cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endopeptidase 24.16B A NEW VARIANT OF ENDOPEPTIDASE 24.16

A peptidase, isolated from rat testes, is inhibited by 1 mM o-phenanthroline, 1 microM N-(1-(R,S)-carboxyl-3-phenylpropyl)-Ala-Ala-Phe-p-aminobenzoate, and 6 mM Pro-Ile, properties similar to those ascribed to endopeptidase 24.16. The enzyme hydrolyzes dynorphin A-8, neurotensin 1-13, angiotensin I, and substance P. Kinetic analysis of a series of angiotensin I analogs showed that substitutions at P-1, P-1', or P-2' had little effect on Km or Kcat. Variation of peptide size with a series of dynorphin A peptides showed chain length to be significant. The peptidase cleaved dynorphin A-8 at both Leu5-Arg6 and Arg6-Arg7, and neurotensin 1-13 at Pro10-Tyr11 and Arg8-Arg9. In contrast, rat endopeptidase 24.16 cleaves dynorphin A-8 at Gly4-Leu5 and Leu5-Arg6, and neurotensin 1-13 only at Pro10-Tyr11. These findings, as well as the observation that endopeptidase 24.16 exhibits a considerably higher affinity for Pro-Ile, Ki = 90 microM, indicates the peptidase isolated in this study is related to, but distinct from, rat endopeptidase 24.16. We propose that this new endopeptidase be referred to as endopeptidase 24.16B, while the originally described enzyme be referred to as endopeptidase 24.16A.
DNA Binding by the Xis Protein of the Conjugative Transposon Tn916

We purified the Xis protein of the conjugative transposon Tn916 and showed by nuclease protection experiments that Xis bound specifically to sites close to each end of Tn916. These specific binding sites are close to, and in the same relative orientation to, binding sites for the N-terminal domain of Tn916 integrase protein. These results suggest that Xis is involved in the formation of nucleoprotein structures at the ends of Tn916 that help to correctly align the ends so that excision can occur.
The Bacteriophage P1 HumD Protein Is a Functional Homolog of the Prokaryotic UmuD′-Like Proteins and Facilitates SOS Mutagenesis in Escherichia coli

The Escherichia coli umuD and umuC genes comprise an operon and encode proteins that are involved in the mutagenic bypass of normally replication-inhibiting DNA lesions. UmuD is, however, unable to function in this process until it undergoes a RecA-mediated cleavage reaction to generate UmuD'. Many homologs of umuDC have now been identified. Most are located on bacterial chromosomes or on broad-host-range R plasmids. One such putative homolog, humD (homolog of umuD) is, however, found on the bacteriophage P1 genome. Interestingly, humD differs from other umuD homologs in that it encodes a protein similar in size to the posttranslationally generated UmuD' protein and not UmuD, nor is it in an operon with a cognate umuC partner. To determine if HumD is, in fact, a bona fide homolog of the prokaryotic UmuD'-like mutagenesis proteins, we have analyzed the ability of HumD to complement UmuD' functions in vivo as well as examined HumD's physical properties in vitro. When expressed from a high-copy-number plasmid, HumD restored cellular mutagenesis and increased UV survival to normally nonmutable recA430 lexA(Def) and UV-sensitive DeltaumuDC recA718 lexA(Def) strains, respectively. Complementing activity was reduced when HumD was expressed from a low-copy-number plasmid, but this observation is explained by immunoanalysis which indicates that HumD is normally poorly expressed in vivo. In vitro analysis revealed that like UmuD', HumD forms a stable dimer in solution and is able to interact with E. coli UmuC and RecA nucleoprotein filaments. We conclude, therefore, that bacteriophage P1 HumD is a functional homolog of the UmuD'-like proteins, and we speculate as to the reasons why P1 might require the activity of such a protein in vivo.
Overall Survival, Disease-Free Survival, Local Recurrence, and Nipple–Areolar Recurrence in the Setting of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an increasingly common procedure; however, concerns exist regarding its oncological safety due to the potential for residual breast tissue to harbor occult malignancy or future cancer. A systematic literature review was performed. Studies with internal comparison arms evaluating therapeutic NSM versus skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and/or modified radical mastectomy (MRM) were included in a meta-analysis of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR). Studies lacking comparison arms were only included in the systematic review to evaluate mean OS, DFS, LR, and nipple–areolar recurrence (NAR). The search yielded 851 articles. Twenty studies with 5594 patients met selection criteria. The meta-analysis included eight studies with comparison arms. Seven studies that compared OS found a 3.4 % risk difference between NSM and MRM/SSM, five studies that compared DFS found a 9.6 % risk difference between NSM and MRM/SSM, and eight studies that compared LR found a 0.4 % risk difference between NSM and MRM/SSM. Risk differences for all outcomes were not statistically significant. The systematic review included all 20 studies and evaluated OS, DFS, LR, and NAR. Studies with follow-up intervals of 5 years had mean OS of 97.2, 97.9, and 86.8 %; DFS of 93.1, 92.3, and 76.1 %; LR of 5.4, 1.4, and 11.4 %; and NAR of 2.1, 1.0, and 3.4 %, respectively. This study did not detect adverse oncologic outcomes of NSM in carefully selected women with early-stage breast cancer. Use of prospective data registries, notably the Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Registry, will add clarity to this important clinical question.
On the orientational transition in liquid crystals

