cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rituximab Dose-Escalation Trial in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

PURPOSE: To conduct a dose-escalation trial of rituximab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to define the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), to evaluate first-dose reactions in patients with high circulating lymphocyte counts, and to assess the efficacy at higher versus lower doses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with CLL (n = 40) or other mature B-cell lymphoid leukemias (n = 10) were treated with four weekly infusions of rituximab. The first dose was 375 mg/m2 for all patients; dose- escalation began with dose 2 but was held constant for each patient. Escalated doses were from 500 to 2,250 mg/m2. RESULTS: Toxicity with the first dose (375 mg/m2) was noted in 94% of patients but was grade 1 or 2 in most, predominantly fever and chills. Six patients (12%) experienced severe toxicity with the first dose, including fever, chills, dyspnea, and hypoxia in all six patients, hypotension in five, and hypertension in one. Toxicity on subsequent doses was minimal until a dose of 2,250 mg/m2 was a...
Concentration, size, and excitation power effects on fluorescence from microdroplets and microparticles containing tryptophan and bacteria

Our group has been developing a system for single-particle fluorescence detection of aerosolized agents. This paper describes the most recent steps in the evolution of this system. The effects of fluorophore concentrations, droplet size, and excitation power have also been investigated with microdroplets containing tryptophan in water to determine the effects of these parameters on our previous results. The vibrating orifice droplet generator was chosen for this study base don its ability to generate particles of well- known and reproducible size. The power levels required to reach saturation and photodegradation were determined. In addition, the collection of fluorescence emission was optimized through the use of a UV achromatic photographic lens. This arrangement permitted collection of images of the droplet stream. Finally, the use of a dual-beam, conditional firing scheme facilitated the collection of improved signal- to-noise single-shot spectra from individual biological particles.
Neonatal serum bilirubin levels related to cognitive development at ages 4 through 7 years.

instances of cryptococcosis. 4 Salyer et al ~ have proposed that the pathogenesis of primary pulmonary cryptococcal infection may be similar to that of primary pulmonary tuberculosis; the subpleural nodule often found at autopsy represents the initial focus of infection, and spread to the hilar lymph nodes follows. Our patient had no clinical evidence of parenchymal lung infection but did have paratracheal adenopathy. Since direct inoculation of the skin may produce cutaneous cryptococcosis2 our patient's scalp lesion may represent the portal of entry, with subsequent preauricular adenopathy. There was, presumably, hematogenous spread, as evidenced by the inguinal adenopathy, subcutaneous nodules, and liver granulomata. Confronted with cryptococcal infection, the clinician's impulse is to search for a predisposing condition, such as a malignancy, prolonged steroid therapy, or diabetes. However, none will be found in about 50% of patients. 7-9 Traditionally the treatment for cryptococcosis has been amphotericin. Recently 5-fluorocytosine has been used experimentally, even for meningitis, in patients unable to tolerate amphotericin. 9- 10 Because our patient was clinically stable and ambulatory, and had no evidence of meningitis, a trial of 5-fluorocytosine was begun, to avoid amphotericin toxicity. There was rapid and definitive resolution of all evidence of cryptococcal disease. Because some patients will not respond to a relatively low dose (60 mg/kg) of 5-fluorocytosine, they may need either a higher
Diazepam attenuation of somatostatin-induced motor disturbances and neurotoxicity.

Abstract Intracerebroventricular somatostatin administration to conscious rats results in a characteristic motor abnormality (barrel rotation), convulsions that are frequently fatal and destruction of cerebellar Purkinje cells. This study demonstrates that each of these manifestations of this neuropeptide can be attenuated by pretreatment with diazepam (Valium, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) but not in ve vehicle ppretreated controls. Specifically, the incidence of mortality was reduced from5/12 controls to 2/20 diazepam-treated rats, the incidence of barrel rotation was reduced from6/12 controls to 2/20 diazepam-treated rats and the incidence of Purkinje cell death was reduced from 4/4 examined controls to4/13 diazepam-treated animals. Vehicle pretreated rats did not differ from untreated rats. Thus, in addition to blocking somatostatin-induced motor dysfunction and mortality, diazepam offers significant protection from central neuronal cell death in the cerebellar cortex.
Phospholipids of goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) brain: The influence of environmental temperature

Abstract 1. 1. Goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) were acclimated to temperatures of 5, 15, 25 and 30°C, and the amounts and fatty acid compositions of their brain phospholipids were determined. 2. 2. Choline glycerophosphatides (PC) and ethanolamine glycerophosphatides (PE) were found to be the major phospholipids of goldfish brain, the former occurring in the greatest amount. Environmental temperature had no significant effect on the amounts of these lipids or the total amount of phospholipid present. 3. 3. There was a tendency towards greater unsaturation of the fatty acids of both PC and PE at lower acclimation temperatures. 4. 4. In both PC and PE the greater unsaturation was mediated in the C 16 fatty acids by an increase in the amount of palmitoleic acid, and in C 18 fatty acids by a decrease in stearic acid. 5. 5. The changes were found to be peculiar to particular lipids. Thus the PE C 18 fatty acids changed significantly more than the PC C 18 acids. 6. 6. No significant change in the polyunsaturated (C 20:4 and C 22:6) fatty acids of either phospholipid was found. 7. 7. It is suggested that modification of the phospholipid species in acclimation assists in the maintenance of a specific membrane “fluidity” and membrane permeability properties necessary for the efficient functioning of the nervous system.
EPR of a 〈 001 〉 Si interstitial complex in irradiated silicon

