cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family and parent-child relationship correlates of pediatric cancer survivors' substance use

The primary aims of this research were to examine substance use among adolescent and young adult survivors of pediatric cancer (AYA survivors) and AYA without a history of chronic or life threatening illness (AYA comparisons) and to explore links between demographic, medical, caregiver-AYA, and family system factors with AYA substance use patterns. Participants included 289 AYA (survivors, n = 171; comparisons = 118; 51% female; Mage = 17.15, SDage = 2.86) and their caregivers (Mage = 46.54, SDage = 6.81; 88% mothers). AYA and caregivers completed the family environment scale, and caregivers completed the parenting relationship questionnaire at the initial assessment. Two years later, AYA completed an assessment of substance use. Chi-square and frequency analyses were used to compare differences in substance use among AYA survivors and comparisons. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine links between AYA substance use patterns with family and caregiver-AYA system level factors. Patterns of substance use did not differ between AYA survivors and comparisons. AYA survivors were more likely to report polysubstance use if caregivers endorsed problematic caregiver-AYA relationship patterns. Family functioning and caregiver relationship patterns did not predict AYA comparison substance use. AYA survivors were just as likely as AYA comparisons to engage in substance use, increasing their vulnerability to problematic health outcomes. Findings indicate that the role caregiver-AYA relationship patterns may have on youth at risk for substance use and potential mechanisms for future intervention.
Polarized neutron diffraction and its application to spin density studies

Spin density distributions in molecular compounds containing unpaired electrons have been studied by polarized neutron diffraction (PND). The spin density distributions provide a unique perspective of the magnetic properties of the compounds. The background and fundamentals of polarized neutron diffraction are summarized in this review, followed by examples of applications in inorganic and organic chemistry. Spin densities in several compounds that are obtained by polarized neutron diffraction are highlighted. Spin densities in single molecular magnet [Fe8O2(OH)12(tacn)6]8+ and cyano-bridged K2[Mn(H2O)2]3[Mo(CN)7]2·6H2O demonstrate how to obtain magnetic interaction in the complexes by PND. PND studies of Ru(acac)3, containing one single unpaired electron, shows small spin densities in this complex. Finally the use of PND in studying nitronyl nitroxide radicals is given. Our goal in this review is to illustrate how PND functions and how it serves as a sensitive tool in directly probing spin density in molecules.
Abstract PO-079: Peroxiredoxin 4 contributes to radiation resistance of prostate cancer cells through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

The peroxiredoxin (Prx) family of proteins functions as major cellular antioxidants that mediate oxidative signaling under physiological conditions as well as scavenge extra hydrogen peroxide in the context of oxidative stress. Prx4 is one of Prx family members which is mainly localized in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but can be also found in cytosol and extracellular space. In addition to its function as a peroxidase, Prx4 has a specific role in oxidative protein folding in ER. However, the specific function of Prx4 has not been well defined. Previous studies indicate that Prxs are frequently upregulated in various types of human cancer. However, the role of Prx4 in prostate cancer has not been well defined. The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of Prx4 in prostate cancer and to explore its functional significance in cancer radiation resistance and recurrence. Bioinformatic tools were used to evaluate genetic alterations of PRDX4 gene as well as the levels of its transcripts in prostate normal and cancer populations. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to explore the association of Prx4 levels with the prognosis of prostate cancer patients. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of Prx4 protein in cell lines and patient specimens. Loss of Prx4 in cells was achieved by knock down using lentiviral shRNA or knockout using CRISPR-Cas9 techniques. Cell proliferation, survival, and protein profiler kinase arrays were used to examine the differences between control and Prx4-depleted cells with or without ionizing radiation. We demonstrated that PRDX4 gene is frequently amplified in prostate cancer and the level of its transcript is highly elevated. Patients with Prx4 at higher quartile have significantly reduced probability of survival compared with those in lower quartile. Prostate cancer cells express much higher levels of Prx4 than normal epithelial cells. Moreover, Prx4 is upregulated by the activation of AR-dependent signaling, and depletion of Prx4 sensitizes prostate cancer cells to radiation-induced cell death. Mechanistically, Prx4 contributes to prostate cancer radiation resistance through the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. A combination of bioinformatic, histochemical, cellular, and molecular methods reveals that Prx4 plays a critical role in prostate cancer cell proliferation, radio-resistance and reoccurrence. Citation Format: Na Ding, Hong Jiang, Pratik Thapa, Yanning Hao, Aziza Alshahrani, Shengming Yang, Vivek M. Rangnekar, Xiaoqi Liu, Qiou Wei. Peroxiredoxin 4 contributes to radiation resistance of prostate cancer cells through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Radiation Science and Medicine; 2021 Mar 2-3. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-079.
Radiation Effective Doses to Adults Undergoing Modified Barium Swallow Studies.

Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSSs) are important tests to aid the diagnosis of swallowing impairment and guide treatment planning. Since MBSSs use ionizing radiation, it is important to understand the radiation exposure associated with the exam. This study reports the average radiation dose in routine clinical MBSSs, to aid the evidence-based decision-making of clinical providers and patients. We examined the MBSSs of 200 consecutive adult patients undergoing clinically indicated exams and used kilovoltage (kV) and Kerma Area Product to calculate the effective dose. While 100% of patients underwent the exam in the lateral projection, 72% were imaged in the upper posterior-anterior (PA) projection and approximately 25% were imaged in the middle and lower PA projection. Average kVs were 63 kV, 77 kV, 78.3 kV, and 94.3 kV, for the lateral, upper, middle, and lower PA projections, respectively. The average effective dose per exam was 0.32 ± 0.23 mSv. These results categorize a typical adult MBSS as a low dose examination. This value serves as a general estimate for adults undergoing MBSSs and can be used to compare other sources of radiation (environmental and medical) to help clinicians and patients assess the risks of conducting an MBSS. The distinction of MBSS as a low dose exam will assuage most clinician’s fears, allowing them to utilize this tool to gather clinically significant information about swallow function. However, as an X-ray exam that uses ionizing radiation, the principles of ALARA and radiation safety must still be applied.
A controlled trial of two mind-body interventions for grief in widows and widowers.

Objective: Following bereavement, yearning and grief rumination are repetitive cognitive processes that can lead to disordered grief. Mindfulness training (MT) has been shown to reduce maladaptive repetitive thought. The current quasi-randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MT for bereavement-related grief. Method: Ninety-five widow(er)s (Mage = 67.5, 79% women, 98% White) between 6 months to 4 years post-loss were assigned to a 6-week MT intervention or a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) intervention, or a wait-list condition. Outcome measures were grief severity (Revised Inventory of Complicated Grief), yearning (Yearning in Situations of Loss), rumination (Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale), and decentering (Experiences Questionnaire-Decentering) assessed at baseline, Weeks 2 and 4 of intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month post-intervention. Growth curve analysis examined group differences in rates of improvement in outcomes through follow-up and associations with improvement in grief severity. Results: The MT and PMR groups showed significant rates of decline in grief severity and yearning, though only the PMR group showed a greater rate of decline in grief severity than wait-list. All groups showed significant rates of decline in grief rumination. The PMR and wait-list groups showed significant rates of increase in decentering compared to the MT group. Conclusions: Results support the feasibility and acceptability of MT and PMR for widow(er)s as well as the preliminary efficacy of PMR for improving grief severity in widow(er)s compared to a wait-list control condition. With replication, PMR could be a standalone intervention for non-disordered grief or a component of treatment for disordered grief. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Sharp Concentration Inequalities for the Centered Relative Entropy.

We study the relative entropy between the empirical estimate of a discrete distribution and the true underlying distribution. If the minimum value of the probability mass function exceeds an $\alpha > 0$ (i.e. when the true underlying distribution is bounded sufficiently away from the boundary of the simplex), we prove an upper bound on the moment generating function of the centered relative entropy that matches (up to logarithmic factors in the alphabet size and $\alpha$) the optimal asymptotic rates, subsequently leading to a sharp concentration inequality for the centered relative entropy. As a corollary of this result we also obtain confidence intervals and moment bounds for the centered relative entropy that are sharp up to logarithmic factors in the alphabet size and $\alpha$.
Law Talk in a Brief Advice Clinic

Over three decades ago, Sarat and Felstiner published a ground-breaking ethnographic study of divorce client-lawyer conversations. They concluded that lawyers portrayed "a chaotic 'anti-system' in which [clients] cannot rely on the technical proficiency, or good faith, of judges and rival lawyers" but need to rely on their own lawyers' insider status to achieve reasonable outcomes.1 Although lawyers initially described the law and procedure to their clients, they rarely referenced that rational description when explaining what had occurred or would occur in their clients' cases. This law talk may have gradually and ultimately persuaded the clients to reach reasonable settlements, but it did so at the cost of client distrust of and cynicism about the legal system. Today most divorcing parties do not have attorneys providing full representation for them. Instead, clients represent themselves, often relying on brief advice from attorneys. This raises a question: How do attorneys today portray the legal system to clients attempting to navigate it themselves? Does their law talk fail to link law and procedure to what happens in the clients' cases, engendering cynicism? Are they similarly critical about judges, other attorneys, and the legal process? Do they suggest the clients need to have an "insider" attorney on whom to rely? This study answers these questions by analyzing thirty-six attorney-client conferences and thirty-nine attorney-student consultations from a brief-advice clinic. These pro bono attorneys present – to both their clients and the law student volunteers – a rational legal system with understandable procedures and fair jurists. They provide candid advice even when the client is unlikely to achieve a particular goal, neutral information about how to make any argument, and encouragement. They never intimate that pro se parties need an "insider" attorney who knows the idiosyncrasies and proclivities of incompetent judges and untrustworthy opposing attorneys. This Article concludes by theorizing why there is such a sharp contrast between the 1980s study and this contemporary study of "law talk" between attorneys and their clients.
Structural Analysis of Xenophobia (preprint)

