cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Familial, recurrent hemolytic-uremic syndrome

Age (yr) 13 15 12 Sex M M F Duration of typical pain attack 1-2 min <3 min Few seconds Pain frequency (episodes/yr) 6 7-8 Unknown Character of pain Sudden, stabbing Sudden, crampy Sudden, crampy Associated GI symptoms None None None Past history of recurrent abdominal pain + + Familial irritable bowel syndrome + Physical examination Normal Normal Normal Barium enema radiography Normal Normal Normal Rectosigmoidoscopy Normal Not done Not done Multiple drug trials + +
Core-shell silver nanoparticles for optical labeling of cells

Abstract Silver nanoparticles have been modified with self-assembled monolayers of hydroxyl-terminated long chain thiols and encapsulated with a silica shell. The resulting core–shell nanoparticles were used as optical labels for cell analysis using flow cytometry and microscopy. The excitation of plasmon resonances in nanoparticles results in strong depolarized scattering of visible light, permitting detection at the single nanoparticle level. The nanoparticles were modified with neutravidin via epoxide–azide coupling chemistry, to which biotinylated antibodies targeting cell surface receptors were bound. The nanoparticle labels exhibited long-term stability in solutions with high salt concentrations without aggregation or silver etching. Labeled cells exhibited two orders of magnitude enhancement of the scattering intensity compared with unlabeled cells.
Use of Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization in Water Resources Management

Water resources management presents a large variety of multiobjective problems that require powerful optimization tools in order to fully characterize the existing trade-offs. Different optimization methods, based on mathematical programming at first and on evolutionary computation more recently, have been applied with various degrees of success. This paper explores the use of a relatively recent heuristic technique called particle swarm optimization (PSO), which has been found to perform very well in a wide spectrum of optimization problems. Many extensions of the single-objective PSO to handle multiple objectives have been proposed in the evolutionary computation literature. This paper presents an implementation of multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) that evaluates alternative solutions based on Pareto dominance, using an external repository to store nondominated solutions, a fitness sharing approach to promote diversity, and a mutation operator to improve global search. The MOPSO solver ...
The electronic quadrupole polarizibility of the oxygen ion in ionic solids

Abstract The calculation of self-consistent electrostatic fields and field gradients in corundum (α - Al2O3) shows that the electronic quadrupole polarizibility of the oxygen ion in this crystal structure must be smaller than 1×10−40 cm5. The most probable value is between 0.2 and 0.3×10−40 cm5. Although this value is relatively small the effect of the oxygen quadrupole moments on the potential distribution is considerable.
Drifting Through the Beehive

Spiral waves are thought to underliemany heart arrhythmias, includingﬁbrillation (1,2). Some of the earliestexperimental recordings of spiralwaves indicated that sometimes theydrift (3), meaning that the core of thespiral wave not only meanders in aspirographlike pattern but also amblesalong, on average, in one direction.This is not unlike the motion of anelectron in a copper wire, with arandom thermal motion—akin to themeandering of a spiral wave, but lessorganized—and a slower drift speed inthedirectionofanappliedelectricﬁeld.What causes the drift of a spiral wave?One important factor is heterogeneityof tissue properties. The resulting drifthas two components: one along thedirection of the heterogeneity, andanother perpendicular to it. Consider aspiral wave rotating in the x-y plane. Ifthe tissue properties vary with x, thenthecoreofthespiralwavecandriftpar-allel to the y axis. Whether it is in thepositive or negative direction alongthis axis depends on whether the spiralwave rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise (4). The core can also driftparallel to the x axis, usually towardthe region of longest action potentialduration (5). In this issue of theBiophysical Journal, Calvo et al. (6)use computer simulations to analyzethe drift of a spiral wave in the atrium,where there exists a marked gradientof tissue properties.In their title, Calvo et al. (6) labeltheirmodelasrepresentingatrialﬁbril-lation,althoughperhaps‘‘atrialﬂutter’’is the more appropriate term. Youropinion about the importance of thissimulation for atrial ﬁbrillation maydepend on your point of view abouthow ﬁbrillation is sustained. Rogersand Ideker (7) compare the competinghypothesesbyinvokingtwometaphors:a rabbit warren and a beehive. In therabbit warren analogy, parent wave-fronts break up into daughter wave-fronts, which break up again andagain, like ‘‘rabbits breeding in awarren’’ (7). Fenton et al. (8) have pre-formed elegant simulations illustratingthis type of behavior. The alternativeview is that there exists a mother rotor,the‘‘queenbee’’governingthebeehive,acting as the source of wave fronts thatsometimesfailorbreakupastheyprop-agate outward (8). This academicdebate over the mechanism that sus-tains atrial ﬁbrillation has a transla-tional counterpart: investigators haveobtained clinical data that supportboth the rabbit warren (9) and thebeehive (10) hypotheses. If you favorthe second metaphor, then for you, thestudy of Calvo et al. (6) examines howthe mother rotor drifts through thebeehive.The most important membrane cur-rent distributed heterogeneously in thestudy of Calvo et al. is the time-inde-pendent inward rectiﬁer, I
Acculturation and cancer screening among Latinas: results from the National Health Interview Survey.