This paper deals with an electron-paramagnetic-resonance study of the $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ center, which was first reported by Daly. The $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ center is a secondary defect which forms upon annealing between 50 and 175\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C in irradiated boron-doped silicon and is stable up to $\ensuremath{\approx}500$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Our studies indicate that the $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ center exhibits only a high-temperature stress response which is indicative of a thermally activated atomic reorientation at $T\ensuremath{\gtrsim}400$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. This defect does not exhibit a low-temperature stress response indicative of Jahn-Teller effects; consequently, the $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ center has inherent ${D}_{2d}$ symmetry by virtue of its molecular structure. The kinetics of this defect, the nature of the $^{29}\mathrm{Si}$ hyperfine interactions, and the symmetry of the defect suggest that the $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ corresponds to either a $〈001〉$ Si di-interstitial or a $〈001〉$ Si split interstitial. The $\mathrm{Si}\ensuremath{-}B3$ center appears to be similar but not identical to the $\mathrm{Si}P6$ center, which Lee and Corbett have recently suggested corresponds to a $〈001〉$ Si di-interstitial.
On the nature of the resistivity maximum during guinier-preston zone formation

Abstract An experimental investigation has been made of Labusch's calculations for the resistivity maximum during G.P. zone formation. Simultaneous measurements on the electrical resistivity and Hall coefficient indicate that the one-band model upon which he based his work is inadequate. This implies that changes in the positive carrier mobility resulting from Umklapp processes alone cannot account for the resistivity behavior. The data obtained is in qualitative agreement with the two-band model, but does not rule out changes in resistivity and Hall coefficient from this type of scattering. It indicates however that if critical scattering involving Umklapp processes is indeed occurring, it is not sufficient by itself to account for all of the data.
A Comparison of Motivators and Inhibitors for Association Meeting Attendance for Three Generational Cohorts

This study is the first to examine the similarities and differences in what motivates and inhibits meeting attendance within generational groups. Three generational cohorts were identified as the older Generation Xers, the younger Baby Boomers, and the older Baby Boomers. The members of four professional associations were surveyed. The results suggest that motivations and inhibitors to conference attendance by all three cohorts were relatively similar, contradicting some literature depicting specific differences between generations.
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress among Child Welfare Workers Who Experience a Maltreatment Fatality on their Caseload

Annually, 1,000–2,000 child welfare workers experience the death of a child client. The child welfare field has paid increasing attention to the impact of workplace trauma events on the psychological distress of child welfare workers. In this article the author assesses the relationship between experiencing a maltreatment fatality and workers' posttraumatic stress among a multi-state sample of 385 child welfare workers. Results indicate that a maltreatment fatality is not associated with higher rates of posttraumatic stress. Among child welfare workers who experienced a fatality, those who feel greater culpability for the death report higher levels of posttraumatic stress. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Methylated 5'-terminal sequences of vaccinia virus mRNA species made in vivo at early and late times after infection.

Abstract The 5′ terminals of vaccinia virus mRNAs synthesized in vivo contain additional sites of methylation not found in vaccinia virus mRNAs synthesized in vitro , suggesting the possibility of host cell modifications. mRNAs synthesized in vitro by enzymes present in purified vaccinia virions contain 7-methylguanosine (m 6 G) at their 5′ terminals in structures of the type m 7 G(5′)pppN 1 m -N 2 in which N 1 m is exclusively 2′- O -methyladenosine(A m ) or 2′- O -methylguanosine (G m ) and N 2 is not methylated. Two additional sites of methylation were found in the 5′ terminals of vaccinia virus-specific mRNAs synthesized in HeLa cells. The adenosine residue in the penultimate position is frequently doubly methylated to form N 6 ,2′- O -dimethyladenosine (m 6 A m ) and N 2 is often methylated at the 2′ position to form structures of the type m 7 G(5′)pppN 1 m -N 2 m . Both of these modifications also occur in the mRNA of the uninfected host cell. In virus-specific mRNAs synthesized at early times after infection, N 1 m is either m 6 A m ,A m , or G m , and N 2 m is A m , U m , C m , G m , or m 6 A m . Late vaccinia virus-specific RNA has a much higher proportion of m 6 A m and A m and correspondingly less G m in the penultimate (N 1 m ) position compared to early mRNA. In addition, late mRNA has relatively little methylation at the third (N 2 ) position of which a very high proportion is A m . Both temporal classes of viral mRNA differ from the mRNAs of uninfected HeLa cells in lacking U m or C m in the penultimate position and having far more A m in the third position. In early and late virus-specific mRNA species there were approximately one 5′ terminal per 1000 nucleotides and one 5′ terminal per 1250 nucleotides, respectively.
Drug Kinetics in Burn Patients

