cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of the lux operon distinguishes two evolutionarily distinct clades of Photobacterium leiognathi

The luminous marine bacterium Photobacterium mandapamensis was synonymized several years ago with Photobacterium leiognathi based on a high degree of phenotypic and genetic similarity. To test the possibility that P. leiognathi as now formulated, however, actually contains two distinct bacterial groups reflecting the earlier identification of P. mandapamensis and P. leiognathi as separate species, we compared P. leiognathi strains isolated from light-organ symbiosis with leiognathid fishes (i.e., ATCC 25521T, ATCC 25587, lequu.1.1 and lleuc.1.1) with strains from seawater originally described as P. mandapamensis and later synonymized as P. leiognathi (i.e., ATCC 27561T and ATCC 33981) and certain strains initially identified as P. leiognathi (i.e., PL-721, PL-741, 554). Analysis of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes did not resolve distinct clades, affirming a close relationship among these strains. However, strains ATCC 27561T, ATCC 33981, PL-721, PL-741 and 554 were found to bear a luxF gene in the lux operon (luxABFE), whereas ATCC 25521T, ATCC 25587, lequu.1.1 and lleuc.1.1 lack this gene (luxABE). Phylogenetic analysis of the luxAB(F)E region confirmed this distinction. Furthermore, ATCC 27561T, ATCC 33981, PL-721, PL-741 and 554 all produced a higher level of luminescence on high-salt medium, as previously described for PL-721, whereas ATCC 25521T, ATCC 25587, lequu.1.1 and lleuc.1.1 all produced a higher level of luminescence on low-salt medium, a characteristic of P. leiognathi from leiognathid fish light organs. These results demonstrate that P. leiognathi contains two evolutionarily and phenotypically distinct clades, P. leiognathi subsp. leiognathi (strains ATCC 25521T, ATCC 25587, lequu.1.1 and lleuc.1.1), and P. leiognathi subsp. mandapamensis (strains ATCC 27561T, ATCC 33981, PL-721, PL-741 and 554).
Alcohol self-control behaviors of adolescents.

Abstract Purpose The aims of the present study were to: (1) factor analyze a 13-item adolescent alcohol self-control behavior scale, (2) examine associations between frequency of self-control behavior use and alcohol consumption, and (3) to determine which self-control behaviors best predict alcohol use and consequences. Methods A confidential standardized survey was used to collect data on participant's 30-day frequency, quantity, and heavy use of alcohol; alcohol-related consequences; and alcohol self-control behaviors. Results A principal component factor analysis produced the following three components: Healthy Alternatives ( α = .81), Self-regulation ( α = .72), and Assertive Communication ( α = .73). MANOVAs indicated strong associations between frequency of use of the three types of self-control behaviors and alcohol consumption ( p values ≤ .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that Self-regulation behaviors were the best predictor for all alcohol use measures and consequences ( p values ≤ .001). Conclusion Self-control behaviors differ in their ability to predict alcohol use and consequences. Self-regulation strategies emerged as the most consistent predictor of alcohol use patterns and consequences among adolescents, followed by Healthy Alternatives.
Thyristor controlled susceptances for balancing compensators operated under nonsinusoidal conditions

The RMS value of the unbalanced and reactive currents in three-phase unbalanced power systems can be reduced with a balancing compensator that has an adaptive property. Circuits that provide a controllable susceptance are the main components of these compensators. They can be built from thyristors, switched inductors and reactive elements. The susceptance of such circuits is referred to as 'thyristor controlled susceptance' (TCS) in the paper. The harmonic currents generated by switched thyristors and injected into the supply cause a waveform distortion, however. They have to be often operated, moreover, at distorted supply voltage, and a resonance with the system inductance may occur for harmonic frequencies. As a consequence, the load balancing and power factor improvement are obtained at the expense of an increase in waveform distortion. This distortion can be reduced if the structure of the circuit that provides the TCS is properly selected. In this paper, various circuits that can provide the TCS are analysed and compared with respect to generated harmonic currents and frequency properties.
New Animal Models for Parkinson's Disease

These models are quite persuasive in implicating α-syn in the pathogenesis of PD. Due to the timing of α-syn inclusion formation in the fly, the process and/or formation of α-syn inclusions appear to be the cause of DA neuron cell death. The mouse model also teaches us that α-syn accumulation without the formation of fibrils leads to DA neuron dysfunction. α-syn inclusions are not restricted to DA neurons and yet none of these other neuronal subtypes show obvious degeneration. As yet, neither model yields any specific clues on how α-syn selectively injures or kills DA neurons. In particular, questions regarding the role of α-syn fibrils, protofibrils, oligomers, pale bodies, Lewy bodies, ubiquitination, and α-syn-interacting proteins in DA neuron cell death remain. Furthermore, the relationship and timing of oxidative stress and decrements in mitochondrial complex 1 to α-syn aggregation in sporadic PD remain to be shown. Whether microglia participate in α-syn-mediated DA neuron death is not known. However, the fly and mouse models should prove enormously useful in clarifying these complex issues. Suppressor and modifier screens in the fly could also identify important pathways involved in α-syn toxicity, which could be exploited for novel therapeutics in the treatment of PD.*E-mail: tdawson@jhmi.edu
Downmodulation of TGF‐α protein expression with antisense oligonucleotides inhibits proliferation of head and neck squamous carcinoma but not normal mucosal epithelial cells