Background: Although early detection of breast and cervical cancer is one of the most effective means of assuring timely treatment and survival, the cultural hypothesis proposes that traditional norms, values, and beliefs deter Latinas from being screened.Purpose:We assessed whether acculturation is associated with Latinas'receipt ofarecentmammogram,clinical breast examination (CBE), andPapanicolaou (Pap) test, and the contribution of acculturation to screening after adjusting for sociodemographic variables.Methods:We used data from the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Supplement of the 1991 National Health Interview Survey. The sample for analyses of Pap test utilization included 1,370 Latinas age 18 and over, and for mammography and CBE, 525 Latinawomenage 40 and over.Results: Acculturation was associated with a higher likelihood of having had a recent mammogram, but this effect was not significant when controlling for sociodemographic factors. In both adjusted and unadjusted analyses, acculturation did not predict recent Pap smears. Acculturation was associated with greater likelihood of recent CBE, controlling for sociodemographic factors.Conclusions: The association between acculturation and cancer screening is inconsistent. Theoretical models are needed to explain the mechanisms involved in the association (or lack thereof) between acculturation and screening.
Influence of the intrastand position of black locust trees on attack rate of the locust borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The attack rate of locust borers, Megacyllene robiniae (Forster), was studied in relation to intrastand position in 15 native black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands in western Maryland during 1987-1988. Each stand was divided into the following intrastand positions: mixed forest, forest-clone edge, clonal growth, clone-open edge, and open growth. Borer attack rate was lowest in mixed-forest black locust and increased as stands extended from the forest edge into adjacent open areas as clonal growth and growing in the open. Tree size decreased and tree vigor increased from mixed forest to open growth. However, borer attack rates increased from mixed forest to open growth within all classes of diameter at breast height and among trees with high vigor. Symptoms of previous borer attacks were positively correlated with current attack rates within all intrastand positions. We found no significant intrastand differences in borer survivorship from the spring larval stage to adult emergence. Intrastand differences in attack rate may have been caused by factors affecting oviposition or survival of the egg and fall-winter larval stages. Evidence of an inverse relationship between borer attack rate and tree vigor existed only in the mixed-forest intrastand position.
A Guide to Genetic Counseling, 2nd Edition.

The field of genetics and genetic counseling has exploded over the last 10 years. Updating the first edition of A Guide to Genetic Counseling is a welcome necessity. Few textbooks for genetic counselors exist, and this is one that every genetic counseling student and practicing genetic counselors will be pleased to own. Genetic counseling grew out of a need for practitioners, in particular obstetricians, to explain and obtain informed consent for amniocentesis, and it continues to grow with the need for expertise in explaining the new genetic technologies to individuals and their families. Health professionals are increasingly involved in genetic testing, and genetic counseling is an essential part of the process. This book demystifies the genetic counseling process, exploring the elements involved and providing examples of best practice.Each chapter is authored by subject matter experts. Many of the chapters from the first edition are present with minimal updating; several, dramatically improved, with new authorship. The chapter on multicultural counseling, authored by Gottfried Oosterwal, lends an expertise by looking at the field of genetic counseling through the eyes of an anthropologist. Case studies in this chapter are identified as “critical incidents,” and responses to the incidents are detailed in the Appendix, forcing the reader to contemplate the resolution before being given tools to do so. New chapters reflect the expansion of the genetic counseling profession, including Baty's chapter “Risk Communication and Decision-Making,” Yashar's chapter “Genetic Counseling Research,” Collins and McInerney's “Genetic Counselors as Educators,” and Balkite and Smith's “Evolving Roles, Expanding Opportunities.” The reference and resource materials concluding Collins and McInerney's chapter are exceptional. In their chapter “Understanding Genetic Testing,” Faucett and Ward give a case example of genetic counseling unraveling one family's genetic testing saga. More and more, it is the genetic counselor who helps identify the correct test to be ordered and explains the implications of the test, no longer simply diagnostic but essential for management and treatment of disease. Communicating effectively is appropriately the theme of many of the chapters. Teaching the art of communicating prepares genetic counselors for the continuing expansion of roles and expertise.Appropriately, nondirectiveness is discussed in several chapters in the context of historical perspective and the evolution of shared decision-making. The genetic counseling field has sufficiently evolved such that it is acceptable for genetic counselors to share their expertise with clients and families. This book will assist beginning and seasoned genetic counselors and geneticists do just that. It will also aid nongenetics health professionals in understanding the elements that are required to educate and train the genetic counselor.
The tailored Greens function for a forward facing step

