cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ESS Analysis of Mechanistic Models for Territoriality: the Value of Scent Marks in Spatial Resource Partitioning

In this paper elements of game theory are used to analyse a spatially explicit home range model for interacting wolf packs. The model consists of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations whose parameters reflect the movement behavior of individuals within each pack and whose solutions describe the patterns of space-use by each pack. By modifying the behavioral parameters, packs adjust their patterns of movement so as to maximize their reproductive output. This involves a tradeoff between maximizing prey intake and minimizing conflict with neighbors. Evolutionarily stable choices of the behavioral parameters yields territories that are immune to invasion by groups with alternate behaviors.
Migration of the Wagtail

THE inclosed extract from the New York Evening Post, a newspaper of high standing for accuracy and intelligence, contains statements which are not, I think, generally known in regard to the migration of the water-wagtail, and your insertion of the same may be the means of drawing from other correspondents some evidence in confirmation or disproof. Though riding is not quite unknown among animals other than men, yet such purposeful riding as is here described is, to say the least, very extraordinary.
Comparative Evolutionary Histories of Chitinase Genes in the Genus Zea and Family Poaceae

Patterns of DNA sequence diversity vary widely among genes encoding proteins that protect plants against pathogens and herbivores. Comparative studies may help determine whether these differences are due to the strength of selection acting on different types of defense, in different evolutionary lineages, or both. I analyzed sequence diversity at three chitinases, a well-studied component of defense, in two species of Zea and several Poaceae taxa. Although the Zea species are closely related and these genes code for proteins with similar biochemical function, patterns of diversity vary widely within and among species. Intraspecific diversity at chiB, chiI, and Z. mays ssp. parviglumis chiA are consistent with a neutral-equilibrium model whereas chiA had no segregating sites within Z. diploperennis--consistent with a recent and strong selective sweep. Codons identified as having diverged among Poaceae taxa in response to positive selection were significantly overrepresented among targets of selection in Arabis, suggesting common responses to selection in distantly related plant taxa. Divergence of the recent duplicates chiA and chiB is consistent with positive selection but relaxed constraint cannot be rejected. Weak evidence for adaptive divergence of these duplicated downstream components of defense contrasts with strong evidence for adaptive divergence of genes involved in pathogen recognition.
Reinforcement effects on intrinsic interest: Undermining the overjustification hypothesis

An intensive design laboratory experiment was conducted to examine the effects of extrinsic (token) reinforcement on children's intrinsic interest in a play activity. Five second grade children were given access to follow-the-dots picture completion books. Their baseline performance of this activity was recorded for two weeks. A token reinforcement phase ensued, during which subjects earned points redeemable for prizes when their daily performances exceeded those observed during baseline. Following this reward phase, two subsequent baseline phases were instituted over a six week follow-up period. Results verified that a significant reinforcement effect had occurred ( p
The Pal-Kal affair-examining the Versailles hall collapse

In 1898, Emile Zola, in an open letter to the President and Government of France, accused them of anti-Semitism by unlawfully jailing a French officer, Alfred Dreyfus. Zola pointed out judicial err...
Genome-Wide Linkage Analyses of Systolic Blood Pressure Using Highly Discordant Siblings

Background—Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases. Complex mechanisms of blood pressure regulation pose a challenge to identifying genetic factors that influence interindividual blood pressure variation in the population at large. Methods and Results—We performed a genome-wide linkage analysis of systolic blood pressure in humans using an efficient, highly discordant, full-sibling design. We identified 4 regions of the human genome that show statistical significant linkage to genes that influence interindividual systolic blood pressure variation (2p22.1 to 2p21, 5q33.3 to 5q34, 6q23.1 to 6q24.1, and 15q25.1 to 15q26.1). These regions contain a number of candidate genes that are involved in physiological mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Conclusions—These results provide both novel information about genome regions in humans that influence interindividual blood pressure variation and a basis for identifying the contributing genes. Identificati...
Polymer coatings for biomedical applications using atmospheric pressure plasma

Abstract Atmospheric pressure plasma was used to alter the surface of high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) by grafting various biocompatible polymers, to provide a more hydrophilic surface to improve wear resistance for use in applications, such as prosthetics and orthopedic implants. For this study, the organic coatings included biocompatible polymers such as poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate), polyethylenimine, and polyethylene glycol. Atmospheric pressure plasma was used, along with an in-house constructed spray delivery system, to graft the molecules to HMWPE substrates. The surface of the substrates was maintained at a temperature below 80 °C during the coating process. Coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle analysis, and adhesion testing. A significant decrease in contact angle was noted for various coatings produced with this method, indicating increased hydrophilicity. Plasma processing conditions, specifically the pretreatment of the substrate and the input power, affected the adhesion and uniformity of the polymerized layer. Trends varied for the polymers used in this study, indicating the need for optimization of plasma parameters for the desired polymer coating.
GROWTH STUDIES OF THREE CHLOROPHYLLOUS CALLUS PHENOTYPES OF GLYCINE MAX

