cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of obesity and overweight on left ventricular diastolic function: a community-based study in an elderly cohort.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the independent effect of increased body size on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Background Obese and overweight persons are at increased risk of heart failure. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is an asymptomatic condition associated with future heart failure. It is unclear whether obesity and overweight are independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. Methods The LV diastolic function was evaluated in 950 participants from the CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study by traditional and tissue Doppler imaging. Peak early transmitral diastolic flow velocity (E), late transmitral diastolic flow velocity (A), and early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E′) were measured, and E/A and E/E′ were calculated. The study sample was divided into 3 groups: normal weight (body mass index [BMI] Results In multivariate analyses, BMI was independently associated with higher E, A, and E/E′, an indicator of LV filling pressure (all p ≤ 0.01). Overweight and obese had lower E′ (both p Conclusions Increased BMI was associated with worse LV diastolic function independent of LV mass and associated risk factors. The increased risk of LV diastolic dysfunction in both overweight and obese persons may partially account for the increased risk of heart failure associated with both conditions.
Abstract 15738: Electrical Stimulation Enhances Efficiency of Cardiac Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Regulating P38 Map Kinase

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can efficiently differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes through embryoid body (EB) differentiation in the presence of specific differentiation signals (e.g. TGF-β, Wnts). Recent studies have indicated that electrical stimulation (EleS) can enhance proliferation and differentiation efficacy in various stem cells. This study investigated the effects of EleS on human iPSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results: The classical hanging-drop method was used to induce EB formation from human iPSCs. EBs were then treated with or without EleS (1-1.5 V/1.8 cm with 5ms biphasic square wave pulses at 5 Hz) for 1 to 30 days. The percentage of contracting EBs as well as contraction rate was examined. EBs started to beat at 2 days after EleS while spontaneous beating cells without EleS appeared at 7 days. In addition, the percentage of contracting cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and contraction rate were signif...
Computer simulation of electric power system

Describes how to use computer simulation as a useful tool for teaching power flow analysis at the undergraduate level. A PC-based computer program, which runs under the Windows environment, has been developed at Purdue University Calumet. It provides a user-friendly environment that allows the students to simulate and analyze events that occur on a transmission system. These events consist of changing the bus voltages at the generating stations, taking generating stations off-line and taking transmission lines out of service. After each event, the software calculates the voltage at each bus, and the real and reactive power flow through the system. The user can then analyze the change in these values because of the event. The software package is used as a supplement to an undergraduate course in electrical power systems. This has increased students' ability to understand the way a power system responds to various loads and generation schedules. Examples of simulations are included.
Poor Compliance with ACG Guidelines for Nutrition and Antibiotics in the Management of Acute Pancreatitis: A North American Survey of Gastrointestinal Specialists and Primary Care Physicians

Context Despite recent updates in the treatment of acute pancreatitis emphasizing enteral nutrition over parenteral nutrition as well as minimizing antibiotic usage, mortality rates from acute pancreatitis have not improved. Data has been limited regarding physician compliance to these guidelines in the United States. Methods A 20 question survey regarding practice patterns in the management of acute pancreatitis was distributed to physicians at multiple internal medicine and gastroenterology conferences in North America between 2009 and 2010. Responses were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results Out of 406 available respondents, 43.3% of physicians utilize total parenteral nutrition/peripheral parenteral nutrition (TPN/PPN) and 36.5% utilize nasojejunal (NJ) feedings. The preferred route of nutrition was significantly related to practice type (P<0.001): academic physicians were more likely to use NJ tube feeding than private practice physicians (52.1% vs. 19.9%) while private practitioners were more likely to utilize TPN/PPN than academic physicians (70.2% vs. 20.5%). Gastroenterologists and primary care physicians were equally non-compliant as both groups favored parenteral nutrition. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that practice type (P<0.001) was the only independent predictor of route of nutrition. Most survey respondents appropriately do not routinely utilize antibiotics for acute pancreatitis, but when antibiotics are initiated, they are for inappropriate indications such as fever and infection prophylaxis. Conclusions Many North American physicians are noncompliant with current ACG practice guidelines for the use of artificial nutrition in the management of acute pancreatitis, with overuse of TPN/PPN and underutilization of jejunal feedings. Antibiotics are initiated in acute pancreatitis for inappropriate indications, although there are conflicting recommendations for antibiotics in severe acute pancreatitis. Improved compliance with guidelines is needed to improve patient outcomes.Image: The most common reasons cited for using parenteral nutrition.
Autobiographical Elaboration and the DRM Illusion: Investigating the Content and Process of Lure Activations

