cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FDG-PET and CT characterization of adrenal lesions in cancer patients

Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) may differentiate benign from malignant adrenal lesions. In this study, standardized uptake values (SUVs), visual interpretation, and computed tomography (CT) data were correlated with the final diagnosis to determine the contribution of adrenal FDG-PET in patients with known non-adrenal cancer. Ninety-two patients with adrenal lesions on CT underwent FDG-PET. Eighty adrenals in 74 patients met the inclusion criteria (PET scan within 4 weeks of CT plus >1 year of follow-up after PET scan with repeat CT or biopsy for final diagnosis). CT was considered positive for metastases (CT+) based on two of the following three criteria: >4 cm, Hounsfield units (HU) >30, and delayed contrast enhancement. Lesions with 1 year=benign). SUVmax and SUVavg were calculated from a 4×4 pixel region of interest drawn from CT, PET, and fused images. A receiver operator curve (ROC) determined the SUV with the best sensitivity and specificity. Overall, PET was 93% sensitive and 96% specific for metastases. A SUVmax of 3.4 was 95% sensitive and 86% specific. A SUVavg of 3.1 was 95% sensitive and 90% specific. There was no significant difference between visual interpretation and SUV (SUVmax or SUVavg). Among CT+ and CT− lesions, PET was 100% sensitive and 96% specific; CT was 86% sensitive and 100% specific. In the CT-Ind group, PET was 88% sensitive and 96% specific. PET accurately characterized adrenal lesions. Visual interpretation was as accurate as SUV. FDG-PET was most useful in the 52.5% of cancer patients with inconclusive adrenal lesions on CT.
Physical health and depression: An epidemiologic survey

Abstract Levels of mental depression, physical health, and medical care utilization for physical health conditions were measured in Los Angeles County during 1979 in a multiethnic probability sample of 1,003 adults (66% participation). A strong association was observed between the rate of depression, based on the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, and measures of physical health status. Depressed persons reported more physical illnesses than the nondepressed (1.32 versus 0.89 per person), and they were more likely to contact a health professional for these conditions (1.49 versus 0.97 consultations per physical illness). Similar patterns were observed among the depressed and nondepressed for bed-disability days, hospital admissions, and hospital bed-days. While depression was more common in women than men, a parallel association with physical health status was observed in both sexes.
Characterization of an inclusion complex of cholesterol and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Interactions between endogenous cholesterol and cyclodextrins have been investigated by several researchers, and they found altered skin penetration of some drugs, membrane disruption, and extraction of cholesterol from the large lipoprotein particles or animal fat. In the present study, an inclusion complex composed of cholesterol and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) prepared by lyophilization was investigated and characterized in order to confirm these interactions. Five grams of cholesterol were dispersed in 50 ml of 73.2 mM HPbetaCD aqueous solution, mixed for 2 days, and the filtrate lyophilized. A phase solubility study was performed by mixing an excess amount of cholesterol with an aqueous solution containing increasing amounts of HPbetaCD. The amount of cholesterol in solution after mixing for 2 days at 25 degrees C was determined by HPLC. The inclusion complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). An Ap-type Higuchi phase solubility diagram, DSC, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction demonstrated the formation of an inclusion complex. DSC thermograms indicated that the endothermic peaks of cholesterol and physical mixture of cholesterol with HPbetaCD due to the fusion of drug crystals, were absent in DSC thermograms obtained on the freeze dried inclusion complex. FTIR spectra indicated that some of the absorption peaks in the lyophilized inclusion complex were different from that of the physical mixture of cholesterol and HPbetaCD. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the pure cholesterol and a physical mixture of cholesterol and HPbetaCD exhibited crystalline characteristics whereas the lyophilized inclusion complex and HPbetaCD displayed amorphous characteristics. The results indicated that the formation of a cholesterol/HPbetaCD inclusion complex is more water soluble than cholesterol alone.
Fate of Carbon-14 Labeled Methionine Hydroxy Analog and Methionine in the Lactating Dairy Cow

Abstract Carbon-14 labeled methionine hydroxy analog, fed to two similar cows, was more resistant to rumen microbial degradation than labeled methionine, fed to one lactating Holstein cow. The analog gave less respiratory labeled carbon dioxide, less radioactivity in rumen solids and volatile fatty acids, and greater persistence in rumen fluid. Supplementation of diets with hydroxy analog resulted in two to three times more radioactivity in milk, tissues, blood, and excreta and apparently more labeled methionine in blood, milk, urine. liver, and kidney. Radiolabeled methionine in tissues, milk, blood, excreta, and in rumen fluid was evidence for biotransformation of methionine hydroxy analog to methionine in ruminants. Carbon-14 from hydroxy analog and methionine was incorporated in to rumen volatile fatty acids, milk fat and lactose, urinary urea, and fecal protein amino acids other than methionine.
Myelin repair: Developmental myelination redux?

