cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Expression of the Interleukin-11 Receptor and Evidence of STAT3 Activation in Prostate Carcinoma

Previous investigations have shown that interleukin-6, a member of the JAK-STAT activating family of cytokines, plays an important role in prostate carcinoma. Here we demonstrate the co-expression of another member of this cytokine family, interleukin-11 (IL-11), and components of its receptor (interleukin-11 receptor; IL-11R), ie, IL-11Rα (involved in ligand recognition), and gp130 (involved in signal transduction) in cultured normal and malignant prostate-derived epithelial cell lines. In the DU-145 prostate carcinoma cell line, rhIL-11 stimulates a transient and dose-dependent increase in the tyrosine 705-phosphorylated, active form of STAT3 (STAT3 P-Tyr705), involved in the downstream signaling of IL-11R and other members of the gp130-dependent receptors. The ability of IL-11 to activate STAT3 in prostate-derived cells may be mechanistically important, given recent data suggesting that constitutively activated STAT3 may be associated with the malignant phenotype. In 51 human primary tissues derived from normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate carcinomas, IL-11Rα and gp130 were commonly expressed, with a statistically significant elevation in the expression of IL-11Rα in prostate carcinoma. Also, the tyrosine-phosphorylated, activated form of STAT3 was observed more prominently in the nuclei of cells residing in malignant glands compared to those in nonmalignant samples. Thus, the IL-11 receptor system is up-regulated in prostate carcinoma, and may be one part of a cytokine network that maintains STAT3 in its activated form in these tissues.
A ‘Rave’ Review: Conceptual Interests and Analytical Shifts in Research on Rave Culture

Raves have historically referred to grassroots organized, antiestablishment and unlicensed all-night dance parties, featuring electronically produced dance music, such as techno, house, trance and drum and bass. Since their late-1980s origins in the UK, raves have gained widespread popularity and transformed dramatically. Consequently, their many cultural traits and behaviors have garnered much sociological interest, which mostly falls into two competing perspectives: cultural studies and public health. In this paper, we review what raves look like today compared to their high point in the 1990s. We then discuss how the cultural studies and public health perspectives define raves and have studied them over time, focusing on the ‘pet’ sociological concepts each has sought to advance. Our analysis of these literatures reveals important differences in rave research by country and over time. We end by discussing the politics associated with the shift in rave research.
Sympathetic cross-innervation of SHR and genetic controls suggests a trophic influence on vascular muscle membranes

We have attempted to differentiate neural from humoral environmental factors as the cause of altered arterial muscle membrane properties in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This laboratory has previously reported that alterations in membrane electrical properties appear to be responsible for increased NE sensitivity in caudal arteries from SHR. In this study, caudal arteries were transplanted into innervated or denervated anterior eye chambers of the same (KNR in KNR, SHR in SHR) or the opposite (KNR in SHR, SHR in KNR) strain. Seven weeks later, we measured membrane potential (Em) and norepinephrine (NE) contractile sensitivity (EC50) in both transplanted and host caudal arteries. Caudal arteries from 2-week-old donor animals transplanted into hosts reinnervated and developed Em and NE EC50 values characteristic of the host strain, interconverting between SHR and KNR characteristics in cross-transplantations. In other experiments, the superior cervical ganglion ipsilateral to the transplanted eye chamber was removed 1 day before transplantation to eliminate the influence of sympathetic nerves. Em values were the same in transplants denied sympathetic innervation whether the arteries were transplanted into the same or opposite strains. Although denervation increased NE sensitivity of KNR caudal arteries, sensitivity of arteries from the SHR strain was unchanged. Therefore, without sympathetic reinnervation, there was no interconversion of Em or NE EC50 characteristics between SHR and KNR by cross-transplantation. These results suggest that neural factors control the development of membrane properties of vascular muscle. It appears that the sympathetic nervous system of the SHR has altered trophic influences that contribute importantly to altered membrane properties in hypertension.
Audiences, metaphors, and the Persian Gulf war

This paper examines George Bush's Persian Gulf war addresses as a representative anecdote of Bush's campaign to build an international military coalition. The paper argues that in war rhetoric international audiences should be considered. A theorization of the international audience is offered. George Bush's public speeches are then analyzed as they use two metaphoric clusters. The SAVAGE cluster is used to justify a response to Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The CIVILIZATION cluster is used to justify an American‐led military response. The metaphoric clusters are shown to be persuasive to the international audience as they are adopted and recirculated by this audience. Conclusions and implications of the interaction of these two metaphoric clusters for future war rhetoric are offered.
Chemical synthesis of deuterated folate monoglutamate and in vivo assessment of urinary excretion of deuterated folates in man