Thermal trauma reportedly induces a spectrum of intricate physiological alterations that often involve cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and dermatological functions. Individual responses to varying degrees of burn and secondary complications may produce unpredictable changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs. A number of reports describing the disposition of aminoglycoside antibiotics in burn patients have demonstrated clinially significant alterations in the pharmacokinetics of this class of drugs. Several authors have found significantly reduced serum half-lives in burn patients as compared with average values in non-burned subjects. Increased aminoglycoside clearances in some burn patients have been attributed to increased glomerular filtration secondary to elevated cardiac output, prostaglandin formation, and glucagon secretion: others attribute this to enhanced elimination of drug across damaged skin tissue. Monitoring of serum aminoglycoside concentrations is recommended because of the low therapeutic index of these agents and the variable course of renal function following burn injury. Topical application of mafenide acetate, providone iodine, and gentamicin to burn wounds has resulted in varying amounts of systemic absorption. Various systemic toxicities have been attributed to these topical therapies, especially in patients with compromised renal function. The extent and area of the burn, degree of hydration, and the amount of drug applied are factors influencing transcutaneous absorption. Sulphonamide derivatives are excreted in the urine subsequent to the application of silver sulphadiazine cream, but silver ions appear to be localised on surface tissue and are thus unavailable to the subeschar space. Additional studies are needed to characterise the pharmacokinetics of medications commonly administered to burn patients. Unfortunately, the marked variability and fluctuations in pathophysiological status following burn trauma often confound the interpretation of such kinetic investigations.
Does scrupulous securitism stand-up to scrutiny? Two problems for moral securitism and how we might fix them

A relatively new debate in ethics concerns the relationship between one's present obligations and how one would act in the future. One popular view is actualism, which holds that what an agent would do in the future affects her present obligations. Agent's future behavior is held fixed and the agent's present obligations are determined by what would be best to do now in light of how the agent would act in the future. Doug Portmore defends a new view he calls moral securitism, which is supposed to avoid the problems associated with actualism. On this account, what an agent would do in the future is treated as fixed iff that agent's future actions are not currently under the agent's present deliberative control. φ-ing is under an agent's present deliberative control iff whether the agent φ's depends upon the immediate outcome of the agent's present deliberations. I argue that moral securitism falls prey to two of the same serious problems that actualism does: it lets agents avoid incurring moral obligations because they have rotten moral dispositions and entails that agents ought to perform truly terribly acts. After providing a few standard counter-examples to actualism to show how it is plagued with these two problems, I offer my own example which demonstrates that moral securitism is subject to a version of these same two problems. I then review Portmore's response to my objection, arguing that it fails. I end the paper by offering a tentative revision of moral securitism that would allow it to avoid the aforementioned problems.
Analytical Models of Narrow Cold-Frontal Rainbands and Related Phenomena

Abstract Simplified versions of the steady analytical models of density current developed by Moncrieff and So are shown to represent archetypes of cold-frontal rainbands (NCFRs) by making comparisons with the limited amount of published observational data that describe the phenomena. An overturning (or in a special case, stagnation) of the upper-level, system-relative flow of ahead of the rainband and vortidty within the cold air are important effects not included in conventional density current dynamics. The bands conserve mass energy and domain-averaged total momentum flux and involve a balance between inertial and pressure gradient effects. This is distinct from a semigeostrophic mechanism that requires a base-state baroclinity and an ageostrophic adjustment towards thermal-wind balance. The theory also represents two-diimensional squall lines in the limiting cam when the convective available potential energy is negligible so squall lines could, in principle, be maintained solely by the kinetic energy ...
Choosing a computer billing system: avoid these mistakes

Electronic billing systems make dermatology practices more efficient and productive. The decision to purchase and install such a system, however, involves a significant amount of time and is often accompanied by many mistakes. This article presents errors commonly made in the evaluation and purchase process and offers solutions. The success of dermatologists in the future will be partly determined by their effectiveness at managing information.
On the stability of de Sitter space in the presence of particle production

Abstract We investigate the stability of de Sitter space with respect to both free particle production and exponential particle production due to a self-interacting scalar field. We find de Sitter space to be stable in the presence of free field particle production, but probably inconsistent in the presence of exponential particle production. However, models of the universe which expand like de Sitter space for some period (including inflationary cosmologies) are unaffected.
Characterization of ventricular tachyarrhythmias on ambulatory ECG recordings in post-myocardial infarction patients: arrhythmia detection and duration of recording, relationship between arrhythmia frequency and complexity, and day-to-day reproducibility.