A recent study of an Olig1 knockout mouse concludes that remyelination after injury may occur by a different mechanism from myelination during normal development, but another report suggests that this mouse model should be interpreted cautiously.
100-megabit-per-second resonant-cavity phase modulator for coherent optical communications

A resonant-cavity electro-optic phase modulator is designed, implemented, and experimentally verified to operate at a data rate of 100 Mbits/s. The cavity is made up of a highly reflective backmirror and the partially reflective end of an electro-optic crystal. A voltage signal applied to the electro-optic crystal perturbs the effective optical path length inside the cavity and hence its resonance frequency. Because the phase of the reflected optical signal from the cavity is highly dispersive when the cavity is tuned near resonance, a cw incident signal will experience a large phase shift as the cavity is electro-optically tuned on and off resonance. This phase-dispersion effect can be used in the construction of an optical phase modulator capable of modulating the signal at data rate in excess of 100 Mbits/s. The performance of the modulator was measured by first heterodyne detecting the signal to an intermediate frequency and then measuring the spectral characteristics with a radio frequency spectrum analyzer. The measured phase shift is shown to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Methylmercury egg injections: part 2--pathology, neurochemistry, and behavior in the avian embryo and hatchling.

Abstract Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic metal that has been frequently linked to neurochemical alterations, brain lesions, neurobehavioral changes, and reproductive impairments in wild and captive birds. Much less is known about the effects of MeHg on the developing avian brain and resulting effects on hatchling behavior. The objective of this work was to use air cell injection studies to investigate the effect of in ovo MeHg exposure on brain pathology and four neurochemical biomarkers (N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)) that have previously been studied in wild birds, and on hatchling righting response, balance, and startle response. In a series of six studies, we exposed white leghorn chicken and Japanese quail embryos to methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) (range: 0–6.4 μg/g egg) via egg injection on embryonic day (ED) 0 and measured receptor levels and enzyme activity at different stages of embryonic (days 11, 14, and 19 in chicken; day 15 in quail) and hatchling (day 1 and day 7) development, and in whole brain or discrete brain regions (cerebrum, cerebellum, optic lobe). We assessed neurobehaviors on post hatch (PH) days 1 and 7. Despite accumulating relatively high levels of Hg in the brain, embryos and hatchlings did not consistently display neurochemical changes consistent with those seen in wild birds and laboratory mammals. Hatchlings also did not demonstrate behavioral alterations. Pathology did not indicate a difference in occurrence and types of lesions between control and dosed birds. These findings suggest that in ovo MeHg exposure alone may not be responsible for neurological impacts in bird. This work draws attention to factors, such as age and species, that may influence responses to MeHg in birds.
Pulse-based non-thermal plasma (NTP) disrupts the structural characteristics of bacterial biofilms

Bacterial biofilms were constructed in vitro with two pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus using a modified, novel sequential bioreactor system. The structure and stability of bacterial biofilms were evaluated following exposure to non-thermal plasma (NTP) discharge. Mathematical software was used to determine structural changes as biofilms grew over the course of 7 days. Statistical modeling was also performed to assess the ability of NTP to affect the development of the biofilms over different periods of time. Several structural characteristics were significantly affected by NTP discharge whereas others were unaffected. Changes in the three-dimensional structure of the biofilm following introduction of NTP was not limited to one period of development. The mechanism for this phenomenon is not understood but is likely to be a dual, synergistic effect due to the composition of the reactive species and other plasma-associated molecules isolated previously in the NTP discharge used in this study.
The effect of progesterone on amino acid metabolism.

The concentration of plasma alpha amino acid nitrogen was significantly lowered by the intramuscular administration of 50 mg. per day of progesterone in normal volunteers. This suppression (1.3–1.7 mg. per 100 ml.) was more pronounced during the peak rise in amino acid nitrogen concentration which followed a standard high protein meal than when comparisons were made in fasting subjects or four hours after a low protein meal. These effects were observed as soon as seven hours after the first injection of progesterone. During three-day fasts, the amino acid nitrogen concentrations averaged 0.5–0.7 mg. per 100 ml. lower when daily injections of progesterone were given. The plasma glucose concentrations were unaffected by progesterone treatment. The fact that the concentration of plasma alpha amino acid nitrogen is promptly lowered without an increase in urinary amino acid excretion strongly supports the previous suggestion that the primary action of progesterone in enhancing the net rate of protein catabolis...
Fast detection of spectral white spaces for cognitive radio networks

In military tactical communications, cognitive radio (CR) has been proposed as a potential technology. A CR network can support vital communications among troops and vehicles in an alien territory with unfamiliar or unknown radio environment that may be changing dynamically in time. We propose a new approach for dynamic detection of “white spaces” i.e. available radio channels, based on a novel concept of spectral sampling and variance estimation. We use FFT to obtain a set of samples of the short-term signal spectrum in a given band of frequencies. By analyzing spectral and statistical features of this set of samples, we are able to make fast and accurate determination of signal presence in a band.
A note on the sampling principle for continuous signals

