cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of the society of actuaries examination redesign on undergraduate actuarial education

ABSTRACT Beginning in the year 2000, the Society of Actuaries is changing the format and content of the actuarial exams. The impact of this change will be felt by every college/university offering actuarial programs. This paper analyzes these changes and their effect on the actuarial curriculum at Bryant College. In addition, we surveyed many students and members of the actuarial community in order to understand the perceived effect of the changes throughout the industry.
Symptom Prevalence, Characteristics, and Distress in AIDS Outpatients ☆

Symptom distress is an important but poorly characterized aspect of quality of life in AIDS patients. To assess and characterize the symptoms and symptom distress associated with AIDS, 504 ambulatory patients with AIDS were evaluated between December, 1992 and December, 1995. The assessment included measures of symptom distress, physical and psychosocial functioning, and demographic and disease-related factors. Patients described symptoms during the previous week using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF), a validated measure of physical and psychological symptom distress. The mean age was 38.6 years (range 18-69); 56% were male. African-Americans comprised 40% of the sample, Caucasians 35%, and Hispanics 23%. Ninety-three percent had CD4+ T-cell counts below 500, and 66% had counts below 200; 69% were classified in CDC category C (history of AIDS-defining conditions). Fifty-two percent reported intravenous drug use. Karnofsky performance status was > or = 70 in 80% of the patients. No patients were taking protease inhibitors. The mean (+/- SD) number of symptoms was 16.7 +/- 7.3. The most prevalent symptoms were worrying (86%), fatigue (85%), sadness (82%), and pain (76%). Patients with Karnofsky performance scores or = 70 (21.2 +/- 6.5 vs. 15.6 +/- 7.1 symptoms/patient; 2.3 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.8 on the Global Distress Index [GDI] of the MSAS-SF; P < 0.0001 for both). Patients who reported intravenous drug use as an HIV transmission factor reported more symptoms and higher overall and physical symptom distress than those who reported homosexual or heterosexual contact as their transmission factor (17.8 +/- 7.5 vs. 15.4 +/- 6.9 symptoms/patient, P = 0.0002; 1.9 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.8 on the MSAS-GDI, P = 0.002). Both the number of symptoms and symptom distress were highly associated with psychological distress and poorer quality of life; for example, r = -0.69 (P < 0.0001) between GDI scores and scores on a validated measure of quality of life. Neither gender nor CD4+ T-cell count was associated with symptom number or distress. Responses from this self-referred sample of AIDS outpatients indicate that AIDS patients experience many distressing physical and psychological symptoms and a high level of distress. Both the number of symptoms and the distress associated with them are associated with a variety of disease-related factors and disturbances in other aspects of quality of life. Symptom assessment provides information that may be valuable in evaluating AIDS treatment regimens and defining strategies to improve quality of life.
Effects of ethanol on mature offspring of mice given ethanol during pregnancy.

Male offspring of mice maintained on isocaloric liquid diets containing either 20% ethanol or sucrose derived calories during pregnancy were tested on their ability to discriminate different ethanol doses as adults. They were trained to lever-press for a food reward on each of two levers in an operant chamber, and were then maintained on an FR20 reinforcement schedule. After response rates stabilized, ethanol discrimination training was initiated by reinforcing only responses made on the drug appropriate-lever after i.p. injections of ethanol (1.0 g/kg) or water. After learning to discriminate the 1.0 g dose, the animals' ability to discriminate doses of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg was assessed by determining the percentage of responses made on the drug lever during a 2-min test period. Compared to sucrose controls, mice exposed to alcohol in utero learned the lever response more slowly and were less responsive to injected ethanol as evidenced by a reduced effect of the drug on response rates and by a reduction in their ability to discriminate the presence of injected ethanol. The results indicate that prenatal ethanol exposure can have long term consequences which reduce the effects of ethanol in fully mature animals.
Two nor-diterpene dilactones from Podocarpus nagi

Abstract Two new nor-diterpene dilactones, 3-deoxy-2α-hydroxynagilactone E and 3-epinagilactone C, were isolated from the leaves of Podocarpus nagi. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analyses.
Pseudotumor Cerebri Associated With Modified Fontan Anatomy

Surgical treatment of functional single-ventricle heart disease with a modified Fontan procedure results in elevated central venous pressure. The case report describes a 19-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Fontan palliation that resulted in frequent debilitating headaches after transcatheter closure of systemic venous-to-pulmonary venous collaterals. Measured increased intracranial pressure and prompt relief of the headaches with lumbar puncture favored a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri. After implantation of a lumboperitoneal shunt, the patient's headaches improved dramatically. Headaches are frequent in patients with Fontan circulation. The current literature supports a pivotal role of elevated dural venous sinus pressure in the pathogenesis of pseudotumor cerebri. The high superior and inferior vena caval pressures characteristic of modified Fontan anatomy may account for headaches in some of these patients.
A method for measuring a nonionic surface-active agent (Pluronic F-68) in biological fluids

