cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complement Plays an Important Role in Spinal Cord Injury and Represents a Therapeutic Target for Improving Recovery following Trauma

Initiation of an inflammatory cascade following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is thought to cause secondary injury and to adversely impact functional recovery, although the mechanisms involved are not well defined. We report on the dynamics of complement activation and deposition in the mouse spinal cord following traumatic injury, the role of complement in the development of SCI, and the characterization of a novel targeted complement inhibitor. Following traumatic injury, mice deficient in C3 had a significantly improved locomotor score when compared with wild-type controls, and analysis of their spinal cords revealed significantly more tissue sparing, with significantly less necrosis, demyelination, and neutrophil infiltration. Wild-type mice were also treated with CR2-Crry, a novel inhibitor of complement activation that targets to sites of C3 deposition. A single intravenous injection of CR2-Crry 1 hour after traumatic injury improved functional outcome and pathology to an extent similar to that seen in C3-deficient animals. CR2-Crry specifically targeted to the injured spinal cord in a distribution pattern corresponding to that seen for deposited C3. As immunosuppression is undesirable in patients following SCI, targeted CR2-Crry may provide appropriate bioavailability to treat SCI at a dose that does not significantly affect systemic levels of serum complement activity.
Physiologic levels of salivary epidermal growth factor stimulate migration of an oral epithelial cell line

Abstract An established line of human oral epithelial cells exhibits chemotaxis to epidermal growth factor (EGF). The directed migration of these cells is time dependent with an approximate 10-fold increase in the number of cells responding to the chemoattractant by 6 h. Cell migration occurs in a concentration dependent manner with maximal response at ≈ 1 ng/ml. This maximal chemotactic response occurs within the physiologic concentration range for EGF found in human saliva. These data suggest that EGF may be important for the maintenance of an intact oral epithelial (mucosal) barrier, and may play a vital role in oral mucosal wound healing.
Biochemical genetics of the Culex pipiens complex. I. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase

Abstract 1. 1. A genetic polymorphism at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus has been observed in C. pipiens complex. 2. 2. The 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase isoenzymes found in northern and southern populations of C. pipiens have been partially purified and their properties compared. 3. 3. The two isoenzymes differ significantly in thermal stability. 4. 4. The thermal stability differences between the two isoenzymes are consistent with environmental selection by temperature.
Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive compounds from Tripterygium wilfordii

The extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF), which showed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities in human clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, was subjected to the activity-guided fractionation and spectroscopic characterization of bioactives. A tetrahydrofuran lignan, tripterygiol (1), and eight known compounds, all capable of suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression were identified. Most of the pharmacological activity of the extract can be attributed to triptolide, its most abundant and active component, with some contribution from tripdiolide.
Helix 4 of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Aa toxin lines the lumen of the ion channel.

The mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins is not well understood. Based on analogies with other bacterial toxins and ion channels, we hypothesized that charged amino acids in helix 4 of the Cry1Aa toxin are critical for toxicity and ion channel function. UsingPlutella xylostella as a model target, we analyzed responses to Cry1Aa and eight proteins with altered helix 4 residues. Toxicity was abolished in five charged residue mutants (E129K, R131Q, R131D, D136N, D136C), however, two charged (R127E and R127N) and one polar (N138C) residue mutant retained wild-type toxicity. Compared with Cry1Aa and toxic mutants, nontoxic mutants did not show greatly reduced binding to brush border membrane vesicles, but their ion channel conductance was greatly reduced in planar lipid bilayers. Substituted cysteine accessibility tests showed that in siturestoration of the negative charge of D136C restored conductance to wild-type levels. The results imply that charged amino acids on the Asp-136 side of helix 4 are essential for toxicity and passage of ions through the channel. These results also support a refined version of the umbrella model of membrane integration in which the side of helix 4 containing Asp-136 faces the aqueous lumen of the ion channel.
An empirical investigation and comparison of neural networks and regression for scanner data analysis

Abstract The objective of this study is to examine neural networks as an alternative to traditional statistical methods for the analysis of scanner data. The results of the study showed that neural networks can be an effective alternative to regression for modeling and predicting the effects of retailer activity on brand sales. The neural network models exhibited better performance in terms of both mean squared error and R 2 than the regression model.
Structure, Intramolecular Rotation Barrier, and Thermochemical Properties of Hydroxycyclohexadienyl Radical

Ab initio and density functional calculations are used to study the structures and thermochemical properties, Δ (T), S0(T), and Cp(T) (100 ≤ T/K ≤ 5000), of the benzene-OH adduct (hydroxycyclohexad...
Effect of dipolar interactions on the magnetization of a cubic array of nanomagnets

