cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time-courses of the appearance/disappearance of nuclear androgen + receptor complexes in the brain and adenohypophysis following testosterone administration/withdrawal to castrated male rats: relationships with gonadotropin secretion.

Abstract We characterized the temporal dynamics of brain and pituitary cell nuclear androgen receptor binding and serum androgen and gonadotropin levels associated with the implantation and removal of testosterone (T)-filled Silastic capsules into preformed s.c. flank pouches of castrated, awake male rats. These capsules produced serum T levels in the physiologic range. The number of cell nuclear androgen + receptor complexes, as measured in an exchange assay using [3H]R1881, increased 15-fold at 0.5 h after capsule insertion in the HPAS (combined hypothalamus, preoptic area, amygdala and septum) and anterior pituitary gland, but then showed a second progressive rise within the next 8 h. This pattern suggests that T exerts an initial action in the tissues to alter the affinity and/or number of available androgen receptors. There was a lag time of 2–4 h to the first indication of negative feedback suppression of LH secretion. Serum LH levels declined only slightly at 4 h after capsule insertion but continued to fall thereafter, reaching undetectable values by 24 h. In contrast, serum FSH levels declined only slightly after 24 h of T exposure. After removal of the T capsules, serum T levels declined to castrate values within 2 h at which time the level of androgen + receptor complexes had fallen to 60% in the brain and pituitary. Serum LH and FSH concentrations were unchanged at 2 h after capsule removal, but rose significantly within the next 2 h. The data indicate that the occupation of androgen receptors rapidly changes in response to variations in circulating T in a fashion that implicates their involvement in the expression of this steroid's negative feedback actions on gonadotropin secretion.
Effect of oral glucose loading on endothelial function in normal-weight and overweight children.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of acute hyperglycaemia on endothelial function in both normal-weight and overweight children. A total of 16 overweight [BMI (body mass index)85th percentile] and 15 normal-weight (BMI < 85th percentile) children were evaluated for FMD (flow-mediated dilation) at baseline and 30, 60 and 120 min after glucose ingestion. At 15 min following the measurement of the final FMD, 0.3 mg of sublingual nitroglycerine was administered and the brachial artery was imaged in order to assess endothelium-independent dilation. By design, the overweight children were significantly heavier (63.2 + 4.6 compared with 41.3 + 2.5 kg; P = 0.0003) and had a greater percentage body fat (43.9 + 1.8 compared with 23.8 + 2.05 %; P < 0.0001) than the normal-weight children. The area under the curve in response to glucose administration was significantly (P < 0.0001) greater in the overweight group for both glucose and insulin. The FMD area under the curve was not significantly different at baseline or between time points after glucose ingestion, nor was there a difference in response between the two groups. Endothelium-independent dilation in the normal-weight group was significantly greater compared with the overweight group (26.7 + 1.6 compared with 20.2 + 2.0 % respectively; P = 0.019). In conclusion, these results suggest that acute elevation of glucose and insulin in overweight and normal-weight children are not associated with impairment in endothelial function.
Influence of exploration time on haptic and visual matching of complex shape

The time adult Ss were allowed to explore stimuli was varied during intra- and cross-model equivalence matching involving vision and touch. Increasing time to explore either each standard, each comparison, or both standard and comparison from 4 to 16 sec significantly improved haptic intramodel matching. However, cross-modal matching, from either vision to touch or touch to vision, improved significantly only when time to explore each standard was increased. Videotape recordings of Ss’ hand movements revealed use of a greater variety of haptic scanning strategies by Ss in groups where increased exploration time enhanced accuracy. The difference in effects of exploration time on intra- compared to cross-model shape matching was discussed in terms of possible differences in requirements between the two tasks.
Effects of Sex Composition on Behavior in Groups

The behavior of men and women in groups changes as a result of the sex composition of the groups, according to a summary review of research. Therefore, implementation of specific interventions and the manipulation of sex-group composition can enhance a group's functioning and goals and minimize negative effects on individual members.
Prediction/verification of composite electrical properties and nano insertion improvement