We performed three consecutive 24-hour ECG recordings in 57 ambulatory patients approximately 8 to 11 days post-myocardial infarction. There was considerable additional detection of each type of complex ventricular ectopic beat (VEB) with recordings beyond 24 hours. Multiform, R-on-T, pairs, and bigeminy were often first detected from 24 to 48 hours and 5 of 12 patients with ventricular tachycardia had this rhythm detected only after 48 hours of monitoring. Complex forms were detected with short recording durations primarily in patients who had complex forms present during a large number of hours during the 72-hour recording session. The occurrence of each type of complex ectopic beat was strongly related to PVC frequency and some type of complex form was seen in virtually all 24-hour recordings with greater than a total of 100 VEBs. Sixty-five percent of 24-hour recordings with infrequent VEBs (2 to 10 per 24 hours) also had complex forms present. The day-to-day reproducibility of VEB frequency and complexity was reasonable, but was largely accounted for by the fact that most recordings were free of frequent ectopic beats and a given type of complex PVC. These data suggest that for longer ECG recording periods, the frequency of occurrence of complex forms rather than simply their presence or absence may be important for identifying high risk subgroups.
The Responsive Classroom Approach and Its Implications for Improving Reading and Writing

This article describes a social and emotional learning intervention, the Responsive Classroom® (RC) approach, which is designed to produce classroom environments conducive to learning. It summarizes a new body of research describing the efficacy of the RC approach. One component of the RC approach is the Morning Meeting. This article describes a set of Morning Meeting practices (and their rationale) that have been tailored toward promoting literacy skills. The goal of presenting the lesson plans for Morning Meeting practices is to help teachers see how literacy learning and socioemotional development can be intertwined creatively rather than viewed as 2 discrete sets of objectives requiring separate instructional practices. The new findings point to the contribution of the RC approach to improving reading and math test scores, enhancing social skills, and helping teachers to feel more positive and effective in the classroom.
Longitudinal Critical Current in Type-II Superconductors

The longitudinal critical current of a bulk type-II superconductor near the transition field ${H}_{c2}$ has been calculated from the Ginzburg-Landau equations via a simple extension of Abrikosov's treatment of the mixed state, valid when the self-field of the current can be considered negligible compared with the external field. The critical current is given by $(\frac{4\ensuremath{\pi}{J}_{c}}{c})={(\frac{2}{3})}^{\frac{3}{2}}(\frac{{H}_{\mathrm{cb}}}{\ensuremath{\lambda}})\frac{{(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{H}{{H}_{c2}})}^{\frac{3}{2}}}{\ensuremath{\beta}(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2{\ensuremath{\kappa}}^{2}})}$This expression should be obeyed very near ${H}_{c2}$ by small wires with strong pinning and with surfaces properly treated to inhibit surface currents.
Bone Formation: The Nuclear Matrix Reloaded

In this issue of Cell, Grosschedl and colleagues (Dobreva et al., 2006) report that the nuclear matrix protein Satb2 represses Hoxa2 expression and acts with other regulatory proteins to promote osteoblast differentiation. This work suggests a molecular mechanism that enables the integration of patterning and differentiation during bone formation.
Tunneling dynamics with a mixed quantum-classical method : Quantum corrected propagator combined with frozen Gaussian wave packets

The recently developed mixed quantum-classical propagation method is extended to treat tunneling effects in multidimensional systems. Formulated for systems consisting of a quantum primary part and a classical bath of heavier particles, the method employs a frozen Gaussian description for the bath degrees of freedom, while the dynamics of the quantum subsystem is governed by a corrected propagator. The corrections are defined in terms of matrix elements of zeroth-order propagators. The method is applied to a model system of a double-well potential bilinearly coupled to a harmonic oscillator. The extension of the method, which includes nondiagonal elements of the correction propagator, enables an accurate treatment of tunneling in an antisymmetric double-well potential.
Cytochrome P450 Taxadiene 5α-Hydroxylase, a Mechanistically Unusual Monooxygenase Catalyzing the First Oxygenation Step of Taxol Biosynthesis

Abstract The first oxygenation step in the biosynthesis of the anticancer drug taxol in Taxus species is the cytochrome P450-mediated hydroxylation (with double bond migration) of the diterpene olefin precursor taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene to taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-ol. A homology-based cloning strategy, employing an induced Taxus cell library, yielded a cDNA encoding taxadiene 5α-hydroxylase, which was functionally expressed in yeast and insect cells. The recombinant enzyme was characterized and shown to efficiently utilize both taxa-4(5),11(12)-diene and taxa-4(20),11(12)-diene (as an adventitious substrate) to synthesize taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-ol. This hydroxylase resembles, in sequence and properties, other cytochrome P450 oxygenases of taxol biosynthesis. The utilization of both taxadiene isomers in the formation of taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α-ol is novel, suggesting a reaction mechanism involving promiscuous radical abstraction with selective oxygen insertion rather than epoxidation of the C4,C5-alkene of the natural substrate and allylic rearrangement of the resulting taxa-11(12)-en-4,5epoxide.
Cellular mechanisms involved in rabbit carotid body excitation elicited by endothelin peptides.

