cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme-linked coagulation assay for detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins A, B, and E and solution-phase complexes with dual-label antibodies.

The measurement of toxins A, B, and E from Clostridium botulinum was accomplished by use of a modified sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing labeled horse antibody and either chicken antibody or biotinylated horse antibody. The complexes formed in solution phase were captured onto solid phases coated with rabbit anti-chicken immunoglobulin G (chicken antibody) or avidin (biotinylated antibody). The assay was brought to the sensitivity of the mouse bioassay (5 to 10 pg/ml, or 0.03 to 0.07 pM) by employing as labeling enzyme the factor X activator of Russell9s viper venom (RVV-XA) and a sensitive coagulation-based assay amplification system known as enzyme-linked coagulation assay. Complex formation was found to be a slower reaction than binding to the capture plate, and so the assay used a preincubation step to produce the solution-phase complexes before they were bound to the solid phase. Keeping the concentrations of Russell9s viper venom factor X activator antibody and capture antibody constant for diluted samples and diluting complexes into buffer without keeping labeled antibody concentrations constant were equivalent in allowing the detection of low neurotoxin concentrations. This ELISA-enzyme-linked coagulation assay procedure is a convenient alternative to the mouse bioassay, which shows complete resolution of the neurotoxins in addition to the requisite sensitivity. Images
NDRG4 is a novel oncogenic protein and p53 associated regulator of apoptosis in malignant meningioma cells

// Rama P. Kotipatruni 1 , Xuan Ren 1 , Dinesh Thotala 1, 2 , Jerry J. Jaboin 1, 2 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Biology Division, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA 2 Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA Correspondence to: Jerry J. Jaboin, e-mail: jjaboin@radonc.wustl.edu Keywords: meningioma, NDRG4, p53, lentiviral shRNA, mitochondrial apoptosis Received: January 10, 2015 Accepted: May 14, 2015 Published: May 25, 2015 ABSTRACT Aggressive meningiomas exhibit high levels of recurrence, morbidity and mortality. When surgical and radiation options are exhausted, there is need for novel molecularly-targeted therapies. We have recently identified NDRG4 overexpression in aggressive meningiomas. NDRG4 is a member of the N-Myc Downstream Regulated Gene (NDRG) family of the alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily. We have demonstrated that NDRG4 downregulation results in decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In follow up to our prior studies; here we demonstrate that the predominant form of cell death following NDRG4 silencing is apoptosis, utilizing Annexin-V flow cytometry assay. We show that apoptosis caused by p53 upregulation, phosphorylation at Ser15, BAX activation, Bcl-2 and BcL-xL downregulation, mitochondrial cytochrome c release and execution of caspases following NDRG4 depletion. Sub-cellular distribution of BAX and cytochrome c indicated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. In addition, we carried out the fluorescence cytochemical analysis to confirm mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm), using JC-1 dye. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence confirmed binding of NDRG4 to p53. In addition, we demonstrate that apoptosis is mitochondrial and p53 dependent. The proapoptotic effect of p53 was verified by the results in which a small molecule compound PFT-α, an inhibitor of p53 phosphorylation, is greatly protected against targeting NDRG4 induced apoptosis. These findings bring novel insight to the roles of NDRG4 in meningioma progression. A better understanding of this pathway and its role in meningioma carcinogenesis and cell biology is promising for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the management of aggressive meningiomas.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of perioperative steroids on ischaemia-reperfusion injury and surgical stress response in patients undergoing liver resection.

Several therapeutic strategies, such as ischaemic preconditioning, intermittent or selective pedicle clamping and pharmacological interventions, have been explored to reduce morbidity caused by hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury and the surgical stress response. The role of steroids in this setting remains controversial.
Phase-Sensitive All-Optical Switching with Ultra-Low Control Power Using Silicon-Wire Directional Coupler

A phase-sensitive all-optical switching in a 4 mm long silicon-wire directional coupler with the control power of 10 μW is demonstrated in a numerical experiment. The switching speed is limited by the carrier lifetime.
The role of density in aggressive behaviour of house mice

Abstract To examine the relation of aggressive behaviour to density, House Mice were placed in a cage and then in a room, each containing excess food and water. The density thus was reduced to one-tenth. Twelve jars were present in the cage and room and the mice in each jar were counted at intervals. The variability in the number of mice per jar was significantly greater in the cage than in the room. Subsequently more jars were added to the room and more mice were found singly in a jar although some mice were still in groups. Some observations showed that individual mice remained in one jar for several weeks. The hypothesis is suggested that territorialism and social rank are two poles of a behaviour continuum related to density, but the density is limited by a specific tolerance. At low densities individuals are territorial but at high densities they may associate into groups which have a social rank. But in some species the “individual distance” tolerance limit is so low that individuals can never associate together.
Abstract 3522: A Phase 0 microdosing trial to identify chemoresistance: From bench to bedside