We build and estimate a signaling game of xenophobic behaviors to understand to what extent, individual racial animus, perceived unacceptance of racial animus, and the stigma and honor determine xenophobic behaviors in equilibrium. We estimate the model using our newly collected survey data about anti-Chinese xenophobia in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measure xenophobic behaviors from support for xenophobic institutions and relative altruism for a Chinese immigrant during dictator games. To identify racial animus and perceived unacceptance of racial animus, we use novel survey instruments and a factor model to account for measurement errors. We validate our estimates by comparing our model predictions with the causal estimates obtained from the information Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) implemented during the survey. We found raising perceived unacceptance of racial animus is more effective than reducing racial animus to decrease most xenophobic behaviors we consider. Also, COVID-19 self infection increases xenophobic behaviors in the short run but reduces such behaviors in the long run due to increased reputational gain when abstaining from xenophobic action. Finally, we found the FOX news viewership increases most xenophobic behaviors both in the short run and in the long run.
Test of Information Processing Models in the Credit Card Offer Context

Normative economics perspective (or more precisely invariance principle) suggests that when resulting economic values of two offers are identical, consumers should be indifferent between the offers regardless of their presentation format. However, research literature shows that in real life consumers often violate such predictions and are influenced by the way the offer is presented. Choices that are normatively equivalent are often viewed as distinct when they are framed differently (Tversky and Kahneman, 1981).
Studies on calciferol metabolism. IX. Renal 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3-1 hydroxylase. Involvement of cytochrome P-450 and other properties.

Abstract Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) undergoes an obligatory two-step hydroxylation which is carried out sequentially first in the liver and then in the kidney, where 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase catalyzes the production of the biologically active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. This report describes an assay with which 1-hydroxylase velocities as low as 0.2 pmole per min can be measured. The level of enzyme activity varies over a 6-fold range depending whether the mitochondria are isolated from cholecalciferol-deficient (-D3) (Vmax = 12 to 16 pmoles per min per mg of protein) or -repleted (+D3) (Vmax = 2 to 3 pmoles per min per mg of protein) chicks; the Km for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was 1 to 2 x 10-7 in both mitochondrial preparations. Succinate and malate are the most effective electron donors for the hydroxylation. The pattern of inhibition of 1-hydroxylase activity seen in the presence of antimycin, rotenone, oligomycin, and CN when succinate or malate were electron donors is consistent with the concept that the 1-hydroxylase is similar in nature to many other mixed function oxidases. The partition coefficient, K, for CO inhibition of the 1-hydroxylase was found to be 1.0, a value comparable to that for other steroidogenic hydroxylases. The wavelength of light most effective in reversing CO inhibition was 450 nm. This is the first direct evidence of the involvement of cytochrome P-450 with the renal 1-hydroxylase. The presence of Ca2+, 10-5 m, or phosphate, 5 x 10-3 m, both effected a 50% inhibition of the 1-hydroxylase. This is consistent with the view that changes in the mitochondrial fluxes of these ions may be important in the regulation of the production of the hormonally active form of vitamin D. Also 2 x 10-6 m Mn2+, 1 x 10-5 m Sr2+ effected a 50% inhibition of the 1-hydroxylase, but 0.1 m Ba2+, 0.4 mm ethane diphosphonate, 10 mm acetate, or 10 mm sulfate had no effect on enzyme activity. The variation in renal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase activity with cholecalciferol status and the inhibition, in vitro, of the enzyme by Ca2+ and Pi suggest possible mechanisms to explain the known regulation of production of the active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
Solving Permutation Problems Using Rewriting Systems

A new approach is described for finding short expressions for arbitrary elements of a permutation group in terms of the original generators which uses rewriting methods. This forms an important component in a long term plan to find short solutions for “large” permutation problems (such as Rubik's cube), which are difficult to solve by existing search techniques. In order for this methodology to be successful, it is important to start with a short presentation for a finite permutation group. A new method is described for giving a presentation for an arbitrary permutation group acting on n letters. This can be used to show that any such permutation group has a presentation with at most n – 1 generators and (n – 1)2 relations. As an application of this method, an O(n4) algorithm is described for determining if a set of generators for a permutation group on n letters is a strong generating set (in the sense of Sims). The “back end” includes a novel implementation of the Knuth-Bendix technique on symmetrization classes for groups.
A formalism for the analysis and design of time and path diversity schemes in wireless sensor networks

For Rayleigh fading channels, there exists an interesting similarity between resistive circuits and time and path diversity mechanisms in multihop wireless sensor networks. A resistor-like circuit element, the erristor, representing the normalized noise-to-signal ratio, is introduced. Given an end-to-end packet delivery probability (as a QoS requirement), the nonlinear mapping from link reception probabilities to erristor values greatly simplifies the problems of power allocation and the selection of time and path diversity schemes. Thanks to its simplicity, the formalism that is developed also provides valuable insight into the benefits of diversity mechanisms, which is illustrated by a number of examples.
Purification and characterization of choline/ethanolamine kinase from rat liver.