Composite equivalent electrical properties are computed based on simplified micromechanics equations 1 . Dielectric constant, dielectric strength, and conductivity are computed utilizing the constituent material properties, effective medium, and percolation theories. 2D/3-D composite electrical properties simulation requires the algorithm development that combines the effective medium and percolation theories. A physically based percolation model is proposed to characterize the effective electrical conductivity of particle filled composites by means of the combination of effective medium (EM) and percolation equations with universal exponents. It is shown that the present model agrees well with the experimental data. Furthermore, the effect of particle shape on the percolation threshold and the effect of electrical conductivity of particle on the effective properties of composites are discussed.
Are islet cells the gatekeepers of the pancreas

The pancreas is one of the body’s most complex tissues composed of a mixture of endocrine and exocrine cell components. Although, islets comprise 1–2% of the pancreatic volume, there is some evidence
Stable isotope compositions and water contents of boninite series volcanic rocks from Chichi-jima, Bonin Islands, Japan

Measurements of stable isotope compositions and water contents of boninite series volcanic rocks from the island of Chichi-jima, Bonin Islands, Japan, confirm that a large amount (1.6–2.4 wt.%) of primary water was present in these unusual magmas. An enrichment of 0.6‰ in18O during differentiation is explained by crystallization of18O-depleted mafic phases. Silicic glasses have elevated δ18O values and relatively low δD values indicating that they were modified by low-temperature alteration and hydration processes. Mafic glasses, on the other hand, have for the most part retained their primary isotopic signatures since Eocene time. Primary δD values of −53 for boninite glasses are higher than those of MORB and suggest that the water was derived from subducted oceanic lithosphere.
The case against volume as a measure of quality of surgical care.

Healthcare purchasers, represented by the Leapfrog Group, have attempted to set standards for “quality” of surgical care that include a minimum volume for each of five major surgical procedures, with the assumption that higher volumes in surgery bring better outcomes. The VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is a validated, outcome-based program that prospectively collects clinical data on all major surgical operations in the VA, and builds validated risk-adjustment models that generate, for each hospital and each surgical specialty within a hospital, risk-adjusted outcomes expressed as O/E (observed to expected) ratios for 30-day mortality and morbidity. The O/E ratio has been validated as a reliable comparative measure of the quality of surgical care. Unlike retrospective studies that are based on administrative databases, NSQIP studies have failed to demonstrate a direct relationship between volume and risk-adjusted outcomes of surgery across various specialties. These studies have emphasized that the quality of systems of care was more important than volume in determining the overall quality of surgical care at an institution. High-volume hospitals could still deliver poor care in as much as low-volume hospitals could deliver good care. NSQIP studies have also underscored the major limitations of claims data and administrative databases in the provision of adequate risk-adjustment models that are crucial for volume–outcome studies. Therefore, volume should not be substituted for prospectively monitored and properly risk-adjusted outcomes as a comparative measure of the quality of surgical care.
Potential for hostility and dimensions of anger.

Recent reviews have linked Potential for Hostility derived from the Structured Interview (SI) to coronary artery disease, independent of the global Type A pattern. The present study examined the construct validity of Potential for Hostility ratings by correlating Potential for Hostility with 21 scales from four widely used anger/hostility measures: 7 scales from the Anger Self-Report, 8 scales from the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, the total score from the Novaco Anger Inventory, and 5 scales from the Multidimensional Anger Inventory. The pattern of correlations revealed that Potential for Hostility was significantly related to scales reflecting awareness and arousal of anger, particularly the verbal expression of anger. To identify underlying anger dimensions, the 21 scales were factor-analyzed. Examination of two and three rotated principal components confirmed previous solutions. The first component, representing anger-arousing and -eliciting situations and anger awareness, was labeled Experience of Anger. The second component, consisting of scales dealing with either physical assault or verbal expression of anger, was labeled Expression of Anger. When a third factor was retained, it contained scales of suspicion, mistrust-suspicion, and guilt: It was therefore labeled Suspicion-Guilt. Potential for Hostility was correlated only with the Expression of Anger factor in the two-factor solution; in the three-factor solution, Potential for Hostility was correlated equally with the Experience of Anger and Expression of Anger factors but was not correlated with the Suspicion-Guilt factor. The implications of these results for the assessment of hostility are discussed. Language: en
Interpregnancy interval and the risk of premature infants.

