cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of mitochondrially-determined resistance to chloramphenicol and paromomycin by nuclear genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Phenotypic “revertants” of a drug resistant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were induced by mutgenesis with manganese. Several of these drug sensitive mutants have been shown to result from mutations in the nuclear genome that cause phenotypic modification (suppression) of the mitochondrially-determined drug resistant genotype.
Monitoring of Serum Haloperidol

Haloperidol (Haldol) is a member of the butyrophenone class of neuroleptic drugs used in the treatment of patients with psychotic disorders (for example, schizophrenia). It is also used to control the tics and verbal utterances associated with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome and to manage intensely hyperexcitable children whose condition does not respond to other treatment modalities. Often, its use is associated with severe toxic side effects, the most serious of which are tardive dyskinesia (which can be irreversible), extrapyramidal reactions with Parkinson-like symptoms, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Less serious side effects can include hypotension, anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention), and sedation, but these effects occur less frequently than with phenothiazine therapy. Although the mechanism of action of haloperidol has not been completely elucidated, its pharmacodynamic activity seems to be related, in part, to its ability to function as a dopamine-receptor antagonist in the central nervous system. Specifically, its effects are thought to be related to the blockage of dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia and limbic regions of the brain.1 Pharmacokinetics.—Substantial interindividual variability is observed in the systemic disposition of haloperidol. Haloperidol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but first-pass hepatic metabolism decreases oral bioavailability to 40 to 75%. Serum concentrations peak in 0.5 to 4 hours after an oral dose. The apparent volume of distribution of 11 to 25 L/kg is consistent with the high degree of lipophilicity of the drug and indicates extensive extravascular localization at steady state. Haloperidol circulates in blood predominantly (90 to 94%) bound to plasma proteins. Renal excretion of the parent drug is negligible, and clearance occurs almost exclusively by hepatic metabolism. Unlike the phenothiazines that produce an array of active metabolites, only one active metabolite of haloperidol has been identified to date. This metabolite, reduced haloperidol, is produced by hydroxylation of haloperidol and retains only approximately 10% of the pharmacologie activity of the parent drug. In patients with normal liver function,
Wrinkle cellomics: Screening bladder cancer cells using an ultra-thin silicone membrane

We report a visualization platform, comprised of an ultra-thin silicone membrane, to differentiate between the biophysical properties of cancerous and non-cancerous cells from human patients. Cancerous cells adhere to, spread on, and induce deformation of this membrane to produce wrinkles while non-cancerous cells fail to generate wrinkles. Wrinkle patterns - number, length, and direction of wrinkles - can be visualized by a conventional microscopy. Quantitative measurement of these wrinkling patterns represent a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool for prevalent cancers, such as bladder cancer.
Large-scale structure evolution in supersonic interacting shear layers

An experimental investigation is made of the evolution of the large-scale structures in a flow consisting of two planar turbulent shear layers formed by a Mach-3 planar jet bounded by a Mach-5 freestream. The flow is characterized by two planar shear layers at a convective Mach number of 0.28 that are independent in the near field but that interact farther downstream. Measurements were made using fast-response hot-wire probes and planar laser scattering from a condensed alcohol fog. The hot-wire data were used to calculate power spectra and cross correlations from which large-scale-structure length scales and orientation were inferred. The images reveal roller-like structures, but they do not appear as dominant or as coherent compared with low-Mach-number shear layers at a similar Reynolds number. The hot-wire data confirm the relatively unorganized and three-dimensional nature of the independent shear layers. In the far field, the visualizations reveal that the shear layers interact to form a more organized structure, similar to vortex shedding in incompressible turhulent wakes. These organized structures result in a distinct peak in the power spectrum and larger spanwise coherence lengths than for the independent shear layer.
The Family Assessment Wheel: A Social Constructionist Perspective:

The family assessment wheel is a practical diagrammatic tool for use in therapy. Consistent with social constructionism, it suggests areas for inquiry. It stresses process as well as content, emphasizes family understanding and participation, and converts data gathering into an empowering process of discovery. The tool acknowledges the importance of the family's view of their experience within the context of their culture and community.
Matrix Representation of Finite Fields

Abstract : Finite fields (also called Galois Fields) have been studied since their introduction by Evariste Galois in 1832 and the publication of his work in 1846. In the last few decades, finite fields have become important to information theory, coding theory, and cryptography. This report presents a simple method for representing a finite field in terms of powers of a single matrix over the integers modulo the characteristic of the field. The addition and multiplication in the field are immediately obtained as the results of ordinary matrix addition and multiplication. This representation called the canonical cyclic representation, makes it easy to understand the field structure and to carry out computations in the field.
Association of acetylcholine receptors with peripheral membrane proteins: evidence from antibody-induced coaggregation

Acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are associated with several peripheral membrane proteins that are concentrated on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane at the neuromuscular junction, and at aggregates of AChR that form in vitro. We tested the linkage among these proteins by inducing microaggregation of AChR, then determining if a given peripheral membrane protein accumulated with the receptors in microaggregates. In most experiments, we used isolated membrane fragments that are rich in AChR and accessible to antibodies against intracellular antigens. We showed that the 43 kD receptor-associated protein always aggregated with AChR, whether microaggregation was driven by antibodies to the 43 kD protein, or to the receptor itself. Antibodies to the 58 kD receptor-associated protein also always aggregated the 58 kD protein with the receptor. Our results are consistent with a model for AChR-rich membrane in which the 43 kD and 58 kD proteins are both closely associated with the AChR. When we induced microaggregation in intact muscle cells with anti-AChR antibodies, our results were less definitive. The 43 kD receptor-associated protein microaggregated with AChR, but the 58 kD protein was not especially enriched at AChR microaggregates. We discuss the advantages of using isolated AChR-rich membrane fragments to study the association of AChR with peripheral membrane proteins.
CHANGING ADOLESCENT 4‐H CLUB MEMBERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD THE AGED

Thisstudy focused upon the question of whether adolescent 4‐H Club members’ attitudes toward the aged can be changed through participation in specially designed educational experiences. Three types of experiences were provided, i.e. (1) a series of six 1#fr1/2>‐hr seminars dealing with the problems and satisfactions of aging, (2) in‐depth interviews with older adults over a period of 6 weeks, and (3) a combination of the seminar series and the in‐depth interviews. Significant positive changes in attitudes occurred within each of the experimental groups from pretest to posttest. There was no significant change in attitude in the control group. There was no significant difference in attitude change between the various experimental groups. It was concluded that the three techniques tested would be equally effective in changing adolescent 4‐H Club members’ attitudes toward the aged. Implications for other organizations and institutions are suggested.
Separation and detection of peroxynitrite using microchip electrophoresis with amperometric detection.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a highly reactive species implicated in the pathology of several cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. It is generated in vivo by the diffusion-limited reaction of nitric oxide (NO•) and superoxide anion (•O2−) and is known to be produced during periods of inflammation. Detection of ONOO− is made difficult by its short half-life under physiological conditions (∼1 s). Here we report a method for the separation and detection of ONOO− from other electroactive species utilizing a microchip electrophoresis device incorporating an amperometric detection scheme. Microchip electrophoresis permits shorter separation times (∼25 s for ONOO−) and higher temporal resolution than conventional capillary electrophoresis (several minutes). This faster analysis allows ONOO− to be detected before substantial degradation occurs, and the increased temporal resolution permits more accurate tracking of dynamic changes in chemical systems.
Learning from fish: Kinematics and experimental hydrodynamics for roboticists

Over the past 20 years, experimental analyses of the biomechanics of locomotion in fishes have generated a number of key findings that are relevant to the construction of biomimetic fish robots. In this paper, we present 16 results from recent experimental research on the mechanics, kinematics, fluid dynamics, and control of fish locomotion that summarize recent work on fish biomechanics. The findings and principles that have emerged from biomechanical studies of fish locomotion provide important insights into the functional design of fishes and suggest specific design features relevant to construction of robotic fish-inspired vehicles that underlie the high locomotor performance exhibited by fishes.
The Effect of Uninephrectomy on Mineral Metabolism in Normal Human Kidney Donors

A longitudinal prospective study of 17 normal human kidney donors before and after uninephrectomy revealed changes in mineral metabolism during compensation for loss of renal mass. Increases in carboxy terminal parathyroid hormone (PTH) and urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) occurred at 1 week and persisted for up to 3 years after surgery. 1,25(OH)2D levels fell from 26.5 ± 2.0 to 18.6-± 1.7 pglmL (P
Dominant role of molybdenum in the electrochemical deposition of biological macromolecules on metallic surfaces.

The corrosion of CoCrMo, an alloy frequently used in orthopedic implants, was studied with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in three physiologically relevant solutions. Mass changes were measured during potentiodynamic tests, showing material deposition in protein solutions at potential levels that caused mass loss when the proteins were not present. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicated that the deposited material was primarily organic and therefore was most likely derived from proteins in the electrolyte. Material deposition consistently occurred at a critical potential and was not dependent on the current density or total charge released into solution. Corrosion studies on pure Co, Cr, and Mo in protein solutions found material deposition only on Mo. We hypothesize that organic deposition results from the interaction of Mo(VI) with proteins in the surrounding solution. The organic layer is reminiscent of tribochemical reaction layers that form on the surface of CoCrM...
Simultaneous malone antegrade continent enema and mitrofanoff principle using the divided appendix: Report of a new technique for prevention of stoma complications