Interruption of an autocrine growth pathway involving TGF-alpha and EGFR may inhibit tumor growth and improve survival in head and neck cancer patients. We previously demonstrated that biopsy specimens and established cell lines from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) overexpress TGF-alpha and its receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Protein localization studies showed that TGF-alpha and EGFR are produced by the same epithelial cells in tissues from head and neck cancer patients further supporting a role for this ligand-receptor pair in an autocrine growth pathway. To confirm that TGF-alpha contributes to autocrine growth, we examined the effect of down regulation of TGF-alpha protein on SCCHN cell proliferation. Treatment of 6 SCCHN cell lines with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting the translation start site of human TGF-alpha mRNA decreased TGF-alpha protein production by up to 93% and reduced cell proliferation by a mean of 76.2% compared to a 9.7% reduction with sense oligonucleotide (range P = 0.036-0.0001). TGF-alpha antisense oligonucleotide exposure also decreased TGF-alpha protein levels in normal oropharyngeal mucosal epithelial cells, however their growth rate was not affected. These findings indicate that TGF-alpha is participating in an autocrine signaling pathway in transformed, but not in normal mucosal epithelial cells, that promotes proliferation.
One-dimensional crystals of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase dimers.

Abstract Preparations of purified ( Na + + K + )- ATPase contain both fragments of membranes and long and undulating cylindrical structures. These structures have been described as edgeways of membrane fragments. We have analyzed these structures using negative staining, thin sectioning and freeze-fracture-etch electron microscopy and describe their structure for the first time. Each cylinder is 12–19 nm in width and is comprised of an unstained core from which rows of distinct particles spaced 5–6 nm apart project on both sides. Each cylindrical structure was interpreted as a linear polymer of (αβ)2 dimers of ( Na + + K + )- ATPase molecules. Therefore, the particles that project from both sides are the cytoplasmic domains of the molecules of the enzyme, whereas the membrane-spanning domains form the unstained core of the cylinder. From considerations of the packing of the dimers in the cylinder we conclude that the cross-sectional area of the cytoplasmic domain should be larger than that of the membrane-spanning domain. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the (αβ) protomer is the native state of the enzyme. The (αβ)2 dimers observed in the fractions are the result of a secondary aggregation process occurring during the purification procedure.
Accurate energies for the low-lying levels of singly ionized 198Hg.

A 3.34-m plane-grating spectrograph has been used to measure the wavelengths of 11 lines of singly ionized $^{198}\mathrm{Hg}$ emitted by an electrodeless discharge lamp in the region 1942--7944 A\r{}. The uncertainty varies from \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0003 to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0015 A\r{}. From these wavelengths, accurate values were determined for all levels of the 5${d}^{10}$6s, 6p, 6d, 7s, 7p, and 5${d}^{9}$6${s}^{2}$ configurations and for four levels of the 5${d}^{9}$6s6p configuration. By using existing isotope-shift data, values of wavelengths and energy levels for natural Hg ii were deduced. Accurate values for 12 lines of Hg ii in the region 893--2026 A\r{} were calculated from the energy levels.
Changes in body composition in patients with severe lipodystrophy after leptin replacement therapy.

Abstract Leptin, an adipocyte hormone, when replaced in patients with lipodystrophy, improves insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. Changes in body composition accompany this metabolic improvement. We studied 14 patients (3 men and 11 women); 12 of who had generalized lipodystrophy (7 congenital, 5 acquired), and 2 patients had partial lipodystrophy. Body composition and related parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 4 and 12 months of leptin therapy. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was 21.7 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 , the percent body fat was 9.5% ± 1.6%, and the serum leptin level was 1.7 ± 0.3 ng/mL. On treatment, serum leptin levels increased by 10-fold. All patients reported a decrease in appetite on therapy. After 4 months, both daily caloric intake and resting energy expenditure (REE) decreased. The liver volume decreased (baseline = 3,055 ± 281 cm 3 ; 4 months=2,433 ± 243 cm 3 , P = .006). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) demonstrated significant decreases in fat mass (5.4 ± 0.8 kg to 5.0 ± 0.8 kg; P = .003) and lean body mass (51.2 ± 3.2 kg to 48.3 ± 3.4 kg; P = .003) at 4 months on therapy. There was no impact of leptin therapy on bone mineral content, mineral density, and metabolism. Changes in body composition occurred during the first 4 months of leptin therapy, but then stabilized and were sustained thereafter.
Tile spacing impacts on Zea mays L. yield and drainage water nitrate load