Abstract Objective: Interpregnancy intervals are associated with the risk of low birth weight (LBW) infants, but the association between interpregnancy interval and prematurity is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether interpregnancy intervals were associated with the risk of premature infants and to define the degree of risk according to interpregnancy interval. Methods: We analyzed 289,842 singleton infants born to parous Mexican-origin Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women in the United States who resided in the same county and delivered between January 1, 1991 and September 30, 1991. Interpregnancy interval was defined as the number of months between the previous live birth and conception of the index pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the risk of interpregnancy interval on very premature (23–32 weeks), moderately premature (33–37 weeks), and term gestation (38–42 weeks). Results: Nearly 37% of women had interpregnancy intervals less than 18 months, 45.5% of women had intervals of 18–59 months, and 17.6% of women had intervals over 59 months. After adjusting for confounding variables, women with intervals less than 18 months were 14–47% more likely to have very premature and moderately premature infants than women with intervals of 18–59 months. Women with intervals over 59 months were 12–45% more likely to have very premature and moderately premature infants than women with intervals of 18–59 months. Conclusion: Women with interpregnancy intervals from 18–59 months had the lowest risk of very premature and moderately premature infants. Further study is needed to define the mechanisms through which interpregnancy interval influences pregnancy outcome.
Production of pig iron by utilizing biomass as a reducing agent

Abstract Large carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in iron and steel industry are caused by the use of non-renewable and fossil fuel derived reducing agents. Currently coal, metallurgical coke, and natural gas are major reducing agents used in different ironmaking processes. In order to reduce iron oxide into metallic iron, carbon is required which is also stored in many types of biomass in the form of carbohydrates. In this study self-reducing iron oxide and biomass composite pellets were made. Pellets were then fired at different temperatures for different residence times. Results show that high quality pig iron nuggets not only can be produced at various temperatures, they can also be produced at a very short residence times.
T-cell imbalances in patients with multiple myeloma: an analysis by monoclonal antibodies.

Functionally distinct human T-lymphocyte subpopulations have recently been defined by monoclonal antibodies, recognizing cell surface differentiation antigens expressed as distinct populations of T cells. We determined the proportions and absolute numbers of T-cell subsets in 24 patients with multiple myeloma. These patients exhibited in the peripheral blood significantly decreased proportions of T3-positive cells (63.13±17.6 vs 79.70±7.07% of the normal controls;P<0.0005), significantly decreased proportions of T4-positive cells (39.13±13.01 vs 54.55±5.30% of the normal controls;P<0.0005), and moderately increased proportions of T8-positive cells (37.21±13.70 vs 29.90±4.87% of the normal controls;P<0.029). Furthermore, we observed in these patients significantly decreased absolute numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (1240.00±577.80 vs 2185.70±955.43 of the normal controls;P<0.001), T3-positive (950.05±590.23 vs 1732.25±771.60;P<0.0005), and T4-positive cells (434.04±155.95 vs 1182.50±490.96;P<0.0005). In contrast, the absolute numbers of T8-positive cells were normal (584.22±456.17 vs 662.15±369.20 of the normal controls; NS). These imbalances resulted in significantly decreased values (P<0.0005) of the ratio of the T4/T8 phenotypes (1.19±0.59 vs 1.86±0.29 of the controls). Untreated patients (13 of 24) exhibited significantly decreased proportions of T3-positive (P<0.003) and T4-positive (P<0.001) cells and increased proportions of T8-positive cells (P<0.007). Absolute numbers of T4-positive cells were significantly decreased (P<0.007), and those of T3-positive cells were moderately decreased (P<0.04). In contrast, absolute numbers of WBC, lymphocytes, and T8-positive cells were within the normal range. Treated patients (11 of 24) exhibited significantly decreased proportions of T3-positive (P<0.0005) and T4-positive (P<0.0005) cells and normal proportions of T8-positive cells. Decreased absolute numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes (P<0.002), T3-positive cells (P<0.0005), and T4-positive cells (P<0.0005) were found in these patients. The absolute numbers of T8-positive cells were within the normal range. These results demonstrate significant T-cell imbalances in patients with multiple myeloma. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Intermodal shipments as recourse in logistics disruptions