Purpose: We determine the results and complications of continent urinary diversion and simultaneous Malone antegrade continent enema (MACE) and the Mitrofanoff principle using the divided appendix, and report on the VQQ and VQ technique for prevention of complications at the stoma level.Materials and Methods: Between June 1995 and June 1999, 40 patients 4 to 22 years old (mean age 9.5) underwent Mitrofanoff procedures in conjunction with the MACE and augmentation cystoplasty as primary (5) or salvage (35) therapy. Of the patients 35 had neuropathic bladder, and 5 had bladder and bowel dysfunction without detectable neurological abnormalities. All patients had an antireflux Mitrofanoff channel constructed using distal part of the appendix with its divided mesothelium. The proximal half of the appendix was preserved as a modified MACE. Average length of appendix was 10.3 cm. (range 9 to 15) and no correlation was found between the length of appendix and age of child. The stoma construction was performed as ...
Teachers' Biases Toward Creative Children

Teachers' attitudes toward creative children were investigated by having them respond to 4 profiles of fictitious students: a high-creative boy, a high-creative girl, a low-creative boy, and a low-creative girl. Based on these profiles, 144 teachers and 133 college undergraduates predicted how likely each child was to engage in creative and disruptive classroom behaviors. Results showed that teachers were significantly more likely than college undergraduates to rate creative children as more disruptive than average children. Significant results also indicated a tendency for teachers as well as college students to rate low-creative girls as more creative than low-creative boys. This suggests that teachers perceive and identify creativity differently in boys and girls.
Plasma estrogen in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

Total plasma estrogens were determined by gas liquid chromatography in 53 patients most of whom were more than 40-years-old who had vaginal bleeding. Patients with endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma had significantly (p less than .01) higher levels of total estrogens than controls. There was also a singificant (p less than .001) correlation between plasma estrogen levels and obesity in subjects with endometrial carcinoma. The results demonstrate a significant association between hyperestrogenism and obesity in cases of endometrial carcinoma.
Autism in Several Members of a Family With Generalized Epilepsy With Febrile Seizures Plus

The neurobiologic basis for autism is not well understood. In contrast, there have been several recent discoveries into the genetics of generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, a group of epilepsy syndromes characterized by multiple seizure phenotypes. Here we describe a family with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and variably expressed autism spectrum disorder that does not show linkage to any of the four known generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus loci. A relationship between these two disorders has not previously been described.
Hydraulic Experiments on Impact Forces from Tsunami-Driven Debris

AbstractImpact on a column by an idealized 1:5-scale shipping container propelled by tsunami flow was modeled in a large-scale wave flume. Results from hydraulic experiments were compared with corresponding data from in-air impact experiments using the same experimental configuration to assess the hydrodynamic effects on impact force and duration. Experiments were conducted by varying flow conditions, velocity, and nonstructural mass. An aluminum specimen was tested empty and with the addition of nonstructural mass to simulate partially loaded shipping containers. The measured peak impact forces from the longitudinal test in water were observed to have an increase no greater than 17% of the corresponding measured peak impact forces from the longitudinal test in air. The impact duration measured from the in-air test provided a lower bound for the impact duration measured for the in-water tests. Hydraulic effects were shown to increase the impact duration by an average of 20%. The additional nonstructural m...
A combined solubility product/new PHACOMP approach for estimating temperatures of secondary solidification reactions in superalloy weld metals containing Nb and C

Solubility data are combined with the new PHACOMP calculation procedure and solute redistribution equations to propose a simple method for estimating temperatures of the secondary solidification reactions that occur in superalloy weld metals. The variation in the primary solid composition with temperature is calculated with the Scheil equation for substitutional elements, while the lever law is used for C. The calculated compositions are used to determine the temperature-dependent variation in the solubility parameter and the metal d-level parameter, which is used in the new PHACOMP routine. The solubility parameter and metal d-level profiles are compared to temperature-dependent critical values to predict temperatures of secondary solidification transformations involving carbides and topologically close-packed phases such as Laves. The general approach is applied to experimental Ni-base and Fe-base alloys containing systematic variations in Nb, Si, and C. The procedure correctly predicts formation of the NbC phase prior to the Laves phase and reveals the effect of nominal alloy content on reaction temperature. Calculated reaction temperatures are in reasonable agreement with experimentally measured values, particularly when considering the relatively large range of material constants that are needed to make the calculations.
Stability analysis in dynamic social networks

In this paper, we address the problem that how could the decentralized local interactions of autonomous agents generate social norms. Different from the existing work in this area, we focus on dynamic social networks that agents can freely change their connections based on their individual interests. We propose a new social norm rule called Highest Weighted Neighborhood (HWN) that agents can dynamically choose their neighbors to maximize their own utility through all previous interactions between the agents and these neighbors. Comparing with the traditional models that networks usually are static or agents choose their neighbors randomly, our model is able to handle dynamic interactions between rational selfish agents. We prove that in the 2-action pure coordination games, our system will stabilize in a clustering state and at that time all relationships in the network are rewarded the optimal payoff. Our preliminary experiments verify the theory.
Party Polarization and the Rise of Partisan Voting in U.S. House Elections