Abstract This paper describes the theoretical development of a tailored Greens function for a step based on an application of the Weiner Hopf technique. The results are applied to a boundary layer flow over forward and backward facing steps using the approach developed by P.E. Doak. It is concluded that the sound radiation is a consequence of scattering mechanism that can be modeled from solutions for scattering by parallel semi-infinite plates. At very low frequencies the far-field sound has the characteristics of a streamwise dipole and the sound from turbulent flow in the vicinity of the step scales with the sixth power of the flow velocity. At higher frequencies the directionality is almost omnidirectional and the radiated sound scales as U 5 . Interference effects become important at high frequencies and the spectrum exhibits a dip at certain angles to the flow. The directionality and spectral characteristics are similar to those measured experimentally.
Integer-Ordered Simulation Optimization using R-SPLINE: Retrospective Search with Piecewise-Linear Interpolation and Neighborhood Enumeration

We consider simulation-optimization (SO) models where the decision variables are integer ordered and the objective function is defined implicitly via a simulation oracle, which for any feasible solution can be called to compute a point estimate of the objective-function value. We develop R-SPLINE---a Retrospective-search algorithm that alternates between a continuous Search using Piecewise-Linear Interpolation and a discrete Neighborhood Enumeration, to asymptotically identify a local minimum. R-SPLINE appears to be among the first few gradient-based search algorithms tailored for solving integer-ordered local SO problems. In addition to proving the almost-sure convergence of R-SPLINE’s iterates to the set of local minima, we demonstrate that the probability of R-SPLINE returning a solution outside the set of true local minima decays exponentially in a certain precise sense. R-SPLINE, with no parameter tuning, compares favorably with popular existing algorithms.
Interaction of free fatty acids with phospholipid bilayers

Abstract The partition of free fatty acids (FFA) to egg-phosphatidylcholine (egg-PC) and egg-phosphatidylethanolamine (egg-PE) vesicles was studied. Upon the addition of FFA to the suspension of vesicles, the pH of the aqueous phase changed depending on the length and saturation of the FFA hydrocarbon chain, as well as on the vesicle composition. The medium pH decreased faster if FFA was added to egg-PE as compared to egg-PC vesicles. The fluorescent free fatty acid indicator (ADIFAB) was used to measure the amount of FFA remaining in the aqueous phase. Most of the FFA added to the suspension of egg-PE vesicles remained in the aqueous phase, whereas in the presence of egg-PC vesicles the FFA partitioned preferentially into the lipid phase. The amount of FFA incorporated into the lipid bilayers was estimated by measuring the changes of pH at the lipid bilayer surface, using fluorescenn-PE. At high surface concentrations of FFA, decreasing pH at the bilayer surface caused the protonation of FFA, and raised the pK of FFA at the bilayer surface from 5 to about 7. The partition of FFA in egg-PE vesicles was an order of magnitude lower than that in egg-PC vesicles. The incorporation amount was determined more by the molecular packing than by the nature of lipid headgroups, because steroylcaprioyl-PE, which preferred the bilayer structure, behaved ;more like egg-PC than egg-PE. Understanding FFA partition characteristics would help to interpret the hydrolysis measurements of phospholipids, and to explain many biological activities of FFA.
Complex role of tumor cell transforming growth factor (TGF)-βs on breast carcinoma progression

Growth inhibition by the TGF-βs has been extensively studied in both normal and transformed mammary epithelial cells. It has been proposed that loss of autocrine TGF-β mediated growth regulation is a critical event in breast tumorigenesis and several lines ofin vitro andin vivo data support this hypothesis. However, a positive association between the expression of TGF-βs by tumor cells and the progression or maintenance of breast cancinoma cells has been observed in many studies inin vivo tumor models. Possible mechanisms for these growth enhancing effects of TGF-β include immunosuppression mediated by tumor TGF-βs, enhanced angiogenesis, increased peritumoral stroma formation, and cell adhesion. The net effect of tumor cell TGF-β on the biology of breast carcinogenesis would depend on the balance between autocrine growth inhibition of mammary epithelial cells and these growth enhancing effects.
Bovine major histocompatibility complex class I specific monoclonal antibodies characterized by flow cytometry, one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis, western blot and inhibition of cytotoxic T lymphocyte function.

Abstract To identify and characterize the bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were analyzed. The mAbs reacted with bovine MHC class I antigens, as assessed by flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation followed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Analysis by flow cytometry revealed that class I molecules were expressed less on a class I mutant B-lymphoblastoid cell line than on the parent cell line. The relative molecular weights of the proteins identified by these mAbs were similar to those reported previously for cattle and humans. Nonequilibrium pH gradient two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that RH16C recognized four different class I gene products, indicating this mAb reacts with a conserved epitope present on different class I molecules. These mAbs effectively blocked cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing of allogeneic lymphoblasts, suggesting the functional importance of β-2m in this process. These mAbs should be useful reagents for studying bovine MHC class I molecules.
β Adrenergic and Muscarinic Receptor Densities of Rat Submandibular Main Duct

