cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue culture tube contaminant inhibits excitatory synaptic channels

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Large, slowly desensitizing macroscopic currents were induced by rapidly infusing an electrolyte solution containing 50 microM ACh in the presence of atropine. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subset of glutamate receptors was studied in CA1 hippocampal neurons. Macroscopic currents were induced by rapidly applying 30 microM NMDA and 10 microM glycine in the presence of picrotoxin, strychnine and tetrodotoxin. Exposing the electrolyte solutions to Falcon brand polypropylene tissue culture tubes (Becton Dickinson Labware) decreased the current through the nAChR channels or through the NMDA receptor channels (1). Purified water shaken in the Falcon brand tubes showed a broad absorbance peak near 200 nm. Before exposing the water to the Falcon tubes, the purified water gave no absorbance signal. The results indicate that a substance released from the Falcon tubes inhibits the currents through nAChR and NMDA receptor channels. Our experiments were with 50-ml Falcon 2098 tubes from lot numbers 72180188 and 80290188 and with 15-ml Falcon 2097 tubes from lot number 83560283. These were the only Falcon tubes we tested.
New agents in follicular lymphoma

The follicular lymphomas are indolent diseases that are highly responsive to various combinations of standard chemotherapy drugs. Nevertheless, until recently, no regimen had improved patient outcome. The incorporation of effective and well-tolerated monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, into chemoimmunotherapeutic strategies provided the first evidence that survival of these patients could be prolonged. Nevertheless, follicular lymphoma remains incurable and characterized by recurrent relapses requiring additional treatment. An increasing number of effective drugs are now being evaluated either alone or in combinations including the chemotherapy drugs bendamustine and bortezomib. More targeted agents include monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives such as drug-antibody conjugates and small modular immunopharmaceuticals. Other agents inhibit various cellular pathways including those triggered by the B-cell receptor, including spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and other intracellular pathways such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), PI3-kinase, and apoptosis, and drugs that target the tumor microenvironment, notably the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide. The development of combinations of these agents should be based on scientific rationale with correlative studies to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action and resistance of the drugs and the biology of the tumor to further improve the outcome of patients with follicular lymphoma.
Oxidation Assessment of Highly Inhibited SiC Coated Carbon-Carbon Laminates Using Electrical Resistance Measurements

The impact of oxidation on shear modulus, mass loss, and electrical resistance of carbon-carbon laminates at 900°C is studied. This approach is unique in relating in-situ measured physical properties to mechanical properties at high temperature oxidative environment. The goal is to understand the relationship between the changes observed in the shear modulus and electrical resistance in relation to mass loss. In-situ electrical resistance measurements were taken at 900°C and shear modulus measurements were taken at room temperature prior to and following oxidation. The results reveal that the electrical resistance, shear modulus, and mass loss are not independent of each other; as oxidation time increases, mass loss and electrical resistance increase whereas the shear modulus decreases. A simple analytical model is developed for electrical resistance simulation and is correlated to shear modulus within 5% of experimental observations.
Growth, behavioral, and psychologic measurements of adopted children: The influences of genetic and socioeconomic factors in a prospective study**

Perinatal, growth, social, and psychologic data, collected through seven years of age on 144 adopted children and on 288 matched controls as part of a prospective study of 3,120 children, were subjected to statistical analysis. Only single births and healthy children were included. The adopted subjects were divided into two groups: 94 children who were adopted by nonrelatives (77 prior to one year of age and 17 after one year of age); and 50 children who remained with their biologic mothers and were subsequently adopted by stepfathers. Children who were adopted prior to one year of age had significantly higher IQs at four years of age then did their controls; at seven years of age, however, their IQs were similar even though the adopted children were raised in a higher socioeconomic environment. The adopted children had better academic achievement and were taller at four and seven years of age than were the controls. The performance of the children adopted after one year of age, even though they were raised in a higher socioeconomic environment, were like those of their controls at both four and seven years of age. The performance of the children who remained with their biologic mothers was similar to that of their controls. Maternal intelligence generally did not correlate well with adopted children's intelligence; however, a specific significant positive correlation could be shown between maternal intelligence and the intelligence of children who remained with their biologic mothers.
Evaluation of trans-tetrachloro-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (IV) in murine leukemia L1210 resistant and sensitive to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II).

trans-Tetrachloro-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (IV) (tetraplatin) was therapeutically effective in mice bearing leukemia L1210 resistant (L1210/DDPt) or sensitive (L1210/0) to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin). Furthermore, the sensitivity of cultured L1210/DDPt and L1210/0 cell populations to tetraplatin, cisplatin, and dichloro-trans-dihydroxyisopropylamine platinum (IV) (CHIP) was a function of the concentrations used for each compound. The relative degree of sensitivity between cultured L1210/DDPt and L1210/0 cells for each compound on the basis of the LC99 (the concentration of each compound required to reduce the number of viable cells by 99% in each cell line) was 3-fold for cisplatin, 2-fold for tetraplatin, and 3-fold for CHIP; thus the cultured L1210/0 cells exhibited a greater degree of sensitivity than the L1210/DDPt cells to the platinum compounds. The data indicate that of reduction of platinum IV compounds to platinum II compounds or metabolites is required for antitumor activity, then the cultured L1210 cells are capable of this bioreduction independently of any host factors.
Two studies of the occurrence of psychophysiological symptoms in chronic headache patients.