Most explanations for the increased effect of partisanship on voting for the U.S. House focus on the polarization of parties at the elite levels of politics. It remains unclear, however, just how the two phenomena are connected. In this study, we find that partisans near the extreme of their respective party's prevailing ideology have largely been responsible for the change in voting behavior, because it is these voters who have experienced the greatest increase in relative ideological closeness to the party at the same time that the ideological component of party identification has become a more powerful determinant of electoral choice. There is little support, however, for the idea that partisan realignment by moderately liberal Republicans and moderately conservative Democrats in response to perceptions of growing divergence between the parties has been the mechanism behind elevated party-based voting.
A View from the Bottom: Former Welfare Recipients Evaluate the System

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine former welfare recipients' perspectives of the system in which they participated. This research utilizes open-ended responses from a 1999 comprehensive, representative statewide survey of 962 West Virginia TANF recipients to document the conceptual themes that emerge in former welfare recipients' suggestions for changing the current system. The results indicate that while there are common themes (i.e., policy delivery and design) in former recipients' critiques of the welfare system, these individuals are not uniform in their assessments of this program. This research reaffirms the importance of including historically marginalized voices in policy debates regarding policy construction and evaluation.
Prolonged acute exposure to 0.16 ppm ozone induces eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects with allergies.

Abstract Background: Increased ambient ozone levels have been associated with increased asthma morbidity in epidemiologic studies. Given that asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and increased sensitivity to airway irritants, it has been suggested that asthmatic subjects may be particularly sensitive to the effect of ozone. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure to 0.16 ppm ozone induces eosinophilic inflammation in the lower airways of asthmatic subjects. Methods: Eight asthmatic subjects sensitive to mites were exposed to 0.16 ppm ozone and clean air on separate occasions no less than 4 weeks apart in a double-blind, randomized fashion followed by bronchoscopy 18 hours later. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial lavage fluid were examined for eosinophils. Results: Ozone induced significant increases in airway eosinophils, especially in bronchial lavage fluid. Conclusions: Ozone exposure results in increased eosinophilic inflammation in the lower airways of asthmatic subjects with allergies. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:802-8.)
Pediatricians' Perspectives on Indoor Tanning

This report presents results from an online survey of New York State pediatricians regarding their counseling habits and attitudes toward indoor tanning among adolescents, as well as their awareness of current legislation that restricts youth access to tanning beds.
Advanced launch system Component Test Facility

Upgrading of existing test facilities required for development of liquid fuel rocket engines for advanced launch systems is discussed. The Component Test Facility (CTF) for testing generators and turbopumps assemblies of the future engine is presented with emphasis on design criteria, design, test frequency, test duration, safety, and operational issues of the cryogenic propellant and high-pressure gas systems. Attention is also given to methods of controlling propellant temperatures and flows to the test components; pressurization of propellants accomplished with high-pressure hydrogen and nitrogen gases; and use of high-pressure pumps and vaporizers, which convert liquid nitrogen and hydrogen to gases at pressures up to 15,000 psig.
Modelling Vesicular Release at Hippocampal Synapses

We study local calcium dynamics leading to a vesicle fusion in a stochastic, and spatially explicit, biophysical model of the CA3-CA1 presynaptic bouton. The kinetic model for vesicle release has two calcium sensors, a sensor for fast synchronous release that lasts a few tens of milliseconds and a separate sensor for slow asynchronous release that lasts a few hundred milliseconds. A wide range of data can be accounted for consistently only when a refractory period lasting a few milliseconds between releases is included. The inclusion of a second sensor for asynchronous release with a slow unbinding site, and thereby a long memory, affects short-term plasticity by facilitating release. Our simulations also reveal a third time scale of vesicle release that is correlated with the stimulus and is distinct from the fast and the slow releases. In these detailed Monte Carlo simulations all three time scales of vesicle release are insensitive to the spatial details of the synaptic ultrastructure. Furthermore, our simulations allow us to identify features of synaptic transmission that are universal and those that are modulated by structure.
Listener effort for highly intelligible tracheoesophageal speech.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether: (a) inexperienced listeners can reliably judge listener effort and (b) whether listener effort provides unique information beyond speech intelligibility or acceptability in tracheoesophageal speech. Twenty inexperienced listeners made judgments of speech acceptability and amount of effort required to listen to 14 male tracheoesophageal speakers using a paired comparison paradigm. Intelligibility was controlled to limit the analysis to the relationship between ratings of listener effort and speech acceptability. Results showed that as a group, inexperienced listeners reliably rated both speech acceptability and listener effort. In addition, ratings of speech acceptability and listener effort were strongly correlated ( r > .99); however, there was evidence that some individual listeners assigned different ratings for each dimension for the same speech samples. Results have important implications for communication success for tracheoesophageal speakers. Learning outcomes: Readers will be able to describe: (a) the measurement of listener burden in speech and (b) the differences and relationships among listener effort, speech acceptability and speech intelligibility.
Online safety begins with you and me

