cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microrna-155 Trafficking Incites Compartmental Inflammation in the Leukemic Niche

Compartmental bone marrow (BM) inflammation has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression and hematopoietic dysfunction, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRs) are capable of broadly deregulating cellular gene expression programs through simultaneous, dose-dependent action on a panel of target genes. MicroRNA-155, a widely known proinflammatory miRNA is overexpressed in AML patients, in particular those with Flt3-ITD. We recently observed that miR-155 is highly abundant in AML patient plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (AML-EV) and identified inflammation as one of the most upregulated gene ontology (GO) categories in a proteomic screen of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) exposed to AML-EV. Here, we investigate whether AML-derived miR-155 coordinately regulates inflammatory signaling in the leukemic niche. To better model compartmental inflammation in AML, we first established a highly penetrant, immunocompetent, fully congenic system. Using the monoblastic AML cell line C1498 (CD45.2+), we were able to reliably graft animals without myeloablation, thereby avoiding unintended changes in BM niche function. Across multiple experimental cohorts, we then analyzed the BM plasma secretome and observed dynamic changes in the level of several inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. At sacrifice, flow cytometric analysis of the residual HSPC (CD45.1+) showed concurrent upregulation of key inflammatory response genes (ISG15, STAT1, CXCL10) and evidence of replicative stress (γ-H2AX) in residual HSPC. Consistent with potential trafficking of miR-155 via AML-EV, we next confirmed the enrichment of miR-155 in C1498-EVs, observed gains in miR-155 in BM plasma EVs and demonstrated increased levels in HSPCs following EV uptake. To determine if miR-155 could function as a regulatory hub under inflammatory conditions we utilized four separate target prediction databases (miRDB, TargetScan, miRWalk, and miRanda) to generate miR-155 target gene set. With an initial list of 360 potential gene targets that met a minimum threshold prediction score, we queried six publicly available RNA-Seq datasets to focus on genes belonging to inflammation or DNA damage repair GO groups highly expressed in HSPCs. This yielded a final set of 9 candidate targets (Wee1, E2f2, Rps6ka3, Rps6ka5, Csflr, Mgme1, Rad51, Rad51b, Ercc1). Reasoning that miR-155 target sets are involved in niche inflammation and genotoxicity in AML, these computationally predicted targets will undergo testing and validation for involvement in inflammatory and genotoxic stress. Chronic inflammation in the AML niche contributes to disease persistence and failure of residual hematopoiesis. Our study will determine the role of miR-155 as a regulatory hub for compartmental inflammatory signaling, and simultaneously serve as a potential opportunity for novel therapeutic target discovery in leukemic BM. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Better Together: A Mixed-Methods Study of Palliative Care Co-Management for Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease.

Background: The morbidity and mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is high, despite novel therapeutics. Recognizing unmet needs for symptom management, advance care planning (ACP), and supp...
Quality over quantity: human papillomavirus vaccine information on social media and associations with adult and child vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for adults aged 27–45 as a shared clinical decision with their healthcare provider. With the rise of social media as a vaccine information sour...
Nursing Management of a Patient With COVID-19 Receiving ECMO: A Case Report.

Introduction Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recommended as an effective rescue therapy for select critically ill patients with COVID-19. This case report describes a first experience caring for a patient with COVID-19 who received venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and expands the literature by discussing relevant nursing management and operational considerations. Clinical findings A 46-year-old man presented to a hospital emergency department with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, anorexia, and chills. The patient was intubated for pneumonia-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Diagnosis A nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for SARS-CoV-2, and chest radiography confirmed a diagnosis of COVID-19 with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interventions After no improvement with mechanical ventilation and prone positioning, the patient began receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and was transferred to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation center. Frontline critical care nurses played a vital role in coordinating patient care activities, monitoring changes in the patient's condition, and detecting complications early. Outcomes The patient was decannulated on day 15 and extubated on day 17. The patient was successfully discharged home on hospital day 24. Conclusion Caring for a patient with COVID-19 receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation posed unprecedented challenges that required deviations from standards of care to optimize infection control measures and staff safety while providing quality care. This case report may inform, prepare, and guide other critical care nurses who will be caring for similar patients during this pandemic.
Functional Constraints in the Selection of Two-Cycle Gate-Exhaustive Faults for Test Generation