Two sampling (integral interpolation) theorems for continuous signals (continuous parameter stochastic processes) are proved. The first of these is the sampling principle introduced by Shannon, precise formulation or proof of which has not appeared hitherto. Obtained as a secondary result in this connection is a generalization of a result on the spectra of sampled signals given by Bennet. The second theorem is a stochastic version of the Newton-Gauss interpolation formula as representative of a different class of sampling theorems.
Robust cross-race gene expression analysis

This paper develops a Bayesian network (BN) predictor to profile cross-race gene expression data. Cross-race studies face more data variability than single-lab studies. Our design handles this problem by using the BN framework. In addition, unlike existing methods that unrealistically assume independent genes, our BN approach can capture the dependencies among genes. Existing BN algorithms in biomedicine applications quantize data, leading to information loss; we adopt linear Gaussian model to keep the data intact, so our resulting model is more reliable. The application of our BN predictor to a lung adenocarcinoma study shows high prediction accuracy, and performance evaluation demonstrates our gene signature agreeable with those reported in the literature. Our tool has a promising potential in finding disease biomarkers common to multiple races.
Lower-extremity biomechanics during forward and lateral stepping activities in older adults

Objective. To characterize the lower-extremity biomechanics associated with stepping activities in older adults. Design. Repeated-measures comparison of kinematics and kinetics associated with forward step-up and lateral step-up activities. Background. Biomechanical analysis may be used to assess the effectiveness of various ‘in-home activities’ in targeting appropriate muscle groups and preserving functional strength and power in elders. Methods. Data were analyzed from 21 participants (mean 74.7 yr (standard deviation, 4.4 yr)) who performed the forward and lateral step-up activities while instrumented for biomechanical analysis. Motion analysis equipment, inverse dynamics equations, and repeated measures anovas were used to contrast the maximum joint angles, peak net joint moments, angular impulse, work, and power associated with the activities. Results. The lateral step-up resulted in greater maximum knee flexion (P<0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion angles (P<0.01). Peak joint moments were similar between exercises. The forward step-up generated greater peak hip power (P<0.05) and total work (P<0.001); whereas, the lateral step-up generated greater impulse (P<0.05), work (P<0.01), and power (P<0.05) at the knee and ankle. Conclusions. In older adults, the forward step-up places greater demand on the hip extensors, while lateral step-up places greater demand on the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors. Relevance. Clinicians may use data from biomechanical analyses of in-home exercises to more effectively target specific lower-extremity muscle groups when prescribing exercise activities for older adults. The forward step-up is recommended for maintaining or improving hip extensor performance; whereas, the lateral step-up is recommended when targeting the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors.
A STUDY OF RETROGRADE PRESSURE AND PULSE IN THE SINUS NODE ARTERY.

Abstract Retrograde pressure and pulse were studied in the ligated sinus node artery of 37 dogs. The principal determinant of retrograde pressure is central aortic pressure, and the principal determinant of retrograde pulse is right atrial contraction.
Synthesis of carbon‐14 labeled dibutyltin dichloride

This report describes the preparation of carbon-14 labeled dibutyltin dichloride from carbon-14 labeled barium carbonate in 30% overall radiochemical yield. The key steps were (a) the preparation of carbon-14 labeled butyl bromide from carbon-14 labeled barium carbonate via carbon-14 labeled butyl mesylate, and (b) the direct preparation of tetrabutyltin by the lithium-mediated reaction of dibutyltin dichloride with carbon-14 labeled butyl bromide.
Redundant Canonical and Noncanonical Caenorhabditis elegans p21-Activated Kinase Signaling Governs Distal Tip Cell Migrations

p21-activated kinases (Paks) are prominent mediators of Rac/Cdc42-dependent and -independent signaling and regulate signal transduction and cytoskeletal-based cell movements. We used the reproducible migrations of the Caenorhabditis elegans gonadal distal tip cells to show that two of the three nematode Pak proteins, MAX-2 and PAK-1, function redundantly in regulation of cell migration but are regulated by very different mechanisms. First, we suggest that MAX-2 requires CED-10/Rac function and thus functions canonically. Second, PIX-1 and GIT-1 function in the same role as PAK-1, and PAK-1 interaction with PIX-1 is required for PAK-1 activity; thus, PAK-1 functions noncanonically. The human Pak-Pix-Git complex is central to noncanonical Pak signaling and requires only modest Rac/CDC-42 input. Unlike the human complex, our results suggest that the C. elegans Pak-Pix-Git complex requires PAK-1 kinase domain activity. This study delineates signaling network relationships in this cell migration model, thus providing potential further mechanistic insights and an assessment of total Pak contribution to cell migration events.
The use of wetland water balances to link hydrogeological processes to ecological effects