Abstract The nitrogen (N) load to surface water introduced by subsurface tile drains is a function of soluble N concentration and drainflow volume. A 6-year study characterized the impact of tile spacing on the inter-related factors of monoculture corn yield, N concentration in drainage water, and total drainage water mass N loss for a poorly drained Mollisol. Tile drains were installed at spacings of 10, 20, and 30 m. Yields and grain N were quantified as a function of lateral distance from the tile. Drainflow was monitored continuously with nitrate (NO3-N) measured in daily, flow proportional aliquots. A 20 m tile spacing (20 m TS) maximized crop yield (7933 kg ha−1) and N accumulation in grain (109 kg ha−1) with slightly lower yields ( 15 mg L−1 for >40 m3 ha−1 day−1). For 20 m TS, the slope of the log–log relationship between daily NO3-N load and flow volume was >1 in 4 of 6 years, and results from all treatments suggest that significant dilutions of drainage water concentrations with large or prolonged flushing events does not occur. The magnitude of daily and seasonal flow variations far exceeded that of NO3-N concentration making discharge the more dominant factor in determining temporal variation in N export.
Accuracy of physical activity assessment during pregnancy: an observational study

Prenatal physical activity may improve maternal and infant health and lower future disease risk for both mother and baby; however, very few physical activity assessment methods have been validated for use during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a subjective physical activity record (PAR) and an objective activity monitor, against a reference standard to quantify moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in pregnant women. The reference standard was based on participant interviews to determine if a woman was an exerciser and confirmed with information obtained from the PAR and a heart rate monitor. Fifty-two pregnant women completed a physical activity record (PAR) and wore a SenseWear® Mini Armband (SWA) activity monitor over a 7-day period at 18 weeks gestation. Total minutes spent in MVPA were totaled from both modalities and evaluated against the reference standard using contingency analysis and Pearson's chi-square test to evaluate the number of women meeting minimum prenatal physical activity recommendations (at least 3, 30 minute sessions of exercise per week). Both modalities were also tested individually and collectively to assess their ability as indicators of activity using empirically determined cut-offs as indicated by receiver-operator characteristic curves. These experimentally-derived criteria were also tested with Pearson's chi-square test. According to the reference standard, 13 of 52 participants (25%) met the criterion of 3, 30 minute sessions of volitional, moderate-intensity activity. When compared to the reference standard, both the PAR and SWA overestimated exercise status; 42 (81%) and 52 (100%) participants, respectively, achieved 90 minutes of MVPA (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Single-modality predictors of MVPA did not show a significant correlation. A composite predictor of MVPA offered the most favorable option for sensitivity and specificity (true positives, n = 8 and true negatives, n = 36) using cut-offs of 280 and 385 minutes/week for the PAR and SWA, respectively. Compared to the reference standard, time spent in MVPA obtained from the PAR or SWA overestimated the prevalence of women meeting prenatal exercise recommendations. The most accurate predictor of women meeting current prenatal exercise guidelines was identified by using the PAR and SWA collectively.
A collapsible tow net used for sampling arthropods by airplane.

A cost-efficient, easy-to-use tow net for use on a high-wing monoplane was developed. Nets are deployed and retrieved while in flight. A 0.37-m2 net can be used by virtue of a rigging system that allows the net to collapse upon retrieval. Net design and sampling efficiency of the net are described.
Stages of Change in Smoking Cessation: A Comparison of Expectancies Among Precontemplators and Contemplators

Previous research has shown that smokers progress through a series of stages of change as they attempt to quit their habit. This study evaluated smokers in the precontemplation and contemplation stages in order to explore how we can effectively facilitate positive stage transition. Precontemplators (n = 71) and contemplators (n = 30) were compared in terms of two types of expectancies: self-efficacy beliefs and response outcome expectancies. Stage of change was defined according to both categorical and continuous dimensions, each of which led to different results. The findings are discussed in terms of their potential applications to smoking cessation programs and their implications regarding the stage model of change.
Internal tandem duplication of Flt3 modulates chemotaxis and survival of hematopoietic cells by SDF1α but negatively regulates marrow homing in vivo

Objective We have previously shown that Flt3 ligand (FL)/Flt3 signaling regulates hematopoietic cell migration by modulating the SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway. Herein, we evaluated whether a functional interaction between SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling and internal tandem duplication (ITD) of Flt3 regulates aberrant hematopoietic survival. We also investigated molecular mechanisms responsible for enhanced migration to SDF1α as a result of ITD-Flt3 expression and whether ITD-Flt3 regulates hematopoietic cell trafficking. Methods Hematopoietic progenitor cell survival was determined using marrow cells retrovirally expressing ITD-Flt3 and stimulated with SDF1α. Migration, to SDF1α adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and in vivo homing were determined using Ba/F3 cells expressing ITD-Flt3 and transfected with dominant negative (DN) H-Ras. Results Addition of SDF1α significantly increased growth factor-independent proliferation of colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage induced by ITD-Flt3. Although a negative gradient of SDF1α inhibited migration regardless of the stimulation, a positive gradient of FL or ITD-Flt3 significantly increased cell migration even in the presence of a negative SDF1α gradient. Enhanced migration induced by ITD-Flt3 was inhibited by DN-H-Ras, whereas overexpression of a constitutive active form of H-Ras in wild-type Flt3-Ba/F3 cells significantly elevated migration to SDF1α. Despite enhanced migration to SDF1α, preincubation with FL or ITD-Flt3 overexpression significantly reduced homing of primary mouse bone marrow cells or Ba/F3 cells to bone marrow that was associated with significant reduction in adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and VLA4 expression. Conclusion Our results suggest that functional interactions between Flt3 and SDF1α/CXCR4 regulate oncogenic proliferation and migration of hematopoietic cells, which is mediated by Ras, and that Flt3 signaling regulates hematopoietic cell trafficking in vivo.
Isotope Effects on the Morphology of Fully Deuterated Bacteriophage T 2