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC BACKGROUND: DNA damage is the critical step in cancer cell response to platinum (Pt) chemotherapy. We hypothesize that low levels of Pt-induced DNA damage are predictive of chemoresistance. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is an ultrasensitive method for measuring radiocarbon. By measuring 14C bound to DNA, AMS can detect carboplatin-induced DNA damage after patients receive one subtoxic microdose of 14C-labeled carboplatin. METHODS: Cancer cells and mice bearing tumor xenografts were treated with one microdose (1/100th of the therapeutic dose) or one therapeutic dose of [14C]carboplatin. Carboplatin-DNA adducts and other relevant parameters such as drug influx/efflux, intracellular drug inactivation, and repair of DNA damage, were measured and correlated with response to chemotherapy. RESULTS: AMS detected Pt-DNA damage when cancer cells and mice with tumor xenografts were exposed to one subtoxic microdose of [14C]carboplatin. The levels of microdose-induced DNA damage were linearly proportional to the DNA damage caused by the therapeutic drug dose (R2=0.92, p<0.001); and these levels of DNA damage correlated with chemoresistance. Low DNA damage predicts chemoresistance. Measuring drug uptake/efflux, intracellular inactivation and DNA repair allowed insight into some resistance mechanisms. A Phase 0 microdosing trial has been designed to study patients with non-small cell lung cancer or bladder cancer who are scheduled to receive Pt-based chemotherapy. One subtoxic microdose of 14C-carboplatin will be administered to these patients before biopsy. Pt-induced DNA damage and repair in left-over tumor biopsy specimens and other relevant parameters will be measured and correlated with the response and toxicity of chemotherapy. Molecular analysis of genes such as ERCC1 and RRM1 will be analyzed and compared with this Phase 0 results. CONCLUSION: The levels of DNA damage induced by nontoxic microdosing carboplatin can potentially predict chemoresistance in patients. A phase 0 microdosing trial is under the IRB review to identify chemoresistance and determine the underlying resistant mechanisms for personalized therapy before patients receive toxic Pt chemotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3522.
Are vitamin D receptor polymorphisms associated with bone mineral density? A meta‐analysis

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been strongly associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in some studies but not in others. We used a meta-analytic approach to assess quantitatively the association between VDR and BMD and to examine the influence of specific study characteristics (e.g., skeletal site, mean age of subjects, menopausal status) on the reported results. Sixteen papers published in peer-reviewed journals through July 1996 were included. We calculated the mean difference, percent difference, and effect size (mean difference divided by standard deviation), comparing BMD between homozygous genotypes. At the hip, BMD in the BB genotype was lower than in the bb genotype (mean difference, −0.02 g/cm2; percent difference, −2.4%; and effect size −0.18; p = 0.032). At the spine, the mean difference was −0.03 g/cm2; percent difference, −2.5%; and effect size, −0.19; p = 0.062. At the distal radius, the VDR effect was estimated as the mean difference, −0.01 g/cm2; percent difference, −1.7% and effect size, −0.16; p = 0.078. The spine measurements exhibited the greatest between- and within-study variability. The difference in hip BMD between genotypes was larger (i.e., a more negative number) among the younger women and seemed to decrease with increasing age. However, statistical evidence for this trend was weak (p = 0.06). Data from the spine and the radius showed no evidence of a comparable interaction of the VDR effect with age. When we omitted data from the first report of an association between VDR polymorphisms and BMD, our analyses gave similar results, although the overall effect estimates were smaller. In the combined data from 29 study groups, the BB genotype frequency was 17.2, 4.9, and 2.3% in studies of whites, blacks, and Asians, respectively. VDR polymorphisms represent one genetic factor affecting BMD, but further research into the mechanisms, clinical significance, and its relation between other genetic and environmental factors is needed.
Similar results with solitary pancreas transplantation compared with simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in the new millennium.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyze our single-center outcomes according to pancreas transplant (PT) category in the new millennium by using standardized management protocols. Patients and Methods We retrospectively studied 202 consecutive PTs (179 with portal-enteric drainage) in 192 patients; all received either rabbit antithymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab induction in combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and tapered corticosteroids or early steroid withdrawal. Unlike simultaneous pancreas/kidney (SPK) transplant, solitary PT (SPT) recipients were managed with routine perioperative anticoagulation and surveillance pancreas biopsies. Results From November 2001 to March 2013, we performed 162 SPK transplants, 35 pancreas after kidney transplants, and 5 pancreas-alone transplants (40 SPTs). Demographic characteristics were mostly comparable; however, the SPT group had younger donors, shorter waiting time, fewer HLA mismatches, and fewer African-American recipients but more retransplants (all, P P P = NS). Conclusions In the setting of depleting antibody induction and tacrolimus-based therapy, HLA matching, careful donor and recipient selection, portal-enteric drainage, selective perioperative anticoagulation, and surveillance SPT biopsy monitoring, similar medium-term outcomes can be achieved in SPK transplants and SPTs in the new millennium.
THE USE OF HEMODYNAMIC SUPPORT IN OCTOGENERIAN PATIENTS DURING HIGH RISK PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS

The outcomes of use of hemodynamic support during high risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in the very elderly is unknown. Patients undergoing high risk PCI with unprotected left main or last patent conduit and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30% were enrolled in PROTECT II
DUAL MODULATION OF PHOSPHORYLATION OF A 60 KDA NUCLEAR PROTEIN IN INTERFERON-ALPHA TREATED DAUDI CELLS

To explore the modulation of phosphorylation and/or kinase activity of cellular proteins in interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treated Daudi cells, experiments were performed to determine the effect of IFN-alpha on the ability of cellular proteins to undergo autophosphorylation reaction in-vitro. Treatment of cells with IFN-alpha significantly inhibited the amount of phosphorylation of a nuclear protein of about 60 kDa [+/- 3000 KDa, (P60)]. Results of phosphoamino acids analysis indicated that the nuclear P60 was a phosphotyrosine containing protein and was predominantly phosphorylated on threonine and serine in the absence of IFN-alpha. Treatment with IFN-alpha had a dual effect on relative phosphoamino acids content of P60: inhibited the phosphorylation on threonine residue, and enhanced the phosphorylation on serine and tyrosine residues. The nuclear P60 is not one of earlier described IFN-responsive signaling protein as it was not translocated from the cytosol.
Effects of dopamine D1- or D2-like receptor antagonists on the hypermotive and discriminative stimulus effects of (+)-MDMA

Rationale Both dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) release are evoked by (+)-MDMA; however, little is known of the contribution of DA D1- and D2-like receptors (D1R and D2R, respectively) in the behavioral effects of (+)-MDMA.
Heavy lepton pair production from new Z' resonances

We examine the possibility that heavy lepton pair production can be significantly enhanced by the existence of a new neutral gauge boson, Z’, at SSC energies. We find that in some models, the heavy lepton production cross section resulting from this mechanism exceeds that from production via other scenarios.
The Box-Cox power transformation on nursing sensitive indicators: Does it matter if structural effects are omitted during the estimation of the transformation parameter?

Many nursing and health related research studies have continuous outcome measures that are inherently non-normal in distribution. The Box-Cox transformation provides a powerful tool for developing a parsimonious model for data representation and interpretation when the distribution of the dependent variable, or outcome measure, of interest deviates from the normal distribution. The objectives of this study was to contrast the effect of obtaining the Box-Cox power transformation parameter and subsequent analysis of variance with or without a priori knowledge of predictor variables under the classic linear or linear mixed model settings. Simulation data from a 3 × 4 factorial treatments design, along with the Patient Falls and Patient Injury Falls from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI®) for the 3rd quarter of 2007 from a convenience sample of over one thousand US hospitals were analyzed. The effect of the nonlinear monotonic transformation was contrasted in two ways: a) estimating the transformation parameter along with factors with potential structural effects, and b) estimating the transformation parameter first and then conducting analysis of variance for the structural effect. Linear model ANOVA with Monte Carlo simulation and mixed models with correlated error terms with NDNQI examples showed no substantial differences on statistical tests for structural effects if the factors with structural effects were omitted during the estimation of the transformation parameter. The Box-Cox power transformation can still be an effective tool for validating statistical inferences with large observational, cross-sectional, and hierarchical or repeated measure studies under the linear or the mixed model settings without prior knowledge of all the factors with potential structural effects.
Critical Education in High Schools: The Promise and Challenges of Intergroup Dialogue

In public high schools across the country young people deal with issues of discrimination and bullying that are often the result of intolerance and misunderstandings across social identities. Progressive educators who advocate for critical multicultural and critical pedagogical approaches have proposed that young people need to have educational experiences in which they learn to think critically and take action toward social justice in order to create schools that are safe and supportive for all students. This study suggests that intergroup dialogue is a promising model of engaging young people in this form of critical education. It describes an intergroup dialogue program currently operating at four high schools and presents some of the successes and challenges of doing dialogue work in public high school settings.
Modification of the processing window of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer by blending with another thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

This paper is concerned with properties and processing performance of two thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) produced by DuPont (HX6000 and HX8000) with widely varying melting points and blends of these two TLCPs. This work was carried out in an effort to develop a TLCP suitable for generating poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composites in which the melting point of the TLCP was higher than the processing temperature of PET. Strands of the neat TLCPs and a 50/50 wt % TLCP-TLCP blend were spun and tested for their tensile properties. It was determined that the moduli of the HX8000, HX6000, and HX6000-HX8000 blend strands were 47.1, 70, and 38.5 GPa, respectfully. Monofilaments of PET-HX6000-HX8000 (50/ 25/25 wt %) were spun with the use of a novel dual extruder process. The strands had moduli as high as 28 GPa, exceeding predictions made using the rule of mixtures and tensile strengths around 275 MPa. The strands were then uniaxially compression molded at 270°C. It was found that after compression molding, the modulus dropped from 28 GPa to roughly 12 GPa due to the loss of molecular orientation in the TLCP phase. However, this represents an improvement over the use of HX8000.
Characterization of a cDNA encoding a human kidney, cytochrome P-450 4A fatty acid ω-hydroxylase and the cognate enzyme expressed in Escherichia coli.