Two-cycle gate-exhaustive faults provide a comprehensive model for delay defects that are localized to gates (cells or subcircuits). However, the number of two-cycle gate-exhaustive faults can be excessive. Cell-aware faults are obtained by performing layout analysis of cells to select faults that are important to detect. This article suggests a complementary view of faults that are important to detect. Under this view, a two-cycle gate-exhaustive fault is important to detect if it can affect the circuit during functional operation. Such faults can be identified by generating functional broadside tests. To obtain unconstrained two-cycle tests, which are more compact and detect more faults than functional broadside tests, the article uses a test generation procedure that extracts test cubes from functional broadside tests, merges the test cubes into tests, and derives both broadside and skewed-load tests from the resulting test data. The procedure is iterative to allow a gradual increase in the number of tests and the number of detected two-cycle gate-exhaustive faults. Experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the tradeoff explored by the procedure.
Measuring and Promoting SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Equity: Development of a COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Index

Purpose: The coronavirus pandemic has created the greatest public health crisis in a century, causing >500,000 deaths in the United States alone. Minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have borne a disproportionate burden of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Recently developed FDA-approved vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce severe COVID-19-related outcomes. Vaccination campaigns have the potential to advance health equity by prioritizing allocation to those at highest risk while striving for herd immunity. Large integrated health systems have been faced with the daunting task of meeting the rapidly evolving needs of diverse patient populations for the provision of population-based testing, treatment, education, and now vaccine distribution. We have designed a COVID-19 vaccine equity index (CVEI) to guide health system vaccination strategy. Methods: We considered proportion unvaccinated within a health care system. We then used real-time readily available electronic health record (EHR) COVID-19 testing positivity and proportion hospitalized to measure burden of illness by race/ethnicity. We used conditional probability and statistical theory to measure equity for unvaccinated individuals and to derive an index to highlight these inequities for specific subgroups. Results: We present an illustrative hypothetical example using simulated data for which we calculated the CVEI for non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic patients. In the example, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients had inequitable outcomes. Conclusion: The index can be widely implemented to promote more equitable outcomes among racial/ethnic groups, reducing morbidity and mortality within the overall population as we pursue the collective goal of herd immunity through mass vaccination.
Laparoscopic treatment of an abdominoscrotal hydrocele requiring concomitant laparoscopic ipsilateral inguinal hernia repair

Abstract Failure of the processus vaginalis to obliterate during development leads to a gradient of pathologies including indirect inguinal hernia, communicating hydrocele, hydrocele of the cord, and noncommunicating hydrocele including Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele (ASH) and scrotal hydrocele. Relative to other pathologies related to the failure of processus vaginalis obliteration, few cases of ASH have been documented in the literature, resulting in discrepancy regarding the best management practices for this condition. In this paper we review the current literature and a case of ASH complicated by the development of an ipsilateral inguinal hernia in order to provide a concise review of how to diagnose, manage, and detect the potential complications of treating ASH surgically and display the utility of laparoscopy in managing this condition.
Effect of Transition Ration Energy and Fiber Levels on Subclinical Laminitis and Ruminal Acidosis in Holsteins Cows in Florida

Subclinical laminitis (SL) has been identified to be a common problem in high producing dairy cows. The condition is characterized by solar hemorrhages in its early stages and a predisposition for sole ulcers and subsolar abscesses. Environmental as well as nutritional factors have been suggested as the most important causative agents in SL. Early postpartum cows undergoing acclimation from late dry to early lactating rations are thought to be the most susceptible to nutritional causes of subclinical laminitis due to repeated episodes of ruminal acidosis during this acclimation period. This research focused upon energy and fiber levels in pre- and postpartum (transition) rations to determine if various combinations of these nutrients would influence the subsequent rate of solar hemorrhages and ruminal acidosis in early lactating cows.
Are California's Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions Effective in Reducing the Retail Availability of Flavored Tobacco Products? A Multicomponent Evaluation.

IntroductionFlavored tobacco appeals to new users. This paper describes evaluation results of California’s early ordinances restricting flavored tobacco sales.MethodsA multicomponent evaluation of ...
Economic stress, parenting, and adolescents’ adjustment during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Objective Background Method Results Conclusion Implications This investigation examined pathways through which financial stress impacts parents’ and adolescents’ well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Pandemic‐related stress (e.g., financial stress) experienced by parents may indirectly affect adolescents’ well‐being, although the pathways involved are currently unknown.Families currently living in the United States and having adolescents between 12 and 18 years old participated in this investigation (N = 272). Parents responded to questionnaires online about their financial situation, personal well‐being, relationship with their oldest typically developing adolescent (12–18 years old;Mage = 14.74;SDage = 1.80;46.4% young women), and their adolescents’ well‐being.Higher levels of financial stress were related to higher levels of parental psychological distress, higher levels of parenting stress, and higher levels of adolescent loneliness. Higher stay‐at‐home intensity was related to higher levels of parenting stress, higher levels of parent–adolescent conflict, and poorer adolescent adjustment. Several significant indirect paths were identified between financial stress and adolescents’ adjustment. The relationship between financial stress and adolescents’ well‐being (i.e., internalizing behaviors and loneliness) was mediated by parental psychological distress and parenting stress. When parenting stress was a mediator, the effect was more pronounced the more time families spent at home.Parents who were worried about their financial situation had greater difficulty with psychological distress and parenting stress, especially when parents were spending more time at home.Understanding the way in which financial stress influences parents’ and adolescents’ adjustment during the pandemic will inform and prepare practitioners and policymakers for similar situations in the future. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Family Relations is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
International Sales Law: A Critical Analysis of CISG Jurisprudence