The present study evaluated the effects of endothelin (ET) peptides on carotid sinus nerve (CSN) activity, catecholamine (CA) release, and second messenger signaling pathways in rabbit carotid bodies superfused in vitro, and in dissociated chemosensory type I cells. ET-1 (1.0 μM) and ET-3 (1.0 μM) did not alter basal CSN activity and CA release, but they potentiated nerve activity (P<0.05) and CA release (P<0.05) evoked by hypoxia. Under basal conditions, ET-1 and ET-3 (1.0 μM each) elevated tissue cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels nearly 3-fold (P<0.001, ET-1; P<0.05, ET-3) and inositol phosphate (IPn) levels nearly 4-fold (P<0.01, ET-1). Hypoxia evoked an increase in carotid body cAMP, and this response was also potentiated in the presence of 1.0 μM ET-1 (P<0.01) or 1.0 μM ET-3 (P<0.001). Patch-clamp studies of isolated type I cells showed that 100 nM ET-1 elevated the peak amplitude of voltage-sensitive (L-type) Ca2+-currents by an average of 37.6% (P<0.001). Fluorescent Ca2+-imaging revealed that 100 nM ET-1 did not alter [Ca2+]i under basal conditions, but that [Ca2+]i-responses evoked by hypoxia were potentiated by 87% (P<0.01). Our data indicate that ET augments chemoreceptor responses by activating second messenger signaling pathways which promote the phosphorylation of Ca2+-channel protein, thereby enhancing stimulus-evoked intracellular Ca2+ levels.
Madelung fluid description on a generalized mixed nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Within the framework of the Madelung fluid description, in the present paper, we will derive bright and dark (including gray- and black-soliton) envelope solutions for a generalized mixed nonlinear Schrodinger model $${\mathrm {i}}\,\dfrac{\partial \varPsi }{\partial t}=\dfrac{\partial ^2 \varPsi }{\partial x^2}+{\mathrm {i}}\,a\,|\varPsi |^{2}\,\dfrac{\partial \varPsi }{\partial x}+{\mathrm {i}}\,b\,\varPsi ^{2}\,\dfrac{\partial \varPsi ^*}{\partial x}+c\,|\varPsi |^{4}\varPsi +d\,|\varPsi |^{2}\varPsi $$ , by virtue of the corresponding solitary wave solutions for the generalized stationary Gardner equations. Via corresponding parametric constraints, our results are achieved under suitable assumptions for the current velocity associated with different boundary conditions of the fluid density $$\rho $$ , while we have only considered the motion with stationary-profile current velocity case and excluded the motion with constant current velocity case. Note that our model is a generalized one with the inclusion of multiple coefficients ( $$a$$ , $$b$$ , $$c$$ and $$d$$ ).
Polarization properties of a one dimensional metamaterial lens

The control of microwave (MW) radiation transmission through the polarization state of the incident beam is the basis for many applications in sensors and optics. Altering the polarization state of electromagnetic radiation by transmission through a metamaterial (MTM) lens could lead to novel devices and sensors. The polarization properties of 1D split ring resonator and rod type MTM structures were investigated and compared to a previously reported corresponding 2D MTM lens. Unlike the 2D lens, the 1D MTM did not contribute to a change in polarization state of transmitted MWs. The transmission response, however, was found to be determined by the coupling mechanisms between the MTMs constituent elements and orientation of the incident MW polarization. For the 1D lens, changing incident polarization from alignment parallel to the MTMs rod elements to alignment perpendicular to the rods, at resonance frequency, changes the effective index of refraction from net negative to positive. For a MTM structure, facing perpendicular to the incident radiation, the effective electromagnetic properties change from negative permittivity and positive permeability (for polarization parallel to the rod elements) to positive permittivity and negative permeability (for polarization perpendicular to the rod elements). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1218–1222, 2014
Combined PET/CT Imaging in Oncology: Impact on Patient Management

Purpose: In this work, we describe five oncology patients whose clinical management were uniquely benefited by a novel scanner that acquires positron emission tomography (PET) and x-ray computed tomography (CT) in the same imaging session.Procedures: Co-registered 2-[F(18)]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-PET and CT images were acquired using a combined PET/CT scanner. Pathology and clinical follow-up data were used to confirm PET/CT scan results.Results: The combined PET/CT scanner demonstrated the ability to distinguish malignant lesions from normal physiologic FDG uptake in the striated muscles of the head and neck as well as excretory and bowel activity in the abdomen and pelvis. Additionally, the technology positively affected patient management through localization for surgical and radiation therapy planning as well as assessment of tumor response.Conclusion: Our experience indicates that simultaneous acquisition of co-registered PET and CT images enabled physicians to more precisely discriminate between physiologic and malignant FDG uptake and more accurately localize lesions, improving the value of diagnostic PET in oncologic applications.
Spatial variability in photosynthetic and heterotrophic activity drives localized δ13C org fluctuations and carbonate precipitation in hypersaline microbial mats.