Abstract A cDNA encoding a cytochrome P-450 4A (CYP4AII) was cloned from a human kidney cDNA library. Northern blot analysis and RNase protection assays indicate that related mRNAs occur in kidney and liver with the highest abundance found in kidney. The enzyme was expressed from its cDNA in Escherichia coli. A solubilized preparation of the enzyme reconstituted with cytochrome P-450 reductase catalyzed the ω-hydroxylation of lauric acid, palmitic acid, and arachidonic acid with turnover numbers of 9.8, 2.2 and 0.55 min−1, respectively. Little or no activity was detected toward prostaglandins A1 and E1.
Mineralization of Steroidal Hormones by Biosolids in Wastewater Treatment Systems in Tennessee U.S.A.

During the past several years, concern has risen over potential pollution of waterways with estrogenic compounds, including steroidal hormones from human and animal sources. One potential source of steroid hormone contamination is through the incomplete removal of these compounds in wastewater treatment systems (WTS). To address this issue, laboratory mineralization assays using 14C-labeled estrogens and testosterone were performed with biosolids from four municipal treatment plants and one industrial system. The importance of adapted microbial populations in the removal of estrogen was shown by the dramatic differences in mineralization of 14C-17β-estradiol by biosolids from a municipal plant compared to that from the industrial plant, 84% versus 4%, respectively. Indeed, biosolids from all of the municipal plants mineralized 70−80% of added 14C-17β-estradiol to 14CO2 in 24 h. Removal of 14C-17β-estradiol from the aqueous phase by biodegradation and/or biosorption to cell matter was greater than 90%. A r...
A numerical investigation of mechanisms affecting drainage flows in highly complex terrain

Numerical simulations of increasing complexity are conducted to investigate topographic controls and ambient wind effects upon drainage flows along a portion of the Colorado Front Range in the central Rocky Mountains. A series of two-dimensional simulations show the effects upon the drainage flow of changing slope gradient at the mountain-plain interface. For a given mountain slope, a decrease in the slope of the plain decelerates the mountain drainage jet as it approaches the plain and causes the jet to elevate. The integrated effects of slope and valley drainage are presented with particle trajectories for a particular drainage basin along the Front Range. A nested grid simulation of drainage flow from multiple basins along the Front Range shows that basin area is an important factor in the strength of the drainage flow and that canyon topography variations greatly affect the behavior of the drainage jet as it flows through the canyon mouth onto the plain. Strong drainage winds developed on each of four case night simulations due to the presence of only weak ambient wind below mountaintop. The weak winds represent a decoupling of the near-surface from stronger winds above mountaintop. The canyon drainage exhibited substantial temporal variability in wind speed with the inclusion of ambient winds, due to interactions between ambient and drainage winds.
Report of the Research Committee on Precipitation, 1951–1952

The members have cooperated splendidly in advancing the objectives of the Committee which are to suggest, stimulate, coordinate, and report on research in precipitation. They have reported several research investigations, reports on some of which will be presented in subsequent issues of the Transactions and at future annual meetings. Kittredge of the University of California reports a study on the influence of forests on snow. This deals with the density of freshly fallen snow in the open and under the crowns of trees. A relation has also been established between the water equivalent of snow intercepted by the crowns and the amount of precipitation per storm.
History of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, its origin and growth: Part II.

Editor's comments: In the previous issue o f Arthroscopy (Volume 3, Number 4), Dr. John Joyce traced the formation of the International Arthroscopy Association and cited the important events that led up to the formation of the Arthroscopy Association o f North America (AANA) in August o f 1981 in Rio de Janeiro. In this issue, he outlines the history o f the various meetings and events that have occurred from August, 1981 through March, 1987. The history o f these chronological events, o f course, is on file at the A A N A Office in Chicago and thereby available to any would-be historian; however publishing it in Arthroscopy provides a more readily accessible source o f material to all who might be interested.
Clinical and Pathological Correlation of Malignant Melanoma

