cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MALDI-MS as a Monitor of the Purification and Folding of Synthetic Eclosion Hormone

Abstract Wang, Y. J., L. Yurttas, B. E. Dale, D. H. Russell, G. Kinsel, L. M. Preston-Schaffter, V. Johnson and T. K. Hayes. MALDI-MS as a monitor of the purification and folding of synthetic eclosion hormone. Peptides 18(3) 337–346, 1997.—Analogues of the small protein Manduca sexta eclosion hormone (62 amino acids) were synthesized by Fmoc solid-phase methodology. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to analyze the products of the syntheses and this information was used to design an efficient purification scheme. MALDI-MS was used to monitor the target products through purification and it was also used to monitor folding of the purified materials. The folded EH analogues were shown to be biologically active proteins with an in vivo bioassay using pharate adult moths, Heliothis virescens.
Visual resolution of two-bar patterns and square-wave gratings.

Contrast thresholds for resolution were measured with two types of display: (1) a test field of constant size filled by square-wave gratings of spatial frequencies between 0.44 and 8.75 cycles/deg; (2) two bright bars, comprising 112 cycles of the square-wave gratings. Results show that even with 112 cycles, there is some decline of contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequencies, and an interaction between the effects of exposure duration and spatial frequency. However, data obtained with gratings of constant size can give an exaggerated impression of the magnitude of inhibitory interactions in the visual nervous system.
Cognitive burden and excess Lewy-body pathology in the Lewy-body variant of Alzheimer disease.

Objectives Authors compared the degrees of cognitive deficit among individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD), the Lewy-body variant of AD (LBV), and "pure" dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB); and compared cortical Lewy body (LB) counts in LBV versus DLB and neuritic plaque and neurofibrillary tangle severity in LBV versus AD. Methods Authors examined brain specimens from consecutive autopsies of elderly nursing home subjects. Numbers and densities of plaques, Lewy bodies, and tangle severity were determined in multiple cortical regions, and demographic and clinical variables were compared among the three groups. Results The three groups did not differ in demographic or clinical variables. The LBV group was significantly more impaired than the other groups. Cortical LB counts were significantly higher in LBV than in DLB. There was no evidence of increased plaque or tangle severity in LBV than in AD. Conclusion The co-occurrence of AD and LB pathology is associated with higher numbers of LBs and more severe dementia than when classical AD or LB lesions occur alone.
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation feeding artery aneurysms: a theoretical model of intravascular pressure changes after treatment.

Objective A quantitative model may be used to estimate the magnitude of expected pressure changes along the vascular tree with shunt ablation and may provide information to assess the hemodynamic risk of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treatment. Methods A computer model of the cerebral circulation was applied to estimate the changes in intravascular pressure, velocity, biomechanical stress, and shear stress that might be expected from either endovascular or surgical ablation of AVMs. Two AVM sizes and two feeding artery constellations were simulated. The effect of different shunt flows on vascular pressure was modeled. In each simulation, AVMs were occluded in a stepwise fashion. The effects of systemic hypertension and hypotension in various vascular zones were also simulated. Results As large (1000 ml/min) AVMs were occluded, the mean feeding arterial pressure increased from 18 to 68 mm Hg; the percent-occlusion at half-maximal pressure increase was 92%. For medium (500 ml/min) AVMs, feeding arterial pressure increased from 37 to 66 mm Hg; the percent-occlusion at half-maximal pressure increase was 71%. During manipulation of systemic pressure, hemodynamic changes in the circulation close to the nidus were proportionally less than changes in systemic pressure; the degree of proportionality depended on the magnitude of AVM shunt flow. Conclusion In this simulation, shunt obliteration increased pressure in the nidus and feeding arteries with little effect on the proximal circulation. The shunt provided a "buffering" effect, i.e., higher flow fistulas were exposed to smaller variations in intravascular pressure in feeding artery and nidal pressures during manipulation of systemic pressure.
He Versus She: A Gender Specific Analysis of Legal and Extralegal Effects on Pretrial Release for Felony Defendants

The current study sought to identify significant predictors of pretrial processing for both male and female defendants in an aggregate sample. The data used in this study were taken from the State Court Processing Statistics, 1990–2000: Felony Defendants in Large Urban Counties (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004). The original sample included a total of 87,437 felony cases. The relationships between relevant independent variables and 5 separate dependent variables (denial of bail, non-financial release, amount of bail set, making bail, and pretrial incarceration) were analyzed using both multivariate regression and Z-score comparisons within gender-specific models. Findings suggest that the effects of certain independent variables on pretrial release decisions and outcomes are different between the gender-specific models.
Fasting does not abolish the diurnal oscillation of ornithine decarboxlyase activity in morris hepatoma 5123-C