Liquid crystals orientational ordering molecular field theory examined by cluster variation method, predicting first order transition
BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN GROWTH HORMONE-DEFICIENT CHILDREN. EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM GH THERAPY

Bone mineral density, gr/cm2, (BMD) of the lumbar spine, L2-L4, was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DPX) in 10 prepubertal GH-deficient children (8 boys and 2 girls, chronological age 7 to 12 years) and compared with that of 471 normal controls (256 boys, 215 girls, age range: 1-20 years). GH deficiency was established on the basis of: height < 3rd percentile, growth velocity < 5 cm/y, GH response < 10 ng/ml in two provocative tests, and bone age delayed of two or more years.
The role of anti-IgE immunoglobulin therapy in nasal polyposis : A pilot study

BackgroundAlthough the etiology of nasal polyposis (NP) remains unknown, emerging evidence showing elevated local IgE levels and eosinophilic infiltration suggests an allergic etiology. Given this ...
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic characterization of the oxide film formed over low modulus Ti–35.5Nb–7.3Zr–5.7Ta alloy in phosphate buffer saline at various potentials

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic characterization of the low modulus Ti–35.5Nb–7.3Zr–5.7Ta alloy has been performed in phosphate buffer saline solution at 37 °C. Measurements were performed at various immersion intervals up to 720 h at OCP and also at various anodic potentials up to 2 V. The alloy exhibits a two time constant impedance response at the OCP and a one-time constant response at anodic potentials in the passive region. The thickness of the oxide film formed has been evaluated and the electrochemical interpretation of the results has been reported. Cyclic potentiodynamic profile of the alloy displays valve metal characteristics and the presence of a wide passive region that extends up to the maximum potential value of 2 V studied.
Photon-absorbed fractions for cylindrical geometry: a TLD photon-absorbed fraction model.

The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model and calculate photon‐absorbed fractions in a homogeneous nonradioactive cylinder placed inside off‐center and outside a cylindrical homogeneous distribution of activity. In the second case, both the radioactive cylinder and the nonradioactive one are placed in a tissue‐equivalent nonradioactive medium. The values of the photon‐absorbed fractions are investigated for various geometrical configurations using water as the material filling the cylinders and the medium in between and an isotope commonly used in Nuclear Medicine, 99m Tc. The calculations for off‐center cylinders allows for modeling inhomogeneous distributions of activity within a tumor by placing several ‘‘cold’’ cylinders of various sizes in a radioactive finite cylinder. This three‐dimensional model calculates photon‐absorbed fractions for inhomogeneous activity distributions that can be used in quantitative nuclear medicine for self‐absorption correction, thus introducing a more realistic correction than the one‐dimensional corrections. These calculations are also used to model the response of a cylindrical TLD (thermoluminiscent dosimeter) placed inside a homogeneous radioactive cylinder and outside the homogeneous radioactive cylinder, in an absorbing nonradioactive surrounding medium. The purpose of these calculations is to evaluate the photon‐absorbed fraction in the TLD as an instrument of measuring the time‐integrated activity of a homogeneous radioactive source versus an inhomogeneous one. The dependence of the TLD‐absorbed fraction on the position of the TLD with respect to the radioactive cylinder is investigated.
On the preparation and properties of an optically isotropic polymer.

The preparation and properties of a highly cross-linked dibutyl phthalate-modified methyl methacrylate polymer are described. The material is virtually optically isotropic with a refractive index near 1.5 and exhibits low absorption in the wavelength region 3000 A to 2 μ. It exhibits good dimensional stability when properly annealed and can be easily polished to close optical tolerances. It is unaffected by many organic and inorganic solvents. Careful preparation and annealing have removed gross density gradients and adventitious particle scattering in the medium.
High pressure study of ferromagnetic US (

The variation of the ac magnetic susceptibility of a polycrystalline ferromagnet US as a function of hydrostatic pressure was investigated. The Curie temperature decreases linearly from 180.0/sup 0/K at the atmospheric pressure to 175.9/sup 0/K at 17.6 kbar.
Basalt and tonalite from the Amami Plateau, northern West Philippine Basin: New Early Cretaceous ages and geochemical results, and their petrologic and tectonic implications

Basalts and tonalites dredged from the Amami Plateau in the northern West Philippine Basin have the geochemical characteristics of intraoceanic island arc rocks: low 87Sr/86Sr (0.70297–0.70310), intermediate 143Nd/144Nd (0.51288–0.51292), moderate light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment (La/Yb = 4.1–6.6) and high La/Nb (1.4–4.3). The incremental heating of hornblende from tonalites yielded well-defined plateaus and 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of 115.8 ± 0.5 Ma and 117.0 ± 1.1 Ma, while plagioclase yielded disturbed Ar release patterns, with ages ranging from 70 to 112 Ma. Taken together, these results show that the Amami Plateau was formed by subduction-related magmatism in the Early Cretaceous period, earlier than indicated by prior K/Ar results. The results support tectonic models in which the West Philippine Basin was opened within a complex of Jurassic–Paleocene island arc terranes, which are now scattered in the northern West Philippine Basin, the Philippine Islands and Halmahera. The Amami Plateau tonalites and basalts have higher Sr/Y and lower Y and 87Sr/86Sr compared with younger tonalitic rocks from the northern Kyushu–Palau Ridge and the Tanzawa complex, which were formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Sea Plate. Based on the geochemical characteristics of the basalts, the Early Cretaceous subduction zone that formed the Amami Plateau may have been the site of slab melting, which suggests that a younger and hotter plate was being subducted at that time. However, the Amami tonalites were probably formed from basaltic magma by fractional crystallization or by partial melting of basaltic arc crust, rather than by melting of the subducted slab.
Purification of fluorous Mitsunobu reactions by liquid-liquid extraction

