complications of the procedure occurred, and in the two patients who died (2.5 years and 1 year post-surgery) or in the two survivors.
p-Anisyl group: A versatile protecting group for primary alcohols

Abstract A primary alcohol can be protected as a highly stable p-anisyl ether, which undergoes mild oxidative deprotection by ceric ammonium nitrate.
The Great Recession and the Changing Geography of Food Stamp Receipt

The Great Recession has been distinctive in driving up unprecedented levels of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This study extends the literature on the geography of SNAP receipt by (1) examining change in SNAP receipt across US counties during the Great Recession and (2) identifying how changes in other local characteristics were associated with this outcome. Our analysis draws on data from the US Department of Agriculture and other secondary sources. We use descriptive statistics, mapping, and weighted least squares spatial regression models to examine county-level variation (N = 2,485) in the percentage-point change in SNAP receipt between 2007 and 2009. Our findings reveal substantial local-level variation in the change in SNAP stamp use during the downturn. We find that counties with the greatest levels of change in SNAP participation tend to be regionally clustered. Our regression analysis shows that areas where the signature characteristics of the Great Recession were most pronounced (i.e., home foreclosures and unemployment) were precisely the places where SNAP use jumped most, not places with historically high levels of SNAP participation. Overall, this study demonstrates that change in SNAP receipt was geographically uneven during the Great Recession, and that local and regional configurations matter in shaping this variation. These results hold a range of implications for public policy, including opportunities for regionally targeted outreach and investment in SNAP and the use of the program as a responsive form of local stimulus during periods of economic crisis.
Unexpected nitrosyl-group bending in six-coordinate [M(NO)](6) sigma-bonded aryl(iron) and -(ruthenium) porphyrins.

The six-coordinate nitrosyl σ-bonded aryl(iron) and -(ruthenium) porphyrin complexes (OEP)Fe(NO)(p-C6H4F) and (OEP)Ru(NO)(p-C6H4F) (OEP = octaethylporphyrinato dianion) have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations reveal an unprecedented bending and tilting of the MNO group for both {MNO}6 species as well as significant lengthening of trans axial bond distances. In (OEP)Fe(NO)(p-C6H4F) the Fe−N−O angle is 157.4(2)°, the nitrosyl nitrogen atom is tilted off of the normal to the heme plane by 9.2°, Fe−N(NO) = 1.728(2) A, and Fe−C(aryl) = 2.040(3) A. In (OEP)Ru(NO)(p-C6H4F) the Ru−N−O angle is 154.9(3)°, the nitrosyl nitrogen atom is tilted off of the heme normal by 10.8°, Ru−N(NO) = 1.807(3) A, and Ru−C(aryl) = 2.111(3) A. We show that these structural features are intrinsic to the molecules and are imposed by the strongly σ-donating aryl ligand trans to the nitrosyl. Density functional-based calculations reproduce the structural distortions observed in the parent (...
MICROHETEROGENEITY OF HUMAN FILAGGRIN: ANALYSIS OF A COMPLEX PEPTIDE MIXTURE USING MASS SPECTROMETRY

Filaggrin is the product of posttranslational processing of the large, epidermal protein profilaggrin, which consists of 10 or more tandem filaggrin domains plus an amino and a carboxyl domain. According to fragmentary cDNA sequences, the filaggrin domains in the human protein vary at 40% of the amino acid positions; hence, mature filaggrin is a population of homologous but heterogeneous proteins, even within one individual. Available gene sequences give only a limited picture of the heterogeneity of human filaggrin protein because no complete human profilaggrin gene has been sequenced. Questions about the extent of heterogeneity of filaggrin within and between individuals have not been answered, nor have questions concerning the limited proteolytic cleavage of human profilaggrin that generates filaggrin in vivo. In order to address these questions and to provide an analysis of the primary structure of human filaggrins, we employed various methods of mass spectrometry. The intact protein and a tryptic digest of the mixture of human filaggrins were examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Tryptic digests of human filaggrin from single individuals were also separated and analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) (using electrospray mass spectrometry), and specific peptides were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A robust data analysis program, Sherpa, was developed to facilitate the interpretation of both LC/MS and MS/MS. These experiments show that human filaggrin includes heterogeneity not yet seen in cDNA sequences, but that much structure is highly conserved. Interestingly, we found that the heterogeneity is conserved among individuals. An approximation of the regions linking filaggrins in human profilaggrin is developed. These investigations provide a unique test of the limits of tryptic mapping of complex mixtures using mass spectrometry.
New synthetic approaches to ammonia-borane and its deuterated derivatives