A methodology for modelling wetland water levels using the water balance approach was developed for Pulborough Brooks Site of Special Scientific Interest in West Sussex, in the UK. The methodology was applied to assess potential groundwater abstraction impacts on communities and species of ecological importance in the wetland. The modelling methodology links regional hydrogeological processes to wetland hydrology and ecology that is typically influenced by processes that take place at a more reduced spatial scale. To assess impacts, it is necessary to understand the hydrological sources of water that are affected by abstraction as well as to consider how the magnitude of these processes relates to other processes that influence wetland water levels. Water levels are commonly the most important factor determining the presence or absence of species or communities in a wetland and the model predicts wetland water levels and assesses how suitable these water levels are for species of ecological significance. Model results show that typical historic rates of abstraction have not resulted in an adverse effect on the integrity of the Pulborough Brooks relative to a ‘natural’ (no abstraction) scenario.
Encouragement to contribute to peer-review process in clinical neurology journals.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the chance of peer-review assignment as expected from the amount of publications in “Japanese” and “Arabic” investigators differed from that for “Other” investigators in mainstream clinical neurology journals in 2004. Methods: Fifteen clinical neurology journals with the impact factor in 2004 greater than 2.5 and with the full list of reviewers available in public were analyzed. Thereby, “Japanese”, “Arabic”, and “Other” investigators were defined as those with Japanese-sounding last names, those with Arabic-sounding last names, and others. The ratio of number of reviewers to number of original articles was compared between “Japanese” and “Other” groups as well as “Arabic” and “Other” groups. In addition, we described how “Japanese” and “Arabic” investigators were assigned peer-review in Brain and Development in 2004. Results: In the above-mentioned 15 clinical neurology journals, the mean ratio of number of reviewers to number of original articles was smaller in “Japanese” compared to “Other” investigators (paired t -test: df = 14; t -value = 6.85; p -value t -value = −0.36; p = 0.7). In Brain and Development , the number of peer-reviewers relative to the amount of publications was larger in “Japanese” compared to “Other” group (Fisher’s exact probability test: p-value Conclusion: More “Japanese” investigators are encouraged to contribute to peer-review process in clinical neurology journals other than Brain and Development . More “Non-Japanese” investigators are encouraged to contribute to peer-review process in Brain and Development .
A multiscale description of image structure for segmentation of biomedical images

A representation of image intensity structure, the multiscale orientation field (MOF), is described, and its application to biomedical image segmentation is discussed. The MOF is composed of orientation vectors at every pixel and at multiple scales. The vectors are computed from the outputs of an artificial visual system composed of spatial filters whose design is described. An abstract feature space for orientation measurement is defined, and a filter sensitivity function that yields a desirable mapping into the feature space is described. >
Molecular confinement influences protein structure and enhances thermal protein stability.

The sol-gel method of encapsulating proteins in a silica matrix was investigated as a potential experimental system for testing the effects of molecular confinement on the structure and stability of proteins. We demonstrate that silica entrapment (1) is fully compatible with structure analysis by circular dichroism, (2) allows conformational studies in contact with solvents that would otherwise promote aggregation in solution, and (3) generally enhances thermal protein stability. Lysozyme, α-lactalbumin, and metmyoglobin retained native-like solution structures following sol-gel encapsulation, but apomyoglobin was found to be largely unfolded within the silica matrix under control buffer conditions. The secondary structure of encapsulated apomyoglobin was unaltered by changes in pH and ionic strength of KCl. Intriguingly, the addition of other neutral salts resulted in an increase in the α-helical content of encapsulated apomyoglobin in accordance with the Hofmeister ion series. We hypothesize that protein conformation is influenced directly by the properties of confined water in the pores of the silica. Further work is needed to differentiate the steric effects of the silica matrix from the solvent effects of confined water on protein structure and to determine the extent to which this experimental system mimics the effects of crowding and confinement on the function of macromolecules in vivo.
Analytical initial conditions and an analysis of baroclinic instability waves in f - and β-plane 3D channel models

The article presents a description of idealized, balanced initial conditions for dry 3D channel models with either the hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic shallow-atmosphere equation set. Both the analytical expressions for an f- and β-plane configuration are provided and possible variations are discussed. The initialization with an overlaid perturbation is then used for baroclinic instability studies which can serve either as a test case for the numerical discretization or for physical science investigations such as the impact of the Coriolis parameter on the evolution of baroclinic waves. Example results for two channel models are presented: the MCore and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) models. The simulations show that the evolution of the baroclinic wave on the β-plane is more unstable than the corresponding f-plane configuration, experiencing a faster linear growth rate of the most unstable wave mode, a shorter most unstable wavelength, a narrower meridional width, and an earlier breaking of the baroclinic wave. A theoretical analysis based on linearized quasi-geostrophic (QG) theory sheds light on these findings. It is shown that the simulated baroclinic instability waves on both the f- and β-plane closely match the predicted wavelength, shape and linear growth rate obtained from the QG theory, thus validating the model results.
Estimation of historical groundwater contaminant distribution using the adjoint state method applied to geostatistical inverse modeling