[3H]DHA binding studies show that main duct of rat submandibular gland has both beta 1 and beta 2 adrenoceptors, with the percentages of each being 69 and 31%, respectively, whereas whole submandibular gland has 90% beta 1 and 10% beta 2 adrenoceptors. Muscarinic receptors of main duct are 25% less than that of whole submandibular gland.
Dual-task processing in younger and older adults: Similarities and differences revealed by fMRI

Abstract fMRI was used to explore age differences in the neural substrate of dual-task processing. Brain activations when there was a 100 ms SOA between tasks, and task overlap was high, were contrasted with activations when there was a 1000 ms SOA, and first task processing was largely complete before the second task began. Younger adults ( M = 21 yrs) showed activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and in parietal areas as well as in ventral medial frontal cortex and sub-lobar areas. Activations in older adults ( M = 71 yrs) did not differ significantly from younger adults except for higher activations in occipital and polar prefrontal cortex. The results were well fit by a model with two networks managing dual-task interference, a medial prefrontal network that detects changes in the stimulus situation and maps them to associated changes in the valence of response mappings and a lateral frontal–parietal network that initiates and carries out the shift from one task to the other. The additional activations in older adults as a group and the correlations of individual differences in activation with performance were consistent with recruitment within each of these networks. Alternative explanations such as hemispheric asymmetry reduction and reactive rather than proactive processing in older adults were not supported.
Transgressions, climatic change and the diversity of calcareous nannoplankton

Abstract Plankton-diversity models of various authors are examined in the light of available diversity data on calcareous nannoplankton. To account for the diversity peaks during times of widespread epicontinental seas in the Mesozoic and Tertiary, a new explanation is given.
The Dihydrolipoamide Acetyltransferase Is a Novel Metabolic Longevity Factor and Is Required for Calorie Restriction-mediated Life Span Extension

Calorie restriction (CR) extends life span in a wide variety of species. Recent studies suggest that an increase in mitochondrial metabolism mediates CR-induced life span extension. Here we present evidence that Lat1 (dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase), the E2 component of the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, is a novel metabolic longevity factor in the CR pathway. Deleting the LAT1 gene abolishes life span extension induced by CR. Overexpressing Lat1 extends life span, and this life span extension is not further increased by CR. Similar to CR, life span extension by Lat1 overexpression largely requires mitochondrial respiration, indicating that mitochondrial metabolism plays an important role in CR. Interestingly, Lat1 overexpression does not require the Sir2 family to extend life span, suggesting that Lat1 mediates a branch of the CR pathway that functions in parallel to the Sir2 family. Lat1 is also a limiting longevity factor in nondividing cells in that overexpressing Lat1 extends cell survival during prolonged culture at stationary phase. Our studies suggest that Lat1 overexpression extends life span by increasing metabolic fitness of the cell. CR may therefore also extend life span and ameliorate age-associated diseases by increasing metabolic fitness through regulating central metabolic enzymes.
Impact and interactions between smoking and traditional prognostic factors in lung cancer progression.

Background Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor of lung carcinogenesis. The clinical impact of smoking on lung cancer metastases and survival remains unclear. We sought to investigate the effect of smoking intensity on lung cancer treatment failure (represented by overall survival), and the interactions between smoking and clinicopathological factors in lung cancer progression.
The Intracluster Gas Fraction in X-ray Clusters : Constraints on the Clustered Mass Density

The mean intracluster gas fraction of X-ray clusters within their hydrostatic regions is derived from recent observational compilations of David, Jones & Forman and White & Fabian. At radii encompassing a mean density 500 times the critical value, the individual sample bi-weight means are moderately (2.4er) discrepant; revising binding masses with a virial relation calibrated by numerical simulations removes the discrepancy and results in a combined sample mean and standard error !gas(rsoo) = (0.060 ± 0.003) h -312. For hierarchical clustering models with an extreme physical assumption to maximize cluster gas content, this value constrains the universal ratio of total, clustered-to-baryonic mass ~/~ :::;;23.1 h3/Z. Combining this with a maximal value of ~ from primordial nucleosynthesis results in ~ h 1/Z < 0.76. A more physically plausible approach based on low deuterium abundance inferences from quasar absorption spectra and accounting for baryons within cluster galaxies yields an estimate of ~ hZ/ 3 = 0.30 ± 0.07, with sources of systematic error involved in the derivation providing approximately 30 per cent additional uncertainty. Other effects which could enhance the likelihood of the Einstein-de Sitter case Om = 1 are presented, and their observable signatures discussed.
Success of internal mammary bypass grafting can be assessed intraoperatively using myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Abstract To determine whether the success of internal mammary artery bypass grafting can be assessed intraoperatively using myocardial contrast echocardiography, sonicated Renografin-76 was injected into the aortic root of 11 dogs during the delivery of cardioplegic solution. Studies were performed with the left anterior descending coronary artery patent and totally occluded, and after internal mammary artery bypass grafting distal to the occluded vessel. Flow rate during cardioplegia was constant for all three stages in each experiment. Myocardial contrast echocardiography clearly demonstrated homogeneous myocardial perfusion with the left anterior descending coronary artery patent, lack of perfusion in the left anterior descending artery bed during its occlusion and excellent perfusion of the occluded bed after internal mammary artery bypass grafting distal to the occlusion in 10 of the 11 dogs. In one dog, the bypass graft was technically inadequate and contrast opacification was not noted in the left anterior descending artery bed after internal mammary artery bypass grafting. The exponential function C(t) = Ae−αt+ Be−βtwas fitted to computer-derived time-intensity curves from the myocardium, where α denotes contrast washout and β denotes contrast appearance. Respective values for α and β (mean + 1 SD) were similar for the patent left anterior descending coronary artery and after internal mammary artery bypass grafting distal to the occluded artery (0.11 ± 0.10 versus 0.10 ± 0.10, and 2.5 ± 2.4 versus 1.1 ± 0.56). In conclusion, myocardial contrast echocardiography has potential for intraoperative assessment of the adequacy of coronary artery bypass grafting.
The microstructure of extruded Fe-Al

