cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of varicoceles on spermatogenesis

Varicoceles are dilated veins within the spermatic cord and a relatively common occurrence in men. Fortunately, the large majority of men are asymptomatic, however, a proportion of men with varicoceles can suffer from infertility and testosterone deficiency. Sperm and testosterone are produced within the testis, and any alteration to the testicular environment can negatively affect the cells responsible for these processes. The negative impact of varicoceles on testicular function occurs mainly due to increased oxidative stress within the testicular parenchyma which is thought to be caused by scrotal hyperthermia, testicular hypoxia, and blood-testis barrier disruption. Management of varicoceles involves ligation or percutaneous embolization of the dilated veins. Repair of varicoceles can improve semen parameters and fertility, along with serum testosterone concentration. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of varicoceles, their impact on testicular function, and management.
Thoughts About Models of Nursing Practice Delivery.

This is the second of two essays about five models of nursing practice delivery—total patient care, functional nursing, team nursing, primary nursing, and the attending nurse. Primary nursing and t...
Better learning through history: using archival resources to teach healthcare ethics to science students

While the use of archives is common as a research methodology in the history and philosophy of science (HPS), training in archival methods is more often encountered as part of graduate-level training than in the undergraduate curriculum. Because many HPS instructors are likely to have encountered archival methods during their own research training, they are uniquely positioned to make effective pedagogical use of archives in classes comprised of undergraduate science students. Further, because doing this may require changing the way HPS instructors think about the aims and varieties of archival research, archivists themselves can be valuable resources in developing archives-based learning activities for science students in HPS classrooms. In this article, we describe an archives-based learning activity developed for a population of primarily pre-medical students in a healthcare ethics class and discuss the pedagogical benefits of this activity. This activity was developed via a collaboration between an HPS instructor (Bursten) and an education archivist (Strandmark). Our hope is that this discussion may serve both as a proof of concept for the use of archives-based learning activities as tools for teaching HPS to science students, and as an argument for the unique benefits that archival engagement can impart to science students.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Virtually everyone, especially members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) believe that animals should be treated humanely and with dignity. The PRCA values its animals and staunchly protects them with rules specifically designed to prevent cruelty or even unintentional mistreatment. Humane treatment of PRCA animals, both in and out of the arena, is a fact well-documented by veterinarians and research studies.
Comment on 'Investigations into the impact of astronomical phenomena on the terrestrial biosphere and climate' (arXiv:1505.07856 [astro-ph.EP]) by Fabo Feng

This work by Feng and papers which published its conclusions do not cite nor do they deal with objections by the author published in 2013-2014. There are many fundamental problems. We will summarize here the principal problems, as published by Melott and Bambach which render irrelevant most of the work presented by Feng.
Application of Neutron Reflectivity for Studies of Biomolecular Structures and Functions at Interfaces

Structures and functions of cell membranes are of central importance in understanding processes such as cell signaling, chemotaxis, redox transformation, biofilm formation, and mineralization occurring at interfaces. This chapter provides an overview of the application of neutron reflectivity (NR) as a unique tool for probing biomolecular structures and mechanisms as a first step toward understanding protein–protein, protein–lipid, and protein–mineral interactions at the membrane–substrate interfaces. Emphasis is given to the review of existing literature on the assembly of biomimetic membrane systems, such as supported membranes for NR studies, and demonstration of model calculations showing the potential of NR to elucidate molecular fundamentals of microbial cell–mineral interactions and structure–functional relationships of electron transport pathways. The increased neutron flux afforded by current and upcoming neutron sources holds promise for elucidating detailed processes such as phase separation, formation of microdomains, and membrane interactions with proteins and peptides in biological systems.
Diverse TCRs Recognize Murine CD1

Human and murine T cells that specifically recognize CD1d and produce IL-4 and IFN-γ play a role in immunoregulation and tumor rejection. In the mouse, most CD1d1-reactive T cells described express an invariant Vα14-Jα281 TCR associated with TCR β-chains of limited diversity. Similarly, human CD1d-reactive T cells express a highly restricted TCR repertoire. Here we report the unexpected result that in mice immunized with CD1d1-bearing transfectant cells, a diverse repertoire of TCRs was expressed by CD1d1-reactive T cell clones isolated by limiting dilution without preselection for NK1 expression. Only 3 of 10 CD1d1-reactive T cell clones expressed the invariant Vα14-Jα281 TCRα rearrangement. T cells expressing Vα10, -11, -15, and -17, and having non-germline-encoded nucleotides resulting in diverse V-J junctions were identified. Like CD1d1-reactive T cells expressing the invariant Vα14-Jα281 TCR α-chain, CD1d1-reactive clones with diverse TCRs produced both Type 1 (IFN-γ) and Type 2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines. This establishes the existence of significant diversity in the TCRs directly reactive to the CD1d1 protein. Our findings reveal that CD1d interacts with a broad array of TCRs, suggesting substantial redundancy and flexibility of the immune system in providing T cells serving the role(s) mediated by CD1d reactivity.
Victorian literature and the anorexic body