Abstract At an acid pH, iodine reacts quantitatively with Pluronic F-68 giving a brown solution of which the optical density may be measured in a spectrophotometer. The technique, applicable to urine, blood, and plasma, is accurate and simple and requires only a 0.2 ml sample. The method is probably nonspecific, as side reactions with groups other than oxyethylene may occur. However, no gross interference has been noted when working with microgram quantities. This method has been calibrated for Pluronic F-68, but it seems likely that other ethylene oxide derivatives might be determined in microgram quantities in biological fluids in the same manner.
Production of Ethylene by Daucus carota Inoculated With Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rhizogenes

Summary Ethylene production by carrot discs inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains A4, 15834, K47, TR105, D2 and A4R1 was compared to carrot discs inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains B6, C58 and NT1. The A. rhizogenes inoculated discs produced 2–3 times as much ethylene over a 24 day period as did the A. tumefaciens inoculated discs.
Psychobiological Changes from Relaxation Response Elicitation: Long-Term Practitioners vs. Novices

Objective The relaxation response (RR) is a physiological state that is the counterpart to the stress response. We investigate the psychological and biological effects, as well as the correlation between these two effects that are associated with short-term vs. long-term practice of techniques that elicit the RR (“RR practice”). Methods The study comprised both a cross sectional and an 8-week prospective design. The study sample included individuals with a long-term RR practice (“long-term practitioners” n = 28) and those with no prior RR practice experience (“novices” n = 28). The novices received 8 weeks of RR-elicitation training (“RR training”) for the prospective analysis (short-term practice). Results Long-term practitioners reported lower levels of psychological distress than the novices before they received RR training. As a result of the 8-week RR training, novices significantly reduced their psychological distress to levels comparable to that of long-term practitioners. Long-term practitioners had greater immediate (after listening to a RR-eliciting CD) decreases in psychological distress level than the 8-week trained novices. Furthermore, the reduction in psychological distress levels for long-term practitioners correlated with a reduction in biological measures of stress, after controlling for baseline values. There was no reduction in biological measures and no correlation with psychological measures in the 8-week trained novices. Conclusions While our data indicate that even a short-term 8-week RR-eliciting practice can decrease psychological distress levels, only after years of RR practice does psychological distress reduction coincide with biological change.
The properties of organisms are not tunable parameters selected because they create maximum entropy production on the biosphere scale: A by-product framework in response to Kleidon

Axel Kleidon (Clim Change 66:271–319, 2004) proposed that the organisms that constitute Earth’s biota have free parameters that can be selected to create states of maximum entropy production (MEP) on various scales, from the biota to the planetary radiation balance of the Earth system. I show that Kleidon’s concept, here called the biotic-MEP hypothesis, is fundamentally mistaken. A thought experiment with a life form that would be selected against even though it would generate a higher degree of entropy demonstrates my case: A hypothetical tree that puts forth a non-productive but high-entropy producing black carpet of tissue clearly separates out entropy production from other biological processes and shows that entropy production is not a functional adaptation and therefore it cannot be selected for. A real world example comes from dimethyl sulfide-emitting plankton, which, by increasing cloud albedo, do not raise but rather lower the entropy flux of the Earth system. I provide a number of other examples of biotic processes that individually either decrease or increase the environmental entropy production. It is argued that biological effects on environmental entropy production can be expected to include both positive and negative examples, because these effects are merely by-products of the actual processes that are selected for by evolution. Given my framework of entropy production as a by-product of the true processes that are being selected for, the concept of MEP on environmental scales has no great relevance for discussions of biological evolution or the time history of the effects of life on the global system.
Effects of Abomasal Infusions of Glucose and Proprionate on Milk Yield and Composition

Abstract According to the glucogenic theory increased glucose availability is responsible for the low-milk fat problem that occurs when cows are fed high-grain, low-fiber diets. Abomasal infusions of glucose or propionate were used to test this theory. In the first trial, an average of 2.15kg of glucose (per cow) was infused daily for 5 days. Compared to the control treatment (water infusions), the glucose infusions increased glucose concentrations of plasma (65.93 to 70.27 mg/100ml) but had no significant effects on insulin in plasma. Milk yield increased 1.9kg per day while the percentages of milk fat and protein decreased slightly (.31 and .14) as a result of glucose infusions. However, daily yields of milk fat and protein were not affected significantly by the increased availability of glucose. In a second trial, propionate (15 moles/cow/day) was infused into the abomasum continuously for 5 days. Feed intake was reduced 2.53kg per day during propionate infusions. Milk yield, milk composition, and glucose and insulin concentrations in plasma were not affected by postruminal infusions of propionate.
The current status of microscopical hair comparisons.