Abstract Two separate, but related, studies are described in which psychophysiological symptoms associated with chronic headache were examined. In the first study, the Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist (PSC) was administered to evaluate the presence of 15 different psychophysiological symptoms in 3 types of chronic headache patients (migraine, tension, and combined migraine and tension). Over 97% of these 438 patients reported at least one other symptom occurring at least monthly and 75% reported another intense symptom occurring at least once a week. The tension and combined headache groups reported significantly higher overall symptomatic distress than the migraine headache patients. The tension patients reported significantly higher scores on the backache and weakness items, while the migraine and combined headache patients reported significantly more nausea. The differences between the diagnostic groups is more a function of the intensity of the symptoms than the presence of the symptoms, since, for many individual symptoms, the percentage of patients reporting is nearly equal. In the second study, 150 patients from the original sample (50 from each diagnostic group) were reassesssed using the PSC after psychological treatment of headache. There were significant decreases in total scores for all 3 groups with no significant differences between groups seen at post treatment. Different treatment effects were seen on the individual symptoms with 7 of the 15 showing significant reduction. Chronic headache does not occur in isolation and headache diagnostic groups do not differentiate well on other individual psychophysiological symptoms.
Pseudotumor of the Lung: A Case Report and Review Stressing Radiographic Criteria

A case of plasma cell granuloma of the lung and a review of the literature on pseudotumors of the lung are presented. The radiographic findings are stressed and the inadequacy of our present criteria to make a pre-biopsy diagnosis is noted. A unified concept of pseudotumor of the lung to include xanthogranuloma, plasma cell granuloma, and pseudolymphoma is suggested.
Effect of nitroprusside on wave reflections in patients with heart failure.

The relationship between wave reflections and ventricular-vascular coupling has been the subject of considerable speculation. Since we have previously shown that low-dose nitroprusside infusion improved ventricular-vascular coupling (as evidenced by increases in cardiac output and in aortic and pulmonary arterial total external power) in patients with severe left ventricular failure and secondary pulmonary hypertension, we chose to examine the changes in their aortic and pulmonary arterial wave reflections in this study. Wave reflection indexes examined included [1] calculated backward and forward pressure waves and the ratio of their magnitudes (reflection factor), [2] the reflection coefficient spectrum obtained by taking the ratios of the corresponding Fourier harmonics of the backward and forward waves, [3] two terminal reflection coefficients calculated as Γ t =(R-Z c )/R+Z c ) where Z is characteristic impedance and R is either total resistance or vascular resistance, and [4] the difference between the maximum and minimum impedance moduli for frequencies of 4 to 15 Hz. In the systemic vasculature, nitroprusside produced large reductions in the elevated vascular resistances and decreased aortic reflections as indexed by the reflection factor and by both terminal reflection coefficients. In contrast, however, no significant changes were found in the pulmonary artery wave reflection indexes despite large reductions in the pulmonary resistances.
REMITTANCES: POLITICAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Private remittances are becoming an increasingly important part of the financial landscape of many developing countries. Indeed, for some such countries, these flows are the single most important t...
A multivariate fall risk assessment model for VHA nursing homes using the minimum data set.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a multivariate fall risk assessment model beyond the current fall Resident Assessment Protocol (RAP) triggers for nursing home residents using the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Design Retrospective, clustered secondary data analysis. Setting: National Veterans Health Administration (VHA) long-term care nursing homes (N = 136). Participants The study population consisted of 6577 national VHA nursing home residents who had an annual assessment during FY 2005, identified from the MDS, as well as an earlier annual or admission assessment within a 1-year look-back period. Measurement A dichotomous multivariate model of nursing home residents coded with a fall on selected fall risk characteristics from the MDS, estimated with general estimation equations (GEE). Results There were 17 170 assessments corresponding to 6577 long-term care nursing home residents. The increased odds ratio (OR) of being classified as a faller relative to the omitted “dependent” category of activities of daily living (ADL) ranged from OR = 1.35 for “limited” ADL category up to OR = 1.57 for “extensive-2” ADL (P Conclusions This national study in one of the largest managed healthcare systems in the United States has empirically confirmed the relative importance of certain risk factors for falls in long-term care settings. The model incorporated an ADL index and adjusted for case mix by including only long-term care nursing home residents. The study offers clinicians practical estimates by combining multiple univariate MDS elements in an empirically based, multivariate fall risk assessment model.
Exploring the sequence patterns in the α‐helices of proteins