A B S T R A C T The establishment of three chlorophyllous callus phenotypes, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, cultured on a modified Miller's medium is described. Experiments were designed to determine the hormonal requirement necessary to maintain an adequate callus growth rate that would allow for the phenotypical accumulation of chlorophyll in all phenotypes. Addition of anaphthaleneacetic acid and kinetin, both at 1 mg/liter, to the basal medium fulfilled this requirement. However, callus growth for these phenotypes required only an exogenous supply of cytokinin. All callus phenotypes, when maintained on 3% sucrose, were shown to possess similar growth curves; however, optimal growth rates of these cultured phenotypes occurred on different levels of exogenous sucrose (NG, 2%; LG, 1%; Y, 2%). Sucrose (filtered and autoclaved) and, in most cases, fructose (filtered), when employed as a carbon source in the basal medium, maintained adequate growth rates. Glucose (filtered) supported only minimal callus growth. These callus phenotypes, after two years in culture, showed a certain degree of cell type differentiation as indicated by the formation of isolated tracheoids and in some cases organized tracheoid development. The chromosome complement (2n = 40) was observed to
Substantial replacement of mammalian body carbon with carbon-13

Abstract Administration to weanling mice of a diet in which the digestible carbon fraction averaged 80 atom % carbon-13 led to an average tissue content of 60 atom % carbon-13 with little change in overall enrichment between 127 and 234 days of feeding. Urine and feces rapidly attained an isotopic steady state (in 7 days or less). The mice appeared to be in normal health throughout the experiment, and subsequently necropsy and microscopic examination of tissues revealed no abnormalities clearly attributable to the high isotopic enrichment.
Alcohol and heart failure

Background: Current heart failure (HF) guidelines note that alcohol use should be discouraged or restricted in patients with HF resulting from left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Existing knowledge is limited in the area of HF and alcohol. Methods and Results: The purpose of this article is to review the evidence regarding the acute and long-term use of alcohol in the setting of HF. In addition, general aspects about alcohol and alcoholic beverages that are important for understanding and interpreting alcohol-related literature are reviewed and that can be used when discussing alcoholic beverage use with patients with HF. Conclusions: There is some emerging evidence that suggests light drining (1 to 14 drinks per week) is safe and even beneficial in HF patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). However, there are no effects of light drinking in HF patients with nonischemic LVD. Clinicians should reinforce the importance of evidence based pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies in HF.
Quadratic Filtering of Two-dimensional Signals by Use of Serial and Parallel Optical Processors

Two coherent optical methods of performing a second-order nonlinear (quadratic) transform on a two-dimensional signal are investigated. Both methods are based on a modal expansion of the transform as a sum of linear transforms each followed by a squaring operation. The first method is based on computing the transforms associated with the modes sequentially (by use of, for example, acousto-optic scanning). The second is a parallel method (employing, for example, a holographic optical element).
The DSM-IV Outline for Cultural Formulation: a critical demonstration with American Indian children.

ABSTRACT Objective The publication of DSM-IV is notable for the improved coverage of cultural issues in the diagnosis of mental disorders. In particular, Appendix 1 of DSM-IV includes an "Outline for Cultural Formulation" ( Outline ) which assists the clinician in evaluating the impact of an individual's cultural context on diagnosis and treatment. However, the capacity of the Outline to facilitate the development of comprehensive cultural formulations for children and adolescents has not been established. In this article the use of the Outline with American Indian children is reviewed critically. Method Based on the Outline , cultural case formulations for four American Indian children were developed and their comprehensiveness was assessed. Results Applied to the case material, the Outline provided a clear template for the development of cultural formulations. Nonetheless, several gaps in the material required by the Outline were identified, particularly in the areas concerning cultural identity and cultural elements of the therapeutic relationship. Conclusions Clinicians working with children should recognize the strengths as well as the limitations of the Outline and expand their cultural descriptions accordingly. Several additions to the text of the Outline that will facilitate the development of comprehensive cultural formulations specific to children and adolescents are proposed.
Expectancy of success on sex-linked tasks

College subjects undertook nine cognitive tasks with different perceived sex linkages, stating their expectancy of success prior to each task and attributing causality for their perceived performance following each task. As hypothesized, two components were present in the overall sex difference in expectancy of success, even when differences in actual task performance were statistically controlled. One component was attributable to a general tendency of females to state lower expectancies; the other was a function of the accord between the perceived sex linkage of the task and the subject's sex. The attribution data suggest that females tend to be more external for success and more internal for failure than males.
Pathogenic Serum Amyloid A 1.1 Shows a Long Oligomer-rich Fibrillation Lag Phase Contrary to the Highly Amyloidogenic Non-pathogenic SAA2.2