Abstract Several methods for the synthesis of ammonia-borane and its deuterated derivatives have been investigated. Results including yields and product quality are reported. A modification of a previously reported synthesis involving the reaction of ammonium carbonate with sodium tetrahydroborate in tetrahydrofuran was found to be the most effective synthesis giving 80% yields of H3N·BH3. New syntheses of D3N·BH3 and D3N·BD3 are also described.
Do callosal projection neurons reflect sex differences in axon number

Abstract We have reported that female rats have more axons in the splenium of the corpus callosum than do male rats (12). To determine if the greater number of axons found in female rats might be reflected in a larger distribution of callosal projection neurons, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the visual cortex of 55–65-day-old rats of both sexes that had been housed in a complex environment since weaning. The pattern of labeled neurons was examined in tangential sections in the cortex contralateral to the injection site, and three-dimensional reconstructions were quantified at the area 17/18a border and in area 18b. Male and female rats were found to have indistinguishable distributions of labeled callosal projection neurons. The present study failed to find an obvious difference in the distribution of projection neurons as the basis for the sex differences in axon number, but because of the limitations of tracing techniques, subtle differences cannot be excluded.
Risk of multiple primary cancers in prostate cancer patients in the Detroit metropolitan area: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Patterns of excess risk for second primary cancers (SPC) in prostate cancer patients have been observed for urinary bladder, other sites in the urinary tract, and hematolymphopoietic tissues in several, but not all, previously reported cohort studies. METHODS The risk of SPC was evaluated in 9,794 Detroit metropolitan-area men originally diagnosed with carcinoma of the prostate during 1973–1982. The cohort was assembled using Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry data and followed until December 31, 1993. RESULTS The observed number of SPC of all sites was similar to the expected number in the cohort. A significant excess of invasive SPC of the urinary bladder [Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.34–1.83] was observed in this cohort, but after excluding the first 2 months after prostate cancer diagnosis, the excess (SIR = 1.06) was no longer statistically significant. The cumulative proportion of patients with prostate cancer who developed bladder cancer during a follow-up interval of 20 years was 5.5% (95% CI, 4.1–6.9%). The patients who received first-course radiation treatment were observed to be at increased risk for bladder SPC (all stages; SIR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.07–2.02) when compared to the Detroit-area male population. CONCLUSIONS These results underscore the importance of continuing medical surveillance for urinary bladder second primary cancers in patients with prostate cancer, but are reassuring in that the magnitude of relative and absolute risks does not suggest deterring adverse effects of radiation treatment or intrinsic risks for neoplasms in other organs or tissues. Prostate 33:75–86, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C From Bacillus cereus: Improved purification, amino acid composition, and amino‐terminal sequence

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C was purified in a 27% yield from the culture medium of Bacillus cereus by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified enzyme was free of other phospholipase C-type activities and exhibited a high specific activity of approximately 1,300 units/mg. Amino acid composition analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated a molecular weight of about 35 kDa. The sequence of the first 29 N-terminal amino acids was also determined.
Architectural considerations for linear-camera vision systems

While linear cameras offer substantial advantages over standard television cameras for many vision applications, the lack of suitable high-performance image-processing hardware has significantly limited their potential benefits. Very powerful image-processing hardware is available for matrix cameras and, although many of these systems have provisions for interfacing to linear cameras, they restrict the inherent flexibility and power of linear cameras. The very large images and high data rates associated with linear cameras impose significant processing problems with existing linear-camera hardware designs with their very limited processing capability. Hence, a highly desirable objective is new hardware that will provide significantly improved processing capability without the need for frame buffers with their inherent restrictions on image size and format. A variety of approaches are being evaluated for enhancing linear-camera processing architectures using processing power, cost effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of programming as the primary criteria.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bone marrow lipids in normal and anemic mice

