Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binding of typical and atypical antipsychotic agents to 5-hydroxytryptamine-6 and 5-hydroxytryptamine-7 receptors.

The authors examined the affinities of 36 typical and atypical antipsychotic agents for the cloned rat 5-hydroxytryptamine-6 (5-HT6) and rat 5-hydroxytryptamine-7 (5-HT7) receptors in transiently expressed COS-7 cells (5-HT7) or stably transfected HEK-293 cells (5-HT6 receptors). Clozapine and several related atypical antipsychotic agents (rilapine, olanzepine, tiospirone, fluperlapine, clorotepine and zotepine) had high affinities for the newly discovered 5-HT6 receptor (Kis < 20 nM). The 5-HT7 receptor bound clozapine, rilapine, fluperlapine, clorotepine, zotepine and risperidone but not tiospirone and olanzepine, with affinities less than 15 nM. In addition, several typical antipsychotic agents (chloroprothixene, chlorpromazine, clothiapine and fluphenazine) had high affinities for both the 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptors. Pimozide, a diphenylbutylpiperidine, had the highest affinity of all the typical antipsychotic agents tested for the 5-HT7 receptor (Ki = 0.5 nM). Three putative atypical antipsychotic agents melperone, amperozide and MDL 100907 did not bind with high affinities to either the 5-HT6 or 5-HT7 receptors (Kis > 50 nM). Several dopamine-selective antipsychotic agents (raclopride, rimcazole and penfluridol) had essentially no affinity for either the 5-HT6 or 5-HT7 receptors (Ki values > 5000 nM). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Amino Acids and Their Glycyl-Dipeptide Forms to Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

Amino acids have been proposed as an alternative to glucose osmotic solutes in peritoneal dialysis solution to avoid the undesirable effects attributed to glucose absorption and to provide nutrition to uremic patients ( 1). Supplementation of amino acids via the peritoneum appeared to be beneficial in malnourished patients (2). However, in our previous in vitra studies on mesothelial cells we found that amino acids, when used in concentrations as high as those present in the unused dialysis fluid, are cytotoxic (3). Dipeptides containing glycine can be used as an alternative to amino acids in fluids for parenteral nutrition (4). We present results fromin vitra experiments on human mesothelial cells where we compared the cytotoxicity of the individual amino acids and their respective glycyl-dipeptide forms.
Real time detection of stiffness change using a radial basis function augmented observer formulation

Existing methods for structural health monitoring pose a formidable challenge to real time implementation due to the significantly large computational loads. The proposed algorithm is suitable for online applications because it maintains good pattern recognition capabilities while possessing a computationally compact network topology. This study employs the computational efficiency of single layer radial basis function (RBF) approximaters to create a subspace capable of isolating faults in multi-degree of freedom systems which involve coupled and uncoupled stiffness changes in real time. The RBF network transforms the displacement–time history of the varying plant into a decoupled output space which is then compared to a baseline healthy observer which undergoes the same decoupling transformation. The online comparison of the output of the time varying plant and the healthy observer in a decoupled subspace comprises the observer based error function. The error function is shown to not only detect the existence of faults, but also isolate these faults in real time in the presence of base excitation. The method is validated for systems that experience earthquake induced damage, as well as an experimental system using a semi-active independent variable stiffness device which is capable of varying system stiffness in real time. By simply observing the displacement–time history responses, the RBF augmented observer formulation is capable identifying changes in the stiffness at each degree of freedom.
Patterns and biases in climate change research on amphibians and reptiles: a systematic review

Climate change probably has severe impacts on animal populations, but demonstrating a causal link can be difficult because of potential influences by additional factors. Assessing global impacts of climate change effects may also be hampered by narrow taxonomic and geographical research foci. We review studies on the effects of climate change on populations of amphibians and reptiles to assess climate change effects and potential biases associated with the body of work that has been conducted within the last decade. We use data from 104 studies regarding the effect of climate on 313 species, from 464 species–study combinations. Climate change effects were reported in 65% of studies. Climate change was identified as causing population declines or range restrictions in half of the cases. The probability of identifying an effect of climate change varied among regions, taxa and research methods. Climatic effects were equally prevalent in studies exclusively investigating climate factors (more than 50% of studies) and in studies including additional factors, thus bolstering confidence in the results of studies exclusively examining effects of climate change. Our analyses reveal biases with respect to geography, taxonomy and research question, making global conclusions impossible. Additional research should focus on under-represented regions, taxa and questions. Conservation and climate policy should consider the documented harm climate change causes reptiles and amphibians.
Generalized anxiety disorder and depression: childhood risk factors in a birth cohort followed to age 32