CONSIDERABLE changes in the isotopic composition of living organisms may result in gross changes in the structure of cells and organelles1. The morphological changes attendant on isotopic substitution have a special interest, because the isotopically altered organisms are viable and biologically competent; and, as a consequence, correlations between structure and function become possible. Thus, for example, the chloroplasts of fully deuterated green algae2 are observed under the electron microscope to be markedly different from those of the prototype organism although the deuterated algae are fully capable of photosynthesis. Because deuterated bacteriophage have been found useful in genetic3 and biochemical4 investigations, we have now fully examined deuterated phage by electron microscopy to determine the morphological consequences of deuteration on a virus.
The Acute Care for Elders Unit: Taking the Rehabilitation Model into the Hospital Setting

Older Americans are living longer than ever before. Those over the age of 65 years account for almost 13% of the population and one third of all hospitalizations. Older adults are much more likely than younger adults to develop complications during hospitalization. With the increasing number of older adults at higher risk of hospitalization, it is more important than ever to study and develop ways to minimize the cascade of dependency that can occur during hospitalization. The Acute Care for Elders unit model has been shown to improve the processes of hospital care, discharge outcomes, and the prevention of functional limitations for the acutely ill older adult.
Analysis and Commentary

These articles are an excellent representation of the progress that has been made during the last 25 years in understanding the evaluation and treatment of fluency disorders in children. The author...
Differentiating chloride susceptibility in soybean cultivars

Fertilization with KCl can induce a Cl toxicity that decreases the yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The objective of this study was to see if Cl toxicity can be avoided by selecting cultivars that take up less Cl from the soil. Sixty soybean cultivars, 12 each from Maturity Groups II, III, IV, V, and VI were grown on a Mexico silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udollic Ochraqualf) without added Cl or with 673 kg Cl ha −1 added as CaCl 2 . The addition of Cl increased the mean Cl concentration of all cultivars from 1.5 to 18.8 g Cl kg −1 at 15 d and from 0.4 to 1.3 g Cl kg −1 at 80 d. All 36 cultivars from MG, II, III, and IV, along with 5 cultivar from MG V and VI, had significantly higher concentrations of Cl in leaves than did 19 cultivars from MG V and VI [...]
Inhibition of pyruvate carboxylation in alligators and chameleons by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Abstract 1. 1. Injection of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors into live chameleons and alligators (a) prevented the hyperglycemia normally observed after work-induced glycolysis, (b) inhibited restoration of muscle glycogen, as evidenced by a smaller than normal increase in blood lactate in both species and in O 2 consumption in alligators following a second bout of exercise, (c) inhibited restoration of liver glycogen in chameleons after a second work period, and (d) completely blocked the normal hepatic synthesis of aspartate, serine, glutamine, and glutamate from pyruvate in chameleons, while having no inhibitory effect on liver synthesis of alanine from pyruvate. 2. 2. The glucose, lactate, and glycogen studies indicated a block in gluconeogenesis, and the amino acid studies pointed to the carboxylation of pyruvate as the inhibited step. 3. 3. The role of carbonic anhydrase may be to supply bicarbonate ion, the required substrate in the pyruvate carboxylase reaction.
Cytochrome P-450--catalyzed formation of delta 4-VPA, a toxic metabolite of valproic acid

Liver damage induced by the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) is believed to be mediated by an unsaturated metabolite of the drug, delta 4-VPA. In studies of the biological origin of this hepatotoxic compound, it was found that liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats catalyzed the desaturation of VPA to delta 4-VPA. Indirect evidence suggested that cytochrome P-450 was the responsible enzyme, a conclusion that was verified by studies with a purified and reconstituted form of the hemoprotein, which catalyzed the oxidation of VPA to 4- and 5-hydroxyvalproic acid and to delta 4-VPA. Desaturation of a nonactivated alkyl substituent represents a novel metabolic function of cytochrome P-450 and probably proceeds via the conversion of substrate to a transient free radical intermediate, which partitions between recombination (alcohol formation) and elimination (olefin production) pathways. These findings have broad implications with respect to the metabolic generation of olefins and may explain the increased hepatotoxic potential of VPA when it is administered in combination with potent enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital.
Elasmobranch hemoglobins: dimerization and polymerization in various species.