This paper reports an extensive sequence analysis of the alpha-helices of proteins. alpha-Helices were extracted from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and were divided into groups according to their sizes. It was found that some amino acids had differential propensity values for adopting helical conformation in short, medium and long alpha-helices. Pro and Trp had a significantly higher propensity for helical conformation in short helices than in medium and long helices. Trp was the strongest helix conformer in short helices. Sequence patterns favoring helical conformation were derived from a neighbor-dependent sequence analysis of proteins, which calculated the effect of neighboring amino acid type on the propensity of residues for adopting a particular secondary structure in proteins. This method produced an enhanced statistical significance scale that allowed us to explore the positional preference of amino acids for alpha-helical conformations. It was shown that the amino acid pair preference for alpha-helix had a unique pattern and this pattern was not always predictable by assuming proportional contributions from the individual propensity values of the amino acids. Our analysis also yielded a series of amino acid dyads that showed preference for alpha-helix conformation. The data presented in this study, along with our previous study on loop sequences of proteins, should prove useful for developing potential 'codes' for recognizing sequence patterns that are favorable for specific secondary structural elements in proteins.
Fatal rodenticide poisoning with brodifacoum

The increased prevalence of rodents resistant to warfarin led to the development of the hydroxycoumarin anticoagulant brodifacoum. A 25-year-old man attempted suicide by consuming four boxes of d-CON Mouse-Prufe II; each box contains 42 g of bait that is 0.005% brodifacoum. He presented to a hospital nine days later with syncope, hematochezia, gross hematuria, epistaxis, anemia, and a severe coagulopathy. Radiographic studies were consistent with pleural, pericardial, and mediastinal hemorrhages. Vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma were given, and he was later discharged on oral phytonadione (vitamin K1). The patient's coagulopathy recurred, necessitating multiple plasma transfusions and prolonged treatment with oral phytonadione. Fifteen weeks after hospital discharge, he presented again with a history of additional brodifacoum ingestion. Neurologic status was initially normal, but in the emergency department he suddenly became comatose soon after emesis was induced with syrup of ipecac. Computed tomography of the brain revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage that led to brain death less than 24 hours later. This case demonstrates the severe and prolonged coagulopathy that can result from ingestion of brodifacoum, a compound that has a toxic potency about 200-fold that of warfarin and a half-life as much as 60 times longer.
Modulation of Neural Circuits in Crustacea

Recent research has shown that neuromodulators play important roles in shaping simple behaviors. They act at many different sites within the animal in a coordinated fashion, modulating the motor circuits in the central nervous system, altering motoneuron excitability, and modulating muscle response to motoneuron input. Within the central circuits that co-ordinate simple movements, neuromodulators play a dramatic sculpting role, changing the cells that participate in the circuit, altering their intrinsic properties, and affecting the strength of synaptic interactions that form the “wiring diagram” of the circuit. As a result, they are able to shape a family of related circuits out of a single anatomically identified network, each driving a unique variant on the basic motor theme. Examples of these actions from the Crustacea are described in this paper, focussing on the modulation of posture in the lobster, and on modulation of rhythmic motor programs for stomach movements in the stomatogastric ganglion of lobsters and crabs.
Tbx12 regulates eye development in Xenopus embryos

The regulation of vertebrate eye development requires the activity of many transcription factors. In this report, we demonstrate that the T-box factor Tbx12 is necessary for normal development of the retina. Tbx12 is expressed during early stages of retinal development in multiple species of vertebrate embryos. We injected mRNAs encoding wild type and mutant forms of Tbx12 into Xenopus embryos. The Tbx12 injected embryos exhibit multiple defects in eye development including reduced eye size and disruption of normal retinal laminar organization. Tbx12 appears to function as a repressor of transcription during eye development. Our results indicate that Tbx12 activity is required for the proper generation and organization of retinal cells in the vertebrate eye.
Adding Liebe und Arbeit: The Full Five-Factor Model and Well-Being

Neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience have been shown to have systematic effects on psychological well being. The remaining dimensions in the five-factor model of personality-agreeableness and conscientiouness-may also contribute to increased life satisfaction and happiness. Self-reports and spouse ratings on the NEO Personality Inventory, a measure of the five factors, were correlated with three measures of psychological well-being in a sample of 429 adult men and women. Consistent with previous rescarch, neuroticism was negatively, and extraversion was positively, related to well-being. Both agreeableness and conscientiousness were also significant independent predictors. Personality dispositions appear to have temperamental, experiential, and instrumental effects on psychological well-being.
Crop and Soil Responses to Using Corn Stover as a Bioenergy Feedstock: Observations from the Northern US Corn Belt