Abstract The activities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) were determined under conditions of feeding or fasting in the hepatomas and livers of rats bearing Morris hepatoma 5123-C. Prior to killing, the animals were entrained to a schedule of 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness with food (60% protein) available only during the first two hours of the dark period. With food available, ODC and TAT activities displayed diurnal oscillations in hepatomas and host livers, and in the livers of control (non-tumor bearing) animals, characterized by rapid increases in enzyme activity coincident with the onset of feeding followed by a decline to pre-feeding levels. When food was withheld the increase in ODC activity in host and control livers, and TAT activity in hepatoma, host and control livers was not evident. However, withholding food did not abolish the diurnal oscillation of ODC activity in hepatoma 5123-C.
The Metastasis Problem Gets Stickier

The enormity and complexity of cancer genome data present significant challenges in downstream validation of novel oncogenes and tumor suppressors. In this issue of Cancer Cell , Hu et al. evaluate candidate oncogenes in a recurrent amplification in poor-prognosis breast cancers. They identify and validate the prometastatic gene metadherin ( MTDH ) as a key modulator of endothelial adhesion and chemoresistance.
Association between physical activity and mental disorders among adults in the United States.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the association between regular physical activity and mental disorders among adults in the United States. Method Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare the prevalence of mental disorders among those who did and did not report regular physical activity using data from the National Comorbidity Survey (n = 8098), a nationally representative sample of adults ages 15–54 in the United States. Results Slightly over one-half of adults reported regular physical activity (60.3%). Regular physical activity was associated with a significantly decreased prevalence of current major depression and anxiety disorders, but was not significantly associated with other affective, substance use, or psychotic disorders. The association between regular physical activity and lower prevalence of current major depression (OR = 0.75 (0.6,0.94)), panic attacks (OR = 0.73 (0.56, 0.96)), social phobia (OR = 0.65 (0.53, 0.8)), specific phobia (OR = 0.78 (0.63, 0.97)), and agoraphobia (OR = 0.64 (0.43, 0.94)) persisted after adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported physical disorders, and comorbid mental disorders. Self-reported frequency of physical activity also showed a dose–response relation with current mental disorders. Discussion These data document a negative association between regular physical activity and depressive and anxiety disorders among adults in the U.S. population. Future research that investigates the mechanism of this association using longitudinal data to examine the link between physical activity and incident and recurrent mental disorders across the lifespan is needed.
The detection of explosives using robotic crawlers

Chemical sensing of explosives may allow differentiation between mines and other mine-like objects, especially if close proximity to the targets can be achieved. Robotic crawlers are well suited to achieve the required proximity and have added advantages, including stability on the bottom and station-keeping. We have performed initial tests with an explosive sensor mounted on crawlers and two types of targets containing real explosives. In the tests, the robot successfully detected both targets at significant distances. For the initial test, the crawler approached the target from a direction upcurrent of the target so that any chemical signature emanating from the target would be transported away from the sensor. No sensor response was noted in this case. The robot was then repositioned by executing a number of turns placing the robot and sensor downcurrent from the target. Shortly after arriving in this position, intermittent sensor responses were observed. These responses were similar to what is observed in the laboratory. The response to the targets was rapid and reversible. In order to gain insight into how most effectively to sample the area around mine-like objects, we are also simulating chemical orientation using spatial modeling and analysis tools.
Catheter Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Although its true prevalence in the general population is unknown, supraventricular tachycardia is the most common cause of paroxysmal tachycardia in children and young adults. These arrhythmias ar...
Activation of phenylalanine hydroxylase by phenylalanine.

Abstract 1. 1. Phenylalanine activates phenylalanine hydroxylase ( l -phenylalanine, tetrahydropteridine:oxygen oxidoreductase (4-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.3.1), when dithiothreitol is used to regenerate 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyltetrahydropteridine. 2. 2. Phenylalanine hydroxylase activation by phenylalanine follows first order kinetics; the activation rate is time and temperature dependent, and is described by the exponential equation v a = v f + ( v o − v f ) e − at . 3. 3. The kinetic analysis, derived from the effect of phenylalanine on phenylalanine hydroxylase, is consistent with the postulate that the enzyme has a second activating site for phenylalanine distinct from its catalytic site. 4. 4. The sedimentation constant of non-activated phenylalanine hydroxylase is 6.1 and shifts to 8.14 on activation. Activation shifts the equilibrium from a dimer of 110 000 molecular weight to a tetramer of 210 000.
Toward a Whole Cell Model of Mycoplasma Genitalium

A central challenge in biology is to understand how cellular life emerges from individual biochemical interactions. To address this challenge we have developed a novel computational framework which facilitates the integration of multiple disparate biochemical networks and data into a single unified model. Using this framework we have developed a detailed computational model of the complete life cycle of the smallest known freely-living organism, Mycoplasma genitalium. The model describes the life cycle of a single cell including DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, metabolism, and cell division. The model accounts for the specific function of every annotated gene product, and simulates the dynamics of every molecular species. We have validated the model using several publically available experimental datasets. Currently we are using the model to gain insight into the control and regulation of cellular growth by exploring the effects of genomic and environmental perturbations on cellular behavior. In addition, we are developing an open-source, open-access web-based platform to facilitate broad application of our model.
The role of cerebral noradrenergic systems in the Fos response to interleukin-1