Abstract 1. 1. Electrophoretic studies of hemolysates from fourteen species of elasmobranchs revealed multiple components in all species. Many species showed numerous hemoglobin phenotypes indicative of a high degree of polymorphism. 2. 2. Gel filtration experiments revealed the presence of polymeric hemoglobins in many hemolysates. Oxidation of hemoglobins with ferricyanide promoted the polymerization of hemoglobin tetramers to octamers and larger aggregates. Reduction of polymer with mercaptoethanol dissociated most polymer aggregates. Reaction of available sulfhydryl groups in freshly prepared hemolysates with iodoacetic acid prevented polymerization and showed that most polymer formation occurs in vitro . 3. 3. Hemoglobins from adult spiny dogfish sharks, Squalus acanthias , are dimeric molecules which aggregate to tetramers upon deoxygenation. Hemoglobins from pups behave similarly, but unlike adult hemoglobins they will not form disulfide-bridged polymers. 4. 4.Most globin chains from elasmobranch hemolysates have molecular weights near 16,000. However, a minor component in hemolysates from the bullnose ray, Myliobatis freminvillei , appears to contain a chain with a molecular weight near 26,000.
Ultrasound-guided ablation system for laparoscopic liver surgery

This work describes the design and implementation of a system for liver tumor ablation guided by ultrasound. Features of the system include spatially registered ultrasound visualization, ultrasound volume reconstruction, and interactive targeting. Early results with phantom experiments indicate a targeting accuracy of 5-10mm. The system serves as a foundation for further clinical studies and applications of image-guided therapy to liver procedures.
Competitiveness for the niche and mutual dependence of the germline and somatic stem cells in the Drosophila testis are regulated by the JAK/STAT signaling

In many tissues, two or more types of stem cells share a niche, and how the stem cells coordinate their self-renewal and differentiation is poorly understood. In the Drosophila testis, germ line stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst progenitor cells (CPCs) contact each other and share a niche (the hub). The hub expresses a growth factor unpaired (Upd) that activates the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in GSCs to regulate the stem cell self-renewal. Here, we demonstrate that the JAK/STAT signaling also regulates CPCs self-renewal. We also show that a negative regulator, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 36E (SOCS36E), suppresses JAK/STAT signaling in somatic cells, preventing them from out-competing the GSCs. Furthermore, through selectively manipulating the JAK/STAT signaling level in either CPCs or GSCs, we demonstrate that the somatic JAK/STAT signaling is essential for self-renewal and maintenance of both CPCs and GSCs. These data suggest that a single JAK/STAT signal from the niche orchestrate the competitive and dependent co-existence of GSCs and CPCs in the Drosophila testis niche.
Stability constant for the zinc-dithiothreitol complex

Rat liver histidase is competitively inhibited by a variety of compounds that are good complexing agents for Zn+2. Dithiothreitol is a strong competitive inhibitor, but 20 μM Zn+2 completely reverses the inhibitory action of 1.7 mM dithiothreitol. Effectiveness of inhibitors is directly related to the stability constants (Kst) for the corresponding zinc complexes. A plot of KI against log Kst is linear, and was used to estimate log Kst for the zinc-dithiothreitol complex. A value of 10.3 was obtained, indicating that dithiothreitol should not be used in biological systems in which free or accessible Zn+2 is involved. Mercaptoethanol was characterized in the same manner, and log Kst was found to be 5.9 for its complex with zinc.
Treatment of a cluster headache patient in a hyperbaric chamber.

SYNOPSIS A patient with severe cluster headaches was treated in a hyperbaric chamber on two occasions. Her symptoms had been refractory to other treatment modalities including conventional oxygen therapy. On both occasions her pain was promptly relieved while breathing 100% oxygen at two atmospheres of pressure. This is the first known reported case of a cluster headache treated with hyperbaric oxygen. A prospective study is needed to substantiate the efficacy of this treatment modality for cluster headaches.
Testing overidentifying restrictions with inefficient estimators

Abstract This note considers testing overidentifying restrictions with incorrect weights in a generalized method of moments framework. It is shown that the test statistic under a fairly general class of non-optimal weighting matrices can be decomposed asymptotically into the sum of a chi-squared random variable and an additional quadratic form. The decomposition is used to find the distribution of the statistic.
Isotope effect and tT c suppression in d-wave superconductors

We have studied the isotope effect on the superconducting transition temperatureTc ofd-wave pairing instabilities due to antiferromagnetic spin fluctuation exchange. We found that models with conventional coupling toharmonic phonon degrees of freedom and reasonable limits on coupling strength and phonon spectra, give values for the isotope exponentα which are at least one order of magnitude smaller than typical observed values ofα in the cuprates. Models with coupling to non-linear tunneling modes in a stronglyanharmonic multi-well lattice potential and realistic coupling strengths have effectively larger isotopic mass dependences andmay therefore account for the observed magnitudes ofα.
TIGRE prototype gamma-ray balloon instrument