Corn (Zea mays L.) stover is a potential bioenergy feedstock, but little is known about the impacts of reducing stover return on yield and soil quality in the Northern US Corn Belt. Our study objectives were to measure the impact of three stover return rates (Full (~7.8 Mg ha −1 yr −1 ), Moderate (~3.8 Mg ha −1 yr −1 ) or Low (~1.5 Mg ha yr −1 ) Return) on corn and soybean (Glycine max. L (Merr.)) yields and on soil dynamic properties on a chisel-tilled (Chisel) field, and well- (NT1995) or newly- (NT2005) established no-till managed fields. Stover return rate did not affect corn and soybean yields except under NT1995 where Low Return (2.88 Mg ha −1 ) reduced yields compared with Full and Moderate Return (3.13 Mg ha −1 ). In NT1995 at 0-5 cm depth, particulate organic matter in Full Return and Moderate Return (14.3 g kg −1 ) exceeded Low Return (11.3 g kg −1 ). In NT2005, acid phosphatase activity was reduced about 20% in Low Return compared to Full Return. Also the Low Return had an increase in erodible-sized dry aggregates at the soil surface compared to Full Return. Three or fewer cycles of stover treatments revealed little evidence for short-term impacts on crop yield, but detected subtle soil changes that indicate repeated harvests may have negative consequences if stover removed.
Performance Analysis of an IMM-Based Obstacle Detection Algorithm

In this paper, two approaches for obstacle detection and position estimation are presented. One is an algorithm based on M out of N detection logic and the other is an algorithm based on the probabilistic Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) method. The M out of N threshold-based algorithm declares that there is an obstacle present if it gets M validated measurements out of N consecutive measurements. IMM algorithm runs two different models in parallel, each based on a different hypothesis. One model assumes that there is an obstacle present while the other model assumes that there is no obstacle present in the sensor field of view. The performances of the two algorithms are compared based on their false alarm rate and detection speed. At first, Monte Carlo simulations are performed using only the false measurements to determine the thresholds for each method that generate a similar number of false detections. Using these thresholds, the detection speed of each method is compared and it is shown that the IMM-based algorithm is superior to the M out of N logic-based algorithm.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Autophagy and Senescence in Cancer Therapy

Abstract Tumor cells can undergo diverse responses to cancer therapy. While apoptosis represents the most desirable outcome, tumor cells can alternatively undergo autophagy and senescence. Both autophagy and senescence have the potential to make complex contributions to tumor cell survival via both cell autonomous and cell non-autonomous pathways. The induction of autophagy and senescence in tumor cells, preclinically and clinically, either individually or concomitantly, has generated interest in the utilization of autophagy modulating and senolytic therapies to target autophagy and senescence, respectively. This chapter summarizes the current evidence for the promotion of autophagy and senescence as fundamental responses to cancer therapy and discusses the complexity of their functional contributions to cell survival and disease outcomes. We also highlight current modalities designed to exploit autophagy and senescence in efforts to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
The effectiveness of selected risk factors in mediating gender differences in drinking and its problems

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in adolescents' alcohol use, adverse consequences of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and the effectiveness of selected risk factors in mediating gender differences. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from a sample of high school students (n = 919) in one midwestern community. Four criteria for examining potential mediated relationships were addressed. Results: Expected differences in relation to males' higher levels of frequent and heavy drinking, adverse consequences of AOD use and risk factors were found. All risk factors were significantly related to adverse consequences, but alienation was not related to drinking behavior. In a one-way ANOVA, the main effects of gender were significant for both drinking behavior and adverse consequences of AOD use. In a two-way ANOVA, the main effects of a risk factor index reduced the main effects of gender substantially. Conclusions: Controlling risk factor levels mediates gender differences in the outcomes, drinking behavior and adverse consequences of AOD use.
Short term aerobic exercise alters the reinforcing value of food in inactive adults.

Motivation to eat, or the reinforcing value of food, may be influenced by a number of factors, including physical activity. The purpose of these studies was to test the hypothesis that short-term moderate-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise would alter the reinforcing value of high (HED) and low (LED) energy density foods in inactive adults. The reinforcing value of LED and HED food was measured at baseline and again after two weeks of aerobic exercise. In Experiment 1, 41 participants were randomized to a no exercise condition or aerobic exercise for 3 days per week for two weeks. In Experiment 2, 76 participants were randomized to one of four aerobic exercise frequencies, 0, 1, 3, or 5 days per week for two weeks. In both experiments, exercise reduced the reinforcing value of HED food compared to baseline and to non-exercise controls. In Experiment 2, the 5 day group also showed a significant increase in the reinforcing value of LED food compared to baseline and other exercise frequencies. Liking of HED and LED foods and consumption of HED food were not affected by exercise treatment. Finally, in Experiment 2, the 5 day group reported consuming more energy outside of the laboratory than the other groups. Taken together, these data suggest, in inactive individuals, motivation to obtain HED and LED foods can be altered with a short-term moderate-vigorous intensity exercise intervention. Further research is needed to understand the cognitive and physiological processes involved in food choices paired with exercise.
Trans-activators regulating neuronal glucose transporter isoform-3 gene expression in mammalian neurons.

