cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of dose computed using different algorithms with local control following stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR)-based treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively compute dose distributions for lung cancer patients treated with SABR, and to correlate dose distributions with outcome using a tumor control probability (TCP) model. Methods Treatment plans for 133 NSCLC patients treated using 12Gy/fxn×4 (BED=106Gy), and planned using a pencil-beam (1D-equivalent-path-length, EPL-1D) algorithm were retrospectively re-calculated using model-based algorithms (including convolution/superposition, Monte Carlo). 4D imaging was performed to manage motion. TCP was computed using the Marsden model and associations between dose and outcome were inferred. Results Mean D95 reductions of 20% (max.=33%) were noted with model-based algorithms (relative to EPL-1D) for the smallest tumors (PTV 3 ), corresponding to actual delivered D95 BEDs of ∼60–85Gy. For larger tumors (PTV>100cm 3 ), D95 reductions were ∼10% (BED>100Gy). Mean lung doses (MLDs) were 15% lower for model-based algorithms for PTVs 3 . No correlation between tumor size and 2-year local control rate was observed clinically, consistent with TCP calculations, both of which were ∼90% across all PTV bins. Conclusion Results suggest that similar control rates might be achieved for smaller tumors using lower BEDs relative to larger tumors. However, more studies with larger patient cohorts are necessary to confirm this possible finding.
Expression of DNA methyl-transferase (DMT) and the cell cycle in human breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells display extensive methylation of the ER gene CpG island and elevated DNA methyltransferase (DMT) expression compared to ER-positive cells. The present study demonstrates that DMT protein levels tightly correlate with S phase fraction in ER-positive cells, whereas ER-negative cells express DMT throughout the cell cycle. In addition, levels of p21CIP1, which disrupts DMT binding to PCNA, are inversely correlated with DMT levels. Therefore increased DMT expression in ER-negative cells is not simply due to elevated S-phase fraction, but rather to more complex changes that allow cells to escape normal cell cycle-dependent controls on DMT expression. Because ER-negative breast tumors often have activated growth factor pathways, the impact of these pathways on DMT expression was examined in ER-positive cells. Stable transfection with fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 1 and 4 led to increased DMT expression that could not be accounted for by a shift in S phase fraction. Elevated DMT protein expression in FGF-transfectants was accompanied by a significant decrease in p21, again suggesting a reciprocal relationship between these two proteins. However, acquisition of an estrogen-independent phenotype, even in conjunction with elevated DMT levels, was not sufficient to promote ER gene silencing via methylation. These results indicate that multiple steps are required for de novo methylation of the ER CpG island.
“Behind folding shutters in Whittingehame House”: Alice Blanche Balfour (1850–1936) and amateur natural history

During the rise of professional biology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, individual naturalists continued to develop private collections by modest means and often within their own homes. Despite the increasing opportunities for women to participate in the sciences, the number of women entomologists remained relatively few. The amateur entomological career of Alice Blanche Balfour, the younger sister of Arthur James Balfour, first Earl of Balfour, reveals how a confluence of personal and social factors shaped a gentlewoman's capacity to pursue her interests in natural history. This paper revises earlier images of Alice Balfour by presenting her as an accomplished amateur naturalist who balanced her avocation with the responsibility of managing the daily domestic affairs of estate.
Identification of QTLs Controlling Acylsugar Fatty Acid Composition in an Intraspecific Population of Lycopersicon pennellii (Corr.) D'Arcy

Acylsugars exuded by type IV glandular trichomes are responsible for insect resistances found in many Lycopersicon pennellii accessions. Acylsugars are complex mixtures composed of polyacylated sugars (glucose or sucrose) esterified to branched and straight-chain 4 : 0 to 12 : 0 fatty acids. The biogeneses of these unusual fatty acid constituents have their origins in branched-chain amino acid pathways. However, the mechanism of fatty acid elongation in these systems and the genetic control of carbon flux from amino acid to fatty acid pathways remain unclear. In this study, we used an intraspecific F2 population derived from the cross between L. pennellii LA716 and L. pennellii LA1912 to examine the genetic basis of acylsugar fatty acid composition. Six QTLs were detected which, combined, explain 23–60% of the variance observed for each of the nine segregating fatty acid constituents. Both correlation data and QTL analysis data indicate that branched medium-chain fatty acids are synthesized through elongation of short-chain precursors in two-carbon increments. The proportion of iso-branched acylsugar fatty acids that have an even-carbon chain length was found to be primarily determined by a single locus that maps to a location 5.5 cM above TG117 on chromosome 8. QTL function in several cases can be inferred from discrete patterns of fatty acid composition; in other cases, control of acylsugar fatty acid composition appears to be complex.
Acute toxicity of phenol and substituted phenols to the fathead minnow.