[1] As the incidence of groundwater contamination continues to grow, a number of inverse modeling methods have been developed to address forensic groundwater problems. In this work the geostatistical approach to inverse modeling is extended to allow for the recovery of the antecedent distribution of a contaminant at a given point back in time, which is critical to the assessment of historical exposure to contamination. Such problems are typically strongly underdetermined, with a large number of points at which the distribution is to be estimated. To address this challenge, the computational efficiency of the new method is increased through the application of the adjoint state method. In addition, the adjoint problem is presented in a format that allows for the reuse of existing groundwater flow and transport codes as modules in the inverse modeling algorithm. As demonstrated in the presented applications, the geostatistical approach combined with the adjoint state method allow for a historical multidimensional contaminant distribution to be recovered even in heterogeneous media, where a numerical solution is required for the forward problem.
BacA, an ABC Transporter Involved in Maintenance of Chronic Murine Infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BacA is an inner membrane protein associated with maintenance of chronic infections in several diverse host-pathogen interactions. To understand the function of the bacA gene in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv1819c), we insertionally inactivated this gene and analyzed the resulting mutant for a variety of phenotypes. BacA deficiency in M. tuberculosis did not affect sensitivity to detergents, acidic pH, and zinc, indicating that there was no global compromise in membrane integrity, and a comprehensive evaluation of the major lipid constituents of the cell envelope failed to reveal any significant differences. Infection of mice with this mutant revealed no impact on establishment of infection but a profound effect on maintenance of extended chronic infection and ultimate outcome. As in alphaproteobacteria, deletion of BacA in M. tuberculosis led to increased bleomycin resistance, and heterologous expression of the M. tuberculosis BacA homolog in Escherichia coli conferred sensitivity to antimicrobial peptides. These results suggest a striking conservation of function for BacA-related proteins in transport of a critical molecule that determines the outcome of the host-pathogen interaction.
The High-Temperature Phonon Anomalies of α-uranium.

There is a growing body of evidence that a number of mixed-valent and heavy-fermion materials show renormalized hybridization gaps either at the Fermi-energy or close to the Fermi-energy. In the former case, a heavy-fermion semiconducting state occurs and in the later case, the system remains metallic at low temperatures. The magnitudes of the hy-bridization gaps are observed to decrease with increasing temperature. The existence of a low-energy electronic energy scale creates a possibility that the Born-Oppenheimer ap-proximation may fail and that there may be a resonant coupling between the phonons and the electronic excitations. Here we argue that such a mechanism may be the cause of the phonon anomalies observed in neutron scattering experiments on the high-temperature phase of alpha-uranium.
One hundred years of pulmonary function testing: a perspective on ‘The diffusion of gases through the lungs of man’ by Marie Krogh

The single breath carbon monoxide (CO) diffusing capacity test (DLCO; or transfer factor TLCO) measures the alveolar surface area available for gas exchange from the alveolar volume and the rate of alveolar CO uptake (Hughes & Bates, 2003). It is now a test that is carried out hundreds of thousands of times a year in pulmonary function laboratories across the globe, benefiting millions of respiratory patients. The principles and application of the single breath DLCO test were first described in experiments published by Marie Krogh 100 years ago in The Journal of Physiology (Krogh, 1915). To understand the clinical and research impact of these studies it is first necessary to consider the context in which they were performed.
EQUALITY, HIERARCHY, AND GLOBAL JUSTICE

Western liberal societies are described by a mix of two contrasting ethical presuppositions, that which commences from a perspective that views persons as natural equals and that which commences from a perspective that classifies persons hierarchically. Differences in this mix among separate polities may create difficulties as principles of justice are extended across national boundaries in response to continuing globalization.
Social regulation of testicular development in primary and secondary males of the dampwood termite Zootermopsis angusticollis Hagen

The effect of the presence of female reproductives, larvae and other reproductive males on growth and testicular development was studied in males of the dampwood termite, Zootermopsis angusticollis. Compared to primary males, secondary males developed testes that were significantly larger under all social conditions tested. Testis diameter was strongly correlated with sperm number in both primary and secondary males, but was negatively correlated with mass gain in primaries and positively correlated with mass gain and secondaries. The presence of female reproductives had no effect on primary male development but promoted mass gain and testicular growth in secondary males. The presence of larvae had a negative effect on primary male body mass, but promoted testicular development. Secondary males nesting with larvae gained more mass and developed larger testes than those nesting without larvae. Co-maturing secondary males did not exhibit differences in testicular development or intrasexual aggression, nor was any one male preferentially allogroomed or fed by nestmates. Co-maturing secondaries are typically closely related and are not likely to engage in reproductive competition. The dissimilar physiological responses of primary and secondary males to social stimuli may reflect adaptations to the distinct social environments in which each reproductive form normally matures.
Review: Central & Peripheral Nervous System: Cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists

The discovery of the benzodiazepine cholecystokinin (CCK) antagonists played a major role in clarifying the pharmacology of the 33-amino acid peptide hormone CCK. The recent appreciation of the potential role of CCK-B receptors in panic disorder, anxiety, pain, and psychosis has led to a reappraisal of the initial benzodiazepine SAR studies to afford new antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic properties. The resulting plethora of new CCK-B receptor antagonists will serve to evaluate the role of CCK-B receptor activation in human disease through clinical study.
Pressure Dependence of Laser-Induced Dielectric Breakdown in Water

The effects of pressure on laser-induced breakdown events at superthreshold irradiances in water were investigated over a range of pressures from 0 to 1380 bar. Breakdown events were generated using 5-ns Nd:YAG laser pulses of wavelength 532-nm. Observations of breakdown events were made using imaging and single detector techniques. Applications for use as a static and/or acoustic pressure sensor were explored. Using imaging techniques over a range of static pressures from 0 to 275 bar, it was observed that the laser-induced breakdown threshold increased with increasing pressure. An ability to infer acoustic pressure via optical breakdown techniques using imaging was demonstrated. Single detector measurements over the same pressure range were observed to follow a similar trend.
Do Neuropsychological Tests Have the Same Meaning in Spanish Speakers as They Do in English Speakers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether neuropsychological tests translated into Spanish measure the same cognitive constructs as the original English versions. Method: Older adult participants (N 2,664), who did not exhibit dementia from the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a community-based cohort from northern Manhattan, were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The study cohort includes both English (n 1,800) and Spanish speakers (n 864) evaluated in their language of preference. Invariance analyses were conducted across language groups on a structural equation model comprising four neuropsychological factors (memory, language, visual-spatial ability, and processing speed). Results: The results of the analyses indicated that the four-factor model exhibited partial measurement invariance, demonstrated by invariant factor structure and factor loadings but nonequivalent observed score intercepts. Conclusion: The finding of invariant factor structure and factor loadings provides empirical evidence to support the implicit assumption that scores on neuropsychological tests are measuring equivalent psychological traits across these two language groups. At the structural level, the model exhibited invariant factor variances and covariances.
What are those complement genes doing in the MHC

Since the recognition twelve years ago that the Ss/Slp proteins of the mouse [1, 2], which had been mapped inside the H-2 gene complex [3], are structurally [5-7] and functionally [8, 9] related to the fourth component of complement, the significance of this map location has remained a mystery. Evidence that the C4 structural genes are closely associated with the MHC in man [10], in the guinea pig [11], and in other species [12, 13], and that structural genes for complement factors C2 and Bf are also MHC-associated, in the mouse [14, 46, 47], in man [10], and in other species [12], has established that this is not a peculiarity of the murine H-2 complex.
Melatonin treatment for sleep disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: an observational study

The study aim was to quantify melatonin-associated improvement in sleep by means of a parent-completed sleep diary during routine outpatient activity. An investigation into sleep disturbance was made at neurology outpatient appointments. Those parents who identified a problem were asked to complete a sleep diary, after which treatment was initiated. The first week of the diary was completed before treatment, the second when established on the maximum dose of melatonin required. Forty-nine patients (26 males, 23 females) aged from one to 13 years, were treated between 1997 and 1998: 28 of these returned interpretable diaries. In a further 18 patients, an assessment could be made of the usefulness of the treatment. Patients were fairly typical of those attending a tertiary centre, the most common primary diagnosis being epilepsy (n=26). Only seven patients were visually impaired. Of the 46 patients who were assessed, 34 showed an improvement. No adverse effects were attributed to the treatment.
A fast and efficient strategy for submesh allocation in mesh-connected parallel computers

A new approach for dynamic submesh allocation in mesh-connected multiprocessor system, which supports a multi-user environment, is proposed. The proposed strategy effectively prunes the search space by searching for free submeshes on the corners of allocated submeshes along with the corners of the mesh system. A submesh is selected with the potential of causing the least amount of fragmentation in the system. The proposed strategy possesses complete submesh recognition capability; it is a best-fit strategy, as well. Existing strategies do not provide this combination of capabilities. The deallocation time and memory overhead is shown to be constant in that it does not grow with the size of the mesh. Simulation results indicate that the proposed strategy outperforms the existing ones in terms of parameters such as average delay in honoring a request, standard deviation of the delays, average allocation time, average deallocation time, and the amount of memory required. >
Computational investigation of shear driven mechanophore activation at interfaces

