cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global optimization and polypeptide conformation

Abstract The problem of calculating the conformation of a molecule by global minimization of its free energy is precisely formulated. Various bounds and estimates are derived for the number of energy evaluations necessary to perform the task, independent of the search algorithm used. The algorithm by Schubert is cited as optimal for the problem as formulated, and an improvement for starting it is presented. In light of the estimates for computer time and memory for the optimal method, ab initio global minimization is proven to be infeasible for calculating conformations of even oligopeptides.
Alteration of methotrexate metabolism in rats by administration of an elemental liquid diet. I. Changes in drug enterohepatic circulation.

Severe enteritis and death consistently occur within 150 hours of a single intraperitoneal dose of 25 mg/ kg methotrexate given to rats fed an elemental diet. Rats fed a regular chow diet show no clinical evidence of gastrointestinal morbidity or mortality at this dose. The etiology of this enhanced toxicity is not clear, however. In this study rats were randomized to receive an elemental diet (n = 45) or a regular chow diet (n = 45) for 7 days. They were then given a bolus dose of ’H methotrexate (25 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. At 20 and 40 minutes and at 1, 2, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after injection, five animals from each group were anesthetized, and mean methotrexate levels in bile and serum, and tissue methotrexate concentrations in proximal, mid, and distal small intestine and in liver were obtained. Mean methotrexate levels in bile were significantly elevated in rats fed an elemental, chemically defined diet at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours compared with regular diet fed rats. Mean serum methotrexate levels were elevated in both the inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal vein (PV) at 12 (IVC), 24 (PV), and 48 hours (IVC) in elemental, liquid diet fed rats. There were no statistical differences between methotrexate levels in rats fed an elemental diet or a regular chow diet in proximal or mid small intestine at any of the time points measured. In the distal small intestine, methotrexate levels were significantly elevated at 24 hours in rats fed an elemental, chemically defined liquid diet (P < 0.03) compared with regular diet fed rats. Methotrexate levels in liver of rats fed an elemental, chemically defined liquid diet were significantly elevated at 24 and 48 (P < 0.05) hours. Administration of an elemental, chemically defined liquid diet prolongs the enterohepatic circulation of methotrexate in rats and delays clearance of the drug from the systemic circulation. Thus, prolonged exposure of methotrexate to the cells of the intestinal mucosa explains the increased gastrointestinal side effects of the drug in rats fed an elemental, chemically defined liquid diet. If these results are applicable to man, elemental, chemically defined liquid diets are contraindicated as the sole nutritional source in patients receiving methotrexate. Such qualitative alteration of dietary intake may be a factor in the unpredictability of gastrointestinal side effects associated with high dose methotrexate administration. Cancer 59:31-37, 1987. LEMENTAL, CHEMICALLY DEFINED liquid diets have E been proposed as a method of prophylaxis against the gastrointestinal toxic effects of chemotherapy.’-’ This protective effect is thought to be due to the less abrasive bulk of the diet, the provision of nutrient substrates in an “elemental,” easily absorbable form, and a decrease of bile and pancreatic secretions that accompany the use of these diets. lo Several studies, however, have demonstrated increased toxicity to cancer chemotherapy”-13 in animals receiving these chemically defined liquid diets. After ad
Antisymmetrization and core excitation in deuteron-nucleus scattering

Abstract The effects of antisymmetrization in deuteron-nucleus scattering are studied under the assumption that the target is unexcited during scattering. The effective Hamiltonian that governs the motion of the nucleons in the deuteron replaces the free n - p interaction in the deuteron by one that does not scatter the nucleons into occupied states of the target. This modified n - p interaction is constructed by explicit projection of the free n - p interaction onto unoccupied states of the target, and the projection operators used are expressed in terms of single-particle density matrices of the target. The antisymmetrization correction to the deuteron-nucleus optical potential is calculated in configuration space. Applying the local density approximation to the density matrices, and using the short-range character of the free n - p interaction, this correction is expressed as a product of a local factor proportional to the nuclear density, and a short-range nonlocal factor with a range of nonlocality of about 0.5 fm in the nuclear interior. An energy dependent, local potential equivalent to the nonlocal correction is obtained using the local W.K.B. approximation. The real part of the local equivalent potential has a shape similar to that of the nuclear density and gives a 10% reduction to the real part of the deuteron optical potential at energies below about 20 MeV. The imaginary part of the local equivalent potential is negative and peaked at the nuclear surface. It also gives appreciable correction to the optical potential. The effective interaction caused by virtual target excitations is studied. The deuteron excites the target via two different processes: one nucleon in the deuteron excites and de-excites the target, or one nucleon excites the target while the other nucleon deexcites it. The latter process gives rise to a genuine three-body interaction, and its effects are studied in comparison with the effects from the former process. Under the assumption that deuteron internal motion is much slower than deuteron center of mass motion, the effective interactions from both processes are calculated for virtual excitation of the target to one collective vibrational state of definite angular momentum. The effective interactions obtained are very different and the difference originates from the large size of the deuteron. The three-body process seems to have less effect on deuteron elastic scattering than the corresponding process for a single external nucleon.
Demo of VJ-Voicebot: control of robotic arm with the Vocal Joystick