Summary We proposed an autobiographical elaboration to Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) materials to explore the content (Experiments 1 and 2) and processes giving form (Experiment 3) to lure activations. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants generated plausible hypothetical events or memories of past events cued by DRM items. Results suggested increased lure recognition following memory generation. Lures experienced implicitly within memories were more susceptible to false recognition, and content analysis further suggested increased temporal details and self-referential remarks within memory descriptions. In Experiment 3, we manipulated encoding processes giving rise to lures in memory descriptions by manipulating imagery instructions. Results suggested increased lure recognition following guided imagery, particularly for lures experienced explicitly. Our results suggest that lure activations are affected by the nature of the associated content as well as processes mediating their explicit experience during encoding and test. Our findings have implications for debates about best practices of guided imagery techniques. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Ce doping on the Cu charge in the electron superconductor Nd 2 − x Ce x CuO 4

We have investigated the effect of Ce doping on the net Cu charge via x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Cu K and the Ce ${L}_{3}$ edges. We conclude that Ce ions add electrons to the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes. It is most likely that this additional electron is injected into a band rather than being localized on each Cu site leading to ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{1+}$. We observe that the amount of electron doping is larger than Ce concentration.
In situ quantum efficiency of oceanic photosynthesis.

A method is described for determining the quantum efficiency (carbon fixed–quanta absorbed) of in-situ oceanic photosynthesis. The method makes use of a photoelectric sensor, called a chlorophyll-simulator, that gives a reading directly proportional to the absorption of quanta by the chlorophyll-a in the phytoplankton. The method is not sensitive to changes in the amount or spectral distribution of the natural incident light.
End-of-life issues in genetic disorders: summary of workshop held at the National Institutes of Health on September 26, 2001.

End-of-life issues in genetic disorders: Summary of workshop held at the National Institutes of Health on September 26, 2001
Potential Soil Carbon Sequestration and CO2 Offset by Dedicated Energy Crops in the USA

Energy crops are fast-growing species whose biomass yields are dedicated to the production of more immediately usable energy forms, such as liquid fuels or electricity. Biomass-based energy sources can offset, or displace, some amount of fossil-fuel use. Energy derived from biomass provides 2 to 3% of the energy used in the U.S.A.; but, with the exception of corn-(Zea mays L.)-to-ethanol, very little energy is currently derived from dedicated energy crops. In addition to the fossil-fuel offset, energy cropping might also mitigate an accentuated greenhouse gas effect by causing a net sequestration of atmospheric C into soil organic C (SOC). Energy plantations of short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) or herbaceous crops (HC) can potentially be managed to favor SOC sequestration. This review is focused primarily on the potential to mitigate atmospheric CO2 emissions by fostering SOC sequestration in energy cropping systems deployed across the landscape in the United States. We know that land use affects the dyna...
Abstract P4-04-03: A microgenomic approach using LCM procured breast cancer cells to identify clinically relevant gene signatures that underlie favorable response of ILC to aromatase inhibitors

Based on CGH analyses, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is closely related to low grade invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and is genetically unrelated to intermediate and high grade invasive carcinomas (Pathol Res Pract 2005; 201:713). Results from the BIG 1-98 trial, showed that patients with ILC and luminal B (intermediate/high grade) IDC treated with Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor (AI), had a significant improvement in overall survival, whereas patients with luminal A (low grade) IDC did not (Cancer Res 2012; 72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr S1-1). Despite genetic evidence suggesting a close relationship between ILC and low grade IDC, and disparity between ILC and intermediate and high grade IDC, a clinically relevant gene set underlying a tumor9s biologic responsiveness to AIs likely exists. We are deciphering a gene subset that would differ in expression between low grade IDC and ILC, and would be shared by ILC and luminal B IDC. Identification of such a gene set should lead to a more robust marker for identifying AI responsive tumors rather than relying solely on histomorphology and/or immunohistochemistry for the pathologic diagnosis of ILC, since the distinction between ILC and IDC is not always straight forward in pathology practice. Using 247 de-identified human breast carcinoma biopsies collected under standardized, stringent conditions, total RNA was extracted from carcinoma cells procured by laser capture microdissection to perform microarray analyses of approximately 22,000 genes to identify expression signatures associated with breast cancer characteristics. Of the 247 samples, 169 samples were used for the analysis and included 16 ILCs, 13 low grade IDCs, 55 intermediate grade IDCs and 85 high grade IDCs. Preliminary analyses identified 1267 genes that were differentially expressed (p Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-04-03.
Neutron Irradiation Induced Microstructural Changes in NBG-18 and IG-110 Nuclear Graphites

Abstract This paper reports the neutron-irradiation-induced effects on the microstructure of NBG-18 and IG-110 nuclear graphites. The high-temperature neutron irradiation at two different irradiation conditions was carried out at the Advanced Test Reactor National User Facility at the Idaho National Laboratory. NBG-18 samples were irradiated to 1.54 dpa and 6.78 dpa at 430 °C and 678 °C respectively. IG-110 samples were irradiated to 1.91 dpa and 6.70 dpa at 451 °C and 674 °C respectively. Bright-field transmission electron microscopy imaging was used to study the changes in different microstructural components such as filler particles, microcracks, binder and quinoline-insoluble (QI) particles. Significant changes have been observed in samples irradiated to about 6.7 dpa. The closing of pre-existing microcracks was observed in both the filler and the binder phases. The binder phase exhibited substantial densification with near complete elimination of the microcracks. The QI particles embedded in the binder phase exhibited a complete microstructural transformation from rosettes to highly crystalline solid spheres. The lattice images indicate the formation of edge dislocations as well as extended line defects bridging the adjacent basal planes. The positive climb of these dislocations has been identified as the main contributor to the irradiation-induced swelling of the graphite lattice.
Energy centric model of SRAM write operation for improved energy and error rates