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is best known for being the main component of amyloid in the inflammation-related disease amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Despite the high sequence identity among different SAA isoforms, not all SAA proteins are pathogenic. In most mouse strains, the AA deposits mostly consist of SAA1.1. Conversely, the CE/J type mouse expresses a single non-pathogenic SAA2.2 protein that is 94% identical to SAA1.1. Here we show that SAA1.1 and SAA2.2 differ in their quaternary structure, fibrillation kinetics, prefibrillar oligomers, and fibril morphology. At 37 °C and inflammation-related SAA concentrations, SAA1.1 exhibits an oligomer-rich fibrillation lag phase of a few days, whereas SAA2.2 shows virtually no lag phase and forms small fibrils within a few hours. Deep UV resonance Raman, far UV-circular dichroism, atomic force microscopy, and fibrillation cross-seeding experiments suggest that SAA1.1 and SAA2.2 fibrils possess different morphology. Both the long-lived oligomers of pathogenic SAA1.1 and the fleeting prefibrillar oligomers of non-pathogenic SAA2.2, but not their respective amyloid fibrils, permeabilized synthetic bilayer membranes in vitro. This study represents the first comprehensive comparison between the biophysical properties of SAA isoforms with distinct pathogenicities, and the results suggest that structural and kinetic differences in the oligomerization-fibrillation of SAA1.1 and SAA2.2, more than their intrinsic amyloidogenicity, may contribute to their diverse pathogenicity. Background: Murine SAA1.1 is pathogenic and SAA2.2 is non-pathogenic in AA amyloidosis. Results: SAA1.1 and SAA2.2 exhibit different biophysical properties, including fibrillation kinetics and fibril morphology. Conclusion: The distinct biophysical properties of highly homologous SAA proteins may contribute to their different pathogenicity during chronic inflammation. Significance: Structural and kinetic factors, more than their intrinsic amyloidogenicity, may determine the diverse pathogenicity among nearly identical SAA isoforms.
Abstract C38: Iroquois homeobox gene 3 is temporally regulated in response to vascular endothelial growth factor and modulates endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis

Introduction: Differences in tumor-induced angiogenesis contributes to cancer-related health disparities. Understanding the transcriptional regulation of angiogenesis within endothelial cells (ECs) is essential to the development of anti-angiogenic therapies. Here we report that the homeobox gene, Irx3 is expressed in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and modulates their migration and ability to form networks during angiogenesis. Methods: To test the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on Irx3 expression, HMECs were treated with VEGF for 0 to 48 hours followed by extraction of total RNA and protein. Irx3 mRNA and protein expression were determined using qRT-PCR and western immunoblot respectively. Wound-healing and transwell migration assays were performed to investigate the role of Irx3 on EC migration in response to VEGF. For migration experiments, HMECs were transduced with adenoviral vectors resulting in the loss-of ( Ad.mirIrx3-GFP ) or gain-of ( Ad.Irx3-V5 ) Irx3 function. We conducted a 672 transcription factor (TF) siRNA screen to identify transcriptional regulators of Irx3 expression in response to VEGF. HMECs were reverse-transfected with siRNAs and treated with VEGF for 12 hours. Total RNA was extracted for RT-PCR to determine Irx3 expression. Finally, we performed in vitro endothelial cell tubulogenesis assays using HMECs transduced with Ad.Irx3-V5 , Ad.mirIrx3-GFP and their respective controls to study changes in endothelial tube formation as a result of differential Irx3 expression. Results: VEGF treatment increases Irx3 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, with peak expression at 12 hours. HMECs transduced with Ad.mirIrx3-GFP exhibited decreased migration at 12 hours compared to HMECs transduced with Ad.Irx3-V5 . Furthermore, when HMECs are transduced with Ad.Irx3-V5 , they exhibit increased migration and invasiveness in transwell migration assays and form more complex networks during tube formation. The siRNA screen suggests that Irx3 is regulated by HEY1, a known transcriptional regulator of angiogenesis. Conclusion: Our results provide compelling evidence that the homeobox gene Irx3 regulates EC migration, and is directly regulated by TFs known to govern transcriptional signaling during angiogenesis. Grant Support: This work was supported in part by the following grants; the CVRI Center of Excellence Grant, NIH/NCRR/RCMI G12-RR03034, and the MBRS/RISE Program 2R25GM058268. Citation Format: Kisha A. Scarlett, Vaishnavi Pattabiraman, Leonard M. Anderson. Iroquois homeobox gene 3 is temporally regulated in response to vascular endothelial growth factor and modulates endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr C38.
Videogame preservation and massively multiplayer online role-playing games: A review of the literature

Videogames are important cultural and economic artifacts. They also present challenges that anticipate the problems inherent in any complex digital interactive system. Not only are they digital and hence very difficult to preserve but they also are software systems that have significant hardware, peripheral, and network dependencies, which are difficult to collect and formally represent. This article reviews the literature related to videogame preservation. In addition to covering the traditional technology-related issues inherent in all digital preservation endeavors, this review also attempts to describe the complexities and relationships between the traditional acts of technology preservation, representation, and collection development. Future work should include the identification of important user groups, an examination of games' context of use, and the development of representational models to describe interaction of players with the game and the interactions between players playing the game. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perisynaptic localization of delta subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors and their activation by GABA spillover in the mouse dentate gyrus.