We investigated the effect of intermolecular dipolar interactions on an ensemble of 100 three-dimensional systems of $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4$ nanomagnets, each with spin $S=5$, arranged in a cubic lattice. We employed the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation to solve for the magnetization curves for several values of the damping constant, the induction sweep rate, the lattice constant, the temperature, and the magnetic anisotropy. We find that the smaller the damping constant, the stronger the maximum induction required to produce hysteresis. The shape of the hysteresis loops also depends on the damping constant. We find further that the system magnetizes and demagnetizes at decreasing magnetic field strengths with decreasing sweep rates, resulting in smaller hysteresis loops. Variations of the lattice constant within realistic values (1.5--2.5 nm) show that the dipolar interaction plays an important role in the magnetic hysteresis by controlling the relaxation process. The temperature dependencies of the damping constant and of the magnetization are presented and discussed with regard to recent experimental data on nanomagnets. Magnetic anisotropy enhances the size of the hysteresis loops for external fields parallel to the anisotropy axis, but decreases it for perpendicular external fields. Finally, we reproduce and test a previously reported magnetization curve for a two-dimensional system [M. Kayali and W. Saslow, Phys. Rev. B 70, 174404 (2004)]. We show that its hysteretic behavior is only weakly dependent on the shape anisotropy field and the sweep rate, but depends sensitively upon the dipolar interactions. Although in three-dimensional systems, dipole-dipole interactions generally diminish the hysteresis, in two-dimensional systems, they strongly enhance it. For both square two-dimensional and rectangular three-dimensional lattices with $\mathbf{B}\ensuremath{\Vert}(\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\mathbf{x}}+\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\mathbf{y}})$, dipole-dipole interactions can cause large jumps in the magnetization.
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Among Youths in Juvenile Detention

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, lethality of suicide attempts, and the relationship between psychiatric disorder and recent attempts in newly detained juveniles. Method: The sample included 1,829 juveniles, ages 10 to 18 years, sampled after intake to a detention center in Chicago. Interviewers administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children to assess for thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, lifetime suicide attempts, number of attempts, age at first attempt, attempts within the past 6 months, method of suicide attempts, and psychiatric disorder. Results: More than one third of juvenile detainees and nearly half of females had felt hopeless or thought about death in the 6 months before detention. Approximately 1 in 10 (10.3%, 95% confidence interval: 7.7%-12.8%) juvenile detainees had thought about committing suicide in the past 6 months, and 1 in 10 (11.0%, 95% confidence interval: 8.3%-13.7%) had ever attempted suicide. Recent suicide attempts were most prevalent in females and youths with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusions: Fewer than half of detainees with recent thoughts of suicide had told anyone about their ideation. Identifying youths at risk for suicide, especially those suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders, is a crucial step in preventing suicide.
Severity, manifestations, and consequences of violence among pregnant adolescents.

Abstract Purpose: To examine the severity, manifestations, and consequences of prenatal violence among adolescent and adult participants in a county health department prenatal care coordination program. Methods: The prospective cohort study design included all Medicaid-eligible program participants from 1994 to 1996. Care coordinators screened participants for prenatal violence using a validated, systematic violence assessment protocol at three times during pregnancy. This protocol was linked with prenatal care and hospital delivery records to document pregnancy outcomes. The main outcome variables were low birth weight ( Results: Among teens, 16.1% reported prenatal violence, including 9.4% who reported severe violence such as hitting, kicking, or stabbing. Among adults, 11.6% reported prenatal violence, including 4.8% who reported severe violence. Teens were more likely than adults to report abdominal trauma (56% vs. 22%) and violence perpetrated by a relative (23% vs. 5%). Teens who reported severe prenatal violence were more likely to report alcohol use. They were significantly more likely to deliver preterm than teens who reported "other" or "no" prenatal violence (odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1–10.8) when adjusting for race, adequacy of prenatal care, prior preterm delivery, and alcohol use. For adults, the relationship between prenatal violence and preterm delivery was not statistically significant. The relationship between prenatal violence and low birth weight was not significant for either age cohort. Conclusions: Prenatal violence was a significant risk factor for preterm birth in this population, especially among teens.
Vibrational circular dichroism of 1-amino-2-propanol and 2-amino-1-propanol: experiment and calculation

The vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of (S)-1-amino-2-propanol and (S)-2-amino- 1-propanol in non-aqueous solution have been investigated. The vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities and VCD intensities have been calculated for all the hydrogen-bonded conformers with ab initio wave functions at a 6-31G (0.3 ) basis set level. The VCD intensities have been calculated with the vibronic coupling theory a priori formalism. Comparison of the experimental and calculated spectra allows correlation of the major VCD features with a few predominant conformers.
Deposition and Decomposition of Turtlegrass Leaves

In coastal zones where prevailing winds are onshore, seagrasses are regularly deposited at the shoreline, often forming large accumulations. We have compared the rates of output of dry matter, organic carbon, and nitrogen for turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) when it decays at the shoreline or continuously submerged nearby. Output rates were either delayed (by 30 days or more) or were significantly slower for decay under submerged conditions.
Acid rain stone test sites