We propose an energy centric model of SRAM write operation. The model provides useful insights about energy and write error rates. We introduce the concept of intrinsic energy margin induced errors. The proposed model is employed for evaluating various write assist mechanisms and their potential in reducing the intrinsic memory error rates. We also demonstrate that this model can be used for optimizing energy of memory arrays.
Radio Astronomy Observations From Space

A descr ip t ion is given of four rad io a s t r o n o m y expe r imen t s t h a t can be carr ied o u t w i t h s i m p l e very low ga in a n t e n n a s a t f requencies wh ich a re too low to p e n e t r a t e , free of d i s to r t i on , E a r t h ' s i onosphe re . T h e s e a r e : 1 M e a s u r e m e n t of t h e i n t e g r a t e d rad io flux f rom t h e galaxy a t f requencies below 10 m c ; 2 m e a s u r e m e n t of t h e d y n a m i c spec t ra of solar b u r s t s of f requencies below 30 m c ; 3 m e a s u r e m e n t of t h e d y n a m i c spec t ra of b u r s t s a t f requencies below 30 m c f rom t h e p l a n e t J u p i t e r ; 4 m e a s u r e m e n t of t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n of e lec t ron dens i t ies o u t w a r d f rom t h e Flayer of E a r t h ' s i onosphere . These expe r imen t s c an bes t be c o n d u c t e d aboa rd a h igh ly eccent r ic artificial E a r t h sa te l l i te wi th an apogee grea te r t h a n 5 t o 10 E a r t h rad i i .
Management of the third stage of labor in pregnancies terminated by prostaglandin E2.

Summary In the management of second-trimester medical terminations of pregnancy, it is a commonly accepted practice to allow 2 hours for the third stage of labor. This practice is based on data from terminations with saline solution as the abortifacient. Herein we report our experience with the use of prostaglandin E 2 vaginal suppositories for midtrimester terminations, with particular regard to placental delivery rates and associated complications. Ninety-six patients underwent prostaglandin E 2 vaginal suppository terminations. Fifty-eight percent of patients had spontaneous placental delivery within 2 hours of the passage of the fetus; approximately two thirds of these were expelled within 30 minutes. Previous work involving elective saline solution-induced terminations suggested the 2-hour time limit for the third stage of labor. This was based on an unacceptable complication rate of greater than 4% beyond 2 hours. The present study of the use of prostaglandin E 2 suppositories for a variety of indications demonstrated a similar complication rate of 4% at 30 minutes. These findings suggest expectant management beyond this time limit may produce unacceptably high complication rates. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:412-4.)
Dual Roles for Ste24p in Yeast a-Factor Maturation: NH2-terminal Proteolysis and COOH-terminal CAAX Processing

Maturation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor precursor involves COOH-terminal CAAX processing (prenylation, AAX tripeptide proteolysis, and carboxyl methylation) followed by cleavage of an NH2-terminal extension (two sequential proteolytic processing steps). The aim of this study is to clarify the precise role of Ste24p, a membrane-spanning zinc metalloprotease, in the proteolytic processing of the a-factor precursor. We demonstrated previously that Ste24p is necessary for the first NH2-terminal processing step by analysis of radiolabeled a-factor intermediates in vivo (Fujimura-Kamada, K., F.J. Nouvet, and S. Michaelis. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 136:271–285). In contrast, using an in vitro protease assay, others showed that Ste24p (Afc1p) and another gene product, Rce1p, share partial overlapping function as COOH-terminal CAAX proteases (Boyartchuk, V.L., M.N. Ashby, and J. Rine. 1997. Science. 275:1796–1800). Here we resolve these apparently conflicting results and provide compelling in vivo evidence that Ste24p indeed functions at two steps of a-factor maturation using two methods. First, direct analysis of a-factor biosynthetic intermediates in the double mutant (ste24Δ rce1Δ) reveals a previously undetected species (P0*) that fails to be COOH terminally processed, consistent with redundant roles for Ste24p and Rce1p in COOH-terminal CAAX processing. Whereas a-factor maturation appears relatively normal in the rce1Δ single mutant, the ste24Δ single mutant accumulates an intermediate that is correctly COOH terminally processed but is defective in cleavage of the NH2-terminal extension, demonstrating that Ste24p is also involved in NH2-terminal processing. Together, these data indicate dual roles for Ste24p and a single role for Rce1p in a-factor processing. Second, by using a novel set of ubiquitin–a-factor fusions to separate the NH2- and COOH-terminal processing events of a-factor maturation, we provide independent evidence for the dual roles of Ste24p. We also report here the isolation of the human (Hs) Ste24p homologue, representing the first human CAAX protease to be cloned. We show that Hs Ste24p complements the mating defect of the yeast double mutant (ste24Δ rce1Δ) strain, implying that like yeast Ste24p, Hs Ste24p can mediate multiple types of proteolytic events.
The impact of HMO penetration on the relationship between nurse staffing and quality