Five FeAl alloys, whose compositions span the range 34 to 51 at. % Al, were extruded at 1273 K, re-extruded at 1023 K and their deformation structures examined by transmission electron microscopy. The incidence of slip, compared with slip, was found to increase as Fe-Al became more iron-rich, confirming previous results, in a similar study: some of the dislocations were found to be present in the form of dipoles. In the most aluminium-rich alloy square prismatic dislocation loops, planar defects and FeAl2 particles were observed.
Current concepts in antimicrobial therapy of prostatitis

Acute prostatitis usually is caused by aerobic gram-negative organisms or, to a lesser extent, the enterococci. The treatment of acute prostatitis requires the use of an antimicrobial with the appropriate spectrum for ten to fourteen days. However, treatment of chronic prostatitis is a more difficult therapeutic problem because of the relative impermeability of the noninflamed prostate to the majority of antimicrobial agents. The organisms most commonly responsible for chronic prostatitis include the aerobic gram-negative organisms, as well as chlamydia. Chlamydia may be the sole pathogens, or may be found as a copathogen with gram-negative organisms. Relatively few antibiotics have the appropriate physiochemical characteristics to penetrate the subacutely inflamed prostate. The most important determinant of tissue penetration in chronic prostatitis is the lipid solubility of the antibiotic, to a lesser extent its pKa (ionization potential), and the molecular size of the antibiotic. In general, penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides do not penetrate well into the chronically inflammed prostate tissue. At the present time, the preferred agents in treating chronic prostatitis are trimethoprim or doxycycline. Doxycycline has the advantage of being active against chlamydia as well as the usual organisms that are responsible for chronic prostatitis. Therapy should be continued for two to three months.
Rotordynamic Effects of the Shroud-to-Housing Leakage Flow in Centrifugal Pumps

The fluid/shroud interaction forces acting on a pump impeller that is precessing around the housing centerline, are computed and the rotordynamic coefficients deduced. The numerical procedure utilized is an upgraded version of a finite-element-based perturbation model, initially devised for simple see-through annular seals. The computational model accounts for the complex flow structure in the shroud-to-housing secondary flow passage, which includes a tight-clearance face seal. The model also facilitates the mutual interaction between the primary and secondary flows near the impeller inlet and discharge stations. The numerical results are compared to existing experimental data, as well as the results of a simpler and widely used numerical model. Sources of discrepancies between the numerical results are identified, and a comprehensive assessment made in light of the experimental data.
Flash photolysis time-resolved mass spectrometric investigations of the reactions ofCF3O2 and CF3O radicals with NO

Abstract Flash photolysis with time-resolved mass spectrometry was used to study the reactions of CF 3 O 2 and CF 3 O radicals with NO in the pressure range 2–30 Torr at 293 ± 1 K. The CF 3 O 2 (reactant) and NO 2 (product) signals were simultaneously monitored. The reaction rate constant from either the reactant or the product signal was determined to be (1.57 ± 0.31) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 and was found to be independent of pressure in the range 2–30 Torr. Modeling of a secondary reaction between CF 3 O and NO was done by monitoring NO decay rates and the reaction rate constant was determined to be (4.72 ± 0.30) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 .
The Influence of Task Value, Expectancies for Success, and Identity on Athletes' Achievement Behaviors

This study extended and supported the use of Eccles et al.'s (1983) expectancy-value model to a competitive sport context. High school varsity basketball players (N = 189) were assessed on expectancies for success, interest value, attainment value, utility value, and basketball identity. Achievement behavior was measured as coaches't ratings of players' effort and persistence displayed throughout the season. Significant differences emerged between African-American and White athletes on all variables; however, no gender differences were present. Regression analyses indicated different patterns in the relationships among self- and task beliefs and achievement behaviors by race. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that self- and task beliefs mediated the relationship between identity and effort and persistence. Specifically, identity was a strong predictor of self- and task beliefs and expectancies significantly predicted effort and persistence. Explanations for the racial differences are discussed as ...
Calcium influx, but not intracellular calcium release, supports PACAP-mediated ERK activation in HEK PAC1 receptor cells