Although the microscopical comparison of human hairs has been accepted in courts of law for over a century, recent advances in DNA technology have called this type of forensic examination into question. In a number of cases, post-conviction DNA testing has exonerated defendants who were convicted in part on the results of microscopical hair comparisons. A federal judge has held a Daubert hearing on the microscopical comparison of human hairs and has concluded that this type of examination does not meet the criteria for admission of scientific evidence in federal courts. A review of the available scientific literature on microscopical hair comparisons (including studies conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation) leads to three conclusions: (1) microscopical comparisons of human hairs can yield scientifically defensible conclusions that can contribute to criminal investigations and criminal prosecutions, (2) the reliability of microscopical hair comparisons is strongly affected by the training of the forensic hair examiner, (3) forensic hair examiners cannot offer estimates of the probability of a match of a questioned hair with a hair from a randomly selected person. In order for microscopical hair examinations to survive challenges under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Daubert decision, hair microscopists must be better trained and undergo frequent proficiency testing. More research on the error rates of microscopical hair comparisons should be undertaken, and guidelines for the permissible interpretations of such comparisons should be established. Until these issues have been addressed and satisfactorily resolved, microscopical hair comparisons should be regarded by law enforcement agencies and courts of law as merely presumptive in nature, and all microscopical hair comparisons should be confirmed by nuclear DNA profiling or mitochondrial DNA sequencing.
Approach-Withdrawal Response Competition (Aw-Rc), Displacement, and Behavior Modification

Summary This paper reviews displacement theory and animal research as derived from approach-withdrawal response competition (AW-RC), with a selected emphasis on clinical implications. AW-RC displacement is seen as part of the larger area of behavior modification while nevertheless distinguished from the larger area by a singular model and methodology. It is suggested that a lack of operational analysis of AW-RC displacement and behavior modification is responsible for some confusion about the two areas, has retarded developments and conclusions about behavior modification, and has contributed to, or produced, termination of research on AW-RC displacement. This review uncovers two major sets of results and one interesting observation. First, the displacement effect and the extinction effect of displacement are strongly supported, but the therapeutic effect of displacement is not supported. Second, time-delay that is characterized by eating under deprivation in an irrelevant situation does appear to produce...
A primate-specific microRNA enters the lung cancer landscape

Characterization of the lung cancer genome through unbiased next-generation sequencing has led to the discovery of new driver somatic mutations (1, 2) and gene fusions (3). Lung cancers show the second highest prevalence of somatic mutations among all cancer types, and a mutation profile that reflects the effect of chronic exposure to tobacco carcinogens, the main risk factor etiologically associated with this disease (2⇓–4). The next chapter of genomic decoding, through small RNA sequencing, brings about the discovery of primate-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) of the airway epithelium and the intriguing possibility that some may function as lung tumor suppressors (5).
A methodology towards automatic implementation of N-body algorithms

We propose a methodology aimed at automating the software development of fast discrete transforms for N-body problems. The methodology starts with a representation of the transform matrix in compact form. Then, two translation phases are applied. One translates matrix notation to an intermediate form. The other translates the intermediate form to compilable code for a target computing environment. The generated target code employs a library of pre-defined and optimized routines. We apply our methodology systematically to implement the three-dimensional fast multipole method. We demonstrate the efficiency of our code in a molecular dynamics simulation.
STRATEGIC GROUPS AND PERFORMANCE: THE U.S. INSURANCE INDUSTRY, 1970-84

The concept of strategic groups has been accepted as an important unit of analysis in understanding competitive strategy (Porter, 1980; McGee and Thomas, 1986; Hatten and Hatten, 1987). This study builds upon previous research (Hatten et al., 1978; McGee and Thomas, 1986; Harrigan, 1985; Cool, 1985; Cool and Schendel, 1987, 1988) and provides a general framework for the formation of strategic groups based upon important aspects of firm strategy. This framework is applied to the insurance industry over the 1970–84 time period and strategic implications are drawn. The empirical findings demonstrate that some performance differences exist among strategic groups, and also indicate that the structure of strategic groups (both in terms of the number, and the membership) changes over time. The use of this framework for understanding competitive positioning and developing dynamic theories of strategic group movement is also discussed.
Rib fractures in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: We sought to ascertain the extent to which advanced age influences the morbidity and mortality after rib fractures (fxs), to define the relationship between number of rib fractures and morbidity and mortality, and to evaluate the influence of analgesic technique on outcome. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study involving all 277 patients > or = 65 years old with rib fxs admitted to a Level I trauma center over 10 years was undertaken. The control group consisted of 187 randomly selected patients, 18 to 64 years old, with rib fxs admitted over the same time period. Outcomes included pulmonary complications, number of ventilator days, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay (LOS), disposition, and mortality. The specific analgesic technique used was also examined. RESULTS: The two groups had similar mean number of rib fxs (3.6 elderly vs. 4.0 young), mean chest Abbreviated Injury Scores (3.0 vs. 3.0), and mean Injury Severity Score (20.7 vs. 21.4). However, mean number of ventilator days (4.3 vs. 3.1), intensive care unit days (6.1 vs. 4.0), and LOS (15.4 vs. 10.7 days) were longer for the elderly patients. Pneumonia occurred in 31% of elderly versus 17% of young (p 2 days) was associated with a 10% mortality versus 16% without the use of an epidural (p = 0.28). In the younger group (LOS >2 days), mortality with and without the use of an epidural was 0% and 5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients who sustain blunt chest trauma with rib fxs have twice the mortality and thoracic morbidity of younger patients with similar injuries. For each additional rib fracture in the elderly, mortality increases by 19% and the risk of pneumonia by 27%. As the number of rib fractures increases, there is a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in both groups, but with different patterns for each group. Further prospective study is needed to determine the utility of epidural analgesia in this population.
Impact of Heart Donor “Inotrope” Support on 30-Day Graft Outcomes in Heart Transplantation