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Waisted women: reading Victorian slenderness 2. Appetite in Victorian children's literature 3. Hunger and repression in Shirley and Villette 4. Vampirism and the anorexic paradigm 5. Christina Rossetti's sacred hunger Conclusion: the politics of thinness Notes Bibliography Index.
The DIII-D tokamak TROUBLE report database

Operation of the DIII-D tokamak involves many groups which work on the various subsystems. To overview and speed the solution to trouble or problem areas that limit machine availability, a common trouble report system was established. The TROUBLE database automates the recording of trouble reports and eases analysis of problem areas. It contains information on equipment affected, description of problem, cause of problem, solution to problem, and machine downtime (if any). It was created using S1032 from Compuserve Data Technologies and runs on a VAX 8650. The data are used to find the major problem areas so they can be solved and improve the tokamak availability. The data are available to Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). It is using the data with data from other tokamaks to develop a fusion failure experience data collection. The authors' experience is that a few failures are often the cause of a major part of the downtime. They discuss these failures and the actions taken to correct them. The database will also be used to determine the preventive maintenance schedule for different components. >
Interaction with Phosphodiesterase of Free and Kinasecomplexed Cyclic Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate

Abstract Some characteristics of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) interaction with a cyclic AMP-stimulatable protein kinase from bovine skeletal muscle and reactivity of the unbound and complexed cyclic nucleotide with cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bovine heart were examined. The velocity of the phosphodiesterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of cyclic AMP was substantially lowered at 0° and 30° with the addition of purified protein kinase to the system. The apparent inhibition of cyclic AMP hydrolysis under these conditions was determined to be due primarily to the nonreactivity with phosphodiesterase of protein-complexed cyclic AMP and not a direct inhibitory effect of the kinase or cyclic AMP-complexed protein. This conclusion derived from the following observations. At 0° where the dissociation of cyclic AMP from the protein complex was undetectable over a 30- to 60-min period by Millipore filtration analysis, the first order rates of 5'-[3H]AMP generation from cyclic [3H]AMP were not appreciably different in the presence or absence of previously formed cyclic AMP complex. The decrement in 5'-[3H]AMP generated by phosphodiesterase at 0° was proportional to the amount of kinase added to the reaction mixture. From a study of the temperature dependence of cyclic AMP dissociation from complex with kinase, it was found that the rate increased with temperature to where a half-time of less than 3 min was achieved at 40°. At 20° where the half-time of cyclic AMP dissociation from complex was approximately 20 min, the production of 5'-[3H]AMP paralleled the rate of cyclic AMP dissociation after the unbound species of cyclic AMP in the system was rapidly degraded by phosphodiesterase. The rate or extent of cyclic [3H]guanosine monophosphate hydrolysis by this preparation of phosphodiesterase which catalyzed the degradation of both cyclic AMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate was unaffected by addition of the kinase alone or kinase complexed with cyclic AMP. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that phosphodiesterase hydrolyzes only the unbound species of cyclic AMP intracellularly and that the proportion of activated kinase (i.e. catalytic subunit dissociated from the cyclic AMP-bound regulatory subunit) could be adjusted through the enzymic degradation of the unbound species alone because of the rapid equilibrium achievable at higher temperatures between free and protein-complexed cyclic nucleotide. The results also indicate that the absolute amounts of free and complexed cyclic AMP may be estimated in a reaction mixture containing both species by the amount of 5'-nucleotide generated from the unbound cyclic AMP at 0° with phosphodiesterase.
The Fish Shop Owner's Wife

There was something about the fish shop owner's wife that made me think she herself was turning into a fish. Even though the trans formation occurred slowly and painfully and over a period of years, it was on a cold day in December, early in the process, that I first came to realize what was happening. This gave me the opportunity to study the inexplicable and?for the normal consciousness?unac ceptable phenomenon as it unfolded in the prism of the present, rather than having to look back at the whole event through the impressionable fog of memory. The fish shop stood?and still stands?on the broad and busy shopping street that twists from the northern end of town toward the southeast. The street itself undergoes a transformation from its origin in the traditional neighborhoods with their tiny, dingy kiosks and sellers of lottery tickets and tobacco, into the vibrant Arab quar ter with its Turkish delights, hairdressers, and shops full of silk and taffeta. In the middle of this street the fish shop stood as if it consti tuted a threshold between two worlds. Its presence was so quiet and discreet that people who had been living in its close vicinity for years, and who passed it many times during the day, never even noticed it and bought their fish instead at the supermarket or over the Internet. The fa?ade was covered with tiny black and gray tiles; above the entrance a sign announced "fish & game" in red capitals. The first time I became aware of the wife's transformation was just before New Year's Day 2005. I went to the shop to buy some fillets of cod, as is our custom for New Year's, and I couldn't help noticing how the shop owner's wife moved as if the air consisted of water. She seemed to pull herself past the counter, negotiated the edge of the table, and propelled herself across the room, toward the window where the cod was displayed. The actual selection of the cod, which involved delicately placing the pieces in a small, transparent bag, and her subsequent retreat to the scales behind the counter, consumed so much time that her husband, the fish shop owner, was able to serve two customers, one
Exploring Connections Between Theory and Practice: Stories From Fieldwork Supervisors