We explore ways to encourage individuals to follow online safety practices.We test effects of persuasive messaging strategies versus vicarious experience.Importance of tailoring safety strategies to efficacy/experience levels shown. Serious and pervasive threats confront all Internet users. Despite frequent reports of losses due to computer security breaches, many individuals still do not follow basic safety precautions. Understanding the mental processes that motivate users to follow safe practices is key to strengthening this weak link in the security chain. Using protection motivation theory (PMT), a model within the class of social cognitive theories (SCT), we develop and assess the value of interventions strategies to enhance safe online behaviors. Furthermore, we integrate the concept of personal responsibility within the PMT approach to better understand what motivates safe, online behaviors. The online safety interventions were tested using a 2 (intervention strategy: manipulated)i?2 (personal responsibility: manipulated)i?2 (knowledge: measured and blocked), between subjects with random assignment to experimental conditions and online safety behavior intentions as the targeted outcome. Based on SCT principles of behavior change, two intervention strategies were developed, one that semantically explained behaviors, and one that offered the user an enactive mastery exercise. The sample was cross-sectional and representative of Internet users. Results showed a significant three-way interaction effect among personal responsibility, the intervention strategy and prior knowledge. Enhancing a user's sense of personal responsibility appears to be a necessary precursor to effective online safety interventions, but not necessarily sufficient; the intervention strategy should match the knowledge level of the user to enhance online safety behaviors. Potential strategies for designing effective online safety messages are discussed.
Ethical ideology and moral persuasion: personal moral philosophy, gender, and judgments of pro- and anti-animal research propaganda.

We examined the relationship between personal moral philosophy, gender, and judgments of the effectiveness of materials designed by advocacy groups to sway public opinion about biomedical research using nonhuman animals. Twenty-six male and 74 female undergraduates evaluated 16 advertisements or brochures developed by groups which either supported or opposed animal research. The subjects also completed the Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ) and were offered the opportunity to sign postcards urging their congressperson to either support or eliminate federal funding of animal research. Females perceived the anti-animal research materials to be more effective than did the males, a difference that was not found in the case of the pro-animal research materials. The idealism dimension of the EPQ and gender accounted for a significant portion of the variation in judgments of the effectiveness of the anti-animal research materials but not the pro-animal research materials. The pattern of postcard signing was predicted by the subjects' evaluations of the stimulus materials but not gender or the EPQ variables.
Disentangling the effects of exposure and susceptibility on transmission of the zoonotic parasite Schistosoma mansoni.

Summary1. For all parasites, transmission is composed of two processes: host contact with parasites(‘exposure’) and risk of infection given such contact (‘susceptibility’). Classic models, such asmass action (density-dependent) transmission, lump these processes together.2. However, separating these processes could enhance predictions for disease dynamics, espe-cially for free-living parasites. Here, we outline three transmission models that partition expo-sure and susceptibility.3. Using data from a study of Schistosoma mansoni (trematode) infections in Biomphalariaglabrata snails, we competed these three models against four alternative models, including themass action model (which lumps exposure and susceptibility).4. The models that separately accounted for exposure and susceptibility best predicted preva-lence across the density gradients of hosts and parasites, outperforming all other modelsbased on Akaike information criterion. When embedded into a dynamic epidemiologicalmodel, the exposure-explicit models all predicted lower equilibrium densities of infected snailsand human-infectious cercariae.5. Thus, population-level epidemiological models that utilize the classic mass action transmis-sion model might overestimate human risk of schistosomiasis. More generally, the presentedapproach for disentangling exposure and susceptibility can distinguish between behaviouraland immunological resistance, identify mechanisms of ‘disease dilution’ and provide a morecomplete dissection of drivers of parasite transmission.Key-words: epidemiology, exposure, Schistosoma, susceptibility, transmissionIntroduction
The relations between maternal behaviors and urban preschool children's internal working models of attachment security

Quatre-vingt-treize femmes afro-americaines a faible revenu, enceintes pendant leur adolescence, et leurs enfants d'âge preescolaire ont ete interviewes a domicile. Les meres ont respondu a un questionnaire portant sur leur stress quotidien et leur sentiment de depression. Les enfants ont ete evalues sur leurs capacites de receptivite lexicale, puis filmes en video pendant qu'ils completaient cinq histoires dont le theme portait sur des experiences d'attachement a la mere et notes sur la secuurite de leur attachement. Les meres et les enfants et de leurs capacites de receptivite lexicale, la sensibilite des meres laissait prevoir le niveau de securite d'attachement de leurs enfants de facon significative. La discussion porte sur l'association positive entre la sensibilite maternelle et la securite d'attachement des enfants, ainsi que sur les forces et faiblesses de l'administration du test d'Attachment Story-Completion Task au domicile de cete poopulation. Les consequences de l'evaluation de l'attachement a domicile sont examinees.
In vitro metabolism of C19 steroids in human endometrium.

