cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radionuclide Based Imaging of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Early detection of PCa by blood tests for elevated levels of prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) has lead to early treatment and a reduction in death rates. However, PSA level alone does not distinguish between PCa and normal conditions that cause elevated PSA. Furthermore, because PCa can be a very slow growing cancer, even confirmation of PCa cells in a biopsy gives no indication whether the PCa will progress into active disease within the individual's lifetime. As a result many patients receive treatment that they may not need. Imaging is an attractive modality for the detection and characterization of disease because most techniques are non- or minimally invasive, nondestructive, provide dynamic real-time data, and allow for repeat measurements. In PCa, advanced imaging techniques could be useful for accurate staging of primary disease, restaging of recurrent disease, detection of metastatic lesions, and predicting the aggressiveness of the disease. This paper reviews the radionuclide based imaging agents for planar, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging currently used in the clinic and those under development for PCa. The former includes the bone agents technetium diphosphonates and F-18 fluoride, the metabolic agents 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), and receptor targeted radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies including ProstaScint. The latter agents include C-11 acetate, C-11 and F-18 choline, C-11 and F-18 labeled 1-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid, radiolabeled androgen receptor binding compounds, radiolabeled peptides and small molecules for receptors over expressed either on prostate cancer itself or on the associated tumor neovasculature. Coregistration of PET or SPECT images with CT or MRI scans, improvements in imaging cameras, and image reconstruction algorithms have improved the quality of the images to the point where dual modality (radionuclide/CT or MRI) imaging with several agents can now be considered for staging of PCa. In addition, the high selectivity and rapid localization of many of the new agents under development portends promise for a greater use of radionuclide imaging for prostate cancer detection, characterization, and treatment monitoring.
Behavioural response of fishes to increasing pH and dissolved oxygen: field and laboratory observations

SUMMARY 1 Freshwater fish assemblages were sampled quantitatively before, during, and after naturally produced conditions of elevated pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) that occurred for 2–6h in two dense macrophyte beds. Field observations were followed by 3–4-h laboratory behavioural experiments in which banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were exposed to gradually increasing levels of: (i) pH; (ii) DO; and (iii) pH and DO. 2 Field results indicated that the macrophyte bed dominated by Hydrilla verticillata had a higher fish density than the mixed-species (H. verticillata and Vailisneria americana) bed, but beds did not differ significantly in fish species richness or biomass. Within beds, diel changes in fish species composition, richness, density and biomass were minor. 3 In the laboratory, avoidance of pH levels exceeding 9.5 was exhibited by all species tested. No significant response was observed to either DO increase treatments, or to pH and DO increase treatments. 4 Results suggest fishes do not avoid areas, such as dense macrophyte beds, when high pH levels (9.5–10.0) are accompanied by high DO levels (200–260% saturation).
Using Flow-Ecology Relationships to Evaluate Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Complementarities in the Nation's Largest River Swamp

Large river systems are inextricably linked with social systems; consequently, management decisions must be made within a given ecological, social, and political framework that often defies objective, technical resolution. Understanding flow-ecology relationships in rivers is necessary to assess potential impacts of management decisions, but translating complex flow-ecology relationships into stakeholder-relevant information remains a struggle. The concept of ecosystem services provides a bridge between flow-ecology relationships and stakeholder-relevant data. Flow-ecology relationships were used to explore complementary and trade-off relationships among 12 ecosystem services and related variables in the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana. Results from Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration were reduced to four management-relevant hydrologic variables using principal components analysis. Multiple regression was used to determine flow-ecology relationships and Pearson correlation coefficients, along with regression results, were used to determine complementary and trade-off relationships among ecosystem services and related variables that were induced by flow. Seven ecosystem service variables had significant flow-ecology relationships for at least one hydrologic variable (R 2 = 0.19–0.64). River transportation and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) landings exhibited a complementary relationship mediated by flow; whereas transportation and crawfish landings, crawfish landings and crappie (Pomoxis spp.) abundance, and blue crab landings and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) abundance exhibited trade-off relationships. Other trade-off and complementary relationships among ecosystem services and related variables, however, were not related to flow. These results give insight into potential conflicts among stakeholders, can reduce the dimensions of management decisions, and provide initial hypotheses for experimental flow modifications.
Comparison of experimental vision performance testing techniques, including the implementation of an active matrix electrophoretic ink display