Abstract Peripheral administration of interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to activate induction of Fos in the brain, but the mechanism is not known. Because cerebral noradrenergic systems have been implicated in Fos induction, we studied the IL-1-induced appearance of Fos in mice pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) which depleted cerebral norepinephrine (NE) by more than 90%, but did not significantly alter dopamine. Intraperitoneally injected IL-1β increased Fos in several brain regions, but most obviously in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Pretreatment with 6-OHDA substantially reduced the IL-1-induced Fos increase in the PVN which was no longer statistically significant. When the 6-OHDA treatment was preceded by administration of desmethylimipramine which prevents NE depletion, IL-1 treatment increased Fos in the PVN, suggesting that the effect of 6-OHDA was indeed related to the depletion of NE. These results suggest that the noradrenergic innervation of the PVN is involved in the IL-1-induced induction of Fos in the PVN. By contrast with previous experiments in rats, the IL-1-induced increase in plasma corticosterone was not significantly altered by the 6-OHDA pretreatment in mice.
The performance persistence of foreign closed-end funds

Abstract A sample of 26 foreign bond and 95 foreign equity closed-end funds is used to determine whether foreign closed-end funds exhibit performance persistence (PP). Persistence is measured using two different performance measures, net asset value (NAV) returns and market price (MP) returns. The results show that foreign closed-end equity funds exhibit persistence of MP performance. These results are generally robust with respect to the holding period. In general, the PP results are mainly attributed to winning funds. A comparison of foreign to domestic closed-end funds finds that foreign closed-end equity funds exhibit less PP than domestic equity funds.
Inflationary expectations and rationality revisited

Abstract We find evidence indicating cointegration between each of three survey measures of inflation expectations and actual inflation. Using Johansen’s framework, we confirm weak-form rationality for each survey, and estimate significant speeds of adjustment for both inflation and inflation expectations.
Structural, photophysical and theoretical studies of two dodecachlorinated porphyrins

Abstract Two dodecachlorinated porphyrins, 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octachloro-5,10,15,20-tetra(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin free base (TCl 12 PPH 2 ) and its nickel compound (TCl 12 PPNi), have been synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that porphyrin rings are heavily distorted and exhibit saddled conformations. The Soret and Q bands of two compounds are red-shifted compared to their non-chlorinated counterparts. Theoretical calculations reveal that the optical band gap of TCl 12 PPH 2 is reduced, whereas that of TCl 12 PPNi remains almost the same as to its non-chlorinated nickel compound due to the concurrent lowering of HOMO and LUMO energy levels. The frontier molecular orbitals are degenerated due to the decrease of symmetry of the molecules.
In vivo growth of a bioengineered internal anal sphincter: comparison of growth factors for optimization of growth and survival

Purpose Our laboratory has developed and implanted a novel bioengineered internal anal sphincter (IAS) to treat anal incontinence. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been used in mice; however, the optimal growth factor for successful IAS implantation is unclear. This study compares several growth factors in order to optimize IAS viability and functionality.
Therapeutic challenges in clinical work with adolescents

Clinicians are besieged by an array of personal responses to the hard-to-reach, acting-out adolescent of the 1990s. Practice principles are presented with special emphasis on the necessary modifications for effective work with teens. Countertransference, counter-reactions, alliance, misalliance and pseudo-alliance are defined and illustrated in a case vignette demonstrating the therapeutic challenges and precarious outcome of a fragile alliance. Empathy, self-awareness, insight and the real relationship are designated as key components for a safe holding environment in clinical work with vulnerable adolescents.
Pre-operative localization and interventional treatment of parathyroid tumors: when and how?

A variety of diagnostic tests are currently used for parathyroid localization. In patients who have not had previous surgery, none of these are as sensitive or specific for the localization of abnormal parathyroid glands as an experienced surgeon. In these patients, no pre-operative localization procedures are normally needed.
Prune belly syndrome and fetal ascites

A case of prune belly syndrome (PBS) in a 22 week male fetus is described. All the features characteristic of the syndrome were present: absence of abdominal muscle; dilatation of the bladder, ureters, and renal pelves; and undescended testes. In addition, there was marked ascites. The rectus abdominis muscles were entirely absent whereas other abdominal muscles were only absent centrally. Between regions of normal and absent musculature muscle fibers were sparse, enlarged, frequently disrupted, and mostly in the myotubule stage. The prostate was thin-walled and its urethra greatly expanded. The testes lay close to the corresponding ureters and each ductus deferens was only partially present. It is considered that prostatic dysgenesis and fetal ascites are key factors in the causation of PBS.
Potato Wart Disease in Newfoundland1