Choline kinase, the first enzyme in the CDP-choline pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, was purified 26,000-fold from rat liver to a specific activity of 143,000 nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein. The subunit molecular mass was 47 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, while the apparent native molecular mass was 160 kDa by size exclusion chromatography, suggesting a tetrameric structure. Two peaks of choline kinase activity were obtained by chromatofocusing. These isoforms eluted at pH 4.7 (CKI) and 4.5 (CKII). CKII appeared to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Peptide mapping of two isoforms indicated a high degree of similarity, although there were peptides not common to both. Ethanolamine kinase activity copurified with both isoforms. The ratio of choline to ethanolamine kinase activity was 3.7 +/- 0.7 throughout the purification procedure. Choline and ethanolamine were mutually competitive inhibitors. The respective Km values, 0.013 and 1.2 mM, were similar to the Ki values of 0.014 and 2.2 mM. An antibody raised against CKII immunoprecipitated both choline and ethanolamine kinase activities from liver cytosol at the same titer. These data suggest that both activities reside on the same protein and occur at the same active site. Similarly, both activities were immunoprecipitated from brain, lung, and kidney cytosols. Western blot analysis showed both purified liver isoforms, as well as brain, lung and kidney enzymes, to have a molecular mass of 47 kDa.
Eosinophilic Gastro-Enteritis Associated with Protein-Losing Enteropathy and Protein C Deficiency

Reported below is a case of eosinophilic gastro-enteritis involving the colon, stomach and duodenum in a patient who was also found to have marked hypoalbuminaemia and protein C deficiency due to severe protein-losing enteropathy. The most recent literature is reviewed and the challenging differential diagnosis of the disease is discussed.
miRNome integrative analysis in ovarian cancer

ED02-02 MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that function as negative gene regulators. We present data from integrative genomic analysis of the miRNome in human epithelial ovarian cancer including miRNA microarray, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, cDNA microarray, and tissue array. miRNA expression was markedly downregulated with malignant transformation and tumor progression. A high proportion of genomic loci containing miRNA genes exhibited DNA copy number alterations in ovarian cancer (37.1%). Copy number alterations observed in >15% tumors were considered significant. We identified 41 miRNA genes with gene copy number changes that were shared among human ovarian cancer, breast cancer and melanoma (26 with gains and 15 with losses) as well as miRNA genes with copy number changes that were unique to each tumor type. miRNA gene copy changes correlate with miRNA gene expression in ovarian cancer. Thus, genomic copy number loss may account for downregulation of ~15% of miRNA genes. Additionally, epigenetic silencing may account for downregulation of at least ~36% of miRNA genes. miRNA downregulation contributes to genome-wide transcriptional deregulation. Eight miRNAs located in chromosome 14 miRNA cluster ( Dlk1-Gtl2 domain) were downregulated in advanced relative to early stage EOC; two of them, mir-495 and mir-410, are potential tumor suppressor genes and were predicted to target a large part of protein-coding genes that are upregulated in the same cancers. Additional miRNAs were found to be significantly associated with clinical outcome in late stage EOC.
The nuclear trial sign in thoracic herniated disks.

