cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Beneficial Effect on Mood in Partial Epilepsy Patients Treated with Gabapentin

Summary: Purpose: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently used for their beneficial psychoactive effects on affective disorders. We sought to demonstrate a psychoactive effect of gabapentin (GBP) when used as add-on AED therapy. Methods: Forty adult patients with partial epilepsy were studied in a prospective, non-randomized fashion with interviewer-rated and self-rated scales of mood and anxiety: the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Hamilton Depression (Ham-D) and Anxiety (Ham-A) Scales. After completion of baseline mood and anxiety scales (time 1), 20 of the 40 patients were prescribed add-on GBP (treated group). The remaining 20 patients served as a control group. Both groups were similar in age and sex distribution. Follow-up mood and anxiety scales were performed in all patients ∼3 months later (time 2). The average GBP dose at time 2 was 1,615 mg/day. All patients were taking stable doses of one to four AEDs at baseline and throughout the study. Seizure frequency was monitored throughout. Statistical significance was assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) by using a two-factor repeated-measures model. Results: The GBP-treated group had a significant decrease in CDRS score over time compared with the control group (p = 0.04). No significant differences between the control and the treated groups were found for any of the remaining mood scales (BDI, p = 0.58; Ham-D, p = 0.59; Ham-A, p = 0.93). There was no significant difference or change in seizure frequency between groups. Conclusions: GBP treatment is associated with mood improvement as measured by the CDRS. This improvement was not accounted for by seizure improvement.
Breathers as homoclinic geometric wave maps

A classical breather solution of the sine-Gordon equation can be viewed as a homoclinic wave map from periodic Minkowski space Mp2 into S2. This wave map is an unstable orbit of a simple steady-state wave map. Homoclinic wave maps are also constructed into non-round spheres.
Multiple inhibition by 6-methylpurine.

Abstract Inhibition of the growth of Tetrahymena pyriformis by 1-deaza-6-methyl-purine is not readily reversed by adenine. This purine analog also causes the death and eventual lysis of the cells. While it does not have a lethal effect, 6-methylpurine (6MeP) is a more potent inhibitor of growth, and is reversed by high concentrations of adenine. Low concentrations are ineffective. Synergistic reversing effects on inhibition by 6MeP are exhibited by combinations of small amounts of adenine (10–15 μg/ml) with acetate. Metabolites such as sterols and phospholipids produced biosynthetically from acetate are capable of replacing the mixture of acetate plus adenine (10–15 μg/ml). Peptides, but not amino acids, give additional release of inhibition in the presence of lipid materials. It is suggested that 6MeP interferes specifically with the production of acyl or amino acyl compounds, probably by affecting the synthesis or utilization of ATP, as well as by interfering with adenine utilization for nucleic acid synthesis.
Racism and Feminism: Is Women's Liberation for Whites Only?

The women's movement is often described as “white middleclass” despite the fact that black women not only are more oppressed than whites, but are more favorable to the goals of the women's movement. Black women, especially those identified with the black rights movement, fear that feminism will split their ranks and divert public attention. Black women's problems also differ from those of whites in other ways, mostly related to the fact that their economic position is much worse than that of either white women or black men. Moreover, blacks hesitate to join organizations they perceive as white dominated. It is argued that both black and women's rights movements need each others' support and that black women cannot achieve equality unless both movements succeed
Interactions between Sertoli cells and germ cells in the testis

Abstract The production of mature spermatozoa requires a complex interaction between Sertoli cells and germ cells. Sertoli cells regulate aspects of germ cell division and differentiation while germ cells provide signals that modulate Sertoli cell functions. Germ cells can undergo some differentiation independent of Sertoli cells but at certain crucial points the interaction with Sertoli cells is required. There are several means by which this interaction may occur: (1) direct contact of components of the plasma membrane may act as a signal; (2) secondary messengers could be exchanged via gap junctions; (3) the secretion of paracrine factors may facilitate intercellular communication.
WE-C-211A-01: Requirements and Opportunities for Maintenance of Certification

The ABR began issuing time‐limited certificates for physicists in 2002. As a result, many physicists are two‐thirds the way through their MOC cycles, and should have reached several milestones by now. This course will discuss the origins of the MOC program, the requirements for physicists, and some of the opportunities available for meeting the requirements. Specific information will be provided to help physicists understand how they can satisfy the requirements for professional standing, through licensure or attestation; life‐long learning and self assessment, through the accumulation of continuing education credits, self‐assessment modules (SAMs) and self‐directed educational projects (SDEPs); cognitive expertise, through participation in a cognitive exam; and assessment of performance in practice, through the conduct of a practice quality improvement (PQI) program. Examples of each aspect will be given. Use of the personal database (PDB) provided by the ABR for each diplomate to facilitate the MOC process will be described, and the opportunities for guidance in accomplishing SDEPs and PQI projects will be presented. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the maintenance of certification program, its history and requirements. 2. Learn about opportunities for satisfying the MOC requirements. 3. Become familiar with sources of assistance from the ABR, including the personal database. 4. Identify opportunities for guidance from sources such as the AAPM.
Deutsche Besatzungspolitik in Litauen 1941–1944