1. Introduction 2. CISG methodology and jurisprudence 3. Formation: writing requirements 4. Formation: offer and acceptance rules 5. Obligations of buyers 6. Obligations of sellers 7. Common obligations of buyers and sellers 8. Breach of contract by seller 9. Breach of contract by buyer 10. Damages, excuses, and preservation 11. Summary and observations.
Multiprocessor architectures for space vehicles

The electronic and computational needs within a modern spacecraft are analyzed. The desirable characteristics of the sensory units and the sensory network are studied, for reliable engine performance, fault diagnosis, and to increase the overall intelligence of the network for constant dollars. Appropriate multiprocessor architectures are studied to work in conjunction with the sensory network for the real-time engine and vehicle guidance control in a modern spacecraft. The system is organized to be fault-tolerant and to store diagnostic messages to aid repair. Both single and multiple bus architectures are studied. Protocols are described to run various routines on different processor stages under a prioritized system. >
How to Draw Outerplanar Minimum Weight Triangulations

In this paper we consider the problem of characterizing those graphs that can be drawn as minimum weight triangulations and answer the question for maximal outerplanar graphs. We provide a complete characterization of minimum weight triangulations of regular polygons by studying the combinatorial properties of their dual trees. We exploit this characterization to devise a linear time (real RAM) algorithm that receives as input a maximal outerplanar graph G and produces as output a straight-line drawing of G that is a minimum weight triangulation of the set of points representing the vertices of G.
CO2−Ethanol Interaction Studied by Vibrational Spectroscopy in Supercritical CO2

Infrared spectroscopic measurements of the νOD stretching vibration of dilute deuterated ethanol in supercritical CO2 have been performed and analyzed, via a theoretical model and ab initio calculations, to better understand the ethanol−CO2 interaction. It was found that strongly attractive interactions, predominantly due to dispersion, dominate the stabilization energy between ethanol and CO2. Differences between the observed and theoretically predicted spectral shifts indicate the presence of local density enhancements. The continued observation of these enhancements up to temperatures significantly greater than the critical one, T/Tc ≥ 1.3, suggests that ethanol is a strongly attractive solute for CO2, at least in the spatial vicinity of the OH functional group. This suggestion is also supported by an analysis of the local density enhancement factors, as extracted from IR and other spectroscopies, as well as by the ab initio calculations.
An Analysis of Statistical Power in Behavioral Accounting Research

Attention to statistical power and effect size can improve the design and the reporting of behavioral accounting research. Three accounting journals representative of current empirical behavioral accounting research are analyzed for their power (1−β), or control of Type II errors (β), and compared to research in other disciplines. Given this study's findings, additional attention should be directed to adequacy of sample sizes and study design to ensure sufficient power when Type I error is controlled at α = .05 as a baseline. We do not suggest replacing traditional significance testing, but rather augmenting it with the reporting of β to complement and interpret the relevance of a reported α in any given study. In addition, the presentation of results in alternative formats, such as those suggested in this study, will enhance the current reporting of significance tests. In turn, this will allow the reader a richer understanding of, and an increased trust in, a study's results and implications.
Cisplatin versus cisplatin combined with piroxicam in a canine model of human invasive urinary bladder cancer

Purpose: More than 12,000 people are expected to die from invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder each year in the United States, indicating that more effective therapy is needed. Drugs inhibiting cyclooxygenase (cox) have recently been found to have chemopreventive and antitumor activity and may potentiate the effects of chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cisplatin combined with the cox-inhibitor piroxicam would induce remission more frequently than cisplatin alone in a relevant animal model of human invasive TCC. Methods: Pet dogs with naturally occurring, histopathologically confirmed, measurable TCC of the urinary bladder were randomized to receive cisplatin (60 mg/m2 i.v. every 21 days) or cisplatin (same dosage) combined with piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg orally every 24 h). Complete staging was performed prior to and at 6-week intervals during therapy. Results: After eight dogs had been evaluated in each treatment group, a significant difference in remission rate was noted (Fisher's Exact test, P < 0.004). Tumor responses in the cisplatin/piroxicam group included two complete remissions (CR), four partial remissions (PR), two stable disease (SD), and no progressive disease (PD). Tumor responses to cisplatin alone in eight dogs were no CR, no PR, four SD, and four PD. Six additional dogs were treated with cisplatin/piroxicam, and in total 10 of 14 dogs had remission (two CR, eight PR). Renal toxicity of cisplatin/piroxicam was frequent and dose limiting. Conclusions: Cisplatin/piroxicam induced remission more frequently than cisplatin alone in a canine model of human invasive TCC. Strategies to reduce renal toxicity need to be developed prior to evaluation of cisplatin/piroxicam in humans or general use of this treatment in pet dogs.
Intraligand cooperation in metal-ion binding by immobilized ligands: The effect of bifunctionality