Solvent tuning and partition coefficient measurements have identified suitable reagent and solvent combinations for the purification of fluorous Mitsunobu reaction products. The crude reaction mixtures are partitioned between 2/1 HFE-7100/FC-72 and DMF/10% water to provide reagent (fluorous) and product (organic) fractions. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.
ADAM III V/STOL concept

ADAM 111, the current evolution of a turbofan propulsive wing V/STOL concept, is described. Objectives used to guide concept formulation are listed and the potential problem areas, both technical and management type, are identified. Propulsion system features, component arrangement, operation, and control are discussed for application to the small subsonic strike-reconnaissance aircraft. Larger CTOL, STOL, and V/STOL transport designs are illustrated employing the same technology, and some of the same size components. Future prospects, including supersonic operation, are briefly discussed. The ADAM III concept appears to be adaptable to a wide range of airplane types. Full flexibility between VTOL and STOL operation is afforded with a high degree of safety because of redundancy of gas generators, hot gas ducts, fan-turbine power units, and flight control surfaces. Lift-to-drag ratios, cruise fuel consumption, and useful loads appear fully competitive.
LATENT CLASS MARGINAL MODELS FOR CROSS-CLASSIFICATIONS OF COUNTS

The standard latent class model is a finite mixture of indirectly observed multinomial distributions, each of which is assumed to exhibit statistical independence. Latent class analysis has been applied in a wide variety of research contexts, including studies of mobility, educational attainment, agreement, and diagnostic accuracy, and as measurement error models in social research. One of the attractive features of the latent class model in these settings is that the parameters defining the individual multinomials are readily interpretable marginal probabilities, conditional on the unobserved latent variable(s), that are often of substantive interest. There are, however, settings where the local-independence axiom is not supported, and hence it is useful to consider some form of local dependence. In this paper we consider a family of models defined in terms of finite mixtures of multinomial models where the multinomials are parameterized in terms of a set of models for the univariate marginal distributions and for marginal associations. Local dependence is introduced through the models for marginal associations, and the standard latent class model obtains as a special case. Three examples are analyzed with the models to illustrate their utility in analyzing complex cross-classifications.
Neurotoxic components in normal serum.

Abstract Serum neurotoxicity was studied by adding whole or fractionated serum (adult human, adult horse, or newborn calf) to neuron-rich cultures prepared from various regions of embryonic (Days 14–15) rat brain, including spinal cord, ventral mesencephalon, cerebellum, septum, and striatum. Effects of serum were also tested on several types of embryonic non-neuronal cells (skeletal muscle myotubes, cardiac muscle myocytes, and fibroblasts from skin and lung). Serum concentrations of 50% or more killed more than 95% of all neurons within 3 days. Serum concentrations as low as 10% also killed some neurons, especially those from cerebellum. Septal, cerebellar, and spinal cord neurons were more sensitive than striatal or mesencephalic neurons. All the tested non-neuronal cells survived much better than neurons at serum concentrations of 20% or more. Neurotoxicity was present in both fresh (human) and previously frozen (human and animal) sera, and affected both young (4 days in vitro ) and older (42 days in vitro ) cultures. Neurotoxicity was greatly diminished by heating the serum to 56°C for 30 min. Experiments indicated that serum toxicity was not due to lipoprotein, complement, or tumor necrosis factor. All serum neurotoxicity was retained by an ultrafilter with a nominal molecular weight cutoff of 10 kDa. The profile of neurotoxicity following gel filtration at neutral pH was variable, with high toxicity most consistently observed in fractions with apparent molecular weights exceeding 100 kDa, and variable degrees of toxicity at lower molecular weights.
Cancellation of cellular responses to nanoelectroporation by reversing the stimulus polarity