Purpose Potential heart donor blood pressure is often supported with agents that are primarily vasoconstrictors such as vasopressin, dopamine, and phenylephrine as single infusions or in combination. Less commonly, agents with important inotropic effects such as dobutamine, levophed, and epinephrine are also used. These could potentially improve the inotropic state of a damaged heart and lead transplant centers to make poor decisions. We hypothesized that the use of inotropic support of heart donors would increase 30 day mortality in cardiac recipients. Methods and Materials A multivariate logistic regression analysis of UNOS database from 1987 to 2011 was made, comparing the inotrope and pressor groups available from the UNOS database. The drug categories available for comparison from that database were: “three or more inotropes or pressors”, a “single inotrope or pressor”, “dobutamine only”, and “dopamine only”. These groups were not mutually exclusive except for the 2 “only” categories. The primary outcome was defined as graft failure or recipient death within 30 days after transplantation. Results A total of 37,605 transplants that had cardiac donors treated within 24 hours of procurement with inotrope(s) and/ or pressor(s) were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the 30-day graft failure rate or mortality rate for patients among the four categories 3 or more inotropes, versus patients with less than 3 or no inotropes(0.89% vs 1.06% p=0.377). On adjusted analysis, PRA > 17%, ischemic time, high recipient BMI, donor age, recipient ethnicity (African American and Asian), an older recipient age (age >40) and the presence of a ventricular assist device or total artificial heart were associated with 30-day graft failure. Conclusions Among the 4 groups, there was no difference in 30 day graft survival or recipient mortality. Thus, the use of dobutamine and other inotropes is no more detrimental than the standard dopamine or alpha agent therapy.
Physiological genetics of the response to a high-sucrose diet by Drosophila melanogaster.

A diet medium containing 10% (w/v) sucrose can be inferred to be stressful toDrosophila melanogaster from the increased developmental time and reduced size and fecundity of emerging flies. The metabolic basis for this stress and the genetic response to it are of interest from the point of view of both metabolic regulation and the evolutionary genetics of adaptation to stress. Here the effects of a high-sucrose diet on live weight, total protein, stored lipid and glycogen, and crude activities of 12 enzymes involved in energy metabolism were quantified. Assays were done on a large population ofDrosophila that had been acclimated to the laboratory. A collection of eggs was divided to produce two replicate populations maintained on standard medium and two replicates maintained on high-sucrose medium for 133 generations. At the end of this period, both control and sucrose-selected populations were tested on standard and on high-sucrose medium. Results showed that the immediate effect of the high-sucrose diet (compared to standard medium) for both populations was a reduction in live weight and total protein, and activities of many of the enzymes were also reduced by the sucrose treatment, even after adjusting for the weight effect. Selection resulted in several changes on both the standard and the sucrose medium, but the direction of change was not always the same as the acute effect. In no case was there a significant medium by selection-treatment interaction. The pattern of phenotypic correlations did not resolve the reasons for the direction of the genetic responses. Correlations were generally stable across diets and after selection, but there were notable exceptions.
Regional econometric model comparisons: What do they mean?