This article describes the findings of an exploratory study investigating the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners in their roles as supervisors of clinical fieldwork education. A series of in-depth interviews with three experienced fieldwork supervisors revealed themes relating to issues in supervision. An overarching theme of supportive clinical education was developed. Themes included descriptions of the structures that are needed to assist students through the learning opportunities of fieldwork education; the social and interactive process of feedback and reflection necessary for learning; and the iterative nature of the fieldwork experience that provides benefits to both the supervisor and student. Theoretical models of adult learning in situated, constructivist, and reflective practice provide a framework for interpreting these findings.
Triangulation of gradient polygons: a spatial data model for categorical fields

The concept of the categorical gradient field is introduced to encompass spatially continuous fields of probabilities or membership values in a fixed number of categories. Three models for implementing categorical gradient fields are examined: raster grids, epsilon bands and gradient polygons. Of these, the gradient polygon model shows promise but has not been fully specified. A specification of the model is developed via a four-step process: 1) the constrained Delaunay triangulation of the polygon is created, 2) vertices are added to the polygon edge to ensure consistency, 3) a skeleton of the medial axis is produced and flat spurs are identified, and 4) additional vertices are added along each flat spur. The method is illustrated on a hypothetical transition zone between four adjacent regions, and evaluated according to five general criteria. The model is efficient in terms of data storage, moderately flexible and robust, and intuitive to build and visualize.
Perceived Control Predicts Pulse Pressure in African American Men: The Baltimore Study of Black Aging.

Objective: Poorer health profiles among African American men throughout the life course evince greater rates of cardiovascu­lar disease (CVD) and significantly earlier mortality compared with other groups. De­spite growing emphasis on identifying how psychosocial factors influence disparate dis­ease risk, little of this research has focused intently on African American men. Methodology: Using hierarchical linear re­gression, we explored the additive influence of stress, depression, and perceived control on pulse pressure, an established marker of CVD risk, in a sample ( N = 153) of African American men (mean age = 66.73 ± 9.29) from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging (BSBA). Results: After accounting for age and health status indicators, perceived control emerged as a significant predictor of pulse pressure. Discussion: These findings suggest that greater belief in one’s own efficacy is a protective factor for cardiovascular health among African American men. Future re­search should examine whether enhancing perceived control can have an appreciable impact on the immense CVD burden in this and other at-risk populations. Ethn Dis. 2015;25(3):263-270.
Serum hormonal concentrations following transcendental meditation - Potential role of gamma aminobutyric acid

Abstract Transcendental meditation (TM) is a stylized form of physical and mental relaxation which is associated with changes in the secretion and release of several pituitary hormones. The hormonal changes induced by TM mimic the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is hypothesized that TM produces changes in pituitary hormone secretion by enhancing hypothalamic GABAergic tone, and its anxiolytic effects by promoting GABAergic tone in specific areas of the brain. This mechanism is similar to the effects of synthetic anxiolytic and tranquillizing agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to components of the GABA-A (GABA A ) receptor. TM, therefore, may produce relaxation by enhancing the effects of an endogenous neurotransmitter analogous to the effects of endorphins in runners who reportedly experience a ‘runner's high'.
Altered conjugate formation and altered apoptosis of multidrug-resistant human leukemia cell line affects susceptibility to killing by activated natural killer (NK) cells.

Most leukemias that exhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-associated multidrug resistance (MDR) exhibit reduced susceptibility to immune cytotoxicity mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. To explore this phenomenon we investigated N6/ADR, a doxorubicin-selected, P-gp-positive variant of the human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line NALM6. Each stage of the NK cytolytic pathway, (binding, activation and killing) was evaluated to identify the alterations responsible for the reduced cytotoxicity of the variant relative to its drug-sensitive parental line. The major cause of the decreased susceptibility to NK cytolysis was found to be reduced conjugate formation by the MDR variant. Activation of NK effectors by parental and MDR cells with concomitant release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) correlated with conjugate formation. N6/ADR was also more resistant than NALM6 to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and to cytotoxic factors released from NK cells as measured both by 51Cr-release and by DNA fragmentation. This is the first report of a P-gp-positive leukemic line that exhibits reduced conjugate formation as well as increased resistance to NK-mediated killing mechanisms. Our results suggest caution in the use of NK-based immunotherapy as an alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant leukemias. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Adjuvant activity for alkylamines of immune responses to ovalbumin, myelin basic protein and a tumor