We explore the use of the Vocal Joystick (VJ) for robotic limb control using a small-scale robotic arm. The purpose of this research is to allow individuals with mobile disabilities to obtain greater independence by continuously controlling a robotic arm with their voice. The VJ-Voicebot relies only on continuous and discrete non-verbal vocal sounds to interact with objects in its environment. The demonstration will allow users to experience real-time control of a 5 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arm using sounds produced from their own vocal system.
Measurement of g-factors for levels in Ne II, III

Lande g factors measurement of excited electronic states in Ne 20 II and III, using alignment of radiating particles in beam foil light source
Noble gas-actinide compounds: Evidence for the formation of distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Xe)(n) and CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Kr)(n) (n=1, 2, 3, 4) complexes

Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which gives rise to 852.5 and 804.3 cm-1 infrared absorptions for the triplet state CUO(Ar)n complex in solid argon at 7 K. Relativistic density functional calculations show that the CUO(Ar) complex is stable and that up to four or five argon atoms can complex to CUO. When 1−3% Xe is added to the argon/CO reagent mixture, strong absorptions appear at 848.0 and 801.3 cm-1 and dominate new four-band progressions, which increase on annealing to 35−50 K as Xe replaces Ar in the intimate coordination sphere. Analogous spectra are obtained with 1−2% Kr added. This work provides evidence for eight distinct CUO(Ng)n(Ar)4-n (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the first characterization of neutral complexes involving four noble-gas atoms on one metal center.
Maximum likelihood identification of stochastic Weiner-Hammerstein-type non-linear systems

The identification problem for non-linear Wiener-Hammerstein-type systems is considered. Unlike alternative techniques that are based on deterministic system representations, a stochastic model structure that explicitly accounts for both the input-output and noise dynamics is postulated. The uniqueness properties of this structure are analysed, and appropriate necessary and sufficient conditions derived. A new time-domain identification method based on the Maximum Likelihood principle is then introduced. Unlike alternative approaches that are mainly in the frequency and correlation domains, the proposed method offers statistically optimal estimates from a single record of normal operating data, and is capable of operating directly on the time-domain data and overcoming errors associated with the evaluation of correlation functions/Fourier transforms or multi-stage procedures. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are verified via numerical simulations with a number of different systems and noise to signal ratios.
On a class of nonstationary random processes

We consider the class of random processes having linear shift operators. This class is an extension of the class of wide-sense stationary processes (which have unitary shift operators). Conditions for a process to have linear shifts are formulated in terms of the covariance function of the process. Sufficient conditions for a purely nondeterministic process to have linear shifts are given. Theorems concerning superposition, products, and linear transformations of such processes are proved, and applications are indicated. A comparison with the class of locally stationary processes is made. The essential concepts involved are also extended to generalized random processes.
Estimation and evaluation of winter wheat phenology in the central Great Plains

Crop modeling and management requires accurate prediction of crop phenology. Phenology data for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were collected from seven sites in the central Great Plains for several years to relate phenological stages to environmental and cultural factors, and to provide needed phenology data for the central Great Plains. Number of calendar days (ND), growing degree-days (GDD), and photothermal units (PTU) were calculated for emergence (E), tiller initiation (TI), dormancy end (DE), jointing (J), heading (H), kernel in milk (KM), kernel in hard dough (KD), and maturity (M) using the Feekes growth scale for the main stem. Nine base temperatures (−2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9°C) were used when accumulating GDD and PTU. Mean daily temperatures of 20, 25, and 30°C were used for upper thresholds. Accumulation of GDD, PTU and ND were calculated from planting date (S), E, and 1 January to the growth stage and from one growth stage to the next. Model sensitivity to soil water, cultivar, seeding rates, row spacing, rotation, and fertilizer were examined. The lower the base temperature for a model, the lower the root mean square error (RMSE) when beginning accumulation from S, E or 1 January, with −2°C the best except for DE, KD, and M where higher base temperatures tended to have lower RMSE. As M was approached, the 25°C upper threshold tended to do better than 20°C. Little difference was found between 25 and 30°C upper thresholds. The best model for predicting a stage varied, with ND the best for E through J. From H through M, PTU models had the lowest RMSE. Normally, GDD and PTU models beginning accumulation from 1 January outperformed models beginning accumulation from S or E. The GDD or PTU related to availability of soil water showed a parabolic relationship (concave downward) beginning at J and becoming more platykurtic as M was approached. Significant sensitivity to cultivar and row spacing/rotation was found, with occasional sensitivity by various model types found to fertilizer and planting date.
Photoisomerization of styrylpyridine analogues in relation to choline acetyltransferase and cholinesterase inhibition