The lipids in the bone marrow of six strains of normal mice, and mice with genetically determined anemias (W/Wv and S1/S1d) and experimentally induced anemia were analyzed. Cholesterol and phospholipid accounted for 60-75% of total lipid; the remainder was triglyceride and neutral glyceryl ether lipids. In mice with phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia there was a threefold increase in neutral glyceryl ether lipids immediately preceding a twofold increase in recognizable erythroid precursors. Comparisons were made between the femoral bone marrow and the cells maintained in the adherent populations of long-term bone marrow cultures. In cultures of B6D2F1 bone marrow (which support long-term proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic stem cells) the adherent layers contained the same lipids as freshly aspirated bone marrow. In W/Wv and S1/S1d cultures (which duplicate, respectively, the stem cell and environmental defect found in vivo) the lipid content of the adherent layers differed from bone marrow, particularly in the absence of ether-containing lipids. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that marrow lipids have an active (as opposed to passive) role in murine hemopoiesis and indicate that long-term bone marrow culture may prove useful in further biochemical studies of the hemopoietic inductive microenvironment.
The Public and Private Use of Consensus‐Raising Excuses

Two experiments tested the proposition that people use consensus-raising excuses more in private than in public when the audience has information that could refute subjects' claims about others In Experiment 1, subjects received success or failure feedback and made public or private attributions to ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck In Experiment 2, subjects received positive or negative feedback and evaluated themselves and others on the trait Task difficulty attributions and evaluations of others are consensus-raising measures Consistent with our hypothesis, subjects receiving negative feedback in Experiment 1 claimed that the task was more difficult, and in Experiment 2 evaluated the other more negatively in private than in public.
Fluid and electrolyte therapy and chronic lung disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the role of fluid and electrolyte therapy in the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been no new studies since 2000, and there are minimal data addressing this issue specifically in infants at highest risk of chronic lung disease (ie, extremely low birth weight infants). Most observational studies demonstrate a significant association between increased fluid intake or differences in measures of changes in total body water balance in the first week of life and chronic lung disease. However, a metaanalysis of three randomized, controlled clinical trials did not reveal a significant increase in the risk of chronic lung disease with higher fluid intakes. The results of two randomized, controlled trials of different sodium intakes were conflicting regarding whether increased intake led to an increased prevalence of chronic lung disease. SUMMARY: The evidence is insufficient to conclude that fluid and electrolyte therapy plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease. Even if fluid and electrolyte therapy does play a small role, the data are insufficient to help with decisions about what fluid and electrolyte intake in an individual infant in a specific clinical setting might reduce the risk of chronic lung disease. However, net negative water and sodium balances and the resultant contraction of the extracellular space are probably physiologic in preterm infants in the first week of life and evidence suggests that a positive water and sodium balance and expansion of the extracellular space during this period increase morbidity. It is not clear what degree of contraction is appropriate or whether varying degrees of contraction of the extracellular space alter morbidity.
Up from the Streets: Handler and the Ambiguities of Empowerment and Dependency

Decentralization, deregulation, and privatization are moves toward local control. This book asks the questions: What are the consequences of these moves for citizen empowerment? Will ordinary citizens–clients, patients, teachers, parents, tenants, neighbors–have more or fewer opportunities to exercise control over decisions that affect their lives?
The phosphorylation state of neuronal processes determines growth cone formation after neuronal injury.

Growth cones are essential for neuronal pathfinding during embryonic development and again after injury, when they aid in neuronal regeneration. This study was aimed at investigating the role of kinases in the earliest events in neuronal regeneration, namely, the formation of new growth cones from injured neuronal processes. Neurites of identified snail neurons grown in vitro were severed, and the formation of growth cones was observed from the ends of such transected processes. Under control conditions, all neurites formed a new growth cone within 45 min of transection. In contrast, growth cone formation in the presence of a general kinase inhibitor, K252a, was significantly inhibited. Moreover, decreasing the phosphorylation state of neurites by activating protein phosphatases with C2-ceramide also reduced growth cone formation. Pharmacological analysis with specific kinase inhibitors suggested that targets of protein kinase C (PKC) and tyrosine kinase (PTK) phosphorylation control growth cone formation. Inhibition of PKC with calphostin C and cerebroside completely blocked growth cone formation, whereas the inhibition of PTK with erbstatin analog significantly reduced growth cone formation. In contrast, inhibitors of protein kinase A, protein kinase G, CaM-kinase II, myosin light-chain kinase, Rho kinase, and PI-3 kinase had little or no effect 45 min after transection. These results suggest that the transformation underlying the formation of a growth cone from an injured (transected) neurite stump is highly sensitive to the phosphorylation state of key target proteins. Therefore, injury-induced signaling events will determine the outcome of neuronal regeneration through their action on kinase and phosphatase activities. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Description of the Structural Determinants of the hPepT1-Ligand Interactions