Abstract The synthesis and in vivo application of stable-isotopically labeled folic acid was investigated to devise methods suitable for studies of folate metabolism in human subjects. Glutamate-labeled tetradeutero-pteroylglutamic acid ( d 4 -folic acid) was prepared by mixed anhydride coupling of N10-trifluoroacetylpteroic acid and dimethyl l -[3,3,4,4- 2 H 4 ]glutamic acid, saponification in sodium deuteroxide, and chromatographic purification. Retention of the isotopic label was verified by proton NMR and mass spectrometry of the para -aminobenzoylglutamic acid product of C9N10 bond cleavage. A method was devised for determination of isotopic enrichment of urinary d 4 -folates derived from orally administered d 4 -folic acid using affinity chromatographic purification, chemical cleavage of the C9N10 bond, HPLC isolation of the p -[ 2 H 4 ]aminobenzoylglutamate product, followed by negative-ion chemical-ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data concerning the urinary excretion of d 4 -folates derived from an oral dose of d 4 -folic acid in an adult human are presented.
Erratic Timing of Ovulation in Caged Turkey Hens

Abstract Three types of erratic timing of ovulation, including ovulation of 2 eggs in 20–24 hr., 2 eggs in 4–12 hr. and 4 eggs in 12 hr. were detected by necropsy of caged turkey hens.
Teratogenicity of oral diazepam and diphenylhydantoin in mice.

Abstract Diazepam (DAP) and diphenylhydantoin (DPH) have anticonvulsant activity and structural similarities. Diphenylhydantoin is teratogenic in the mouse. The effects upon the offspring of mice treated orally with DAP or DPH during pregnancy were studied. DPH, 45, 87.5, or 125 mg/kg, and equimolar doses of DAP, 50, 100, or 140 mg/kg and DAP, 500 mg/kg, were administered orally once daily for 3 days on gestation days 8–10 or days 11–13; or for 1 day only between days 8 and 15 (vaginal plug = day 1). Diazepam, 280 or 400 mg/kg, were administered once only between days 11 and 14. All drugs were suspended in sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC 0.5%). The animals were sacrificed on day 19 and the fetuses were weighed and examined. Significant (p ≤0.05) increases of cleft palates over CMC controls were found in offspring following 3-day maternal administration of DAP, 140 mg/kg and DPH, 87.5 or 125 mg/kg on days 11 to 13; and single-day administration of DAP 400 mg/kg on days 11 to 14; and of DAP, 500 mg/kg and DPH, 125 mg/kg on days 11 to 15. There was a greater incidence of significant increases of resorptions and significantly depressed fetal body weights following single-day administration of DAP, 500 mg/kg than after all other treatments. In conclusion, oral DPH and oral DAP, at a higher dosage level, produce a similar teratogenic effect, cleft palate, in the Swiss-Webster mouse.
Resonance tunneling through photonic quantum wells

The band gap in photonic materials with periodic spatial modulation of refractive index greater than unity can actually be regarded as a potential barrier for photons. Similar to semiconductor quantum well systems due to the electronic band-gap mismatch, a photonic quantum well can be constructed by sandwiching a uniform medium between two photonic barriers. The transmission and reflection coefficients of light through the photonic quantum well are calculated by a modal expansion method with an R-matrix propagation algorithm. Resonance tunneling through the photonic quantum well structure is observed by varying either the well width or the frequency of incident light. Resonance peaks are found within the band-gap region, and indicate the existence of photon virtual states in the well.
Design and Fabrication of an Electrically Pumped 1-D Nanobeam Laser in GaAs

The design of an electrically pumped nanolaser (formed in a nanobeam perforated by a chirped grating of air holes) is discussed in terms of the fabrication sequence and finite-difference time-domain simulations of the device geometry.
p130Cas regulates the activity of AND-34, a novel Ral, Rap1, and R-Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor.

We previously identified a novel murine protein, AND-34, with a carboxyl-terminal domain homologous to Ras family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which bound to the focal adhesion docking protein p130Cas. Work by others has implicated both the human homologue of AND-34, BCAR3, and human p130Cas, BCAR1, in the resistance of breast cancer cells to the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. Here we report that AND-34 displays GEF activity on RalA, Rap1A, and R-Ras but not Ha-Ras GTPases in cells. In contrast to several other Ral-GEFs, the Ral GEF activity of AND-34 is not augmented by constitutively active Ha-RasVal-12, consistent with the absence of a detectable Ras-binding domain. Efficient binding to AND-34 required both the Src-binding domain and a flanking carboxyl-terminal region of p130Cas. The p130Cas-binding site mapped to a carboxyl-terminal sequence within the AND-34 GEF domain. Overexpression of p130Cas, but not an AND-34-binding mutant of p130Cas, inhibited the Ral GEF activity of co-transfected AND-34. This work identifies a new potential function for p130Cas and a new regulatory pathway involved in the control of Ral, Rap, and R-Ras GTPases that may participate in the progression of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen resistance.
Glutamatergic neurotransmission between the C1 neurons and the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