Intraligand cooperation between carbonyl and phosphoryl moieties in ion bonding was studied by the synthesis of β-ketophosphonic acid (βkPh), phosphonoacetic acid (PhAc), and phosphonic acid (Ph) resins. A subsequent reaction gave bifunctional analogues with sulfonic acid as an additional ligand (βkPhs, PhAcs, and Phs resins). Ionic affinities were quantified with dilute solutions of Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in 0.10M HNO3. The effect of an increased solution ionic strength was studied with a second set of 0.10M HNO3/0.04M NaNO3 solutions. The results from the monofunctional resins and nitric acid alone showed that βkPh had the highest metal-ion affinities, whereas PhAc had affinities similar to those of Ph. Comparing βkPh to Ph led to the conclusion that the carbonyl group was a strong contributor to binding through intraligand cooperation with the phosphoryl group, whereas comparing PhAc to Ph led to the conclusion that the carbonyl group played no role in the ion binding. These opposing conclusions were reconciled as follows: (1) the extent of complexation from the 0.10M HNO3 solutions increased significantly when the monofunctional resins were sulfonated and (2) a comparison of the results for the monofunctional resins when contacting Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in the absence of NaNO3 with those for the bifunctional resins when contacting those ions in the presence of NaNO3 showed that the ionic affinities were comparable for Ph and Phs, greater for PhAcs than for PhAc, and comparable for βkPhs and βkPh. The resins PhAcs and βkPh displayed comparable ionic affinities that were higher than that of Ph. The results were consistent with the conclusion that, in the monofunctional resin, the affinity of the phosphonoacetate ligand for the metal ions was reduced because of intraligand hydrogen bonding. Intraligand cooperation was, therefore, an important variable in enhancing the metal-ion affinities, but its effect could be attenuated by intraligand hydrogen bonding. This attenuation could be eliminated by the introduction of a highly hydrophilic group into the matrix. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 463–468, 2004
Double strand break repair functions of histone H2AX

Chromosomal double strand breaks provoke an extensive reaction in neighboring chromatin, characterized by phosphorylation of histone H2AX on serine 139 of its C-terminal tail (to form “γH2AX”). The γH2AX response contributes to the repair of double strand breaks encountered in a variety of different contexts, including those induced by ionizing radiation, physiologically programmed breaks that characterize normal immune cell development and the pathological exposure of DNA ends triggered by telomere dysfunction. γH2AX also participates in the evolutionarily conserved process of sister chromatid recombination, a homologous recombination pathway involved in the suppression of genomic instability during DNA replication and directly implicated in tumor suppression. At a biochemical level, the γH2AX response provides a compelling example of how the “histone code” is adapted to the regulation of double strand break repair. Here, we review progress in research aimed at understanding how γH2AX contributes to double strand break repair in mammalian cells.
An evaluation of the influence of the half-value layer on the diagnostic quality of intraoral roentgenograms

Abstract It appears that further attempts to achieve reduction in radiation dose through the use of higher HVL, increased filtration, and higher voltage will not be productive. It is suggested that optimum levels for present equipment and films lie within the ranges now in use. Further research into radiation protection probably should be directed along other avenues. The diagnostic quality of films rather than dosage considerations must continue to be of primary concern in the light of inadequate knowledge of genetic damage and the availability of adequate radiologic health measures. It is necessary that the accepted physical factors used in producing roentgenograms be flexible, thereby achieving a favorable balance between the benefits derived from diagnosis and the hazard of mutation.
RESEARCHING AND APPLYING METAPHOR. Lynn Cameron and Graham Low (Eds.) . New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Pp. 311. $59.95 cloth, $22.95 paper.