This research deals with the flexibility of transportation systems when faced with disruptions. A network optimization model is used to investigate the feasibility of using intermodal shipments as recourse to disruptions in a transportation network. In a study of US interstate highways and intermodal rail networks, performance of over-the-road and intermodal shipments is compared under different disruption scenarios. The results show that the topology of US transportation system and locations of existing intermodal terminals provide required path redundancies and a strategic benefit for intermodal shipments to bypass disrupted regions with lower costs and competitive shipment times compared to rerouted road shipments.
Pre-tertiary hydrocarbon potential of the South China sea

Abstract All oil and gas fields in the South China and bordering seas are producing from Tertiary strata. Very little prospecting has been conducted on older stratae. The first works of CCOP were oriented towards a better knowledge of the Tertiary, and prompted the development of prospecting activities in the Tertiary. To the northwest and southeast of the South China Sea are areas where production or at least encouraging shows have been noted in older sections. In China as well as in Australia, there is oil and gas production from pre-Tertiary rocks. For the last few years, CCOP has included in its program of work a study of the pre-Tertiary sections of member countries, including those bordering the South China Sea. Field work was initiated by Andre Bonnet, and has been continued by Henri Fontaine. A few samples have been studied in the laboratories of SNEA (P) in Pau (France). The first part of this paper deals with the geological framework of the areas bordering the South China Sea, with particular reference to the pre-Tertiary. The emphasis is on biostratigraphy, which is considered to be proof of good preservation of the sediments. The second part deals with pre-Tertiary oil and gas potential.
A transformer health assessment ranking method: Use of model based scoring expert system

Electric utilities need to answer three questions in order to effectively manage their transformer fleets: How many are going to fail each year? When is each unit going to fail? How to allocate available resources to minimize risk? To answer these questions, transformer health diagnosis and prediction is critical. This paper proposes an attempt of combining assessment results of different health indicators using a scoring expert system to obtain a single measure that reflects overall failure time expectation of each unit. To overcome the difficulty presented by limited information, expert knowledge is incorporate to produce reasonable estimates and assumptions during the scoring process. Results of such an analysis can aid in risk or reliability based decision-making processes for effective allocation of resources.
Visuotopic organization of the superior colliculus in normal and Siamese cats.

Summary The visuotopic organization of the superior colliculus of normally pigmented and Siamese cats was investigated with microelectrodes. In normal cats, the representation of the ipsilateral hemifield in the rostral tectum was found to be binocular. In addition, this representation included more of the ipsilateral hemifield than has been previously reported. Both normally pigmented and Siamese cats were found to have about 40° of the ipsilateral hemifield represented in the rostral tectum and normally pigmented and Siamese cats do not appear to differ in this regard (see ref. 2). However, the superior colliculus of Siamese cats is abnormal in other ways. The representation of the ipsilateral hemifield in the rostral tectum of Siamese cats was activated only by the contralateral eye. Furthermore, in the larger caudal representation of the contralateral hemifield, very few neurons were activated by the ipsilateral eye. The reduction in such activation is not simply the result of misrouting of ipsilateral retinotectal fibers to the contralateral tectum in a manner similar to the misrouting of retinogeniculate fibers 11,12 , since there were also very few neurons with abnormally placed receptive fields. Instead, the recordings from the tectum are similar to those obtained from striate cortex of some Siamese cats 13 where few neurons were activated by input relayed from the normal ipsilateral or the abnormal contralateral retinogeniculate projections. As in the geniculostriate system 11–13 , those neurons with receptive fields abnormally placed in ipsilateral hemifield were in part of the tectal representation of the first 20° of the contralateral hemifield; neurons with normally placed receptive fields related to the ipsilateral eye were 20°–40° into the representation of the contralateral hemifield.
Feasts of Becoming: Imagining a Literacy Classroom Based on Dialogic Beliefs