Modern laminated photosynthetic microbial mats are ideal environments to study how microbial activity creates and modifies carbon and sulfur isotopic signatures prior to lithification. Laminated microbial mats from a hypersaline lagoon (Guerrero Negro, Baja California, Mexico) maintained in a flume in a greenhouse at NASA Ames Research Center were sampled for δ^(13)C of organic material and carbonate to assess the impact of carbon fixation (e.g., photosynthesis) and decomposition (e.g., bacterial respiration) on δ^(13)C signatures. In the photic zone, the δ^(13)C_(org) signature records a complex relationship between the activities of cyanobacteria under variable conditions of CO_2 limitation with a significant contribution from green sulfur bacteria using the reductive TCA cycle for carbon fixation. Carbonate is present in some layers of the mat, associated with high concentrations of bacteriochlorophyll e (characteristic of green sulfur bacteria) and exhibits δ^(13)C signatures similar to DIC in the overlying water column (−2.0‰), with small but variable decreases consistent with localized heterotrophic activity from sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Model results indicate respiration rates in the upper 12 mm of the mat alter in situ pH and HCO_3^- concentrations to create both phototrophic CO_2 limitation and carbonate supersaturation, leading to local precipitation of carbonate minerals. The measured activity of SRB with depth suggests they variably contribute to decomposition in the mat dependent on organic substrate concentrations. Millimeter-scale variability in the δ^(13)C_(org) signature beneath the photic zone in the mat is a result of shifting dominance between cyanobacteria and green sulfur bacteria with the aggregate signature overprinted by heterotrophic reworking by SRB and methanogens. These observations highlight the impact of sedimentary microbial processes on δ^(13)C_(org) signatures; these processes need to be considered when attempting to relate observed isotopic signatures in ancient sedimentary strata to conditions in the overlying water column at the time of deposition and associated inferences about carbon cycling.
Developing Reading Partnerships Between Parents and Children: A Reflection on the Reading Together Program

Early reading exposure is important in setting a foundation for students to acquire the basic literacy skills that set them up for school and life success. More importantly, parent involvement at an early age is a critical component of reading skills development. This report presents an overview of the Reading Together Program that introduced families of young children ages 6–36 months in a community-based setting to the necessary skills, techniques, and resources to enhance their knowledge of how to effectively develop a reading partnership with their children. Additionally, this free reading program that was sponsored by a faculty development grant invited parents to play an active role in their children’s reading journey. Results indicated that parents understood and appreciated the value of early reading habits, and would continue to nurture the reading relationship with their children. This article also presents responses of the initial and final reading perception surveys as well as implications for future research and practice.
The surgical significance of aberrant renal arteries in relation to systemic hypertension.

Three cases of hypertension associated with vascular insufficiency of aberrant renal arteries are presented. Two patients were subjected to revascularization procedures. The types of pathologic processes associated with aberrant renal arteries in production of segmental renal ischemia are discussed. Considerations of diagnosis and therapy of such lesions are reviewed.
Comparison of venom protease allergens from bees and paper wasps

Abstract Rationale Serine proteases have been found to be allergens in venoms from honeybees, bumblebees and paper wasps. Methods The amino acid sequences determined in our laboratory were analyzed by computer techniques; and 3-dimensional structural models were constructed by Swiss-Model with other protease template structures. Results The serine protease domains of all 3 molecules belonged to subfamily S1A Clan PA(S) enzyme S01, trypsin EC 3.4.21.4. All contained the aspartic acid at the bottom of the substrate pocket which binds lysine or arginine, giving a tryptic specificity. The protease domains of Polistes dominulus (Pd) and Apis mellifera (Am) enzymes are 41.5% identical over 248 residues, Pd is 31.8% identical to Bombus pennsylvanicus (Bp) over 245 residues and AM is 33.1% identical to Bp over 242 residues. The 3 enzymes have different residues at the entrance to the substrate binding pocket. Bp has a glycine, which is the most common in this family; Pd has an asparagine, which is uncommon but found in a number of other family members; and Am has a methionine, which is unique. The Am enzyme also has a CUB domain for protein-protein interaction. All three enzymes are active, but their detailed specificity preferences are unknown. They may each have a specialized role in the venom, possibly activation of another component or peptide. Conclusions Although there is some homology in the venom proteases, it does not follow phylogeny; and each enzyme may have a specialized function in the venom.
Fragile X DNA triplet repeats, (GCC)n, form hairpins with single hydrogen-bonded cytosine.cytosine mispairs at the CpG sites: isotope-edited nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on (GCC)n with selective 15N4-labeled cytosine bases.

Abstract Here, we provide a direct proof that the formation of hairpins by (GCC)n at the 5′-UTR of the FMR-1 gene offers a mechanism for CpG hypermethylation associated with the fragile X syndrome. For this, we have performed hetero-nuclear (15N-1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy to probe the structure of the CpG sites in the (GCC)n hairpins that are 15N-labeled at the amino (N4) groups of specific cytosine bases. Analyses of chemical shift, pH-induced chemical exchange, and NOE pattern of the (15N-labeled) amino protons of cytosine bases reveal that the cytosine bases at the CpG sites are intrahelical and well-stacked with the neighboring G·C base-pairs in the stem of these hairpins and probably form single hydrogen-bonded C·C mispairs. Measurements of pH-dependent 1H line-width also demonstrate that the C·C mispairs are more susceptible to open-closure than the G·C base-pairs. Thus, the Cs at the CpG sites of the (GCC)n hairpin are “flipped out” more easily to the activated state than those in the corresponding Watson-Crick duplex, (GCC)n·(GGC)n and this makes the hairpin a better target for methylation by the human methyltransferase, the enzyme that methylates the Cs at the CpG sites.
Relationships among Young Adults' Marital Messages Received, Marital Attitudes, and Relationship Self-Efficacy.