While there are a number of studies examining the relationship between nurse staffing and quality, none has examined structural differences in the relationship between nurse staffing and quality contingent upon the level of managed care penetration. We used administrative data, and a dynamic panel data model to examine this relationship in a panel of 422 acute care hospitals from 1990 to 1995. We found that there were significant differences in the relationship between nurse staffing and both mortality and length of stay depending upon the level of HMO penetration in the hospital's market.
A comparison of right-wing authoritarianism, conformity and conservatism.

Abstract Study aims were (a) to test the Altemeyer Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale (RWAS) for unidimensionality and (b) to compare RWAS with two related Constructs of Conformity and sociopolitical Conservatism. A sample of 339 university students completed all three measures on an 80-item survey form. A principal axis analysis of the 30 RWAS items alone isolated two factors with pro-trait items loading on the first and con-trait items loading on the second factor. Since the two factors correlate 0.40 an underlying higher order dimension is implied. Analysis of the three scales combined disclosed four factors interpretable as Right-Wing Authoritarianism. Freedom of Expression, Conservatism on Military Issues and Political Liberalism. The results indicate that RWAS measures two factors and a slender higher-order dimension.
Estimation of Correlation Functions by Stochastic Approximation

Two techniques for estimating the correlation function of a stationary random process using the method of stochastic approximation are developed. Both provide updated estimates as successive T-second observations are processed. Both assume a functional form for the correlation function that depends on a number of parameters that are estimated. One technique is based on the mean-square error; the other maximizes a likelihood function. Examples are included.
Seabed properties and sediment erodibility along the western Adriatic margin, Italy

Abstract During February and June of 2003, selected physical and biological sediment properties were measured at nine mud-bottom sites (11–22 m) along the western margin of the Adriatic Sea. Seabed properties were compared with shipboard measurements of sediment erodibility made at the same sites to gain insight into the physical and biological controls on sediment erodibility operating in the western Adriatic. In addition, spatial patterns of erodibility were compared with long-term records of sediment accumulation in the region to determine if patterns of erodibility were responsible for the discrepancy between sediment sources and sinks on the shelf. Results indicate that sediment erodibility along the western Adriatic Sea varied both in time and space. In the wintertime, sediment in the vicinity of the Po delta (in the northern region) was less easily eroded than to the south. In the summertime, the pattern reversed. The physical characteristics of the seabed including porosity and grain-size were important factors controlling erodibility during the winter, although in a manner opposite to expectations (i.e., higher porosity sediment was less erodible). No relationship between the physical characteristics of the seabed and erodibility was observed in the summer, when it was likely that erodibility was influenced by benthic organisms, especially microphytobenthos. Results of this study suggest long-term sediment accumulation patterns along the western Adriatic Sea are unlikely to be controlled by patterns of erodibility. However, due to several complicating factors, especially along-margin variability in wave energy, the impact of sediment erodibility on long-term patterns of accumulation remains unclear. Further studies that resolve both finer and larger-scale spatial and temporal variability in sediment erodibility and that incorporate year-to-year forcing of the coastal ocean are needed to more accurately resolve the relationship between erodibility and sediment accumulation in the western Adriatic, as well as other coastal environments.
Stress, support, and depression: A longitudinal causal model

This study assesses causal relationships among stress, social support, and depression using data collected at four points in time over one year from a community sample of 740 Los Angeles County adults. A series of latent variable causal models are tested to assess effects over time spans of 4, 8, and 12 months. Depression and support are found to be moderately and highly stable, respectively, over one year, while stress is only slightly stable. Recent stress is found to increase levels of depression from previous levels. Social support is shown to have direct negative effects on current depression and indirect effects on subsequent depression. Reciprocal causal relationships are also explored.
Harmonic and anharmonic elastic properties of the α‐NbH system