Techniques in use for evaluating reaction of potato selections to wart disease are described. Races of potato wart similar to European Races 1, 2 and 8 have been detected in Newfoundland. To enable the results from potato wart investigations carried out in different countries to be compared, standard test procedures and an agreed series of differential varieties must be introduced.
Approximate Small-Sample Tests of Fixed Effects in Nonlinear Mixed Models

Nonlinear mixed effect models have been studied extensively over several decades, particularly in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic applications. Here, we focus on investigating the performance of commonly applied tests of linear hypotheses about the fixed effect parameters under different approximations to the likelihood function and to the estimated covariance matrix of the estimators. Included are the first-order approximation (FIRO), first-order conditional approximation (FOCE), and Gaussian quadrature approximation (AGQ) estimation methods. There is no straightforward way to mimic the approximations and adjustments taken in linear mixed models, such as the Kackar–Harville–Jeske–Kenward–Roger approach. By simulations, we illustrate the accuracy of p-values for the tests considered here. The observed results indicate that FOCE and AGQ estimation methods outperform FIRO. The test with an adjustment coefficient that takes into consideration the number of sampling units and the number of fixed effect pa...
Controlled biomineralization of magnetic minerals by magnetotactic bacteria

Magnetotactic bacteria produce two general types of minerals as the mineral phases of their magnetosomes: iron oxides and iron sulfides. The iron oxides include only ferrimagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) and the iron sulfides, ferrimagnetic greigite (Fe3S4) and non-magnetic pyrite (FeS2). Regardless of composition, the magnetosome particles have a very narrow size range, 35–120 nm, and are single-magnetic-domains. These intracellular particles confer a permanent magnetic dipole moment to the cell resulting in the cell's magnetotactic response, i.e. a motile, biomagnetic compass. The morphology of the magnetosome particles is species- and/or strain-specific. Thus, the organism exerts significant control over the biomineralization process(es) involved in magnetosome formation. However, there is some accumulating evidence that suggests that in certain organisms under specific situations, local environmental conditions appear to affect the magnetosome mineral phase in at least three different ways. These include: (1) variations in the stoichiometry of the metal and non-metal components of the magnetosome mineral phase; (2) the replacement of iron with other transition metal ions in the metal component of the magnetosome mineral phase; and (3) the replacement of oxygen with sulfur or vice versa in the non-metal component of the magnetosome mineral phase. Examples of each type of mineral change or variation are described and discussed.
Bifurcation From Stability to Instability for a Free Boundary Problem Arising in a Tumor Model

We consider a time-dependent free boundary problem with radially symmetric initial data: σt − Δσ + σ = 0 if Open image in new window and σ(r,0)=σ0(r) in {r μ* then the stationary solution is unstable.
On classifying recursive algorithms

A scheme is presented for classifying recursive problems based upon an analysis of their parameters. Several well known recursive algorithms are then classified according to this scheme. The classification is used to determine if strategies for effecting significant savings in computation time of a recursive algorithm can be developed. Such strategies and the results of applying them are also discussed.
Malignant melanoma and pregnancy.

Confusion exists concerning the influence of pregnancy on survival in patients with malignant melanoma. To evaluate this problem a retrospective computer-aided study was performed of women in the child-bearing years treated for Stage I cutaneous melanoma at the Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fifty-eight women were identified who had melanoma arise during pregnancy (Group 1) and 43 patients were noted who became pregnant within 5 years of diagnosis of their melanoma (Group 2). Appropriate control groups matched for the clinical variables of age, primary site, and stage of disease and the pathologic variables of Clark's Level, tumor thickness, ulceration, and histologic type were selected from the cohort of 2938 melanoma patients seen at Duke. Actuarial survivals for Group 1 and 2 patients did not differ from their respective controls, although the small number of deaths in each group resulted in wide confidence intervals. When actuarial disease-free intervals were plotted, there was a significant difference beween women who had melanoma develop during pregnancy when compared to their controls (P = 0.04). In a multivariate regression analysis, after adjustment for the influence of the more significant prognostic factors for Stage 1 melanoma, including Clark's Level, ulceration, and tumor thickness, the effect of pregnancy on disease-free interval became more apparent (P = 0.02). No difference in actuarial disease-free interval was noted in the melanoma patients who elected to become pregnant within 5 years of diagnosis (P = 0.31). A multivariate regression analysis confirmed this finding. These data indicate that although an intercurrent melanoma during pregnancy has a worse prognosis than the control groups, once a woman has been diagnosed as having a cutaneous melanoma, a subsequent pregnancy has no effect on recurrence rate or survival. Cancer 55:1340-1344, 1985.
ELEVATED COPEPTIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED 90 DAY MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DYSPNEA FROM NON-CARDIAC CAUSES: SECONDARY RESULTS FROM THE BIOMARKERS IN ACUTE HEART FAILURE (BACH) STUDY