In HEK cells expressing GFP-tagged PAC1Hop1 receptors, PACAP augments ERK phosphorylation through two parallel pathways: one through PACAP/PAC1 receptor internalization/endosome MEK/ERK signaling and the other through PLC/DAG/PKC activation. We examined whether elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was required for either of the PACAP/PAC1 receptor-mediated ERK activation mechanisms. The PACAP (25 nM)-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was greater with cells maintained in Ca2+-containing than in Ca2+-deficient solution, suggesting that both calcium release from internal stores and calcium influx contributed to the rise in [Ca2+]i. A thapsigargin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i also was greater with calcium in the external solution. OAG, the cell permeable analogue of DAG, increased [Ca2+]i, but only in Ca2+-containing solution. Decreasing external calcium or depleting internal calcium stores did not block PACAP-induced PAC1 receptor internalization. Omission of calcium from the external solution, but not thapsigargin pretreatment, significantly blunted PACAP-stimulated ERK phosphorylation. The PKC inhibitor BimI decreased PACAP-mediated ERK activation in both Ca2+-containing or Ca2+-deficient solutions. In contrast, following Pitstop 2 pretreatment to block endocytic mechanisms, PACAP activated ERK only when calcium was present in the external solution. We conclude that the endosome signaling pathway is largely calcium-independent whereas calcium influx appears necessary for the PLC/DAG/PKC component of PACAP-induced ERK activation.
Reflections on the meaning and structure of the horizontal/vertical distinction

The commentaries by Aaker (2006), Meyers-Levy (2006), and Oyserman (2006) extend the implications of the horizontal/vertical distinction described in our article (Shavitt, Lalwani, Zhang, & Torelli, 2006) in a number of interesting directions. We join these authors in calling for further research on horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism constructs. We also highlight conceptual and structural issues that remain to be resolved and evaluate priming and other operational approaches to the study of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism.
Seesaw model solutions of the solar neutrino problem

Abstract We re-examine solutions to the solar neutrino oscillations, decaying neutrinos and a cooler center of the sun. Comparison of the Homestake and Kamiokande II observations implies that low-energy neutrinos are more suppressed than high-energy, disfavoring the large-mass adiabatic MSW resonance and allowing us to exclude non-standard solar models with a simple reduction of core temperature. Diagonal ( sin 2 2θ - 0.004−0.5, Δm 2 ⋍ 0.08−10 meV 2 ) , vertical large-angle ( sin 2 ⋍ 0.6−0.9, Δm 2 ⋍ 0.08−2, 4−60 meV 2 ) , and part of the horizontal ( sin 2 2θ ⋍ 0.02−0.6, Δm 2 ⋍ 80 meV 2 ) MSW solutions are compatible with these data (meV = 10−3 eV). The present SAGE results disfavor non-standard solar models and the horizontal MSW solution. Assuming νe → νμ conversion, we show that seesaw models of neutrino masses imply mνμ = 0.3−9 meV, intermediate-scale symmetry breaking O(109–1012) GeV, and a τ-neutrino mass with cosmological ramifications in some cases and laboratory or atmospheric νμ − ντ oscillations. While seesaw predictions for neutrino masses are model-dependent and subject to large uncertainties, we prove that leptonic mixing angles are similar to quark mixings for a wide range of models. We also present two specific seesaw models compatible with electroweak neutral current and proton decay constraints, including radiative corrections to the seesaw predictions.
A Qualitative Study of Teacher Perceptions on Using an Explicit Instruction Curriculum to Teach Early Reading Skills to Students with Significant Developmental Disabilities

This study examines teachers’ perceptions about a structured literacy curriculum that uses explicit instruction and teacher script combined with instructional practices common in special education such as time delay, error correction, and prompting strategies. The main research question addressed by this study was “What are the perceptions and beliefs of teachers of students with significant developmental disabilities about the effects of using an explicit reading instruction curriculum?” Three themes or key findings emerged from our analysis of the data regarding teachers’ perceptions of such curricula. These themes suggest that these teachers believe that a structured literacy curriculum has a positive impact on student learning, teacher effectiveness, and teacher self-efficacy.
School-Based Management: Views from Public and Private Elementary School Principals

In this study, we analyzed the principal questionnaire contained in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten (ECLS-K) database regarding the extent to which school-based management was reported as having been implemented differently by public and by private elementary school principals. Statistical analyses indicated many differences in the degree of influence reported to be present on the part of principals, parents, and other groups on important decisions made at schools. Differences in school-based management between our public and private elementary school principals were linked to the extant literature. Moreover, recommendations for further research were discussed.
Sulfur dioxide insertion. XII. Studies on cyclopentadienyliron sulfinato monocarbonyl complexes