Emulsions of ovalbumin in alkylamines, particularly octadecylamine, were compared with an emulsion of ovalbumin in complete Freund’s adjuvant for ability to induce humoral and cell-mediated immune res
An Assessment of Computational Methods for Obtaining Structural Information of Moderately Flexible Biomolecules from Ion Mobility Spectrometry

When utilized in conjunction with modeling, the collision cross section (Ω) from ion mobility spectrometry can be used to deduce the gas phase structures of analyte ions. Gas phase conformations are determined computationally, and their Ω calculated using an approximate method, the results of which are compared with experimental data. Though prior work has focused upon rigid small molecules or large biomolecules, correlation of computational and experimental Ω has not been thoroughly examined for analytes with intermediate conformational flexibility, which constitute a large fraction of the molecules studied in the field. Here, the computational paradigm for calculating Ω has been tested for the tripeptides WGY, YGW, and YWG (Y = tyrosine, W = tryptophan, G = glycine). Experimental data indicate that Ωexp (YWG) > Ωexp (WGY) ≈ Ωexp (YGW). The energy distributions of conformations obtained from tiers of simulated annealing molecular dynamics (SAMD) were analyzed using a wide array of density functionals. These quantum mechanical energy distributions do not agree with the MD data, which leads to structural differences between the SAMD and DFT conformations. The latter structures are obtained by reoptimization of the SAMD geometries, and are the only suite of structures that reproduce the experimental trend in analyte separability. In the absence of fitting Lennard Jones potentials that reproduce experimental results for the Trajectory Method, the Exact Hard Sphere Scattering method produced numerical values that are in best agreement with the experimental cross sections obtained in He drift gas.
Interaction of antigen presenting cells with mycobacteria.

Abstract The interaction of mycobacteria with antigen presenting cells is a key feature in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and the outcome of this interaction is pivotal in determining whether immunity or disease ensues. Human and mouse macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) have been shown to become infected with mycobacteria and to produce a response to infection that reflects their suggested role in immunity. Thus, macrophages elicit anti-microbial mechanisms for elimination of mycobacteria and DC up-regulate expression of molecules that aid their stimulation of T lymphocytes. We have examined the effects of infection with the avirulent strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG and with virulent M. bovis on bovine antigen presenting cells. Differences in the intracellular survival of bacteria within DC and macrophages were observed with higher numbers of bacteria maintained within DC following infection compared to macrophages. BCG was killed more effectively than M. bovis. Alterations in the expression of cell surface molecules involved in antigen presentation and the stimulation of T cells, including MHC II and CD40, were observed following infection of bovine antigen presenting cells. In addition infected DC secreted IL-12, TNFα and IL-10 whereas macrophages produced TNFα, IL-10 and little IL-12. Generally responses were more marked when virulent M. bovis was used compared to BCG. These studies indicate that infection of bovine antigen presenting cells by mycobacterial species results in the induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses that are critical for the outcome of infection.
Innovative computational methods for transcriptomic data analysis

The tools of molecular biology and the evolving tools of genomics can now be exploited to study the genetic regulatory mechanisms that control cellular responses to a wide variety of stimuli. These responses are highly complex, and involve many genes and gene products. The main objectives of this paper are to describe a novel research program centered on understanding these responses by developing powerful graph algorithms that generate distilled gene sets, producing high performance implementations utilizing cutting-edge platforms, employing these implementations to identify gene sets suggestive of coregulation, and performing sequence analysis and genomic data mining to examine, winnow and highlight the most promising gene sets for more detailed investigation. As a case study, we describe our work aimed at elucidating genetic regulatory mechanisms that control cellular responses to low dose ionizing radiation (IR). We use genome-scale gene expression data after IR exposure in vivo to identify the pathways that are activated or repressed as a tissue responds to the radiation insult. Knowledge of these pathways should help clarify and interpret physiological responses to IR, which will advance our understanding of how IR exposures pose an increased risk to human health.
Pattern formation in amphibian embryos prevented from undergoing the classical “rotation response” to egg activation

Abstract Fertile Xenopus laevis eggs were immobilized so that they were prevented from undergoing the “rotation response” to activation. Many of those unrotated eggs developed through organogenesis, indicating that egg rotation is not a prerequisite for normal early embryogenesis. Various aspects of the regulation of pattern formation were analyzed in unrotated eggs: It was discovered that a substantial rearrangement of yolk platelets occurred without affecting subsequent pattern formation. The germ plasm, however, remained localized in the vegetal hemisphere in inverted eggs. Cleavage furrows and the site of involution were both often observed in novel locations in inverted eggs which were prevented from rotating during activation.
A comparative analysis of the relationship between communication apprehension and loneliness for elderly nursing home and non‐nursing home residents