Standard black and white printed targets have been used for numerous vision related experiments, and are ideal with respect to contrast and spectral uniformity in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. However, these targets lack the ability to refresh, update, or perform as a real-time, dynamic stimulus. This impacts their ability to be used in various standard vision performance measurement techniques. Emissive displays, such as a LCD's, possess some of the attributes printed targets lack, but come with a disadvantage of their own: LCD's lack the spectral uniformity of printed targets, making them of debatable value for presenting test targets in the near and short wave infrared regions of the spectrum. Yet a new option has recently become viable that may retain favorable attributes of both of the previously mentioned alternatives. The electrophoretic ink display is a dynamic, refreshable, and easily manipulated display that performs much like printed targets with respect to spectral uniformity. This paper will compare and contrast the various techniques that can be used to measure observer visual performance through night vision devices and imagers - focusing on the visible to infrared region of the EM spectrum. Furthermore, it will quantify the electrophoretic ink display option, determining its advantages and situations that it would be best suited for.
Adenylate Cyclase Activity in Bovine Adrenal Medulla

The basal adenylate cyclase activity of the bovine adrenal medullais similar to that of the adrenal cortex. The medullary enzyme is less responsive in vitro to stimulation by optimal fluoride ion concentrations (8 HIM), and is not elevated by ACTH. Medullary adenylate cyclase activity is also unaffected by carbamylcholine, nerve-growth factor, prostaglandin E1, or dexamethasone. (Endocrinology 94: 591, 1974)
Effects of variations in flow on aortic valve area in aortic stenosis based on in vivo planimetry of aortic valve area by multiplane transesophageal echocardiography.

Abstract This study provides evidence that acute changes in stroke volume and cardiac output do not result in significant alterations in the anatomic AYA measured with multiplane TEE in patients with AS of moderate or severe degree. Thus, TEE could be useful in the assessment of severity of AS in both low- and high-output states.
Never Smokers, Triers and Current Smokers: Three Distinct Target Groups for School-Based Antismoking Programs:

Previous research on adolescent smoking has shown that past smoking experience is the best predictor of smoking onset during the school year. The present study utilized a social learning framework to test the hypothesis that adolescents who have tried smoking in the past (Triers) differ from those who have never smoked on several factors that theoretically place them at higher risk for smoking re-onset. In October 1980, 2339 seventh- and eighth-grade students in Eastern Massachusetts and Northern California were surveyed in conjunction with a school-based smoking prevention program. Never Smokers comprised 69% of the sample, Triers 7.9%, and Smokers 23.1%. As hypothesized, relative to Never Smokers, Triers were significantly more likely to have a predominantly smoking peer referent group, a best friend who smoked, siblings and/or parents who smoked, were more likely to experience peer pressure to smoke, more likely to believe that smoking would make them more relaxed, and were more rebellious. Girl Triers were also more likely to report that cigarette ads made them want to smoke. Triers did not differ significantly from Never Smokers in the perception of the harmfulness of smoking. Triers were less likely than Current Smokers to report that the majority of their friends, the best friend, and siblings (girls) smoked, less likely to believe that smoking would help them relax, and more likely to believe that smoking was harmful and would make their parents angry. Triers and Current Smokers did not differ significantly in their normative expectations about smoking. Implications of these findings for the design of school-based smoking prevention programs are discussed.
Altered host resistance to Trichinella spiralis infection following subchronic exposure to diethylstilbestrol

Abstract The effects of subchronic exposure to diethylstilbestrol on the host response to infection with Trichinella spiralis were examined in adult B6C3F1 mice. Expulsion of adult Trichinella from the small bowel, intestinal inflammation and delayed hypersensitivity responses to Trichinella antigens in artificially sensitized mice were investigated. Administration of 8 μg/g of diethylstilbestrol for five consecutive days beginning on days −5, 0, +3 or +8 of infection inhibited adult worm expulsion and tissue reactions in the small intestine. Expulsion of adult parasites was also delayed in mice given 0.2 μg/g of diethylstillbestrol for the first five days of infection. When the chemical was given during a primary infection, mice failed to expel a second infection as rapidly as untreated controls or previously infected mice exposed during a second infection. These findings indicate that diethylstilbestrol exposure altered the immune responses that mediate expulsion of adult worms from the gut, especially when exposure occurred during the inductive phase of host immunity. These results also suggest that use of diethyl-stilbestrol as a weight-gain promoter may lead to increased parasite burdens. While diethylstilbestrol-exposed mice retained adult worms longer than controls, no significant increase was found in numbers of encysted muscle-phase larvae, contrary to the usual findings in animals maintaining adult worm burdens for extended periods. The possibility that macrophages activated by diethylstilbestrol treatment had a role in limiting larvae encystment in the host musculature is discussed.
Early patterns of mother-infant dyadic interaction: Infant, mother, and family demographic antecedents

This experiment explored multiple antecedents of differences in the quality of motherinfant interaction during a videotaped free-play episode at 5 months. Subjects were 76 mother-infant pairs participating in a longitudinal project that included extensive assessment of infants and mothers during the neonatal period. At 5 months, mother and infant interactive behaviors were independently rated, and cluster analysis was used to identify distinctive patterns of dyadic interaction. Discriminant function analyses revealed that a set of neonatally measured infant, mother, and family demographic variables correctly classified mother-infant pairs into clusters 75% of the time. A cumulative effects score derived from univariate follow-up tests showed a highly significant relation to cluster membership; the likelihood of more optimal 5-month interaction steadily increased as the number of positive antecedent conditions increased.
Human fallopian tube expresses granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and GM-CSF alpha and beta receptors and contain immunoreactive GM-CSF protein