In cerebellar granule cells, δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors are found exclusively at extrasynaptic sites, but their subcellular distribution in other brain areas is poorly understood. We examined the anatomical localization and physiological activation of these receptors in adult mouse dentate gyrus granule cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed a high density of δ subunits in the molecular layer and a much lower density in the cell body layer. At the ultrastructural level, immunogold-labeled δ subunits were found at the edge of symmetric synapses on granule cell dendrites. Functional correlates of this perisynaptic localization were obtained by comparing inhibitory responses in δ subunit-deficient (δ-/-) and wild-type (wt) mice. In whole-cell recordings at 22°C, the weighted decay time constants (τw) of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) were significantly longer in wt mice but were similar at 34°C, reflecting the role of temperature-dependent GABA uptake in shaping sIPSC decay. IPSCs evoked by minimal stimulation (eIPSCs) near the somata had similar τw in δ-/- and wt mice, but eIPSCs elicited from dendritic sites decayed significantly more slowly in wt mice, consistent with a higher density of δ subunit-containing receptors in the molecular layer. The τw of dendritic eIPSCs of wt mice were shortened by ZnCl2 (10 μm), reflecting the high Zn2+ sensitivity of δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors, and were prolonged by the GAT-1 GABA transporter inhibitor NO711 (10 μm). Our results demonstrate a perisynaptic localization of δ subunit-containing GABAA receptors and indicate that these receptors can be activated by GABA overspill in the molecular layer.
Rac1 inhibits TNF-α-induced endothelial cell apoptosis: dual regulation by reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as mediators of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) -induced apoptosis. In addition to leading to cell death, ROS can also promote cell growth and/or survival. We investigated these two roles of ROS in TNF-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with TNF produced an intracellular burst of ROS. Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of a dominant negative form of the small GTPase Rac1 (Rac1N17) partially suppressed the TNF-induced oxidative burst without affecting TNF-induced mitochondrial ROS production. HUVECs were protected from TNF-induced apoptosis. Expression of Rac1N17 blocked TNF-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), increased activity of caspase-3, and markedly augmented endothelial cell susceptibility to TNF-induced apoptosis. Direct inhibition of NF-kappaB through adenoviral expression of the super repressor form of inhibitor of kappaBalpha (I-kappaB S32/36A) also increased susceptibility of HUVECs to TNF-induced apoptosis. Rotenone, a mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitor, suppressed TNF-induced mitochondrial ROS production, proteolytic cleavage of procaspase-3, and apoptosis. These findings show that Rac1 is an important regulator of TNF-induced ROS production in endothelial cells. Moreover, they suggest that Rac1-dependent ROS, directly or indirectly, lead to protection against TNF-induced death, whereas mitochondrial-derived ROS promote TNF-induced apoptosis.
Differentiation of streptomycin and dihydrostreptomycin inhibition, by means of reversing metabolites.

SummarySeveral purine and pyrimidine derivatives reversed the growth inhibition of Aerobacter aerogenes caused by streptomycin under specified conditions. Inhibition by dihydrostreptomycin was not reversed under the same conditions. L-phenylalanine reversed the inhibition caused by dihydrostreptomycin and not that caused by streptomycin.
Detection of Vascular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression Using a Novel Multimodal Nanoparticle

Endothelial vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a critical component of the leukocyte–endothelial adhesion cascade, and its strict temporal and spatial regulation make it an ideal target for imaging and therapy. The goal of this study was to develop novel VCAM-1–targeted imaging agents detectable by MRI and fluorescence imaging using phage display–derived peptide sequences and multimodal nanoparticles (NPs). We hypothesized that VCAM-1–mediated cell internalization of phage display–selected peptides could be harnessed as an amplification strategy to chaperone and trap imaging agents inside VCAM-1–expressing cells, thus improving target-to-background ratios. To accomplish our goal, iterative phage display was performed on murine endothelium under physiological flow conditions to identify a family of VCAM-1–mediated cell-internalizing peptides. One specific sequence, containing the VHSPNKK motif that has homology to the α-chain of very late antigen (a known ligand for VCAM-1), was shown to bind VCAM-1 ...
The Spanish Voter: Tradition, Economics, Ideology

Not much is known about the fundamentals of electoral behavior in the new Spanish democracy. Therefore, we attempt to uncover the contours of two basic dimensions: political involvement and vote choice. Utilizing data from a special 1984 Euro-Barometer survey, we suggest that Spanish political involvement is low, both absolutely and relatively, primarily because of the recent socialization to democratic norms. With regard specifically to the national vote choice, we demonstrate that traditional social cleavage explanations perform poorly, in comparison to more current explanations stressing long-term ideological attachments or intermediate-term economic concerns. However, taken together, these three factors--cleavages, ideology, economics--manage a good accounting of national vote choice in contemporary Spain.
Message-Driven Frequency Hopping -- Design and Analysis