We have attempted to review virtually all forms of cutaneous and mucocutaneous melanomas. Superficial spreading, lentigo maligna and nodular melanomas have been more thoroughly investigated and documented in previous studies. Lentigo maligna melanoma appears to have a longer duration and better prognosis than SSM or NM. The overall prognosis probably correlates better with the anatomic level and thickness of invasion than with type (Clark et al. 1975, Breslow 1970, 1975). It appears that certain pitfalls exist in either method of assessing prognosis, and it is recommended that both methods be applied in evaluating a malignant melanocytic lesion when feasible. With regard to in situ melanoma or Level I melanoma, it is our experience that such lesions can achieve a 100% cure rate when completely excised. Hence, we prefer to call such lesions severely atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, and thus avoid labeling these patients with a malignant diagnosis. The most difficult histologic challenge in diagnosing a lesion of malignant melanoma is the Spitz nevus. The pathologist should never be biased by the age of the patient, for a serious mistake can arise. We have seen a case of nodular melanoma in a 13-year-old girl diagnosed as Spitz nevus only to be followed by a lymph node metastasis years later. Other examples of histologic differential diagnoses of malignant melanomas include, for example, halo nevus, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma with spindle cell proliferation, Paget's disease of metastatic carcinoma, (for example, from the breast). Therefore, the approach to the diagnosis of malignant melanoma necessitates an evaluation of both clinical and pathological features. Histologic study must encompass both the pattern of growth and cellular cytologic detail for successful interpretation.
On the Calculation of Available Potential Energy in Internal Wave Fields

A comparison of three common formulations for calculating the available potential energy (APE) in internal wave fields is presented. The formulations are the perturbation APE (APE1), the exact local APE (APE2), and its approximation for linear stratification (APE3). The relationship among these formulations is illustrated through a graphical interpretation and a derivation of the energy conservation laws. Numerical simulations are carried out to quantitatively assess the performance of each APE formulation under the influence of different nonlinear and nonhydrostatic effects. The results show that APE2 is the most attractive in evaluatingthelocalAPE,especiallyfornonlinearinternalwaves,sinceuse ofAPE2introducesthesmallest errors when computing the energy conservation laws. Larger errors arise when using APE1 because of the large disparity in magnitude between the kinetic energy and APE1. It is shown that the disparity in the tendency of APE1 is compensated by a large flux arising from the reference pressure and density fields. Because the tendency of the kinetic energy is close to that of APE3, computational errors arise when using APE3 only in the presence of nonlinear stratification, and these errors increase for stronger flow nonlinearity.
Equivalence of two stochastic stabilizability conditions and its implications

We consider linear discrete-time stochastic-parameter control systems and show the equivalence between the mean-square stabilizability conditions for two different controllers. Besides their system theoretic importance, the results allow the use of finite-stage solutions of a Riccati-like equation, instead of a steady-state solution, in stabilizing stochastic-parameter systems. These findings are also specialized to the stabilizing control of deterministic discrete-time systems.
On Variant Reflected Backward SDEs, with Applications

We study a new type of reflected backward stochastic differential equations (RBSDEs), where the reflecting process enters the drift in a nonlinear manner. This type of the reflected BSDEs is based on a variance of the Skorohod problem studied recently by Bank and El Karoui (2004), and is hence named the “Variant Reflected BSDEs” (VRBSDE) in this paper. The special nature of the Variant Skorohod problem leads to a hidden forward-backward feature of the BSDE, and as a consequence this type of BSDE cannot be treated in a usual way. We shall prove that in a small-time duration most of the well-posedness, comparison, and stability results are still valid, although some extra conditions on the boundary process are needed. We will also provide some possible applications where the VRBSDE can be potentially useful. These applications show that the VRBSDE could become a novel tool for some problems in finance and optimal stopping problems where no existing methods can be easily applicable.
The intermediate root of the trigeminal nerve in the dog (Canis familiaris)

The intermediate root of the trigeminal nerve in the dog has been investigated both macroscopically and microscopically. Sixty-two trigeminal complexes (trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal roots and the portion of the pons to which the roots were attached) in the dog were dissected out and removed. Each of the complexes was fixed in 10% formalin, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. The paraffin blocks were cut serially at 10 μ. Every other slide was either stained with Luxol Fast Blue or impregnated with Bodian's silver method. In all cases, between the motor and sensory roots an intermediate root composed of one distinct rootlet was identified. Most frequently the intermediate root was attached to the pons from 0.5 to 3.0 mm lateral to the motor root and rostral to the sensory root from 0.5 to 2.0 mm. From its pontine attachment the intermediate root extended anteromedially for a distance of from 2.0 to 5.0 mm before it became incorporated in the lateral aspect of the free motor root. Closer to the trigeminal ganglion the motor root and the intermediate root fused with the expanding sensory root. The fibers in the intermediate root ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 μ in diameter with the majority of fibers (60 to 70%) having a diameter of from 4.0 to 6.0 μ. Approximately 10% of the fibers were unmyelinated. The total number of fibers in the intermediate root varied from 170 to 416 with an average of 266 fibers. The morphological data obtained in an experimental animal such as presented in this paper may provide a basis for future experimental work on the clarification of the functional role of the trigeminal intermediate root.
Incorporating Protein Flexibility in Structure-Based Drug Discovery: Using HIV-1 Protease as a Test Case

We have developed a receptor-based pharmacophore method which utilizes a collection of protein structures to account for inherent protein flexibility in structure-based drug design. Several procedures were systematically evaluated to derive the most general protocol for using multiple protein structures. Most notably, incorporating more protein flexibility improved the performance of the method. The pharmacophore models successfully discriminate known inhibitors from drug-like non-inhibitors. Furthermore, the models correctly identify the bound conformations of some ligands. We used unliganded HIV-1 protease to develop and validate this method. Drug design is always initiated with a protein−ligand structure, and such success with unbound protein structures is remarkable particularly in the case of HIV-1 protease, which has a large conformational change upon binding. This technique holds the promise of successful computer-based drug design before bound crystal structures are even discovered, which can mea...
AIDS in Namibia.