“In Lithuania, the mass atrocities against Jews, prisoners of war, forced Soviet evacuees, Poles, Soviet functionaries, Roma, patients of psychiatric wards and other Lithuanian civilians were commi...
A new absorbing layer boundary condition for the wave equation

A new absorbing boundary condition using an absorbing layer is presented for application to finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculation of the wave equation. This algorithm is by construction a hybrid between the Berenger perfectly matched layer (PML) algorithm and the one-way Sommerfeld algorithm. The new prescription contains both of these earlier ones as particular cases, and retains benefits from both. Numerical results indicate that the new algorithm provides absorbing rates superior to those of the PML algorithm.
A functionalizable polyester with free hydroxyl groups and tunable physiochemical and biological properties

Polyesters with free functional groups allow facile modifications with biomolecules, which can lead to versatile biomaterials that afford controlled interactions with cells and tissues. Efficient synthesis of functionalizable polyesters (Functionalizable polymer is defined as a polymer with functional groups that readily react with biomolecules and functionalized biomaterial as one already modified with biomolecules.) is still a challenge that greatly limits the availability and widespread applications of biofunctionalized synthetic polymers. Here we report a simple route to prepare a functionalizable polyester, poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD) bearing free hydroxyl groups. The key synthetic step is an epoxide ring-opening polymerization, instead of the traditional polycondensation that produces poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) (Wang YD, Ameer GA, Sheppard BJ, Langer R. A tough biodegradable elastomer. Nat Biotechnol 2002;20(6):602-6). PSeD has a more defined structure with mostly linear backbone, more free hydroxyl groups, higher molecular weight, and lower polydispersity than PGS. Crosslinking PSeD with sebacic acid yields a polymer five times tougher and more elastic than cured PGS. PSeD exhibits good cytocompatibility in vitro. Furthermore, functionalization by glycine proceeds with high efficiency. This versatile synthetic platform can offer a large family of biodegradable, functionalized polymers with tunable physiochemical and biological properties useful for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Crust Aroma of Baguettes II. Dependence of the Concentrations of Key Odorants on Yeast Level and Dough Processing

Abstract Seven odorants causing the roasty, malty and fatty notes in the flavour profile of baguettes were quantified in the crust to clarify the effect of modifications of the baking process on the crust flavour. An increase in yeast level enhanced the concentration of the roasty smelling 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Fermentation of the dough at lower temperatures for a longer period favoured the formation of the malty smelling odorants methylpropanal and 2- and 3-methylbutanal as well as of methional, whereas the production of 1-octen-3-one and (E)-2-nonenal, which both together were responsible for fatty notes, was decreased. A higher energy input due to a prolongation of the kneading process reduced the concentrations of the odorants methylpropanal and 2- and 3-methylbutanal in the crust.
Seroprevalence of Varicella Antibodies Among New House Officers

Abstract Study objective: Varicella, an illness common to children, can occur in nonimmune adults, often causing serious morbidity and mortality. House officers without protective titers to varicella are at risk of contracting the disease and may spread it to the patients they serve. They are also subject to significant losses in work time and wages. Accordingly, in August 1996, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended vaccinating nonimmune health care providers with the varicella vaccine. We also sought to document the seroprevalence of varicella antibodies among new house officers and to determine the association of self-reported history of infection with varicella antibody levels. Methods: This study was conducted at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Serology testing was performed on house officers beginning their residencies in July 1997. Subjects provided information regarding demographics, medical history, previous varicella exposure, and previous administration of varicella vaccine. Serum was tested using the FIAX test kit, (Biowhitaker, Walkersville, MD). Results: One hundred fifty-four house officers participated. The mean age was 30 (range, 24 to 50±SD 5.5 years). History of varicella infection was given by 119 (77%) of the 154 subjects, whereas 15 (10%) reported no history of infection, and 20 (13%) were uncertain. Ten (7%) of the participants had received varicella vaccine previously. Overall, 6 (4%) had nonprotective titers to varicella. Of the 119 house officers who reported a history of varicella, only 2 (1.7%) had nonprotective titers, and 4 (27%) who reported no history of varicella infection had nonprotective titers. Of the 10 house officers who had previously received varicella vaccine, 1 (10%) had nonprotective titers. Conclusion: Although most house officers had protective titers, a reported history of varicella or the administration of varicella vaccine did not assure the presence of protective titers. House officers should be tested for varicella immunity regardless of a history of previous infection or the administration of varicella vaccine. [Alagappan K, Fu L, Strater S, Atreidis V, Auerbach C: Seroprevalence of varicella antibodies among new house officers. Ann Emerg Med May 1999;33:516-519.]
Parafoil Control Authority with Upper-Surface Canopy Spoilers