Because of the wide, high-volume usage of phenolics it behooves us to be aware of their toxicity in the environment. This awareness must include a knowledge of the effects on freshwater bodies and more specifically, an appreciation of the importance of differences in the physical properties of the water. The variability of the data on some phenolics makes it difficult to separate toxicity values that vary widely from others because of different test methods rather than different physical properties of the water. Data were lacking on some of the compounds we tested, and thus our data contribute significantly to the basic informtion on these chemicals. This acute test series was conducted with a variety (12) of phenolic compounds. Test conditions were kept as uniform as possible so that the toxicities of the compounds could be attributed to the differences in toxicity rather than to differences in test conditions. In addition, the tests provide data on the toxic effects in Lake Superior water, which is a major freshwater body in the USA.
Adsorption and reaction of formaldehyde on thin-film cerium oxide

Abstract Formaldehyde adsorption and reaction have been studied on cerium oxide thin films that were vapor deposited on Ru(0 0 0 1). The formaldehyde behavior was examined as a function of temperature, exposure and Ce oxidation state. Formaldehyde chemisorbs on fully oxidized CeO2 as dioxymethylene, CH2O2. The dioxymethylene decomposes and desorbs as formaldehyde between 200 K and 400 K. No other products are formed. On reduced ceria, formaldehyde also adsorbs as dioxymethylene. In addition to the formaldehyde desorption between 200 K and 400 K, a more strongly bound form of dioxymethylene is formed that produces formaldehyde at 440 K. Above 400 K, some of the dioxymethylene reacts to form formate and methoxy on the surface. These species decompose to produce H2, CO and CH2O above 500 K.
Phenol substituent effects on electrogenerated chemiluminescence quenching

Efficient quenching of Ru(bpy)32+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) was observed in the presence of phenol and substituted phenols (e.g., 4-fluorophenol). Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies indicated that the mechanism of quenching involves energy transfer from the excited state luminophore to a benzoquinone derivative formed at the electrode. The efficiency of ECL quenching is directly related to the position of the substituent on the aromatic ring, with meta derivatives displaying the greatest magnitude of quenching. The degree of quenching does not appear to be related to the electron-donating or -withdrawing ability of the phenol substituent.
Testing of the Individual Nutrition Rx assessment process among nursing home residents.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to describe the Individual Nutrition Rx (INRx) assessment process and to report preliminary findings on baseline nutritional status, common nutrition problems, and specific individualized interventions. The INRx utilizes a predictive model for participant identification, a systematic assessment process, and evidence-based interventions to improve the nutritional status of at-risk residents. Nineteen percent of participants had abnormal serum albumin levels, and 32.8% had abnormal serum prealbumin levels, indicating diminished protein stores and protein–calorie malnutrition. Frequent nutritional problems identified through the INRx assessment process are appetite change, poor positioning while eating, and oral status concerns.
Laser-induced fluorescence in the detection of esophageal carcinoma

Laser induced fluorescence in the detection of esophageal carcinomaKenneth K. WangKumar GuttaMark LaukkaJohn DensmoreLaser Photodynamics LaboratoryDivision of GastroenterologyMayo Clinic and FoundationRochester, MN 55905ABSTRACTLaser induced fluorescence (LIF) is a technique which can perform an 'optical biopsy' of gastrointestinalmucosa. LIF was performed in resected specimens using a pulsed N2-laser coupled fiberoptically to aprobe. Fluorescence was measured using a 0.2 meter spectroscope with an intensified photodiode array.Measurements were made on fresh (< 30 minutes after resection) esophageal specimens containingnormal mucosa, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma. Each tissue section was examined using anoptical probe consisting of a central fiber for delivering the excitation energy and a 6 fiber bundlesurrounding the central fiber for detection of the fluorescence. An excitation wavelength of 337 nm wasused which generated 3-ns pulses while fluorescence intensities were acquired from 300-800 nm. Spectrawere obtained from each section in a standardized fashion and background spectra subtracted.Fluorescence readings were taken from 54 normal esophageal sections and 32 sections ofadenocarcinoma. A fluorescence index was obtained from the tumor sections was 0.68±0.01 comparedwith 0.51±0.01 for the normal sections (p<O.OO1). Using a discriminant value of 0.65, this technique hada sensitivity of 8 1 % and a specificity of 100% for detection of malignant tissue. The positive predictivevalue was 100% and the negative predictive value was 90% for an overall accuracy of 93%. LIF is apromising technique which has the capability of distinguishing normal versus malignant tissue in theesophagus with good accuracy.2. BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUSBarrett's esophagus is a common condition seen by the gastroenterologist which represents metaplasticcolumnar epithelium within the esophagus which is usually squamous epithelium. An Olmsted County,Minnesota autopsy series estimated a population prevalence of 0.4%, finding Barrett' s esophagus in 1.0%of unselected autopsies. In patients with hiatal hernia, 9% were found to have associated Barrett'sesophagus. It is well known that a subset of Barrett's patients will go on to develop adenocarcinoma ofthe esophagus l3 The difficulty in the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma within Barrett's esophagus is theoccult nature of the lesions. Dysplastic lesions cannot be distinguished from non-dysplastic withoutbiopsy. Even carcinoma can be difficult to distinguish from the Barrett's esophagus with visualinspection.Estimates of the prevalence of carcinoma developing in Barrett's esophagus range from 10% to46% 4. This represents a 30- to 125-fold increase over the general population. Furthermore, oncedysplasia is detected the prevalence of carcinoma increases markedly. Of those patients with high gradedysplasia, the frequency of adenocarcinoma increases to 4 1-45% Patients with adenocarcinoma inBarrett's esophagus have a 34% two year survival and only a 14.5% five year survival.
The Role of Information Precision in Determining the Cost of Equity Capital