Elevated arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels are associated with poor prognosis in cardiac and non-cardiac diseases. Copeptin, a fragment of pre-pro-vasopression, is a stable surrogate biomarker for AVP. In this secondary analysis of the Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure (BACH) study, the prognostic
Conformally coupled Abelian gauged Q balls

A conformally coupled Abelian gauged Q ball is studied in curved space. The mass of the Q ball is calculated in terms of the conserved Q charge and the parameters in the lagrangian and a brief discussion is given on the effects produced by the conformal couplings.
Model of mesons with constituent gluons

A model of mesons composed of a quark, an antiquark, and a gluon is proposed. The binding of the constituents is provided by a confining linear potential between the gluon and the quarks. The lowest states of the model are described, and their relative masses evaluated, for the case of heavy (charmed) quarks, i.e., ccg states.
Full range complex spectral domain optical coherence tomography for volumetric imaging at 47 000 A-scans per second

In this paper we demonstrate a high speed spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) system capable of achieving full range complex imaging at a line scan rate of 47 kHz. By applying a beam-offset method, a constant modulation frequency is introduced into each B-scan that enables reconstruction of the full range complex SDOCT images of in vivo tissue samples. To make use of the full capacity of the detection camera used in the system, system control software is developed that streams the raw spectral fringe data directly into the computer memory. In order to assess performance of the high speed full range SDOCT system for imaging biological specimen, we present results imaged from the cuticle of the fingernail of a human volunteer in vivo and from chick embryos ex vivo. We also show the high sensitivity advantages of full range complex imaging as compared to conventional SDOCT. To the best of our knowledge, an imaging rate of 47 000 A-scans per second is the highest imaging rate that has ever been reported for full range complex imaging. Notwithstanding, the method reported here has no limitations on the imaging speed and thus offers a useful tool to achieve volumetric imaging of living samples where the high sensitivity region around zero delay line in the system can be utilized for imaging.
Conformationally constrained precursors to retinoic acid analogs which stabilize the 9Z-configuration

Abstract The iodine-catalyzed isomerization (dark) of (2 Z ,4 E )-4-(2′-isopropylidenecyclohexylidene)-3-methyl-2,4-butadienal and (2 Z ,4 E )-4-(2′-isopropyl-3′-methyl-2′-cyclohexen-1′-ylidene)-3-methyl-2-butenal, precursors to conformationally defined 6-s- cis and 6-s- trans retinoic acid analogs, resulted in the formation of isomer mixtures for which the 9 Z -configuration [using retinoic acid numbering] is most stable.
Superinduction of TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages by vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol) modulated by mRNA stabilization

Abstract Vomitoxin (VT or deoxynivalenol), a trichothecene, superinduces proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in vitro and in vivo. To better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms for this observation, post-transcriptional effects of VT on TNF-α and IL-6 gene expression were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. VT was found to enhance both TNF-α and IL-6 protein secretion in the presence of LPS. Upon addition of the transcriptional inhibitor, 5,6-dichloro-1-beta- d -ribofuranosyl benzimidazole (DRB), secretion of both cytokines was inhibited. Using Northern analysis, the mRNA stabilities of TNF-α and IL-6 were studied in DRB-treated cells exposed to VT and LPS in both asynchronous and delayed synchronous modes. In the asynchronous model, cells were first incubated with LPS for 2 h, and then the medium was removed and replaced with medium containing DRB and VT. In the delayed synchronous model, cells were pretreated with LPS for 2 h and then DRB and VT were added to the culture. TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA were rapidly stabilized by VT (100 and 250 ng/ml) in both asynchronous and delayed synchronous models. In the asynchronous model, TNF-α mRNA half-life was 25 min but this was extended in the presence of 100 and 250 ng/ml of VT to >3 h. VT also extended half-lives of IL-6 mRNA from 60 min to >3 h. In the delayed synchronous model, the half-lives for TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA of 1.3 and 1.5 h, respectively, were extended to >3 h upon incubation with 100 and 250 ng/ml VT. These results suggest that post-transcriptional control via enhancement of mRNA stability is likely to contribute to proinflammatory cytokine superinduction in macrophages by VT and other trichothecenes.
Effect of the cognitive hierarchy in the systematic desensitization treatment of anticipatory nausea in cancer patients: A component comparison with relaxation only, counseling, and no treatment

Ninety-two ambulatory patients being treated with chemotherapeutic drugs for histologically confirmed cancer who had developed nausea in anticipation of treatment were assigned to one of four conditions: (1) systematic desensitization, (2) relaxation only, (3) Rogerian counseling, and (4) notreatment control. Patients received standard clinic treatment with regard to symptom control. All patients were assessed at two baseline chemotherapy treatments prior to intervention and at two follow-up chemotherapy treatments following intervention. Patients in the first three groups were seen for two 1-hour sessions between successive chemotherapy treatments. Relative to the other three groups, patients given systematic desensitization reported a significant decrease in the severity and duration of anticipatory nausea from baseline to follow-up. Both systematic desensitization and relaxation were found to produce a significant decrease in the duration and severity of posttreatment nausea relative to patients who were not treated or given counseling. These results were found to be independent of patients' ratings of their expectation for success, the credibility of the procedure, or the credibility of the experimenter. Results support a view that systematic desensitization is effective for the control and reduction of anticipatory nausea developed during chemotherapy. Anticipatory side effects are thought to be conditioned. These data support such a view. Results further support a view that both the eliciting stimulus hierarchy and counterconditioned relaxation are required parts of the effectiveness found in the systematic desensitization treatment of anticipatory nausea resulting from chemotherapy.
Recognition time for information stored in long-term memory