Abstract 1. 1. Trans-styrylpyridine analogues, which include the most potent known inhibitors of choline acetyltransferase (acetyl-CoA:choline O- acetyltransferase , EC 2.3.1.6), photoisomerize readily in solution to yield mainly the cis isomers. The ionized pyridinium forms are particularly photosensitive. 2. 2. Inhibition of choline acetyltransferase is maximal with the trans isomer of naphthylvinylpyridinium compounds and decreases markedly with progressive isomerization to the cis form. The trans isomer of N- methyl-4-(1-naphthylvinyl)-pyridinium iodide shows an [ I 50 ] of 0.65 μM, but an [ I 50 ] of 2.7 μM is found if the inhibitor is exposed to indirect daylight for 15 min. 3. 3. With acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) either isomer is inhibitory, the cis form being as potent as, or somewhat more potent than, the trans isomer. 4. 4. Relative light sensitivities of various analogues are consistent with a stabilization of cis isomers by formation of intramolecular charge-transfer complexes.
The global NAFLD epidemic

NAFLD is a clinical syndrome characterized by predominant macrovesicular steatosis of the liver. The clinical and histological phenotypes of NAFLD extend from a nonalcoholic fatty liver to NASH. Although the prevalence of NAFLD is increasing globally, and it is set to become the predominant cause of chronic liver disease in many parts of the world, the epidemiology and demographic characteristics of NAFLD vary worldwide. Indeed, the condition is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in most cases in the Western world, but the disease manifests at a lower BMI in Asian countries and many patients do not seem to have insulin resistance as determined using conventional methods. The similarities and differences in the epidemiology of NAFLD in different regions of the world are discussed and the potential role of genetics and insulin resistance in disease progression is also presented.
Inter-annual variability in the proportional contribution of higher trophic levels to the diet of Pacific walruses

Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) depend on Arctic sea ice as a resting and foraging platform; however, recent years have seen unprecedented seasonal reductions in ice extent. Previous researchers proposed that during unfavorable ice conditions, walruses might prey on other pinnipeds. To examine this hypothesis, we analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of muscle from walruses (n = 155) sampled from the Bering and Chukchi seas during 2001–2010. We used a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model to examine the proportional contribution of higher trophic level prey (HTLP) (e.g., seals, seabirds) to walrus diets and extrapolated a tissue-specific turnover rate to compare diet of individuals over time. Mode HTLP across years was 19 % ± 8. Results indicate a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the reliance on HTLP during 2008–2009 (mode HTLP 13 %), one of two sampling periods that experienced great seasonal loss of pan-Arctic sea ice (the other being 2007–2008 with mode HTLP of 23 %). We also reveal intra-annual fluctuations in the contribution of HTLP to the diet of a walrus sampled in 2011 with seal remains in its stomach through high-resolution sectioning along a whisker length. Our findings suggest that walruses forage opportunistically as a result of multiple environmental factors and that sea ice extent alone does not drive consumption of HTLP.
The comparative anesthetic activity of the aliphatic ethers.

THE COMPARATIVE ANESTHETIC ACTIVITY OF THE ALIPHATIC ETHERS DAVID MARSH;CHAUNCEY LEAKE; Anesthesiology
Details of Disorder Matter in 2D d -Wave Superconductors

Within numerically exact solutions of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations, we demonstrate that discrepancies between predicted low-energy quasiparticle properties in disordered 2D d-wave superconductors occur because of the unanticipated importance of disorder model details and normal state particle-hole symmetry. For the realistic case, which is best described by a binary alloy model without particle-hole symmetry, we predict density-of-state suppression below an energy scale which appears to be correlated with the corresponding single impurity resonance.
Branch and bound methods for a search problem

The problem of searching for randomly moving targets such as children and submarines is known to be fundamentally difficult, but finding efficient methods for generating optimal or near optimal solutions is nonetheless an important practical problem. This paper investigates the efficiency of Branch and Bound methods, with emphasis on the tradeoff between the accuracy of the bound employed and the time required to compute it. A variety of bounds are investigated, some of which are new. In most cases the best bounds turn out to be imprecise, but very easy to compute. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 45: 243–257, 1998
Application of the multiple computer automated structure evaluation methodology to a quantitative structure-activity relationship study of acidity

We applied the Multiple Computer Automated Structure Evaluation (Multi-CASE) program to the analysis of the relationship between the structure of 2464 organic acids and their (first) pKa values. By using the self-created expert dictionary of molecular attributes pertinent to acidity, the program could make successful a priori prediction of the acidity of new organic compounds. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Linear (1-D) chain structure of [Ru2(O2CMe)4]+[CoIIIPc(CN)2]− determined via synchrotron powder diffraction data