We examine the association between the cost of equity capital and the quality of public and private information. We find an inverse relationship between the cost of capital and the precision of public information, but the effect is more than offset by a positive relationship between the cost of equity capital and the precision of private information. Public and private information precisions are positively correlated, and a model that fails to include both is vulnerable to a correlated omitted variable bias. The association between public and private information combined with their opposing effects on the cost of capital implies mangers should consider the relationship between public and private information when assessing their reporting strategy.
A note on pricing Asian derivatives with continuous geometric averaging

A general expression is derived for the price of a European‐style Asian contingent claim in which the terminal value depends on both the underlying asset price and the continuous geometric average of the price of the underlying asset over the life of the claim. Specific formulas are derived for Asian call, put, and binary options, as well as for the average strike binary options. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 19: 845–858, 1999
COMPARISON OF INSTRUCTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF FULL‐ AND PART‐TIME FACULTY

This study was designed to compare full‐ and part‐time faculty on three instructional effectiveness dimensions. Student ratings of teaching, course retention ratios, and subsequent student achievem...
A importância da consciência ternária para superar as inadequações da psiquiatria contemporânea

Human beings have evolved in steps so that our consciousness has three major components - procedural learning of habits and skills, semantic learning of facts and propositions, and self-awareness of an identity that develops over time and place. Consequently, human consciousness involves growth in our subjective awareness integrating these three aspects of learning and memory. Contemporary psychiatry is substantially impaired by an anti-spiritual bias that is implicit in operational approaches to diagnosis, research, and treatment. Human subjectivity cannot be adequately deconstructed into a collection of mutually independent objects that are free of any psychosocial context, as is usually assumed in a "Chinese-menu" approach to diagnosis and structured interviewing. Materialistic perspectives predispose people to have an outlook of separateness that impairs the well-being of both mental health professionals and their patients. Progress in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment requires a person-centered approach that respects and appreciates human subjectivity and promotes the cultivation of human virtues like hope, love, and courage, along with judicious use of other psychobiological methods of treatment. Healthy functioning requires the development of self-transcendence in addition to self-directedness and cooperativeness. Without self-transcendence, people are consuming more resources than the earth can replenish. The pursuit of individual well-being in the absence of collective well-being is a self-destructive illusion. Consequently contemporary psychiatry needs to focus its attention on understanding human consciousness in a balanced ternary way rather than trying to reduce people to separate material objects.
Clarifying the relationship between the broken home and juvenile delinquency: A critique of the current literature

This article assesses the state of knowledge about the broken home/delinquency relationship since 1972. Two databases—Sociological Abstracts and the Criminal Justice Periodical Index—were consulted, as were the Social Sciences Index and other recent sources. A total of 68 articles and books written in English were uncovered by the search. An examination of these studies revealed that the broken home was more strongly related to minor offenses than serious offenses. The effects of father absence and the presence of a stepparent on delinquency were also investigated. Some evidence was found to support the hypothesis that the broken home/delinquency relationship varies according to gender, race, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood. Inconclusive findings precluded any evaluation of the impact of timing of the break (childhood versus adolescence) or reason for the break (divorce versus death) on delinquency. The article concludes with some recommendations for improving the quality of the research in this area.
Cytokinin Function: Increase in [Methyl−14C] Metabolism to Phosphatidylcholine and a Decrease in Oxidation to Carbon Dioxide−14C

Axillary buds of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Maryland Catterton normally suppressed by apical dominance are released from dormancy with 6-benzylaminopurine. This work was done to determine the change in the [methyl−14C] metabolism from methionine during bud stimulation with cytokinin. Dormant buds metabolize [methyl−14C] -methionine to 14CO2 more effectively than buds released from dormancy. This oxidation of the methyl group is inhibited with benzylaminopurine. On the other hand, the methylation of polar membrane components, including phosphatidylcholine, is enhanced by the cytokinin during the period preceding the increase in bud weight. The interpretation is presented that the enhanced synthesis of membrane components, as well as the preservation of the methyl groups, are mechanisms for the cytokinin release of bud dormancy with 6-benzylaminopurine.
Monitoring changes in time of chaotic nonlinear systems