Accuracy comparisons among substate regional econometric models are becoming a standard part of the regional modeling literature. The comparisons typically are made without regard to area-specific economic/demographic structural differences and area-specific variations in data scope and quality. Since we have no background for evaluating the importance of these regional-based accuracy determinants, it is difficult to interpret the comparisons in terms of methodological improvement. By maintaining a consistent modeling methodology and a consistent time horizon in construction of models for six diverse areas, this study identifies and analyzes area-specific factors affecting substate model accuracy. Particularly critical factors are found to be distribution of population change between net migration and natural increase, two-digit distribution of manufacturing employment, sectoral firm concentration, economic/demographic growth pattern, consistency of data and availability of sectorally-specialized data. Differences across areas in these structural factors are seen to affect major sector MAPEs by factors of two to six leading to the conclusion that scientific analysis of methodological improvement in substate econometric models is unlikely to be achieved by interarea model comparisons.
Reversal of Mutant KRAS-Mediated Apoptosis Resistance by Concurrent Noxa/Bik Induction and Bcl-2/Bcl-xL Antagonism in Colon Cancer Cells

KRAS mutations are frequently detected in human colorectal cancer and contribute to de novo apoptosis resistance and ultimately therapeutic failure. To overcome KRAS -mediated apoptosis resistance, the irreversible proteasome inhibitor, carfilzomib, was evaluated and found to potently induce Noxa, which was dependent upon c-Myc , and Bik . Isogenic mutant versus wild-type KRAS carcinoma cells showed elevated Bcl-xL, confirmed by KRAS siRNA or ectopic expression. Upregulated Bcl-xL by mutant KRAS was mediated by ERK as indicated by ERK knockdown. Bcl-xL expression was regulated at the level of mRNA and protein as shown using actinomycin D and cyclohexamide, respectively. Suppression of Bcl-xL by shRNA sensitized mutant KRAS cells to carfilzomib. Concurrent Bcl-xL antagonism by the BH3 mimetic ABT-263 combined with carfilzomib synergistically enhanced apoptosis that was dependent on Bax or p53 , and was attenuated by Noxa or Bik shRNA. In support of this strategy, ectopically expressed Noxa enhanced apoptosis by ABT-263. Carfilzomib-induced Noxa and Bik sequestered Mcl-1 and ABT-263 released Bik and Bak from Bcl-xL, suggesting a mechanism for drug synergy. These preclinical findings establish mutant KRAS -mediated Bcl-xL upregulation as a key mechanism of apoptosis resistance in KRAS -mutant colorectal cancer. Furthermore, antagonizing Bcl-xL enabled carfilzomib-induced Noxa and Bik to induce synergistic apoptosis that reversed KRAS -mediated resistance. Implications: This novel study reveals a promising treatment strategy to overcome apoptosis resistance in KRAS -mutant colorectal cancer by concurrent upregulation of Noxa/Bik and antagonism of Bcl-xL. Mol Cancer Res; 13(4); 659–69. ©2014 AACR .
Ovary and uterus transplantation

Ovarian and uterine transplantation are procedures gaining more attention again because of potential applications in respectively fertility preservation for cancer and other patients and, more tentatively, women with uterine agenesis or hysterectomy. Cryopreservation of tissue slices, and possibly whole organs, is providing opportunities for banking ovaries for indefinite periods before transplanting them back to restore fertility. The natural plasticity of this organ facilitates grafting to different sites where they can be revascularized and rapidly restore the normal physiology of secretion and ovulation. Ischemic damage is a chief limitation because many follicles are lost, at least in avascular grafts, and functional longevity is reduced. Nevertheless, grafts of young ovarian tissue, even after cryopreservation, can be highly fertile in laboratory rodents and, in humans, autografts have functioned for up to 3 years before needing replacement. Transplantation by vascular anastomosis provides potentially longer function but it is technically much more demanding and riskier for the recipient. It is the only practicable method with the uterus, and has enabled successful pregnancies in several species, but not yet in humans. Contrary to claims made many years ago, neither organ is privileged immunologically, and allografts become rapidly rejected except in hosts whose immune system is deficient or suppressed pharmacologically. All in all, transplantation of these organs, especially the ovary, provides a broad platform of opportunities for research and new applications in reproductive medicine and conservation biology.
Mediated Spectacular Nature: “God-centered” and “Nature-centered” Consumption of a Genre

In this article, the author considers the meaningful way people are using what he calls “mediated spectacular nature.” This term loosely represents the expanding collection of TV shows, movies, mag...
Evaluation of Soil Response to EPB Shield Tunneling

Earth pressure balance (EPB) shields can be operated so that soil is forced away from its face; this heaving process may cause smaller surface settlements than would result from tunneling, without inducing any initial heave. Field observations made at the first EPB project in the U.S. and finite element analyses results of that project are compared to gain a better understanding of ground behavior around EPB shields. Field observations indicated that the ground response was both three-dimensional and time-dependent. To keep computational costs within reason, the EPB tunneling process was simulated in a finite element analysis using two, two-dimensional models. Besides approximating EPB shield tunneling effects, the finite element simulations explicity account for pore pressure mobilization and dissipation in time. Results of parametric studies indicate that intentionally induced heave decreases the net movement into the tail void gap behind the shield at the expense of increasing consolidation settlements at the surface.
Forensic Proteomics of Poxvirus Production