Whether they are collecting data from spoken or written sources, learners or teachers, English corpora or academic essays, or talk about disease and illness, applied linguists are confronted with the pervasive use of metaphor. Metaphor, as a mode of talk and thought, is a way of making meaning that is particularly linked to the sociocultural context. What counts as a metaphor? How can we operationalize, analyze, and categorize it? What research methodology is best suited for the study of metaphor? Cameron and Low's timely collection of papers is a first attempt to put metaphor research on the map of applied linguistics.
Diagrid structural systems for tall buildings: characteristics and methodology for preliminary design

Diagrid structural systems are emerging as structurally efficient as well as architecturally significant assemblies for tall buildings. This paper presents a simple methodology for determining preliminary member sizes. The methodology is applied to a set of building heights ranging from 20 to 60 stories, and parameters for the optimal values of the grid geometry are generated for representative design loadings. These values are shown to be useful for architects and engineers as guidelines for preliminary design. Associated architectural and constructability issues of diagrid structures are also discussed here. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum information theory: The bits don't add up

A counterexample to the 'additivity question', the most celebrated open problem in the mathematical theory of quantum information, casts doubt on the possibility of finding a simple expression for the information capacity of a quantum channel.
Polymorphisms in the hepatic lipase gene affect plasma HDL-cholesterol levels in a Turkish population

We investigated the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) on plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Turks, a population with low levels of HDL-C. All exons and six evolutionarily conserved regions from 28 Turkish subjects were sequenced. We found 51 SNPs, nine of which were novel. Those 51 SNPs and SNPs from the National Center for Biotechnology Information dbSNP were evaluated by bioinformatics approaches. The population frequencies and linkage disequilibrium among SNPs from HapMap were combined with results from transcriptional factor prediction tools and the literature to select SNPs for genotyping. We found that five tagging LIPC SNPs, two reported here for the first time, were significantly associated with plasma HDL-C levels in both men and women (n = 2,612). These results were replicated in a separate Turkish cohort (n = 1,164). Plasma HDL-C levels were higher in subjects homozygous for the minor alleles of rs4775041, rs1800588 (–514C>T), and rs11858164 and lower in subjects homozygous for the minor alleles of rs11856322 and rs2242061. These SNPs seemed to have independent and additive effects on plasma HDL-C levels (1.5–5.2 mg/dl). Hepatic lipase activity in a subset (n = 260) of the main cohort was also significantly associated with all five SNPs. Thus, five LIPC SNPs, two novel, are associated with plasma HDL-C levels and hepatic lipase activity in two cohorts of Turkish subjects.
IDENTIFICATION OF UNFOLDING DOMAINS IN LARGE PROTEINS BY THEIR UNFOLDING RATES

Three unfolding domains in rabbit muscle aldolase destabilized in 3 M urea have been identified from their unfolding rate constants (0.10, 0.036, and 0.0064 min-1). The populations of folded and various, partially unfolded forms were determined by amide hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry. Results of this study show that unfolding domains may include multiple, noncontiguous segments of the backbone and that different regions of helices may belong to different unfolding domains. In addition, these results show that the domain unfolding most rapidly is located distant from the subunit binding surfaces and has the greatest access to the denaturant. The bimodal intermolecular distributions of deuterium found in this study show that unfolding of these domains is cooperative. It is proposed that these unfolding domains are correlated with local energy minima in the free-energy folding surface of aldolase. In addition to the three unfolding domains, there are three short segments that do not unfold in 3 M ur...
A simple synthesis of a targeted drug delivery system with enhanced cytotoxicity.

A simple synthesis of a targeted drug delivery system with enhanced cytotoxicity to (epidermal growth factor receptor) EGFR+ cancer cells.
Analysis of Egg Yolk and Poultry Tissues for Chlorinated Insecticide Residues

Abstract INTRODUCTION Numerous methods for the analysis of animal and poultry products for chlorinated insecticide residues have appeared in the literature. Most methods lack sensitivity, are specific for one insecticide, or require excessive time for analysis. A semi-quantitative method described by Mills (1959) is sufficiently sensitive and could be used to detect several insecticides, but it requires considerable sample preparation prior to actual analysis. Later, Watts and Klein (1962) reported on the use of electron capture gas chromatography (ECGC) for the detection of nanogram quantities of certain chlorinated insecticide residues. These authors used the Mills (1959) procedure for clean up of samples to prevent detector contamination. There is a need for a rapid clean up procedure for fatty animal product samples. Langlois et al. (1963) reported on a one step florisil column procedure for clean up of dairy products prior to ECGC analysis of selected chlorinated insecticide residues. Since the method…
Role of Naphthenic Acids in Emulsion Tightness for a Low-Total-Acid-Number (TAN)/High-Asphaltenes Oil†