The C1 neurons are a nodal point for blood pressure control and other autonomic responses. Here we test whether these rostral ventrolateral medullary catecholaminergic (RVLM-CA) neurons use glutamate as a transmitter in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). After injecting Cre-dependent adeno-associated virus (AAV2) DIO-Ef1α-channelrhodopsin2(ChR2)-mCherry (AAV2) into the RVLM of dopamine-β-hydroxylase Cre transgenic mice (DβHCre/0), mCherry was detected exclusively in RVLM-CA neurons. Within the DMV >95% mCherry-immunoreactive(ir) axonal varicosities were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-ir and the same proportion were vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2)-ir. VGLUT2-mCherry colocalization was virtually absent when AAV2 was injected into the RVLM of DβHCre/0;VGLUT2flox/flox mice, into the caudal VLM (A1 noradrenergic neuron-rich region) of DβHCre/0 mice or into the raphe of ePetCre/0 mice. Following injection of AAV2 into RVLM of TH-Cre rats, phenylethanolamine N-methyl transferase and VGLUT2 immunoreactivities were highly colocalized in DMV within EYFP-positive or EYFP-negative axonal varicosities. Ultrastructurally, mCherry terminals from RVLM-CA neurons in DβHCre/0 mice made predominantly asymmetric synapses with choline acetyl-transferase-ir DMV neurons. Photostimulation of ChR2-positive axons in DβHCre/0 mouse brain slices produced EPSCs in 71% of tested DMV preganglionic neurons (PGNs) but no IPSCs. Photostimulation (20 Hz) activated PGNs up to 8 spikes/s (current-clamp). EPSCs were eliminated by tetrodotoxin, reinstated by 4-aminopyridine, and blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor blockers. In conclusion, VGLUT2 is expressed by RVLM-CA (C1) neurons in rats and mice regardless of the presence of AAV2, the C1 neurons activate DMV parasympathetic PGNs monosynaptically and this connection uses glutamate as an ionotropic transmitter.
Comparison of Biopsy-Proven Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Patients and Renal Allograft Recipients

Abstract Pneumonia unresponsive to antibacterial agents in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become a new indication for lung biopsy. In 14 patients, transbronchial or open-lung biopsy demonstrated Pneumocystis carinii . An additional 12 patients, who were immunosuppressed after renal transplantation, were seen with P. carinii pneumonia. The diagnosis was established by transbronchial biopsy in the majority of patients. All patients were treated initially with trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole. Pentamidine was added after diagnosis if improvement did not occur. Both groups demonstrated reversal in the T cell helper: suppressor ratio. We compared these two groups of immunocompromised patients with respect to clinical presentation, lung pathology, response to therapy, and survival. Patients with AIDS were seen with a two- to three-week prodrome of fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and malaise followed by hypoxia and leukopenia within 12 hours. Transplant patients became acutely ill with fever and hypoxia within 24 to 36 hours. In both groups, chest roentgenogram showed bilateral diffuse infiltrates; sputum cultures were generally negative; and lung biopsy demonstrated Gomori-Jones periodic acid-methenamine-silver-positive P. carinii . Mortality was substantially higher in patients with AIDS (50% versus 8%). This difference may be explained by the fact that the T cell defect in AIDS has an infectious cause, while the defect in the renal allograft recipient is pharmacologically mediated.
Integrable couplings of the generalized Vakhnenko equation: multiple soliton solutions:

In this work, we use the algebra of coupled scalars to construct integrable couplings of the generalized Vakhnenko equation. We use the Cole–Hopf transformation and the simplified Hirota’s method to study the developed couplings. We show that these couplings exhibit soliton solutions and anti-soliton solutions consecutively.
Intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy for pediatric solid tumors: a 10-year experience.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (IOHDR) in the management of pediatric solid tumors. Methods and Materials The records of 66 pediatric patients who underwent IOHDR for a solid tumor from February 1993 through December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The median age was 7 years (range 9 months to 24 years). Thirty-five patients (53%) were treated for recurrent disease and 24 (36%) had documented metastatic disease. Twenty-nine patients (44%) received both EBRT and IOHDR. The IOHDR dose was prescribed to a depth of 0.5cm from the surface of a multichannel tissue-equivalent applicator. The median prescription dose was 12 Gy (range, 4–15 Gy). Results After a median follow-up of 12 months, the 2-year actuarial rates of local control and overall survival were 56% and 54%, respectively, with a median survival of 29 months. Post-operative EBRT significantly improved (p = 0.002) 2-year local control (83% v. 29%). Perioperative complications occurred in 8 of 66 patients while late complications occurred in only 3. The actuarial 2-year late complication rate was 12%. Late events that occurred in or near the IOHDR treatment site included small bowel obstruction, broncho-esophageal fistula, and bone growth retardation. Conclusions IOHDR is emerging as an integral part of multimodality therapy for pediatric solid tumors as an adjunct to EBRT for local control. IOHDR alone may not be appropriate in the majority of patients. Subacute toxicities occurred rarely and may be related to the combination of extensive surgery, EBRT, and multi-agent chemotherapy in this population.
Five-year Outcomes of Oropharynx (OPX) Targeted Radiation Therapy (RT) for Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (MUP) in the Head and Neck