The prototype TIGRE Tracking and Imaging Gamma-Ray Experiment is being prepared for a scientific balloon flight in fall, 2006. TIGRE is a Compton telescope for 0.5-10 MeV gamma rays and a pair telescope for 10-100 MeV gammas. It uses multiple layers of thin silicon strip detectors as both the Compton and pair converter and the charged particle tracker. The event coincidence requirement is completed with arrays of CsI(Tl)-photodiode detectors surrounding the converter/tracker and large Na(Tl)-PMT detectors below. The purpose of this flight is to demonstrate the background suppression capabilities of the TIGRE instrument with Compton recoil electron tracking and the improved angular resolution for pairs with silicon as the converter material. Details of the control and readout of the detectors will be described. Calibration results using laboratory radioisotopes will likewise be presented.
Starving for Support: How Women With Anorexia Receive ‘Thinspiration’ on the Internet

This article provides the definition of anorexia, prevalence of the disorder, and treatment prognosis. Further, although the Internet provides many helpful resources for identifying problematic eating behavior and resources for persons suffering with eating disorders, Web sites exist that are meant to encourage, promote, and sustain anorexic behavior. This article elucidates the harmful practices fostered by “thinspiration” Web sites and provides practical treatment implications inclusive of a relational-cultural framework for mental health professionals working with clients suffering from anorexia who use these sites.
U19052 (ICIAm): a novel leukotriene analog which antagonizes LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4.

Abstract Chemically stable analogs of peptide leukotrienes (LT) have been developed in our laboratories by replacement of the natural triene backbone with a C7H15 substituted aromatic moiety (1). These analogs are potent agonists of airway smooth muscle. Substitution in the peptide region resulted in U19052, an LT receptor antagonist. U19052 antagonized LT-induced contractions of guinea-pig tracheal spirals in a concentration-related manner. The pA2 values versus LTD4 and LTE4 were 6.0 and 5.7, respectively, with slopes which were not significantly different from unity. LTC4-induced contractions were antagonized by U19052 with a pKB of 5.6 obtained either in the absence of presence of L-serine borate. In contrast, carbachol and histamine concentration-response curves were not altered by U19052. LTD4 or LTE4 contractions of isolated guinea-pig ileum were antagonized by U19052 with pKB values of 7.2. The results indicate that potent selective LT antagonists can be developed from stable analogs of leukotrienes. U19052, an example of this series, appears to be as effective in antagonizing LTC4- as well as LTD4- and LTE4-induced contractions in guinea-pig tracheal spirals.
simuPOP: a forward-time population genetics simulation environment

Summary: simuPOP is a forward-time population genetics simulation environment. The core of simuPOP is a scripting language (Python) that provides a large number of objects and functions to manipulate populations, and a mechanism to evolve populations forward in time. Using this R/Splus-like environment, users can create, manipulate and evolve populations interactively, or write a script and run it as a batch file. Owing to its flexible and extensible design, simuPOP can simulate large and complex evolutionary processes with ease. At a more user-friendly level, simuPOP provides an increasing number of built-in scripts that perform simulations ranging from implementation of basic population genetics models to generating datasets under complex evolutionary scenarios. Availability: simuPOP is freely available at http://simupop.sourceforge.net, distributed under GPL license. Contact: [email protected]
Imaginarios, incertidumbre y protesta social en México: ¿Cómo analizar sus desplazamientos e identidades?

Abstract: The imaginary, uncertainty and social protest in Mexico: How to analyse their displacements and identities? This article investigates how social and po-litical actors in Mexico mobilize through informal institutional practices: what is be-yond their control, what is unpredictable, or what is impossible to plan. These actors show different responses to uncertainty. Based on these various responses, the article suggests that social problems are 'social constructions', that is, they are defined by institutional discourses and identities emerg-ing from social action. Based on interviews and newly collected data on the notion of the uncertainty in Mexican cities, the paper discusses how social leaders, public servants and citizens define issues such as the 'gov-ernance of conflict' through their protest activities. How does the social imaginary operate when confronting the unexpected? How do people define what is relevant and what is essential in moments of social crisis? Based on empirical answers to these ques-tions, this article seeks relationships and in-terconnections between the process of con-struction of the protests in three cases of so-cial and political action in Mexico. Resumen: En este articulo se explora como los actores sociales y politicos en Mexico se movilizan frente a los acontecimientos de lo informal institucional: lo que escapa a su control, lo que es imprevisible, lo que es imposible de planificar. Se presentan respuestas de diver-sos actores, lo que permite un analisis de los problemas sociales como una 'construccion social', es decir, definidos por los discursos institucionales y las identidades de la accion social. A partir de una serie de entrevistas y de datos recopilados recientemente, asi co-mo del uso de la nocion de incertidumbre que viven algunas metropolis mexicanas, se discute como los lideres sociales, funciona-rios y ciudadanos, a traves de sus protestas, definen temas como la 'governance del con-flicto'. ?Como opera el imaginario social frente a lo imprevisible? ?Como los ciuda-danos definen lo que es relevante y lo que es esencial en situacion de crisis social? Ba-sandose en las respuestas empiricas a esas preguntas, el documento busca interrelacio-nes y lineas de conexion en los procesos de construccion de la protesta en tres casos de accion social y politica colectiva en Mexico.
GUI approach to programming of TMO frames