Background. The close association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) prompts questions about how to characterize them in future diagnostic systems. We tested whether risk factors for MDD and GAD are similar or different. Method. The representative 1972–73 Dunedin birth cohort of 1037 males and females was followed to age 32 with 96% retention. Adult GAD and MDD were diagnosed at ages 18, 21, 26, and 32 years, and juvenile anxiety/depression were also taken into account. Thirteen prospective risk measures indexed domains of family history, adverse family environment, childhood behavior, and adolescent self-esteem and personality traits. Results. Co-morbid MDD+GAD was antedated by highly elevated risk factors broadly across all domains. MDD+GAD was further characterized by the earliest onset, most recurrence, and greatest use of mental health services and medication. Pure GAD had levels of risk factors similar to the elevated levels for co-morbid MDD+GAD; generally, pure MDD did not. Pure GAD had risks during childhood not shared by pure MDD, in domains of adverse family environment (low SES, somewhat more maltreatment) and childhood behavior (internalizing problems, conduct problems, somewhat more inhibited temperament). Pure MDD had risks not shared by pure GAD, in domains of family history (of depression) and personality (low positive emotionality). Conclusions. Specific antecedent risk factors for pure adult MDD versus GAD may suggest partly different etiological pathways. That GAD and co-morbid MDD+GAD share many risk markers suggests that the presence of GAD may signal a pathway toward relatively more severe internalizing disorder.
Microtubule-nucleating activity of centrosomes in Chinese hamster ovary cells is independent of the centriole cycle but coupled to the mitotic cycle

The nuclear-centrosome complex was isolated from interphase Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and, with exogenous brain tubulin as a source of subunits, the centrosome, while attached to the nucleus, was demonstrated to nucleate microtubule formation in vitro. We attempted to quantitate the nucleating activity in order to compare the activity of mitotic and interphase centrosomes. However, the proximity of the nucleus hindered these attempts, and efforts to chemically or mechanically remove the centrosome led to diminished nucleating activity. Therefore, the nuclear-centrosome complex was dissociated biologically through use of the cytochalasin B procedure for enucleation of cells. Cytoplasts were prepared that retained the centrosome. Lysis of the cytoplasts released free centrosomes that could nucleate microtubules in vitro. The nucleating activities of interphase and mitotic centrosomes were compared. In addition, through the use of whole-mount electron microscopy, the configuration of the centrioles was analyzed and the number of microtubules nucleated was determined as a function of the centriole cycle. Nucleating activity did not change discernibly throughout interphase but increased approximately fivefold at the transition to mitosis. Thus, we conclude that the nucleating activity of the centrosome is relatively independent of the centriole cycle but coupled to the mitotic cycle.
Meningococcal infections: 4. Stability of group A and group C polysaccharide vaccines

: Polysaccharide vaccines prepared from meningococci of serogroups A and C were shown to be stable for long periods when stored in the cold-for 14-26 months or more when stored as lyophilized powder and for 18 days to 9 months or longer when stored frozen in the fluid state. Lyophilized group A vaccine was unaffected by being kept at room temperature (20-25 degrees C) for 12 days or at 35 degrees C for 3 days.
Alumina–MWCNT composites: microstructural characterization and mechanical properties

ABSTRACT In the present work, Al2O3–multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites have been developed by both conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their microstructures, mechanical properties and wear behavior have been investigated. Further, the influence of various other parameters such as the sintering time, sintering temperature, MWCNT loading level and processing technique adopted for development of the composites has also been analyzed. The powder metallurgy route was selected for development of Al2O3–0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 3, 5 vol% MWCNT composites using both conventional sintering and SPS. For conventionally sintered Al2O3–MWCNT composites, it has been found that both the hardness and relative density of the composites decreased up to a loading level of 0.2 vol% of MWCNTs, followed by a continuous increase with the addition of MWCNTs to the Al2O3 matrix, attaining a maximum value in the case of Al2O3–3 vol% MWCNT composite. The wear behavior of conventionally sintered composites also exhibits significant improvement with increase in sintering time. The SPSed Al2O3–MWCNT composites show a much higher relative density and better mechanical and tribological properties as compared to conventionally sintered Al2O3–MWCNT composites.
Measuring mitochondrial metabolism in rat brain in vivo using MR Spectroscopy of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate

Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate ([1‐13C]Pyr) has been used to assess metabolism in healthy and diseased states, focusing on the downstream labeling of lactate (Lac), bicarbonate and alanine. Although hyperpolarized [2‐13C]Pyr, which retains the labeled carbon when Pyr is converted to acetyl‐coenzyme A, has been used successfully to assess mitochondrial metabolism in the heart, the application of [2‐13C]Pyr in the study of brain metabolism has been limited to date, with Lac being the only downstream metabolic product reported previously. In this study, single‐time‐point chemical shift imaging data were acquired from rat brain in vivo. [5‐13C]Glutamate, [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine and [1‐13C]citrate were detected in addition to resonances from [2‐13C]Pyr and [2‐13C]Lac. Brain metabolism was further investigated by infusing dichloroacetate, which upregulates Pyr flux to acetyl‐coenzyme A. After dichloroacetate administration, a 40% increase in [5‐13C]glutamate from 0.014 ± 0.004 to 0.020 ± 0.006 (p = 0.02), primarily from brain, and a trend to higher citrate (0.002 ± 0.001 to 0.004 ± 0.002) were detected, whereas [1‐13C]acetylcarnitine was increased in peripheral tissues. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that hyperpolarized [2‐13C]Pyr can be used for the in vivo investigation of mitochondrial function and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism in brain. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFFECT OF ORFF-BASED MUSIC INTERVENTIONS ON STATE ANXIETY OF MUSIC THERAPY STUDENTS

Submitted to the graduate degree program in Music Education and Music Therapy and the Graduate Faculty of the University of Kansas in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education (Music Therapy). Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Orff-based music therapy as a potential music intervention used to decrease state anxiety of music therapy students. For these students, high levels of state anxiety can be detrimental to the quality of clinical treatment, and ultimately their career goals. Thirty-two music therapy college students volunteered for the study and were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Participants individually took part in either a three-minute breathing intervention or improvisation music intervention and completed the state portion of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) as a pretest and posttest measure. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to compare groups and potential differences from pretest to posttest. Results of the ANOVA revealed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety for both conditions with neither emerging as more effective than the other. Implications for professional fields and recommendations for future study are discussed. iv Acknowledgements Firstly, I thank Dr. Cynthia Colwell for your unending support and brilliance. You have been an excellent mentor, instructor, and supervisor since our very early conversations prior to my admission to KU. I cannot begin to express in this short paragraph how much I appreciate your confidence in me, which has been so empowering along the way, as well as the educational opportunities and challenges you have provided me. Your attention to detail, extensive knowledge of the Orff Schulwerk approach, and your clinical and research wisdom has and will continue to be an asset to my development as a student, clinician, and researcher. To Dr. Deanna Hanson-Abromeit and Dr. Abbey Dvorak for sharing your time and expertise while serving on my thesis committee. Your support, guidance, and suggestions were invaluable. To Dr. Dena Register for your astounding influence on me as a person, student, and practitioner. You have been instrumental in broadening my perspective on this field as well as how the puzzle pieces of life can come together. I thank you for our many coffee conversations and your unending positive encouragement to reach for the moon. To Jennifer Fiore for sharing your clinical wisdom and always providing detailed feedback as my practicum supervisor. Our weekly …
The Effect of Video Game Competition and Violence on Aggressive Behavior: Which Characteristic Has the Greatest Influence?

Objective: This study is the first to our knowledge to isolate the effect of video game violence and competitiveness on aggressive behavior. Method: In Pilot Study 1, a violent and nonviolent video game were matched on competitiveness, difficulty, and pace of action, and the effect of each game on aggressive behavior was then compared using an unambiguous measure of aggressive behavior (i.e., the Hot Sauce Paradigm) in Experiment 1. In Pilot Study 2, competitiveness was isolated by matching games on difficulty and pace of action, and systematically controlling for violence. The effect of video game competition on aggressive behavior was then examined in Experiment 2. Results: We found that video game violence was not sufficient to elevate aggressive behavior compared with a nonviolent video game, and that more competitive games produced greater levels of aggressive behavior, irrespective of the amount of violence in the games. Conclusion: It appears that competition, not violence, may be the video game characteristic that has the greatest influence on aggressive behavior. Future research is needed to explore the mechanisms through which video game competitiveness influences aggressive behavior, as well as whether this relation holds in the long-term.
Acoustic markers of prosodic boundaries in Spanish spontaneous alaryngeal speech

Prosodic information aids segmentation of the continuous speech signal and thereby facilitates auditory speech processing. Durational and pitch variations are prosodic cues especially necessary to convey prosodic boundaries, but alaryngeal speakers have inconsistent control over acoustic parameters such as F0 and duration, being as a result noisy and less intelligible than normal speech. This case study has investigated whether one Spanish alaryngeal speaker proficient in both oesophageal and tracheoesophageal speech modes used the same acoustic cues for prosodic boundaries in both types of voicing. Pre-boundary lengthening, F0-excursions and pausing (number of pauses and position) were measured in spontaneous speech samples, using Praat. The acoustic analysis has revealed that the subject has relied on a different combination of cues in each type of voicing to convey the presence of prosodic boundaries.
Isolation of plasma membranes from purified mouse spermatogenic cells.