Self-healing and self-reporting interfaces can alleviate damage related costs for both coatings and composites. In this paper we propose to utilize molecular units termed mechanophores, that undergo productive chemical transformations in response to force, to augment interfaces with self-healing and self-reporting functionality. We investigate the critical parameters for mechanophore-functionalized interfaces by building two computational models: a kinematic model with rigid non-interacting walls forming the interface and a molecular dynamics model with substrates of Lennard-Jones particles. In both the models the mechanophore is idealized as a coarse grained two-bead system governed by a double-well potential that emulates a force directed chemical reaction. Subjecting the interface models to shear, our study reveals that mechanophores progressively activate as interfacial displacement increases starting with the mechanophores aligned along the direction of shear. Subsequently we find that activation happens only if the bonds attaching the mechanophores to the substrates are strong enough to transmit the force necessary to activate the mechanophore. When substrates forming the interface are adhesive, the transmission of shear is delayed, in turn delaying activation of mechanophores. Adhesion-based changes in the conformation of the interface alter the extent of mechanophore activation. These results are a first step towards designing mechanophore-enabled self-reporting and self-healing composites and coatings.
"It is here the romance of my life began": The Construction of Frontier Mascuinity in LateNineteenth and EarlyTwentieth Century America

"It is here the romance of my life began," wrote Theodore Roosevelt in reference to the American West (qtd. in Jenkinson 5)[1]. The West certainly has held a special place in American history, especially for men. As the nineteenth century transitioned into the twentieth century, a variety of historical developments, including industrialization, immigration, and the close of the frontier, all contributed to a sense of anxiety felt by many white, American men about their manhood. As such, this period, specifically 1880 to 1910, serves as a useful place to investigate frontier masculinity. I argue that a series of lionized cultural products—including a promotional poster for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, a bronze sculpture by Frederic Remington, and a political speech given by Theodore Roosevelt—all conveyed a popular portrayal of the ideal, white American frontiersman [2]. This ideal representation was defined by a man's horsemanship, his shooting ability, and his toilsome, yet fulfilling labor. However, other expressions of masculinity existed on the frontier. From Theodore Roosevelt's journal recordings, Henry Flipper's accomplishments as a black frontiersman, and Owen Wister's homoerotic references in The Virginian, I construct a counter­archive that challenges the dominant portrayal of the ideal frontiersman [3].
The involvement of catecholamines and polypeptide hormones in the multihormonal modulation of rat hepatic zinc thionein levels.

Catecholamines can induce rat hepatic zinc thionein to high levels via α1- and β2-adrenoceptors. Polypeptide hormones (glucagon and angiotensin II) are also inducers, but only to the moderate levels attained by glucocorticoids (dexamethasone). Turpentine induced inflammation stimulates the synthesis of ZnMT, but this process is not mediated by catecholamines. Phorbol esters, which are tumor promoters, can stimulate protein kinase C. Angiotensin II and α1-agonists activate protein kinase C via diacylglycerol release from phosphatidylinositol-4,5-diphosphate. Phorbol esters can also stimulate the synthesis of rat hepatic zinc thionein, implicating protein kinase C activation in this induction. The multihormonal modulation of metallothionein gene activation has become increasingly more complex.
Refined treatment of angular momentum in the event-by-event fission model freya

The treatment of angular momentum in the event-by-event fission model Fission Reaction Event Yield Algorithm (freya) has been refined to ensure conservation of angular momentum both at scission and during neutron evaporation. While the effect on previously calculated quantities is relatively minor, as expected, the refined model gives a more consistent description of directional correlations.
Developmental Biology and Immature Stages of Meteorus pulchricornisin the Laboratory

The developmental life history and morphological characteristics of the immature stages of the exotic polyphagous braconid, Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael), were studied in the laboratory using larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), as hosts. The mean duration of the life cycle at 25°C was ca. 16 days, including: egg, 3.2 days; 1st stadium, 3.2 days; 2nd stadium, 1.8 days; 3rd stadium, 2.1 days; prepupa, 1 day; and pupa, 4.6 days. Illustrations and descriptions of the various immature stages and their behavior are provided.
Power and Influence in Foreign Policy Decision Making: The Role of Junior Coalition Partners in German and Israeli Foreign Policy