Nanoelectroporation of biomembranes is an effect of high-voltage, nanosecond-duration electric pulses (nsEP). It occurs both in the plasma membrane and inside the cell, and nanoporated membranes are distinguished by ion-selective and potential-sensitive permeability. Here we report a novel phenomenon of bioeffects cancellation that puts nsEP cardinally apart from the conventional electroporation and electrostimulation by milli- and microsecond pulses. We compared the effects of 60- and 300-ns monopolar, nearly rectangular nsEP on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cell survival with those of bipolar 60 + 60 and 300 + 300 ns pulses. For diverse endpoints, exposure conditions, pulse numbers (1–60), and amplitudes (15–60 kV/cm), the addition of the second phase cancelled the effects of the first phase. The overall effect of bipolar pulses was profoundly reduced, despite delivering twofold more energy. Cancellation also took place when two phases were separated into two independent nsEP of opposite polarities; it gradually tapered out as the interval between two nsEP increased, but was still present even at a 10-µs interval. The phenomenon of cancellation is unique for nsEP and has not been predicted by the equivalent circuit, transport lattice, and molecular dynamics models of electroporation. The existing paradigms of membrane permeabilization by nsEP will need to be modified. Here we discuss the possible involvement of the assisted membrane discharge, two-step oxidation of membrane phospholipids, and reverse transmembrane ion transport mechanisms. Cancellation impacts nsEP applications in cancer therapy, electrostimulation, and biotechnology, and provides new insights into effects of more complex waveforms, including pulsed electromagnetic emissions.
A note on a Chern character on the circle

In this note we present a simple derivation of the Chern character of a certain finitely summable Fredholm module, associated to the algebra of pseudodifferential operators of order ≤0 on the unit circle S1.
Analogies at War

The frequent use of the Vietnam analogy to describe the situation in Iraq underscores the continuing relevance of Vietnam for American history. At the same time, the Vietnam analogy reinforces the tendency to see current events within the context of the past. Politicians and pundits latch onto analogies as handles for understanding the present, but in so doing, they obscure more complicated situations. The con�ict in Iraq is not Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, but this article considers all three in an effort to see how the past has shaped, and continues to affect, the world the United States now faces.
The Wooden Chair

The Wooden Chair . By Rayne E. Golay. Untreed Publishing, 2013, ‘e’ book: Kindle edition, £3.95. 520 Kb, 307 pages, ASIN: B00CTQ31EK ![Graphic][1] This novel is one of hope, courage, determination and resilience as demonstrated by the central character Leni Baumann who was unwanted and abused by her mother. It begins in 1943 when the author poignantly describes the 4-year-old child, alone, singing in the market place in Helsinki, a tram ride away from home. Her mother, an alcoholic and anorexic, is at home, uncaring of her child. Her father is away fighting in the Finnish/Russian war. Rayne E. Golay, an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, draws on her wealth … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
ISSUES IN USE OF SAS PROC.MIXED TO TEST THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TREATMENT EFFECTS IN CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIALS

A project that originated with the aim of documenting the implications of dropouts for tests of significance based on general linear mixed model procedures resulted in recognition of problems in the use of SAS PROC.MIXED for this purpose. In responding to suggestions and criticisms, we have further analyzed simulated clinical trial data with realistic autoregressive structure, using alternative error model formulations, different approaches to the use of covariates to model dropout patterns, and different ways to include the critical time variable in the mixed model. Results emphasize the sensitivity of the PROC.MIXED tests of significance for GROUP and TIME x GROUP equal slopes hypothesis to less than optimal modeling of the error covariance structure. Even with the authoritatively recommended best available modeling of the error structure, model formulations that made use of the REPEATED statement did not maintain conservative test sizes when covariates were required to model dropout data patterns. Random coefficients models that employed the RANDOM statement did permit appropriate covariate controls, but the tests of significance for treatment effects were lacking in power. After examining a variety of alternative PROC.MIXED model formulations, it is concluded that none provided both Type I error protection and power comparable to that of simple two-stage analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) procedures for confirming the presence of true treatment effects in controlled clinical trials. Other issues examined in this article concern treating baseline scores as both covariate and initial repeated measurement to which a linear means model is fitted, failure to take advantage of the regression of repeated measurements on time in modeling time as an unordered categorical variable, and fitting linear regression models to nonlinear response patterns.
The Dente Oracle, the Bron Confederation, and Asante: Religion and the Politics of Secession

This paper traces the formation, growth, and contraction of the Bron Confederation, a group of small provinces which seceded from Asante in 1875 and remained independent until British and German acquisition in the mid-1890s. The Confederation was headed by the priest of a traditional religious shrine called Dente. The paper analyses how, operating initially from a solely religious base, the Dente priest achieved real political power over the Confederation. He became increasingly threatening to Asante and entwined in Asante politics, ultimately coming to the attention of European officials. His nemesis lay in the fact that neither Asante nor European strategists could afford to tolerate a successful Bron Confederation. Nevertheless the Confederation coalesced under his leadership and his ultimate authority was religious. A case study in the process of pre-colonial African religious/political synthesis, this paper specifically proposes that the sanctions resulting from religious oath-swearing and the wealth accruing from religious consultation were managed skilfully by the Dente priest and provided the basis for secular economic and political power.
Capitalism, Socialism, Barbarism: Marxist Conceptions of the Soviet Union:

This paper examines the three original Marxist conceptions of the Soviet Union which correspond to the split of Marxism into its Kautskyist, Stalinist, and Trotskyist variants. The origin of the te...
ON THE DUAL REFERENT APPROACH TO COLOUR THEORY