The emulsion stabilizing properties of a low-total-acid-number (TAN) crude oil, which had initially been attributed to asphaltenes and calcite precipitation, were re-analyzed with regard to the role of organic acids. Despite high asphaltenes content, this crude oil exhibits features classically observed with acidic oils, such as the increase in emulsion stability upon pressure decrease/pH increase or the poor efficiency of demulsifiers. The potential for a significant role of organic acids was confirmed by the high interfacial activity of indigenous acids, as extracted from the crude oil by means of an ion-exchange resin. This was further addressed analyzing the molecular chemistry of the interfacial layer and its rheology. The interfacial material was found to be composed of a mixture of asphaltenes and organic acids. These acids exhibit a wide range of structures (monoversus dicarboxylic, fatty versus naphthenic and benzoic) and molecular weights (from 200 to 700 g/mol), contrary to the medium molecular weight fatty monocarboxylic acids that are generally believed to cause "soap emulsions". The interfacial rheology is indicative of a 2D gel, with an assumed glass transition temperature of approximately 40 °C. In conclusion, this study shows that a co-precipitation of asphaltenes and organic acids can promote the build up of a very cohesive interface. The disruption of this interface not only requires the drainage of individual molecules but also a collective yield of the gel. This paper is part one of two: it confronts physical and chemical data, the latter being further detailed in an associated paper.
Evidence Showing That β-Endorphin Regulates Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate (cGMP) Efflux: Anatomical and Functional Support for an Interaction between Opiates and Nitric Oxide1

Nitric oxide (NO) is now recognized as a diffusible messenger molecule that normally augments intercellular communication in the central nervous system, but is neurotoxic if released in excessive amounts. NO is synthesized from l-arginine by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent neuronal isoform NO synthase (NOS) localized in subpopulations of neurons throughout the brain, including the hypothalamus. In the hypothalamus, NO stimulates the release of GnRH, the primary neurohormone governing reproduction in mammals. Although the excitatory amino acid, glutamate, acting through the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is believed to be responsible for stimulation of NO release, the neuronal system(s) that inhibits NO efflux is unknown. As the endogenous opioids, primarily β-endorphin (βEND), exert a tonic restraint on GnRH secretion, we sought evidence for a possible functional link between βEND and NOS pathways in the hypothalamus. We observed that restraining the opioid influence with the opiate receptor antagonis...
Predictors of treatment outcome for binge eating disorder.

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of short-term treatment outcome for individuals with binge eating disorder (BED). Method Fifty women who met DSM-IV criteria for BED were enrolled in a manual-based group cognitive-behavioral therapy that consisted of fourteen 1-hr sessions over an 8-week period. Baseline measures included the frequency of self-reported binge eating from the Eating Behaviors-IV (EB-IV), severity of binge eating and dietary restraint using the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), depressive symptoms as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and self-esteem as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSEQ). Results Logistic regression analyses indicated that the baseline frequency of self-reported episodes of binge eating that were objectively large predicted the likelihood of such episodes at the end of treatment. No variables predicted the likelihood of binge eating episodes that were objectively and subjectively large at the conclusion of treatment. Discussion This study indicates that the frequency of binge eating episodes at baseline is predictive of outcome status at the end of treatment, suggesting that meaningful prognostic factors in BED are identifiable. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 28: 131–138, 2000.
Magnetism and spin glass behavior of FeCl2 · H2O

Abstract The magnetic behavior of FeCl 2 · H 2 O is examined for the first time. The susceptibility exhibits a sharp peak at 20.4 K which may be cusp-like, and which is very different from the antiferromagnetic maximum in the dihydrate. Field-cooled and zero-field-cooled susceptibilities differ at low temperatures but become coincident near 24 K. The thermoremanent magnetization shows time dependence below 20 K. Competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in the dihydrate is presumably accentuated, and randomized, on removing half the waters, leading to a spin glass.
Fluoxetine and norfluoxetine stereospecifically and selectively increase brain neurosteroid content at doses that are inactive on 5-HT reuptake

It has recently become more clearly understood that in human brain pathophysiology, neurosteroids play a role in anxiety disorders, premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. In the treatment of major depression, recent clinical studies indicate that the pharmacological profiles of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine are correlated with the ability of these drugs to increase the brain and cerebrospinal fluid content of allopregnanolone (Allo), a potent positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) action at GABAA receptors. Thus, the neurosteroid-induced positive allosteric modulation of GABA action at GABAA receptors is facilitated by fluoxetine or its congeners (i.e., paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline), which may not block 5-HT reuptake at the doses currently prescribed in the clinic. However, these doses are effective in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria, anxiety, and depression. In socially isolated mice, we tested the hypothesis that fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and other specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) congeners stereoselectively upregulate neurosteroid content at doses insufficient to inhibit 5-HT reuptake; although they potentiate pentobarbital-induced sedation and exert antiaggressive action. Very importantly, the inhibition of 5-HT reuptake lacks stereospecificity and requires fluoxetine and norfluoxetine doses that are 50-fold greater than those required to increase brain Allo content, potentiate the action of pentobarbital, or antagonize isolation-induced aggression. Based on these findings, it could be inferred that the increase of brain Allo content elicited by fluoxetine and norfluoxetine, rather than the inhibition selective of 5-HT reuptake, may be operative in the fluoxetine-induced remission of the behavioral abnormalities associated with mood disorders. Therefore, the term "SSRI" may be misleading in defining the pharmacological profile of fluoxetine and its congeners. To this extent, the term "selective brain steroidogenic stimulants" (SBSSs) could be proposed.
Size-specific aspects of the foraging ecology of the southern oyster drill Stramonita haemastoma (Kool 1987)