Utilizing the socio‐environmental perspective, this investigation compared feelings of communication apprehension and perceived loneliness between nursing home and non‐nursing home residents. Results indicate that communication apprehension consistently and significantly predicts perceived loneliness for non‐nursing home residents, but fails to predict perceived loneliness for nursing home residents. Demographic information describing the two groups of subjects is also compared.
Phase-Separated, Epitaxial, Nanostructured LaMnO3+MgO Composite Cap Layer Films for Propagation of Pinning Defects in YBa2Cu3O7 Coated Conductors

Nanostructural modulation in the cap layer used in coated conductors can be a potential source for nucleating microstructural defects into the superconducting layer for improving the flux-pinning. We report on the successful fabrication of phase separated, epitaxial, nanostructured films comprised of LaMnO3 (LMO) and MgO via pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on biaxially-textured MgO metallic templates with a LMO buffer layer. Scanning Auger compositional mapping and transmission electron microscopy cross sectional images confirm the nanoscale, spatial modulation corresponding to the nanostructured phase separation in the film. YBa2Cu3O7-δ films (0.8 µm thick) grown using PLD on such phase separated, nanostructured cap layers show reduced field dependence of the critical current density with an α value of ~0.38 (in Jc~H-α).
The internet and EU competition law

The US Supreme Court has stated, “The content of the Internet is a diverse as human thought.” It may also be surmised that the Internet is nothing more than a new medium and that the application of competition law to the Internet may be as broad as all of competition law itself. The diversity of the Internet constitutes a guide to finding thoughtful competition law solutions to e‐commerce phenomena under EU law in (i) merger control, (ii) horizontal and vertical restraints analysis under Article 81 EC (exclusive distribution, selective distribution, music licensing), (iii) abuse of dominant position under Article 82 EC.
Elevated plasma levels of fibrinopeptide A during sickle cell anemia pain crisis--evidence for intravascular coagulation.

A role for coagulation in the pathogenesis of sickle cell anemia (SCA) pain crisis has long been suspected. We have observed evidence for in vivo coagulation in patients with SCA during pain crisis utilizing a radioimmunoassay for fibrinopeptide A (FPA). Since the proteolytic activity of thrombin results in the release of FPA from fibrinogen, plasma levels of FPA may be used as an index of in vivo thrombin activity. In 20 normal controls FPA plasma levels had a range of 0.6–1.4 ng/ml and a mean of 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml. We observed elevations of FPA, values greater than the mean plus 4 standard deviations of the control group, in 21 consecutive plasma samples obtained from 8 SCA patients during pain crisis. FPA determinations on 7 of 10 plasma specimens obtained from 10 SCA patients during pain-free periods were within the normal range. Elevations of FPA in 2 of 3 of these pain-free patients could be explained by recent extensive oral surgery and faulty venopuncture, conditions known to cause elevated levels of the peptide. Plasma specimens were obtained from 2 SCA patients patients with subjective complaints of pain, but who were suspected of malingering prior to FPA determination. In both instances, FPA was within the normal range. In summary, plasma levels of FPA appear to be elevated in SCA patients during crisis as contrasted to pain-free periods and normal controls. This study provides new evidence for the occurrence of intravascular coagulation during SCA pain crisis. Further studies are needed to assess whether this activation of the coagulation system is a cause or an effect of pain crisis.
The bandgap of cadmium fluoride

Abstract Measurements of optical absorption and reflection at and below room temperature have been used to indicate that cadmium fluoride is a direct allowed bandgap material. In absorption an Urbach-type edge is observed, with the extrapolations from various temperatures intersecting to indicate an excitonic bandedge of ∼7.6 eV in agreement with the reflectivity data. The absorption data are in accord with the thermal behavior expected for an allowed excitonic transition.
Anatomo-metabolic characteristics of atelectasis in F-18 FDG-PET/CT imaging.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the structural and metabolic characteristics of atelectasis in FDG-PET/CT. Methods Twenty one consecutive patients (13 males, 8 females, median age 67 years) with CT features of atelectasis, undergoing PET/CT imaging for preoperative staging of histologically proven malignancies (20 lung cancer and 1 ovarian cancer metastasis to lung), were included in the study. Results Hounsfield units of atelectasis (−383.58 ± 189, range −631 to 82) were significantly higher than in normal lung (−756 ± 67.46, range −839 to −555; P = 0.0001), and lower than in malignant tissue (35 ± 19, range 4–77; P = 0.0001). The main patterns of FDG uptake observed in atelectasis were diffuse and homogenous. The standard uptake value (SUV) in atelectasis was low to moderate (SUV avg : 1.13 ± 0.50; SUV max : 1.44 ± 0.54), and generally lower than in tumor tissue (SUV avg : 6.25 ± 3.58, range 2.0–16.5), but always higher than in normal lung (0.56 ± 0.18 and 0.70 ± 0.23, respectively) ( P = 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between the density of atelectatic lesions and the degree of uptake, with no relationship to size. Conclusion There is a positive relationship between the density of collapsed lung and the intensity of FDG uptake. FDG uptake in atelectasis is higher than in normal lung, and generally lower than in tumor tissue.
The industry-university intellectual property paradox