As a part of the United States National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program, Task Group G: Effects on Materials and Cultural Resources, which is chaired by Ray Herrmann, the National Park Service has established four test sites for 10-year testing of two kinds of dimension stone used in buildings and monuments. The four sites are (from south to north) Research Triangle Park near Raleigh, N.C. (activated May 25, 1984); the roof of the West End Branch of the Washington, D.C. Library (activated August 11, 1984); the Department of Energy Compound at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory of Bell Telephone Laboratories near Chester, N.J. (activated June 5, 1984); and Huntington Wildlife Forest in the Adirondack Mountains, Newcomb, N.Y. (activated June 19, 1984).
Induction of interleukin-1β mRNA in adult rat brain

Abstract The ability of the central nervous system to produce the cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in response to challenge by activators of the mononuclear phagocyte system has been examined in vivo. Unilateral injection of a mixture of gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the forebrain of adult rats induced expression of IL-1β mRNA. In situ hybridization of IL-1β mRNA showed a gradient of cellular hybridization, which was most intense at the site of IFN-γ/LPS injection. The reverse transcription — polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to demonstrate the presence of IL-1β mRNA in normal rat brain, and to confirm increases in IL-1β mRNA levels following IFN-γ/LPS injection. These studies show that IL-1β mRNA can be induced to high levels within the CNS as a consequence of exposure to potent stimulators of macrophaga activation.
High-speed thermal printing

Thermal Printing is a unique new concept in non-impact printing, whereby electrical signals are directly converted to heat to produce a printed output. This paper covers a program to build an advanced development model of a High-Speed Thermal Teleprinter, utilizing the Thermal Printing technique, for the U. S. Army Electronics Command. The teleprinter, which prints at 240 characters per second, was the result of the development.
The logically possible, the ontologically possible and ontological proofs of God's existence

Contemporary defenders of the various versions of the ontological argument for God's existence commonly acknowledge that the cogency of each variant critically depends upon the logical coherence of a premise affirming God's existence. They commonly fail to notice, however, that the cogency of each such argument-variant further depends on a fundamental assumption (hereafter referred to as "A") that, for any proposition, p, affirming that some state of affairs, s, (e.g., the existence of God) obtains,
Communicating Female and Minority Interests Online: A Study of Web Site Issue Discussion among Female, Latino, and African American Members of Congress

Previous communication studies have noted the imGortance of descriGtive reGresentation for increasing elected officials' discussion of women's and minority issues. While increased attention to these issues is imGortant for the symbolic reGresentation of these Golitically marginalized grouGs, women's and minority issues often constitute a minor Gortion of reGresentatives' agendas. Strategically, female, Latino, and African American U.S. House members may Grovide greater symbolic reGresentation for women and minorities by including their interests and concerns in discussion of more general issues that commonly toG the Golitical agenda. Relying on a content analysis of 1R1 official congressional Web sites, the author examines the extent to which reGresentatives address the needs of their female and minority constituents in their general issue discussion. Results demonstrate that female, Latino, and African American House members more freOuently connect general issues to race, ethnicity, and gender comGared w...
Neoplastic blood cells become pluripotent.

In this issue of Blood , Ye and colleagues show that CD34+ cells obtained from patients with JAK2-V617F MPDs could be reprogrammed to iPSCs and be differentiated back into hematopoietic progenitors.[1][1] Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) represent a group of clonal hematopoietic progenitor/stem
Innate differences in medial septal area burst firing neurons and the hippocampal theta rhythm during ambulation in selectively bred rat lines

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated a higher mean peak frequency of the hippocampal (HPC) theta rhythm during REM sleep in alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats when compared with alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Burst firing neurons of the medial septal area (MS/VDB) are thought to pace the HPC theta rhythm during REM sleep and ambulation. Therefore, extracellular action potentials of MS/VDB burst firing neurons and HPC-CA1 field potentials were recorded simultaneously in ambulating P and NP rats. These recordings revealed that the mean peak frequency of the HPC theta rhythm during ambulation was higher in NP rats (7.62 ± 0.12 Hz) as compared with P rats (7.21 ± 0.14 Hz) ( P ). Consistent with the difference in the HPC theta rhythm, the burst pattern of MS/VDB neurons exhibited a shorter inter-burst interval in the NP rats (NP 82.4 ± 5.4 ms, P 97.4 ± 8.1 ms, P ). The difference in the inter-burst interval was confirmed by the distribution of inter-spike intervals in cumulative inter-spike interval histograms and the frequency of peaks in the mean cumulative autocorrelation histograms for P and NP rats. The mean cumulative autocorrelation histograms for P and NP rats also revealed that the regularity of the burst pattern in NP rats was sustained over a longer time period as determined by the decay constant. The cross-correlation of MS/VDB burst activity and the HPC theta rhythm showed a strong relationship between the two signals in P and NP rats. In both P and NP rats, two similar phase relationships were observed between MS/VDB bursting neurons and the HPC theta rhythm. These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that MS/VDB burst firing neurons are responsible for the variation in the HPC theta rhythm between the two lines. Other mechanisms consistent with these findings are also discussed.
An immunochemical and biochemical study of catecholaminergic activity in dissociated hypothalamic cultures