Purpose/Objective(s): In locally advanced HNSCC, treatment of bilateral RPN to the skull base has been advocated to prevent failure in the contralateral RPN region. In addition, this is a historical practice as it was only possible to treat bilaterally prior to the IMRT era. In view of the relationship between pharyngeal constrictor muscles and swallowing function, we modified our treatment policy in 2007. Thereafter, we eliminated contralateral high level II and contralateral RPN coverage for selected patients (without N2c disease). We retrospectively analyzed the patterns of failure for these patients. Materials/Methods: From 1997 to 2010, 697 previously untreated patients with locally advanced HNSCC received definitive or postoperative IMRT +/chemotherapy. Sites included oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and unknown primary. Two hundred sixty-five patients were treated with definitive IMRT, and 432 with postoperative IMRT. Three hundred seventyfour patients received chemotherapy. Overall, 443 patients were treated before, and 254 after this policy change. In addition to the policy change described above, for patients with N0 disease involving the oral cavity or larynx, BL RTP nodes and high level II nodes were spared. Specifically, high level II nodal coverage in the N0 side of the neck was contoured only up to the level were the posterior belly of the digastric crosses the internal jugular vein, and RTP nodes in the N0 side of the neck were excluded. CTV1 was defined as the tumor bed plus any node positive region of the neck, and received 70 Gy (definitive) and 60 to 66 Gy (postoperative), all at 2.0 Gy/ fraction. CTV2 was defined as the N0 neck, and received 52 to 54 Gy (postoperative) and 56 Gy (definitive), at 1.6 to 1.73 Gy/fraction. Results: Mean follow-up for living patients treated after the policy change was 24 months. Among the 254 patients treated after the policy change 46 (18%) had loco-regional recurrence (LRR) and 38 developed distant metastases. There were 44 in-field failures, 1 marginal failure and 1 out of field failure. To date there have been no failures in the spared high contralateral neck or retropharyngeal lymph node regions. Conclusions: For patients with locally advanced HNSCC exclusive of N2c neck disease, eliminating coverage of the high contralateral level II neck and contralateral RPN is associated with minimal risk of failure in these regions. Author Disclosure: C. Spencer: None. H. Gay: None. B. Haughey: None. B. Nussenbaum: None. D. Adkins: None. T. Wildes: None. J.S. Lewis: None. W.L. Thorstad: None.
Matings Systems and the Evolution of Niche Breadth

abstract: Several theoretical studies of niche breadth evolution have shown that niche breadth expansion can only occur under a limited set of conditions. These studies have assumed that mating pairs form at random within spatial subpopulations. I show here that nonrandom mating within spatial subpopulations can greatly alter niche breadth evolution. Niche breadth expansion is restricted by assortative mating but is permitted by sexual selection. When new populations are formed by a single pulse of immigrants, the ability to persist in novel but similar environments is enhanced by sexual selection. When new populations receive a constant stream of immigrants, sexual selection allows the evolution of increased niche breadth even when the novel environment is very different from the ancestral environment. These results suggest that species lineages that exhibit sexual selection will have broader niches than species lineages that mate randomly or assortatively.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF NATIVE AND DENATURED HORSE SERUM GLOBULINS

1. The influence of guanidine hydrochloride on the denaturation and regeneration of Type I antipneumococcal horse serum globulin was determined by measurements of viscosity, diffusion, and sedimentation in the ultracentrifuge. In addition, the effect of NaCNS on the antibody globulin was studied. 2. Both the irreversibly denatured and the regenerated fractions were found to be precipitable by SI. The observed changes in combining ratio have been tentatively explained in terms of (a) changes in the mean molecular weight, or alternatively (b) an increase in the number of serologically active groups upon denaturation, followed by masking of the latter upon regeneration. Discounting a specific effect of NaCNS on either fraction, the extent of specific precipitation is of the same order of magnitude for native and irreversibly denatured antibody. 3. Quantitative precipitin titrations have been performed on rabbit antisera to native and irreversibly denatured horse antibody, and normal globulin GI, respectively. No significant differences in the antigenic activity of these proteins were found. Measurements of their cross-reactivity led to the conclusion that the native and irreversibly denatured fractions of antibody globulin are antigenically more closely related to each other than to the corresponding fractions of normal globulin, and vice versa.
Tadeus Reichstein-work on hormones of the adrenal glands.