The room temperature elastic properties of NbHx are determined for hydrogen concentrations in the range 0 to 2.7 at%H. The full set of second and third order anisotropic elastic constants, the temperature coefficients of the second order elastic constants, the thermal expansion coefficient, and changes in the lattice parameter are measured. In agreement with earlier measurements, the changes of the harmonic properties (second order elastic constants) are found to be large. As expected, changes of the anharmonic properties (third order elastic constants) are observed to be even larger. These results permit separation of the total change of the second order constants upon addition of hydrogen into intrinsic and volumetric components. Die elastischen Eigenschaften von NbHx wurden bei Raumtemperatur fur einen Konzentrationsbereich von 0 bis 2,7 at%H bestimmt. Der volle Satz der anisotropen elastischen Konstanten zweiter und dritter Ordnung, die Temperaturkoeffizienten der elastischen Konstanten zweiter Ordnung, der thermische Ausdehnungskoeffizient und die Anderung der Gitterkonstante wurden gemessen. Die Anderungen der harmonischen Eigenschaften (elastische Konstanten zweiter Ordnung) sind, in Ubereinstimmung mit fruheren Messungen, relativ gros. Die Anderungen der anharmonischen Eigenschaften (elastische Konstanten dritter Ordnung) sind, wie erwartet, groser als die der harmonischen Eigenschaften. Die vorliegenden Resultate erlauben eine Trennung der totalen Anderung der elastischen Konstanten zweiter Ordnung in einen inneren Anteil und einen Anteil, der durch die Expansion des Gitters gegeben ist.
Increased afterdischarge threshold during kindling in epileptic rats

The effects of daily electrical kindling stimulation of the perforant pathway were investigated in an excitotoxic rat model of epilepsy with chronic seizures in order to learn whether the preexisting epileptic condition would facilitate or retard kindling. Sprague-Dawley rats with recurrent spontaneous seizures 4–8 months after unilateral intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) injection were implanted with recording electrodes in the hippocampus and stimulating electrodes in the perforant path. Daily stimulation for 10 s at 5 Hz was given for 15 days. The afterdischarge (AD) threshold and the AD duration of kindled KA rats were compared before and during kindling with those of a kindled control group. In the control group, as expected, mean AD thresholds decreased (P<0.01), while AD duration progressively increased. Although AD threshold was the same in KA and control groups at the start of kindling, in the KA group a significant increase in threshold occurred from the beginning to the end of kindling (P<0.01). Behaviorally, KA rats showed stage 4 or 5 seizures on the first stimulation, and stage 3–5 seizures during the remainder of kindling. Paired pulse testing showed facilitation of late components of the dentate gyrus field potential at the beginning of kindling, and suppression of late components at the end, in the KA rats. A significant decrease in the rate of spontaneous seizures in KA rats was noted during the period of kindling (P=0.04). These results suggest that electrical stimulation of the perforant path may strengthen homeostatic seizure suppressing mechanisms, and may provide insights into novel approaches to the treatment of clinical seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Neutrino oscillations above black hole accretion disks: Disks with electron-flavor emission

Black hole accretion disks can form through the collapse of rotating massive stars. These disks produce large numbers of neutrinos and antineutrinos of electron flavor that can influence energetics and nucleosynthesis. Neutrinos are produced in sufficient numbers that, after they are emitted, they can undergo flavor transformation facilitated by the neutrino self interaction. We show that some of the neutrino flavor transformation phenomenology for accretion disks is similar to that of the supernova case, but also, we find the disk geometry lends itself to different transformation behaviors. These transformations strongly influence the nucleosynthetic outcome of disk winds.
Comparison of three measures for detecting psychological disturbance in patients with low back pain

Abstract The MMPI Low Back Scale, the ‘Conversion V’ MMPI profile and the Back Pain Classification Scale were compared for accuracy in detecting psychological disturbance in a sample of 91 patients with low back pain. These patients were classified as to the presence or absence of organic findings and psychological disturbance on the basis of objective and independent evaluations. Hit rates of 37.4%, 64.5% and 78.0% were produced by the 3 measures, respectively. The Back Pain Classification Scale was the most accurate measure, and the only scale to exceed base rate. The implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed.
Differential seed mortality among habitats limits the distribution of the invasive non-native shrub Ardisia elliptica

During the early phases of biological invasions, both limited dispersal and habitat preference may contribute to observed patterns of distribution for non-native species. In a disturbed area of Everglades National Park, the non-native Ardisia elliptica (Myrsinaceae) does not occur in all habitat types nor is it evenly distributed among habitats where it does occur. One goal of this study was to determine whether the patchy distribution of A. elliptica may be due to differential effects of habitat on seed fates and germination. Screen mesh bags containing seeds of A. elliptica were buried in the surface litter of five habitats and were later sampled periodically over a three month period to measure seed germination, survival and death. Seed mortality and mean germination speed was higher in open exposed habitats relative to closed canopied forests. During the study period, which coincided with the dry season, there was no germination of seeds that had been placed in pine forests or in Schinus thickets that were highly disturbed pine forests. Because hydroperiod is a critical determinant of habitat type in the Everglades ecosystem, a second goal of this study was to determine whether water availability was correlated with seed germination and seedling survival in five sites where A. elliptica has invaded. Seeds were sown under mesh boxes and monitored for germination and seedling survival for ten months. Estimates of water availability taken as predawn water potentials on A. elliptica were positively correlated with percent seed germination but not with percent seedling survival. Additionally, pre-dawn water potential of A. elliptica differed among sites. This study suggests that differential water availability among habitats may have influenced the patchy distribution of A. elliptica in Everglades National Park. Lack of sufficient moisture availability for seeds in exposed habitats such as pine forests and wetland prairies during the dry season has contributed to its distribution. Because some of the habitats where A. elliptica currently occurs were pine forests and wetland prairies prior to disturbance, this study suggests that substrate disturbance and canopy formation have altered the soil microenvironment, favoring the establishment of A. elliptica.
An immunochemical study of sheep pituitary interstitial cell-stimulating hormone