Abstract Dopamine (DA)-containing cells of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) were dissociated and maintained in culture for up to 9 days. Cultures were evaluated both biochemically and immunochemically for DA activity. DA biosynthesis was determined using incorporation of [3H]tyrosine and was analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Immunochemical studies were performed to identify tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive and neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-positive cells. Morphometric analyses determined the cell size, density, process length and the percent of neurons which were catecholaminergic. TH-positive neurons ranged from 6 to 8% of the total neuronal population when examined over days 3–9 of culture and the length of TH-positive neurites was significantly greater than that of NSE-positive cells. There was incorporation of [3H]tyrosine into DA as evidenced by the presence of [3H]DA in both the media and tissue and the inhibition of synthesis withα-methyl-p-tyrosine. There was a greater amount of labeled DA in the media than in the tissue at every time point examined. On the other hand, biosynthesis of DA in fresh brain tissue revealed approximately equal levels of DA in the media and tissue. These studies indicate that DA continues to be synthesized in dissociated cultures of MBH as evidenced by both the biochemical and immunochemical analyses and that there appears to be some alteration in the ability of these neurons to store the newly synthesized amine.
The adsorption of PH3 on Pt(LLL) and its influence on coadsorbed CO

The adsorption and decomposition of PH 3 and its coadsorption with CO and deuterium were investigated by TPD and HREELS on a Pt(111) surface. At 100 K, phosphine adsorbs associatively via a precursor state with a saturation coverage of 0.5 ML. HREELS results are consistent with C 3v symmetry for PH 3 and bonding through the P lone pair. Vibrational spectra indicate little perturbation of the P-H bonds upon adsorption. Upon heating, P-H bond breaking occurs as low as 160 K and is completed by 3 desorbs intact. The AES P signal shows both reversible and irreversible characteristics as a function of temperature. Diffusion into and out of the bulk and compound formation are suggested. Preadsorbed deuterium has little effect on adsorption of PH 3 , but PH 3 (a) blocks D 2 adsorption. Slow exchange of D for H into PH 3 occurs at 150 K, but not at 100 K. Phosphine blocks sites for CO adsorption and lowers the sticking coefficient at 100 K for the latter so that at saturation PH 3 (a) no CO will adsorb. On the other hand, PH 3 will readily adsorb on and will displace up to 0.14 ML of a nearly saturated layer of CO. Coadsorbed PH 3 causes CO to shift from atop to bridge sites. Carbon monoxide forms a weak “H-bond” with coadsorbed PH 3 .
Linear, soluble poly(bismethylene hydroquinone), a ladder polymer: synthesis and characterization

Abstract A route to prepare a soluble linear ladder of poly(bismethylene hydroquinone) was developed. 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylol hydroquinone was reacted with hydroquinone in sulpholane with acid catalysis. Gel formation was prevented by removing the water generated during the condensation, and by preventing oxidation of the polymer during reaction. Polymers with intrinsic viscosities as high as 5.0 were obtained; viscosity depended on the mole ratio of the starting materials and the reaction conditions. Polymer structure was characterized by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
The prevalence and epidemiology of luteal-phase deficiency in normal and infertile women.

Abstract The difficulty in determining the prevalence and epidemiology of LPI lies in the ambiguity of diagnosis. To define the abnormal, a complete delineation of normal is first required; this has been disregarded for most diagnostic criteria of this disorder. Once normal is defined, a link between the abnormal state and subfertility is required to demonstrate clinical relevance; this has yet to be shown with any form of LPI criteria. Despite this, some pieces of the puzzle are apparent. In the form of a short luteal phase LPI is present in roughly 5% of ovulatory cycles. The rate also tends to increase at the extremes of reproductive age. The rate of hormonal- or biopsy-diagnosed LPI appears to be in approximately the same range, although the criteria for diagnosis are much more poorly defined, and the rate of "abnormal" is often built into the definition. Finally, ongoing development of more precise and accurate tools for diagnosis promises to produce more and better data in the future to furnish the clinician with greater insight into the rate and overall importance of LPI as a cause of infertility.
Febrile infants." Predictors of bacteremia

One hundred and seventy-five infants less than 8 weeks of age, presenting to the pediatric emergency room of the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center with rectal temperature ≥38° C (100.4° F), were studied. House officers recorded their impressions of the infants on a number of variables prior to performing a lumbar puncture and obtaining laboratory data. All infants were admitted for parenteral antibiotic therapy pending culture results. Culture-positive bacterial infections occurred in 6.3% (n=11); the incidence of bacteremia was 3.4% (n=6). Of special concern were the 134 infants who had no visible source for their fever during the first examination. A major goal was to determine whether there were any early predictors of bacteremia in this group. The individual variables of white blood cell count ≥15,000/mm 3 , band count ≥500/mm 3 , temperature, impression of irritability, tone, cry, and activity level were not related to the presence of bacteremia. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥30 and the examiner's impression of sepsis were significantly associated with bacteremia but did not correctly identify all cases. However, the combination of impression of sepsis, white blood count ≥15,000/mm 3 , and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥30 identified all infants with bacteremia and excluded 82% of the infants who were eventually shown not to have bacteremia.
Noble-gas broadening rates for barium transitions involving the metastable 6s5d 3DJ levels.