Abstract Size-related aspects of the foraging ecology of the southern oyster drill, Stramonita haemastoma (Kool 1987), feeding on the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) in laboratory experiments were studied. Three sizes of oysters were exposed to three sizes of oyster drills. Small oyster drills (less than 35-mm shell length) could successfully feed in the laboratory only on small oysters (less than 50-g wet mass). However, even intermediate sized and large snails could not consume the largest oysters (greater than 150-g wet mass), indicating a size refuge. Both the number and dry mass of oyster prey consumed increased with increasing predator size. Larger oysters also attracted greater numbers of snails. Oyster handling times decreased, and both dry mass consumed and absolute growth rate increased with increasing predator size. However, growth efficiency declined, indicating relative maintenance costs increased with predator size. A field experiment using caged oyster drills and oyster prey also suggested greater feeding rates in larger snails. Only seven percent of the oysters in an intertidal oyster reef were larger than 150 g wet mass. However, sizes of snails at exposed sites were smaller, with up to 39 percent in the smallest size category used in the laboratory experiments. At exposed sites, many oyster drills may not be able to consume oysters greater in size than the median size in the intertidal reef.
Spatio-Temporal Factors Shaping Diurnal Space Use by Pygmy Rabbits

Abstract Factors influencing patterns of space use by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are poorly understood. We studied diurnal space use by adult pygmy rabbits during multiple breeding and nonbreeding seasons at 3 sites in the Lemhi Valley, Idaho, USA, during 2004–2005. Pygmy rabbits used larger areas than predicted by allometric models and documented by some previous investigations. Sex and season strongly influenced space use by rabbits. Males used larger home ranges and core areas, more burrow systems, and more widely dispersed burrow systems than did female rabbits. We also documented significant differences among study sites in many movement parameters, which suggested that local resource distribution also might influence how pygmy rabbits use space. Our results indicated that pygmy rabbits use large areas and exhibit seasonal, sex, and site-specific variation in patterns of movement and space use. Therefore, larger areas of habitat may be needed to conserve pygmy rabbits to accommodate seaso...
Suboptimal strategy for the finite-time linear-quadratic optimal control problem

In this article the authors study analytically the impact of the optimal constant feedback gain of the steady-state linear-quadratic optimal control problem to the corresponding finite-time linear-quadratic optimal control problem. Contributions of the study are 3-fold: (i) conditions for applicability of this suboptimal procedure are presented; (ii) a formula for the performance loss because of this practical implementation (use of the constant instead of the time-varying gain) is derived; and (iii) a technique based on the prescribed degree of stability that can be successfully used in practice is discussed. Examples are included to demonstrate the performance loss owing to this simplified approximate (suboptimal) linear-quadratic finite-horizon optimal control problem implementation.
Experimental I-V characteristics of AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors with very thin bases

Npn abrupt AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors with thin base widths (W/sub B/) down to 200 /spl Aring/ have been fabricated for the first time, and their collector and base current-voltage characteristics have been studied. The experimental results show that the surface recombination base current and the base bulk recombination current are both significantly lower in 200 /spl Aring/ base HBTs than in comparable devices with 500 /spl Aring/ base width. For the thin base HBTS, the base bulk recombination current density is proportional to /spl sim/W/sub B/ and the surface recombination current density is proportional to /spl sim/W/sub B//sup 2/. The experiment also showed that the collector current across a thin p/sup +/ GaAs base is limited, as expected, by the thermal velocity of the electrons rather than by conventional diffusive transport.
Legacies from natural forest dynamics: Different effects of forest management on wood-inhabiting fungi in pine and spruce forests