Using specific primers, 35S-40mer oligonucleotide probe and monoclonal antibody, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical observations respectively revealed that human fallopian tube expresses granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA and protein, as well as GM-CSF alpha and beta receptors mRNA. The RT-PCR products revealed the predicted 286, 546 and 380 bp fragments for GM-CSF, GM-CSF alpha receptor and GM-CSF beta receptor respectively, which were further verified by restriction enzyme digestion analysis. Tubal epithelial cells in the ampullary and isthmus regions (ciliated and nonciliated) are the primary site of GM-CSF mRNA expression and its immunoreactive gene product, and present to a lesser extent in tubal stromal, smooth muscle, and arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The in situ hybridization and immunostaining observations indicated that the expression of GM-CSF mRNA and protein appeared to be cycle dependent and considerably higher during mid-late proliferative and early-mid secretory, than early proliferative and reduced at late secretory phases of the menstrual cycle and postmenopausal period. The results demonstrate for the first time that human fallopian tube expresses GM-CSF and its alpha and beta receptors mRNA and contains the immunoreactive gene product for GM-CSF, and may be potentially regulated by ovarian steroids. The results imply the importance of GM-CSF in a variety of tubal functions and possibly the early embryonic development.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Abstract Efforts to minimize the incision, extent of exploration, length of hospital stay, and cost associated with parathyroidectomy have resulted in the development of a number of new surgical techniques, including minimally invasive, "concise," radio-guided, and endoscopic parathyroid exploration. With minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, a small incision is used in combination with a cervical block and sedation to perform a unilateral neck exploration. In so doing, risks of bilateral neck exploration are avoided, and the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis. This minimally invasive strategy has been shown to maintain the outstanding success of conventional bilateral neck exploration. All of the new surgical techniques necessitate pre-operative localization, which allows for unilateral neck exploration, and are facilitated by use of the intra-operative parathyroid hormone assay, which provides surgeons with feedback in the operating room regarding whether the patient has undergone adequate resection.
Innate inflammation in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease often diagnosed in childhood that results in pancreatic β-cell destruction and life-long insulin dependence. T1D susceptibility involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors and has historically been attributed to adaptive immunity, although there is now increasing evidence for a role of innate inflammation. Here, we review studies that define a heightened age-dependent innate inflammatory state in T1D families that is paralleled with high fidelity by the T1D-susceptible biobreeding rat. Innate inflammation may be driven by changes in interactions between the host and environment, such as through an altered microbiome, intestinal hyperpermeability, or viral exposures. Special focus is put on the temporal measurement of plasma-induced transcriptional signatures of recent-onset T1D patients and their siblings as well as in the biobreeding rat as it defines the natural history of innate inflammation. These sensitive and comprehensive analyses have also revealed that those who successfully managed T1D risk develop an age-dependent immunoregulatory state, providing a possible mechanism for the juvenile nature of T1D. Therapeutic targeting of innate inflammation has been proven effective in preventing and delaying T1D in rat models. Clinical trials of agents that suppress innate inflammation have had more modest success, but efficacy may be improved by the addition of combinatorial approaches that target other aspects of T1D pathogenesis. An understanding of innate inflammation and mechanisms by which this susceptibility is both potentiated and mitigated offers important insight into T1D progression and avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Development of a cost-effective glucose-corn steep medium for production of butanol by Clostridium beijerinckii

Corn steep water (CSW) medium (1.6% solids plus 6% glucose) was evaluated for growth and butanol production by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 wild-type and hyper-amylolytic, hyper-butanol-producing mutant strain BA101. CSW alone was not a suitable substrate, whereas addition of glucose supported growth and butanol production by both strains. In a batch-scale fermentation using an optimized 6% glucose-1.6% solids CSW medium, C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and strain BA101 produced 10.7 g L−1 and 14.5 g L−1 of butanol, respectively. The total solvents (acetone, butanol, and ethanol) produced by C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and strain BA101 were 14 g L−1 and 20 g L−1, respectively. Initial fermentation in small-scale flasks containing 6% maltodextrin-1.6% solids concentration CSW medium resulted in 6 g L−1 and 12.6 g L−1 of butanol production by C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and strain BA101, respectively. CSW can serve as an economic source of nitrogen, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Thus, it is feasible to use 6% glucose-1.6% solids CSW medium in place of semi-defined P2 medium.
Can Programming Boot Camp Help Under-represented College Students Succeed in Computing Degrees? (Abstract Only)