From the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.A.S., R.A.K.); and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (D.P.S.). T he Polish-Swiss biochemist Tadeus Reichstein shared the 1950 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with 2 American medical scientists, Philip S. Hench (1896-1965) and Edward C. Kendall (18861972), for discoveries concerning the structure and effects of hormones of the adrenal cortex. Reichstein’s research on steroids, particularly on hormones of the adrenal cortex, paralleled that of Kendall in the United States. Reichstein’s “substance F,” described and named by him in 1936, proved to be identical to Kendall’s “compound E,” or cortisone. Hench was credited with the clinical application of Kendall’s and Reichstein’s discoveries. The work of the 3 laureates proved useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and many varieties of inflammatory disease. Reichstein, the eldest of 5 sons, was born on July 20, 1897, in Wloclawek, Poland (about 80 miles northwest of Warsaw). Reichstein spent the first 8 years of his life in Kiev, Ukraine (where his father worked as an engineer), and then attended a private boarding school in Jena, Germany. In early 1905, the familymoved to Berlin (Germany) and then later in 1905 to Zurich (Switzerland), where they settled permanently and acquired Swiss citizenship in 1914. In 1914, Reichstein, who had been tutored privately, entered the Oberrealschule (a junior technical school) in Zurich and graduated in 1916, after which he enrolled in the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (State Technical College [ETH]) and received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1920. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Reichstein spent 1 year as an industrial chemist in a flashlight factory, after which he returned to the ETH for graduate study. In 1922, he was awarded a PhD degree in organic chemistry. After receiving his doctorate, Reichstein worked as an assistant to Herman Staudinger (18811965), who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1953. Their work involved the isolation
Shock-induced α–ω transition in titanium

Equilibrium free energies for the α and ω phases of Ti are constructed. The result is a consistent picture of the ambient pressure, static high pressure, and shock data, as well as first-principles electronic structure calculations. The Hugoniot consists of three segments: a metastable α-phase region, a transition region, and an ω-phase branch. All the Hugoniot data are consistent with a transition occurring at ∼12 GPa. An early identification [R. G. McQueen et al., in High Velocity Impact Phenomena, edited by R. Kinslow (Academic, New York, 1970)] of a phase transition at 17.5 GPa appears to have been an artifact. The shock Hugoniot extends further into the metastable region than static data, indicating the existence of a relaxation process occurring on a time scale intermediate between those of the static and dynamic measurements.
Metropolitan Africans: Reading Incapacity, the Incapacity of Reading

As a psychologist and a Muslim, I have often been asked to theorize about urban Africa for various Muslim organizations that are planning development and human services programs. I am intrigued and enriched by African cities though I don't have many theories about what is going on. Frequently what the organizations want to know and what it takes for me to get by are entirely different matters. The organizations want to know how Islamic practice is maintained in urban Africa. I often need to know how a "good" Muslim can help get me out of difficult situations fast.
Consumers’ Ethical Beliefs: The Roles of Money, Religiosity and Attitude toward Business

This article presents the results of a study that investigated the roles that one’s money ethic, religiosity and attitude toward business play in determining consumer attitudes/beliefs in various situations regarding questionable consumer practices. Two dimensions of religiosity – intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness – were studied. A global scale of money ethic was examined, as was a global measure of attitude toward business. Results indicate that both types of religiosity as well as one’s money ethic and attitude toward business were significant determinants of at least some types of consumer ethical beliefs.
Fatigue development in the finger flexor muscle differs between keyboard and mouse use

The aim of the present study was to determine whether there were any physiological changes in the muscle as a result of intensive computer use. Using a repeated measures experimental design, eighteen subjects participated in four different 8-h conditions: a control (no exposure) condition and three exposure conditions comprised of 6 h of computer use (keyboard, mouse, and combined keyboard and mouse use) followed by 2 h of recovery. In each condition, using 2 Hz neuromuscular electrical stimulation, eight temporal measurements were collected to evaluate the fatigue state (twitch force, contraction time, and ½ relaxation time) of the right middle finger Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscle before, during, and after computer use. The results indicated that 6 h of keyboard, mouse, and combined mouse and keyboard use all caused temporal fatigue-related changes in physiological state of the FDS muscle. Keyboard use resulted in muscle potentiation, which was characterized by approximately 30 % increase in twitch force (p < 0.0001) and 3 % decrease (p = 0.04) in twitch durations. Mouse use resulted in a combined state of potentiation and fatigue, which was characterized by an increase in twitch forces (p = 0.002) but a prolonging (11 %) rather than a shortening of twitch durations (p < 0.0001). When comparing mouse and keyboard use, the more substantial change in the physiological state of the muscle with mouse use (potentiation and fatigue compared to just potentiation with keyboard use) provides some physiological evidence which may explain why mouse use has a greater association with computer-related injuries.
Effects of Meals High in Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat on Ghrelin and Peptide YY Secretion in Prepubertal Children