While improved methods for engineering highly reliable distributed real-time embedded-computing (DRE) systems appear regularly these days, challenging issues still exist for easy programming such application systems that offer sufficient reliability. A concrete approach formulated by the first co-author together with his research collaborators is called the TMO (Time-triggered Message-triggered Object) structuring scheme, which is a syntactically simple and natural but semantically powerful extension of the conventional object structure. TMO programming has been enabled without creating any new language or compiler. Instead, an API that wraps around the execution support services of a middleware named the TMO Support Middleware (TMOSM) was provided. This paper presents another approach of TMO programming, named as Visual Studio for TMO (ViSTMO), which is a GUI tool for interactive design of TMO-network structures and automate generation of code-frameworks. The functionality of and the implementation techniques used in ViSTMO are discussed in this paper. Our research and development in this direction during the past year has revealed that this GUI-based code-framework generation approach is much more cost-effective than the macro-based approach.
Low-energy defibrillation: Safe and effective

During cardiopulmonary bypass, 150 cardiac surgical patients were prospectively evaluated for the number, energy, current, and success rates of direct current (DC) shocks required to terminate reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (1 degree) or ventricular fibrillation occurring subsequent to a nonfibrillatory reperfusion rhythm (2 degrees). Thirty-one percent of 1-J shocks and 58% of 2.5-J shocks defibrillated. Above 2.5 J, the defibrillation success rate reached a plateau of 50-60%. Myocardial resistance decreased significantly after the first shock but remained stable during subsequent shocks. Lower defibrillating currents and myocardial resistances than had been previously reported were observed. The feasibility of low-energy defibrillation during cardiopulmonary bypass was therefore documented.
Monitoring socioeconomic inequalities in sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and violence: geocoding and choice of area-based socioeconomic measures--the public health disparities geocoding project (US)

OBJECTIVES: To determine which area-based socioeconomic measures, at which level of geography, are suitable for monitoring socioeconomic inequalities in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), and violence in the United States. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of public health surveillance data, geocoded and linked to area-based socioeconomic measures generated from 1990 census tract, block group, and ZIP Code data. We included all incident cases among residents of either Massachusetts (MA; 1990 population = 6016425) or Rhode Island (RI; 1990 population = 1003464) for: STIs (MA: 1994-1998, n = 26535 chlamydia, 7464 gonorrhea, 2619 syphilis; RI: 1994-1996, n = 4473 chlamydia, 1256 gonorrhea, 305 syphilis); TB (MA: 1993-1998, n = 1793; RI: 1985-1994, n = 576), and non-fatal weapons related injuries (MA: 1995-1997, n = 6628). RESULTS: Analyses indicated that: (a). block group and tract socioeconomic measures performed similarly within and across both states, with results more variable for the ZIP Code level measures; (b). measures of economic deprivation consistently detected the steepest socioeconomic gradients, considered across all outcomes (incidence rate ratios on the order of 10 or higher for syphilis, gonorrhea, and non-fatal intentional weapons-related injuries, and 7 or higher for chlamydia and TB); and (c). results were similar for categories generated by quintiles and by a priori categorical cut-points. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing U.S. public health surveillance systems with census tract or block group area-based socioeconomic measures of economic deprivation could greatly enhance monitoring and analysis of social inequalities in health in the United States. Language: en
Pim family kinases enhance tumor growth of prostate cancer cells

Recent analyses indicate that the expression of the Pim-1 protein kinase is elevated in biopsies of prostate tumors. To identify the mechanism by which the Pim kinases may affect the growth of prostate tumors, we expressed Pim-1, Pim-2, or a kinase-dead Pim-2 protein in human PC3 prostate cancer cells. On implantation of the transfectants in nude mice, the growth of the cells expressing Pim-1 or Pim-2 was significantly faster than the growth of the control cells transfected with the neomycin-resistant gene or the kinase-dead Pim-2 protein. When grown in medium, the doubling time of the Pim-1 and Pim-2 transfectants was faster (0.75 days) than that of the control cells (1.28 days). We, therefore, examined the ability of Pim to control the phosphorylation of proteins that regulate protein synthesis. On growth factor starvation or rapamycin treatment, the Pim-1 and Pim-2 transfectants maintained their ability to phosphorylate 4E-BP1 and S6 kinase, although this phosphorylation did not occur in the control-transfected PC3 cells. We have found that the cellular levels of c-Myc were elevated in the Pim-1 and Pim-2 transfectants under these conditions. The Pim-1 and Pim-2 transfectants have lower levels of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity and the α- and β-subunit B56γ of the PP2A phosphatase do not coimmunoprecipitate in these cells. Thus, the effects of Pim on PP2A activity may mediate the levels of c-Myc and the phosphorylation of proteins needed for increased protein synthesis. Both of these changes could have a significant impact on tumor growth.
Temperature and desiccation effects on the antipredator behavior of Centruroides vittatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae).