The collisional-broadening rate coefficients, for both helium and argon buffer gases, have been measured for transitions from the metastable 6s5d $^{3}$${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{J}}$ levels in barium. A weak cw diode laser was used to populate the $^{3}$${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{J}}$ manifold through optical pumping of the 6${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ $^{1}$${\mathit{S}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6s6p $^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{1}$ transition, followed by radiative decay into the $^{3}$${\mathit{D}}_{2,1}$ states. The absorption coefficient for the transition of interest was then measured by monitoring the transmission of a very weak cw probe laser beam as its frequency was scanned over the line shape. Such scans were carried out for several diode (pump) laser powers, and using the standard line-shape normalization integral, we were able to construct density-independent line shapes. Each spectral line shape consists of many hyperfine components due to the presence of five barium isotopes (including two with nonzero nuclear spin). Each component is affected by Doppler, pressure, and natural broadening and, therefore, can be represented by a Voigt function. Thus, the measured line shapes (recorded with 50, 100, 200, and 500 Torr of either He or Ar buffer gas) were fitted with a sum of Voigt functions in which the only free parameter was the pressure-broadening rate. Using a least-squares fit of the broadening rates versus buffer-gas number density, the broadening-rate coefficients ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{br}}$ were found. In addition, collisional line shifts for these transitions were measured, and shift rate coefficients ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{shift}}$ were determined.
Modeling soil thermal and hydrological dynamics and changes of growing season in Alaskan terrestrial ecosystems

Abundant evidence indicates the growing season has been changed in the Alaskan terrestrial ecosystems in the last century as climate warms. Reasonable simulations of growing season length, onset, and ending are critical to a better understanding of carbon dynamics in these ecosystems. Recent ecosystem modeling studies have been slow to consider the interactive effects of soil thermal and hydrological dynamics on growing season changes in northern high latitudes. Here, we develop a coupled framework to model these dynamics and their effects on plant growing season at a daily time step. In this framework, we (1) incorporate a daily time step snow model into our existing hydrological and soil thermal models and (2) explicitly model the moisture effects on soil thermal conductivity and heat capacity and the effects of active layer depth and soil temperature on hydrological dynamics. The new framework is able to well simulate snow depth and soil temperature profiles for both boreal forest and tundra ecosystems at the site level. The framework is then applied to Alaskan boreal forest and tundra ecosystems for the period 1923–2099. Regional simulations show that (1) for the historical period, the growing season length, onset, and ending, estimated based on the mean soil temperature of the top 20 cm soils, and the annual cycle of snow dynamics, agree well with estimates based on satellite data and other approaches and (2) for the projected period, the plant growing season length shows an increasing trend in both tundra and boreal forest ecosystems. In response to the projected warming, by year 2099, (1) the snow-free days will be increased by 41.0 and 27.5 days, respectively, in boreal forest and tundra ecosystems and (2) the growing season lengths will be more than 28 and 13 days longer in boreal forest and tundra ecosystems, respectively, compared to 2010. Comparing two sets of simulations with and without considering feedbacks between soil thermal and hydrological dynamics, our analyses suggest coupling hydrological and soil thermal dynamics in Alaskan terrestrial ecosystems is important to model ecosystem dynamics, including growing season changes.
Relativistic wave equations for particles in electromagnetic fields

Abstract A new type of generalization of the Dirac equation to higher spin particles and antiparticles is given, in case only the terms proportional to the external fields need to be retained.
A meta-analysis of self-help treatment approaches

Abstract We conducted a meta-analysis of 40 self-help studies examining 61 treatments which used as control groups no-treatment, wait-list, or placebo comparisons. We found an overall treatment effect size for self-help interventions of 0.76 at posttreatment and an effect size of 0.53 at follow-up. Studies that used a more stringent control group — placebo — had a lower mean effect size than studies utilizing a no-treatment control. No differences were found for unadulterated self-help treatments and those with minimal contact from a therapist or which were in fact therapist-assisted. Some target problems were more amenable to self-help approaches, including skills deficits and diagnostic problems, such as fears, depression, headache, and sleep disturbance. Habit disturbances such as smoking, drinking, and overeating, were less amenable to self-help treatments. Compliance with the treatment regimen was found to improve treatment effects. While effect size was negatively related to duration of treatment, this effect was largely a function of duration being confounded with type of problem. Results were examined from the perspective of problems that are targetable with self-help approaches. Recommendations for improvements in research design for future studies are also made.
Patient evaluation for complete denture therapy