Membrane transporters are responsible of the transport of solutes into the cell and play a key role in pharmacokinetics of prescription drugs. hPepT1 belongs to the Solute Carrier 15 gene family (SLC15) and transports peptides and peptidomimetic drugs (e.g., β-lactam antibiotics) across the cell membrane. Mutations in hPepT1 are associated with various disease (e.g., pancreatic cancer) and differential drug response among individuals.The study presented here describes the interactions of this transporter with its ligands using computational methods.We have first built by homology modeling the distinct conformations involved in the secondary active transport mechanism using prokaryotic transporters templates. The models have then been used for the docking of known ligands and for developing rules for their binding and transport specificities.
Biochemical and immunological characterization of neurofilaments in experimental neurofibrillary degeneration induced by aluminum

Abstract In order to identify the protein composition of 10 nm neuronal filaments, we prepared enriched fractions of rabbit spinal neurons undergoing experimental neurofilamentous degeneration induced by aluminum. Electron microscopy of the isolated perikarya showed well-preserved, large perinuclear masses of neurofilaments, which were not found in similarly isolated control perikarya. Comparison of these glial-free fractions by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed several-fold augmentation in the filament-enriched neurons of proteins migrating at 68,000 and 160,000 daltons, with an additional component at 200,000 daltons. Otherwise, the protein patterns were identical; no band was found at 51,000 daltons, the molecular weight assigned to the major proteins both of glial filaments and of a previously reported bovine brain filament preparation. An antiserum raised against the 160,000 dalton component of a modified bovine brain filament fraction produced specific and intense fluorescent staining of the aluminum-induced neurofilament bundles. Antibodies to the 51,000 dalton protein of brain filaments and to tubulin failed to stain the induced filaments. The results strongly support the hypothesis that both normal and aluminum-induced neuronal filaments are composed of 68,000, 160,000 and 200,000 dalton polypeptides and do not contain significant amounts of the 51,000 dalton filament protein. The likelihood of biochemical heterogeneity among organelles with similar morphology, namely the glial and neuronal filaments, is raised.
Ionization in alkali-halogen atom collisions: Comparison of the Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg approximation with JWKB calculations☆

Abstract Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg (LZS) and two-state JWKB calculations have been made using Rittner model potentials simulating (Na, Li) + 1 → (Na+, Li+) + 1− chemiionization at post-threshold energies. Comparison shows deviations between LZS and JWKB calculations. The S·matrix obtained in the JWKB computation is accurate to at least two significant figures when compared to a fully quantal computation.
Association of Open-angle Glaucoma With Perfusion Pressure Status in the Thessaloniki Eye Study

Purpose To investigate the association of open-angle glaucoma (OAG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) with ocular perfusion pressure status (ocular perfusion pressure with or without antihypertensive treatment). Design Cross-sectional, population-based study. Methods A total of 2554 randomly selected, ≥ 60-year old subjects participated in the Thessaloniki Eye Study. Only clinic-visit participants (n = 2261), who had uniformly collected data, were included in the analyses. A logistic regression model was run for OAG in all clinic-visit participants; covariates included age, sex, diastolic ocular perfusion pressure, antihypertensive treatment, intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP-lowering treatment, pseudoexfoliation, and vascular factors identified as risk factors for glaucoma in a previous analysis. Similar logistic regression models were run separately for POAG and PEXG. In addition, logistic regression models were run for OAG, POAG, and PEXG in subjects with and without antihypertensive treatment. Also, logistic regression models were run to assess the role of systolic ocular perfusion pressure in OAG, POAG, and PEXG. Results Among clinic-visits, 1212 subjects (53.7%) were using antihypertensive treatment. An association of borderline significance was found between low diastolic ocular perfusion pressure and POAG (OR = 0.84 per 10 mm Hg, 95% CI = 0.70-1.01, P = .059). The effect of antihypertensive treatment on POAG was not statistically significant (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.75-1.91, P = .45). In subgroup analyses, diastolic ocular perfusion pressure was significantly associated with POAG in subjects using antihypertensive treatment (OR = 0.78 per 10 mm Hg, 95% CI = 0.62-0.97, P = .028). No association was found between diastolic ocular perfusion pressure and PEXG, regardless of the use of antihypertensive treatment. No associations were found between systolic ocular perfusion pressure and OAG, POAG, or PEXG, regardless of the use of antihypertensive treatment. Conclusions Low diastolic ocular perfusion pressure may be associated with increased risk for POAG. This association was confirmed in subjects treated for systemic hypertension in subgroup analysis. This may support the hypothesis that the concept of ocular perfusion pressure status may be more relevant to glaucoma pathogenesis than ocular perfusion pressure alone.
Nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells respond to acetazolamide by a soluble adenylyl cyclase mechanism.