Originally developed for secure communications in military applications, frequency hopping systems possess anti-jamming and anti-interception features by exploiting time-frequency diversity over large spectrum. However, the spectral efficiency of existing FH systems is very low due to inappropriate use of the total available bandwidth. To improve the system capacity, in this paper, we propose an innovative message-driven frequency hopping (MDFH) scheme. Unlike in traditional FH systems where the hopping pattern of each user is determined by a pre-assigned pseudo-random (PN) sequence, in MDFH, part of the message stream will be acting as the the PN sequence for hopping frequency selection. Essentially, transmission of information through hopping frequency control introduces another dimension to the signal space, and the corresponding coding gain increases system efficiency by multiple times. The MDFH scheme can be further enhanced by allowing simultaneous transmissions over multiple frequency bands. Including both MDFH and OFDM as special cases, the enhanced MDFH scheme, named E-MDFH, can achieve higher spectral efficiency while providing excellent design flexibility. E-MDFH can readily be extended to a FH-based collision-free multiple access scheme.
Comparison of proposed digital HDTV terrestrial broadcasting systems

A table of attributes, characteristics, and processes of digital high-definition television (HDTV) terrestrial broadcasting systems is provided in order to compare the proposed digital systems. The four systems are DigiCipher, DSC-HDTV, ADTV, and ATVA-P. All of the data collected in the table are based on the technical descriptions submitted by the proponents to the United States Federal Communications Commission Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service. >
Wire Sizing for Non-Tree Topology

Most existing methods for interconnect wire sizing are designed for RC trees. With the increasing popularity of the non-tree topology in clock networks and multiple link networks, wire sizing for non-tree networks becomes an important problem. In this paper, we propose the first systematic method to size the wires of general non-tree RC networks. Our method consists of three steps: 1) decompose a non-tree RC network into a tree RC network such that the Elmore delay at every sink remains unchanged; 2) size wires of the tree; and 3) merge the wires back to the original non-tree network. All three steps can be implemented in low-order polynomial time. Using this method, previous wire-sizing techniques for tree topology for various objectives, such as minimizing the maximum delay, minimizing the total area or power, and reducing skew variability under process variations, can be applied to non-tree topologies. For certain types of networks, such as the tree+ link network, our method gives the optimal solution, provided the tree wire sizing is optimal. Compared with the previous best wire-sizing method for non-tree circuits we can achieve 2% to 17% Elmore delay reduction with 14% to 30% total wire area reduction. Compared with unsized minimum width networks, our delay is 25% less and the skew is 34% less, under SPICE simulation. For the tree+link network, we can achieve significant delay reduction and zero skew in nominal case, while get up to 66% skew variation reduction
Using Local Models to Control Movement

This paper explores the use of a model neural network for motor learning. Steinbuch and Taylor presented neural network designs to do nearest neighbor lookup in the early 1960s. In this paper their nearest neighbor network is augmented with a local model network, which fits a local model to a set of nearest neighbors. The network design is equivalent to local regression. This network architecture can represent smooth nonlinear functions, yet has simple training rules with a single global optimum. The network has been used for motor learning of a simulated arm and a simulated running machine.
Spontaneous Cracking in Unfired Magnesia Compacts Upon Standing in Air

Analytical-grade magnesium oxide powder without binder was compressed hydrostatically to 50,000 lb. per sq. in. to form compacts. When exposed to moist air immediately after pressing, these compacts developed irregularly shaped cracks. Controlled tests, in which these compacts were exposed for various lengths of time to various atmospheres, indicated that in general water vapor, carbon dioxide, and residual stresses had to be present if cracking was to occur. The probable cause of the cracking was the formation of a less dense and mechanically weak basic carbonate of magnesium at crystallite surface points of high stress concentration which developed during the compacting. The adsorption of dry CO2 at such sites prevented subsequent delayed fracture.
Pegaspargase‐induced pancreatitis

Background The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of pancreatitis in patients treated with pegaspargase in our hospital during a 2-year period. Procedure We identified episodes of pancreatitis related to the intramuscular administration of pegaspargase 2,500 IU/m2 for the treatment of childhood hematological malignancies during a 2-year period (May 1996–April 1998). Patients were evaluated clinically and by sequential serum amylase and lipase determinations and radiographic examinations. For comparison, episodes of pancreatitis in patients who only received native Escherichia coli L-asparaginase were examined during the same time period. Results Nine children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of 50 (18%) patients who received pegaspargase were diagnosed to have pancreatitis. All had prior therapy with native L-asparaginase. These children developed symptoms consisting of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite within a median of 15 days from the onset of pegaspargase administration. Six patients became symptomatic after their initial dose. Seven patients developed severe or unacceptable toxicity (grades 3 and 4), measured by increased amylase (>2 times normal) and lipase levels or radiographic evidence of pancreatic inflammation or pseudocyst. One patient also developed hyperammonemia and encephalopathy. In contrast, only one out of 52 (1.9%) ALL patients who received native E. coli L-asparaginase during the same time period developed pancreatitis (P= 0.007). Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of a possible higher incidence of pancreatitis associated with pegaspargase. Med Pediatr Oncol 34:200–205, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A cry in the dark: depressed mothers show reduced neural activation to their own infant’s cry