Abstract Reaction of [Ru2(O2CMe)4]Cl and Na[CoIIIPc(CN)2] (H2Pc = phthalocyanine) forms [Ru2(O2CMe)4][CoIIIPc(CN)2] with the targeted linear structure possessing linear ⋯Ru–N C–Co⋯ linkages. The magnetic properties of [Ru2(O2CMe)4][CoIIIPc(CN)2] can be fit to a zero field splitting model with D/kB = 95 K (66 cm−1). Attempts to prepare the Cr(III) analogue were unsuccessful due to cyanide abstraction by the ruthenium site.
Xp11 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma: Unusual Variant Masquerading as Upper Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma (TRCC) is a rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma characterized by chromosomal translocations involving the TFE3 gene located at the Xp11.2 locus. Initial cases were more common in children, but cases in older adults have begun to accrue and suggest a relatively more aggressive course. We report a case of Xp11 TRCC in a 63-year-old female patient with initial presentation mimicking upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma, with biopsy proving TRCC. She underwent a radical nephrectomy and paracaval lymph node dissection and is followed up with the intent to initiate vascular endothelial growth factor–targeted therapy in case of recurrence.
Modeling prevalence rates based on complex sample survey data

Abstract Nationally based sample surveys are sufficiently complex in their design to restrict the use of traditional statistical procedures in their analysis. This paper discusses the extension of Grizzle's method for categorical data analysis to the fitting of biometric models to survey data. Linear, logarithmic, exponential, power function, and Weibull models are considered. These are applied to data on hypertension from NCHS. Four race -sex groups are examined. It is concluded that the Weibull model fits the data quite well. A brief discussion of the implications of the model and the limitations of the extension is given.
Selectivity of diclofop-methyl between wheat and wild oat: growth and herbicide metabolism

Growth of the second leaf of susceptible wild oat (Avena fatua L.) was inhibited within 2 days after treatment with the herbicide, diclofop-methyl, in the 1-1/2 leaf stage. Leaf growth of resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was unaffected by diclofop-methyl. In wild oat. chlorosis developed 1 day after leaf growth was inhibited. Foliar absorption of diclofop-methyl was similar between wild oat and wheat with 67 and 61% of the recovered radioactivity from [14C]diclofop-methyl being absorbed by wild oat and wheat, respectively, after 4 days. Wild oal was equally sensitive to the methyl ester and acid forms of the herbicide when the compounds were injected into the stem. Wheat was unaffected by both forms when treated similarly. Very little diclofop-methyl and diclofop (combined total of 10 to 12% in wild oat and 5 to 7% in wheat) remained in plant tissues 2 days after leaf treatment in both susceptible and resistant plants. Therefore, the active form of the herbicide must inhibit growth of susceptible plants very rapidly and at relatively low concentrations. Diclofop-methyl was rapidly hydrolyzed to diclofop by wild oat and wheat. Wild oat predominantly conjugated diclofop to an ester conjugate but wheat hydroxylated the 2,4-dichlorophenyl ring and formed a phenolic conjugate. The formation of the different conjugates between wild oat and wheat was the most significant difference in metabolism between the two species. Nearly 60 and 70% of the methanol-soluble radioactivity was present as water-soluble conjugates in wild oat and wheat, respectively, 4 days after treatment.
Are Investors Rational? Choices Among Index Funds

Financial theory is often based on the belief that the actions of rational investors determine prices, which leads to the elimination of dominated financial instruments. Recently a series of articles have been published which question the rationality of investor behavior. Standard and Poor s 500 index funds represent one of the simplest vehicles for examining whether investors make rational decisions consistent with the normal paradigm of financial economics. S&P 500 index funds hold virtually the same securities, yet they differ by more than two percent per year in the fees they charge investors and the returns they offer investors. In this paper, we show that the relative returns offered by alternative S&P index funds are easily predictable. We show that the other important aspects of performance, risk and tax efficiency, are also easily predictable. Despite this predictability, the relationship between new cash flows and performance is much weaker than we would expect based on rational behavior. Marketing and spillover account for some, but only a small amount, of the cash flows not accounted for by performance. We show that selecting funds based on low expenses or high past returns leads to a portfolio that outperforms the portfolio of index funds selected by investors. Our results exemplify the fact that, in a market where arbitrage is not possible, dominated products can prosper.
Photo sharing in diverse distributed teams

In this research we examined the impact of photo sharing on attitudes and behaviors towards local versus distant team members. In an online experiment, we varied content and presentation of photos shared by a hypothetical team spanning two locations. We found similarity in shared photo content promoted pro-social behaviors towards team members regardless of location. We also found that the way the photos were organized moderated the impact of photo similarity, with diverging effects towards local versus distant team members. Our results indicate that photo sharing can promote positive behavior towards distant others under certain conditions. These results can inform the nature of photo sharing for team building.
Simultaneous velocity filtering of hyperbolic reflections and balancing of offset-dependent wavelets