Current autonomous parafoil and payload aircraft are controlled by deflection of the canopy trailing edge. Asymmetric trailing edge deflection results in a turn, symmetric deflection results in a change in speed with little change in glide slope. The inability to control glide slopewith these traditional canopy controlmechanisms is severely detrimental to the landing accuracy of parafoil and payload aircraft, especially when turbulent atmospheric conditions or difficult terrain are present near the landing area. An alternative canopy control mechanism is investigated where internal air is vented through the upper surface of the canopy to create an aerodynamic spoiler. Flight-test results for various configurations of the spoiler concept are presented. It is shown that a dramatic change in glide slope can be generatedwith relatively small spoiler actuations. Furthermore, it is shown that the same lateral control authority availablewith trailing edge brakes can be achievedwith asymmetric actuation of the upper-surface spoilers.
Fungi mediate nitrous oxide production but not ammonia oxidation in aridland soils of the southwestern US

Abstract Nitrification and denitrification are key processes that control nitrogen (N) availability and loss in terrestrial systems. Nitrification in soils is thought to be performed primarily by chemoautotrophic prokaryotes such as bacteria and archaea, and denitrification by bacterial heterotrophs. However, recent work in drylands suggests that fungi may play a larger role in N transformations than previously recognized. Arid and semi-arid ecosystems experience extreme temperatures and low moisture conditions, both of which favor growth and survival of some fungi, but the extent of fungal nitrification and denitrification in these soils has not been explored. We investigated the role of fungi in nitrate (NO3−) and nitrous oxide (N2O) production in soils from regions across the southwestern US. Soils were collected from urban and Sonoran Desert sites within the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona, and from grasslands in Arizona and New Mexico. Rates of potential nitrification were measured in soils subjected to biocide treatments (fungal and bacterial inhibitors) and acetylene, an inhibitor of autotrophic ammonia oxidation. Nitrous oxide production was measured from soils incubated at two moisture levels in the presence of the biocide treatments. Rates of potential nitrification decreased significantly in all soils with additions of acetylene, indicating that autotrophic microorganisms may dominate ammonia oxidation and NO3− production rather than heterotrophs (e.g., fungi). Similarly, fungi played a minor role in N2O production in urban turfgrass soils that were highly managed with irrigation and fertilizers. In contrast, fungi were major sources of N2O production in desert and semi-arid grassland soils across a range of soil water content. We conclude that fungi are likely responsible for denitrification in aridland soils, and that land-use changes associated with urbanization alter the biotic pathways responsible for N cycling.
The theory of rational random behavior and its application to demand analysis

Abstract The author's theory of rational random behavior is developed, which distinguishes between the planning and the implementation stage of the decision-maker. Under the assumption of a quadratic loss function and decision variables with an unrestricted range, that theory implies normally distributed disturbances of behavioral equations with a covariance matrix that is known up to a scalar multiple. Those results have to be extended asymptotically by Barbosa for restricted decision variables and a more general loss function. The approach is applied to both the Rotterdam and the linear expenditure demand models: using U.S. postwar data for the former, the author finds that a likelihood ratio test accepts the theory at the 10 percent significance level.
Epinephrine-induced conditioned taste aversion

Abstract The ability of the hormone epinephrine to induce a conditioned taste aversion was investigated in three experiments. Aversions induced by epinephrine appear more easily conditioned to a highly preferred sucrose solution than to a less preferred sucrose/saline solution. A dose-response curve also exists; better conditioning is evident following injection of either 0.3 or 0.5 mg/kg epinephrine than it is following a 0.1 mg/kg dose. A arcadian rhythmicity also occurs for epinephrine-induced sucrose aversions. When the endogenous levels of this hormone are at trough, conditioning is greater than when they are elevated. This circadian pattern is interpreted with respect to the degree of discriminability between endogenous and exogenous epinephrine levels.
The renormalized σ model

Abstract A renormalization procedure of the boson σ model based on the finite field equations of Brandt-Wilson is given. We first show that the current operators appearing in the field equations, which are finite local limit of sums of nonlocal field products and suitable subtraction terms, can be chosen to be the same form as the one given for the symmetric limit except for the symmetry breaking constant source term itself. The set of integral equations derived from the field equations is shown to be equivalent to the usual Bogoliubov-Parasiuk-Hepp renormalization theory, and gives us immediately all the renormalized Green's functions in each order of perturbation theory in clear and straightforward fashion. We then analyze the structures of the model in detail. In particular, Ward identities are shown to be satisfied to all orders of perturbation theory. The Goldstone theorem is a particular consequence of these identities.
Photon density-density correlation spectrum of a three-level atom at high photon densities