PURPOSE The nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) is rich in soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), a proposed cytoplasmic bicarbonate sensor. Here, we examine the contribution of sAC to an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and changes in a key ion transporter, H(+)-ATPase, in NPE exposed to acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI). METHODS Cyclic AMP was measured by radioimmunoassay in primary cultured porcine NPE. The pH-sensitive dye BCECF was used to examine cytoplasmic pH regulation. Subcellular protein translocation was examined by Western blot. RESULTS A transient cAMP increase, detectable within minutes of acetazolamide treatment, was prevented by KH7, a specific sAC inhibitor. Following 10-minute exposure to acetazolamide, the abundance of H(+)-ATPase B1 subunit and sAC was doubled in a plasma membrane-rich fraction, suggesting subcellular translocation. Similar evidence of H(+)-ATPase translocation was observed in NPE exposed to 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP). Consistent with increased capacity for proton export, acetazolamide increased the rate of pH recovery from acidification. KH7 and bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of H(+)-ATPase, both prevented the stimulatory effect of acetazolamide on pH recovery. In a parallel study, H(+)-ATPase abundance was found to be higher in the plasma membrane of HEK293 cells that overexpress sAC compared to the normal HEK293 cells. HEK cells that overexpress sAC and had higher H(+)-ATPase abundance displayed a faster rate of pH recovery and greater sensitivity to KH7. CONCLUSIONS Acetazolamide increases cAMP in a response that involves activation of sAC. Subcellular translocation of H(+)-ATPase and an increase in the capacity for proton export by acetazolamide-treated NPE cells is a cAMP-dependent response.
An amino-acid substitution involved in phenylketonuria is in linkage disequilibrium with DNA haplotype 2

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive human genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH, phenylalanine 4-monooxygenase, EC 1.14.16.1). PKU is a common inborn error of amino-acid metabolism in caucasian populations and approximately 1 in 50 individuals are carriers of a PKU allele. To define the molecular basis of PKU, we characterized twelve restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) haplotypes of the PAH locus in the northern European population and observed that 90% of the PKU alleles in this population are confined to four common RFLP haplotypes. We have recently reported a splicing mutation in the PAH gene that is associated with RFLP haplotype 3 which is present at about 40% of mutant alleles. We now report the molecular lesion associated with the RFLP haplotype 2 mutant allele. This defect is caused by a C-to-T transition in exon 12 resulting in an amino-acid substitution (Arg to Trp) at residue 408 of PAH. Direct hybridization analysis of the point mutation using a specific oligonucleotide probe demonstrated that this mutation is also in linkage disequilibrium with RFLP haplotype 2 alleles that make up about 20% of mutant PAH genes.
Naive Diversification Strategies in Defined Contribution Saving Plans

There is a worldwide trend toward defined contribution saving plans and growing interest in privatized social security plans. In both environments, individuals are given some responsibility to make their own asset-allocation decisions, raising concerns about how well they do at this task. This paper investigates one aspect of the task, namely diversification. It is shown that some investors follow the "1/n strategy": they divide their contributions evenly across the funds offered in the plan. Consistent with this naive notion of diversification, it is found that the proportion invested in stocks depends strongly on the proportion of stock funds in the plan.
Salmonella enteritidis outbreak in a restaurant chain: the continuing challenges of prevention.

Abstract In 1990, a Salmonella enteritidis (SE) outbreak occurred in a restaurant chain in Pennsylvania. To determine its cause(s), we conducted a case-control study and a cohort study at one restaurant, and a survey of restaurants. Egg dishes were associated with illness (P = 0.03). Guests from one hotel eating at the restaurant had a diarrhoeal attack rate of 14%, 4.7-fold higher than among those not eating there (P = 0.04). There were no differences in egg handling between affected and unaffected restaurants. Eggs supplied to affected restaurants were medium grade AA eggs from a single farm, and were reportedly refrigerated during distribution. Human and hen SE isolates were phage type 8 and had similar plasmid profiles and antibiograms. We estimate the prevalence of infected eggs during the outbreak to be as high as 1 in 12. Typical restaurant egg-handling practices and refrigeration during distribution appear to be insufficient by themselves to prevent similar outbreaks.
Theoretical confirmation of a 4Δ ground state for FeH