Abstract Rabbit antiserum to highly purified interstitial cell-stimulating hormones (ICSH) from sheep pituitary glands ( β s -ICSH) has been produced. Various immunochemical studies indicated that β s -ICSH is a homogeneous protein. This antiserum was shown to form precipitable antibody-antigen complexes in crude extracts of rat and pig pituitaries. Injections of the antiserum into normal rats were found to inhibit the endogenous ICSH activity. Bioassay in either normal or hypophysectomized rats showed that the antiserum to β s -ICSH inhibits not only the activity of sheep ICSH but also that of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human ICSH. The ICSH activity of crude extracts of whale, pig, and rat pituitaries can be counteracted by simultaneous injections of the rabbit β s -ICSH antiserum, whereas the ICSH activity of human chorionic gonadotropin and chicken pituitary extract was not neutralized by the antiserum.
Lipid composition and in vitro biosynthetic rates of neutral lipids and phosphatidylcholine in anterior and posterior chambers of the goldfish swimbladder

Abstract 1. 1. Lipid composition was compared in anterior and posterior swimbladder and also in lavages of both chambers in the goldfish. 2. 2. Anterior bladder contained more phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin than posterior chamber, but phosphatidylcholine contents were similar. 3. 3. Cholesterol formed 17% of lipids in lavage-fluid in anterior chamber and 30% in posterior chamber. Lavage phospholipid contents in four pooled samples of each chamber were below detectable limits. Thus. surface-active phospholipids do not appear to be secreted by either chamber of goldfish swimbladder. 4. 4. Uptake and incorporation of [ 14 C]-acetate into total lipids, cholesterol and free fatty acids was greater in anterior than in posterior chamber. Rates of [ 3 H]methylcholine incorporation into phosphatidylcholine were similar in both chambers. 5. 5. Goldfish anterior and posterior swimbladder display differences in lipid composition and metabolism which may be related to functional specializations.
Toward an Integrative Model for CBT: Encompassing Behavior, Cognition, Affect, and Process.

Dramatic changes in our science in recent years have profound implications for how psychologists conceptualize, assess, and treat people. I comment on these developments and the contributions to this special series, focusing on how they speak to new directions and challenges for the future of CBT. Discoveries about mind, brain, and behavior that have vitalized psychological science in the last few decades are providing insights into such directly CBT-relevant processes as memory and the construction of personal narratives, attention control, and executive functions, including planning and conflict-monitoring, emotion and self-regulation, meta-cognition, and unconscious, automatic processing, as well as the nature, organization, and expressions of important individual differences. As the understanding of the subsystems and part-processes that collectively constitute the person's cognitive and emotional architecture escalates, it is an opportune moment to consider the implications for clinical psychology and the behavior therapies, especially CBT. I do so, drawing on work at the vanguard of the science and pointing to some of the implications for therapies committed to growing as the cognitive and behavioral sciences on which they are based evolve.
Mitophagy and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in neurodegeneration and bacterial infection

Mitochondria are highly dynamic and structurally complex organelles that provide multiple essential metabolic functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, as well as bacterial infection. Here, we explore the roles of mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in the response to mitochondrial dysfunction, focusing in particular on recent evidence on the role of mitochondrial import efficiency in the regulation of these stress pathways and how they may interact to protect the mitochondrial pool while initiating an innate immune response to protect against bacterial pathogens.
Minimal residual disease studies in acute leukemia

Studies of minimal, or submicroscopic, residual disease (MRD) during treatment hold great potential for improving the clinical management of patients with acute leukemia. MRD assays can accurately gauge treatment response and allow estimates of the residual leukemic cell burden during clinical remission in individual patients, thereby refining the selection of therapeutic strategies and, possibly, long-term clinical outcome. The most useful MRD assays currently available are polymerase chain reaction amplification of fusion transcripts and rearranged antigen-receptor genes, and flow cytometric detection of aberrant immunophenotypes. Several studies in children and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia have shown a strong association between MRD and risk of relapse, irrespective of the methodology used to detect residual disease. This article discusses the relative merits of the available MRD assays and the significance of MRD in relation to clinical and biologic features of the disease, and treatment outcome.
TOTAL CORTISOL IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND FETAL LUNG MATURATION