Abstract The excitation spectrum arising from photon density-density correlations has been calculated for two types of a single three-level atom for which electronic transitions occur: from two different upper levels to a common lower one and from a common upper level to two different lower levels, respectively. Photon density-density correlations in such a system are described by the interference spectrum, which results from the beating between the two electronic transition frequencies. The spectral function has been calculated in the limit of high photon densities and consists of three pairs of bands, which are similar to those of the interference spectrum when the main peak at the frequency ω = Δ is missing, where Δ is equal to the frequency splitting between the excited states of the atom. The probability amplitude for the occurrence of each pair of bands depends on the parameter η = Δ 2 Ω 2 , where Ω is the Rabi frequency. Numerical values indicate that the probability amplitudes become negative, zero, or positive for different values of the parameter η. Using the spectral function, an expression has been derived for the photon density-density correlation function, which describes photon density-density correlations at two different times and at finite temperatures. In the limit of equal times, the mean square photon density distribution function has been calculated and discussed. At zero temperatures, numerical values for the mean square photon density distribution function indicate that it is positive for η η>0.5, and it becomes negative for η≥0.75. The possibility of observing photon density-density correlations is discussed.
The structure of anomalous lepton hadron interactions and π0 → e−e+

Abstract The contribution of anomalous lepton-quark (hadron) interaction ∼ l O μ qX μ to π0 ∼ e−e+ is very strongly dependent on the form of O. Unless experiments reveal an unexpectedly large branching ratio (⪢ 10−8) for the process, O must have (V − A) or (S − P) structure.
Primer: cytopathology for the clinician--how to interpret the results of aspiration cytology.

The availability of new, less-invasive diagnostic tools means that pathological diagnoses are increasingly required to be made from smaller biopsy specimens. The author of this Review addresses the diagnostic terminology used in the reporting of nongynecologic aspiration cytology results, makes recommendations of how clinicians should interpret these results and discusses additional tests that are required for certain diagnostic categories.
Peristaltic flow in tubes.

The study is concerned with the analysis of two flow domains of peristaltic motion in tubes. In the first analysis the wall disturbance wavelength is much larger than the average tube radius. There is a simple algebraic relation between the average flow rate and pressure differential across a wavelength. In the second analysis the disturbance wavelength may be as small as the average radius. A numerical technique may be used to determine the relation between average flow rate and pressure differential across a wavelength.
Discovery learning in introductory operating system courses

Practical experiences are necessary to balance the theory discussed in textbooks and in class meetings. Effective practical experiences must have a clear purpose and must motivate students to become involved as active learners. This paper presents some practical experiences for an introductory operating systems course. The experiences employ short programs with unexpected behaviors and open-ended questions. Students use these as starting points to discover more about the concepts involved. The presented experiences provide effective reinforcement of the underlying theory.
Development of a microsphere-based fluorescent immunoassay and its comparison to an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of antibodies to three antigen preparations from Candida albicans.

Abstract A sensitive assay for the simultaneous detection of multiple serum antibodies by flow cytometry was developed. Polystyrene microspheres of 5, 7 and 9.3 μm in diameter were used as solid supports for the attachment of three different antigen preparations from Candida albicans . These antigens were a whole cell extract, a cytoplasmic protein extract and a cell wall polysaccharide. Microsphere-associated fluorescence was quantitated by flow cytometry, with the different sized microspheres analyzed separately using electronic volume gating. This procedure allowed for different antigen-coated microspheres with discrete sizes to be analyzed independently for immunofluorescence. The assay detected antibody levels in human serum at dilutions up to 10 −6 and provided complete discrimination, using all three antigen preparations, between antibody levels seen in healthy subjects and those seen in patients suspected of having a systemic Candida infection. A standard enzyme immunoassay (EIA) failed to provide complete discrimination between healthy subjects and patient samples: at least 17% of patient values fell within the healthy subject range using all three antigen preparations. The microsphere assay which allowed for the simultaneous detection of multiple antibodies, has increased dynamic range over EIA and provides for better discrimination of patients from healthy subjects in comparison to EIA. Precise quantitation of antibodies is possible and the rapid analysis of thousands of microspheres markedly enhances the statistical accuracy of the assay. We suggest this assay is likely to have many other important applications in immunologic testing.
Exploration of Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions for the Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers

Conjugated polymers are of great interest due to their unique structure, interesting physical properties, and potential applications in electronic or opto-electronic devices. Recently, the synthesis of soluble and processable conjugated polymers with different functionalities has become an active research area. We have been exploring palladium-catalyzed reactions (the Stille and the Heck reactions) for preparing functionalized, conjugated polymers. These palladium catalyzed reactions have the advantage of mild reaction conditions and high yields. Different types of conjugated polymers with different properties and applications, such as liquid crystalline conjugated polymers, photoactive metalloporphyrin-containing polymers, and conjugated photorefractive polymers have been synthesized.
Optical Gabor and wavelet transforms for scene analysis

Recent development in vision and image understanding related study reveals that a signal decomposition before processing may provide enormous useful information about the signal. Various signal decomposition models, such as the Gabor and wavelet transforms have been proposed. While the Gabor signal expansion creates a fixed resolution space-frequency signal representation, the wavelet transform provides a multi-resolution signal space-scale decomposition. Digital implementation of these transforms are computationally intensive both because of the nature of the coordinate-doubling of the transforms and due to the large quantity of convolution/correlation operations to be performed. Optics with its inherent parallel processing capability has been applied to many useful linear signal and image transformations for feature analysis and extraction. This paper is intended to study the suitability of using optical processing techniques for the signal Gabor and wavelet analysis. Gabor and wavelet transforms of both one- and two-dimensional signals and images are discussed. System parameters and limitation are analyzed. Preliminary experimental results are presented.
Stress and duration in three varieties of English

This paper investigates stress placement in the English of Spanish speakers, Nigerian English and Singapore English. This investigation reveals that they have in common several patterns of stress placement that are distinct from British or American English. We show that these patterns cannot be accounted for by transfer. A different explanation is suggested, one that explains the recurrent patterns in terms of English vowel duration. It is proposed that in determining stress in multisyllabic words, L2 speakers assess the duration of syllable nuclei and assign stress to the syllable containing the longest vowel. In contrast with transfer, which holds L2 speakers' first languages responsible, this proposal attributes the distinct patterns of stress placement to the target language, making possible a unified account of the shared patterns in the three varieties of English. As L2 speakers, regardless of their first languages, grapple with the same target language, it should have a similar effect, giving rise to the common patterns of stress placement in the three varieties of English.
Cellular immunotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma using lymph node lymphocytes localized in vivo by radiolabeled monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND. The authors showed previously that radiolabeled monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and a hand-held, gamma-detecting probe can be used to localize tumor-reactive lymph nodes in vivo. The authors examined the feasibility, safety, and biologic effects of cellular immunotherapy using autologous cells expanded from these lymph nodes in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma. METHODS. Tumor-reactive lymph nodes containing radiolabeled MoAb were localized and excised from 32 patients with metastatic, unresectable colorectal carcinoma at laparotomy. Lymph nodes were dissociated, and cells were cultured ex vivo for 10 ‐14 days. Patients received a single infusion of autologous, expanded cells with no systemic interleukin (IL)-2. RESULTS. A mean of 1.6 3 10 10 expanded autologous lymph node cells were infused with toxicity limited to occasional fevers or chills. The cells infused predominately were activated CD3 1 T-cells that expressed genes for IL-4, IL-5, interferon-g, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Indium-111 labeled cells were observed to traffic initially to the lungs, bone marrow, liver, and spleen. One patient on study achieved a partial response (.80% reduction), and mixed or minor responses were noted in 4 other patients. The responding patient’s cell characteristics were notable for high levels of GM-CSF and IL-4 secretion on restimulation with immobilized anti-CD3 in vitro, and biopsies of the tumor were characterized by macrophage infiltration. The median survival of the cell-treated group compared favorably with a similar group of patients who underwent radioimmunoguided surgery without cell treatment (12.5 months vs. 5.8 months) CONCLUSIONS. The infusion of cells expanded from tumor-reactive lymph nodes localized with radiolabeled MoAb in vivo is reproducible and safe and has biologic activity, even in the absence of systemic IL-2 infusion. This approach represents a novel application of MoAb technology, in that MoAbs are used not to diagnose or treat disease directly but rather to identify lymph node cells with therapeutic potential. Cancer 1999;86:22‐30. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Use of drinking protective behavioral strategies and sexual perceptions and behaviors in U.S. college students

Alcohol use among college students is linked to an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, including casual sex and unprotected sex. These behaviors increase college students' risks for negative social and health-related consequences. This study examined the relationship between drinking behaviors and protective behavioral strategies (PBS), expectancies and perceptions of sexual risk, and actual alcohol-related sexual behaviors and consequences. Sexually active college students completed Web-based self-report measures of drinking behaviors and use of PBS, alcohol expectancies and perceptions of risk, and sexual behaviors and related consequences (n = 524; 57.1% women). Findings indicated that PBS were related to lower expectancies of sexual risk and sexual disinhibition, and among lighter drinkers, lower expectancies of sexual enhancement from alcohol. PBS were also related to decreased perceptions of sexual-related risks, some alcohol-related sexual behaviors, including number of drin...
The Impact of Agricultural Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite considerable investment in African agricultural technology development and transfer (TDT) activities, it is commonly perceived that TDT has had little impact. This paper summarizes and interprets recent evidence on the impact of agricultural TDT in sub-Saharan Africa, and draws lessons to improve the efficiency of future investment in African TDT. The evidence suggests that rates of return to TDT activities are often positive and in excess of the opportunity costs of capital, indicating that these activities have had significant impact on human well-being. However, improvements can be made by including demand-side considerations into TDT activities, particularly off-farm constraints in processing, storage, and distribution that inhibit the farm-level demand for improved technology. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor measurements with [18F]FP-TZTP: control and competition studies.