Programming Boot Camp is one strategy to overcome the perceived and actual difficulties undergraduate students encounter in an introductory programming course. It is estimated that of the over two million students starting computer science studies in universities and colleges all over the world in 1999, 33% dropped or failed their first programming course. Consequently, undergraduate students delay enrolling in programming courses, which interrupts progress toward their degree and decreases confidence in their ability to succeed in college and computing careers. Programming Boot Camp provides a combination of intense programming labs with professional development and community building activities to help increase confidence, create awareness of opportunities, and build a supporting peer network. How does this strategy work on different campuses with different demographics? Attendees will be able to connect with people who have implemented boot camp, are interested in sharing resources, and discussing how appropriate a boot camp would be for their students. Those who have already implemented a boot camp will be encouraged to share their curriculum, workshop strategies, and how effective they were in goals like: increasing the programming skills of the participants and their confidence in it, inspiring participants to persist in computing, and building a network of mentors and peers to support persistence in computing. Participants who seek to increase success in programming courses will be encouraged to discuss campus specific needs to gather input from those who have implemented boot camps and how they adapted the concept to their population and institutional culture.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of perfluoroallene

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of perfluoroallene in D2d symmetry are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of to one of seven types of motion (CC stretch, CF stretch, CF2 scissors, CF2 twist, CF2 wag, CF2 rock, and CCC bend) predicted by a group theoretical analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with infrared (IR) and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived. Predicted IR and Raman intensities are reported.
Two brothers with bilateral optic neuropathy

Abstract A young man developed bilateral, consecutive, optic neuropathy. His brother aad had a similar problem and recovered after one year. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed that both had the 14484 mutation associated with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.
Gene therapy for erectile dysfunction: where is it going?

Purpose of review This review will summarize the most recent preclinical data from the leading US laboratories regarding the application of gene therapy to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The implications of these findings in the field of gene therapy in general, and more specifically to the treatment of non-life threatening disorders such as erectile dysfunction, will be outlined. Recent findings The preclinical work of several laboratories has clearly documented ‘proof-of-concept’ for the utility of gene therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A variety of vectors and several distinct molecular targets have been successfully leveraged. Such observations suggest that numerous potential strategies may exist for gene-based treatments of erectile dysfunction. Summary The apparent preclinical success of most, if not all, gene-based strategies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is consistent with the multifactorial regulatory mechanisms governing the erectile process. The bottleneck in the gene therapy clinical development process therefore apparently will not lie in the ability to identify relevant molecular targets that are amenable to gene therapy for erectile dysfunction, but rather in the safety, specificity and longevity of those targets. That is, the next technical hurdle is to find the strategy(ies) that has the best safety profile, the greatest specificity for altering (increasing) intracavernous pressure ‘on demand’ and, furthermore, the most appropriate (longest?) half-life in vivo. While these criteria may correspond to intuition, finding molecular targets that clear these clinical hurdles may place restrictions on the molecular choices for gene transfer.
Vibrio cholerae infection of Drosophila melanogaster mimics the human disease cholera.

Cholera, the pandemic diarrheal disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae, continues to be a major public health challenge in the developing world. Cholera toxin, which is responsible for the voluminous stools of cholera, causes constitutive activation of adenylyl cyclase, resulting in the export of ions into the intestinal lumen. Environmental studies have demonstrated a close association between V. cholerae and many species of arthropods including insects. Here we report the susceptibility of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to oral V. cholerae infection through a process that exhibits many of the hallmarks of human disease: (i) death of the fly is dependent on the presence of cholera toxin and is preceded by rapid weight loss; (ii) flies harboring mutant alleles of either adenylyl cyclase, Gsα, or the Gardos K+ channel homolog SK are resistant to V. cholerae infection; and (iii) ingestion of a K+ channel blocker along with V. cholerae protects wild-type flies against death. In mammals, ingestion of as little as 25 μg of cholera toxin results in massive diarrhea. In contrast, we found that ingestion of cholera toxin was not lethal to the fly. However, when cholera toxin was co-administered with a pathogenic strain of V. cholerae carrying a chromosomal deletion of the genes encoding cholera toxin, death of the fly ensued. These findings suggest that additional virulence factors are required for intoxication of the fly that may not be essential for intoxication of mammals. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time the mechanism of action of cholera toxin in a whole organism and the utility of D. melanogaster as an accurate, inexpensive model for elucidation of host susceptibility to cholera.
Mechanisms of small particle re-entrainment from flat surfaces