We extend our method for classifying signals from chaotic nonlinear dynamical systems to the problem of monitoring chaotic nonlinear dynamical systems with the goal of detecting that the state of a system has changed. One potential application would be to systems where the changes are not easily detectable by spectral analysis or other linear techniques. The method is expected to be most useful in comparison to other techniques when there are other signals or noise present, some of which have a broad band frequency spectrum, and the signal of interest is associated with either a low dimensional dynamical system or a low dimensional chaotic attractor. The method is applied to data from a laboratory model of a fluidized bed reactor and to data from a gyroscope as well as to numerically generated signals from mathematical models. For the dynamical systems considered in the paper, the proposed method provides significantly better discrimination than spectral analysis.
Enterococcal Arthritis: Case Report and Review

We report a case of septic arthritis due to Enterococcus species and review 18 additional cases reported in the literature from 1966 through 1993 for which clinical or treatment data were available. In 11 of the 19 cases, prosthetic joints were affected (9 knees, 2 hips) and in 8 cases, native joints were affected. Of those patients with prosthetic joint infections, 6 had preexisting osteoarthritis and 3 had rheumatoid arthritis; only one patient with native joint infection had a recognized (although unspecified), preexisting joint abnormality. Pain, fever (temperature, > 37 degrees C), and tenderness were the most common clinical findings in patients with native joint infections. The microbiological diagnosis was made by culture of synovial fluid or synovial tissue (16 of 19), blood (1 of 19), or an unstated specimen (2 of 19). Polymicrobial infection was present in 6 (32%) of 19 patients. Of fourteen patients treated with either a parenteral penicillin (11 of 19) or a glycopeptide (3 of 19), 11 made an uncomplicated recovery. An aminoglycoside was also used to treat 7 of these 14 patients (4 of these 7 had prosthetic joints). All 11 prosthetic joint infections were ultimately clinically cured; for most of these patients, the original prosthesis was removed. For two patients with native joint infections, amputation of the infected limb was necessary to cure the infection.
Combination trial of subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b and oral cyclophosphamide in favorable histology, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Patients with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) respond well to chemotherapy but frequently relapse and progress with conversion to more aggressive histology lymphomas. In a prior Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) trial, oral cyclophosphamide, given as a single agent, was found to be equivalent to a five-drug regimen in remission induction in patients with follicular NHL who had not received prior chemotherapy. Recently, interferon alfa-2b (Intron A; Schering Plough) has been demonstrated to elicit complete or partial responses in up to 50% of patients with nodular NHL who had received prior chemotherapy. In the current CALGB pilot trial, oral cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m2 daily) combined with interferon alfa-2b (2 × 106 IU/m2 s.c. on alternate days) is being evaluated, both in previously treated and untreated patients with stage III or IV follicular NHL, for toxicity, safety and efficacy in remission induction. A total of 68 patients have been entered into this study. Four patients are ineligible on pathology review, and 60 have on-study data currently available. Forty-one (60%) had not received prior chemotherapy and 19 (32%) had previously received some form of chemotherapy. Leukopenia was found to be the single, most common toxicity experienced by all patients. Previously untreated patients experienced leukopenia of <2,000 WBC/μl at a significantly higher rate (53% versus 14%) than a similar patient population receiving oral cyclophosphamide as a single agent in the prior CALGB trial. Leukopenia was found to be promptly reversible, however, by dose suspension or adjustment, and other toxicities were demonstrated to be mild and tolerable. In patients who had received prior chemotherapy, severe or life-threatening leukopenia (63%), thrombocytopenia (23%) and anemia (15%) were more common and frequently dose limiting. The combined partial and complete response rate was found to be 84%, with a median follow up of only three months in patients not previously receiving chemotherapy, and was equivalent to the early response rate to oral cyclophosphamide alone in the prior CALGB trial. Despite the higher incidence of leukopenia in previously untreated patients, the combination of oral cyclophosphamide and subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b appears warranted to test the hypothesis that interferon may prevent the conversion to higher grade histology, or improve survival in previously untreated patients with nodular NHL.
Social cognitive neuroscience and leadership