Hyperbolic reflections and convolutional wavelets are fundamental models for seismic data processing. Each sample of a “stacked” zero‐offset section can parameterize an impulsive hyperbolic reflection in a midpoint gather. Convolutional wavelets can model source waveforms and near‐surface filtering at the shot and geophone positions. An optimized inversion of the combined modeling equations for hyperbolic traveltimes and convolutional wavelets makes explicit any interdependence and nonuniqueness in these two sets of parameters. I first estimate stacked traces that best model the recorded data and then find nonimpulsive wavelets to improve the fit with the data. These wavelets are used for a new estimate of the stacked traces, and so on. Estimated stacked traces model short average wavelets with a superposition of approximately parallel hyperbolas; estimated wavelets adjust the phases and amplitudes of inconsistent traces, including static shifts. Deconvolution of land data with estimated wavelets makes wa...
Recruitment and retention in an adolescent anorexia nervosa treatment trial.

To date, few studies have looked at recruitment method in randomized controlled trails (RCTs) for eating disorders, particularly for anorexia nervosa (AN). Halmi and colleagues1 sign a note of caution about treatment trials for adults with AN, specifically by showing the lack of information that has been gathered about how to recruit and retain participants in RCTs. These authors argue that RCTs for AN should not be initiated until more is known about how to recruit and retain this population. Participant recruitment in RCTs is an important yet often overlooked component of study design, perhaps in part due to the low base rate for AN and few published RCTs for this population. Successful recruitment procedures are often based upon anecdotal evidence from previous studies involving similar populations.2 These methods for designing recruitment procedures are not always effective when applied to studies with differing designs and differing populations. Gowers and colleagues3 published an early report on the complexities associated with recruiting participants for a RCT comparing inpatient and outpatient treatments for AN despite a busy inpatient service. These authors encountered a range of both practical and ethical challenges in accomplishing their recruitment goals. In addition, McDermott and her colleagues4 analyzed recruitment rates for three separate RCTs: a study recruiting women partially recovered from AN and two studies recruiting women with current bulimia nervosa (BN). This report finds that recruitment of women partially recovered from AN is a difficult task that requires widespread and intensive recruitment efforts over multiple sites and over a lengthy time-course. By contrast, recruitment of adult women with BN seemed a more achievable goal. In Halmi and colleagues’1 multi-site RCT of adult women with AN, recruitment as well as retention of participants were such significant struggle that the authors decided that they should not analyze their data. Data about participant recruitment in adolescent eating disorders, while limited in scope and scale, are somewhat more promising. Recruitment rates appeared to be reasonable in recently published RCTs.5-7 Retention rates in these adolescent treatment studies were satisfactory with dropout ranging between 10-25%. One of these studies8 detailed their recruitment efforts for adolescents with BN to a treatment trial, which is in accordance with findings that adult BN patients can be recruited consistently and successfully to treatment trials.4 The current report is the second paper in the literature to analyze recruitment rates in an eating disorder treatment trial for adolescents. It draws from our earlier work8 and aims to investigate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining adolescents with AN for an RCT that was conducted at The University of Chicago and Stanford University from April 2005 to March 2009.
872 DECREASED RED CELL DEFORMABILITY (RCD) IN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Haemophilus influenzae meningitis has been associated with anemia. Although the mechanism of this anemia has not been investigated, accelerated red cell destruction has been assumed because of the rapid decrease in hemoglobin in the absence of bleeding. To further define this pathophysiology, the RCD of patients with meningitis was studied by measuring the filtration time of washed red cells through polycarbonate filters. Eleven patients with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, 3 with meningococcal meningitis, 9 with aseptic meningitis and 30 normal children were studied. The filtration time of the Haemophilus influenzae meningitis group (81.2 ± 96.1 secs) was significantly prolonged (P < 0.01) compared to the aseptic group (24.7 ± 6.4) and a group of normals (24.1 ± 5.3). The 3 children with meningococcal meningitis had filtration times of 73.5, 18.7 and 34.9 secs. Only 3 of 11 Haemophilus influenzae meningitis subjects fell within the normal range. Nine of 14 patients with bacterial meningitis were anemic versus 1/9 in the aseptic group. This study demonstrates that RCD is significantly diminished in children with bacterial meningitis. This decreased deformability may result in a diminished red cell survival and account for the postulated hemolytic anemia associated with this illness. The mechanism by which the RCD is altered remains to be elucidated.
Differential regulation of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase expression by glucocorticoids and acidification in LLC-PK1-GR101 cells

Acidosis and glucocorticoids (GC) are two catabolic signals associated with chronic renal disease. Previously, we reported that these signals stimulate branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) oxidation in...
Bioaccumulation and voltammetric behavior of gold at alga-containing carbon paste electrodes

Abstract The collection and voltammetry of gold(III) at carbon paste electrodes modified with the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa are explored. This surface modifier possesses a high binding capacity for gold compared to other species of algae. Tetrachloroaurate(III) is thus bioaccumulated on the electrode surface, under open-circuit conditions, and the electrode is transferred to an electrochemical cell for voltammetric measurements. Regeneration of the surface (in a sodium cyanide solution) allows use of a single electrode in multiple analytical determinations. Comparison with solution-phase spectroscopic observations offers better understanding of the gold collection process. Only a small fraction of the surface-bound gold is electroactive. Parametric experiments, including the effects of paste composition, solution pH, accumulation time, or gold(III) concentration are reported.
Topiramate reduces ethanol consumption by C57BL/6 mice.