Bakhtin's language theories give educators a view into how people develop and communicate with language through dialogue. These conceptions can be applied to teaching in a variety of positive ways. The authors explore how teaching based on Bakhtinian concepts might function in the classroom, paying particular attention to the concepts of dialogue, heteroglossia, carnival, and hybridity. Although they do not provide a specific model, they refer to five pedagogical practices that might take place: •Raising questions and authoring responses by and among all participants •Embracing the importance of context and the non-neutrality of language •Encouraging multiples perspectives •Flattening or creating disturbance within existing hierarchies •Agreeing that learning is under construction and evolving rather than reified and static The authors argue that a dialogic classroom is one where language is central to a meaning-making process that, in turn, informs us about language. By opening up dialogue within classroom contexts by reference to Bakhtinian theories, the authors see opportunities for increased student engagement, more voices within classrooms, and more invigorating academic activities.
Calculation of the tetrachoric correlation coefficient

A new subroutine has been developed for calculating the terachoric correlation coefficient. Recent advances in computing inverse normal and bivariate normal distributions have been utilized. The iterative procedure is started with an approximation with an error less than±.0135.
Surgical ventricular remodeling for patients with clinically advanced congestive heart failure and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Background Surgical ventricular remodeling (SVR) is an accepted therapy for post-infarction ventricular remodeling. Current literature on SVR outcomes has focused on heterogeneous populations with regard to left ventricular function and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. We assessed outcomes after SVR in patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) (NYHA Class III/IV) and a pre-operative ejection fraction (EF) ≤20%. Methods Data were analyzed for 51 consecutive SVR patients from January 2002 to June 2004. Cardiac catheterization, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified 62.7% (32 of 51) of patients with an EF ≤20%, with the majority having an EF ≤15% (65.6%; 21 of 32). Cox regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of mortality in patients with an EF ≤20%. Follow-up was 100% (32 of 32) complete. Results Mean age was 61.9 ± 10.3 (range 40 to 80) years with a male:female ratio of 27:5. Operative mortality was 6.3% (2 of 32). Twenty-two percent (7 of 32) had concomitant mitral valve procedures. Follow-up demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in left ventricular volumes and EF in survivors. Cox regression analysis identified the following to be significant predictors of mortality: pre-operative left ventricular end-systolic volume index >130 ml/m 2 ; pre-operative diabetes; and intra-aortic balloon pump usage. Pre-operatively, all patients (32 of 32) were categorized as NYHA Class III/IV, with 69% (22 of 32) improving to NYHA Class I/II at follow-up ( p 20% ( n = 19). Conclusions Our results indicate that SVR improves left ventricular function and functional status for patients with advanced CHF and a pre-operative EF ≤20%. Therefore, SVR is a viable surgical alternative for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.
Is Muscle Protein Turnover Regulated by Intracellular Glutamine During Sepsis

Background: Low muscle glutamine levels during sepsis are associated with reduced protein synthesis and elevated protein breakdown, in particular myofibrillar protein breakdown. It is not known if this is a causal or coincidental relationship. We tested the hypothesis that muscle protein turnover rates are directly regulated by glutamine. Methods: Paired extensor digitorum longus muscles from nonseptic (sham-operated) and septic rats (16 hours after cecal ligation and puncture) were incubated in the absence or presence of 15 mmol glutamine/L. The effect of glutamine was tested in unsupplemented medium or in medium containing 1 mU/mL of insulin or a mixture of amino acids at normal plasma concentrations. Protein synthesis was measured as incorporation of 14C-phenylalanine into protein; total and myofibrillar protein breakdown was determined by measuring tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine, respectively. Results: Muscles accumulated intracellular glutamine well above normal concentrations in the presence of 15 m...
Adaptive and dynamic control of respiratory and motor systems during object manipulation