Abstract Good denture service demands careful, systematic evaluation of existing conditions and recording of findings on a simplified but adequate chart. An intelligent plan of procedure cannot be formulated nor can effective treatment be provided if mouth examination is slighted. Favorable conditions cannot be weighed nor can unfavorable conditions be modified if they are not known. Patient evaluation is never neglected by a dentist with a sincere desire to succeed. All edentulous or partially edentulous patients cannot be treated successfully by the dentist alone. Many mouth conditions indicate a systemic disfunction. Therefore, consultation between the dentist and the physican is not only recommended but, for many patients, is mandatory. The dentist and the physician are striving for the same goal—total health care for the patient. This goal cannot be realized if the knowledge and experience of both the dentist and the physician are not fully utilized.
From Genes to Societies

Research on model organisms has substantially advanced our understanding of aging. However, these studies collectively lack any examination of the element of sociality, an important feature of huma...
Schrieffer, Wen, and Zhang reply.

The author replies to the comment on spi-bag mechanism of high-tempera superconductivity.It is argued that the transformation from bare state to the eigenstate in the presence of the SDW is incomplete.More technical details are presented.(AIP)
Ankylosing spondylitis in Rochester, Minnesota, 1935-1989. Is the epidemiology changing?

Objective. To determine trends in the incidence and clinical presentation of ankylosing spondylitis first diagnosed between 1935 and 1989 among residents of Rochester, Minnesota, and in the survival of the patients. Methods. Population-based descriptive study. Results. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate was 7.3 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.1–8.4). The rate tended to decline between 1935 and 1989, but there was little change in the age at symptom onset or diagnosis over the 55-year study period. Overall survival was not decreased up to 28 years following diagnosis. Conclusion. These data indicate that there is a constancy in the epidemiologic characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis and suggest that previously study results indicating changes may have been due to biases in patient selection and study design.
Forecasting the future of airline revenue management

This paper considers the current state of airline revenue management technology and customer acceptance and attempts to forecast how RM is likely to evolve over the next ten years. Consideration is given both to technological advances that will enable certain improvements in the state of the art, as well as how customers are likely to respond and the implications of this on various airline strategies.
Analysis of risk factors for the development of posttransplant lymphoprolipherative disorder among 119 children who received primary intestinal transplants at a single center.

Abstract Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-known complication after pediatric transplantation. We analyzed all potential risk factors to assess patient and graft outcomes of 119 children who received intestinal transplantations. Materials and Methods Between August 1994 and March 2005, 119 patients underwent cadaveric intestinal transplantation. Their median age at transplant was 1.4 years (range: 0.6–17), median weight was 9.5 kg (range: 4.7–67), and 57% were boys. The median follow-up among 49 ongoing survivors was 41 months (range: 4–121). All PTLD cases were biopsy proven. In the past 5 years, treatment included antiviral therapy, immunosuppression withdrawal, and use of rituximab. Results The incidence of PTLD was 11.8% (14/119). No patient experienced graft failure secondary to PTLD, while two patients died from PTLD (14.2%). The PTLD group was divided into an early onset group ( 2 years, 8 of 14; 57.2%). No patient experienced PTLD between 4 months and 2 years after transplantation. The use of OKT3 was the only significant risk factor for the development of PTLD. No factor was specifically associated with the early versus late development of PTLD. Conclusions The only factor associated with a significantly higher risk of PTLD was the use of OKT3 to treat a rejection episode. Finally, since the the introduction of anti-CD20 antibodies as part of the treatment protocol for PTLD, the risk of death due to PTLD appears to have become manageably low.
U, B, V light curves of CO Lacertae

CO Lacertae is one of the very few known binaries with both a short period of apsidal motion and good M, L, R data. Our newU, B, V light curves provide two times of minima and a check on Semeniuk's value forPaps. This is the first published example of an eclipsing binary analysed in terms of a physical model (as opposed to a model based on spherical or ellipsoidal star figures) which allows for eccentric orbit effects. The light curves show some peculiarities — particularly a large, probably intrinsic, scatter.
Health as an Economic Strategy Special Emphasis on the Workplace

This article explores and reviews the available evidence pertaining to lifestyle, disease, and economic losses in the workplace. The literature shows clearly that higher levels of health risks and behaviors lead to the development of disease and moving to a high-cost status. The data suggest that those individuals with lower health risks and those individuals who achieve a reduction in health risks and unhealthy behaviors result in lower probability of disease and high health care costs. The business case for wellness and prevention is also discussed, as is the concept of investing in health as opposed to a strict focus on health care cost reduction. Furthermore, additional determinants of health such as the social–emotional states and positive characteristics of the individual and of the environment and culture are described. Since health is much more than simply the absence of disease, the members of the College of Lifestyle Medicine are encouraged to expand their interests and research inquiry and effo...
Convenient continuous sonication method for the preparation of medium-sized polydeoxynucleotides.