Abstract Total Cortisol was determined by radioimmunoassay in 48 samples of amniotic fluid obtained at various stages of normal pregnancy. Before the 34th week, all cortisol levels were 40 weeks, a further increase in total amniotic-fluid cortisol was observed, and values > 120 ng per milliliter were found only in patients of this group. A good rank correlation between cortisol and lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio was found in 43 samples (r = 0.83, p 60 ng per milliliter (16 patients). Total amniotic-fluid cortisol may reflect initiation of fetal lung maturation, and may help identify pregnancies with a gestation period of over 40 weeks. (N Engl J Med 292:133–136, 1975)
Identification of a clade A HIV envelope immunogen from Protocol G that elicits neutralizing antibodies to tier 2 viruses

Background Broadly neutralizing antibodies PG9 and PG16 have been isolated from the B cells of one clade A-infected individual from IAVI Protocol G. PG16 is relatively trimer-specific whereas PG9 binds trimer preferentially, but can bind monomeric gp120 from several viral isolates. Both antibodies are potent neutralizers that recognize greater than 70% of tier 2 pseudovirues in the TZM-bl assay. We sought to begin immunogen design efforts based on sequences from the Protocol G donor, however all viruses isolated from the donor were resistant to neutralization by PG9 and PG16. We used a bioinformatics approach to infer the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) sequence for the viral envelope (Env) to identify closely related viruses sensitive to PG9/16.
Evaluation of the mechanical properties of extrusion-spheronized beads and multiparticulate systems.

Background: The mechanical properties of extrusion-spheronized beads as part of multiparticulate systems has not been adequately studied. Aim: The purpose was to study the mechanical properties of such drug beads and blends of drug beads and glycerol monostearate (GMS)-placebo beads. Method: Heckel analysis (mean yield pressure, Py), strain rate sensitivity (SRS), elastic recovery (ER), and total work of compression (TWC) studies were conducted using a PressterTM linear rotary tablet machine simulator operating at several combinations of speed and force. Results: The GMS-placebo beads exhibited the lowest Py values (9.1 ± 1.6 MPa) and TWC (1.9 ± 0.3 J) overall and these values steadily increased with increases in both applied speed and force. Although the placebo beads had the lowest ER values of 3.8 ± 0.7%, these beads showed significant time-dependent deformation behavior based on their SRS value of 70.2%. Heckel analysis showed that uncoated theophylline beads containing 58% ethylcellulose were more co...
Deacylcortivazol acts through glucocorticoid receptors.

Abstract Deacylcortivazol contains a phenyl-pyrazole moiety fused to the 2–3 position of the basic glucocorticoid steroid nucleus. When incubated with the glucocorticoid sensitive human leukemic cell line CEM-C7 it was found to be 20–50 times more cytotoxic than dexamethasone. In the same cell line it was 25-fold more active than dexamethasone in the induction of glutamine synthetase. Using a whole cell binding assay to measure competition for glucocorticoid receptors deacylcortivazol was found to be 17 times more effective than dexamethasone in competing with [3H]-dexamethasone for binding to receptor. When clones selected for resistance to 10−6M dexamethasone and containing defective glucocorticoid receptors were treated with deacylcortivazol, no effect on cell growth or glutamine synthetase activity was observed, demonstrating a common pathway for the two steroids.
Infrared internal reflection spectra of methanol—water mixtures

Abstract Infrared spectra of 0–100 vol% methanol—water mixtures were recorded over the 3900-900 cm −1 range at 8 cm −1 resolution using internal reflection techniques and a Fourier transform spectrometer. There were interactions of the water and methanol which made themselves evident as changes of the water OH stretching and deformation band frequencies. The methanol band frequencies were unaffected by changes in concentration and consequently those bands can be used for quantitative purposes, but water bands should not be used for precise determinations.
Increased erythropoietic stimulant in plasma of pregnant rats.

Summary1. Plasma of normal adult female rats contains a factor capable of stimulating erythropoiesis in hypophysectomized and newborn rats, as judged by increased circulating red cell volume and hemoglobin. 2. This humoral erythropoietic factor is markedly increased during pregnancy. 3. Injections of plasma from non-pregnant and pregnant rats resulted in an increase in plasma and blood volumes of hypophysectomized and newborn recipients.
Collisional aspects of preferential sputtering using the Monte Carlo method

In fusion reactors, surface coatings such as TiC and TiB2 are susceptible to the influence of preferential sputtering caused by plasma ion bombardment. The preferential sputtering is the result of chemical, diffusional, and kinetic processes. The kinetic processes are dominant at low energy and moderate ion flux. A Monte Carlo code, TRIPOS, is developed for analysis of the preferential sputtering phenomenon. Argon, helium, deuterium, and tritium ion bombardment of LuFe, CuAu, TiC, and laminated AuPt alloys are simulated. The results from TRIPOS are compared with the results from other theoretical and experimental works. For helium incident on CuAu, TRIPOS gives good agreement with experiment. While TRIPOS shows general agreement with the corresponding program TRIDYN, results for argon on laminated AuPt are not in agreement with EVOLVE. Finally the case of TiC is investigated, where preferential sputtering of carbon atoms under fusion ion bombardment is observed.
Serum and plasma β-carotene levels measured with an improved method of high-performance liquid chromatography

An isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method specifically developed to allow simple and rapid determination of β-carotene concentrations in serum and plasma is reported. Using a method modified from a previously published technique, serum and plasma proteins are denatured by exposure to perchloric acid, and β-carotene is subsequently extracted into an organic matrix consisting of ethyl acetate—tetrahydrofuran (1:1); no evaporation step is required. Separation is achieved using isocratic elution from a reversed-phase C18, column with UV detection at 436 nm. Recovery of β-carotene from water and plasma was greater than 98.1%; β-carotene was stable in the extraction matrix for at least 4 h. Three anticoagulants (oxalate, citrate, and EDTA) caused losses of β-carotene; perchloric acid and tetrahydrofuran could also destroy β-carotene under certain conditions. Each run required less than 15 min ; within-day coefficient of variation for identical samples averaged 2.3%, between-day coefficient of variation was 4.4% and sensitivity was better than 10 ng/ml. Stability of β-carotene in plasma was also examined. This method permits a simple, rapid, sensitive, precise, and accurate determination of β-carotene using 0,5 ml of serum or heparinized plasma.
Protein microsequencing using high-pressure liquid chromatography of phenylthiohydantoin amino acids

Abstract 22 Phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) amino acids have been separated and quantitated using gradient elutions with acetonitrile on columns of Microbondapak C18. The low signal-to-noise ratio and high sensitivity of the detection system permit quantitation of as little as 10 pmoles of phenylthiohydantoin amino acids from the sequencer. This high sensitivity has been used used to advantage in conjunction with a 0.1 M Quadrol sequencer program; the sequence of 2.7 nmoles of myoglobin was obtained for 32 successive cycles of Edman degradation employing high-pressure liquid chromatography as the sole method of identification of the PTH-amino acids. All of the phenylthiohydantoin amino acids are detected at 254 nm; the detection of PTH-threonine as PTH-dehydrothreonine is enhanced by detection at 313 nm.
Bridging the Gap: Toward A Realist-Constructivist Dialogue

Editor's Note: J. Samuel Barkin's International Studies Review article “Realist Constructivism” (2003) makes the important point that the opposition between realist and constructivist schools of thought in international relations (IR) may not be as clear-cut as is commonly supposed. In doing so, he focuses on how certain classical realist notions are compatible with constructivist sensibilities …
Landscape epidemiology of mosquito-borne canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in northern California, USA. I. Community-based surveys of domestic dogs in three landscapes

Endemic patterns of canine filariasis in northern California were studied in 3 communities differing in ecological landscape: Tehama City (riparian-agricultural), Palo Cedro (oakpine woodland), and Cedar Ridge (conifer-oak forest). Dog populations were surveyed by household for canine-infecting filariids; both microfilaremic and amicrofilaremic patent Dirofilaria immitis infections were documented (Knott, IFA/ELISA tests). Of 403 dogs resident in these communities, 111 were on preventive diethylcarbamazine (DEC) citrate therapy (55% tested), and 292 had no recent DEC history (87% tested). Dirofilaria immitis was highly endemic in all communities, with point prevalence rates of 34.3% (Tehama City), 28.0% (Cedar Ridge), and 21.1% (Palo Cedro). Amicrofilaremic occult infections constituted 14–29% of total cases. The frequency distribution of microfilaremic densities in community dogs was highly skewed (median = 4040 mf/ml). Dipetalonema reconditum microfilariae were found in 4.9% of dogs in the Tehama community. Significant heartworm risk factors were Residence period, exposure, and SEX as determined from stepwise logistic regression analysis. Heartworm risk increased with length of residence, compared to a reference population resident ≤ 1 year. Adjusted odds ratios were 3.1 in dogs resident 1–3 years, 5.5 (3–5 years), and 12.2 (>5 years) (98.7% confidence). Dogs kept strictly outside were at 5.4× greater risk of patent heartworm disease than animals kept indoors for at least part of the 24-h day (97.5% confidence). Increased risk was also quantified for spayed females (R = 4.2) and for all males (R = 3.0), compared to intact females (98.3% confidence). Heartworm cases in Cedar Ridge were clustered adjacent to areas of disrupted forest landscape, suggesting a focal mosquito vector originating from the disturbed area. In Tehama City, cases were evenly scattered throughout the town, suggesting highly dispersive mosquito vector populations. The spatial distribution of cases in Palo Cedro indicated a woodland-associated vector with limited dispersal ability. Dipetalonema reconditum cases were mostly clustered by neighborhood in Tehama City.