Abstract Large CAS SCF/multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) and modified coupled pair functional (MCPF) calculations are carried out for the 4 Δ and 6 Δ states of FeH using very large Gaussian basis sets. At the MCPF level, 3s and 3p correlation preferentially lowers the 4 Δ state by 0.10 eV. Adding this inner-shell correlation effect to our best CAS SCF/MRCI+Q valence treatment results in a 4 Δ- 6 Δ separation of 0.16 eV. This supports the interpretation of the photodetachment spectra of Stevens et al. that places the 6 Δ state about 0.25 eV above the 4 Δ ground state.
Occupational asthma and related respiratory disorders

Occupational rhinitis is a common but generally underreported entity. Although it may occur alone, it is frequently associated with occupational asthma. Occupational asthma may have one of several presentations that are difficult to distinguish from non-work conditions. The respiratory tract acts as the final common pathway for all inhaled environmental pollutants, whether encountered in the home or at work. More than 200 chemicals have been incriminated as a cause of work-related asthma. It is said that about 2% of the 10 million Americans who have asthma acquired it as a result of some chemical irritant or immunogen in their work environment. A number of predisposing factors facilitate the development of work-related asthma. These include industrial conditions, climatic factors, atopic predisposition, smoking, recreational drug use, viral infection, nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity, and a variety of miscellaneous factors. Pathogenetically, occupational asthma may be immunologic or nonimmunologic in nature. The immunologic variants involve sensitization to a variety of large-molecular-weight constituents. The major nonimmune variant is referred to as inflammatory bronchoconstriction or reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). There are well-defined criteria for the diagnosis of immunologic and nonimmunologic asthma. The several clinical variations of occupational asthma can be difficult to distinguish from nonindustrial disorders. The most common presentation in practice involves the worker with preexistent asthma who has been adversely affected by work exposures. Occasionally these industrial exposures precipitate permanent impairment. It is clear, however, that occupational asthma is not a single, simple, or homogeneous entity, even when a single specific causal factor can be identified in the workplace. Therefore the physician must be aware of the patient's entire medical history and the precise occupational exposures and must have convincing physiologic evidence that demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship before making a definitive diagnosis of work-related asthma. Once the diagnosis is established, the worker should be removed from the work-place. If the diagnosis is made in a timely fashion, the patient should experience a significant improvement. The major factor in determining a poor prognosis in occupational asthma is the duration of exposure before the diagnosis is established. Prevention of the disorder is the best therapeutic intervention.
Advanced gasoline engine development using optical diagnostics and numerical modeling

Twenty years ago, homogeneous-charge spark-ignition gasoline engines (using carburetion, throttle-body-, or port-fuel-injection) were the dominant automotive engines. Advanced automotive engine development remained largely empirical, and stratified-charge direct-injection gasoline-engine production was blocked by lack of robustness in its combustion process [W.G. Agnew, Proc. Combust. Inst. 20 (1984) 1–17]. Today, a wide range of direct-injection gasoline engines are in (or near) production, and combustion science is playing a direct role in advanced gasoline-engine development through the simultaneous application of advanced optical diagnostics, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and traditional combustion diagnostics. This paper discusses the use of optical diagnostics and CFD in five gasoline-engine combustion systems: homogeneous spark-ignition port-fuel-injection (PFI), homogeneous spark-ignition direct-injection (DI), stratified wall-guided spark-ignition direct-injection (WG-SIDI), stratified spray-guided spark-ignition direct-injection (SG-SIDI), and homogeneous-charge compression-ignition (HCCI). The emphasis is on WG-SIDI, SG-SIDI, and HCCI engines. Key in-cylinder physical processes (e.g., sprays and vaporization, turbulent fuel–air mixing, wall wetting, ignition and early flame development, turbulent partially premixed flame propagation, and emissions formation) can be visualized, quantified, and optimized through optical engine experiments and CFD-based engine modeling. Outstanding issues for stratified engines include reducing piston wall-wetting, pool fires and smoke in WG-SIDI engines, eliminating intermittent misfires in SG-SIDI engines, and optimizing lean NOx after-treatment systems. HCCI engines require better control of combustion timing and heat-release rate over wide speed/load operating ranges, smooth transitions between operating modes, and individual cylinder sensors and controls. Future directions in optical diagnostics and modeling are suggested to improve our fundamental understanding of important in-cylinder processes and to enhance CFD modeling capabilities.