Abstract We provide an overview of how the emerging field of social cognitive neuroscience can be linked to leadership theory and practice. A number of challenges are addressed, including theory development, as well as technical, measurement and methodological issues. In addition, we review recent leadership research that involves neuroscience applications, as well as areas that are closely related to leadership, such as emotional regulation and ethical reasoning and decision-making. Consideration is also given to how neuroscience might inform leadership development processes. We conclude with a discussion of the institutional challenges in conducting leadership research that incorporates neuroscience, and we consider potential limitations of such applications.
Mitoxantrone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Mitoxantrone, 1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis[[2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylamino]]9,10 anthracenedione dihydrochloride, CL 232,215 (NSC 301739) is a synthetic aminoanthraquinone which binds to DNA (2, 17), and was designed to reduce or eliminate the cardiotoxicity seen with the structurally related anthracycline antibiotics (1). Preclinical studies have shown that mitoxantrone is active both in vitro and in vivo, against a variety of experimental murine leukemias, including P388 and L 12 10. P388/ADR, a subline resistant to doxorubicin, was found to be partially resistant to mitoxantrone (1, 9, 10, 16). The Mount Sinai phase I study of this novel compound investigated a daily x 5 schedule of administration in patients with carcinomas and sarcomas (6), and showed that mitoxantrone was well tolerated without toxic side effects, except bone marrow suppression, at the recommended dose of 6.8 mg/m2 daily x 5. In order to evaluate the effects of mitoxantrone on leukemic bone marrow, a phase I-II study of the drug was undertaken in patients with acute leukemia in relapse.
Light-emitting devices based on pyridine-containing conjugated polymers

We report the fabrication of light-emitting devices based on several pyridine-containing conjugated polymers and copolymers in various device configurations. The high electron affinity of pyridine based polymers enables the use of relatively stable metals such as Al or even ITO as electron injecting contacts. Taking advantages of the better electron transport properties of the pyridine-containing polymers, we fabricate bilayer devices utilizing poly(9-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) as hole transporting/electron blocking polymer, which improves the device efficiency and brightness significantly due to the charge confinement and exciplex emission at the PVK/emitting polymer interface. The incorporation of conducting polyaniline network electrode to PVK reduces the device turn on voltage significantly while maintaining the high efficiency. The control of the aggregate formation in the polymer films by blending with insulating host polymers opens up the possibility of making voltage-controlled multi-color light-emitting devices.
The pattern of infertility diagnoses in women of advanced reproductive age.

Abstract Objective: Our intention was to determine whether there is a unique pattern of infertility diagnoses in older infertile couples. Study Design: The design of this study was a retrospective chart review study. It was performed in a tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit. There were 2 groups of patients-couples: group 1, female partner aged 20-29 (n = 105) at presentation; group 2, female partner aged 40-45 (n = 112) at presentation. All women underwent infertility evaluations between 1989 and 1994. There were no interventions. The prevalence of standard infertility diagnoses was the main outcome measure. Results: The prevalence of 8 major infertility diagnoses in the younger and older groups (each couple could have ≥1 diagnosis) was as follows: (1) ovulatory factor—younger group, 56%; older group, 30%; (2) tubal factor—younger group, 34%; older group, 29%; (3) endometriosis—younger group, 13%; older group, 17%; (4) uterine factor—younger group, 1%; older group, 5%; (5) cervical factor—younger group, 4%; older group, 1%; (6) luteal deficiency—younger group, 4%; older group, 10%; (7) male factor—younger group, 32%; older group, 45%; (8) unexplained—younger group, 5%; older group, 10%. The only significant difference was an increase in ovulatory factor in the younger group. Conclusions: There is no unique pattern of infertility diagnoses in women of advanced reproductive age as seen at a tertiary referral center. We speculate that a high false-positive rate associated with standard infertility tests and a different referral pattern for older couples obscures any real differences in the etiology of infertility in older couples. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:952-7.)
Creation of quantized vortex rings by charge carriers in superfluid helium

A brief review of the current state of understanding of the vortex-ring transition in superfluid helium leads to a reexamination of the early suggestion that the critical velocity for vortex-ring creation is determined by energy and momentum conservation. The energy and impulse of a sphere and a vortex ring moving coaxially through an ideal fluid are evaluated. This aliows an approximate determination of the velocity at which a moving sphere can create a vortex ring with a given size and location. By minimizing this velocity with respect to the size and location of the ring, one finds that the ring first appears girdling the sphere in the plane perpendicular to the direction of motion. The critical velocity when this ring appears is evaluated for sphere radii and masses dcrived from the usual models of the charge carriers in helium. The results are in good qualitative agreement with the experimentally observed critical velocities. (auth)
Stereospecific monoclonal antibodies to nicotine and cotinine and their use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays

Abstract Stereospecific monoclonal antibodies (McAb) have been prepared against the tobacco alkaloid (S)-(-)-nicotine and its major metabolite (S)-(-)-cotinine. Nine anti-nicotine and 4 anti-cotinine hybridomas, selected by a screening procedure that utilized immunoprecipitation of the 3H-labeled natural isomers of nicotine or cotinine, were grown in the ascites fluid of pristane-primed syngeneic BALB/c mice. Antibodies in concentrations up to 7.5 mg/ml ascites and with binding affinities that generally exceeded 108 M−1 were obtained. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed in which nicotine or cotinine derivatives bound covalently to poly- L -lysine werecoated onto wells of polyvinyl chloride microtiter plates. Coated wells were incubated sequentially with McAb in the presence or absence of inhibitor, rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin, then horseradish peroxidase-labeled protein A (HRP-SpA) before addition of substrate. The antibodies are highly specific and show minimal cross-reactivity with several nicotine metabolites and other structurally related compounds. In the respective assays, only 0.25 ng (S)-(-)-nicotine and 0.12 ng (S)-(-)-cotinine are required to give 50% inhibition of antibody binding, and as little as 0.05 ng nicotine and 0.02 ng cotinine give 15% inhibition. These assays are 5–10 times more sensitive than analogous ELISAs developed with rabbit antisera and HRP-SpA or conventional radioimmunoassays (RIAs) that utilize the rabbit antisera and 3H-labeled ligands. There was good correlation between the levels of nicotine (r = 0.967) found in saliva samples from smokers and non-smokers assayed by McAb-based ELISAs and conventional RIAs.
Meta-analysis of the effects of management factors on Miscanthus × giganteus growth and biomass production