Abstract The potential of a flat surface to act as a source of air-borne particles was investigated by exposing deposited particles of known size to measured air flow in a low speed wind tunnel. An hypothesis for the mechanisms involved in particle re-entrainment was proposed and verified. The two-part mechanism includes: (a) initiation of particle movement when shear stresses on the particles exceed friction forces acting on the particles and (b) movement of particles downstream from the point of initiation caused by momentum transferred from initially moving particles. The hypothesis was verified by comparison of prediction equations and experimental results. The experimental results were obtained by measurement of the distance downstream from the leading edge of the surface at which re-entrainment began. This distance was found to be a function of free-stream air velocity, turbulence of the free-stream and particle size. The results confirm that flat surfaces of sufficient size can be sources of air-borne particles even when air velocities are magnitudes normally existing in enclosed spaces.
Cohesion and Coherence in Compositions in Malay and English

Empirical studies on cohesion in written discourse of native and non-native speakers of English indicate that judgments of writing quality may depend on overall coherence in content, organization, and style rather than on the quantity of cohesion (Witt & Faigley, 1981; Connor, 1984; Lindsay, 1984; Scarcella, 1984; Schneider, 1985). However, the studies concerning non-native speakers of English have not included data from the first language nor controlled the language and cultural background of ESL writers.This study examines cohesion in expository essays written in Malay and in English by native speakers of both languages and in ESL by Malaysian writers. Sample compositions evaluated holistically as "good" or "weak" in quality were submitted by Malaysian teachers of com position in Malay and by American teachers of native and non-native speakers of English. T-tests performed on the data obtained from a cohesion analysis of text (Halliday and Hasan, 1976) indicate no dif ferences in the amount of cohesion ...
Hydrocortisone effects on cell proliferation: specificity of response among various cell types.

Abstract The effect of 14 μM hydrocortisone (HC) on the proliferative activity of various vertebrate cell lines has been measured. Such activity in human diploid cell line WI-38 was enhanced by HC addition whereas in a number of other vertebrate cell lines under identical conditions HC was inhibitory to growth. We examined the effects of HC on normal human diploid cells other than WI-38; some were stimulated, some inhibited and some were unresponsive. The results suggest that cells derived from different human tissues retain in vitro some aspects of their cell-specific hormonal responses.
Citizens in Name Only: The National Status of German Expellees, 1945–53

Abstract Rogers Brubaker has argued that the German ethnic conception of citizenship, forged in a 1913 law, was ‘nourished’ after World War II, when ethnic German expellees and refugees entering the western occupation zones were given equal citizenship with those native to the west. This paper contends that the supposed straight line from 1913 to 1953 was in fact bent by the considerable events of the immediate postwar period. Postwar German citizenship laws cannot be understood without giving attention to the policies under military occupation, just as later German ethno-cultural self-identity must be qualified by first recognizing the extreme divisions within German society that resulted from the expulsion.
NIDA522131, a new radioligand for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

A novel radioligand, 6-chloro-3-((2-(S)-azetidinyl)methoxy)-5-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)pyridine (NIDA522131), for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was characterized in vitro and in vivo using positron emission tomography. The K(d) and T(1/2) of dissociation of NIDA522131 binding measured at 37 degrees C in vitro were 4.9 +/- 0.4 pmol/L and 81 +/- 5 min, respectively. The patterns of radioactivity distribution in monkey brain in vivo was similar to that of 2-[(18)F]fluoro-3-(2(S)-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2FA), a radioligand that has been successfully used in humans, and matched the alpha(4)beta(2)* nAChRs distribution. Comparison between [(18)F]NIDA522131 and 2FA demonstrated better in vivo binding properties of the new radioligand and substantially greater radioactivity accumulation in brain. Consistent with [(18)F]NIDA522131 elevated affinity for nAChRs and its increased lipophilicity, both, the total and non-displaceable distribution volumes were substantially higher than those of 2FA. Estimated binding potential values in different brain regions, characterizing the specificity of receptor binding, were 3-4 fold higher for [(18)F]NIDA522131 than those of 2FA. Pharmacological evaluation in mice demonstrated a toxicity that was comparable to 2FA and is in agreement with a 2300 fold higher affinity at alpha(4)beta(2)* versus alpha(3)beta(4)* nAChRs. These results suggest that [(18)F]NIDA522131 is a promising positron emission tomography radioligand for studying extrathalamic nAChR in humans.
Steady-state kinetic investigation of cytochrome P450cam: interaction with redox partners and reaction with molecular oxygen.

Cytochrome P450cam (CYP101) is a prokaryotic monooxygenase that requires two proteins, putidaredoxin reductase (PdR) and putidaredoxin (Pdx), to supply electrons from NADH. This study addresses the mechanism by which electrons are transported from PdR to P450cam through Pdx and used to activate O2 at the heme of P450cam. It is shown that kcat/Km(O2) is independent of the PdR concentration and hyperbolically dependent on Pdx. The phenomenon of saturation of reaction rates with either P450cam or PdR at high ratios of one enzyme to the other is investigated and shown to be consistent with a change in the rate limiting step. Either the reduction of Pdx by PdR (high P450) or the reduction of P450 by Pdx (high PdR) determines the rate. These data support a mechanism where Pdx acts as a shuttle for transport of electrons from PdR to P450cam, effectively ruling out the formation of a kinetically significant PdR/Pdx/P450cam complex.
Religion and foundations of American public opinion towards global climate change