The murine facilitative glucose transporter isoform 3 is developmentally regulated and is predominantly expressed in neurons. By employing the primer extension assay, the transcription start site of the murine Glut 3 gene in the brain was localized to -305 bp 5′ to the ATG translation start codon. Transient transfection assays in N2A neuroblasts using murine GLUT3-luciferase reporter constructs mapped enhancer activities to two regions located at -203 to -177 and -104 to -29 bp flanking a previously described repressor element (-137 to -130 bp). Dephosphorylated Sp1 and Sp3 proteins from the 1- and 21-day-old mouse brain nuclear extracts bound the repressor elements, whereas both dephosphorylated and phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) in N2A, 1- and 21-day-old mouse brain nuclear extracts bound the 5′-enhancer cis-elements (-187 to -180 bp) of the Glut 3 gene, and the Y box protein MSY-1 bound the sense strand of the -83- to -69-bp region. Sp3, CREB, and MSY-1 binding to the GLUT 3 DNA was confirmed by the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, whereas CREB and MSY-1 interaction was detected by the co-immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, small interference RNA targeted at CREB in N2A cells decreased endogenous CREB concentrations, and CREB mediated GLUT 3 transcription. Thus, in the murine brain similar to the N2A cells, phosphorylated CREB and MSY-1 bound the Glut 3 gene trans-activating the expression in neurons, whereas Sp1/Sp3 bound the repressor elements. We speculate that phosphorylated CREB and Sp3 also interacted to bring about GLUT 3 expression in response to development/cell differentiation and neurotransmission.
Engineering a monomeric miniature protein.

The stability, size, and structure of the avian pancreatic polypeptide (aPP) has made it an ideal starting point for the design of miniature proteins capable of binding DNA and protein surfaces with exceptionally high affinity and specificity, both in vitro and in mammalian cells and extracts. Despite these attributes, some miniature proteins based on the aPP self-associate at micromolar concentrations into dimers or higher order aggregates. Here we systematically isolate, quantify, and remove the two structural elements responsible for aPP dimerization and then install a new structural elementa “proline switch”that single-handedly repacks aPP's signature fold. The result is a monomeric and well-folded miniature protein that should accelerate the in vitro and in vivo application of these molecules.
Hormonal regulation of submandibular salivary gland morphology and antigenicity in rats.

Abstract The influences of oestrogen and progesterone administration on the morphology and antigenicity of the submandibular glands of rats were evaluated. The percent distribution of tubules was depressed by ovariectomy of mature female rats but was restored by administration of oestrogen and/or progesterone. The percent distribution of acini of submandibular glands of young rats was slightly increased by oestrogen. The antigenicity of the submandibular glands was determined by their ability to induce experimental autoallergic lesions in the submandibular glands of Lewis rats when administered with adjuvants. Because the antigenicity of the submandibular glands in mature and young female rats was primarily dependent upon progesterone but not upon oestrogen, it appears that submandibular gland antigenicity, in terms of lesion induction, is not intimately related to submandibular gland morphology. Progesterone has a maximal effect on the gland antigenicity while both oestrogen and progesterone have an equal influence on submandibular gland morphology.
Microenterprises and economic growth: a panel study of the US states 1977–1997

In this study, we examine the role of microenterprises in US economic growth. Using a panel of the 48 lower US states from 1977 to 1997, we estimate an expanded Carlino–Mills type model of growth. Microenterprises are defined as having between one and four employees. Results suggest that a higher share of goods producing firms that are microenterprises tend to be associated with lower levels of population, employment and income growth, while a higher share of service producing firms classified as micro are associated with higher levels of growth. These results suggest that care must be taken when promoting microenterprises as a major engine of economic growth.
An experimental study of the superelastic effect in a shape-memory Nitinol alloy under biaxial loading

Abstract Constitutive laws for shape-memory alloys subjected to multiaxial loading, which are based on direct experimental observations, are generally not available in the literature. Accordingly, in the present work, tension–torsion tests are conducted on thin-walled tubes (thickness/radius ratio of 1:10) of the polycrystalline superelastic/shape-memory alloy Nitinol using various loading/unloading paths under isothermal conditions. The experimental results show significant variations in the mechanical response along the two loading axes. These are attributed to changes in the martensitic variants nucleated in response to the directionality of the applied loading, as well as to microstructural texture present in the parent material. Numerical simulations suggest that the characterization and modeling of the microstructure is of paramount importance in understanding the phenomenology of shape-memory alloys.
The importance of autoplastically transplanted pituitaries for survival and for regeneration of adult Triturus.