This study investigated depression-related differences in primiparous mothersneural response to their own infants distress cues. Mothers diagnosed with major depressive disorder (n ¼ 11) and comparison mothers with no diagnosable psychopathology (n ¼ 11) were exposed to their own 18-months-old infants cry sound, as well as unfamiliar infants cry and control sound, during functional neuroimaging. Depressed mothersresponse to own infant cry greater than other sounds was compared to non-depressed mothersresponse in the whole brain (false discovery rate (FDR) corrected). A continuous measure of self-reported depressive symptoms (CESD) was also tested as a predictor of maternal response. Non-depressed mothers activated to their own infants cry greater than control sound in a distributed network of para/limbic and prefrontal regions, whereas depressed mothers as a group failed to show activation. Non-depressed compared to depressed mothers showed significantly greater striatal (caudate, nucleus accumbens) and medial thalamic activation. Additionally, mothers with lower depressive symptoms activated more strongly in left orbitofrontal, dorsal anterior cingulate and medial superior frontal regions. Non-depressed compared to depressed mothers activated uniquely to own infant greater than other infant cry in occipital fusiform areas. Disturbance of these neural networks involved in emotional response and regulation may help to explain parenting deficits in depressed mothers.
The human T-cell leukemia virus-1 transcriptional activator Tax enhances cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) binding activity through interactions with the DNA minor groove.

Tax-1, the transcriptional activation protein of human T-cell leukemia virus-1, increases transcription from the human T-cell leukemia virus-1 long terminal repeat and specific cellular promoters through interactions with cellular DNA-binding proteins. The Tax response elements (TxREs) of the long terminal repeat resemble cAMP response elements (CREs), the target of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). CREB binds the TxRE with reduced affinity; however, the interaction is specifically enhanced by Tax. Using a fluorescence quenching method, we determined that CREB dimerizes in the absence of DNA, and that Tax does not enhance dimerization. DNA footprinting of the TxRE with 1,10-phenanthroline-copper complex demonstrates that Tax contacts DNA and extends the footprint of CREB to GC-rich sequences flanking the core CRE-like element. The minor groove-binding drug chromomycin A3, but not distamycin A, disrupted Tax-enhanced CREB binding to the TxRE. Substitution of the guanine-rich sequences flanking the core of the TxRE with inosine residues also blocked the Tax effect. Finally, the IC-substituted TxRE binds CREB with increased affinity, suggesting flanking DNA influences the binding of CREB to the core CRE-like element. These data indicate that Tax does not regulate DNA binding of CREB by altering dimerization, but rather enhances DNA binding by additionally interacting with the minor groove of flanking DNA sequences.
Elongate Concretions as Paleochannel Indicators, Tongue River Formation (Paleocene), North Dakota

Both linear and tabular sand bodies occur in the nonmarine Tongue River Formation (Paleocene) of western North Dakota. The tabular sand bodies have sharply scoured bases, become finer grained upward, and the vertical sequence of sedimentary structures shows a decrease in the flow regime upward. These tabular bodies are overlain by gray lignitic silt and clay, and are interpreted as high-sinuosity stream deposits. Linear sand bodies are usually straight and have deeply channeled bases and flat tops. Vertical changes in grain size show no consistent pattern, but the upper parts of many bodies become finer grained upward. Sedimentary structures are about 60 percent planar (omikron) cross-stratification, 25 percent horizontal or low-angle planar laminae (plane bed) with parting lineation, and 15 percent small-scale ripple cross-stratification. Paleocurrent indicators are parallel to the axes of the linear bodies, which are interpreted as being low-sinuosity stream deposits. Elongate concretions as much as 5 m wide and a few hundred meters long occur in the linear bodies. The concretions consist of cal-cite-cemented sandstone, and usually occur at or near the tops of the bodies. The long axes of the concretions are parallel to both paleocurrent indicators and the long axes of the sand bodies, and so the concretions can be used to map paleochannel patterns.
Production of a Coacervate Film for Microcapsule Diffusion Studies

AbstractUntil the last five years, study of microcapsules formed by complex coacervation has been approached almost entirely on an empirical basis. The gelatin-acacia coating formed through complex coacervation is responsible for the sustained release characteristics of the dosage form. Because dissolution of the drug from microcapsules is often limited by the structure and nature of the shell wall, of prime interest would be the construction of an acacia-gelatin film for diffusion studies. Apparent optimal conditions for production of the coacervate film were developed. The conditions were similar to those used to produce microcapsules by various researchers. These conditions produced a coacervate film which could be cut into two square centimeter sections apparently suitable for diffusion studies. Films produced by complex coacervation appeared free from structural defects when observed with a stereo-microscope.
Chromatographic Analysis of Lipids

Generally the same methods are applicable in chromatographic analyses of lipids, irrespective of their origin. Therefore, we describe the chromatographic techniques routinely used in our laboratory for the lipid analyses of microbial origin.
A new motor learning task: the foot-twist tracking task.