[18F]Fluoropropyl-TZTP (FP-TZTP) is a subtype-selective muscarinic cholinergic ligand with potential suitability for studying Alzheimer's disease. Positron emission tomography studies in isofluorane-anesthetized rhesus monkeys were performed to assess the in vivo behavior of this radiotracer. First, control studies (n = 11) were performed to characterize the tracer kinetics and to choose an appropriate model using a metabolite-corrected arterial input function. Second, preblocking studies (n = 4) with unlabeled FP-TZTP were used to measure nonspecific binding. Third, the sensitivity of [18F]FP-TZTP binding to changes in brain acetylcholine (ACh) was assessed by administering physostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, by intravenous infusion (100 to 200 μg·kg−1·h−1) beginning 30 minutes before tracer injection (n = 7). Tracer uptake in the brain was rapid with K1 values of 0.4 to 0.6 mL·min−1·mL−1 in gray matter. A model with one tissue compartment was chosen because reliable parameter estima...
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid and its relevance in neurology

ACh = acetylcholine; AMPA = α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid; DA = dopamine; EDS = excessive daytime sleepiness; GABA = γ-aminobutyric acid; GABA-T = GABA transaminase; GAD = glutamic acid decarboxylase; GBL = γ-butyrolactone; GH = growth hormone; GHB = γ-hydroxybutyric acid; GHBDH = GHB dehydrogenase; GIRK = G-protein-coupled inward rectifying K+ channels; 5-HT = serotonin; NADPH = nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; NMDA = N -methyld-aspartate; SSA = succinic semialdehyde; SSADH = succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency; SSAR = succinic semialdehyde reductase; VGCC = voltage-gated Ca2+ channels; VIAAT = vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter; VTA = ventral tegmental area. γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, oxybate) is formed from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the normal human brain. GHB can also be administered exogenously and readily passes the blood–brain barrier. In the brain, GHB may have a widespread neuromodulatory role that is mediated both by GHB-specific and γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors. There has been widespread interest in GHB as a result of its emergence as a major recreational drug. Exogenously administered GHB elicits intoxication, withdrawal, tolerance, and addiction. GHB also induces slow wave sleep and has now been approved for treatment of narcolepsy. GHB may also have limited use as an anesthetic and in alcohol dependence and withdrawal. Accumulation of GHB may underlie some of the manifestations of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADH) in humans. The development of a murine model of this disease, together with that of specific GHB receptor ligands, has provided insights into the physiologic role of GHB in the brain and rationale for therapeutic intervention in neurologic disorders. These subjects have all been extensively reviewed.1–8 GHB is present in the normal brain and serves as both a precursor and a degradation product of GABA1–4 (figure). GABA is formed from glutamate by action of the glutamic acid …
IS CLOSED DIAGNOSTIC PERITONEAL LAVAGE CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Objective: To compare the accuracies and complication rates of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) in trauma patients with and without previous abdominal surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of DPL accuracy and complication rate was performed using all ED trauma patients who underwent DPL during 1993 as identified by the trauma registry. Care was provided at a Level-1 trauma center, a 1,100-bed, central-city teaching hospital with an annual ED census of 84,000. Records were reviewed for a history of previous surgery, DPL results, complications, mechanism of injury, and location of abdominal scars. DPL was performed using the Seldinger technique with a standard Arrow Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage Kit using an 8-Fr catheter. Rates for patient groups with and without previous abdominal surgery were compared using Fisher's exact test. A “misclassified” DPL was defined as either a positive DPL with negative laparotomy or a negative DPL with subsequent need for laparotomy. “Complications” were defined as iatrogenic injury during the procedure or inability to obtain return of fluid during the lavage. Results: A total of 372 DPLs were performed; 42 in patients with previous surgery and 330 in patients without prior surgery. The groups were similar with respect to proportion with blunt trauma (95% vs 97%), positive DPL (19% vs 19%), misclassified rate (2.4% vs 1.8%), and complication rate (2.4% vs 0.9%); no significant difference was found between groups. The previous abdominal surgeries were appendectomy (n = 20), tubal ligation (n = 5), abdominal hysterectomy (n = 4), cholecystectomy (nonlaparoscopic) (n = 4), pyloric stenosis (n = 1), uterine prolapse (n = 1), undescended testis (n = 1), partial gastrectomy (n = 1), and unknown (n = 5). The analysis had a 90% power of detecting a 10% difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The complication rate and accuracy of closed DPL in patients with previous abdominal surgery were similar to those for DPL performed in patients without previous abdominal surgery.
Vignettes from the history of overgrowth and related syndromes