The purpose of this article is to examine the AIDS epidemic in Namibia, a country for which little data currently exists. An examination of published and unpublished literature about the historical, socioeconomic and health factors as well as an analysis of updated data from other sub Saharan countries presented at the IXth International Conference on AIDS in Berlin may shed light on the pandemic as it relates to Namibia. Despite inadequate data, it is clear that the AIDS epidemic has already reached Namibia, though the country has not been afflicted as severely as some of its neighbors. Because of 75 years of apartheid, the new government is faced with a formidable array of problems, both in health care and in the economic domain. The strategies being adopted to confront the AIDS epidemic will take years to evolve, a period of time the nation can ill-afford if it is to wrest control over a virus that is relentlessly spreading into susceptible populations.
Pharmacotherapy of impulsive aggression: a quality comparison of controlled studies.

article i nfo Available online 30 April 2013 The present study assessed the quality of pharmacotherapy trials to treat impulsive aggressive behavior. While a search of the literature found 55 peer-reviewed published studies on the pharmacotherapy of aggression, only 23 met criteria for inclusion in the quality analysis. To be included in this review, the study must have had at least one comparison group to control for placebo effects. The study must have also adequately defined and diag- nosed the presence of impulsive aggression or intermittent explosive disorder. The primary reason studies were excluded from the quality analysis was that impulsive aggression was not specifically defined as the behavior being treated (25 of 32, 78%). The results of the quality analysis found that higher quality studies (n =1 0; 45%) were characterized by a clear definition of impulsive aggression; specific criteria for what constitutes an impulsive aggressive act; the exclusion of participants with neurological disorders, serious mental disorders, and/or low IQ; and information concerning the serum levels ofthe medication being investigated. A significant weakness found in the literature is the paucity of high quality studies accessing the efficacy of pharmacological agents other than an- ticonvulsants for the treatment of impulsive aggression.
MACROPHAGE FUNCTION IN NEONATAL PROTEIN CALORIE MALNUTRITION IN RATS

Abnormalities in phagocyte function occur in protein calorie malnutrition (PCM). We have compared in vitro random motility (RM), chemotactic response (CR) to the synthetic oligopeptide N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), and bactericidal activity (BA) in vitro using type Ic group B streptococcus (GBS) in a rat model of PCM. Pregnant Wistar rats at 14 days gestation received either a normal (23.4% protein), or low (2.5% protein) diet until delivery (day 21) and during the subsequent 21 day period of lactation. Control and low protein pups were studied on day 21. Alveolar Macrophages (AM) were prepared by lavage and peritoneal macrophages (PM) were harvested 48 hours following installation of 1% glycogen in 0.85% NaCL (5cc/100 gms). RM and CR were measured in nucleopore chambers. BA was studied using GBS and 10% human serum at 60 and 120 minutes. RM of human neutrophils (87%) was greater than adult rat (47%) or pup (19%) PM, and adult rat (15%) or pup (8%) AM. Malnutrition did not affect RM. Similarly, CR for PM was not affected by malnutrition. AM demonstrated little CR to fMLP. BA of rat pups was similar for AM and PM at 120 min. (42% killing), whereas in PCM, AM and PM showed diminished BA (22-27%) at 120 min. Impaired host defense in neonatal PCM may be related to blunted microbicidal activity.
Systematics of Neotropical gastropod-eating snakes: the dimidiata group of the genus Sibon, with comments on the nebulata group

Sibon dimidiata and S. sanniola comprise the dimidiata group of Sibon, and S. nebulata and S. dunni the nebulata group. The species within each group are more closely related to each other than to any other species of Sibon. S. annulata, S. argus and S. longifrenis are placed in the synonymy of S. dimidiata, with no basis for recognition of the nominal subspecies S. dimidiata grandoculis. S. sanniola has two subspecies, the nominate form and S. sanniola neilli. The dimidiata group is distinguished by the shared characteristics of: (1) non-cylindrical body (laterally compressed or bread-loaf shape in cross section); (2) head distinctly wider than neck; (3) protruding eyes of large diameter; (4) vertebral and paravertebral scales not or only scarcely wider than other dorsals; (5) 11-20 maxillary teeth; (6) 20-27 dentary teeth; and (7) 1 or 2 postmental scales. The nebulata group is distinguished by the shared characteristics of: (1) laterally compressed body; (2) head distinctly wider than neck; (3) vertebral scales 1 1/4 -1 1/2 times wider than other dorsals; (4) about 12-17 maxillary teeth; (5) about 18-24 dentary teeth; and (6) absence of a postmental scale.
Strontium isotope geochemistry of megacrysts and host basalts from southeastern Australia