Abstract Biomass crops in the U.S. have the potential to reduce the dependence on foreign energy supply, to lower net greenhouse emissions, and to diversify agroecosystems. Miscanthus × giganteus has been extensively researched in Europe but the response to key agronomic management factors has not been summarized. In this study we have collected most of the relevant and up to date European literature on the response of dry biomass production to planting density and nitrogen (N) fertilizer and we provide quantitative estimates of the effect of these practices. The data were analyzed through non-linear mixed models which take into account the hierarchical structure of the data due to variability among countries, locations and years. M. × giganteus responded to N fertilizer only after the third growing season and planting density only had a significant effect on the second growing season. The similarity among growth curves, when dry biomass production was analyzed as function of thermal time, shows the stability of the cropping system against other environmental factors.
Biological Markers of Environmental and Ecological Contamination: An Overview

An approach, using biomarkers (biological responses) for assessing the biological and ecological significance of contaminants present in the environment is described. Living organisms integrate exposure to contaminants in their environment and respond in some measurable and predictable way. Responses are observed at several levels of biological organization from the biomolecular level, where pollutants can cause damage to critical cellular macromolecules and elicit defensive strategies such as detoxication and repair mechanisms, to the organismal level, where severe disturbances are manifested as impairment in growth, reproduction, developmental abnormalities, or decreased survival. Biomarkers can provide not only evidence of exposure to a broad spectrum of anthropogenic chemicals, but also a temporally integrated measure of bioavailable contaminant levels. A suite of biomarkers are evaluated over time to determine the magnitude of the problem and possible consequences. Relationships between biomarker response and adverse ecological effects are determined from estimates of animal health and population structure.
Reconstitution of lysosomal sulfate transport in proteoliposomes

As part of a strategy to purify the lysosomal sulfate transporter, we developed a method for reconstitution of transport in artificial membrane vesicles. Lysosomal membranes were prepared from Percoll density gradient purified rat liver lysosomes and membrane proteins were solubilized using the non-ionic detergent, Triton X-100. The solubilized proteins were mixed with liposomes prepared by sonication of egg yolk lecithin and the detergent was removed by passage of the mixture over Bio-beads XAD2. The resulting proteoliposomes exhibited saturable sulfate transport with characteristics that were very similar to those observed in lysosomal membranes. Transport in proteoliposomes had a Km of 155 microM, exhibited pH dependence and was sensitive to inhibition by DIDS. Reconstitution of transport in proteoliposomes may be useful as an assay for purification of the lysosomal sulfate carrier.
On injectivity of the combinatorial radon transform of order five

In the present work, we give a proof of the injectivity of the combinatorial Radon transform of order five.
Dynamics of structural and functional characteristics of zooplankton in the Northern Sea of Okhotsk in the “Warm” and “Cold” years

An analysis of the structural and functional characteristics of zooplankton community and their coupling with the synoptic situation was carried out for the spring period in the northern Sea of Okhotsk. The years of 2000 and 2001 may be referred to as “cold” type due to the significant extent of the ice-covered area. Based on the ice cover extent, the years of 2004 and 2005 may be referred to as “warm” years due to the decreased extent of the ice-covered area. The “cold” and “warm” years did not significantly differ from each other in terms of the total zooplankton biomass. In the northeast Sea of Okhotsk, the zooplankton abundance increased during the “cold” years, while, in its northwestern part, the zooplankton abundance increased during the “warm” years. The different types of years significantly differ in the species structure of the macrozooplankton community. The abundance of copepods was higher in the “warm” years, whereas the chaetognath abundance increased in the “cold” ones. These features of the dynamics and distribution of zooplankton in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk also affected its productivity. The higher production of the elements of the zooplankton community that was revealed in the “warm” years was caused by the increase in the seasonal P/B ratio of both nonpredatory and predatory species. In the “warm” years, the production of nonpredatory zooplankton was higher in the northwest, while, in the “cold” years, it was higher in the northeast of the area.
Alteration by urethane of glutamatergic control of micturition.