This investigation was designed to examine the relationship between breathing and prehension movements during object manipulation. Seated subjects (n=12) wore a facemask that was attached to a pneumotachometer which measured airflow. Initially, subjects completed baseline trials that were preceded and followed by an object lift. Subsequently, in response to an auditory signal the subjects reached forward, grasped and lifted an instrumented object that weighed either 150 g or 1000 g while their fingertip forces and movements were measured. The auditory signal was triggered by airflow in response to four experimental conditions (1) expiratory onset (2) inspiratory onset (3) mid-inspiration and (4) mid-expiration. Five trials for each of the four conditions were completed with each weight. The results revealed that inspiratory time was longer under baseline conditions after the subjects lifted the 150 g object as compared to the 1000 g object. In addition, the response latency and reach duration were significantly slower for the 150 g object compared to the 1000 g object during the experimental trials. These temporal measures were significantly correlated to inspiratory time for three of the four experimental conditions but no significant relationship with expiratory time was found. Lastly, lifting of the object occurred during expiration during most experimental conditions. We conclude that an adaptive process is formulated for both the motor and respiratory system in response to changes in motor output and/or sensory inputs associated with object manipulation, that might manifest itself in the pattern of breathing subsequent to removal of these stimuli. Furthermore, we suggest that motor inputs associated with the initiation of object manipulation interact with the control of respiratory timing so that the motor and respiratory systems are coupled. We speculate that this relationship may ensure that some motor tasks are performed during expiration to take advantage of changes in intrathoracic pressure that assist in postural maintenance during completion of the task.
Maxillofacial osteonecrosis in a patient with multiple "idiopathic" facial pains.

Adams WR, Spolnik KJ, Bouquot JE: Maxillofacial osteonecrosis in a patient with multiple “idiopathic” facial pains. J Oral Pathol Med 1999; 28: 423–32. © Munksgaard, 1999. Previous investigations have identified focal areas of alveolar bone tenderness, increased mucosal temperature, abnormal anesthetic response, radiographic abnormality, increased radioisotope uptake on bone scans, and abnormal marrow within the quadrant of pain in patients with chronic, idiopathic facial pain. The present case reports a 53-year-old man with multiple debilitating, “idiopathic” chronic facial pains, including trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial neuralgia. At necropsy he was found to have numerous separate and distinct areas of ischemic osteonecrosis on the side affected by the pains, one immediately beneath the major trigger point for the lancinating pain of the trigeminal neuralgia. This disease, called NICO (neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis) when the jaws are involved, is a variation of the osteonecrosis that occurs in other bones, especially the femur. The underlying problem is vascular insufficiency, with intramedullary hypertension and multiple intraosseous infarctions occurring over time. The present case report illustrates the extreme difficulties involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
A preliminary assessment of the potential for “team science” in DOE Energy Innovation Hubs and Energy Frontier Research Centers

President Obama has called for the development of new energy technologies to address our national energy needs and restore US economic competitiveness. In response, the Department of Energy has established new R&D modalities for energy research and development designed to facilitate collaboration across disciplinary, institutional, and sectoral boundaries. In this research note, we provide a preliminary assessment of the potential for essential mechanisms for coordinated problem solving among diverse actors within two new modalities at the DOE: Energy Innovation Hubs and Energy Frontier Research Centers.
The Intersection of Victims’ and Offenders’ Sex and Race/Ethnicity on Prosecutorial Decisions for Violent Crimes

The research considers the influence of extralegal factors, particularly interactions among victim/offender relationship, sex, and race/ethnicity, on prosecutors’ decisions to dismiss criminal charges, plea, or proceed to trial for violent crimes. Minority males, particularly black males, were less likely to receive a plea (versus a trial) regardless of the victim's sex or race/ethnicity. Minority males were also less likely to receive a plea if the victim was white. Alternatively, in prosecutorial dismissals, black and Hispanic males were treated no more harshly than were any of the race/ethnicity–sex categories examined. The findings suggest that failure to consider the sex and race/ethnicity of both defendants and victims may result in inaccurate conclusions about how these variables affect prosecutorial decisions.
Co-occurring alcohol use and mental disorders

Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are common in patients who have alcohol dependence. Because of the similarities in symptoms of psychiatric disorders and those caused by alcohol dependence, differential diagnosis is often difficult, and therefore, one or both disorders may be left undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in poor outcomes. Furthermore, for those with co-occurring mental and addictive disorders, mental health treatment is also complicated by increased rates of nonadherence to medications and other treatments. This review covers the prevalence of co-occurring alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders, problems associated with co-occurrence, and practical models for addressing alcohol dependence and relapse prevention by clinicians who treat mental disorders. In particular, an integrated treatment approach in which biological, psychological, and social support components are brought together to treat both disorders simultaneously into a single program is described as an effective strategy for treating patients with co-occurring alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders.
Mutants of the Paramyxovirus SV5 Fusion Protein: Regulated and Extensive Syncytium Formation

To study paramyxovirus-mediated cell fusion it would be advantageous to express in a cell a single protein that could cause regulated syncytium formation at neutral pH following a specific activation signal. We have constructed two SV5 fusion (F) protein mutants that contain three arginine residues in the cleavage site and two separate glycine to alanine changes in the fusion peptide. The mutants were expressed in CV-1 cells using an SV40 recombinant virus vector. The mutant F proteins required addition of exogenous trypsin to cleave F0 to F1 and F2. Massive syncytium formation occurred within 2-4 hr following addition of trypsin to the SV40 recombinant F virus-infected CV-1 cells.
Rat liver oxidative N-dealkylase and N-oxidase activities as a function of animal age.

Abstract The enzymic NADPH and oxygen-dependent oxidations of N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA), N-methylaniline, and N-methyl-n-octylamine were measured in microsomes isolated from liver homogenates obtained from normal male albino rats that varied in age from 3–24 weeks. Oxidative N-dealkylase activities were estimated by measuring the formation of formaldehyde; the N-oxidase activities were determined by measuring the formation of the tertiary amine oxide and the N-hydroxylamine derivatives of the secondary amines. The concentration of hepatic microsomal oxidative N-dealkylase enzymes was low in weanling rats, increased to a maximum in the young adults, and then remained relatively constant or decreased in the older animals. The DMA N-oxidase activity, however, was consistently highest in liver microsomes from the older animals. Microsomes from the youngest rats catalyzed N-oxidation of 30% of the total DMA oxidized, whereas 48% of the DMA oxidized was converted to the amine oxide by microsomes obtained from the oldest animals. In normal rats, there appears to be a direct correlation between hepatic N-oxidase activity and the age of the animal. Hepatic microsomes from all ages of animals catalyzed the Oxidative N-dealkylation and N-hydroxylation of both secondary amines tested. In general, the highest N-hydroxylase rates were observed with microsomes from the older animals.
Prevalence and prognostic significance of hypercholesterolemia in men with hypertension: Prospective data on the primary screenees of the multiple risk factor intervention trial

Abstract To assess the impact of serum cholesterol level on the risk of fatal coronary heart disease for men with high blood pressure, the six-year follow-up data from 361,662 men (aged 35 to 57 years) screened in 18 cities in the recruitment effort for the Multiple Risk Factor intervention Trial were evaluated. Of these men, 356,222 reported no history of hospitalization for myocardial infarction; 100,032 of these 356,222 had a baseline mean diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg. For those men with high blood pressure, the overall age-adjusted six-year rate of coronary heart disease death was 79 percent higher than for those with diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg. Compared with men with diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg and serum cholesterol below 182 mg/dl, men with diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mm Hg had the following relative risks, based on the serum cholesterol level: for those with a serum cholesterol level less than 182 mg/dl, risk was 1.64; for those with a level of 182 to 202 mg/dl, risk was 2.14; for those with a level of 203 to 220 mg/dl, risk was 3.14; for those with a level of 221 to 244 mg/dl, risk was 3.29; and for those with a level equal to or greater than 245 mg/dl, risk was 5.14. Thus, for men with high blood pressure, serum cholesterol related to coronary heart disease risk in a strong, graded way, over the entire distribution of serum cholesterol, from levels of 182 mg/dl and higher. This was the case for hypertensive male smokers and nonsmokers, with cigarette use associated with a further marked increase in risk—at least a doubling of the mortality rate—at any level of serum cholesterol. These data underscore the necessity for a strategy of comprehensive care for persons with high blood pressure, including approaches to both nutritional and hygienic counseling and drug treatment, aimed at controlling all of the established major risk factors influencing prognosis.
The flammability of exterior claddings