The special characteristics of parliamentary systems and coalition politics play an important role in the foreign policy decision-making process of Germany and Israel. Germany and Israel have seen continuous coalition rule—cabinets in which senior and junior partners share the power to govern. Junior parties in Israeli and German coalition cabinets have been able to convert their junior status into significant influence on key foreign policy decisions. What explains this influence? This study investigates several alternative hypotheses for explaining variation in junior party influence in eight important cases of foreign policy decision making in Germany and Israel. Through structured case studies, this research finds that the most important variables for explaining junior party influence in these cases are the unity of the junior and senior parties on the specific issue, junior party strategies of influence, and the locus of decision-making authority. Finally, suggestions are offered regarding the investigation of other minority, or less powerful actors in the making of foreign policy.
Influence of the Substrate on the Mobility of Individual Nanocars

We monitored the mobility of individual fluorescent nanocars on three surfaces: plasma cleaned, reactive ion etched, and amine-functionalized glass. Using single-molecule fluorescence imaging, the percentage of moving nanocars and their diffusion constants were determined for each substrate. We found that the nanocar mobility decreased with increasing surface roughness and increasing surface interaction strength.
Survey of infectious status of HIV,HCV and TP among drug addicts in Haikou methadone outpatient

Objective To understand the infectious status of HIV,hepatitis C(HCV),and syphilis(TP) among drugaddicts in order to provide scientific basis for formulating preventive measures. Methods The levels of serum antibodies of435 drug addicts with HIV,HCV and TP were determined,followed by an investigation on their cognition of HIV,HCV andTP. The results were analyzed. Results The positive rates of antibodies to HIV,HCV and TP among the drug addicts were0.46%,55.89%,6.90% respectively. The antibody positive rate to HCV between drug users with marital status and educationalbackgrounds were statistically significant(P0.05). The positive rates of antibody to TP among drug users showed statisticallysignificant difference between gender and educational levels(P0.05%). The co-infection rates of HIV/TP and HIV/HCV were5.06% and 0.23%. The infection rates of HCV and TP among relapsed drug addicts during treatment accounted for 66.7% and11.11%. Some drug addicts were ignorant of comprehensive HIV,HCV and TP knowledge,instead they were more awareness ofHIV infection than HCV and TP infection. Conclusion The infection rate of HCV among drug users was higher and prevalentrate of TP was higher among women. HCV/TP co-infection and reinfection in relapsed drug addicts were extremely severe.Health education and appropriate intervention measures should be actively carried out,while the propaganda of HCV and TP knowledge should be strengthened.
Automated Cognitive Health Assessment From Smart Home-Based Behavior Data

Smart home technologies offer potential benefits for assisting clinicians by automating health monitoring and well-being assessment. In this paper, we examine the actual benefits of smart home-based analysis by monitoring daily behavior in the home and predicting clinical scores of the residents. To accomplish this goal, we propose a clinical assessment using activity behavior (CAAB) approach to model a smart home resident's daily behavior and predict the corresponding clinical scores. CAAB uses statistical features that describe characteristics of a resident's daily activity performance to train machine learning algorithms that predict the clinical scores. We evaluate the performance of CAAB utilizing smart home sensor data collected from $18$ smart homes over two years. We obtain a statistically significant correlation ( $r=0.72$ ) between CAAB-predicted and clinician-provided cognitive scores and a statistically significant correlation ( $r=0.45$ ) between CAAB-predicted and clinician-provided mobility scores. These prediction results suggest that it is feasible to predict clinical scores using smart home sensor data and learning-based data analysis.
Complications of endopyelotomy.

SUMMARY Endopyelotomy is safe with a low risk of complications and a high chance of success given satisfactory percutaneous access to the kidney, adequate incision of the ureteropelvic junction, and proper stenting. The benefits of endopyelotomy are considerable. The postoperative morbidity is much less than that of an open operation, and the technique requires much less time, which may reduce the cost. Furthermore, the ureteral blood supply is undisturbed, which is an important advantage should open pyeloplasty be necessary. 1 Complications of endopyelotomy will be further reduced as urologists gain experience and familiarity with the various endourologic techniques required.
Hormonal involvement in footshock-induced changes in catecholamine synthesis in brain slices

The synthesis of catecholamines from [3H]tyrosine was studied in slices of six regions of mouse brain following footshock or ACTH injection. Immediately following a 30 minute period of footshock, there was an activation of the accumulation of [3H]DA in slices of frontal cortex. No change in the accumulation of [3H]DA was observed in slices of striatum or hypothalamus, nor of [3H]NE in slices of frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, or brain stem. Thus the effect on frontal cortex DA was both regionally and catecholamine specific. Similar results were obtained with footshock treatment of adrenalectomized mice. However, dexamethasone pretreatment prevented a significant change in frontal cortex [3H]DA accumulation, but resulted in a footshock-induced increase in [3H]NE accumulation in slices of both brain stem and hypothalamus. When footshock treatment was repeated once a day for five days, and slices prepared on the sixth day, frontal cortex [3H]DA accumulation was not increased. However, the accumulation of [3H]NE in slices of hypothalamus (but not frontal cortex, hippocampus or brain stem) was increased.