Plasma membranes have been prepared from purified pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and residual bodies of the adult mouse testis using procedures modified from other authors'. Isolated membranes have been examined using electron microscopy, lectin binding and enzymic assays. Ultrastructural observation reveals smooth unit-membrane vesicles from 0.4-1.7 micrometer diameter. No contamination by nuclei, mitochondria or lysosomes is detected microscopically. Radiolabelled lectin-binding experiments [125I-RCAI, 125I-green pea lectin] indicate that cell surface label cofractionates with material identified morphologically as plasma membrane. Estimates of total recovery of membrane, based upn the lectin data, average 33%. Biochemical analysis of subcellular markers reveal that no detectable DNA and only 1.2% of the total cellular RNA cofractionate with membranes. A variety of enzyme assays suggests little contamination by cytosol enzymes, Golgi material or mitochondria. Assays of 5'-nucleotidase (E.C. 3.1.3.5) indicate that this enzyme is not a major component of developing mouse spermatogenic cell membranes. Instead, Sertoli cells represent the most important source of this enzyme in the adult seminiferous tubule. Polyacrylamide gel analysis of membranes isolated from purified germ cells reveals significant differences in the protein compositions of pachytene spermatocyte and round spermatid membranes. The preparation of highly purified plasma membranes from homogeneous populations of spermatogenic cells should facilitate the biochemical characterization of cell surface antigens specific to developing male germ cells.
Postablation Risk Factors for Pain and Subsequent Hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient characteristics associated with pain and hysterectomy after endometrial ablation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from two large academic medical centers. Three hundred patients who underwent endometrial ablation between January 2006 and May 2013 were identified for study. Data collected included baseline characteristics at the time of ablation, relevant medical history, and ablation technique. Univariate tests of association and logistic regression were used to evaluate risk factors for postablation pain or hysterectomy. RESULTS: Of the 300 women who had endometrial ablation performed during the study period, 270 had follow-up data for analysis. Twenty-three percent developed new or worsening pain after ablation and 19% underwent a hysterectomy. A history of dysmenorrhea gave a 74% higher risk of developing pain (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–2.87) and tubal sterilization conferred more than double the risk (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.14–3.70). Women of white race were 45% less likely to develop pain (adjusted OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.89). For hysterectomy, a history of cesarean delivery more than doubled the risk (adjusted OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.05–5.16), whereas uterine abnormalities on imaging, including leiomyoma, adenomyosis, thickened endometrial strip, and polyps, quadrupled the risk (adjusted OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.25–12.56). A procedure performed in the operating room decreased the risk of hysterectomy by 76% (adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.77). Hysterectomies for the indication of pain occurred more than 3 years sooner than for other indications (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Patient characteristics should be considered when counseling patients about the possible outcomes of endometrial ablation. A significant portion of ablations are complicated by postablation pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Integrated systems for forecasting urban meteorology, air pollution and population exposure

Urban air pollution is associated with significant adverse health effects. Model-based abatement strategies are required and developed for the growing urban populations. In the initial development stage, these are focussed on exceedances of air quality standards caused by high short-term pollutant concentrations. Prediction of health effects and implementation of urban air quality information and abatement systems require accurate forecasting of air pollution episodes and population exposure, including modelling of emissions, meteorology, atmospheric dispersion and chemical reaction of pollutants, population mobility, and indoor-outdoor relationship of the pollutants. In the past, these different areas have been treated separately by different models and even institutions. Progress in computer resources and ensuing improvements in numerical weather prediction, air chemistry, and exposure modelling recently allow a unification and integration of the disjunctive models and approaches. The current work presents a novel approach that integrates the latest developments in meteorological, air quality, and population exposure modelling into Urban Air Quality Information and Forecasting Systems (UAQIFS) in the context of the European Union FUMAPEX project. The suggested integrated strategy is demonstrated for examples of the systems in three Nordic cities: Helsinki and Oslo for assessment and forecasting of urban air pollution and Copenhagen for urban emergency preparedness.
Microbial response to amendment of an eroded brown loamy sand with an oily waste sludge

Disposal of oil production wastes became a major environmental issue for heavy oil development in western Canada as replacement of conventional oil recovery methods by thermally “enhanced oil recovery” (EOR) techniques not only coaxed more oil from the reservoirs, but also produced greater volumes of waste sludge (Biederbeck et al. 1993). In the Canadian prairie region there are 3.1 million hectares of sandy soils (> 50% sand) that are highly erosive, low in organic matter, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and fertility (Biederbeck et al. 1997). These soils may benefit from application of oil production wastes. Measurement of microbial populations and activities can provide useful information regarding the rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation in soil and their eventual bioconversion into stable, and soil-improving humus although they are not direct measures of biodegradation (Bossert and Kossen, 1997).