The field of microbial forensics has recently sought to develop methods to discern biological signatures to indicate production methods for biological agents. Viral agents have received less attention to date. Their obligate propagation in living cells makes purification from cellular material a challenge. This leads to potential carryover of protein-rich signatures of their production system. Here we have explored a proteomic analysis of vaccinia virus as a model poxvirus system in which to compare samples of virus propagated in different cell lines and subjected to different purification schemes. The proteomic data sets indicated viral, host cell and culture medium proteins. Several layers of data analysis were applied to build confidence in the peptide identification and capture information on the taxonomic utility of each. The analysis showed clear shifts in protein profiles with virus purification, with successive gradient purification steps showing different levels of viral protein enrichment. Peptides from cellular proteins, including those present in purified virus preparations, provided signatures which enabled discrimination of cell line substrates, including distinguishing between cells derived from different primate species. The ability to discern multiple aspects of viral production demonstrates the potential value of proteomic analysis as tool for microbial forensics.
Plasma catecholamine concentrations in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) at rest and after anesthesia and surgery

The effects of surgery and anesthesia on concentrations of plasma epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) were investigated in rainbow trout fitted with dorsal aorta cannulae. Baseline catecholamines (CA) concentrations, established in resting rainbow trout, were 1.55 +/- 0.90 pmol/ml (mean +/- SD) for E, 2.07 +/- 1.26 for NE, and 1.33 +/- 0.87 for DA. These values were based on the pooled analyses of five individual fish taken over seven different sampling periods. The E:NE ratio in resting fish was always less than 1.0. In a second experiment, fish were subjected to dorsal aorta cannulation and sequential blood samples were taken immediately after surgery, and 6, 24, and 48 hr later. Plasma E concentrations were 36 times greater than baseline values in the first sample; NE was 15 times greater and DA was 41 times greater. After surgery, plasma concentrations of all CAs fell rapidly but values were still higher than baseline 6 hr after surgery, then were near baseline at 24 and 48 hr after surgery. The E:NE ratio was about 3.0 immediately after surgery, dropped to 1.8 at 6 hr, and was about 1.0 at 24 and 48 hr. In a third experiment, plasma CAs were determined in a group of five animals anesthetized with tricaine methanesulfonate (100 mg/ml) to advanced anesthesia, and then allowed to recover in flowing well water over a 12-hr observation period. Plasma E and NE concentrations in the fish during early anesthesia (1.14 +/- 0.14 min) were not significantly different from preanesthesia values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Psychosocial maturity and teenage contraceptive use: An investigation of decision-making and communication skills

The developmental factors influencing teenage women's contraceptive decision-making with first sexual partner are investigated. A discriminant function analysis of results of a study of 17- to 19-year-old women shows the following: Pill users are distinguished from women who have not used any method by having had a longer relationship with their partner, having a more negative attitude towards becoming premaritally pregnant themselves, being older at the time of their sexual debut, engaging in more frequent sexual intercourse, being more trusting of their partner, and perceiving the risks of unprotected pregnancy as greater. Women who are protected by the use of condom are distinguished from women not protected by any method by having had more discussions with male friends about a variety of topics, having better role-taking skills, having a less negative attitude about becoming premaritally pregnant, and having discussed their sexual debut with their partner beforehand. Results are consistent with a conceptualization which distinguishes contraceptive methods on the basis of the psychosocial costs their use incurs for young women.
Singular Archimedean lattice-ordered groups

W stands for the category of all archimedean l-groups with designated weak unit. The subcategory W s of all groups with singular weak unit is analyzed as a full subcategory of W which is both epireflective and monocoreflective. A general technique for "contracting" monoreflections of a category A to a monocoreflective subcategory B is developed and then applied to W s to show that: (i) the projectable hull in W s is a monoreflection; (ii) essential hulls in W s are formed by simply taking the lateral completion, and G is essentially closed in this category if and only if $ G = D(X, {\Bbb Z}) $ , where X is compact, Hausdorff and extremally disconnected; (iii) the maximum monoreflection on W s , denoted $ {\beta}_s $ , is obtained by contracting the maximum monoreflection $ \beta $ on W, and G is epicomplete in W s precisely when G is laterally $ \sigma $ -complete; (iv) the maximum essential reflection on W s , denoted $ \varepsilon _s $ , is the contraction of the maximum essential reflection $ \varepsilon $ on W.
Turing degrees of nonabelian groups

For a countable structure A, the (Turing) degree spectrum of A is the set of all Turing degrees of its isomorphic copies. If the degree spectrum of A has the least degree d, then we say that d is the (Turing) degree of the isomorphism type of A. So far, degrees of the isomorphism types have been studied for abelian and metabelian groups. Here, we focus on highly nonabelian groups. We show that there are various centerless groups whose isomorphism types have arbitrary Turing degrees. We also show that there are various centerless groups whose isomorphism types do not have Turing degrees.
Critically Compromised Airway Secondary to Expanding Esophageal Mucocele