Abstract Sixty college men were tested on a new motor learning task: the foot-twist tracking task. They were given 35 one-min. trials; each consisted of 30 sec. of work followed by 30 sec. of rest. A 5-min. rest period was interpolated between trials 25 and 26 to allow for the dissipation of reactive inhibition accrued during prerest performance. The results supported the expectation that practice on the new task would result in significant amounts of learning. However, the improvement in performance, while fairly large (21%), is substantially less than that found on the pursuit rotor and other large muscle motor coordination tasks. The expectation of reliable learning scores is also supported by the present results (r = .77). This learning reliability is relatively high when compared with those obtained on other large muscle motor learning tasks.
Maintaining Microclimates during Nanoliter Chemical Dispensations Using Custom- Designed Source Plate Lids

A method is described for using custom snap-on lids to protect chemicals in microtiter plates from evaporation and contamination. The lids contain apertures (diameter 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5 mm) through which the chemical building blocks can be transferred. The lid with 0.5 mm apertures was tested using a noncontact acoustic liquid handler; the 1.0 and 1.5 mm lids were tested using two tip-based liquid handlers. All of the lids reduced the rate at which solvents evaporated to room air, and greatly reduced the rate of contamination by water and oxygen from room air. In steady-state measurements, the lids reduced the rate of evaporation of methanol, 1-hexene, and water by 33% to 248%. In cycled experiments, the contamination of aqueous solvent with oxygen was reduced below detectability and the rate at which DMSO engorged atmospheric water was reduced by 81%. Our results demonstrate that the lids preserve the integrity of air-sensitive reagents during the time needed for different types of liquid handlers to perform dispensations. Controlling degradation and evaporation of chemical building blocks exposed to the atmosphere is increasingly useful as the reagent volume is reduced by advances in liquid handling technology, such as acoustic droplet ejection.
Effect of hormonal status on renal ornithine decarboxylase activity.

AbstractIn mice deprived of water, renal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity declined rapidly and remained depressed for up to 3 days. Dehydration, via substitution of 2% NaCl for drinking water, produced an initial decline in kidney enzyme activity followed by a continuing increase throughout a 4-day treatment period. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) injection caused a rapid, transient elevation in ODC activity in the kidney. Adrenalectomy had no effect on basal ODC activity in the kidney, whereas propylthiouracil treatment and gonadectomy (acute) caused a marked reduction in enzyme activity. The renal ODC response to AVP injection was blunted in each of these endocrinologically altered mice. Basal ODC levels were normal in mice 120 days postorchidectomy, as was the response to AVP. These results indicate that some of the effects of dehydration on renal ODC may be due to mechanisms other than those induced by the normal secretory products of the posterior pituitary.
Decorticate posture following 'cardiac cocktail': a transient complication of sedation for catheterization.

Two children undergoing cardiac catheterization became irritable 1–3 hours after IM premedication that included phenothiazines. IV diazepam was administered and their irritability subsided. Within another 30 minutes they developed a decorticate posture from which they recovered shortly after IV diphenhydramine hydrochloride. The decorticate posture is believed to be an idiosyncratic reaction to phenothiazines. IV diphenhydramine may be preferable to diazepam when irritability develops following premedications that include phenothiazines.
Phytomonitoring of chlorinated ethenes in trees: a four-year study of seasonal chemodynamics in planta.

Long-term monitoring (LTM) of groundwater remedial projects is costly and time-consuming, particularly when using phytoremediation, a long-term remedial approach. The use of trees as sensors of groundwater contamination (i.e., phytoscreening) has been widely described, although the use of trees to provide long-term monitoring of such plumes (phytomonitoring) has been more limited due to unexplained variability of contaminant concentrations in trees. To assess this variability, we developed an in planta sampling method to obtain high-frequency measurements of chlorinated ethenes in oak (Quercus rubra) and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) trees growing above a contaminated plume during a 4-year trial. The data set revealed that contaminant concentrations increased rapidly with transpiration in the spring and decreased in the fall, resulting in perchloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) sapwood concentrations an order of magnitude higher in late summer as compared to winter. Heartwood PCE and TCE concen...
Automated Image Based Quality Assurance for Medical Linear Accelerators