Two experiments were performed to determine the effects of number of words in a target set (varying from 10 to 26) and the nature of distractor words on the latency of both positive and negative recognition responses. Before the test phase, S memorized a list of words and then was tested with a series of single words. To each presentation S made a positive or negative response to indicate whether or not the word was a member of the memorized target list. Response latency was observed to be an increasing function of memory list length. Negative response latency also was greater if distractor words were visually or semantically similar to specific target words. The results were analyzed in terms of a modified signal detection model. It is assumed that S makes a subjective judgment of the familiarity of a test item and on that basis decides either to respond immediately or to delay the response until a search of the memorized list can be executed. Several different models of the search process are considered and evaluated against latency measures and error data.
216 EFFECTS OF HYPOXIA AND REOXYGENATION ON MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN THE NEWBORN MYOCARDIUM

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of hypoxia (N2) and reoxygenation (re-O2) on mitochondrial function (MF) in the newborn (NB) and adult (A) rabbit heart. The heart was isolated, arterially perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution, and maintained at 27°C. After hypoxia or hypoxia and reoxygenation, the mitochondria was isolated and MF was determined by polarographic technique. In the oxygenated perfused muscle (control), state 3 respiration (QO2) and respiratory control index (RCI) in NB (QO2=128 ±6 nAO/min/mg protein; RCI=16.0 ± 0.8; n=8) were significantly (P<0.001) greater than the values in the A (QO2=86 ± 4; RCI= 9.2 ± 0.7; n=9). After 40 or 60 min N2, QO2 decreased significantly (P<0.01) to 78 ± 5% of control in the NB (n=10) and 67 ± 13% of control in the A (n=8). During reoxygenation following 40 min N2, QO2 was not significantly different from control in both the NB and A. Reoxygenation following 60 min N2, however, did not improve MF and QO2 in the NB (51 ± 6% of control) and A (59 ±6%) remained significantly (P<0.001) less than control. The changes in RCI were similar to QO2 in all groups. The ADP/O ratio was not significantly different from control in all groups. These data indicate that the depression in mitochondrial function is reversible after 40 min N2 but is irreversible after 60 min N2, and there was no difference between the NB and A hearts.
Design, operation, and efficiency of Energy Systems

Energy System Problem represents variety of commonly used energy systems in buildings, cars or even small-scale power grid networks. In this paper, we formulate a set of useful Energy System Problems using linear and mixed integer programming. The objective is to minimize total cost of energy system while satisfying operational constraints such as, energy generation capacity, saving capacity and users demands. This model is completely flexible to changes in demand and energy price over time. The efficiency of energy systems using data envelopment analysis is also presented. Numerical examples are also shown for presented models.
CRF-amplified neuronal TLR4/MCP-1 signaling regulates alcohol self-administration.

Alcohol dependence is a complex disorder that initiates with episodes of excessive alcohol drinking known as binge drinking. It has a 50–60% risk contribution from inherited susceptibility genes; however, their exact identity and function are still poorly understood. We report that alcohol-preferring P rats have innately elevated levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) that colocalize in neurons from the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). To examine the potential role of a TLR4/MCP-1 signal, we used Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) vectors (amplicons) that retain in vivo neurotropism. Infusion of amplicons for TLR4 or MCP-1 siRNA into the CeA or VTA from the P rats inhibited target gene expression and blunted binge drinking. A similarly delivered amplicon for scrambled siRNA did not inhibit TLR4 or MCP-1 expression nor reduce binge drinking, identifying a neuronal TLR4/MCP-1 signal that regulates the initiation of voluntary alcohol self-administration. The signal was sustained during alcohol drinking by increased expression of corticotropin-releasing factor and its feedback regulation of TLR4 expression, likely contributing to the transition to alcohol dependence.
Fatty acids of white matter of human brain.