We recently reported results on polydeoxynucleotides prepared for 31p NMR studies by sonication [1]. For these studies we required samples of medium length, from ca. 50-200 base pairs (bp), comparable to the size of DNA in nucleosome core particles. To obtain this size range we utilized the continuous low-temperature sonication procedure described for calf-thymus DNA by Davis and Phillips [2]. We have extended this procedure to small volumes of synthetic polydeoxynucleotides in a convenient preparative method. The apparatus used is shown in Fig. 1. The temperature was continuously monitored and kept between 0-4°C using a circulating cooling bath. Volumes down to 1 ml are possible in this apparatus, although we generally used 2-4 ml containing 5-100 A260n m units in 0.1-1.0M NaCI solution. A tapered microprobe was used with a He~t Systems-Ultrasonics W225R sonicator. The power level was optimized just below observable cavitation-bubbling (ca. 25 W). Experiments comparing the efficiency of breakage using the pulsed capability for comparable time periods (e.g. 50% duty cycle for twice the total time) indicated that continuous sonication was more efficient. The size distribution of the samples after sonication was determined by gel electrophoresis. Following development of the gel in ethidium bromide, the photographic negatives were scanned with a microdensitometer (Joyce-Loebl double beam, model IIIB) and the scans were digitized. The distances migrated were converted to base pairs relative to known standards using the formula described by Kovacic and Van Holde [3]. Results for sonication for different time periods showed that it was possible to obtain fairly well defined distributions with several base sequences [1]. For example, 10 min sonication of poly(dGdC), poly(dGdC) gave a maximum at
Activation of DNA-PK by Ionizing Radiation Is Mediated by Protein Phosphatase 6

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) plays a critical role in DNA damage repair, especially in non-homologous end-joining repair of double-strand breaks such as those formed by ionizing radiation (IR) in the course of radiation therapy. Regulation of DNA-PK involves multisite phosphorylation but this is incompletely understood and little is known about protein phosphatases relative to DNA-PK. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that DNA-PK interacts with the protein phosphatase-6 (PP6) SAPS subunit PP6R1. PP6 is a heterotrimeric enzyme that consists of a catalytic subunit, plus one of three PP6 SAPS regulatory subunits and one of three ankyrin repeat subunits. Endogenous PP6R1 co-immunoprecipitated DNA-PK, and IR enhanced the amount of complex and promoted its import into the nucleus. In addition, siRNA knockdown of either PP6R1 or PP6 significantly decreased IR activation of DNA-PK, suggesting that PP6 activates DNA-PK by association and dephosphorylation. Knockdown of other phosphatases PP5 or PP1γ1 and subunits PP6R3 or ARS-A did not reduce IR activation of DNA-PK, demonstrating specificity for PP6R1. Finally, siRNA knockdown of PP6R1 or PP6 but not other phosphatases increased the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation-induced cell death to a level similar to DNA-PK deficient cells. Our data demonstrate that PP6 associates with and activates DNA-PK in response to ionizing radiation. Therefore, the PP6/PP6R1 phosphatase is a potential molecular target for radiation sensitization by chemical inhibition.
ERE-independent ERα target genes differentially expressed in human breast tumors

The classical pathway for estrogen receptor (ER) signaling is mediated by ER binding to an estrogen response element (ERE) in DNA. ERalpha can also act via a nonclassical pathway by altering the activities of other transcription factors (e.g., Sp1, AP-1, or NF-kappaB) at their cognate sites on DNA. We previously generated a mutant form of ERalpha (E207A/G208A) that does not bind to EREs, and therefore lacks signaling via the classical pathway but retains signaling via the nonclassical pathway. In the current study, we introduce this mutant ERalpha into MDA-MB231 ERalpha-negative breast carcinoma cells to identify nonclassical pathway genes that respond to 17beta-estradiol (E2), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen (TAM) or raloxifene (RAL), or the estrogen antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). Consistent with a role for nonclassical signaling in SERM action, microarray analyses identify 268 responsive nonclassical ERalpha pathway target genes. ICI elicits the largest number of nonclassical genes, followed by RAL, TAM, and E2. Custom microarrays containing identified nonclassical ERalpha responsive genes are used to compare gene expression in human breast tumor (n = 34) and normal mammary epithelial cell (n = 9) samples. A subset of nonclassical genes (n = 32) are differentially expressed in breast tumors. In summary, we show that nonclassical ERalpha pathway target genes exhibit a range of transcriptional responses to SERMs and identify targets of this pathway as potentially relevant to breast cancer. The identification of nonclassical ERalpha target genes offers new insight into estrogen receptor signaling and cross talk with pathways that mediate breast tumor response to SERM therapy.
Agonist-induced changes of platelet tubulin phosphorylation

Summary Changes in the phosphorylation of platelet tubulin were analyzed as a function of platelet activation. Non-activated platelets incubated with [32P]-phosphate showed multiple peaks of radioactivity when solubilized platelet proteins were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Both tubulin monomers were found to be phosphorylated. Agonistic stimulation (thrombin or 1,2-diacylglycerol) resulted in a lowering of the phosphate incorporation into alpha- and beta-tubulin. Such changes we believe are important in the modulation of the reversible polymerization-depolymerization of platelet tubulin that occurs in the course of the agonistic stimulation of platelets.
Elaine Sherman: Marketing and Pioneer in Quality of Life Research