Background: Previous reports indicate that topiramate (TPM) might be an effective treatment for alcohol dependence, perhaps due to a decrease alcohol's rewarding effects resulting from inhibition mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) release. Additional reports indicate that TPM antagonizes chronic changes induced by alcohol at the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) and kainate receptors. In the present study, a C57BL/6 (B6) murine model (n = 40) was used to evaluate the effect of TPM on the consumption of 12% alcohol over a 21-h period. Methods: TPM (0, 10, 30, 90 mg/kg) injected subcutaneously into B6 mice 60 min prior to access to a 12% ethanol solution (v/v) over 8 days produced dose-responsive reduction in consumption during the first 2-h period after injection. Results: Across the 8 days of treatment ethanol intake (g/kg) for SAL, T10, T30, and T90, respectively, was 1.34, 1.03, 0.72, and 0.67. This reduction appears to require systemically available TPM since it was not statistically supported when assessed over the entire 21-h period of ethanol availability. None of the TPM doses affected food consumption or body weight, and T90 dose did not reduce motor activity either by itself or in combination with ethanol. Conclusions: Unlike previous experiments using the same B6 mouse model to assess naltrexone or tiagabine, there was no evidence that mice developed tolerance to the TPM-induced reductions in ethanol consumption. Thus, in the B6 mouse, TPM reduced ethanol intake at doses with no readily apparent adverse side effects, an effect consistent with recent clinical reports. Additional study will be directed toward characterizing TPM as a treatment for alcohol dependence. Synapse 61:150–156, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Giant magnetoelectric coupling in laminate thin film structure grown on magnetostrictive substrate

Highly dense 1 μm-thick piezoelectric film was deposited on magnetostrictive substrate [platinized nickel-zinc ferrite (NZF)]. A strong magnetic coupling between the piezoelectric film and magnetostrictive NZF substrate was measured exhibiting the maximum magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient on the order of 140 mV/cm Oe at the conditions of HDC = 50 Oe and HAC = 1 Oe at f = 1 kHz. This giant ME coupling under low DC magnetic field condition is attributed to effective elastic coupling. A rotation-type dynamic strain distribution was observed on the PZT film surface which provides information about the nature of elastic coupling.
Expressed emotion as a predictor of outcome among bipolar patients undergoing family therapy

Abstract Background : Levels of expressed emotion (EE) in relatives are consistent predictors of relapse among bipolar and other mood disordered patients followed naturalistically. However, few studies have examined whether levels of EE predict the course of illness for patients engaged in psychosocial interventions. Methods : This study examined whether EE levels among caregivers moderated the success of family-based psychosocial interventions for patients with bipolar disorder. EE was examined as a predictor of symptomatic outcome in two groups: (1) bipolar patients receiving family-focused psychoeducational treatment (FFT) or integrated family and individual treatment (IFIT), and (2) bipolar patients receiving crisis management (CM), a less intensive intervention designed to emulate community care. Bipolar patients ( N =125) began the study in an acute illness episode, were stabilized on standard pharmacotherapy regimens, and followed for up to 2 years. Results : Family EE status was not associated with time to relapse in either group. However, patients with high EE relatives reported higher levels of depression over the 2-year term of follow-up, regardless of treatment condition. An examination of the dimensions of EE (critical comments and emotional overinvolvement) indicated that a higher frequency of critical comments predicted higher levels of mania and depression at follow-up. Additionally, the association between EE criticism and levels of mania symptoms was stronger among patients in CM than among patients in family treatment. Limitations : The participants were recruited from two separate treatment protocols. Patients in the IFIT protocol were not randomly assigned to treatments. Conclusions : EE is a predictor of symptom severity among bipolar patients undergoing pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, but family intervention may mitigate this association.
Secondary temperature fluctuation in cracked 1020 steel specimen loaded monotonically

Abstract The thermal fluctuation in a compact tension specimen made of 1020 steel is monitored as it is loaded monotonically at a constant rate of 0.02 in/min. Cooling prevailed in a region near the crack tip for approximately three and one-half minutes before the local temperature rose above that of the ambient condition. Such a cooling/heating phenomenon has also been observed previously in other materials, either metallic or nonmetallic. What was unexpected is a secondary temperature fluctuation even though the load on the specimen kept increasing. This is a measurable and predictable phenomenon from the energy density theory. It is inherently associated with the change of order and/or disorder in the system that undergoes damage in an irreversible manner. Such a behavior is exhibited by the H -function that serves as a measure of the order or disorder in a physical process. Experimental data and analytical predictions are presented to confirm the phenomenon of secondary temperature fluctuation in a cracked specimen.
An Empirical Theory of the Serial-Position Effect