A dual referent approach to colour theory maintains that colour names have two intended, equally legitimate referents. For example, one might argue that ‘red’ refers both to red appearances or qualia, and also to the way red objects reflect light, the spectral surface reflectance properties of red things. I argue that normal cases of perceptual relativity can be used to support a dual referent approach, yielding an understanding of colour whose natural extension includes abnormal cases of perceptual relativity. This contrasts with Peacocke's multi-referent view, according to which such abnormal cases force us to introduce a wholly distinct kind of colour experience. I also argue that the two uses of colour names, arising from their two referents, have different extensions, even in normal perceptual circumstances, a consequence which conflicts with the heart of Rosenthal's dual referent view.
Nonlinear screening of negative point charges in diamond, silicon, and germanium

In the present paper we formulate a variational principle for obtaining approximate analytical solutions of a nonlinear differential equation established by Cornolti and Resta for the potentials of negative point charges embedded in pure diamond, silicon,and germanium. We consider the case of charges $Z=\ensuremath{-}1, \ensuremath{-}2, \ensuremath{-}3, \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{-}4$ (in atomic units) in these semiconductors, while Cornolti and Resta considered the cases of $Z=\ensuremath{-}1 \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{-}4$. We find that our approximate analytical results for the spatial dielectric functions of diamond, silicon, and germanium, depending on $Z$, are in excellent agreement with the numerical results of Cornolti and Resta, who have presented their results in graphical form.
Macrovacuolation induced by cytochalasin: Its relation to the cytoskeleton; morphological and cytochemical observations

Abstract At higher doses of cytochalasin (e.g. 3 μg/ml for 3–20 hr), cells of the rat fibroblastoid line, Hmf, undergo extreme retraction, arborization, and subsequent rounding, and develop big cystic vacuoles. These vacuoles are always closely invested by microfilamentous masses, the CD-induced derivatives of the actin-based cytoskeleton, which aggregate in the endoplasm. Vacuolation is progressive (e.g. 12% cells at 6 hr; > 80% at 18 hr), related to total dose (concentration × time); and to congener (CD > CB). Vacuole membranes have the same dimension (85 A), surface marker 5′-nucleotidase, and junctional specializations as those found at the cell surface; they lack the membrane markers associated with endomembrane systems (e.g. AcPase, TPPase, IDPase) and are not lysosomal. Vacuoles represent internalized plasma membrane; they apparently result from retention in the endoplasm, and fusion, of pinocytotic vesicles originating at the cell surface. Vacuole membrane is always in intimate relation to the actin-based microfilament aggregates that surround the vacuoles, and actin-membrane linker proteins fodrin and vinculin are localized at the vacuole boundaries. Vacuoles and their enveloping actin-filament aggregates are surrounded by arrays of vimentin-based intermediate filaments. A new membranous compartment with characteristics of plasma membrane is thus formed within the cell under the influence of CD. Rounding brought about by other means causes no vacuolization. Macrovacuolation, like the other changes caused by CD, is completely reversible on restoration of cells to normal medium.
Performance of 10-kW class xenon ion thrusters

Presented are performance data for laboratory and engineering model 30 cm-diameter ion thrusters operated with xenon propellant over a range of input power levels from approximately 2 to 20 kW. Also presented are preliminary performance results obtained from laboratory model 50 cm-diameter cusp- and divergent-field ion thrusters operating with both 30 cm- amd 50 cm-diameter ion optics up to a 20 kW input power. These data include values of discharge chamber propellant and power efficiencies, as well as values of specific impulse, thruster efficiency, thrust and power. The operation of the 30 cm- and 50 cm-diameter ion optics are also discussed.
Fetal lung and placental methylation is associated with in utero nicotine exposure.

In utero smoke exposure has been shown to have detrimental effects on lung function and to be associated with persistent wheezing and asthma in children. One potential mechanism of IUS effects could be alterations in DNA methylation, which may have life-long implications. The goal of this study was to examine the association between DNA methylation and nicotine exposure in fetal lung and placental tissue in early development; nicotine exposure in this analysis represents a likely surrogate for in-utero smoke. We performed an epigenome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in fetal lung tissue (n = 85, 41 smoke exposed (48%), 44 controls) and the corresponding placental tissue samples (n = 80, 39 smoke exposed (49%), 41 controls) using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. Differential methylation analyses were conducted to evaluate the variation associated with nicotine exposure. The most significant CpG sites in the fetal lung analysis mapped to the PKP3 (P = 2.94 × 10−03), ANKRD33B (P = 3.12 × 10−...
Effects of retraining following response prevention on extinction of escape behavior

Sixty female hooded rats received a sequence of 40 shock-escape training trials, 20 response prevention (or pseudoprevention) trials, either 0, 5, or 20 shock-escape retraining trials and then nonshock extinction procedures. Results of extinction using escape speed and trials-to-criterion indices showed that, in each retraining condition, response prevention reliably facilitated extinction relative to pseudoprevention controls, the degree of facilitation decreasing as amount of retraining increased. In 5-and 20-trial retraining conditions, prevention procedures also reliably impaired shock-escape performance on early retraining trials, this effect dissipating before the start of extinction.
The fate of narcissistic rage in psychotherapy

(1998). The fate of narcissistic rage in psychotherapy. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 18, Aggression: Contemporary controversies, pp. 55-70.
Descriptive oxidative profiles for pyrite in the low temperature ash component of coals by differential thermal analysis