Expanding mucocele is a known but rare complication of bypass and surgical exclusion of the thoracic esophagus. When functional esophageal mucosa secretes mucin into the blind esophageal loop, tissue expansion can cause mass effect on nearby structures. We report the case of a critically compromised airway secondary to a dilated esophageal mucocele initially managed with right thoracotomy, partial esophagectomy and mucosectomy. This was complicated by mucocele recurrence, which was successfully managed with computed tomography–guided drainage and absolute alcohol ablation of residual mucosa.
Infantile Osteopetrosis and Juvenile Xanthogranuloma Presenting Together in a Newborn: A Case Report and Literature Review

Osteopetrosis (OP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by increased bone density. Associations between OP and other clinical entities are rare but include muscular degeneration, Dandy-Walker syndrome, craniosynostosis, and poikiloderma. Infantile OP has also been diagnosed in a group of infants with neuronal storage disease. An association between OP and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) has never been previously reported. Herein we present a case of an intermediate form of OP in a newborn who presented with hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. Histologic evaluation of a bone marrow biopsy demonstrated abnormally thickened bony trabeculae. A liver biopsy demonstrated prominent expansion of portal areas by a histiocytic infiltrate expressing CD45, CD14, CD68, CD163, factor XIIIa, and fascin, while the biopsy was negative for S100 and CD1a. These findings were those associated with JXG. Genetic testing demonstrated a mutation involving the Pleckstrin homology domain-containing family M member 1 ( PLEKHM1 ) gene. A different mutation in this gene has been previously reported in one other patient with OP. Our case is the 2nd reported case with PLEKHM1 mutation in a patient with a mild form of OP. It also demonstrates the 1st reported occurrence of OP concomitantly with JXG.
Differential Effects of Cognitive Load on University Wind Students' Practice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive load during practice on university wind students’ learning. Cognitive load was manipulated through instrument family (woodwind ...
Synergistic Effects of Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil- and Poultry Fat-Based Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel composed of saturated and unsaturated methyl ester fatty acids that is very prone to oxidation attack. Exposure to air, heat, light, and metallic contaminants can lead to autoxidation, and the degradation of fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity and total acid number. This study examines the effectiveness of blends of primary antioxidants from combinations of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG), pyrogallol (PY) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) to increase oxidative stability. Results indicate that binary antioxidant formulations: TBHQ:BHA, TBHQ:PG and TBHQ:PY were most effective at 2:1, 1:1, 2:1 weight ratio, respectively in both distilled soybean oil- (DSBO) and distilled poultry fat- (DPF) based biodiesel. Antioxidant activity increased as the loadings were increased. The synergisms of the antioxidant pairs were different with different biodiesel types, suggesting a dependence on the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition. The best synergistic effect was observed with the TBHQ:BHA blends while the best stabilization factors (SF) were achieved by using the TBHQ:PY blends. Quantification of antioxidant content in stored biodiesel with TBHQ:PY blend demonstrates that the main factor of synergy is the regeneration of PY by TBHQ.
Identification of a biologically significant DNA-binding peptide motif by use of a random phage display library

A peptide library approach was used to identify peptides that could bind to different DNA structures. A 23-mer random peptide library was displayed in the context of the pIII protein of M13 filamentous phage. Double-stranded (ds) oligodeoxyribonucleotides (oligos) were immobilized in 96-well plates using either chemical conjugation or a biotin-avidin linking method. Individual phage clones capable of binding to immobilized oligos were selected from the phage library. Using a plaque dilution assay for rapid screening of binding preferences, four groups of oligo-binding (OB) phage were tentatively identified as showing preference for: (1) single-stranded (ss) oligos irrespective of sequence; (2) ds oligos irrespective of sequence; (3) sequence-specific binding to ss oligos; and (4) weak non-specific binding to all types of oligos tested. A quantitative solution-phase competition assay was used to confirm the ability of certain phage to discriminate ss from ds oligos. A consensus motif, FGRA, was found in those phage clones that preferentially bound ss oligos; this motif has previously been noted in the binding domains of several ribonucleoproteins and ss DNA-binding proteins. Peptides based on the FGRA motif, but not scrambled controls, were able to inhibit the binding of appropriate phage clones or of Escherichia coli ss DNA-binding protein to oligos. This suggests that amino acid sequences that are capable of affecting biologically significant protein-DNA interactions can be identified from random peptide libraries using phage display techniques.
Age Differences and Similarities in Identity Distress Following the Katrina Disaster: Theoretical and Applied Implications of Erikson’s Theory

This study examined predictions from Erikson’s lifespan developmental theory in the context of severe disaster exposure. Relationships among traumatic stress exposure, age, identity distress, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms were explored among 401 individuals (age 18–86, mean = 32.83, SD = 14.1 years) exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Traumatic exposure experiences were related to identity distress ratings, but results suggested that the association was a function of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was negatively correlated with age, but the association between identity distress and age was moderated by the level of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was associated with PTS symptoms even while controlling for general psychological symptoms. The utility of the identity distress construct and theoretical implications for identity research in the wake of disaster are discussed.
Anomalous radiative neutron capture in gold