Histologisch unveranderte weisse Substanz eines menschlichen Gehirns mit multipler Sklerose hatte weniger gesattigte Fettsauren als die 4 Kontrollen. Die multiple Sklerose-Herde hatten fast alle C 24: 0 verloren, enthielten aber mehr C22-α-Hydroxysauren. Die weisse Substanz eines Falles von Lymphogranulom zeigte niedrigere Werte fur die gesattigten, aber hohere fur Polyensauren.
R-nj aleurone color selection and grain-filling responses in opaque-2 maize

Field experiments were conducted to determine which grain-filling characteristics were affected by the o2 gene and whether mass selection for degree of aleurone anthocyanin pigmentation controlled by R-nj could improve the grain-fill deficiencies associated with the o2 (opaque) phenotype of a mazie (Zea mays L.) synthetic (NDSE). Divergent mass selection was used to develop high color (HC), low color (LC), and randomly sampled (RC) check substrains. Lag phase duration (LPD), effective filling period (EFPD), and rate of dry matter accumulation (RDMA) for both opaque and normal dent phenotypes of third cycle HC, LC, and RC substrains were evaluated at three N fertility levels for each of two years at Fargo. Normal (O2) pollen produced heavier kernels than o2 pollen at all N rates in 1982. Over years, O2 pollinations averaged 11% longer EFPDs than o2 pollinations, but LPDs were usually longer for o2 pollinations. HC strains averaged 5.6% higher RDMA than RC strains across pollen types while LC strains had higher RDMA than RC strains only for O2 pollinations. These results indicate that selection for LC improved several traits which were deficient in opaque-2 maize and that use of the R-nj gene may be useful in improving opaque-2 maize.
Sorting and Tracking Neuronal Spikes via Simple Thresholding

A fundamental goal in systems neuroscience is to assess the individual as well as the synergistic roles of single neurons in a recorded ensemble as they relate to an observed behavior. A mandatory step to achieve this goal is to sort spikes in an extracellularly recorded mixture that belong to individual neurons through feature extraction and clustering techniques. Here, we propose an approach for approximating the often nonlinear and time varying decision boundaries between spike-derived feature classes based on a simple, yet optimal thresholding mechanism. Because thresholding is a binary classifier, we show that the complex nonlinear decision boundaries required for spike class discrimination can be achieved by adequately fusing a set of weak binary classifiers. The thresholds for these binary classifiers are adaptively estimated through a learning algorithm that maximizes the separability between the sparsely represented classes. Based on our previous work, the approach substantially reduces the computational complexity of extracting, aligning and sorting multiple single unit activity early in the data stream. Here, we also show its ability to track changes in spike features over extended periods of time, making it highly suitable for basic neuroscience studies as well as for implementation in miniaturized, fully implantable electronics in brain-machine interface applications.
Picosecond protein dynamics: the origin of the time-dependent spectral shift in the fluorescence of the single Trp in the protein GB1.

How a biological system responds to a charge shift is a challenging question directly relevant to biological function. Time-resolved fluorescence of a tryptophan residue reflects protein and solven...
The use of radionuclides in the detection of bone metastases

Bone imaging is a valuable procedure in the evaluation of patients suspected of having metastatic disease to bone. Its use has been well established in many clinical studies. Several radionuclides are available that can detect the presence of metastatic disease before X-ray changes occur. Because other nonmalignant conditions may produce positive bone scans, the procedure must be used in conjunction with the appropriate X-ray and other diagnostic studies. Fluorine-18 approaches the ideal bone-imaging radionuclide. As it becomes more available commercially, fluorine-18 will probably replace strontium-85 as the main radionuclide for bone imaging. Although fluorine-18 bone imaging with a whole body scanner and the positron camera affords a most optimal combination, the use of strontium-85 with conventional imaging equipment provides the physician with important clinical information that cannot be obtained by other studies.
Enhanced hydroformylation by carbon dioxide‐expanded media with soluble Rh complexes in nanofiltration membrane reactors

A novel process for continuous hydroformylation in CO2-expanded liquids (CXLs) is demonstrated using bulky phosphite ligands that are effectively retained in the stirred reactor by a nanofiltration membrane. The reactor is operated at 50°C with a syngas pressure of 0.6 MPa to avoid CO inhibition of reaction rate and selectivity. The nanofiltration pressure is provided by ∼3.2 MPa CO2 that expands the hydroformylation mixture and increases the H2/CO ratio in the CXL phase resulting in enhanced turnover frequency (∼340 h−1), aldehydes selectivity (>90%) and high regioselectivity (n/i ∼8) at nearly steady operation. The use of pressurized CO2 also reduces the viscosity in the CXL phase, thereby improving the mass-transfer properties. Constant permeate flux is maintained during the 50 h run with Rh leakage being less than 0.5 ppm. This technology concept has potential applications in homogeneous catalytic processes to improve resource utilization and catalyst containment for practical viability. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4287–4296, 2013
Genetic Privacy Laws and Patients' Fear of Discrimination by Health Insurers: The View from Genetic Counselors

Since 1991, over half the states have enacted laws that restrict or prohibit insurers’ use of genetic information in pricing, issuing, or structuring health insurance. Wisconsin was the first state to do so, in 1991, followed by Ohio in 1993, California and Colorado in 1994, and then several more states a year in each of the next five years. Similar legislation has been pending in Congress for several years. Also, a 1996 federal law known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits group health insurers from applying “preexisting condition” exclusions to genetic conditions that are indicated solely by genetic tests and not by any actual symptoms.
New Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganisms Detected in Oligotrophic Oceans by Amplification of Nitrogenase (nifH) Genes.