Abstract The reactions of C5H5Fe(CO)(L)R (L  P(C6H5)3, As(C6H5)3 or P(n-C4H9)3; R  CH3 or CH2C6H5) with refluxing sulfur dioxide or with SO2 in chloroform proceed very rapidly to yield the corresponding S-sulfinates. C5H5Fe(CO)(L)(SO2R). The monocarbonyls C5H5Fe(CO)[P(C6H5)3]R (R  CH3 or CH2C6H5) react with gaseous SO2 also in the solid. This remarkable reactivity of C5H5Fe(CO)(L)R toward SO2 is discussed and compared with that found for carbon monoxide insertions. Ultraviolet irradiation of C5H5Fe(CO)2 (SO2CH2CH  CH2) and P(C6H5)3 affords C5H5Fe(CO)[P(C3H5)3](SO2CH2CH  CH2 and provides the alternative synthetic method for C5H5Fe(CO)(L)(SO2R). Attempts at desulfurylation of C5H5Fe(CO)(L)(SO2R) proved unsuccessful; however, protonation of C5H5Fe(CO)[P(n-C4H9)3] with HCl in benzene yielded C5H5Fe(CO)[P(n-C4H9)3](SO2HCH3)+, isolated as the tetraphenylborate(III) salt. The infrared spectrum of the cation indicates structure with an = S(O)OH moiety.
Inclusion of doubly excited configurations in electron propagators

Abstract Inclusion of doubly excited configurations in excited states is investigated in a moment conserving decoupling of the two-particle Green's function for molecules with a closed shell ground state. The result obtained is found to correspond to a [2,1] Pade approximant decoupling of the Green's function hierarchy. It is shown that this decoupling is equivalent to the equations of motion method of Shibuya, Rose, and McKoy.
The University of California, Irvine experience with tomotherapy using the Peacock system.

Abstract Our institutional experience using the Peacock system for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is summarized. Over 100 patients were treated using this system, which is fitted to a Clinac 600C linac. Both cranial and extracranial lesions have been treated using this modality. Immobilization is achieved either with the Talon™ system for cranial sites or an Aquaplast cast. Target volumes up to 500 cm3 have been treated. Multiple lesions (up to 3) were treated in one setup. The range of dose/fractionation schemes used was 15 Gy/1 fx (radiosurgical treatment) — 80 Gy/40 fx. Dose validation studies were carried out using film and ion chamber dosimetry in a specially designed phantom. Optimal dose distributions were attainable using inverse treatment planning for IMRT delivery. These were found to encompass the target volumes accurately using dose validation phantom studies. Immobilization methods used were accurate to within 1 mm, as evidenced by daily portal films. IMRT using the Peacock system offers the advantage of delivery of conformal therapy to high doses safely and accurately. This provides the opportunity for dose escalation studies, retreatment of previously treated tumors, as well as treating multiple targets in one setup. The system may be fitted to a conventional linac without major modifications.
Current progress in pharmacologic treatment strategies for alcohol dependence

Alcoholism is a progressive neurological disorder that represents one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the USA. Individuals with alcohol dependence may exhibit differences in their sensitivity to intoxication, the age at which they begin heavy drinking or the presentation of comorbid psychiatric illness. The heterogeneous nature of the disorder has complicated efforts to predict treatment outcomes, indicating a need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Pharmaceutical development has focused on treating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, reducing consumption of and craving for alcohol, preventing relapse and treating associated psychiatric problems. Current therapies may be optimized by combining psychosocial and pharmacologic approaches to treat alcoholic patients with the most appropriate regimen to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. This article will describe the neurobiological mechanisms of dependence on alcohol in brief and review major medications approved for the treatment of alcoholism with regard to recent clinical evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of each agent. Investigations on the use of drugs with other indications (e.g., antidepressants and anticonvulsants) to target alcohol-dependent subtypes will also be discussed.
Quantitative confirmation of testosterone and epitestosterone in human urine by LC/Q-ToF mass spectrometry for doping control.

Testosterone (T) is the primary male sex hormone. In addition to the development of secondary sex characteristics, testosterone has anabolic effects including increases in muscle size and strength and increases in lean body mass, making it an attractive candidate to enhance athletic performance. In the case of exogenous administration of testosterone, the ratio of testosterone to its isomer, epitestosterone (E), is elevated. WADA has set a standard for T/E ratios of 4.0 as indicative of possible exogenous testosterone administration. Typically, a sample that screens for a T/E ratio above that threshold is then subjected to quantitative confirmation by GC/MS. This methodology, however, can limited due to sensitivity issues as well as a limited number of qualifying ions that can be used for unambiguous identification. We have developed a confirmation method which uses liquid/liquid extraction, followed by room temperature Girard P derivatization, and analysis using LC/MS-ToF. We observe a number of advantages over conventional GC/MS analysis. Analysis time is decreased. Sensitivity is increased, resulting in limits of detection of 2 and 0.5 ng/ml for testosterone and epitestosterone, respectively. The number of diagnostic qualifier ions is also increased allowing more confident identification of the analytes. Finally, while this method has been developed on a QToF instrument, it should be easily transferable to any tandem LC/MS/MS system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral self-concept as predictor of teen drinking behaviors.