The i.v. administration of MK-801 (0.001-3 mg/kg), a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, did not alter reflex bladder activity in unanesthetized decerebrate rat recorded during fast infusion (0.21 ml/min) cystometry or under isovolumetric conditions, but did depress reflex bladder contractions in doses between 0.1 and 3 mg/kg i.v. in the urethane-anesthetized (1.2 g/kg s.c.) intact rat during fast infusion cystometry. The ED50 and the dose to produce maximal inhibition in urethane-anesthetized intact rats were 0.25 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg i.v., respectively. During slow infusion (0.04 ml/min) cystometry, in unanesthetized decerebrate rats, MK-801 (0.1-1 mg/kg i.v. or 6-60 micrograms i.t.) decreased by 12-44% the micturition volume threshold (VT) but did not change the amplitude and duration of the bladder contractions. The administration of a larger i.t. dose (60 micrograms) of MK-801 produced no further decrease in VT but decreased the amplitude of bladder contractions by 24%. External urethral sphincter electromyogram activity was reduced or abolished by MK-801 (0.01-3 mg/kg i.v.) in both unanesthetized decerebrate and urethane-anesthetized intact rats with ED50 of 0.12 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate that NMDA receptors play an important role in both facilitatory and inhibitory central neural control of voiding function and that there is a significant interaction between urethane anesthesia and NMDA glutamatergic transmission. Thus, even though urethane anesthesia has been useful for studying the physiological characteristics of the micturition reflex, it seems inappropriate for analyzing the normal transmitter role of glutamic acid in reflex voiding.
Uncovering rhythms in serum gastrin

Abstract A definite circadian rhythm in serum gastrin, as measured every 2 hr for 24 hr, exists in the normal fasted dog. This rhythm is abolished by removing acid and pH effects by explanting the innervated antrum onto the abdomen or stimulating by explanting onto the colon. Twofold variations in serum gastrin during a day occur in a cyclic nature and are presumably secondary to variations in intraluminal pH.
Self-administration of bretazenil under progressive-ratio schedules: Behavioral economic analysis of the role intrinsic efficacy plays in the reinforcing effects of benzodiazepines

Previous research suggests that intrinsic efficacy of benzodiazepines is an important determinant of their behavioral effects. We evaluated the reinforcing effects of the benzodiazepine partial agonist bretazenil using behavioral economic models referred to as "consumer demand" and "labor supply". Four rhesus monkeys were trained under a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of i.v. midazolam injection. A range of doses of bretazenil (0.001-0.03 mg/kg/injection and vehicle) was evaluated for self-administration with an initial response requirement of 40 that doubled to 640; significant self-administration was maintained at doses of 0.003-0.03 mg/kg/injection. Next, a dose of bretazenil that maintained peak injections/session was made available with initial response requirements doubling from 10 to 320 (maximum possible response requirements of 160 and 5120, respectively), and increasing response requirements decreased self-administration (mean number of injections/session) of a peak dose (0.01 mg/kg/injection). Analyses based on consumer demand revealed that a measure of reinforcing strength termed "essential value", for bretazenil was similar to that previously obtained with midazolam (non-selective full agonist), but less than that observed for zolpidem (full agonist, selective for α1 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors). According to labor supply analysis, the reinforcing effects of bretazenil were influenced by the economic concept referred to as a "price effect", similar to our previous findings with midazolam but not zolpidem. In general, behavioral economic indicators of reinforcing effectiveness did not differentiate bretazenil from a non-selective full agonist. These findings raise the possibility that degree of intrinsic efficacy of a benzodiazepine agonist may not be predictive of relative reinforcing effectiveness.
Overview of the Landscape of HIV Prevention

In this introductory essay on the landscape of HIV prevention, my intent is to provide context for the subsequent topics discussed at the Symposium on Hormone Regulation of the Mucosal Environment in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and the Prevention of HIV infection: FRT immunity, mucosal microenvironment and HIV prevention, and the risk and impact of hormonal contraceptives on HIV transmission.
682 COMPUTER-BASED MANAGEMENT OF A PEDIATRIC SUBSPECIALTY CLINIC

To improve patient care and reduce the time required for administrative functions, we developed a computerized system for our Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic. Using a Hewlett-Packard 9845A mini-computer, we store background data and add new information accrued at each patient contact. We maintain a tabular record of past, current, and pending data for each patient and enter test results as they are received. Prior to each weekly clinic, we enter the names or hospital numbers of the scheduled patients into the computer and generate a patient list. For each patient the computer prints a customized guide sheet by assembling selected skeleton sentences from a list stored in memory. The subset of sentences chosen for each patient is retained, but can be modified as desired. The guide sheet instructs residents and students by highlighting the pertinent aspects of the history and physical examination and also serves as the draft of the letter to the referring physician. After the patient visit, we enter new findings, diagnoses, tests and treatment plans into the computer. A preliminary letter is printed and reviewed before the computer types the final copy on letterhead stationery. Implementation of this system has enhanced our ability to evaluate our patients, provided a new teaching instrument and reduced the time consumed by administrative tasks. It is applicable to other clinical settings and the programs, written in BASIC, can be adapted to equipment costing less than $5,000.
A cluster-finding trigger processor