Abstract Strontium isotopic data for megacrysts and lavas from six eruptive centers within the Newer Basalts province of southeastern Australia show that megacrysts of clinopyroxene are in isotopic equilibrium with associated basalts, but that megacrysts of kaersutite, ferrokaersutite, orthopyroxene and anorthoclase may exhibit slight disequilibrium with their host basalts. Furthermore, the anorthoclase megacrysts may be either more or less radiogenic than their hosts. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios for 14 basalts from throughout the province vary from 0.7035 to 0.7045 and it is proposed that anorthoclase, amphibole and orthopyroxene megacrysts which crystallized in isotopic equilibrium with one magma may have been caught up in a pulse of a later magma of a different isotopic composition. The variations in the 87Sr/86Sr ratios for the basalts are attributed to variations in the isotopic composition of their source regions. Such isotopic heterogeneity is supported by published data for ultramafic xenoliths which occur in the Newer Basalts lavas.
Neurological dimensions of psychiatry.

In recent years clinical psychiatrists have rapidly incorporated a variety of new clinical research findings into their practice. The adoption of the distinctly different diagnostic approach embodied in DSM-IH (APA 1980) came very quickly after the initial publication of the Research Diagnostic Criteria (Feighner 1972; Spitzer et al. 1975). The widespread clinical use of carbamazepine in affective disorders lagged behind the initial research publications suggesting its use by only a few years. By contrast, the clinical appreciation of the appropriate role of neurological evaluations of psychiatric patients is an area in which practice appears to have lagged far behind the research findings. Over the past 20 years, research studies of hospitalized patients with primary psychiatric diagnoses have pointed to a high incidence of (1) neurological soft signs (Hertzig and Birch 1966; Rocheford et al. 1970; Tucker et al. 1975), (2) cognitive impairments (Tucker et al. 1975), (3) EEG abnormalities (Rocheford et al. 1970; Tucker et al. 1965), and (4) ventricular enlargement in schizophrenic patients (Johnstone et al. 1976; Weinberger et al. 1979). Reports of findings of similar abnormalities in major affective disorders have recently appeared (Cox and Ludwig, 1979; Nasrallah et al. 1983). Perhaps more significantly, the ventricular abnormalities also appear to be of prognostic significance in schizophrenic patients (Andreasen and Olsen 1982). Clinical psychiatric practice, however, has continued to emphasize a quite different role for neurology in psychiatry: the screening of psychiatric patients for the presence of an unsuspected neurological disease. One might call this approach the Gershwin strategy, as it is designed to prevent repetitions of misdiagnosis such as occurred with the famous composer, who underwent many years of psychotherapy that was in part directed toward symptoms ultimately found to be caused by a brain tumor. This strategy still dominates the clinical approach to psychiatric patients used by many neurologists as well as psychiatrists. Since (with the possible exception of partial complex seizures) one only occasionally finds such erroneous diagnoses in hospitalized psychiatric patients seen in medically sophisticated metropolitan areas, neurological evaluation of psychiatric patients tends to be seen by some as primarily a form of defensive medicine that is motivated largely by medicolegal considerations. The research findings, however, which demonstrate a high incidence of abnormal neurological findings in patients having valid primary psychiatric diagnoses, would suggest that there is a central and intrinsic neurological dimension to psychiatry. The difference is illustrated by the results of a recent retrospective survey of 270 consecutive admissions to the McLean Hospital.
Reasons for Comprehensive Examinations: A Re-Evaluation.

(1984). Reasons for Comprehensive Examinations: A Re-evaluation. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 78-82.
Microscopic Observation of Ustilago maydis Mating Interactions

Abstract Snetselaar, K. M. 1993. Microscopic observation of Ustilago maydis mating interactions. Experimental Mycology 17, 345-355. Ustilago maydis sporidia grown in liquid medium were concentrated by centrifugation, resuspended in sterile water, and incubated as drop cultures in petri dishes. Haploid and diploid strains with various combinations of mating-type alleles were incubated individually and in mixed cultures for up to 12 h, during which time sporidia were observed and compared with DIC and epifluorescence optics. When paired haploid strains carried unlike a alleles, sporidia formed mating hyphae and conjugated regardless of the b alleles they carded. If the strains also carded unlike b alleles, mating was followed by formation of rapidly growing dikaryotic hyphae. If sporidia with unlike a alleles and identical b alleles were incubated together, multiple fusions were common, and the few hyphae that formed grew slowly and were often multinucleate. When unlike a and disrupted b alleles were involved, more multiple fusions and fewer emergent hyphae resulted. When a diploid strain with compatible alleles at both loci was incubated alone, sporidia formed straight uninucleate hyphae without mating. A diploid strain that was isogenic except for a disrupted b 1 locus mated indiscriminately, but straight, dikaryotic hyphae formed only when the mating partner carried an intact b 1 allele. These results demonstrated that although the plate-mating assays in common use detect the vigorous filamentous growth associated with pathogenicity, they do not detect all kinds of filaments, nor do they assay mating per se. The correlation of mating cessation with the presence of compatible b alleles in a common cytoplasm implicates the active b product in negative regulation of mating-specific genes. The methods described here could be used to further define the roles of the a and b gene products in controlling mating behavior and subsequent development.
Identification of special education students with mental retardation: Correlates of state child-count data