Experimental study was undertaken to clarify three aspects of the theory: the potential capture interference in resonance neutron capture; the strengih of the channel resonance contribution relative to the internal contribution that should be proportional to the reduced neutron width of each resonance; and the single-particle effects on the random variatton for the summed intensity of several transitions. Gold was chosen because it has an isolated low energy resonance that permits greater intensity and resolution. (R. E.U.)
Optimization of Advanced Engine Controls for Conventional Vehicles: A Driving Cycle Perspective

A controls optimization methodology for advanced diesel engines, as they are utilized in a specific driving cycle, is addressed in this work. The technique illustrated here accounts for realistic engine use regimes encountered during the FTP driving schedule and finds the maximum foreseeable fuel economy improvement, with the introduction of advanced technologies, to a baseline engine design. Outputs from the optimization procedure are analyzed from a numerical standpoint, yielding insights into the general topology of the engine’s design domain. Control variable histories through the specified driving cycle are determined and discussed with specific regard to the thermodynamic mechanisms producing the associated fuel economy improvements. Guidelines for the practical design of engine components, along with the assumptions made for these studies, are detailed. These techniques are directly applicable to other types of automotive internal combustion engines, vehicles, and driving patterns.© 2002 ASME
Separation of near full-length hepatitis C virus quasispecies variants from a complex population.

Abstract A long RT-PCR (LRP) protocol was developed recently for robust amplification of a near full-length HCV genomic sequence from clinical samples, followed by efficient cloning [Fan, X., Xu, Y., Di Biceglie, A.M., 2006. Efficient amplification and cloning of near full-length hepatitis C virus genome from clinical samples. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 346, 1163–1172]. In the present study, the LRP protocol has been estimated for its error rate and the validation by sequencing fully the near full-length HCV inserts from six recombinant clones derived from a patient sample with complex viral diversity. These sequences were compared with the near full-length HCV sequence that was generated by direct sequencing of multiple overlapped PCR products from the same sample, referred to as the population sequence. Comparative analysis confirmed the artificial nature of the PCR-assembled population sequence and identified potential domains for linked viral mutations. The data also suggested that the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) may be a biological marker for the phenotype at the quasispecies level. These observations emphasize the significance of the use of near full-length genomic sequences for HCV genetic studies and for reverse genetic analysis using authentic quasispecies variants.
BACE1 gene promoter is differentially regulated: detection of a novel promoter region for its cell type-specific regulation.

The amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, the proteolytic fragment of Aβ precursor protein (APP), aggregates and forms neuritic plaques, a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The limiting step in generating the Aβ peptide from APP is cleavage by the β-secretase enzyme, BACE1. Regulation of the BACE1 gene is likely to play an important role in AD etiology and treatment. We therefore studied the activity of a 4.1-kb 5′-flanking region (−3765/+364, +1 being the transcription start site) of the BACE1 gene, both in 5′- and 3′-deletion series and through Northern blotting. We show that the BACE1 promoter has regulatory activity throughout the 4.1-kb length, both positive and negative, and that this activity can be quantitatively modeled according to promoter sequence length, with the specific model depending on the presence of negative regulatory elements as the 5′-most portion of the sequence. We also examined a previously identified 141-bp proximal fragment (+224/+364) of the BACE1 promoter and two constituent (91- and 50-bp) subfragments. We report that the 91-bp fragment (+224/+314) is the most likely seat of neuronal expression of the BACE1 gene and that it is the portion of the 141-bp fragment that accounts for observed DNA-protein interactions in brain extracts. The 50-bp fragment (+315/+364), which showed significant reporter gene activity from the empty vector, binds nuclear proteins in a cell type-specific manner and contains the AP2 site as shown by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Overall, the 141-bp fragment had no strong matches within GenBank, and the 91-bp fragment is predicted to have several potential stem-loop sites. Taken together, BACE1 gene promoter activity is differentially regulated, and the 91-bp fragment represents a novel promoter region for cell type-specific regulation. This fragment might be a useful target to regulate BACE1 expression leading to Aβ production and to understand the neuropathogenesis of AD.
LOCATING EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN URBAN AREAS TO MINIMIZE TRAVEL TIME

The transportation requirements of an urban area are, in part, a function of its land use pattern. Reducing travel in an urban area by effective land use design appears to be a worthwhile public policy objective. The planning model derived in this article uses as its core the matrix version of the Lowry model developed by Garin. The model allocates basic employment to the zones of an urban area in order to minimize work and service trips. A hypothetical planning problem for Metropolitan Toronto illustrates use of the model.