Context: Ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) are two hormones produced by the gastrointestinal tract that have effects on appetite. However, little is known about their secretion in response to meals high in individual macronutrients in prepubertal children. Objective: We sought to understand how meals high in carbohydrate, protein, and fat affect serum concentrations of total ghrelin and total PYY, hypothesizing that these macronutrients would exert differential effects on their secretion. Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional study at one tertiary care center. Subjects: Subjects were 7- to 11-yr-old healthy normal-weight (NW) and obese (OB) volunteers recruited from local advertisements. Interventions: After an overnight fast, the subjects were given a breakfast high in carbohydrate, protein, or fat at 0800 h. Blood samples for total ghrelin and total PYY were taken at baseline, 30 min, and hourly from 0900 to 1200 h. Main Outcome Measure: We assessed postprandial ghrelin suppression and PYY elevation, as well as changes in reported hunger and satiety, after the three test meals. Results: After the high-protein meal, ghrelin declined gradually in both groups over the study period without subsequent increase, whereas ghrelin suppressed more rapidly to a nadir at 60 min after the high-carbohydrate meal in both NW and OB children, followed by rebound in ghrelin levels. Similarly, after the high-protein meal, PYY concentrations increased steadily over the course of the morning in both groups without decline, whereas PYY levels peaked 30 min after the high-carbohydrate meal in both NW and OB subjects with significant decline thereafter. Ghrelin and PYY responses to the high-fat meal were somewhat intermediate between that observed with high carbohydrate and high protein. The OB children reported higher hunger and lower satiety after the high-carbohydrate meal compared to the NW subjects, whereas appetite ratings were similar between the groups after the high-protein and high-fat meals. Additionally, within the OB group, area under the curve (AUC) analysis revealed significantly greater PYY response, as well as lower AUC hunger and higher AUC satiety, to the high-protein meal than the high-carbohydrate and high-fat meals. Conclusions: The patterns of secretion of ghrelin and PYY in our study of prepubertal children suggest that they may play a role in the effectiveness of high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets in promoting weight loss.
Comparison of strains of Lysobacter enzymogenes and PGPR for induction of resistance against Bipolaris sorokiniana in tall fescue

Abstract Lysobacter enzymogenes C3, the only biocontrol agent previously known to induce resistance in tall fescue against Bipolaris sorokiniana, was compared in growth chamber experiments with other strains of L. enzymogenes, strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that induce systemic resistance in dicot plants, and the synthetic elicitor 1,2,3-benzothiadiazole-7-thiocarboxylic acid-S-methyl-ester (BTH). The treatments were evaluated for induction of localized or systemic resistance against B. sorokiniana when applied to leaves and roots. In addition, the effects of induced resistance on pathogen conidial germination on the phylloplane were assessed. None of the bacterial or chemical treatments induced systemic resistance when applied to a leaf. Strains of L. enzymogenes differed in their ability to cause localized disease inhibition following foliage treatment and to induce systemic resistance in leaves when applied to roots. In contrast to C3, two other strains of L. enzymogenes were ineffective in inducing systemic resistance. PGPR strains varied in effectiveness in causing localized disease inhibition when applied to leaves. Most of the bacterial strains increased peroxidase activity in the treated leaves, providing evidence that localized disease inhibition may have been plant mediated. The involvement of localized induced resistance was confirmed in P. fluorescens WCS417r, which did inhibit B. sorokiniana conidial germination or hyphal growth in vitro. Soil drenches with nearly all PGPR strains resulted in systemic resistance in leaves, but the treatments varied as to the timing and strength of induced systemic resistance. BTH induced localized resistance when applied to leaves but did not activate resistance in leaves when applied to roots. All cases of induced resistance were associated with an inhibition of conidial germination on leaf surfaces and, thus, this reaction appears to be a hallmark of induced resistance in the B. sorokiniana-tall fescue pathosystem.
Child-Directed Interaction: Prediction of Change in Impaired Mother–Child Functioning

The first phase of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), called child-directed interaction, teaches parents to use positive and differential social attention to improve the parent-child relationship. This study examined predictors of change in mother and child functioning during the child-directed interaction for 100 mother-child dyads. The children were 3-6-years-old and diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder. After establishing that significant improvements occurred in mother report of child disruptive behavior, parenting stress, and parenting practices, these three variables were combined to form a latent impaired mother-child functioning construct. Structural equation models were examined using maternal demographic and psychosocial variables as predictors of impaired mother-child functioning before and after the child-directed interaction. Mothers' self-reported daily hassles and depressive symptomatology predicted 74% of variance in impaired mother-child functioning before treatment. Mothers' report of social support predicted impaired mother-child functioning after the child-directed interaction, with 57% of the variance accounted for in this longitudinal model. These findings suggest the importance of improving maternal social support during the initial phase of PCIT.
Low temperature doping of ZnO nanostructures

Doping of ZnO nanostructures was investigated by using a low temperature electrochemical process. Various dopant materials have been studied, including transition metals, group I, and group VII elements. The structure, composition, and optical properties of the doped ZnO nanostructures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and x-ray diffraction. It was demonstrated that dopant elements were incorporated into the ZnO structures. The effects of dopant incorporation on the structure and properties of ZnO were also investigated. This low temperature approach is compatible with current micro-fabrication techniques and promising for large-scale production of doped ZnO nanostructures for optical and electronic applications.
Conservation of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