The authors examined relationships among university students’ marital messages received (MMR), marital attitudes, and romantic relationship self-efficacy (RSE). Results indicated that students’ marital attitudes and romantic relationship status predicted their level of RSE. The authors found differences in MMR, marital attitudes, and RSE on the basis of gender, ethnicity, age, romantic relationship status, and family-of-origin marital status. Counseling implications, future research directions, and limitations are discussed.
Results of immunoscintigraphy using a cocktail of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies in the detection of colorectal cancer

Background: External immunoscintigraphy using a single monoclonal antibody has been employed successfully to localize primary, recurrent, and occult colorectal carcinoma. This prospective study investigated the accuracy and sensitivity of external immunoscintigraphy when the combination or “cocktail” of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, CYT-103 (an IgG1a) and CYT-372 (an IgG2b) directed against TAG-72 and CEA, respectively, is given to patients with known or suspected colorectal cancer.
Coupled methyl groups

Abstract Solids that have coupled methyl rotors may have more than one tunnelling frequency. The tunnelling frequencies of three such solids, (CH 3 ) 2 O, (CH 3 ) 2 S, and CH 3 COOLi·2H 2 O are analyzed in this paper.
Magnolialide: A novel eudesmanolide from the root bark of Magnolia grandiflora

Abstract The hitherto unknown γ-isomer of the two eudasmanolides santamarine and reynosin was found to occur naturally in the root bark of M. grandiflora L. Its identity was established by studying its spectral data and by synthesis by cyclizing costunolide-1,10-epoxide. It was named magnolialide.
The mechanism of action of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). StAR acts on the outside of mitochondria to stimulate steroidogenesis

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays an essential role in steroidogenesis, facilitating delivery of cholesterol to cytochrome P450scc on the inner mitochondrial membrane. StAR is synthesized in the cytoplasm and is subsequently imported by mitochondria and processed to a mature form by cleavage of the NH2-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. To explore the mechanism of StAR action, we produced 6-histidine-tagged N-62 StAR (His-tag StAR) constructs lacking the NH2-terminal 62 amino acids that encode the mitochondrial targeting sequence and examined their steroidogenic activity in intact cells and on isolated mitochondria. His-tag StAR proteins stimulated pregnenolone synthesis to the same extent as wild-type StAR when expressed in COS-1 cells transfected with the cholesterol side-chain cleavage system. His-tag StAR was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm of transfected COS-1 cells whereas wild-type StAR was localized to mitochondria. There was no evidence at the light or electron microscope levels for selective localization of His-tag StAR protein to mitochondrial membranes. In vitro import assays demonstrated that wild-type StAR preprotein was imported and processed to mature protein that was protected from subsequent trypsin treatment. In contrast, His-tag StAR was not imported and protein associated with mitochondria was sensitive to trypsin. Using metabolically labeled COS-1 cells transfected with wild-type or His-tag StAR constructs, we confirmed that wild-type StAR preprotein was imported and processed by mitochondria, whereas His-tag StAR remained largely cytosolic and unprocessed. To determine whether cytosolic factors are required for StAR action, we developed an assay system using washed mitochondria isolated from bovine corpora lutea and purified recombinant His-tag StAR proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant His-tag StAR stimulated pregnenolone production in a dose- and time-dependent manner, functioning at nanomolar concentrations. A point mutant of StAR (A218V) that causes lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia was incorporated into the His-tag protein. This mutant was steroidogenically inactive in COS-1 cells and on isolated mitochondria. Our observations conclusively document that StAR acts on the outside of mitochondria, independent of mitochondrial import, and in the absence of cytosol. The ability to produce bioactive recombinant StAR protein paves the way for refined structural studies of StAR and StAR mutants.
Disease distribution in canine patients with acanthocytosis: 123 cases.