In order to quantitate the extent of intracellular metabolic conversions of C19 steroids in human endometrium, specimens of proliferative and secretory tissue were superfused at a constant rate with several pairs of labeled compounds at low concentrations. About 16% of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate interacting with endometrial cells was converted to dehydroepiandrosterone and about 3% of this compound was converted to androstenedione. Androstenedione was reversibly reduced to testosterone and the extent of this conversion was shown to be several-fold higher in secretory than in proliferative tissue. About 1% of testosterone entering the cells was reduced to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. These results demonstrate that the conversion of the main circulating C19 steroids in women, i.e. dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and androstenedione, to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, the compound considered to be the true intracellular androgen, is very small. In contrast, formation of testosterone from androstenedione is extensive and increases during the luteal phase under the influence of progesterone, a hormone known to stimulate the activity of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human endometrium.
Barriers to the Nucleation of Methyl Groups on the Diamond (111) Surface

Questions about the mechanism of diamond film growth by low-pressure, plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition methods have persisted for some time now. As an attempt to explore one aspect of the problem, we examine the energetics of several adsorbed diamond (111) surfaces. The adsorbates are mixtures of methyl groups and hydrogen atoms. The model for these systems is the molecular orbital hamiltonian of Dewar and coworkers. From these calculations we find that H adsorbtion is preferred due both to bond energy and steric effects. Thus, nucleation of a cluster of three or more methyl groups, as assumed in earlier work, is energetically very demanding.
Use of Aquatic Plants and Algae for Decontamination of Waters Polluted with Chlorinated Alkanes

The transformation of carbon tetrachloride (CT) and hexachloroethane (HCA) by aquatic plants and freshwater algae was investigated. Stressed, axenic, and physiologically healthy freshwater plants a...
Satellite mapping of Baltic Sea Secchi depth with multiple regression models

Abstract Secchi depth is a measure of water transparency. In the Baltic Sea region, Secchi depth maps are used to assess eutrophication and as input for habitat models. Due to their spatial and temporal coverage, satellite data would be the most suitable data source for such maps. But the Baltic Sea’s optical properties are so different from the open ocean that globally calibrated standard models suffer from large errors. Regional predictive models that take the Baltic Sea’s special optical properties into account are thus needed. This paper tests how accurately generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) with MODIS/Aqua and auxiliary data as inputs can predict Secchi depth at a regional scale. It uses cross-validation to test the prediction accuracy of hundreds of GAMs and GLMs with up to 5 input variables. A GAM with 3 input variables (chlorophyll a, remote sensing reflectance at 678 nm, and long-term mean salinity) made the most accurate predictions. Tested against field observations not used for model selection and calibration, the best model’s mean absolute error (MAE) for daily predictions was 1.07 m (22%), more than 50% lower than for other publicly available Baltic Sea Secchi depth maps. The MAE for predicting monthly averages was 0.86 m (15%). Thus, the proposed model selection process was able to find a regional model with good prediction accuracy. It could be useful to find predictive models for environmental variables other than Secchi depth, using data from other satellite sensors, and for other regions where non-standard remote sensing models are needed for prediction and mapping. Annual and monthly mean Secchi depth maps for 2003–2012 come with this paper as Supplementary materials.
Quantitative Determination of Acetaminophen in Plasma

A simple method is described for the rapid quantitative analysis of acetaminophen in plasma. The acetaminophen and its conjugates present in the plasma following drug administration are hydrolyzed with 4 N HCl to p-aminophenol. This compound is coupled with 5% vanillin reagent to form a stable yellow color whose concentration is determined spectrophotometrically at 395 nm. Application of this method to a study of three dogs treated with 650 mg of acetaminophen is described.
The spatial distribution of diversity between disparate taxa: Spatial correspondence between mammals and ants across South Florida, USA