The religious foundations of American opinion towards climate change are analysed by means of a panel survey of voting-age citizens, interviewed in February and October 2008. It shows that religion’s influence is multifaceted. Biblically literalist beliefs and to a lesser extent attendance at religious services, but not nominal religious affiliations, led Americans to view climate change as mostly natural and to express less concern over its consequences. Yet evangelical Protestants reporting frequent service attendance were distinctively more concerned about the effects of climate change.
Complications of Intraocular Lenses with Special Reference to an Analysis of 2500 Explanted Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Abstract The incidence and types of complications seen with the major intraocular lens (IOL) types in a series of 2500 explant cases is reported. We confirm that the rate of complications is higher with anterior chamber IOLs (AC-IOLs) and with iris-fixated IOLs (IF-IOLs) than with posterior chamber IOLs (PC-IOLs). However, the open-loop AC-IOL fared better than the closed-loop designs. Although tissue complications of PC-IOLs (inflammation, glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema and retinal detachment) have decreased markedly, this study shows that decentration/ malposition remains a significant problem. With increased use of smaller diameter or aspherical optic (5.5 mm × 5.5 mm or 5 mm × 6 mm), as well as increasing use of bifocal/multifocal IOLs, it is important that the problem of decentration be addressed.
Arginine-Serine-Rich Domains Bound at Splicing Enhancers Contact the Branchpoint to Promote Prespliceosome Assembly

Exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) are required for splicing of certain pre-mRNAs and function by providing binding sites for serine-arginine (SR) proteins, which contain an arginine-serine-rich (RS) domain. How an RS domain bound at the ESE promotes splicing is poorly understood. We have developed an RNA-protein crosslinking procedure to identify the target of the ESE-bound RS domain. Using this approach, we show that the ESE-bound RS domain specifically contacts the pre-mRNA branchpoint. The interaction between the ESE-bound RS domain and the branchpoint occurs in the prespliceosome and is dependent upon the same splicing signals, biochemical factors, and reaction conditions required to support prespliceosome assembly. Analysis of RS domain mutants demonstrates that the ability to interact with the branchpoint, to promote prespliceosome assembly, and to support splicing are related activities. We conclude that the ESE-bound RS domain functions by contacting the branchpoint to promote prespliceosome assembly.
The cell-centered database: a database for multiscale structural and protein localization data from light and electron microscopy.

The creation of structured shared data repositories for molecular data in the form of web-accessible databases like GenBank has been a driving force behind the genomic revolution. These resources serve not only to organize and manage molecular data being created by researchers around the globe, but also provide the starting point for data mining operations to uncover interesting information present in the large amount of sequence and structural data. To realize the full impact of the genomic and proteomic efforts of the last decade, similar resources are needed for structural and biochemical complexity in biological systems beyond the molecular level, where proteins and macromolecular complexes are situated within their cellular and tissue environments. In this review, we discuss our efforts in the development of neuroinformatics resources for managing and mining cell level imaging data derived from light and electron microscopy. We describe the main features of our web-accessible database, the Cell Centered Database (CCDB; http://ncmir.ucsd.edu/CCDB/), designed for structural and protein localization information at scales ranging from large expanses of tissue to cellular microdomains with their associated macromolecular constituents. The CCDB was created to make 3D microscopic imaging data available to the scientific community and to serve as a resource for investigating structural and macromolecular complexity of cells and tissues, particularly in the rodent nervous system.
Retest stability of DSM-III-R diagnoses among adolescents using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-2.1C).

Retest stability of DSM-III-R diagnoses was assessed using the DISC-2.1C with a sample of Anglo, African, and Hispanic American adolescent patients 12 to 17 years of age. Based on the kappa statistic, retest stability was fair for any disorder (κ =.50), for any anxiety disorder (κ =.44), for any affective disorder (κ =.53), for any disruptive behavior disorder (κ =.58), and for substance use disorders (κ =.46). Although there was a trend for reliability to be somewhat higher for African Americans (κ =.58) than for Anglos (κ =.42) or Hispanics (κ =.49), these differences were not statistically significant. In general, 15- to 17-year-olds had somewhat better reliability (κ =.58) than did 12- to 14-year-olds (κ =.44). Males had somewhat higher reliability (κ =.63) than females (κ =.43). These findings are congruent with those reported recently using the DISC-R (Schwab-Stone et al., 1993) and suggest that the DISC appears to be at least as reliable as other available child diagnostic instruments. In view of the fair-to-moderate levels of reliability of these instruments in general, future research should focus on the joint effects of instrument, subject, interviewer, and nomenclature on operating characteristics of diagnostic interview schedules, focusing in particular on factors affecting accurate recall and reporting of symptoms and episodes.
Mechanism of Tolerance of Immature Kidney to Anoxia † 1805