: We review literature relevant to the conservation of Yellowstone's grizzly hear population and appraise the bear's long-term viability. We conclude that the population is isolated and vulnerable to epidemic perturbation and that the carrying capacity of the habitat is likely to shift downward under conditions of climate change. Viability analyses based on the assumption that future habitats will closely resemble those existing at present have limited applicability; more information is needed on the autecology of important bear foods and on the implications of landscape-scale changes for bear population dynamics. Optimism over prospects of long-term persistence for Yellowstone's grizzly bears does not seem to be warranted and management of this population should be conservative and not unduly swayed on short-term positive trends. Resumen: Revisamos la literatura relevante a la conservacion de la poblacion del oso gris (Ursus arctos horribilis) en Yellowstone y presentamos una evaluacion de su viabilidad a largo plazo. Concluimos que la poblacion esta aislada y es vulnerable a la pwturbacion epidemica y que la capacidad de carga del habitat es probable que vaya declinando bajo las condiciones de cambios climaticos. Los analisis de viabilidad basados en la asumcion de que habitats en el futuro se pareceran a los que existen en el presente, tienen una aplicacion limitada; se necesita mas informacion sobre la autoecologia de las fuentes alimenticias importantes para los osos y sobre las implicaciones de los cambios de paisaje en la dinamica de las poblaciones de osos. El optimismo sobre el prospecto a largo plazo para las poblaciones de osos en Yellowstone no parece estar garantizado y el manejo de esta poblacion debe de ser conservado y no se debe de dejar llevar por tendencias positivas a corto plazo.
Flux synthesis of cubic potassium antimonate

Abstract Although the compound KSbO3 has been reported to occur in a high temperature cubic polymorph, only the rhombohedral ilmenite phase was obtained in this study for pure material at ambient pressure and temperatures up to about 1350°C in open Pt crucibles or sealed Pt tubes. With the addition of about 2 mole percent SiO2, B2O3 or other oxides of small cations a primitive cubic phase was found with a ⋍9.578 A . Small single crystals of a body centered cubic phase (a=9.605A) were easily synthesized by a flux evaporation technique at about 1000°C in an open Pt crucible from a composition of about 5 mole % Sb2O4:95 mole % KF. The exact composition and structure of this phase (presumably K1−xSbO3−xFx, 0
Corporate Governance Reforms in the EU: Do They Matter and How?

This paper proposes a new approach to quantifying the effects of corporate governance reforms, by focusing on the dynamics of the voting premiums, a measure of the private benefits of control in a corporation. The results indicate that the reforms have been successful in reducing the voting premiums EU-wide. Moreover, more intense and broad reform efforts (such as introducing national reforms beyond and above the EU-wide initiatives) bring higher and longer lasting benefits. Our findings also suggest that the market for corporate control in Europe has become more integrated, as illustrated by the lower dispersion in voting premiums across countries and over time.
Congruence lattices of locally finite algebras

It is shown that there exist algebraic lattices that cannot be represented as the congruence lattice of a locally finite algebra.
Photopumped gain narrowing experiments in oriented films of semiconducting polymers

We present experimental evidence that orientation of the polymer chains in semiconducting polymer films leads to lower thresholds for gain narrowing. Two different materials have been investigated: neat films of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and blends of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'- ethyl-hexyloxy)-1-4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) in polyethylene (PE). Gain narrowing is not observed in non- oriented films in either of the two materials. However, free-standing films of PPV drawn to a ratio of (7:1) showed gain narrowing at threshold one order of magnitude lower than typically found for non-oriented films of soluble PPV derivatives. For the MEH-PPV blends, gain narrowing is observed in diluted films with concentrations of the active polymer of approximately 1 percent. The thresholds for these dilute, but chain extended and highly oriented free standing films are comparable to those obtained in neat thin film waveguides of the same material. These result are correlated with the microstructure of the films, as investigated by x- ray diffraction.
Attachment, ethology and adult psychotherapy

This article discusses Bowlby's development of an ethological-evolutionary perspective, and its implications for psychotherapy with adults. According to Bowlby, attachment behavior is instinctive, having emerged throughout the course of evolution to ensure protection and actual survival. Because the environment affects how attachment behavior unfolds, adverse experiences can divert developmental pathways away from resilience, toward dysfunction and emotional distress. Psychotherapy offers the experience of an attachment relationship. Part of the process involves helping patients understand that feelings such as fear and anxiety are inherent responses to safeguard affectional relationships when they are endangered. As working models are re-appraised and revised, there is emphasis on clarifying the attachment experiences that may have intensified these natural feelings.
THE SKIN RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO NON-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI : II. ATTEMPTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SECONDARY REACTION IS OF THE NATURE OF AN ARTHUS PHENOMENON.

An attempt has been made to interpret on the lines of the Arthus phenomenon the secondary reaction which follows the intradermal inoculation of certain non-hemolytic streptococci into rabbits; but evidence in support of this interpretation of the reaction has not been obtained. The facts make it seem probable that if this secondary reaction is due to a hypersensitive state it must be one more closely allied to the tuberculin reaction than to the Arthus phenomenon.
A greedy reliability estimator for usage-based statistical testing