Abstract Experiments leading to the DTA oxidative thermal curves for pyrite, marcasite, and several low temperature ash (LTA) specimens of coals were performed. The coal seams represented by the LTA specimens were the Herrin 6 seam (southwestern Illinois), Hazard 7 seam (eastern Kentucky) and the Hazard 8 seam (eastern Kentucky). Synthetic mixtures containing pyrite, ferrous sulfate monohydrate, and alumina were also studied to determine the effect of iron(II) sulfates on the DTA oxidative profiles. The effects of sample size and sample distribution in the DTA sample cup of natural pyrite and marcasite specimens on the observed thermal curve were also studied. Similarly, the variation of the oxidative thermal curves with pyrite level in the LTA specimens was observed. Distinguishing features of the thermal curves for the LTA specimens obtained in dynamic air purge are also identified and discussed.
A surprising new protein superfamily containing ovalbumin, antithrombin-III, and alpha1-proteinase inhibitor

Abstract A distant relationship between chicken ovalbumin and two human plasma protease inhibitors was revealed by computer analyses. We propose a new protein superfamily containing at least three families: ovalbumin (and probably gene X and gene Y proteins), antithrombin-III, and alpha 1 -proteinase inhibitor. Although these families may have diverged from a common ancestor more than 500 million years ago, they may still share similarity in gene structure as well as in protein sequence.
Morphine enhances HIV infection of neonatal macrophages.

Perinatal transmission of HIV accounts for almost all new HIV infections in children. There is an increased risk of perinatal transmission of HIV with maternal illicit substance abuse. Little is known about neonatal immune system alteration and subsequent susceptibility to HIV infection after morphine exposure. We investigated the effects of morphine on HIV infection of neonatal monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Morphine significantly enhanced HIV infection of neonatal MDM. Morphine-induced HIV replication in neonatal MDM was completely suppressed by naltrexone, the opioid receptor antagonist. Morphine significantly up-regulated CCR5 receptor expression and inhibited the endogenous production of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β in neonatal MDM. Thus, morphine, most likely through alteration of β-chemokines and CCR5 receptor expression, enhances the susceptibility of neonatal MDM to HIV infection, and may have a cofactor role in perinatal HIV transmission and infection.
Variation and Significance of Elevated Cord Serum Bromide Concentration (CSBC)

At least 4 cases of neonatal bromism secondary to maternal ingestion or exposure to bromide-containing compounds during pregnancy have been reported. The cardinal features in these babies were weakness and hypotonia. The maternal exposure in 3 cases was from drugs and in one case from presumed occupational exposure to bromide salts in the photographic film manufacturing industry. To determine the variation in CSBC and whether unsuspected neonatal bromism might be responsible for unexplained neonatal problems, we measured the CSBC in 196 consecutive babies born at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y., during January 1984, using a sensitive HPLC method. The CSBC ranged from 3.4 - 17.0 mg/1 with a mean (± 1 SD) of 7.4 mg/l±2.1. There was no apparent increased frequency of neonatal complications in babies with higher CSBC. Most noteworthy was that the highest CSBC (17.0 mg/1) was in a baby whose mother was a professional photographer. This study suggests that there is variation in CSBC and that occupational exposure to bromides from use or processing of photographic film may cause increased CSBC.
The Adsorption of NO and Reaction of NO with O2on H-, NaH-, CuH-, and Cu-ZSM-5: Anin SituFTIR Investigation

The adsorption of NO and the reaction of NO with O2on H-, NaH-, CuH-, and Cu-ZSM-5 zeolites were studied at 300 K usingin situFourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). At this temperature, NO readily adsorbs on the Cu+sites of CuH- and Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts and decomposition of NO is observed for all catalysts, although the rate of decomposition is vastly different on these materials. In comparison, this reaction is negligible over the H- and NaH-ZSM-5 samples. The time evolution of several nitrogen-containing molecules after controlled O2exposure to the NO/ZSM-5 systems has allowed the spectral correlation of these species. These nitrogen-containing species can interact with either the protonic sites of bridging hydroxyls forming hydrogen bonding complexes or the metal cations producing primarily surface nitrates and nitrites. The hydrogen bonded NxOycomplexes were characterized with their IR absorption features: (a) NO2, 2133 cm−1; (b) N2O3, 1875 and 1587 cm−1; and (c) N2O4, 2185 and 1745 cm−1. The stretching vibrational frequency of the acidic OH groups of ZSM-5 red-shifts due to the interaction with nitrogen-containing molecules and forms “ABC” band structures characteristic of medium and strong hydrogen bonding complexes. Although the adsorbed NxOyspecies (N2O3, N2O4) interacting with the Bronsted protons exhibit characteristics of a strong Lewis base, adsorption enthalpies are sufficiently weak that their existence is not observed even after brief evacuation. Nitric oxide, oxygen coadsorption produces metal cation (Na+and Cun+) bonded surface species possessing IR absorption bands between 1400 and 1650 cm−1characteristic of nitrite and nitrate species. The thermal stability of the nitrite and nitrate adsorbed species is much greater than the NxOyspecies nucleated at free Bronsted acid sites.
Sexual function in gynecologic cancer survivors