We have previously shown that immature tubules are resistant to anoxia compared to mature tubules. This tolerance is accompanied by an exuberant production of activated heat shock transcription factor. To further assess the role of the stress response, in vivo ischemia was produced in immature and mature rats. Immature rats (IR), age 10 days, and mature rats(MR), age 10 weeks, underwent 45 min of bilateral renal artery ischemia(BRAI); 24 hrs later, serum creatinine (Cr) was drawn and kidneys were prepared for histologic evaluation. Serum Cr (mg/dl) confirmed tolerance to ischemia (I): non-I: 0.60 ± 0.03 IR, 0.45 ± 0.05 MR, (P=NS), I: 0.66 ± 0.02 IR; 2.5 ± 0.57 MR (p<0.05). Histologic sections of the immature cortex did not show the typical morphologic changes of ischemia as were seen in the MR. To study the stress response, elaboration of HSP-72 was assessed by Western analysis under non-ischemic conditions, and after 45 min BRAI with reflow 15 min, 2 hr, 6 hr in both IR and MR. Cellular polarity was assessed by determining Na/K-ATPase in both supernatant and pellet and quantitated by densitometry. HSP-72 expression at 2 hr and 6 hr was similar in IR and MR. A major difference was noted in non-ischemic animals; HSP-72 expression in IR was 2-4 fold greater than in MR. The proportion of Na/K-ATPase in the supernatant was similar in both MR and IR under non-ischemic conditions: 4% IR, 8% MR. After 45 min BRAI, the proportion of soluble Na/K-ATPase was significantly greater in MR as compared to IR at each reflow interval: 15 min 6% IR, 29% MR; 2 hr 7% IR, 33% MR; 6 hr 15% IR, 71% MR.
Water Quality Objectives for the Great Lakes

The United States and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1972 and renegotiated and strengthened it in 1978. In order to establish criteria for protection and against which to measure water quality status, the Agreement calls for the development of objectives for potentially polluting substances and effects. To develop these objectives, a set of guidelines were developed. The most important of these are: 1) the objectives are intended to protect all beneficial uses of the Great Lakes; 2) they are set at the level of no detectable effect; 3) uncertainties concerning their development are always resolved in favor of protection; 4) all objectives must be scientifically defensible; 5) they are not necessarily practical for direct implementation as regulatory standards; 6) they are not intended to protect all beneficial uses under any conditions; and 7) they are intended to be subject to periodic review.
Enumeration of four-connected three-dimensional nets. II. Conversion of edges of three-connected 2D nets into zigzag chains.

Four-connected three-dimensional (3D) nets were systematically enumerated by converting some horizontal edges of a vertical stack of three-connected two-dimensional (2D) nets into vertical zigzag chains. 77 out of 131 2D nets were selected for enumeration, and different arrangements of zigzag edges and horizontal edges were investigated. This yielded 138 3D nets of which 19 are represented by known structures: cristobalite; tridymite; MAPO-39 (International Zeolite Association Structure Commission code ATN); svyatoslavite; Li-A(BW) (ABW); cancrinite (CAN); AlPO-31 (ATO); MAPO-36 (ATS); BaFe2O4; `nepheline hydrate' (JBW); bikitaite (BIK); KBGe2O6; CsAlSi5O12 (CAS); UiO-6 (OSI); Theta-1 (TON); ZSM-12 (MTW); ZSM-23 (MTT); AlPO-53C; and CIT-5 (CFI).
Depression, Anxiety, and Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Excerpt To the editor: To scrutinize the diagnosis of chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection in a symposium (1) without psychiatrists and without careful attention to psychiatric data is to look with...
Parathyroid cells cultured in collagen matrix retain calcium responsiveness: importance of three-dimensional tissue architecture.