Regular quality assurance measurements recommended by the AAPM TG-40 are an important component of a radiation oncology department’s overall quality assurance program. The increased availability of dual photon beam multi-modality LINACs creates a time consuming and exacting task for the medical physicist who performs these measurements. We have developed an innovative system for computerized Image Based Quality Assurance (IBQA) composed of a software program and a corresponding imaging phantom. The IBQA system automatically measures regular QA parameters and monitor any changes in those values as part of standard QA regimen. The intimate relationship between the software and a unique phantom provides nearly full automation. From a single image and a total of 3 mouse clicks in the software, the TG-40 QA parameters are quickly and automatically calculated. The IBQA system includes many other features that aid in the process and evaluation of QA parameters.
Editorial: Co-occurring problems in children and adolescents – assessment and treatment issues

The scientific literature is replete with evidence of the high prevalence of co-occurring mental health problems in children, adolescents, and adults (e.g., Hawkins, 2009; Kessler et al., 1996; Oland & Shaw, 2005). Such empirical data are substantiated by therapist and clinician assessments of the presenting symptoms in their client populations. The take-away message from this scientific and practitioner work is clear: in the absence of effective prevention or intervention services, children and adolescents with co-occurring mental health problems are at heightened risk for a range of difficulties across multiple domains, including school failure, involvement in criminal activities, drug use, and poor social relationships. Whether at the symptomatic or diagnostic level, co-occurring mental health problems present significant challenges to traditional mental health treatment service delivery systems, in which individuals are often treated for their primary presenting disorder, but other potential mental health problems are not assessed or directly dealt with. Similarly, although there is evidence that mental health symptoms co-occur at high rates, the majority of research continues to focus on one mental health condition, to the neglect of comorbid problems.
Using Community Based Participatory Action Research to Define Positive Youth Development Program Goal Priorities with a Latino Community.

In 2010 the Texas Department of State Health Services launched a Health Adolescent Initiative with the goal of improving the overall health and well-being of adolescents in six Texas communities. E...
Responses of the sea anemone, Exaiptasia pallida, to ocean acidification conditions and zinc or nickel exposure.

Abstract Ocean acidification, caused by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), is a growing concern in marine environments. Land-based sources of pollution, such as metals, have also been a noted problem; however, little research has addressed the combined exposure of both pollutants to coral reef organisms. In this study we examined tissue metal accumulation and physiological effects (activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione reductase) in the sea anemone, Exaiptasia pallida after exposure to increased CO 2 , as well as zinc (Zn) or nickel (Ni). After exposure to four concentrations (nominal values = control, 10, 50, 100 μg/L) of Zn or Ni over 7 days, both metals accumulated in the tissues of E. pallida in a concentration-dependent manner. Anemones exposed to elevated CO 2 (1000 ppm) accumulated significant tissue burdens of Zn or Ni faster (by 48 h) than those exposed to the same metal concentrations at ambient CO 2 . No differences were observed in catalase activity due to Zn exposure; however, 50 μg/L Ni caused a significant increase in catalase activity at ambient CO 2 . No significant effect on catalase activity from CO 2 exposure alone was observed. Glutathione reductase activity was affected by increased Zn or Ni exposure and those effects were influenced by increased CO 2 . Results of this study provide insight into the toxic mechanisms and environmental implications of CO 2 and Zn or Ni exposure to the cnidarian E. pallida .
The quality of tree approximation from AUC bounds

This paper looks at graphical models and discusses the quality of tree approximations by formulating the problem as a detection problem. One of the widely used algorithms for tree-structured approximation and modeling is the Chow-Liu algorithm. While this algorithm is optimal for Gaussian distributions in the sense of the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, it is not optimal when compared with other information divergences and criteria such as Area Under the Curve (AUC). In this paper, we discuss the quality of tree approximation using the AUC. We define the correlation approximation matrix (CAM) and show that the KL divergence and AUC depend on the eigenvalues of the CAM. Examples show that the quality of tree approximations is in general not good for both information divergences and AUC when the number of nodes is large.
Occupational dermatitis from naled. A clinical report.

(1967). Occupational Dermatitis From Naled. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 89-91.
Dynamic Relationships between Work-To-Family Conflict and Family-To-Work Conflict: An LCS Model

Work-to-family conflict (WFC) and family-to-work conflict (FWC) are often assumed as reciprocally related to one another. However, no evidence exists regarding how the fluctuations and changes in one are related to changes in another. Drawing from conservation of resources theory, the present study examines such relationships using a 4-wave longitudinal study of work-family conflict over 18 months by employing a latent change score approach. Further, we explore the potential attenuating or enhancing effect of family supportive supervisory behaviors (FSSB) on the proposed relationships. Results showed that only changes in FWC were positively related to subsequent changes in WFC. In addition, FSSB enhanced, instead of attenuated, the relationship between negative changes in FWC on subsequent negative changes in WFC. Implications of these findings for future research on WFC and FWC are discussed.