Sexual problems are common among patients and survivors of gynecologic neoplasms. Dysfunction may result from the therapies that are aimed at curing or containing disease, or as a result of the psychological distress that the patient and/or her partner experiences during diagnosis and treatment of malignancy. A sexual rehabilitation program in an oncology setting, using a multidisciplinary approach, is necessary to provide comprehensive care to the gynecologic oncology patient and her partner.
The fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva lesion

Clinically, the lesions in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) follow spontaneous or injury-induced exacerbations and are characterized by painful swellings in soft connective tissue that progress to form mature heterotopic bone. Heterotopic ossification (HO) progresses in characteristic anatomic and temporal patterns, and the location of HO dictates the severity of functional consequences. The histological stages of lesion formation are well described and include, in order of progression: perivascular lymphocytic infiltration (stage 1A), lymphocytic migration into affected muscle and myonecrosis (stage 1B), early reactive fibroproliferation (stage 1C), intense fibroproliferation, neovascularity, and angiogenesis (stage 2A), cartilage formation (stage 2B), and endochondral bone formation (stage 2C). Possible mechanisms for FOP lesion formation, including the origin of bone-forming cells, are discussed.
"Before and after" diet advertisements escalate weight stigma.

The stigma-producing effects of "before and after" diet advertisements on a healthy weight sample were examined. Subjects (n = 59) were exposed to a presentation containing either a "before and after" diet ad, or solely the "before" or "after" picture embedded in a different ad. Subjects were then given measures to assess negative attitudes and endorsement of stereotypes about overweight people. Across all subjects, strong implicit anti-fat bias was present. Subjects in the Before and After condition indicated that weight is more easily controllable than did subjects in either the Before Picture Only or the After Picture Only conditions. There were two moderating variables for this effect. Subjects who reported greater life satisfaction endorsed fewer anti-fat stereotypes, and those who enjoyed an emotionally close relationship with an overweight person were less biased. These results suggest that "before and after" diet ads enhance weight stigma and perpetuate damaging stereotypes.
Size‐independent growth in fishes: patterns, models and metrics

A combination of a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model, field data on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta and laboratory data on Atlantic salmon was used to assess the underlying assumptions of three different metrics of growth including specific growth rate (G), standardized mass-specific growth rate (GS) and absolute growth rate in length (GL) in salmonids. Close agreement was found between predictions of the DEB model and the assumptions of linear growth in length and parabolic growth in mass. Field data comparing spring growth rates of age 1+ year and 2+ year Atlantic salmon demonstrated that in all years the larger age 2+ year fish exhibited a significantly lower G, but differences in growth in terms of GS and GL depended on the year examined. For brown trout, larger age 2+ year fish also consistently exhibited slower growth rates in terms of G but grew at similar rates as age 1+ year fish in terms of GS and GL. Laboratory results revealed that during the age 0+ year (autumn) the divergence in growth between future Atlantic salmon smolts and non-smolts was similar in terms of all three metrics with smolts displaying higher growth than non-smolts, however, both GS and GL indicated that smolts maintain relatively fast growth into the late autumn where G suggested that both smolts and non-smolts exhibit a sharp decrease in growth from October to November. During the spring, patterns of growth in length were significantly decoupled from patterns in growth in mass. Smolts maintained relatively fast growth though April in length but not in mass. These results suggest GS can be a useful alternative to G as a size-independent measure of growth rate in immature salmonids. In addition, during certain growth stanzas, GS may be highly correlated with GL. The decoupling of growth in mass from growth in length over ontogeny, however, may necessitate a combination of metrics to adequately describe variation in growth depending on ontogenetic stage particularly if life histories differ.
Axonal transport of macromolecules. II. Nucleic acid migration in the central nervous system.

The axonal migration of nucleic acids and their precursors has been studied following injection of radioactive uridine or thymidine into a single eye of newhatched chicks. After monocular injection of tritiated uridine, a progressive increase was observed in the specific activity of RNA of the optic lobe contralateral to the injected eye. This accumulation was first apparent 18 hours after injection and increased for at least 6 days. There was also a lesser accumulation of trichloracetic acid soluble radioactivity in this contralateral lobe relative to the ipsilateral lobe. RNA was prepared from morphological fractions of optic lobes after differential centrifugation. Radioactive analysis of these RNA fractions suggested that mitochondrial, ribosomal and transfer RNA all migrated axonally to a considerable degree. At neither 4 hours or 4 days after monocular injection of tritiated thymidine, was there any excess of radioactivity in DNA of lobes contralateral to the injected eye relative to DNA of ipsilateral lobes. Thus there was no evidence for the flow of DNA along the axon. The data suggest that a wide variety of RNA species synthesised in the nerve cell body migrate distally and appear at nerve endings.
Intermediate effects of treatment with metoprolol or carvedilol in children with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

The use of β-blocking agents in adults with congestive heart failure has been shown to improve symptoms and outcome; however, experience in pediatric patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction is limited. We identified 12 pediatric patients treated with β-blocking agents for left ventricular systolic dysfunction and reviewed echocardiographic indices of left ventricular systolic performance prior to initiation of β-blocker therapy and at intermediate follow-up. Left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction increased significantly from baseline to intermediate follow-up (13 ± 4% to 21 ± 8% [p = 0.01] and 26 ± 8% to 41 ± 17% [p = 0.04], respectively). When added to conventional therapy, β-blocker therapy resulted in an increase in ejection-phase indices of left ventricular systolic performance at intermediate follow-up in pediatric patients with systolic dysfunction.
Strategies and progress in reproductive research involving small cat species