PURPOSE AND METHODS Postmyelography CT studies of 84 patients with 114 thoracic herniated disks were reviewed for endplate irregularity, sclerosis, and/or disk-space calcification that could suggest a migratory path of the herniated fragment. RESULTS Abnormal straight or curvilinear densities (the "nuclear trial sign") were present at the level of the disk or endplate in 46% of the cases. MR studies of 35 thoracic herniated disks were also examined. Similar changes were likewise present in 44%. CONCLUSION The frequent occurrence of this finding in the mid and lower thoracic spine renders it a useful secondary sign for thoracic herniated disks, although false positives do occur.
Appropriateness of Dopamine Antagonist Prescribing in Hospitalized Patients with Dopamine Requiring Diseases after Implementation of an Automated Prescribing Alert System (S49.005)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an automated prescription alert system in preventing inappropriate dopamine antagonist prescriptions in hospitalized patients with dopamine requiring diseases. BACKGROUND: Dopamine antagonists are prescribed for psychosis and nausea, but are contraindicated in dopa-requiring conditions such as Parkinson disease. This retrospective, observational study examined dopamine antagonist prescriptions in hospitalized patients with dopa-requiring diseases, and physician response to an automated drug alert system. DESIGN/METHODS: We performed a detailed review of patient hospital medical records for alert events generated when a physician prescribed a dopamine antagonist concurrently with levodopa. A consensus of two movement disorders neurologists classified each prescription as appropriate or inappropriate based on patient medical record review. We compared physician response to alert by disease and physician specialty. RESULTS: Of 237 alerts, 197 (83%) prescriptions for dopamine antagonists were inappropriate and 40 (17%) appropriate. Prochlorperazine was the most common inappropriately prescribed drug. The prevalence of inappropriate dopamine antagonist prescription was 16% (95% CI 9.5, 23) in psychiatry, 7.5% (6.2, 8.9) in general medicine, 6.1% (4.5, 7.8) in surgery, and 0.90% (0.46, 1.3) in neurological/neurosurgical specialties. Inappropriate prescriptions were more often made at night (6pm-6am) than during the day (6am-6pm) (χ2=11.9, df=1, p=0.001). Of inappropriate prescriptions, 146 (74%) were continued in spite of the alert. Response to alert varied by specialty- 82% of surgical, 68% of general medicine, 95% of psychiatric, and 67% of neurological/neurosurgical patients had inappropriate medications continued after the physician had been alerted. CONCLUSIONS: An automated alert system that identifies concurrent dopamine antagonists and levodopa prescription in an academic medical center had little impact on physician prescribing behavior. Inappropriate dopamine antagonists were prescribed more often on the psychiatry service and at night. This study highlights the need for improved education of health care providers and possibly greater supervision of residents at night. Disclosure: Dr. Morris has nothing to disclose. Dr. Willis has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Birke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Racette has received research support from Phytopharm, PLC, NeuroSearch, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Biotie Therapies Inc, Siena Biotech SpA, Abbott Products, Inc., and Allergan, Inc.
Sensitization and Tolerization to Brain Antigens in Stroke

Despite encounter of novel brain antigens by the systemic immune system following stroke, autoimmune responses to these antigens do not seem to occur. In rats, a systemic inflammatory response at the time of stroke, however, provokes changes that increase the likelihood of developing detrimental autoimmunity. These findings may help to explain why infections in the post-stroke period are associated with worse outcome. In addition, data suggest that the immune response can be manipulated in an antigen specific fashion to improve stroke outcome. Together these data argue that the nature of the post-ischemic immune response influences neurological recovery from stroke.
Liver Fat and Egg Production of Laying Hens as Influenced by Choline and Other Nutrients

Abstract Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of several nutrients on liver fat, egg production and egg weight of White Leghorn hens. One trial used a diet containing adequate protein and supplemented with methionine, while the other used a 15.9% protein basal diet unsupplemented with methionine. A third trial was conducted to study the effect of temperature on liver fat. Choline supplementation or a combination of choline and vitamin B12 caused an increase in egg production and egg weight, and a decrease in liver fat. A combination of methionine and vitamin B12 caused a decrease in liver fat, but the decrease was not as large as that obtained by feeding choline. Supplementing the diet with inositol, riboflavin, pyridoxine, Ca pantothenate, vitamin E, folic acid, biotin or terramycin had no effect on liver fat. Liver fat was significantly higher in hens kept at a high temperature than for those kept cool. Supplementing the diet with a combination of vitamins reduced liver fat in hens kept under hot conditions, but not when they were kept under cool conditions.
On imitative behavior.

It is shown that the linear equations of the formal theory of mass behavior proposed by the author in 1939 are first-order approximations of the biophysical theory proposed later. The second approximation contains cubic terms. It permits the expression of the time course of the change of behavior in terms of a quadrature.
An Application of Seasonal Adjustment Models to the Volatility Patterns of Futures Prices

This paper examines the empirical patterns of futures prices volatility by using different seasonal adjustment techniques The average absolute month to month percentage (AAPC) figures are used to describe the extent of smoothness when seasonal adjustment methods are applied. Several interesting patterns are suggested from the observation of different futures contracts. The authors then suggest further that if seasonal patterns do exist for futures prices volatility, it is possible to focus the study of futures prices volatility on the different seasonal filters selection, and/or on the different seasonal models alternatives.
Estrogens and progestins enhance spatial learning of intact and ovariectomized rats in the object placement task.