Gap Analysis takes a proactive landscape-level approach to conserving native species by identifying nodes of high biological diversity. It uses vertebrate species richness as an index of overall biological diversity. However, it remains unknown whether or not the spatial distribution of vertebrate diversity corresponds with the diversity of other taxa. We tested whether landscape-level diversity patterns corresponded between a vertebrate and an invertebrate taxon, mammals and ants, across the southern half of the Florida peninsula, USA. Composite digital maps with a 30-m spatial resolution were produced for each taxon. Spatial correspondence between the taxa was determined by normalizing and then subtracting the composite maps. There were large areas of spatial correspondence – indicating that richness between mammals and ants was similar over much of southern Florida. However, spatial correspondence occurred where the richness of both taxa was low or moderate, and areas with the highest species richness (highest 20%) for each taxon, the explicit focus of Gap Analyses, corresponded over only 8752 ha. Gap Analysis provides a much needed assessment of landscape-level diversity patterns and proactive reserve design, but it must be explicit that the results are applicable for vertebrate diversity, which does not necessarily correspond with diversity patterns of other taxa. The two taxa investigated differ by orders of magnitude in the scale that they perceive their environment, and it is likely that diversity hotspots vary as the scale of investigation – and the taxa mapped – vary.
It's The Premiums, Stupid: Projections Of The Uninsured Through 2013

ABSTRACT: Increases in the cost of health care from 1979 to 1999 accounted for the decline in health insurance coverage that occurred during that time period, as our earlier work demonstrated. Here...
Deoxygenation reactions of c19-diterpenoid alkaloids

Abstract Efficient methods for deoxygenation of secondary and tertiary alcohols of some C 19 -diterpenoid alkaloids are presented. Delphisine ( 12 ) was converted to 1-deoxydelphisine ( 19 ) via either 1,2-pyrodelphisine ( 17 ) or phenyl thionocarbonate 20 . The following alkaloids were deoxygenated via their thiocarbonylimidazolyl derivatives: 14-acetyldelcosine ( 13 ) to 14-acetyl-l-deoxydelcosine ( 22 ); alkaline hydrolysis of 22 gave 1-deoxydelcosine ( 23 ); aconitine ( 24 ) to 3-deoxyaconitine ( 27 ); yunaconitine ( 25 ) to crassicauline A ( 28 ). Deoxygenation of 14-acetyldictyocarpine ( 30 ) via the chloro-derivative 31 gave 14-acetyl-10-deoxydictyocarpine ( 34 ). Reduction of 31 with LiAlH 4 gave the unusual elimination product 32 . An improved partial synthesis of hypaconitine ( 35 ) from aconitine ( 24 ) is also presented.
Instructors' practices in and attitudes toward teaching ethics in the genetics classroom

There is strong consensus among educators that training in the ethical and social consequences of science is necessary for the development of students into the science professionals and well-rounded citizens needed in the future. However, this part of the curriculum is not a major focus of most science departments and it is not clear if, or how, students receive this training. To determine the current status of bioethics education of undergraduate biology students in the United States, we surveyed instructors of introductory genetics. We found that there was support for more ethics education both in the general curriculum and in the genetics classroom than is currently being given. Most instructors devote <5% of class time to ethical and social issues in their genetics courses. The majority feels that this is inadequate treatment of these topics and most cited lack of time as a major reason they were unable to give more attention to bioethics. We believe biology departments should take the responsibility to ensure that their students are receiving a balanced education. Undergraduate students should be adequately trained in ethics either within their science courses or in a specialized course elsewhere in the curriculum.
Hypertension in obese Zucker rats. Role of angiotensin II and adrenergic activity.

We designed our studies to determine whether blood pressure is elevated in obese Zucker rats compared with lean control rats and to test the importance of the renin-angiotensin and adrenergic nervous systems in long-term blood pressure control in this genetic model of obesity. We monitored mean arterial pressure 24 hours per day using computerized methods in 13- to 14-week-old lean and obese Zucker rats maintained on a fixed, normal sodium intake (3.3 mmol/d). Mean arterial pressure (average of 5 days) was higher in obese (100±1 mm Hg) than in lean (86±1) rats. Although control plasma renin activity was lower in obese than in lean rats (3.66±0.15 versus 5.48±0.11 ng angiotensin I/mL per hour), blood pressure sensitivity to exogenous angiotensin II was greater in obese than in lean rats. Blockade of endogenous angiotensin II receptors with losartan (10 mg/kg per day) for 7 days also caused a greater decrease in blood pressure in obese (36±2 mm Hg, n=6) than in lean (25±1, n=5) rats. However, combined α- and β-adrenergic blockade with terazosin (10 mg/kg per day) and propranolol (10 mg/kg per day), respectively, for 8 days caused only modest decreases in blood pressure in obese (9±3 mm Hg, n=8) and lean (4±2, n=6) rats, despite effective α- and β-adrenergic blockade. These results suggest that increased arterial pressure in obese Zucker rats depends in part on angiotensin II. However, additional mechanisms may also contribute to increased blood pressure in obese Zucker rats.
Detection of Alamouti Encoded Shaped Offset QPSK

Unitary space-time block codes (STBCs) are attractive because they provide transmit diversity while allowing low complexity detection. Most work with STBCs has been done with non-offset modulations such as QPSK and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), but offset modulations such as shaped offset QPSK (SOQPSK) can be attractive in systems employing non-linear power amplifiers. In this paper we explore the application of STBCs to SOQPSK. We show that the offset in SOQPSK complicates the detection of STBC-SOQPSK. Using the Almouti STBC as an example, we present two architectures for detecting unitary STBCs that provide a trade off between decoder complexity and bit error rate performance.
Man, mind, and machine: the past and future of virtual reality simulation in neurologic surgery.