Markov chain usage models have been a basis for statistical testing of software intensive systems for more than two decades. During this time, several reliability estimators have been formulated and used in testing. This paper presents an improvement on the arc-based Bayesian estimator distributed with Version 4.5 of the JUMBL (J Usage Model Builder Library) [1]. The arc-based Bayesian estimator is conservative, and especially so for samples that are small relative to the entropy in the model. We call the new model the “greedy estimator” because it combines the specific information from testing with the inference attributed to the total population. The greedy estimator is shown analytically and experimentally to give more accurate estimates than its predecessor on concrete models, although they converge in the long run. The results of using the greedy estimator are demonstrated for a set of testing data for a tape drive controller.
Urban Transformation and Individual Responsibility: The Atlanta BeltLine

We consider the case of the proposed Atlanta BeltLine to shed light on what may be crucial limits to ethical decision making and responsible action in shaping or reshaping the built environment, especially as those limits enter into the lived experience of individual residents of metropolitan areas. Drawing from theoretical sources in the humanities and social sciences, we consider the scope and limits of responsible individual conduct within complex urban systems, and derive insights that may be of value to planners and others who have visions for urban transformation. We will also draw from the ongoing analysis of our survey of Atlanta area residents, for purposes of illustration.
Study protocol: identifying and delivering point-of-care information to improve care coordination

Background The need for deliberately coordinated care is noted by many national-level organizations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently transitioned primary care clinics nationwide into Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs) to provide more accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. To better serve this purpose, PACTs must be able to successfully sequence and route interdependent tasks to appropriate team members while also maintaining collective situational awareness (coordination). Although conceptual frameworks of care coordination exist, few explicitly articulate core behavioral markers of coordination or the related information needs of team members attempting to synchronize complex care processes across time for a shared patient population. Given this gap, we partnered with a group of frontline primary care personnel at ambulatory care sites to identify the specific information needs of PACT members that will enable them to coordinate their efforts to provide effective, coordinated care. The study has three objectives: (1) development of measurable, prioritized point-of-care criteria for effective PACT coordination; (2) identifying the specific information needed at the point of care to optimize coordination; and (3) assessing the effect of adopting the aforementioned coordination standards on PACT clinicians’ coordination behaviors.
Analysis and Optical Processing of Sea Photographs for Energy Spectra

An optical Fourier transform analysis of a sea photograph taken under a particular skylight irradiance has been proposed by Stilwell [1] as a means of providing a quantitative description of the sea-vector wave-number spectrum. The process requires an explicit knowledge of the skylight irradiance reflected from the sea surface to the aerial camera. A first-order analysis shows that the photographic density of the transform recording is functionally related to the sea-slope spectrum, provided that the average optical density measured in the sea photographic negative is approximately linear. The analysis of the process and some experimental results are discussed.
Basis for the Essentiality of H-NS Family Members in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Members of the histone-like nucleoid-structuring (H-NS) family of proteins have been shown to play important roles in silencing gene expression and in nucleoid compaction. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the two H-NS family members MvaT and MvaU are thought to bind the same AT-rich regions of the chromosome and function coordinately to control a common set of genes. Here we present evidence that the loss of both MvaT and MvaU cannot be tolerated because it results in the production of Pf4 phage that superinfect and kill cells or inhibit their growth. Using a ClpXP-based protein depletion system in combination with transposon mutagenesis, we identify mutants of P. aeruginosa that can tolerate the depletion of MvaT in an ΔmvaU mutant background. Many of these mutants contain insertions in genes encoding components, assembly factors, or regulators of type IV pili or contain insertions in genes of the prophage Pf4. We demonstrate that cells that no longer produce type IV pili or that no longer produce the replicative form of the Pf4 genome can tolerate the loss of both MvaT and MvaU. Furthermore, we show that the loss of both MvaT and MvaU results in an increase in expression of Pf4 genes and that cells that cannot produce type IV pili are resistant to infection by Pf4 phage. Our findings suggest that type IV pili are the receptors for Pf4 phage and that the essential activities of MvaT and MvaU are to repress the expression of Pf4 genes.
Molecular dynamic simulations of gases using a split-Hamiltonian method

In this paper we present a review of the mathematical formulation of the split-Hamiltonian method and of the mechanics of rigid-body motion. We present the split-Hamiltonian scheme for rigid rotor motion. In addition we present a comparison of the split-Hamiltonian method with DASSL. Finally, we show the results of molecular dynamics simulations of CO2 and H2O.  2001 IMACS. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Simple Way to Teach the Derivation of Aggregate Demand

In this paper, we present a simplified macroeconomic model where money demand does not depend on the level of income. We then derive aggregate demand in a simple four quadrant diagram similar to a standard IS-LM. The analysis is extended to a model including net exports. The standard economic policy results can be obtained from this model.
High Throughput Primer Walking of cDNA Clones

Primer walking of cloned DNA is a standard research tool. It has been used in the past to determine the sequence of individual clones of interest. With the expansion of DNA sequencing capacity the need to be able to walk larger numbers of clones has become necessary. Our laboratory is a mid-sized genomics facility. In conjunction with the Advanced Biomedical Computing Center (ABCC) we have developed methods for automating the primer selection, DNA sequencing, contig assembly and sequence analysis for clones arrayed in microtiter format. This approach has allowed us to walk 475 clones (five microtiter plates) selected from a cDNA library.