Primary cultures of bovine parathyroid cells rapidly lose calcium responsiveness. Here, we show that bovine parathyroid cells grown in collagen coalesce into an organoid (“pseudogland”) with stable calcium responsiveness. These findings also illustrate the importance of 3-D cellular architecture in parathyroid gland function. Introduction: The ability of extracellular calcium to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion is quickly lost in primary monolayer cultures of bovine parathyroid cells. This has been attributed to a decrease in the expression of the cell surface calcium-sensing receptor (CaR), but other factors, including normal cell-to-cell interaction, may be critical. Here we describe a novel system for culturing bovine parathyroid cells that promotes re-formation of a three-dimensional (3-D) cellular architecture and re-establishment of calcium responsiveness. Materials and Methods: Dispersed bovine parathyroid cells were cultured as monolayers or were mixed with type I collagen and placed in culture plates. CaR mRNA and the calcium regulation of PTH secretion were measured over a period of several weeks in parathyroid cells cultured both in collagen matrix and as monolayers. Calcium regulation of PTH mRNA was also investigated. Results and Conclusions: Within 1–2 weeks in collagen culture, parathyroid cells coalesced into a small mass approximately 1–2 mm in size (referred to as a pseudogland). Suppression of PTH secretion by high calcium was blunted at 1 day in collagen, but returned within 1 week, and was retained through 3 weeks; the calcium set point (1.05 ± 0.04 mM) was similar to that reported for freshly dispersed cells. PTH mRNA was also suppressed by increasing extracellular calcium. CaR mRNA expression was decreased at 1 day in collagen and increased with time in culture, although never reaching the level found in dispersed cells. In bovine parathyroid cells cultured as monolayers, however, suppression of PTH by calcium was observed only at day 1 in culture. CaR mRNA content fell by 70% at day 1 but remained stable thereafter. Thus, a total loss of calcium responsiveness in monolayers was observed despite significant residual expression of CaR, suggesting that loss of the calcium response cannot be attributed solely to decreased CaR. In summary, the pseudogland model illustrates the importance of the 3-D cellular architecture in parathyroid gland function and provides a useful model in which to investigate calcium-mediated control of parathyroid gland functions, especially those requiring extended treatment.
Asymptomatic Pulmonary Granular Cell Tumor Presenting as a Coin Lesion

Granular cell tumor is a rare, usually benign neoplasm of neurogenic origin first described in 1926. Only 46 lesions, including the present case, of the 500 reported cases of this tumor, originated within the tracheobronchial tree. The case reported here is distinctly unusual because of its asymptomatic presentation as a coin lesion on chest roentgenogram. Electron microscopic examination of the tumor is presented.
Lunar images alter understanding of impact history

New images of the Moon from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter could change our view of the history of impacts on the Moon. In 1972 the Apollo 17 mission took samples from the region of the Serenitatis impact basin. Scientists believed that the impact that created the Serenitatis basin was responsible for the formation of the Apollo 17 impact melt samples, which were dated to 3.8 billion years ago. A geological feature known as the Sculptured Hills, which surround the Apollo 17 landing site, was also believed to have been created from ejecta from the Serenitatis impact.
Purification of a specific native genomic locus for proteomic analysis

Here, we describe an approach to isolate native chromatin sections without genomic engineering for label-free proteomic identification of associated proteins and histone post-translational modifications. A transcription activator-like (TAL) protein A fusion protein was designed to recognize a unique site in the yeast GAL1 promoter. The TAL-PrA fusion enabled chromatin affinity purification (ChAP) of a small section of native chromatin upstream from the GAL1 locus, permitting mass spectrometric (MS) identification of proteins and histone post-translational modifications regulating galactose-induced transcription. This TAL-ChAP-MS approach allows the biochemical isolation of a specific native genomic locus for proteomic studies and will provide for unprecedented objective insight into protein and epigenetic mechanisms regulating site-specific chromosome metabolism.
Impacts of Federal and State Hazard Mitigation Policies on Local Land Use Policy

Despite emergence of federal policy experiments, knowledge about the influence of federal policies on local land use policy is almost nonexistent. We examine the effects of a federal mandate and a federal incentive program on adoption of land use policies in local hazard mitigation plans. Comparative statistics were used to determine adoption rates by federal and state programs, followed by Poisson regressions to explain degree of adoption under the federal policies controlling for state policies and local contexts. We found that federal policies do not make a difference in local land use actions, but state policy exerts a strong influence.
Racial discrimination, racial/ethnic segregation, and health behaviors in the CARDIA study

Objective Racial discrimination has been associated with unhealthy behaviors, but the mechanisms responsible for these associations are not understood and may be related to residential racial segregation. We investigated associations between self-reported racial discrimination and health behaviors before and after controlling for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics; and potential effect modification of these associations by segregation. Design We used data from the longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study for 1169 African-Americans and 1322 whites. To assess racial discrimination, we used a four category variable to capture the extent and persistence of self-reported discrimination between examination at years 7 (1992–1993) and 15 (2000–2001). We assessed smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity at year 20 (2005–2006). Segregation was examined as the racial/ethnic composition at the Census tract level. Results Discrimination was more com...
Specification of System of Systems for Policymaking in The Energy Sector

Very detailed models often hinder the ability to develop a broad, highlevel understanding of system behavior. A system-of-systems perspective combined with a policy analysis approach oers an alternative approach for policy decision-making. This paper specifies the elements of the energy system-of-systems using this new approach and illustrates its use via an example from the Dutch residential sub-sector. The resulting comprehensive problem representation provides meaningful insights into the interdependencies of relevant factors and values among dierent levels of the system-of-systems covering both the supply and demand side. The paper also shows that despite the high complexity of the energy sector, an energy system-of-systems can be specified in a manageable way and can be used to formulate tractable decision-making problems on a specific policy issue.