Abstract Steroid modulation of cognitive function has focused on estrogen (E 2 ), but progestins naturally co-vary with E 2 and may also influence cognitive performance. Spatial performance in the object placement task over endogenous hormonal states in which E 2 and progestins vary, and when E 2 and/or progestins were administered, was examined. Experiment 1 : Rats in proestrus or estrus had significantly better performance in the object placement task than did diestrus rats. Experiment 2 : Rats in the third trimester, post-partum, or lactation exhibited significantly better performance in the object placement task than did rats in the first trimester. Experiment 3 : Ovariectomized (ovx) rats administered 17β-estradiol (0.9 mg/kg), subcutaneously (sc), progesterone (P; 4 mg/kg, sc), or E 2 and P, immediately after training in the object placement task, performed significantly better when tested 4 h later, than did control rats administered vehicle (sesame oil 0.2 cc). Experiment 4 : ovx rats administered E 2 or P with a 1.5 h delay after training in the object placement task, did not perform differently than vehicle-administered controls. Experiment 5 : ovx rats administered post-training E 2 , which has a high affinity for both E 2 receptor (ER)α and β isoforms, or propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 0.9 mg/kg, sc), which is more selective for ERα than ERβ, had significantly better performance in the object placement task than did rats administered vehicle or diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 0.9 mg/kg, sc), an ERβ selective ligand. Experiment 6 : ovx rats administered P, or its metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP; 4 mg/kg, sc), immediately post-training performed significantly better in the object placement task than did vehicle control rats. Thus, performance in the object placement task is better when E 2 and/or P are naturally elevated or when E 2 , the ERα selective ER modulator PPT, P, or its metabolite, 3α,5α-THP, are administered post-training.
Neuronal pentraxins modulate cocaine-induced neuroadaptations.

Neuronal pentraxins (NPs) function in the extracellular matrix to bind α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. Three NPs have been described, neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (Narp), which is regulated as an immediate early gene, NP1, and neuronal pentraxin receptor (NPR). Narp and NP1 enhance synaptogenesis and glutamate signaling by clustering AMPA receptors, whereas NPR contributes to removing AMPA receptors during group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression. Here, we examine mice with genetic deletions [knockout (KO)] of each NP to assess their contributions to cocaine-induced neuroplasticity. Consistent with a shared AMPA receptor clustering function for Narp and NP1, deletion of either NP caused similar behavioral alterations. Thus, although both Narp and NP1 deletion promoted cocaine-induced place preference, NPR deletion was without effect. In addition, although Narp and NP1 KO showed reduced time in the center of a novel environment, NPR KO mice spent more time in the center. Finally, although Narp and NP1 KO mice showed blunted locomotion after AMPA microinjection into the accumbens 3 weeks after discontinuing repeated cocaine injections, the AMPA response was augmented in NPR KO. Likewise, endogenous glutamate release elicited less motor activity in Narp KO mice. Consistent with reduced AMPA responsiveness after chronic cocaine in Narp KO mice, glutamate receptor 1 was reduced in the PSD fraction of Narp KO mice withdrawn from cocaine. These data indicate that NPs differentially contribute to cocaine-induced plasticity in a manner that parallels their actions in synaptic plasticity.
Absorptive capacity, organizational antecedents, and environmental dynamism

Abstract I examine organizational antecedents to absorptive capacity. Specifically, I identify and empirically test how the interaction between data integration and connectedness affects absorptive capacity. I also integrate the role of the environment in my research model by determining whether the link between these organizational capabilities and absorptive capacity varies across different levels of environmental dynamism. I test my model with data collected from 178 high-tech firms. The results show that data integration and connectedness jointly influence absorptive capacity; however, connectedness does not contribute to absorptive capacity above and beyond data integration for firms competing in dynamic environments. This study has implications for research and practice on absorptive capacity and organizational learning.
What Are Quantum States

We present three strong arguments against the ontic interpretation of quantum states. We then show that the appropriate alternative is not an epistemic interpretation, but viewing quantum states as representing the available knowledge about the potentialities of a quantum system from the perspective a of a particular point in space. Unlike ordinary knowledge, which requires a knower, available knowledge can be assumed to be present regardless of a knower. The relationship between "perspectives on potentialities" and "the potentialities themselves" is clarified.
Functional impact of syntaxin on gating of N-type and Q-type calcium channels

RAPID and reliable synaptic transmission depends upon the close proximity of voltage-gated calcium channels and neurotransmitter-containing vesicles in the presynaptic terminal1. Although it is clear that a local Ca2+ rise conveys the crucial signal from Ca2+ channels to the exocytotic mechanism2, little is known about whether communication ever proceeds in the opposite direction, from the release machinery to Ca2+ channels3,4. To look for such signalling, we examined the interaction of various types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels with syntaxin, a presynaptic membrane protein of relative molecular mass 35,000 (refs 5–7) which may play a key part in synaptic vesicle docking and fusion8 and which interacts strongly with N-type Ca2+ channels5,6,9–12. Here we report that co-expression of syntaxin 1A with N-type channels in Xenopus oocytes sharply decreases the availability of these channels. This is due to the stabilization of channel inactivation rather than to a simple block or lack of channel expression, because it is overcome by strong hyperpolarization. Deletion of syntaxin's carboxy-terminal transmembrane domain abolishes its functional effect on Ca2+ channels. Syntaxin produced a similar effect on Q-type Ca2+ channels encoded by α1A (refs 13-15) but not on L-type Ca2+-channels. Thus, the syntaxin effect is specific for Ca2+ channel types that participate in fast transmitter release in the mammalian central nervous system (ref. 16 and therein). We hypothesize that, in addition to acting as a vesicle-docking site, syntaxin may influence presynaptic Ca2+ channels, opposing Ca2+ entry where it is not advantageous, but allowing it at release sites where synaptic vesicles have become docked and/or ready for fusion.
Differentiation of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate and Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate Stones Using Quantitative Morphological Information from Micro-Computerized and Clinical Computerized Tomography