Abstract A trigger processor which locates and counts electromagnetic showers in a calorimeter was designed, built and used as a second-level trigger in a high energy physics experiment that searches for direct CP violation in the 2π decay modes of neutral kaons and for various rare kaon decays.
Spin injection/detection using an organic-based magnetic semiconductor

T he new paradigm of electronics, ‘spintronics’, promises to extend the functionality of information storage and processing in conventional electronics 1 . The principal spintronics device, the ‘spin valve’, consists of two magnetic layers decoupled by a spin-transporting spacer, which allows parallel (on) and antiparallel (off) alignment of the magnetizations (spins) of the two magnetic layers. The device resistance then depends on the spin alignment controlled by the external magnetic field. In pursuit of semiconductor spintronics 2 , there have been intensive efforts devoted to develop roomtemperature magnetic semiconductors 3 and also to incorporate both inorganic semiconductors 4 and carbon-based materials 5‐11 as the spin-transporting channels. Molecule/organic-based magnets, which allow chemical tuning of electronic and magnetic properties, are a promising new class of magnetic materials for future spintronic applications 12,13 . Here, we report the realization of an organic-based magnet as an electron spin polarizer in the standard spintronics device geometry. A thin non-magnetic organic semiconductor layer and an epitaxial ferromagnetic oxide film were employed to form a hybrid magnetic tunnel junction. The results demonstrate the spin-polarizing nature of the organic-based magnetic semiconductor, vanadium(TCNE: tetracyanoethylene)x (x 2; Tc 400 K), and its function as a spin injector/detector in hybrid magnetic multilayer devices. Molecule/organic-based magnets are relatively new materials created by chemical synthesis targeting magnetic properties at the macroscopic and/or molecular level. These materials, ranging from solely organic to organic/inorganic hybrid complexes, exhibit scientific richness in both physics and chemistry. The flexibility of organic chemical methodology, which can adjust molecular units within these systems, introduces tunability of tailor-made magnetic and electronic properties 12 . The presence of large molecular units generally leads to a low spin density, which makes these materials difficult to use in practical applications of conventional magnets. However, strong onsite Coulomb interaction together with ‘weak’ intermolecular overlapping within these materials can lead to highly spinpolarized bands with a relatively narrow bandwidth 13 . This anticipation of high spin polarization in metal-(TCNE) magnets has been broadly supported by both experimental studies 1416 and theoretical calculations 1618 indicating that these materials are promising candidates for future spintronics applications. An intriguing challenge arises concerning whether these materials can be incorporated into the platform of conventional magnetic multilayer devices.
The dexamethasone suppression test as a biologic marker of depression in chronic pain

The relationship between chronic pain and depression has become enmeshed in the literature. In an attempt to unravel the relationship between chronic pain and depression, the authors studied a uniform group of 80 chronic back pain patients with and without depression using the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). The DST examines the hypothalamic response to an exogenously administered steroid (dexamethasone) challenge. In normal subjects and patients without major depression, the dexamethasone suppresses the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. In 40% of patients with major depression, there is an early escape of cortisol from dexamethasone suppression. We found that 40% of patients with a DSM-III major depression (dysphoric mood, appetite and sleep changes, loss of energy and interest, decreased concentration, suicidal ideation, and feelings of self-reproach) were nonsuppressors and none of the patients without major depression showed this abnormality. These findings suggest that the concept of chronic pain as a variant of depression might be an oversimplification.
Electron Linacs for Laser and Radiographic Applications

New electron inear accelerator configurations have been designed and a few have been constructed to satisfy the needs of unique laser and radiographic applications. In the laser applications, electron linacs are required that produce exceptional electron beam quality. For adequate gain in the free-electron-laser experiments, 20-MeV electron beams with excellent emittance, low energy spread and high instantaneous current are essential. Similar beam quality from a 5-MeV linac wil be required to provide high efficiency and high repetition rate pumping of KrF or XeF gases in future excimer lasers. For radiography, new electron linacs with a variety of energies and intensities are required for special applications. Two diverse examples of custom linacs that have been requested and for which conceptual designs have been completed are: 1) a 10-MeV linac operating with an x-ray dose rate of 3000R/min at lm while being subjected to extreme centrifugal and vibrational forces, 2) a light weight, highly portable 8-MeV linac with a dose rate of about 200R/min at lm for x-ray and possibly neutron radiography in adverse environmental conditions at remote locations. An unconventional inac configuration, the Klylac, has been studied both theoretically and experimentally. In the Klylac configuration, the Klystron and accelerator are arranged coaxially and in tandem. The same electron beam is used both to produce the rf power and as a source of electrons for acceleration.