The number of children identified as mentally retarded by the special education system in the United States has declined dramatically over the past 15 years. Hypotheses regarding this decline have generally focused on changes in state definitions and social factors related to the stigma of the mental retardation classification. In the present study, we investigated differences in state definitions of mental retardation as well as demographic and economic variables as predictors of states' MR identification rates. Definition variables failed to relate significantly to identification rates while several race and per capita expenditure variables were significant predictors. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of investigating demographic and economic variables in understanding the variation in state MR identification rates.
Protein σ1 is the reovirus cell attachment protein

Abstract The minor outer capsid shell component σ1 is the reovirus cell attachment protein because (a) IgGs directed against σ1 prevent reovirus particle adsorption, (b) free protein σ1 present in lysates of infected cells is capable of adsorbing to cells, and (c) σ1 competes with reovirus particles for cell surface receptors. Competition experiments indicate that reovirus particles of all three serotypes attach to the same cell surface receptor. It is also shown that σ1 is located on the surface of reovirus particles in close juxtaposition to λ2, the major, if not the only, component of the 12 icosahedrally distributed reovirus core projections or spikes, which penetrate through the outer capsid shell to the reovirus particle surface.
What’s Behind the Increasing Rates of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California?

The number of cases of symptomatic coccidioidomycosis reported in the endemic regions of California and Arizona has increased over the past two decades. In California, the southern San Joaquin Valley has seen a dramatic increase, with rates of symptomatic illness of more than 150 per 100,000 of population in Kern County. In Arizona, almost 5,000 cases are now reported yearly. In contrast to California, the coccidioidal endemic region in Arizona is also the most populous region of the state, and Arizona now accounts for 60% of all cases reported in the United States. Reasons for these increases appear to be multifactorial. Possible etiologies include climate change, changes in local exposure, an increase in the number of individuals susceptible to infection living in the endemic region, and increased testing and reporting. None of these factors are mutually exclusive and none has been clearly established as the etiology for the increase.
Behavioural reactions of desert bighorn sheep to avian scavengers

I report previously undocumented encounters between avian scavengers and desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). These encounters are of interest because they occurred only during the nursery season when lamb mortality was high. Desert bighorn sheep responded to the presence of avian scavengers with typical anti-predator behaviours, which may indicate that avian scavengers are potential predators or that desert bighorn sheep are unable to distinguish between avian scavengers and avian predators.
A new perspective on the international social regulation of business: An evaluation of the compliance status of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

Abstract This article uses the case of breast-milk substitutes to study the nature and effectiveness of international regulation of business. The findings are dispappointing. An international code adopted by the World Health Organization is found to have had little impact on the signatory nations.
Specialization of astrocytic membrane at glia limitans in rat optic nerve: Freeze-fracture observations

The ultrastructure of astrocytic foot processes at the glia limitans in rat optic nerve was studied by freeze-fracture. Two classes of astrocytic end-foot processes were observed. Most astrocytic foot processes in this region show a high density of orthogonal arrays of P-face particles (assemblies) that are randomly oriented. However, astrocytic foot processes with highly organized columns of assemblies are also observed. These columns are 1-4 assemblies wide (approximately 0.1 micron), with the center-to-center distance between the columns being relatively constant (approximately 0.17 micron). Columns of at least 4 micron length have been observed. The regional specialization of the astrocyte membrane and the differentiation of subpial astrocytes into two structural classes may have important functional implications.
The Spaces of Graduate Student Labor: The Times for a New Union

This paper offers a critical analysis of how pressures to “corporatize” universities are affecting graduate student employees and public higher education in the United States. The argument is that the corporatization of universities is a not a new phenomenon, but is occurring in a very different political, economic, and technological context than in previousdecades. After addressing the definition of corporatization with regard to universities in general and those in the state of Washington in particular, the paper discusses the author's perceptions of the activities and spaces of universities and how the university and the people who work there are connected to larger economic processes and power relations. The paper provides the author's perspective on the current situation of graduate student employees in relation to processes of corporatization, and focuses on the ambiguities of the double identity of graduate student employees and how this relates to current struggles to form graduate student employee unions. The paper considers ways that graduate student employee unions reflect a desire to change the ways that “business” is conducted on university campuses, and could work to build coalitions across employee divides. The paper concludes by outlining some thoughts on the role of academics in addressing pressures to corporatize higher education and suggesting possible ideas for action in the struggle to keep public universities open and democratic.