(1962). An Empirical Theory of the Serial-Position Effect. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 53, No. 1, pp. 127-142.
Resistance to nitroprusside neurotoxicity in perinatal rat brain

Nitric oxide (NO) may mediate some of the toxic effects of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) glutamate when there is overactivation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In the developing rodent nervous system, NMDA neurotoxicity peaks at postnatal day 7. To assess whether NO toxicity exhibits a similar developmental profile, we injected the NO generator sodium nitroprusside into the immature and adult rodent hippocampal formation and striatum, using a dose known to damage the adult nervous system. Contrary to our expectations, we found the immature brain highly resistant to the toxic effects of sodium nitroprusside.
T-cell effector pathways in allergic diseases: transcriptional mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Originally interpreted within the framework of a binary T H 1/T H 2 paradigm, our knowledge of the pathogenesis of atopic diseases has broadened to incorporate the contribution of T regulatory cells and the newly described proinflammatory T H 17 cell lineage. The commitment of peripheral T-cell clones to undergo differentiation into one of those lineages is shaped by self-reinforcing transcriptional circuitries that center on key transcriptional regulators: T-box expressed in T cells (T H 1), GATA-3 (T H 2), forkhead box p3 (T regulatory cells), and retinoid-related orphan receptor γτ/retinoid-related orphan receptor α (T H 17). These circuits function both to establish the respective lineage phenotype and to enable epigenetic changes that maintain those phenotypes long-term. This evolving view of how signaling and transcriptional networks generate effector T-cell responses suggests novel therapeutic approaches to reprogram effector T-cell lineage commitment in allergic diseases in favor of tolerance induction.
Observation of large deviations from the Bethe-Bloch formula for relativistic uranium ions

By measuring the range deficit of 955-MeV/u /sup 238/U ions in copper, the authors have identified very large deviations of the stopping power from the standard Bethe-Bloch formula. They show that this discrepancy can be accounted for by higher-order terms in the Mott cross section and by the relativistic Bloch correction. The significance of this result with regard to two high-energy astrophysics experiments is discussed.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of the Lyme disease vaccine.

Objective A vaccine for Lyme disease was approved in 1998 for use in the US. Given the high cost of the vaccine, the low risk of Lyme disease in many areas, and the largely curable nature of the disease, the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine in various risk groups is uncertain. This study was undertaken to examine the cost-effectiveness of the Lyme disease vaccine and the factors that influence its cost-effectiveness. Methods We constructed a Markov decision-analysis model to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Lyme disease vaccine in populations at various levels of risk for the disease. The probabilities of clinical events and costs were estimated from reports in the literature. Sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of potential variations of parameters on model results. Results At the average national incidence of Lyme disease (0.0067%), the incremental cost-effectiveness of vaccination was ∼$1,600,000 per case averted when a yearly booster was given for 10 years after the standard initial vaccination regimen of 3 inoculations at 0, 1, and 12 months. For populations with an annual Lyme disease incidence of 1% (the incidence in several well-defined geographical areas of the US), the incremental cost-effectiveness was ∼$9,900 per case averted. Disease incidence had to exceed 10% before vaccination with yearly boosters became both more effective and more cost saving than no vaccination. Conclusion The Lyme disease vaccine is cost-effective only for individuals who live in areas where Lyme disease is endemic and who are frequently exposed to ticks.
Biofilm Dispersal: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Potential Therapeutic Uses

Like all sessile organisms, surface-attached communities of bacteria known as biofilms must release and disperse cells into the environment to colonize new sites. For many pathogenic bacteria, biofilm dispersal plays an important role in the transmission of bacteria from environmental reservoirs to human hosts, in horizontal and vertical cross-host transmission, and in the exacerbation and spread of infection within a host. The molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilm dispersal are only beginning to be elucidated. Biofilm dispersal is a promising area of research that may lead to the development of novel agents that inhibit biofilm formation or promote biofilm cell detachment. Such agents may be useful for the prevention and treatment of biofilms in a variety of industrial and clinical settings. This review describes the current status of research on biofilm dispersal, with an emphasis on studies aimed to characterize dispersal mechanisms, and to identify environmental cues and inter- and intracellular signals that regulate the dispersal process. The clinical implications of biofilm dispersal and the potential therapeutic applications of some of the most recent findings will also be discussed.
Erythropoietin Depresses Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression by Human Endothelial Cells