Abstract Background Adolescence is a critical developmental period for self-concept (role identity). Cross-sectional studies link self-concept's behavioral conduct domain (whether teens perceive themselves as delinquent) with adolescent substance use. If self-concept actually drives substance use, then it may be an important target for intervention. In this study, we used longitudinal data from 1 school year to examine whether behavioral self-concept predicts teen drinking behaviors or vice versa. Methods A total of 291 students from a large, predominantly Latino public high school completed a confidential computerized survey in the fall and spring of their 9th grade year. Survey measures included the frequency of alcohol use, binge drinking and at-school alcohol use in the previous 30 days; and the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents behavioral conduct subscale. Multiple regressions were performed to test whether fall self-concept predicted the frequency and type of spring drinking behavior, and whether the frequency and type of fall drinking predicted spring self-concept. Results Fall behavioral self-concept predicted both the frequency and type of spring drinking. Students with low versus high fall self-concept had a predicted probability of 31% versus 20% for any drinking, 20% versus 8% for binge drinking and 14% versus 4% for at-school drinking in the spring. However, neither the frequency nor the type of fall drinking significantly predicted spring self-concept. Conclusions Low behavioral self-concept may precede or perhaps even drive adolescent drinking. If these results are confirmed, then prevention efforts might be enhanced by targeting high-risk teens for interventions that help develop a healthy behavioral self-concept.
Teaching physiology online: successful use of case studies in a graduate course

To address the need for greater flexibility in access to higher education, an online graduate course in physiology using case studies was developed and offered in summer 2012. Topics in both animal and human physiology were organized as modules that contained a case study with questions, a prerecorded online lecture, and three research journal articles. We followed best practices for teaching and learning in distance education, including the preparation of materials before the course starting date, a discussion board for responding to pre- and postcase discussion questions, and prompt reply to student queries. For exams, students generated their own questions based on new cases and developed their own case study for the final project. Although only 20% of students had previously taken an online course, all students stated that they would recommend this course to others. Postcase assessment indicated that students found the cases interesting, informative, and presented at the appropriate level. Most students said that the online course took them more time but that they learned more content and used the primary literature more than in a traditional class. Our results indicate that a well-organized physiology course using a case study format is a very effective model for online learning.
Xenografts of Primary Human Prostatic Carcinoma

Background Prostatic carcinoma is both the most common invasive cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. Before 1991, attempts to propagate prostatic carcinoma from primary tumors for periods longer than 3 months were unsuccessful in vivo and in vitro with rare exceptions. In 1991, we reported establishment of slowly growing tumors for six of 10 human primary prostatic carcinomas approximately 2-6 months after transplantation. However, none of the tumors were larger than 5 mm or serially transplantable. Purpose Our purpose in this study was to determine whether human primary prostatic carcinoma could be grown as serially transplantable xenografts. Methods Cells from primary prostatic carcinomas obtained from transurethral prostatic resections or total prostatectomies in 20 patients were injected subcutaneously into male nude mice on the day of surgery. Sustained-release testosterone pellets were placed subcutaneously in the mice 2-24 days before transplantation of tumors and at intervals of 10-12 weeks. Serial transplantations in subsequent generations of mice were carried out by similar methods. Chromosome analysis was performed on six tumors. Results Six of 20 primary prostatic carcinomas have grown sufficiently to permit serial transplantation into second mice; four have been documented histopathologically in the second mouse and serially transplanted into three or more successive mice. When a single primary tumor was injected into several mice by the same procedure, tumors failed to grow in some recipients but became serially transplantable in others. Growth of these tumors is slow and irregular, with frequent regressions. Short-term cultures of 10 tumors, eight of which were injected into mice in parallel, were initiated on the day of surgery; CWR31, which was successfully transplanted serially, exhibited only aberrant metaphases and showed clonal, chromosomal changes in culture. Including CWR31, three of the six tumors for which chromosomal analysis was successful contained clonal aberrations. Preliminary studies of SCID (severe combined immunodeficient) mice suggest that they are not superior to nude mice for establishment of serially transplantable prostatic carcinoma xenografts. Conclusions A proportion of human primary prostatic carcinomas can be grown as xenografts. Four new serially transplantable xenografts (CWR21, CWR31, CWR91, and CWR22) are currently propagated in our laboratory, a resource that was not previously available. Implications Our experience suggests that the most important factor in serial transplantation is the collaboration of urologists and pathologists in expediting placement of the tumor in cold saline, examination of the frozen section, and transplantation.