Oligotrophic oceanic waters of the central ocean gyres typically have extremely low dissolved fixed inorganic nitrogen concentrations, but few nitrogen-fixing microorganisms from the oceanic environment have been cultivated. Nitrogenase gene (nifH) sequences amplified directly from oceanic waters showed that the open ocean contains more diverse diazotrophic microbial populations and more diverse habitats for nitrogen fixers than previously observed by classical microbiological techniques. Nitrogenase genes derived from unicellular and filamentous cyanobacteria, as well as from the α and γ subdivisions of the class Proteobacteria, were found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. nifH sequences that cluster phylogenetically with sequences from sulfate reducers or clostridia were found associated with planktonic crustaceans. Nitrogenase sequence types obtained from invertebrates represented phylotypes distinct from the phylotypes detected in the picoplankton size fraction. The results indicate that there are in the oceanic environment several distinct potentially nitrogen-fixing microbial assemblages that include representatives of diverse phylotypes.
Microbial activity in soils contaminated with 2,3,7,8‐TCDD

Soils from Times Beach, Missouri, containing from 8 ng g−1 to 2.4 μg g−1 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were examined for microbial activity. Parameters included enumeration of aerobic eutrophic and oligotrophic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes; enzymatic assays, including assays for dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase, rhodanese, and acid and alkaline phosphatases; and soil respiration (CO2 evolution). The soils were also characterized for organic matter content, specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, particle size, and solvent-extractable content. Compared with control soils, the TCDD-contaminated soils showed considerable microbial activity and diversity, suggesting that TCDD is not microbially toxic at these concentrations and/or is not bioavailable.
Viruses, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

The hypothesis that viruses or other infectious agents may cause schizophrenia or bipolar disorder dates to the 19th century but has recently been revived. It could explain many clinical, genetic, and epidemiologic aspects of these diseases, including the winter-spring birth seasonality, regional differences, urban birth, household crowding, having an older sibling, and prenatal exposure to influenza as risk factors. It could also explain observed immunological changes such as abnormalities of lymphocytes, proteins, autoantibodies, and cytokines. However, direct studies of viral infections in individuals with these psychiatric diseases have been predominantly negative. Most studies have examined antibodies in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, and relatively few studies have been done on viral antigens, genomes, cytopathic effect on cell culture, and animal transmission experiments. Viral research on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is thus comparable to viral research on multiple sclerosis and Parkinson9s disease: an attractive hypothesis with scattered interesting findings but no clear proof. The application of molecular biological techniques may allow the identification of novel infectious agents and the associations of these novel agents with serious mental diseases.
An ecological-transactional analysis of children and contexts: The longitudinal interplay among child maltreatment, community violence, and children's symptomatology

Cicchetti and Lynch have conceptualized ecological contexts as consisting of nested levels with varying degrees of proximity to the individual. These levels of the environment interact and transact with each other over time in shaping individual development and adaptation. With a sample of maltreated (n = 188) and nonmaltreated (n = 134) children between the ages of 7 and 12 years, this investigation employed a 1-year longitudinal design to conduct an ecological-transactional analysis of the mutual relationships among community violence, child maltreatment, and children's functioning over time. Indicators of children's functioning were externalizing and internalizing behavior problems and self-rated traumatic stress reactions, depressive symptomatology, and self-esteem. Either full or partial support was obtained for the study's primary hypotheses. Rates of maltreatment, particularly physical abuse, were related to levels of child-reported violence in the community. In addition, child maltreatment and exposure to community violence were related to different aspects of children's functioning. Specific effects were observed for neglect and sexual abuse and for witnessing and being victimized by violence in the community. Finally, there was evidence that children and their contexts mutually influence each other over time. Results were discussed within the framework of an ecological-transactional model of development.
A distinct tethering step is vital for vacuole membrane fusion

Past experiments with reconstituted proteoliposomes, employing assays that infer membrane fusion from fluorescent lipid dequenching, have suggested that vacuolar SNAREs alone suffice to catalyze membrane fusion in vitro. While we could replicate these results, we detected very little fusion with the more rigorous assay of lumenal compartment mixing. Exploring the discrepancies between lipid-dequenching and content-mixing assays, we surprisingly found that the disposition of the fluorescent lipids with respect to SNAREs had a striking effect. Without other proteins, the association of SNAREs in trans causes lipid dequenching that cannot be ascribed to fusion or hemifusion. Tethering of the SNARE-bearing proteoliposomes was required for efficient lumenal compartment mixing. While the physiological HOPS tethering complex caused a few-fold increase of trans-SNARE association, the rate of content mixing increased more than 100-fold. Thus tethering has a role in promoting membrane fusion that extends beyond simply increasing the amount of total trans-SNARE complex.