The issue of intellectual property (IP) has become a major issue for US universities conducting basic research, especially with the introduction of the Bayh-Dole Act. Having some concern over industry-university IP issues, the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) conducted a survey among its members. This paper discusses the results of this survey and their ethical implications.
Synergistic interactions among antifolates

Abstract Many cultured human cell lines show large synergistic cytotoxicity when an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (EC 1.5.1.3) is combined with an antifolate inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (EC 2.1.1.45) or with an antifolate inhibitor of glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.2). These synergistic interactions are dependent on medium folic acid concentration and are greatly enhanced by increasing folic acid levels. Synergism is seen only when the thymidylate synthase or glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase inhibitor is polyglutamylatable. Here we will briefly outline the rigorous method used to quantitate synergistic interactions by measuring α, a response surface-based parameter; give examples of synergistic interactions from the current literature; and evaluate proposals offered to explain the metabolic basis of the synergism.
Cyanide binding to cytochrome c peroxidase (H52L).

Cyanide binding to a cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP) variant in which the distal histidine has been replaced by a leucine residue, CcP(H52L), has been investigated as a function of pH using spectroscopic, equilibrium, and kinetic methods. Between pH 4 and 8, the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for the CcP(H52L)/cyanide complex varies by a factor of 60, from 135 μM at pH 4.7 to 2.2 μM at pH 8.0. The binding kinetics are biphasic, involving bimolecular association of the two reactants, followed by an isomerization of the enzyme/cyanide complex. The association rate constant could be determined up to pH 8.9 using pH-jump techniques. The association rate constant increases by almost 4 orders of magnitude over the pH range investigated, from 1.8 x 10 2 M - 1 s - 1 at pH 4 to 9.2 x 10 5 M - 1 s - 1 at pH 8.6. In contrast to wild-type CcP, where the binding of HCN is the dominant binding pathway, CcP-(H52L) preferentially binds the cyanide anion. Above pH 8, cyanide binding to CcP(H52L) is faster than cyanide binding to wild-type CcP. Cyanide dissociates 4 times slower from the mutant protein although the pH dependence of the dissociation rate constant is essentially identical for CcP(H52L) and CcP. Isomerization of the CcP(H52L)/cyanide complex is observed between pH 4 and 8 and stabilizes the complex. The isomerization rate constant has a similar magnitude and pH dependence as the cyanide dissociation rate constant, and the two reactions are coupled at low cyanide concentrations. This isomerization has no counterpart in the wild-type CcP/cyanide complex.
Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase mRNA levels in the sympathoadrenal system by the pituitary-adrenocortical axis

The pituitary-adrenocortical axis plays a complex role in the regulation of the levels of enzymes of the catecholamine biosynthetic pathway. In this report we have explored molecular mechanisms of these regulations, by examining the effects of hypophysectomy (HPX) and dexamethasone (DEX) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) mRNA levels in the adrenal medulla (AM) and superior cervical ganglia (SCG). Three weeks after hypophysectomy weights (-48%), total RNA (-49%), and DNA (-22%) contents in AM were significantly reduced, when compared to sham-operated animals (SO). In SCG decreases in weight (-23%) and in the ratio of RNA/DNA (-25%) were also found. TH mRNA contents paralleled decreases in total RNA levels and no significant change in the relative abundance of TH mRNA was found. When HPX rats were injected for 5 days with DEX (1 mg/kg, i.p.), TH mRNA levels in the SCG (+51%) and in the AM (+74%) were significantly increased when compared to saline-treated HPX animals. DEX given to SO rats increased TH mRNA in SCG (+49%); a 27% increase in TH mRNA in the AM was also observed. The relative abundance of PNMT mRNA in the AM was reduced after hypophysectomy (-64%). This decrease was completely reversed by DEX. In contrast, DEX did not affect PNMT mRNA levels in the AM of SO rats. PNMT mRNA was not detected in SCG of saline- or DEX-treated rats. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the pituitary-adrenocortical axis is involved in the regulation of the steady-state levels of TH and PNMT mRNAs. This regulation involves: (1) induction of TH mRNA contents in AM and SCG by increased plasma glucocorticoid levels; and (2) maintenance of the steady-state levels of PNMT mRNA in AM by glucocorticoid-dependent mechanisms.
Improving the sensitivity of switches with linear feedback

The sensitivity of reversible switches can be adjusted to varying degrees by using a suitable linear feedback coefficient. Maximum sensitivity depends on the characteristic curve of the switch, and methods are presented for determining this maximum and the feedback coefficient needed to achieve it.
Successful treatment of post-traumatic narcolepsy with methylphenidate: a case report.