Purpose: We differentiated calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate kidney stones using micro and clinical computerized tomography images.Materials and Methods: A total of 22 calcium oxalate monohydrate and 15 calcium oxalate dihydrate human kidney stones were scanned using a commercial micro-computerized tomography scanner with a pixel size of 7 to 23 μm. Under an institutional review board approved protocol, image data on 10 calcium oxalate monohydrate and 9 calcium oxalate dihydrate stones greater than 5 mm were retrieved from a total of 80 patients who underwent clinical dual energy computerized tomography for clinical indications and had stones available for infrared spectroscopic compositional analysis. Micro and clinical computerized tomography images were processed using in-house software, which quantified stone surface morphology with curvature based calculations. A shape index was generated as a quantitative shape metric to differentiate calcium oxalate monohydrate from calcium ...
Temporal binding errors are redistributed by the attentional blink

When one searches for a target among nontargets appearing in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), one’s errors in performance typically involve the misreporting of neighboring nontargets. Such illusory conjunctions or intrusion errors are distributed differently around the target, depending on task or stimulus variables. It is shown here that shifts in intrusion error patterns can be produced by the manipulation of attention alone. In a dual-task paradigm, the magnitude and distribution of intrusion errors changed systematically as a function of available attentional resources. Intrusion errors in RSVP tasks reflect internal capacity limitations for binding independent features. The present results support a two-stage model of RSVP target processing.
Absolute quantum yields of CO for selected-state photodissociation

Abstract Experimental techniques designed to measure the absolute quantum yield of a gas phase photochemical product following selected-state laser excitation of the parent molecule are described. Specifically, measurements of both product yields at millitorr pressures and absorption coefficients for discretely (1.0 nm bandwidth) absorbing low pressure samples over narrow (0.02 nm) spectral regions are presented. Data for the production of CO from a single vibronic level in glyoxal are used to characterize the capabilities and limitations of the entire experimental approach.
Cultured sympathetic neurons synthesize and release the cytokine interleukin 1β

Autonomic neurons help to regulate immune responses, and there are reciprocal interactions between the nervous and immune systems. This study seeks to define some of the molecular mechanisms that may underlie such interactions. Immunoblot analysis indicated that cultured sympathetic neurons synthesize and release the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta). In addition, RNA blot analysis of cultured sympathetic neurons demonstrated that the neurons contain mRNA encoding IL-1 beta. It was previously shown that explant cultures of sympathetic ganglia and dissociated cocultures of neurons with ganglionic nonneuronal cells synthesize substance P, whereas in situ levels of substance P and its mRNA are low. An antagonist at the interleukin 1 receptor markedly depressed this increase in substance P in cultures, suggesting that endogenous IL-1 beta mediates the synthetic response, at least in part. Because pure neuronal cultures do not contain substance P and neurons synthesize and release IL-1 beta, the actions of the cytokine require the presence of ganglion nonneuronal cells. These observations suggest a role for autonomic neurons in influencing immune responses by synthesizing and secreting at least two known immunoregulators, the cytokine IL-1 beta and the neuropeptide substance P.
An Analysis of Wedding Books for Grooms: A Feminist Perspective

ABSTRACT Messages about engagements and weddings are pervasive in our society and media. The purpose of this study was to understand one aspect of these messages by conducting an ethnographic content analysis of 12 wedding books for grooms published from 1995 to 2006. A feminist theoretical perspective guided this study and an in-depth review of the literature is provided in order to understand weddings as a ritual in society. Five overarching themes emerged suggesting that during the engagement the groom should act as a manager, define masculinity through oppression, preserve masculinity, maintain traditional gender roles, and act as a social coordinator. A discussion of the meanings and implications of these results is presented.
The role of acetylcholine in the function of the nucleus raphe magnus and in the interaction of this nucleus with the periaqueductal gray

The nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) plays an important role in the inhibition of pain. Although this region receives afferents from several areas of the brain, the afferent input from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been shown to have significant physiological importance. Together, these two sites constitute the major component of a descending network involved in pain inhibition. In this study the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the function of the NRM was investigated and the possibility that ACh may be a transmitter between the PAG and the NRM was tested. ACh was applied iontophoretically. Scopolamine and gallamine were used to test the type of cholinergic receptors that are present in the NRM. The results of this study shows the following. (1) The majority of the cells in the NRM are excited by ACh. (2) This response to ACh is partially or totally blocked by scopolamine whereas gallamine does not block the response. (3) There is no correlation between the excitatory response to stimulation of PAG and to ACh. There are cells that respond to PAG stimulation by inhibition but are excited by ACh and there are a few cells that are inhibited by ACh but are excited by PAG stimulation. (4) Scopolamine, at a dose that blocks the ACh response, does not block the response to PAG stimulation. (5) There is no correlation between the response to ACh and the type of projection (direct or indirect) to the spinal cord, as tested by stimulation of the dorsolateral funiculus. From these results it is concluded that ACh is an excitatory transmitter at the NRM region but this transmitter does not mediate the interaction between the PAG and NRM.
Glycolic acid and tryptophan effects on feed intake and hypothalamic indoleamines in chicks