We have recently shown that erythropoietin (EPO)-induced hypertension is unrelated to the rise in hematocrit and is marked by elevated cytosolic [Ca+2] and nitric oxide (NO) resistance. The present study was done to determine the effect of EPO on NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression by endothelial cells. Human coronary artery endothelial cells were cultured to subconfluence and then were incubated for 24 hours in the presence of either EPO (0, 5, and 20 U/mL) alone or EPO plus the calcium channel blocker felodipine. The experiments were carried out with quiescent (0.5% FCS) and proliferating (5% FCS) cells. Total nitrate and nitrite, eNOS protein, DNA synthesis (thymidine incorporation), and cell proliferation (cell count) were determined. In addition, NO production in response to acetylcholine stimulation was tested. EPO resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of basal and acetylcholine-stimulated NO production and eNOS protein expression and also led to a significant dose-dependent stimulation of DNA synthesis in endothelial cells. The inhibitory effects of EPO on NO production and eNOS expression were reversed by felodipine. Thus, EPO downregulates basal and acetylcholine-stimulated NO production, depresses eNOS expression, and stimulates proliferation in isolated human endothelial cells. The suppressive effects of EPO on NO production and on eNOS expression are reversed by calcium channel blockade.
Elastic instability in alpha -quartz under pressure.

The elastic properties of \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz are studied as a function of pressure using both a classical interatomic potential, and a first-principles pseudopotential approach. In both cases, we find that the structure becomes mechanically unstable at about 30 GPa. Our results suggest that the amorphization of quartz observed experimentally in this pressure range is triggered by the onset of a lattice shear instability. We analyze the microscopic origin of the elastic softening, and relate to the presence of an oxygen close-packed cubic arrangement in the quartz high-pressure structure. A change in the Si coordination is found to be intimately related to the shear instability.
The Factor Structure of Level I: Life Styles Inventory

Level I: Life Styles Inventory is a personal assessment instrument which has been used as a diagnostic tool in various programs for organizational change and individual development. The inventory m...
Photon localization laser: low-threshold lasing in a random amplifying layered medium via wave localization

We demonstrate low-threshold lasing in random amplifying layered medium via photon localization. Lasing is facilitated by resonant excitation of localized modes at the pump laser wavelength, which are peaked deep within the sample with greatly enhanced intensity. Emission occurs into long-lived localized modes overlapping the localized gain region. This mechanism overcomes a fundamental barrier to reducing lasing thresholds in diffusive random lasers, in which multiple scattering restricts the excitation region to the proximity of the sample surface.
A Combinatorial Library for the Binuclear Metal Center of Bacterial Phosphotriesterase

Phosphotriesterase (PTE) is a zinc metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydro- lysis of an extensive array of organophosphate pesticides and mammalian acetylcholinester- ase nerve agents. Although the three-dimen- sional crystal structure of PTE has been solved (M. M. Benning et al., Biochemistry 34:7973- 7978, 1995), the precise functions of the indi- vidual amino acid residues that interact di- rectly with the substrate at the active site are largely unknown. To construct mutants of PTE with altered specificities for particular target substrates, a simple methodology for generat- ing a library of mutants at specific sites was developed. In this investigation, four of the six protein ligands to the binuclear metal site (His-55, His-57, His-201, and His-230) were tar- geted for further characterization and investi- gation. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols, a library of modified PTE genes was generated by simultaneously creat- ing random combinations of histidine and cys- teine codons at these four positions. The 16 possible DNA sequences were isolated and con- firmed by dideoxy-DNA sequencing. The 16 mutant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and grown with the presence or absence of 1 mM CoCl2, ZnSO4, or CdSO4 in the growth medium. When grown in the presence of CoCl2, the H57C protein cell lysate showed greater activity for the hydrolysis of paraoxon than the wild type PTE cell lysate. H201C and H230C exhibited up to 15% of the wild-type activity, while H55C, a green protein, was inactive un- der all assay conditions. All other mutants had F10 25 of wild-type activity. None of the puri- fied mutants that exhibited catalytic activity had a significantly altered Km for paraoxon. Proteins 29:553-561, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Catalytic activity of cobalt deposited on nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) films

Abstract Nanostructured and planar films of poly( p -xylylene) (PPX) are fabricated by an oblique angle polymerization method and coated with cobalt using electroless deposition. The catalytic activity of cobalt coated on the nanostructured and planar PPX films is studied by measuring the rate of hydrogen evolution by the hydrolysis of alkaline-stabilized sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) solution. The hydrogen release rate data show an asymptotic increase for the structured PPX film as a function of the electroless bath time, but the planar PPX films show a lower catalytic activity due to the inefficiency of cobalt deposition. The hydrogen release rate of the cobalt-coated nanostructured PPX film shows a rate between 2000 and 4250 mL(g min) −1 (i.e., rate of hydrogen gas per cobalt mass at room temperature and pressure), which is comparable to the values obtained on platinum, and ruthenium systems.