Vignettes of several stages in the evolution of present concepts of overgrowth and related syndromes are presented. The scientific study of this topic did not begin until the 18th century because of its delayed emergence from superstition and fallacy. Examples of early superstitions concerning gigantism are presented, with some historical comments on infant giants. The pioneering contributions of Isodore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire to the scientific analysis of overgrowth are emphasized. Details concerning the early history of the growth syndrome associated with the names of Wiedemann and Beckwith is presented, with emphasis on cases reported prior to ours.
A prospective study of cigarette smoking initiation during college: Chinese and Korean American students.

Objective The present study was a prospective investigation of baseline influences on initial smoking and transition to established smoking among college students who had not smoked prior to college.
Estimating the stability of the proposed imprinted state of the fragile-X mutation when transmitted by females.

Fragile-X syndrome is a major cause of mental retardation in humans. The X-inactivation imprinting model accounts for the unusual pattern of inheritance and expression of this syndrome. According to this model, the fragile-X mutation creates a local block to the attempted reactivation of the mutant X chromosome prior to oogenesis. This local block results in an “imprinted” fragile-X chromosome that is deleterious in males and in females for whom this chromosome is predominantly the active X chromosome. The imprinted state of the fragile-X mutation is inferred to be stable when transmitted by an imprinted female because the penetrance of the syndrome in sons of affected females is estimated to be 1.0. To provide a more precise estimate of the stability of the proposed fragile-X imprint, we have analyzed published pedigrees that include restriction fragment length polymorphism and cytogenetic data from sibships with mothers who are interpreted as having an imprinted fragile-X allele. We conclude that the fragile-X imprint was stable in 46 out of 48 female meioses. This analysis leads to a preliminary estimate of about 96% for the stability of the imprint through female meiosis. Two imprinted females had progeny who appeared to be carriers of a nonimprinted fragile-X allele. If this interpretation is correct, then reversion from the imprinted to the nonimprinted state, or “erasure,” can occasionally occur when the mutant fragile-X allele is transmitted by an imprinted female. We discuss the genetic and epigenetic significance of possible female erasure. We request DNA and cytogenetic information from unpublished pedigrees to quantify further the stability, during female meiosis, of the proposed imprinted state of the mutant fragile-X allele.
Short-Term Assessment of Morphological Change on Five Lower Mississippi River Islands

Abstract To examine short-term morphological changes and variables controlling this change, we conducted a study on five lower Mississippi River islands in 2007 and 2008. The southernmost island was located 25 km north of Memphis, TN, and the northernmost island was located 105 km north of Memphis. We surveyed elevations along six transects for each of the five islands to examine morphological changes between years and measured river velocity and backscatter intensity (sediment load) at the head, middle, toe, zee, and fore sides of the islands. We predicted the impacts of flooding on island geomorphology would be greatest at the head (upstream edge) and fore (thalweg) side. In addition, we predicted the morphology of islands present in the main channel in the 1890s would differ in morphology from contemporary islands. Results indicated morphological change during the study period but only in width. Islands showed general lateral migration, with one side aggrading while the other side eroded. Changes in mo...
Forgetting and remembering in psychology: Commentary on Paul Connerton's `Seven Types of Forgetting' (2008)

In this commentary, I compare psychology's treatment of forgetting, especially the works of Ebbinghaus, Bartlett, Ballard, Freud, and modern researchers, to Connerton's approach. I suggest that as ...
Multisensor Wireless System for Eccentricity and Bearing Fault Detection in Induction Motors

This paper presents a stand-alone multisensor wireless system for continuous condition monitoring of induction motors. The proposed wireless system provides a low-cost alternative to expensive condition monitoring technology available through dedicated current signature analysis or vibration monitoring equipment. The system employs multiple sensors (acoustic, vibration, and current) mounted on a common wireless platform. The faults of interest are static and dynamic air-gap eccentricity, bearing damage, and their combinations. The Hilbert-Huang transform of vibration data and power spectral density of current and acoustic signals are used as the features in a hierarchical classifier. The proposed wireless system can distinguish a faulty motor from a healthy motor with a probability of 99.9% of correct detection and less than 0.1% likelihood of false alarm. It can also discriminate between different fault categories and severity with an average accuracy of 95%.
Influence of irrigation schemes used in regional climate models on evapotranspiration estimation: Results and comparative studies from California's Central Valley agricultural regions