Une hypophyse greffee autoplastiquement dans la chambre anterieure de l'œil, dans lemanus ou dans letarsus s'est averee capable de remplacer l'hypophysein situ dans son action sur la regeneration et la survie chez le Triton, a condition que s'etablisse une vascularisation satisfaisante du greffon et que la duree de l'experience ne depasse pas plusieurs mois.
Effects of arecoline and scopolamine on open field behavior of adult monkeys treated with lead during the first year postpartum

Nursery-reared rhesus monkeys were treated with no or moderate levels of lead during the first year postpartum. Previously, the lead-treated monkeys exhibited behaviors in the nonhuman primate version of the open field (10) resembling those caused by hippocampal lesions. The current study investigated the mechanism(s) underlying these lead-related effects using a cholinergic agonist (arecoline) and antagonist (scopolamine) as pharmacological probes that were administered prior to open field testing at 5 and 6 years of age, respectively. Arecoline decreased locomotion and number of sectors entered. Scopolamine decreased defecation frequency. Neither drug interacted with prior lead treatment, indicating limited cholinergic involvement in the expression of these alterations. The lead-treated subjects continued to exhibit alterations as previously reported (10); specifically, a longer latency to enter the open field, increased frequency and duration of environmental exploration and, at 5 years of age, decreased duration of inactivity in the open field. These effects were seen four and five years after lead treatment ended and nearly three and four years after blood lead levels had declined to less than or equal to 5 micrograms/dL. Although latency to enter and duration of inactivity seem to be approaching control levels, the increased exploration does not.
Repetitive hit-and-run fluoroimmunoassay for T-2 toxin

A monoclonal antibody for T-2 toxin is converted to a Fab'-fluorescein derivative. The latter is specifically complexed onto a T-2 agarose gel. Fifteen successive doses of T-2 ranging from 1 to 50 ng are then repetitively and linearly detected using a column packed with a small volume (0.2 ml) of this gel without recharging with Fab'-fluorescein. For these assays the effluent from the column is monitored with a spectrofluorometer.
Subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents.

Background & Aims Pharmacologic treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and medical management of symptoms are increasingly based on IBS subtype, so it is important to accurately differentiate patients. Few studies have classified subtypes of pediatric IBS, and conclusions have been challenged by methodologic limitations. We performed a prospective study to investigate the distribution of IBS subtypes among children and adolescents based on stool diary information, and compared subtypes according to demographic and pain characteristics. Methods We studied 129 subjects, ages 7 to 18 years (mean age, 11.4 ± 2.8 y; 60.5% female; 69.0% white) who met Pediatric Rome III IBS criteria and were part of larger studies of children with functional gastrointestinal disorders, recruited from primary and tertiary care centers. Children completed daily pain and stool diaries for 2 weeks. Participants were assigned IBS subtypes based on their reported stool information per adult Rome III criteria. IBS subtypes were compared for demographic variables and pain characteristics. Results IBS with constipation was the most common subtype of the disorder (58.1% of subjects), whereas mixed IBS was the least common (2.3% of subjects); 34.1% of subjects were unsubtyped IBS and 5.4% had IBS with diarrhea. The groups of different IBS subtypes did not differ significantly by sex, age, ethnicity, or pain characteristics. Conclusions In contrast to adults, in children, IBS with constipation and unsubtyped IBS are the most common subtypes, whereas IBS with diarrhea and mixed IBS are less common. Demographic and pain characteristics cannot distinguish subtypes.
Following in vitro activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by mass spectrometry and tryptic peptide analysis: purifying fully activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase alpha (MAPKalpha) belongs to the MAPK subfamily, which plays a pivotal role in cell signal transduction, where it mediates responses to cell stresses and, to a lesser extent, growth factors. Although its cellular function has been under intense scrutiny since its initial discovery, little progress has been made in understanding its kinetic mechanism. A contributory factor has been the lack of a fast and rigorous method for the purification of activated p38 MAPKalpha in sufficient quantity and purity for biophysical studies. Here we present a method for the preparation of milligram quantities of activated p38 MAPKalpha, specifically phosphorylated on Thr180 and Tyr182. Purification of the inactive (unphosphorylated) p38 MAPKalpha is facilitated by an N-terminal hexahistidine tag. Removal of this tag from His6-p38 MAPKalpha, prior to its activation, is essential to ensure preparation of high yields of homogeneous, dually phosphorylated enzyme. Activation is achieved on incubation with a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion of the constitutively active mutant of the upstream activator, MKK6b (GST-MKK6b S207E T211E), in the presence of MgATP2-. Notably, we show that specific formation of activated p38 MAPKalpha can be quantified by following the formation of the bis-phosphorylated tryptic peptide, 173-HTDDEMT*GY*VATR-186, using [gamma-32P]adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the phosphate source and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate the phosphopeptides. This approach offers the only means to specifically determine both stoichiometry and specificity of p38 MAPKalpha phosphorylation.
The Effect of Interruption of the Dark Period at Different Intervals on Egg Production and Shell Breaking Strength

Abstract Experiments with laying hens receiving a continuous light period of 8 hours plus a 2-hour light period at different intervals after the end of the 8-hour light period showed that egg production was highest when the light regime was 8L:10D:2L:4D. Egg production under this light regime was statistically not significantly higher than egg production under 14L:10D. No effect of these light regimes was noted on egg shell breaking strength when comparisons were made on the basis of similar egg production.
Live cell imaging of the cancer-related transcription factor RUNX2 during mitotic progression.