Captive populations of small cats are often comprised of fewer than 50 animals that are widely dispersed geographically, making them difficult to study in scientifically meaningful numbers. This paper reviews the progress that has been made in reproductive research and describes how it can be applied to the conservation of small felids. The domestic cat serves as a general reproductive research ‘model’ for felids but normative databases of individual species are still required. Fundamental physiological studies included a 2 year survey of the reproductive status of 186 ♂ felids in Latin American Zoos. Almost 60% of cats produced fewer than 1 000 000 total sperm per ejaculate and several species, including the Margay Leopardus wiedii, Little spotted cat Leopardus tigrinus and Jaguarundi Herpailurus yaguarondi, had low percentages (<40%) of structurally normal spermatozoa. This type of survey can highlight management or husbandry problems which may contribute to poor reproduction. Basic physiological information is essential to developing and applying assisted reproductive techniques, such as ovulation induction, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer (ET) and genome resource banking.
Rational design and synthesis of androgen receptor-targeted nonsteroidal anti-androgen ligands for the tumor-specific delivery of a doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate.

The synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a doxorubicin−formaldehyde conjugate tethered to the nonsteroidal antiandrogen, cyanonilutamide (RU 56279), for the treatment of prostate cancer are reported. The relative ability of the targeting group to bind to the human androgen receptor was studied as a function of tether. The tether served to attach the antiandrogen to the doxorubicin−formaldehyde conjugate via an N-Mannich base of a salicylamide derivative. The salicylamide was selected to serve as a trigger release mechanism to separate the doxorubicin−formaldehyde conjugate from the targeting group after it has bound to the androgen receptor. The remaining part of the tether consisted of a linear group that spanned from the 5-position of the salicylamide to the 3‘-position of cyanonilutamide. The structures explored for the linear region of the tether were derivatives of di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), N,N‘-disubstituted-piperazine, and 2-butyne-1,4-diol. Relative binding affinity of the teth...
Phase Transition and Spin-gap Behavior in a Layered Tetragonal Pnictide Oxide

Abstract Spin-gap behavior has been observed for the first time in the layered tetragonal compound Na 2 Ti 2 Sb 2 O. Na 2 Ti 2 Sb 2 O shows a sharp discontinuity in magnetic susceptibility at 150 K, reminisent of behavior observed in the spin–Peierls compound CuGeO 3 . Na 2 Ti 2 Sb 2 O also shows a discontinuity in temperature-dependent resistivity at the magnetic transition and metallic behavior for all other temperatures, 5.7 mΩ·cm at room temperature. Ti–Sb–Ti superexchange is proposed to be favored over Ti–O–Ti superexchange, based on the high-temperature magnetic susceptibility data and on the identity of the magnetic orbitals.
An analytical solution for the nonlinear frequency response of radiant heat transfer

An analytical solution is presented for the nonlinear frequency response of a system in which radiant heat transfer is coupled with conduction. The model is that of an object inside an evacuated enclosure whose wall temperature oscillates about a mean. A perturbation analysis solves the describing equations for oscillatory amplitudes less than one-tent the mean wall temperature. An exact solution to a Ricatti differential equation verifies the perturbation analysis. These solutions show that, contrary to linear experience, the average object temperature over an oscillatory cycle exceeds the mean at the wall. The complete solution for the frequency response can be divided into three regimes. In the first, at low frequencies, all response is truly linear. In the second, higher harmonics become important, but the response remains that of a lumped parameter systems. In the third, response changes with distance from the object surface and the response at the surface dominates. Nonlinearities are important in the second and third regimes. The solution has several applications.
Impact of inverter on losses and thermal characteristics of induction motors

This paper investigated the losses and thermal characteristics of induction motors operated from pulse width-modulated (PWM) voltage supply in comparison to that operated from sinusoidal voltage supply. It was concluded that due to the abundant harmonics in the PWM waveforms, significant losses are induced in the motor by the inverter supply. The temperature ascends correspondingly. Switching frequencies of the PWM inverter at 3.5 kHz to 9 kHz were investigated to evaluate their effect on the excessive losses. Experiments were conducted with no load and with load conditions. The losses and thermal characteristics were calculated using finite-element analysis (FEA) and validated by the experiments.
Maximum-likelihood speed estimation using vehicle-induced magnetic signatures

Modern traffic management systems require accurate vehicle detection, speed estimates, and link travel times for congestion detection, traveler information, ramp metering, optimization of traffic signal timing, and planning. Current speed estimation methods report speeds that are averaged over at least 30 seconds. This is necessary in some cases because the estimates tend to be noisy or in other cases because the algorithms are not intended to deliver individual vehicle speeds. This paper develops an algorithm based on communication theory and compares the results to conventional algorithms. The maximum-likelihood algorithm proposed in this paper provides significantly improved speed estimates that can be used to produce histograms of vehicle speeds instead of the speed averages currently available.