Objective To review virtual reality in neurosurgery, including the history of simulation and virtual reality and some of the current implementations; to examine some of the technical challenges involved; and to propose a potential paradigm for the development of virtual reality in neurosurgery going forward. Methods A search was made on PubMed using key words surgical simulation, virtual reality, haptics, collision detection , and volumetric modeling to assess the current status of virtual reality in neurosurgery. Based on previous results, investigators extrapolated the possible integration of existing efforts and potential future directions. Results Simulation has a rich history in surgical training, and there are numerous currently existing applications and systems that involve virtual reality. All existing applications are limited to specific task-oriented functions and typically sacrifice visual realism for real-time interactivity or vice versa, owing to numerous technical challenges in rendering a virtual space in real time, including graphic and tissue modeling, collision detection, and direction of the haptic interface. Conclusions With ongoing technical advancements in computer hardware and graphic and physical rendering, incremental or modular development of a fully immersive, multipurpose virtual reality neurosurgical simulator is feasible. The use of virtual reality in neurosurgery is predicted to change the nature of neurosurgical education, and to play an increased role in surgical rehearsal and the continuing education and credentialing of surgical practitioners.
19F spectra—structure correlations of fluorinated quaternary phosphonium salts

The 19F NMR chemical shifts and geminal FCP and FCH coupling constants are reported for a number of fluorinated quaternary phosphonium salts of the type , where generally R = alkyl or aryl; X, Y = hydrogen or halogen and Z = halogen. Spectral parameters remain relatively unaffected upon variance of R, Z−, and/or solvent, except when R is a bulky alkyl group. Linear relationships accurately describe the correlation between the summation of the electronegativities of X and Y, or simply of Y if X = F, and the 19F NMR chemical shift and geminal FCP coupling constant; geminal FCH coupling constants show no such dependence. These relationships are of demonstrated analytical value, particularly for the purpose of spectral prediction.
An Approach to Evaluating Drug-Nutrient Interactions

Although the significance of interactions between drugs is widely appreciated, little attention has been given to interactions between drugs and nutrients. Pharmacists are challenged to remember documented interactions involving available drugs, and they face the possibility that each newly approved therapeutic agent may be involved not only in unrecognized drug-drug interactions but in drug-nutrient interactions as well. A more consistent approach to evaluating drug-nutrient interactions is needed. The approach must be systematic in order to assess the influence of nutritional status, food, or specific nutrients on a drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the influence of a drug on overall nutritional status or on the status of a specific nutrient. We provide such a process, using several recently approved drugs as working examples. Risk factors and clinical relevance are described, with distinctions made between documented and potential interactions. Application of this process by the pharmacist to any drug will help increase their expertise. Furthermore, full consideration by pharmacists of all possible interactions of the drug regimens used in practice can allow for improved patient care.
Multi-Year Salutary Effects of Windstorm and Fire on River Cane

Canebrakes are monodominant stands of cane (Arundinaria gigantea [Walter] Muhl.), a bamboo native to and once prominent in the southeastern USA. Canebrakes were important wildlife habitat within the bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem. They have been reduced in areal coverage by an estimated 98% since European settlement due to land conversion and the drastic alteration of disturbance regimes in their floodplain habitat. Ongoing canebrake restoration efforts are hampered by incomplete understanding of the role of natural disturbance in cane ecology. We used a large tornado blowdown and multiple prescribed fires to quantify the response of cane to the sequential disturbances of windstorm and fire in the Tensas Watershed of northeastern Louisiana using number and condition of bamboo stems (culms) as response variables. We hypothesized that culms would be more abundant in burned than in unburned stands and that culm populations in burned stands would be younger than in unburned stands. In this study, conducted four years post fire, effects of both windstorm and burning were additive and beneficial. Results indicate that periodic aboveground disturbance has three salutary effects on cane ramet demography: 1) clonal growth following disturbances more than compensates for any culms killed; 2) the cohort of new culms is younger than the culms they replace; and 3) disturbance appears to inoculate some cane stands for several years against local die-offs. Fire is a valuable tool for canebrake management. By periodically resetting cane stands, fires and other disturbances may have played a key role in canebrake formation and persistence over time.