Background An acanthocyte is an abnormally shaped erythrocyte. In veterinary medicine, acanthocytes have historically been associated with canine hemangiosarcoma. In human medicine, acanthocytes are rarely observed with neoplastic disease and are more commonly associated with a variety of hereditary and acquired diseases. Objectives The purpose of the study was to determine what disease processes are associated with the presence of acanthocytes in the peripheral blood of dogs. Methods Medical records for dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Colorado State University during January 2004 through June 2008 with acanthocytes documented in their CBCs were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 123 dogs were included, 66 of which were diagnosed with neoplastic disease, most commonly hemangiosarcoma (n = 12), osteosarcoma (n = 11), and lymphoma (n = 11). The remaining 57 dogs had nonneoplastic disease, most commonly observed were gastrointestinal (n = 13), musculoskeletal (n = 8), renal (n = 8), and immune-mediated diseases (n = 7). No statistically significant difference was detected between percent acanthocytes present in dogs with neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases. Conclusion Acanthocytosis was observed with a variety of neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases. While clearly commonly associated, the presence of acanthocytes in a blood smear should not be considered pathognomonic for hemangiosarcoma in dogs.
Networking in an alternative splicing world

Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, Norris et al. (2014) define complex combinatorial regulation of alternative splicing at single-neuron resolution and illustrate functional coherence among components of a splicing regulatory network controlled by a neuronal splicing factor.
Novel target manipulation system for x-ray laser studies

In the 1980's many exciting advances in the field of soft x-ray lasers took place. A novel experimental set-up was developed at Princeton to improve the performance and extend the wavelength range of existing soft x-ray lasers. In th1s paper a new target manipulation system capable of remotely aligning multiple targets in a vacuum chamber within a magnetic field is described Alignment to the magnetic field orientation, incident pump laser and the two axial diagnostics: a high resolution spectrometer equipped with a multichannel array and a time resolved imaging spectrometer is presented. We include a brief explanation of the Macintosh- Camac based data acquisition system. In addition we discuss the possibifity to increase in the near future the brightness of the x-ray laser beam by several orders of magnitude by developing a cavity with multilayer mirrors.
The dynamics of liquid film breakup in constricted cylindrical capillaries

Abstract To understand foam generation in porous media, this work considers the dynamics of a wetting viscous film forming an unstable collar (or collars) in a constricted cylindrical capillary. A nonlinear evolution equation is derived and solved numerically to determine the evolution in time of a liquid film deposited by a bubble after it has moved through a constricted capillary. Results show that time to break up depends on the initial film profile, the film thickness, the pore geometry, and also on the fluid viscosity, interfacial tension, and unconstricted capillary radius which combine to form a characteristic scaling time. Excellent agreement is found between breakup times predicted from the hydrodynamic analysis and experimental breakup time data over a wide range of initial film thicknesses and fluid properties. New data for the dynamic collar shape also agree well with the theoretical results.
Ubiquitin-like and ubiquitin-associated domain proteins: significance in proteasomal degradation

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of protein degradation is one of the major mechanisms that are involved in the maintenance of the proper levels of cellular proteins. The regulation of proteasomal degradation thus ensures proper cell functions. The family of proteins containing ubiquitin-like (UbL) and ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domains has been implicated in proteasomal degradation. UbL-UBA domain containing proteins associate with substrates destined for degradation as well as with subunits of the proteasome, thus regulating the proper turnover of proteins.
Here today, gone tomorrow: Can dynamic incentives make microfinance more flexible?

This paper presents a model of microfinance lending to individuals that uses dynamic incentives, in the form of access to additional loans, to discourage borrowers from strategic default, or the unwillingness to repay a loan once a positive outcome is realized. We propose an improvement on contracts currently used by microfinance institutions (MFIs) by endogenizing the default penalty, while constraining the MFI to maintain sustainable lending operations. Furthermore, accounting for the risks that the poor face by including a negative economic shock, we show that under certain circumstances, the punishment for default need not be a lifetime without loans.
Features of Spontaneous Language in Speakers with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Dysarthria

Language samples (picture description) produced by moderately dysarthric speakers with ALS were compared with those of gender- and age-matched controls. Results indicated that dysarthric speakers p...
The good, the bad, and the (sometimes) ugly truths: American penal goals and perspectives

Identifying correctional objectives and evaluative criteria is essential to facilitating smooth operational functioning of the correctional system. Complicating this necessity is the tremendous growth and responsibilities of the correctional system as budgets continue to suffer reductions or stagnations. Traditional evaluative studies producing valuable insights, have yet to, for the most part, move beyond recidivism and incarceration rates as performance indicators. This is due mostly to the fact that criminal justicians — scholars and practitioners — and the general public lack consensus regarding correctional goals. Instead, what we are experiencing is an ambivalence placing an unfair burden upon the correctional system to create and maintain effective rehabilitative programs, devise punitive strategies, and fulfill these countervailing missions with decreased financial resources than in the past (relative to case load). To be sure, wardens and correctional administrators are called upon today to do more with drastically fewer dollars. The correctional system, we argue, given its unique task of incapacitating people, demands that scholars, practitioners, and policymakers combine efforts to develop correctional goals. These goals once defined, however, are not to become fixed static categories. Instead, they must remain flexible and imitate or adapt to social and cultural conditions, which is not to say merely reflect public opinion. Rather, correctional goals must consider legal, normative, and other structural changes affecting the correctional system — as many scholars recognize these variables having greater impact on incarceration (see Christie, 2000; Dilulio, 1993; Garland, 2001). This joint effort should take advantage of research-based knowledge and examples of best practices to identify the good aspects, weed out the bad, and eliminate the ugly in the U.S. penal system.