Narcolepsy is a rare sequela of brain injury. We report the case of a 27-yr-old male with post-traumatic narcolepsy who was successfully treated with methylphenidate. This patient sustained moderate brain injury from a motorcycle accident. Subsequently, he manifested the classic tetrad of narcolepsy : cataplexy, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnogogic hallucinations. There was no premorbid seizure or sleep disorder. There was no family history of sleep disorders. Polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Test confirmed the diagnosis of narcolepsy. Sleep latency (time to sleep onset), rapid eye movement sleep latency (time from sleep onset to rapid eye movement sleep onset), and mean multiple sleep latency were all pathologically shortened (2.5, 66, and 1.2 min, respectively). Twenty-four hour electroencephalographic monitoring and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were normal, as were serum chemistries. Treatment with caffeine was unsuccessful. He was then started on methylphenidate, 10 mg twice daily, which was increased to 30 mg twice daily over a 4-mo period. Cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness started to improve 1 mo after adjustments in methylphenidate dosing. Six months after the initiation of methylphenidate therapy, the patient is completely asymptomatic.
Mechanism for the bulk-assisted reoxidation of ion sputtered TiO2 surfaces: diffusion of oxygen to the surface or titanium to the bulk?

The reoxidation of Ar+ sputtered TiO2 surfaces by thermal annealing in vacuum is shown to result primarily from the diffusion of titanium cations, presumably in reduced oxidation states, from the damaged surface into the bulk, and not from the diffusion of bulk oxygen anions to the surface. Temperature programmed static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS) measurements indicate that the ratios of O to Ti in the Ar+ sputtered surfaces of TiO2(110) and TiO2(100) increase significantly as the temperature exceeds 700 K. With oxygen-18 incorporated into the Ar+ sputtered surfaces, the ratios of 16O to 18O remain constant during this reoxidation process. However, for both surfaces, the ratios of 16O to Ti and 18O to Ti increase during the reoxidation process. These ratios increase primarily as a result of a decrease in the surface Ti concentration which is ascribed to the diffusion of reduced Ti cations into the bulk of the oxide.
Triplets with systemic lupus erythematosus

We present herein the first case report of identical triplets who developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The children were diagnosed as having SLE in reverse birth order at ages 8, 9, and 11 years. Although genetically identical, each sibling manifested different clinical signs and symptoms; however, all 3 children did manifest skin rash, fatigue, and biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis at different ages. Findings of laboratory studies were similar, including positivity for antinuclear antibodies, anti-native DNA, and anti-double-stranded DNA, as well as low levels of complement. These findings confirmed SLE in each sibling.
Releasing the Brake Drives Fear Behavior

Although modern neuroscience has identified many brain circuits and cell types that contribute to behaviors that model aspects of psychiatric disorders, understanding how specific patterns of activity within these circuits drive behavior has been more challenging. In a recent study, Courtin et al. show how a specific class of inhibitory interneurons, which express the calcium binding protein parvalbumin (PV), modulate activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and thereby control the expression of fear behavior in mice. Courtin et al. recorded the firing of individual neurons, as well as local field potentials that reflect activity from many neurons within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex during fear conditioning in mice. They found that presentation of a conditioned stimulus, such as a tone that has been associated with foot shock, led to three effects: a decrease in the firing of many PV interneurons, an increase in the firing of many excitatory pyramidal neurons, and a resetting of the phase of theta oscillations in local field potentials. They go on to show that the decrease in PV interneuron firing drives the other two phenomena. Specifically, using the light-activated proton pump Archaeorhodopsin to inhibit PV interneurons, the authors reproduced the increase in pyramidal neuron firing and the resetting of the theta phase that typically follows the conditioned stimulus. In contrast, activating PV interneurons by using the light-activated cation channel rhodopsin blocked the ability of the conditioned stimulus to elicit these two effects. Furthermore, inhibiting or activating PV interneurons induced or suppressed freezing, respectively, demonstrating that these PV interneuron–driven changes in neural activity control fear expression. Many of the pyramidal neurons that are inhibited by PV interneurons project to the basolateral amygdala, which mediates the expression and storage of fear memories. Thus, by disinhibiting pyramidal neurons that project to the basolateral amygdala and by modulating their synchrony with respect to theta oscillations, the conditioned stimulus-elicited suppression of PV interneuron firing may enhance output from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex to the basolateral amygdala, leading to freezing. These results elucidate how specific patterns of activity within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex–basolateral amygdala circuit drive the expression of fear behaviors. The next steps include identifying specific mechanisms through which the conditioned stimulus suppresses PV interneuron firing and understanding how the patterns of activity described above may be altered under pathological conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, that lead to the overexpression of fear behaviors. J. Courtin et al. , Prefrontal parvalbumin interneurons shape neuronal activity to drive fear expression, Nature 505 , 92–96 (2014). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24256726
Surface behavior of prostaglandins (PGs)