Contemplating my academic career, especially from my reflections of my “early years,” reveals my strong research interests of blending the disciplines of marketing with quality of life issues. This theme is evident in some of my academic research publications and my presentations to academic and practitioner conferences. More specifically, over the course of time, my interest in the “blending” of marketing and quality of life concerns has increasingly found a place in my published research and related conference presentations. They ranged over a variety of topics, including: the stereotypes of elderly women, health issues of the older populations, and the influence of happiness and life satisfaction of the elderly consumer segment. More recently, some of my research interests have included the effects of new technologies, such as the internet and social media on quality of life. Another important research interest has included the changing political environment, with a variety of research on political trust and its effect on various voter segments. This
Determinants of Job Satisfaction in Different Career Stages

Context factors were more strongly correlated with job satisfaction than content factors in all stages of tenure for 921 technical and professional employees of a state agency.
Raft model of crustal extension: Evidence from seismic reflection data in southeast Arizona

An archlike zone of seismic reflectivity, interpreted as an uplifted zone of ductilely deformed middle and lower crust, is imaged below the Pinaleno Mountains core complex in southeast Arizona. The top of the reflective zone coincides with the base of an inferred mid Tertiary detachment fault beneath the Safford basin but diverges from the detachment fault as an apparent mylonite front to form a culmination at ∼1.9 s (∼4 km) beneath the Pinalenlo Mountains. From this culmination, the zone of reflectivity dips to the southwest below the Eagle Pass detachment fault and flattens at ∼4.8 s (∼13.5 km) beneath the relatively unextended upper crust of the Galiuro Mountains. Most of the reflective fabric probably formed during mid-Tertiary extension, although some of it may be older. These data suggest that mylonite zones form not only as the continuation of detachment faults into the brittle-ductile transition, but also along a regional zone of decoupling between the middle and upper crust. Highly extended and relatively unextended domains in the Basin and Range may be separated by zones of discrete (simple) shear in the upper crust, but both are rafted above regional bulk pure shear in the middle and lower crust.
Trends in AIDS-Defining and Non—AIDS-Defining Malignancies among HIV-Infected Patients: 1989–2002

In a comparison of rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancies (ADMs) for 1989-1996 versus 1997-2002, we found a decrease in ADMs (rate ratio, 0.31; P<.0001) and a significant increase in non-AIDS-defining malignancies (non-ADMs; rate ratio, 10.87; P< .0002). The mean CD4 cell count was lower among patients with ADMs than among those with non-ADMs. A longer duration of survival during highly active antiretroviral therapy might explain the increasing incidence of non-ADMs.
Application of optimal power flow to interchange brokerage transactions

Abstract This paper presents the application of an optimal power flow (OPF) for evaluating an economic power interchange. The OPF implements a new class of optimization technique called the augmented Lagrangians—a nonlinear programming approach that combines the dual and the penalty methods. The good convergence properties enable this algorithm to handle complex nonlinear constraints. The method uses the parametric analysis of the OPF to determine the amount of energy for interchange. The price quotations are obtained directly from the OPF solutions. Once the necessary indices for interchange have been determined, the economic power interchange is then evaluated using the interchange brokerage operation.
Mechanisms of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-l, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine) neurotoxicity to striatal dopamine neurons in mice

Abstract 1. MPTP given to mice in 4 daily doses (20 mg/kg s.c.) resulted in 56–70% depletion of striatal dopamine 1 week after the last dose. 2. Pretreatment with deprenyl or MD 240928, selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type B, or with amfonelic acid or nomifensine, selective inhibitors of dopamine uptake, prevented the depletion of striatal dopamine. In contrast, pretreatment with α-methyltyrosine, Ro 4-1284 or haloperidol did not prevent the depletion of striatal dopamine by MPTP. 3. The results are compatible with the view that dopamine itself is not involved in the neurotoxic effect of MPTP but that MPP+, a metabolite of MPTP formed by MAO-B and accumulated by the dopamine uptake carrier, is responsible for the neurotoxicity.
The molecular structure and infrared and Raman spectra of SCCCS

Abstract The structure, rotational constants, and vibrational spectra of SCCCS have been predicted by ab initio and density functional quantum mechanical methods. Basis sets ranging in size from double-ζ plus polarization (DZP) to triple-ζ plus double polarization, augmented with f functions (TZ2Pf) were employed. Our theoretical results are in agreement with experiments for both the geometrical structure and most of the fundamental frequencies that have been observed. An exception occurs for the SCC bending frequency υ 5 , for which the 1966 and 1972 assignments of Bates and Smith appear superior to the 1966 Smith and Leroi Raman assignment, accepted in the definitive recent studies of Holland and Winnewisser. We present results for four isotopomers of SCCCS that have not yet been observed in the laboratory.