The nuclear matrix bound transcription factor RUNX2 is a lineage-specific developmental regulator that is linked to cancer. We have previously shown that RUNX2 controls transcription of both RNA polymerase II genes and RNA polymerase I dependent ribosomal RNA genes. RUNX2 is epigenetically retained through mitosis on both classes of target genes in condensed chromosomes. We have used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to measure the relative binding kinetics of EGFP-RUNX2 at transcription sites in the nucleus and nucleoli during interphase, as well as on mitotic chromosomes. RUNX2 becomes more strongly bound as cells go from interphase through prophase, with a doubling of the most tightly bound “immobile fraction”. RUNX2 exchange then becomes much more facile during metaphase to telophase. During interphase the less tightly bound pool of RUNX2 exchanges more slowly at nucleoli than at subnuclear foci, and the non-exchanging immobile fraction is greater in nucleoli. These results are consistent with a model in which the molecular mechanism of RUNX2 binding is different at protein-coding and ribosomal RNA genes. The binding interactions of RUNX2 change as cells go through mitosis, with binding affinity increasing as chromosomes condense and then decreasing through subsequent mitotic phases. The increased residence of RUNX2 at mitotic chromosomes may reflect its epigenetic function in “bookmarking” of target genes in cancer cells.
Determining liver retention of transuranium elements in living beagles.

A method has been developed whereby the liver content of photon-emitting transuranium elements can be determined in living beagles by a combination of total-body and partial-body counting. Calibration of the system was accomplished through the photon counting of intact dogs and also of the parts of the same animals following autopsy. A determination of the calibration factors for252Cf,247Cf,243Cm,237Pu, and241Am has been made. The special case of252Cf was treated in which a significant fraction of the high energy fission gamma-ray spectrum penetrates the Pb shield employed in partial-body counting, and methods were developed which allow for this effect in the calculation of liver content. Some uniformity of response in the system was evident for all of the emitters which were considered. It is proposed that similar techniques could be applied in the determination of selected organ radioactivity in other species including man.
Triglyceride-lowering effect of a novel insulin-sensitizing agent, JTT-501.

Abstract JTT-501, 4-[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)ethoxy]benzyl]-3, 5-isoxazolidinedione, is a novel insulin-sensitizing agent. We investigated the triglyceride-lowering activity of JTT-501 in a high-fat (HF) rat model. The HF rats showed insulin resistance with elevation of fasting insulin levels and reduction of insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation. There was also a tendency towards increased basal insulin and triglyceride levels. Oral administration of JTT-501 (3–30 mg kg −1 day −1 for 7 days) reduced basal triglyceride levels dose dependently with a minimum effective dose of 3 mg kg −1 day −1 . Furthermore, regarding triglyceride metabolism, JTT-501 (30 mg kg −1 day −1 for 15 days, p.o.) decreased hepatic triglyceride output rate and serum triglyceride half-life ( T 1/2 ). In contrast, pioglitazone (30 mg kg −1 day −1 for 15 days, p.o.) reduced T 1/2 , but did not affect hepatic triglyceride output rate. We conclude that JTT-501 possesses potent triglyceride-lowering activity due to its inhibition of triglyceride secretion from the liver and enhancement of triglyceride disposal in peripheral tissues.
Timing information provided by trial-stimulus onset and offset in a sign-tracking procedure

Four types of stimulus-food contingencies were compared for effectiveness in producing and maintaining trial-stimulus pecking in pigeons. The four trial-stimulus contingencies were: (a) fixed-length trials contiguous with food, (b) variable-length trials contiguous with food, (c) fixed-length trials with fixed-length trace intervals preceding food, and (d) variable-length trials with variable-length trace intervals preceding food. In all cases the inter-trial interval was variable with a 30-sec. mean and the trial stimulus was 5 sec. or 5 sec. on the average. Trial-stimulus pecking was rapidly acquired when the trial stimulus was contiguous with food, whereas the trace procedures produced pecking in only a few pigeons and then only after considerable training. Neither variability in the trial-stimulus length nor in the trace interval reliably affected acquisition or maintenance.
Comparing Approaches to Converting Large High Schools into Smaller Units.

Scholars and reformers in the United States have called for converting large high schools into smaller units to provide a more effective, personal, and culturally responsive education for all students. Current literature argues that such ‘conversion high schools’ should break into fully autonomous small schools rather than more interdependent smaller learning communities (SLCs). In contrast to existing recommendations, this comparative case study identifies four potential advantages of interdependent SLCs. A longitudinal study of teacher collaboration and teaching practices conducted over two years at two conversion high schools suggests that retaining a degree of interdependence among sub-units in conversion high schools may: support teaching and learning of specific academic subjects; promote more learning from other subunits on the campus of the high school; reduce the stress and chaos that accompany high school conversion; and offer more support for new teachers.
"Response to the commentary on "neuromyelitis optica: potential roles for intravenous immunoglobulin"".