[1] The agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water in California. The impacts of irrigation on local and/or regional weather and climate have been studied and reported in recent literature. However, because of the lack of observations and realistic irrigation schemes employed in the numerical models, most previous studies fall in the category of sensitivity tests, focusing on temperature variations. The results being reported in this paper are obtained by incorporating into the MM5/Noah land surface model an irrigation method practiced in California's farming sector. The proposed irrigation scheme is based on the principle that irrigation occurs when available soil-water content is less than the maximum allowable water depletion (SWm), which depends on both soil type and crop type. The study's focus was to evaluate the impact of a more realistic irrigation scheme on surface fluxes, especially evapotranspiration (ET). It is demonstrated that more accurate amounts and patterns of ET in the Central Valley are realized, as compared to ET estimates (in terms of amounts and spatial distribution) obtained from remotely sensed observation as well as in situ ground data. It is demonstrated that significant discrepancies of ET estimates between different irrigation schemes used in regional hydroclimate modeling exist, which may result in erroneous conclusions about the impact of irrigation on regional water balance, especially over and near agricultural areas.
The Effects of Professional Development on Science Teaching Practices and Classroom Culture

The current science education reform movement emphasizes the importance of professional development as a means of improving student science achievement. Reformers have developed a vision for professional development based upon intensive and sustained training around concrete tasks that is focused on subject-matter knowledge, connected to specific standards for student performance, and embedded in a systemic context. Using data from a National Science Foundation Teacher Enhancement program called the Local Systemic Change initiative, this study employs hierarchical linear modeling to examine the relationship between professional development and the reformers' vision of teaching practice. The findings indicate that the quantity of professional development in which teachers participate is strongly linked with both inquiry-based teaching practice and investigative classroom culture. At the individual level, teachers' content preparation also has a powerful influence on teaching practice and classroom culture. At the school level, school socioeconomic status was found to influence practice more substantially than either principal supportiveness or available resources.fl 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 963 - 980, 2000
Innovative Cancer Vaccine Strategies Based on the Identification of Tumour-Associated Antigens

The identification of tumour-associated antigens has opened up new approaches to cancer immunotherapy. While past research focused on CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell responses, accumulating evidence suggests that CD4+ T cells also play an important role in orchestrating the host immune response against cancer. In this article, we summarise new strategies for the identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-associated tumour antigens and discuss the importance of engaging both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in cancer immunotherapy. The cloning of MHC class I- or class II-associated antigens has made it possible to develop synthetic and recombinant cancer vaccines that express specific tumour antigens. There are three major types of synthetic and recombinant cancer vaccines: recombinant viral and bacterial vaccines; naked DNA or RNA vaccines; and recombinant protein and peptide vaccines. In this article, we also discuss a new generation of recombinant cancer vaccines, ‘self-replicating’ DNA and RNA vaccines. Studies on the mechanisms of ‘self-replicating’ nucleic acid vaccines revealed that the enhanced immunogenicity was not due to an enhanced antigen expression, suggesting that the quantitative difference may not be as important as the qualitative difference in antigen presentation. The presence of the RNA replicase in the ‘self-replicating’ nucleic acid vaccines mimics alphavirus infection, which triggers the innate antiviral pathways of the host cells. Studies on how viral and cellular modulators of the innate antiviral pathways affect vaccine function should provide molecular insights crucial to future vaccine design.
Inheritance of quality and quantity of oil in flax in relation to other plant characters

Data from 21 varieties of flax, grown at the Central Experimental Farm over a five-year period, were analyzed statistically to determine the relation of quantity and quality of oil to seed size, da...
Investigation of the pyrazinones as PDE5 inhibitors: Evaluation of regioisomeric projections into the solvent region

We describe the design, synthesis and profiling of a novel series of PDE5 inhibitors. We take advantage of an alternate projection into the solvent region to identify compounds with excellent potency, selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles.
Singlet-singlet annihilation and local heating in FMO complexes

Energy transfer in a trimeric Bchl a containing FMO pigment−protein complex from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum has been studied by means of picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy under high-excitation conditions. At room temperature the excited state absorption spectrum of the FMO complex was found to be similar to that of noninteracting Bchl molecules in solution, which suggests that the influence of exciton coupling on the spectroscopic properties of the FMO complex at room temperature is not substantial. Analysis of the excited state relaxation kinetics in singlet−singlet annihilation conditions shows that the energy transfer from the excited monomer to another excited monomer is independent of the oxidation−reduction state of the complex and is slower than the intermonomer excitation migration rate. The difference spectrum at 77 K resembles the absorption spectrum, showing three exciton subbands. In addition to the singlet−singlet annihilation, the 7 ps rate of which is similar t...