Abstract The effect of intraperitoneal injections of glycolic acid, glycine or tryptophan on feed intake and hypothalamic levels 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) was examined in chicks. Glycolic acid significantly depressed feed intake in a dose-dependent manner in comparison to saline or glycine, but only in birds injected with a level higher than 150 mg/kg body weight. The injection of glycolic acid or tryptophan but not glycine inhibited feed intake, and increased hypothalamic 5-HT and 5-HIAA 2 hr post-injection, as compared with saline injected controls. Blood plasma total lipids were elevated by all 3 compounds but plasma glucose was unaffected. The reduced feed intake obtained by injection of glycolic acid appears to result from an effect on the serotonergic system.
Identification of negative-acting and protein-binding elements in the mouse αA-crystallin −1556/−1165 region

Abstract The mouse αA-crystallin-encoding gene (αA-cry) is expressed in a highly lens-preferred manner. To date, it has been shown that this lens-preferred expression is controlled by four proximal positive-acting transcriptional regulatory elements: DEI (−111/−97), αA-CRYBPl (−66/−57), PE1/TATA (−35/−19) and PE2 (+24/+43). The present study extends our knowledge of mouse αA-cry transcriptional regulatory elements to the far upstream region of that gene by demonstrating that the − 1556 to − 1165 region contains negative-acting sequence elements which function in transfected lens cells derived from mouse, rabbit and chicken. This is the first negative-acting regulatory region identified in αA-cry. The − 1556 to − 1165 region contains sequences similar to repressor/silencer elements identified in other genes, including those highly expressed in the lens, such as the δl-crystallin (δ1-cry) and vimentin (vim) genes. The − 1480 to − 1401 region specifically interacts with nuclear proteins isolated from the αTN4-1 mouse lens cell line. Co within this protein-binding region and positioned at − 1453 to − 1444 is a sequence (RS1) similar to the chicker intron 3 repressor, and which competes for the formation of − 1480 to − 1401 DNA-protein complexes. Our findings suggest that lens nuclear proteins bind to the mouse αA-cry RS1 region. We demonstrate that the chicken δ1-cry intron represser binds similar nuclear proteins in chicken embryonic lens cells and mouse αTN4-1 lens cells. However, the mouse αA-cry RS1 region does not appear to bind the same protein(s) that bind to the chicken δ1-cry intron repressor, suggesting the existence of a family of silencer proteins that recognize a similar site in the diverse cry genes.
Particle Focusing in Curved Microfluidic Channels

The decoupled effects of Reynolds and Dean numbers are examined in inertial focusing flows. In doing so, a complex set of inertial focusing behavioral regimes is discovered within curved microfluidic channels over a range of channel Reynolds numbers, curvature ratios and particle confinement ratios. These regimes are characterized by particle migration either towards or away from the center of curvature as the channel Reynolds number is increased. The transition between these two regimes is shown to be a set of conditions where single-point equilibrium position focusing of particles of different sizes is achieved. A mechanism describing the observed motion of particles in such flows is hypothesized incorporating the redistribution of the main flow velocities caused by Dean flow and its effect on the balance forces on suspended particles.
Nitric oxide synthase-containing neurons in sensory ganglia of the rat are susceptible to capsaicin-induced cytotoxicity

Abstract Nitric oxide synthase in lumbar dorsal root ganglia of neonatal rat was studied by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase and in situ hybridization histochemistry. Induction of nitric oxide synthase in neonatal capsaicin-treated in rats after sciatic axotomy was compared with the axotomy-induced nitric oxide synthase increase observed in vehicle-treated littermates. In neonatal capsaicin-treated animals, the number of neurons constitutively labeled by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase was greatly reduced as compared to vehicle-treated littermates. Nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA was not readily identified constitutively in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Seven days after sciatic transection the induction of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase and nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA found in the vehicle-treated group was not observed in the capsaicin group. The presence of nitric oxide synthase in dorsal root ganglion neurons thus does not appear to protect against Ca 2+ -mediated capsaicin-induced cytotoxicity. However, since some nitric oxide synthase dorsal root ganglion neurons persist after the capsaicin neurotoxicity, nitric oxide synthase expression must occur in a neurochemically diverse subpopulation of small ( 2 ) neurons. The capsaicin sensitivity of most nitric oxide synthase dorsal root ganglion neurons indicates that they have unmyelinated axons and are likely to be involved in nociception.