I congratulate Drs. Bichuetti and Oliveira for the report of their experience with IVIG as a maintenance therapy for NMO, which appeared after submission of this article for publication. I look forward to publication of their full data and agree that there are several potential methods by which IVIG could be employed as chronic immunotherapy, including as a single agent, as part of a combination strategy, or as an “induction therapy” or bridge to other agents. As they point out, there are regions where certain immunotherapies or plasma exchange are impractical and IVIG deserves further exploration as a treatment option in carefully designed prospective studies.
Governmentality and Lifestyle Studies

In recent years, a research focus on lifestyles has drawn considerable attention from many quarters. Within this area, the influence of several European and continental intellectual currents not widely embraced in American sociology can be detected, some traceable to the work of Michel Foucault. This article will provide a summary and overview of one area of lifestyle sociology that is touched by Foucault's broad influence on the social sciences, particularly his theories on governmentality. Governmentality studies consider the manner in which personal autonomy and self-responsibility is conveyed to individuals as an ongoing life-project. Through the lens of governmentality studies, everyday lifestyle choices of individuals are viewed as elements of larger projects of self-development, implemented by therapeutic discourses of risk management, self-realization, and enhanced personal well-being. After a summary of debates within the sociology of lifestyle informed by governmentality theories, commentary and recommendations will be offered on new directions in governmentality research focusing on subjective well-being or ‘happiness’ as a feature of contemporary lifestyles and as an object of sociological research. A brief survey of new research comprising the interdisciplinary field of ‘happiness studies’ suggests a new direction not only for lifestyle research, but for governmentality studies as well.
Effects of two types of letter rehearsal on word memory in skilled and less skilled beginning readers

Abstract Skilled and less skilled beginning readers were taught to read and define 10 printed pseudowords. Then they rehearsed the spellings of the words in one of two ways. Experimental subjects performed activities to retain spellings in memory as orthographic images. Control subjects rehearsed the letters similarly but with the correct spellings in view. Post-tests revealed that experimentals remembered spellings better than controls. This indicates that the activity of committing letters to memory is better for learning spellings than copying letters which is what most spelling programs have learners do. Experimental subjects' superior knowledge of spellings, however, did not enable them to read the words faster or more accurately than controls, possibly because of overlearning. Comparison of good and poor readers' word-learning behavior revealed greater deficiencies in phonological than in semantic processes. Correlational analysis indicated that background skills are much more powerful than specific learning experiences in accounting for individual differences in reading and spelling performances.
Reconfigurable timing unit for NSTX-U

Due to the longer pulse length of the NSTX-U device, a significant portion of the CAMAC equipment used for data acquisition and control will be supplanted with instrumentation and control (I&C) technologies such as CompactPCI and PXI Express. The Timing and Synchronization System (T&S) is used to synchronize data acquisition and control throughout the experimental complex. A non-CAMAC solution is needed to support the new and upgraded I&C systems for NSTX-U. An instrumentation-bus-agnostic, FPGA-based T&S system is under development. The primary component is the Reconfigurable Timing Unit (RTU). The RTU has been designed to be fully compatible with NTSX's original T&S. The RTU is the 3rd NSTX-designed FPGA-based timing device. Unlike its predecessors, the RTU will rely on commercial products: LabVIEW software and sbRIO hardware, both from National Instruments. Our experience in product development, integration with the NSTX-U computing and control environment, and timing performance will be presented.
Gene Expression and Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis for H3K4me3 and H3K4me1 in Mouse Liver and Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Using ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq:

Recent study has identified the cis-regulatory elements in the mouse genome as well as their genomic localizations. Recent discoveries have shown the enrichment of H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) binding as an active promoter and the presence of H3 lysine 4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) outside promoter regions as a mark for an enhancer. In this work, we further identified highly expressed genes by H3K4me3 mark or by both H3K4me3 and H3K4me1 marks in mouse liver using ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq. We found that in mice, the liver carries embryonic stem cell-related functions while the embryonic stem cell also carries liver-related functions. We also identified novel genes in RNA-Seq experiments for mouse liver and for mouse embryonic stem cells. These genes are not currently in the Ensemble gene database at NCBI.
Partial Dynamical Symmetry in Nuclear Systems

Partial dynamical symmetry (PDS) extends and complements the concepts of exact and dynamical symmetry. It allows one to remove undesired constraints from an algebraic theory, while preserving some of the useful aspects of a dynamical symmetry, and to study the effects of symmetry breaking in a controlled manner. An example of a PDS in an interacting fermion system is presented. The associated PDS Hamiltonians are closely related with a realistic quadrupole-quadrupole interaction and provide new insights into this important interaction.