Abstract This study establishes some correlations between molecular structure and surface function of six prostaglandins in a model membrane system. Using spread films at the air/water interface, we determined surface pressure and surface potential of PGs A1, A2, E1, E2, F1α and F2α. All the PGs formed films with low pressure (0 to 9 dyne/cm) and relatively low surface potentials (ΔV = 10 to 250 mV). On 0.15 M NaCl, the π and ΔV values were in the order E1 > F1α > A1 > F1α > A1 > F2α = A2 > E2 and F1α > E1 > A1 > A2 > F2α > E2 respectively. Clearly, the cis unsaturation in the carboxylic chain of the PG2 series conferred greater instability to the films, as indicated by the lowest π and ΔV values. Also, members of the PG1 series penetrated films of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) better than PG2 did, the ablest being E1 (Δπ = 12 dyne/cm) and the poorest F2α (Δπ = 2 dyne/cm); penetration of E1 and F2α was independent of the initial pressure (πi) of the DPPC film, whereas with A1 and F1α Δπ decreased as πi increased. The PGs expressed marked discriminating capacities for the electrolyte, as indicated by differences in their π and ΔV responses to Na+ and Ca++ as well as for the lipid, as indicated by different penetration (Δπ values) into DPPC films.
Hiring preferences of diagnostic radiology groups: results of a 1994 survey.

Rationale and Objectives. We surveyed diagnostic radiology group preferences and considerations in hiring radiologists and compared these findings with those of a survey performed in 1990. We sought to identify changes in hiring practices that might have occurred because of socioeconomic changes. We also sought to identify features of job candidates that make them more attractive to hiring groups. Methods. One hundred surveys were mailed to a stratified random sample of diagnostic radiology groups identified by the American College of Radiology. We solicited information on the importance of various attributes and the level of experience of a candidate, the fellowship training considered, most desirable, and the effect of changes in the health care socioeconomic environment. The responses were weighted by group size and geographic location to estimate what results might have been obtained if we had surveyed all groups in the United States. Results. Seventy-five groups returned the survey. The two most important factors in choosing a candidate were motivation and radiologic knowledge. The fellowships that groups that were hiring considered, to be the most desirable were body imaging, neuroradiology, and angiography/interventional radiology. Groups overwhelmingly preferred recent training over long experience. Conclusion. Fellowship training increases a candidate's marketability, but the two factors that hiring groups consider the most important are motivation and radiologic knowledge.
An initial-value method for Fredholm integral equations with generalized degenerate kernels

Abstract An initial-value method is derived for integral equations with generalized degenerate kernels. Both the necessity and sufficiency of the Cauchy system are demonstrated.
Effects of dehydration on cerebrovascular control during standing after heavy resistance exercise

We tested the hypothesis that dehydration exacerbates reductions of middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and alters cerebrovascular control during standing after heavy resistance exercise. ...
Fast Three dimensional driven reconnection

Fast driven reconnection in a three dimensional axially bounded flux tube is studied in numerical simulations and in a simple analytic model. Numerical examples are given in which the reconnection time is a very weak function of resistivity η. The data is consistent with a reconnection time scaling as | log η |. A simple analytic model agrees with many features of the computational data.
Allosteric manipulation of photoexcited state relaxation in (bpy)2RuII(binicotinic acid).

The emission spectrum and luminescent lifetime of (bpy)2RuII(binicotinic acid) is affected by the presence of heavy metal ions in solution. As little as 1 microM Pb2+ causes a red shift in emission, an increase in the emission quantum yield, and an increase in the room-temperature lifetime. A smaller red shift is observed in the 4,4'-dicarboxy analogue in the presence of large quantities of lead; however, the emission lifetime and intensity are diminished. An X-ray determination of the ground-state geometry shows that the bipyridine rings of the binicotinic acid are twisted along the 2,2' bond by 19.3 degrees. The interaction between lead and the binicotinic acid complex was modeled by molecular mechanics and extended Huckel calculations. The calculations show that interaction with lead flattens the bridged ring system of the binicotinic acid ligand, which affects the pi* energy levels of the ligand, the d-orbital energies of the Ru(II), and the vibrational modes available to the substituted bipyridine ligand. The inverse energy gap law behavior observed in the binicotinic acid complex is explained in terms of an allosteric interaction between lead and the binicotinic acid complex.
The rise of bubbles in a vertical shear flow

Full numerical simulations of two- and three-dimensional bubbles in a shear flow, by a finite difference front tracking method, are presented. The effects of inertial, viscous, gravitational, and surface forces on the lift of a deformable bubble rising due to buoyancy in a vertical shear flow, are examined. Bubbles with a large surface tension coefficient migrate toward the downward moving fluid, as predicted analytically for a cylinder or a sphere in a shear flow. Bubbles with smaller surface tension deform, and generally migrate in the opposite direction. The combined effects of the shear flow and the buoyancy deform the bubble in such a way that the circulation around the deformed bubbles is opposite to that of undeformed bubbles.