Abstract The species composition of wood-inhabiting fungi (polypores and corticoids) was investigated on 1138 spruce logs and 992 pine logs in 90 managed and 34 natural or near-natural spruce and pine forests in SE Norway. Altogether, the study included 290 species of wood-inhabiting fungi. Comparisons of logs with similar properties (standardized tree species, decay class, dimension class) in natural and managed forests showed a significant reduction in species number per log in managed spruce forests, but not in managed pine forests. The species number per log in managed spruce forests was 10–55% lower than on logs from natural spruce forests. The reduction was strongest on logs of large dimensions. A comparison of 200–400 spruce logs from natural and managed forests showed a 25% reduction in species richness corresponding to a conservative loss of ca. 40 species on a regional scale. A closer inspection revealed that species confined to medium and very decayed spruce logs were disfavored in managed forests, whereas species on early decay classes and decay generalists were unaffected. Similarly, species preferring large spruce logs were disfavored in managed forests. Forest management had strongest impact on low-frequent species in the spruce forests (more than 50% reduction), whereas common species were modestly affected. Corticoid fungi were more adversely affected than polypore fungi. These results indicate that wood-decaying fungi in pine forests are more adapted to forest disturbances than spruce-associated species. Management measures securing a continuous supply of dead wood are more important in spruce forests than in pine forests.
Differential effects of d-amphetamine on brain acetylcholine in young, adult and geriatric rats

Abstract Varying doses of d-amphetamine were given i.p. to young (28 day old), adult (approximately 90 day old), and geriatric rats (approximately 2 years old). 30 min after injection, rats were sacrificed and ACH extracted and assayed by pyrolysis gas-liquid chromatography. Total brain acetylcholine (ACh) levels were not significantly different among the control animals in all three groups. d-Amphetamine, however, decreased total levels of ACh in young and geriatric rats without changing levels in adult animals. The changes in young rats were dose-related. These results suggest an important difference in brain cholinergic mechanisms depending upon age.
A flash photolysis resonance fluorescence investigation of the reaction OH + H2O2 → HO2 + H2O

The flash photolysis resonance fluorescence technique has been used to measure the rate constant for the reaction over the temperature range of 250–370 K. The present results are in excellent agreement with three very recent studies, and the combined data set can been used to derive the expression similar to that currently used in atmospheric modeling applications. A summary of our computer simulation of this reaction system is presented. The results of the computations indicate the absence of secondary reaction complications in the present work while revealing significant problems in the earlier (pre-1980) studies of the title reaction.
Effect of stocking ratio on semi-intensive polyculture of Colossoma macropomum and Oreochromis niloticus in Honduras, Central America

Abstract Tilapia and tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ) were co-stocked in earthen ponds at 0, 25, 75 and 100% of each species. Total density was three fish m −2 . Fish were offered a 28% protein pellet. Mean treatment production ranged from 2537 to 5265 kg ha −1 after 182 days. Total production increased curvilinearly, and feed conversion ratios decreased curvilinearly as the rate of stocked tilapia increased. Feed conversion ratios ranged from 1.13 to 2.71. Total nitrogen and chlorophyll a decreased linearly as rate of stocked tilapia increased, because of grazing by tilapia on phytoplankton. Mean tilapia and tambaqui harvest weights ranged from 187 to 325 g, and 122–270 g, respectively. Tilapia mean weight decreased curvilinearly, and tambaqui mean weight increased linearly as the rate of stocked tilapia increased. Tambaqui growth appeared to be hindered by cool water temperature for part of the season. Thereafter, growth rate increased as stocking rate of tambaqui increased. The best species mixture for high production was 75% tilapia and 25% tambaqui, but the highest economic return would depend on prices for each species and size combination.
Stability of wetting fronts in dry homogeneous soils under low infiltration rates

Our understanding of unstable wetting phenomena in soils is limited. Therefore, lysimeter experiments were conducted in the laboratory to validate current wetting front instability theories. Four different grades of sieved and air-dried perlite and quartz sand were used as the experimental material. Water was applied by a sprinkler system at rates within the range of natural precipitation rates in New Mexico. Experiments were conducted in small lysimeters (diameter 30 cm, height 50 cm) as well as a large one (diameter 100 cm, height 150 cm). The experimental results show that wetting front instability will cause fingering phenomena in a homogeneous soil system. This observation confirms experimental and theoretical results of other workers. The diameter of fingers was observed to be a function of the grain size of the sand. Small fingers (3-4 cm diameter) were found in coarse sand (grain size 1.41-0.84 mm) ; large diameter fingers (12 cm diameter) were observed in fine sand (grain size 0.42-0.25 mm). Our experimental results in the coarse sand show that, for infiltration rates varying between 0.3 and 12 cm/h, finger diameters remain more or less constant. This observation also agrees with existing theories. However, at infiltration rates lower than 0.12 cm/h, the coarse sand experiments show that the wetting fronts became stable. For rates between 0.3 and 0.12 cm/h, the wetting is semistable ; that is, there is incomplete wetting without distinct development of fingers. A similar trend was observed in the experimental results of sands with grain sizes of 0.841 to 0.594 and 0.594 to 0.42 mm. This phenomenon has not been observed in previous experimental studies and is not predicted by current wetting front instability theories. Our experimental data under infiltration rates similar to natural precipitation intensities may explain why unstable wetting has rarely been observed in wettable field soils.