Temperature can profoundly affect many physiological processes, including muscle performance. Many ectotherms appear sensitive to this relationship, choosing times and locations of activity permitting high body temperatures and, thus, quick escape from predators. High body temperatures, however, can lead to dehydration, which in turn affects muscle performance. Striped bark scorpions Centruroides vittatus Say 1821 provide an ideal model for assessing the effects of temperature and water loss on two potentially important antipredator behaviors, sprinting and stinging. Scorpions had significantly higher sprint speeds at warmer temperatures, with males significantly faster than females. Additionally, sting latency was longer and sting rate lower when scorpions were cooler. Intriguingly, females appear capable of stinging at a higher rate than males. Desiccation allowed the scorpions to sprint significantly faster than control (hydrated) scorpions, probably due to weight loss. The influence of temperature on sprinting and stinging might thus explain bark scorpions' preference for maintaining high body temperatures during periods when they are exposed to predation. When inactive, however, scorpions may benefit from maintaining lower body temperatures to decrease resting metabolic rate and desiccation.
Outcomes and complications associated with perfluoro-n-octane and perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene in complex retinal detachment repair

Abstract Objective To compare rates of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) intraocular retention, anatomic and visual acuity outcomes, and complications associated with intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane (Perfluoron) versus perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (Vitreon) in retinal detachment repair. Design Retrospective noncomparative consecutive case series. Participants and methods Records of consecutive patients who underwent retinal detachment repair with intraoperative Perfluoron (n = 78) or Vitreon (n = 84) at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between November 1, 1991, and October 31, 1994, were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures Comparison of PFCL intraocular retention rates, retinal reattachment rates, visual acuity outcomes, and postoperative complication rates between the Perfluoron and Vitreon groups at postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6. To assess the study's generalizability, the Perfluoron data obtained in the current study were compared with results of the Perfluoron Multicenter Clinical Study. Results Retained Perfluoron was noted less frequently ( P P P = 0.2). There was a trend ( P = 0.055) toward better 6-month visual acuity in the Perfluoron group compared with the Vitreon group. The incidence of corneal abnormality at any study visit was 46.7% in the Perfluoron group and 77.4% in the Vitreon group ( P 25 mmHg) was 13 ± 4% and 37 ± 5%, respectively ( P = 0.004). No significant difference was found between the groups in rates of postoperative hypotony. Results of this study are comparable with those observed in the Perfluoron Multicenter Clinical Study. Conclusions In this study, Perfluoron was retained intraocularly less frequently than Vitreon. Although no significant difference was found between groups in retinal reattachment rates, Perfluoron is associated with slightly better 6-month visual acuity and lower rates of corneal abnormality and elevated intraocular pressure compared with Vitreon.
Quantitative proteomic analysis in HCV-induced HCC reveals sets of proteins with potential significance for racial disparity

Background The incidence and mortality of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is higher in African Americans (AA) than other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., but the reasons for this disparity are unknown. There is an urgent need for the discovery of novel molecular signatures for HCV disease progression to understand the underlying biological basis for this cancer rate disparity to improve the clinical outcome.
Long-term response to renal ischaemia in the human kidney after partial nephrectomy: Results from a prospective clinical trial

Objective To assess the 1-year renal functional changes in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy with intra-operative renal biopsies. Patients and Methods A total of 40 patients with a single renal mass deemed fit for a partial nephrectomy were recruited prospectively between January 2009 and October 2010. We performed renal biopsies of normal renal parenchyma and collected serum markers before, during and after surgically induced renal clamp ischaemia during the partial nephrectomy. We then followed patients clinically with interval serum creatinine and physical examination. Results Peri-operative data from 40 patients showed a transient increase in creatinine levels which did not correlate with ischaemia time. Renal ultrastructural changes were generally mild and included mitochondrial swelling, which resolved at the post-perfusion biopsy. A total of 37 patients had 1-year follow-up data. Creatinine at 1 year increased by 0.121 mg/dL, which represents a 12.99% decrease in renal function from baseline (preoperative creatinine 0.823 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate = 93.9 mL/min/1.73 m2). The only factors predicting creatinine change on multivariate analysis were patient age, race and ischaemia type, with cold ischaemia being associated with higher creatinine level. Importantly, the duration of ischaemia did not show any significant correlation with renal function change, either as a continuous variable (P = 0.452) or as a categorical variable (P = 0.792). Conclusions Our data suggest that limited ischaemia is generally well tolerated in the setting of partial nephrectomy and does not directly correspond to long-term renal functional decline. For surgeons performing partial nephrectomy, the kidney can be safely clamped to ensure optimum oncological outcomes.