The author reports on a series of tests conducted to study the vertical flame-spread characteristics of certain exterior cladding materials. The results take into account several types of construction.
On-site Diagnostic Tests on Polymer Insulated Cables Using Depolarization Current Measurements

Amodified technique of depolarization current measurements encompassing monitoring of high speed depolarization processes was used to perform diagnostic tests on polymeric cable insulation operating under diverse environmental conditions and voltage levels. The high frequency characteristics were compared with those of the slower depolarization processes commonly obtain during on-site tests. Both the high and low frequency measurements showed a consistent correlation with the operating conditions of the cable insulation. It was observed that the low frequency characteristics were dependent on the duration of the dc poling time but only if the insulation was deteriorated, especially with water trees. Unaged and relatively new insulation did not show such behavior. The majority of the field tests were performed with a relatively low dc voltage of only 1 kV or less and under very adverse environmental conditions, with temperatures as low as ?30°C.
INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF CYCLOHEXIMIDE AND PUROMYCIN IN ALTERING BRAIN POLYRIBOSOMES AND NEURAL AND BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES TO ELECTROSHOCK IN MICE

— Interactive effects of puromycin and cycloheximide on brain polyribosomes and cortical electrical activity were investigated. The time courses of action of the drugs on these parameters, in comparison to their inhibitory actions on protein synthesis, were also observed. The results indicate that the disruption of brain polyribosomes by cycloheximide was independent of its inhibition of protein synthesis, whereas the two processes were closely linked in the case of puromycin. For both the disruption of polyribosomes and the alteration of electrical activity, the order in which the drugs were administered was critical, with preadministration of cycloheximide having a protective effect. In contrast to the massive effect of cycloheximide on brain polyribosomes, the drug had no such effect on polyribosomes from liver.
Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome

Perhaps no condition associated with chronic cholestasis is less understood than vanishing bile duct syndrome, a term that refers loosely to the group of acquired disorders associated with progressive destruction and disappearance of the intrahepatic bile ducts and, ultimately, cholestasis. Although the array of insults resulting in poor bile flow is vast, most adult patients who have chronic cholestasis have either primary biliary cirrhosis (or primary sclerosing cholangitis; in some cases, however, a cause cannot be identified. This article reviews the multiple causes, postulated pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment options for this syndrome.
Estimation of the reliability of ratings

A procedure for estimating the reliability of sets of ratings, test scores, or other measures is described and illustrated. This procedure, based upon analysis of variance, may be applied both in the special case where a complete set of ratings from each ofk sources is available for each ofn subjects, and in the general case wherek 1,k 2, ...,k n ratings are available for each of then subjects. It may be used to obtain either a unique estimate or a confidence interval for the reliability of either the component ratings or their averages. The relations of this procedure to others intended to serve the same purpose are considered algebraically and illustrated numerically.
From theory to practice – Promoting problem‐finding behavior in children

The research question asked if an introduction to the problem‐finding skills necessary for adult success as producers of ideas are developmentally appropriate for introduction in the elementary school curriculum. A Discovery Unit was designed to develop problem‐finding behavior in children (grade 3–6). These children designed a problem and its solution using topics of their own choice. Sixty‐seven students in a gifted program participated in this two‐year pilot program. The results of this qualitative investigation provide evidence to support the need to instruct and practice problem‐finding skills early and often in school.
Accelerated communication 125I-β-endorphin binding to neuroblastoma x glioma NG108-15 cells: Distribution of δ opioid receptors

Abstract The mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid NG108-15 was previously shown to express δ opioid receptors. Because neuroblastoma cells display different phenotypes and cloned cell lines are heterogenous, we studied the characteristics and distribution of human 125I-β-endorphin (125I-βE) binding sites in cultures of NG108-15 cells with the use of micro-autoradiography and light microscopy. 125I-βE labeled δ sites in NG108-15 in the presence of the non-opioid blocking peptide, β-endorphine (6–31) (βE (6–31)). Silver grains resulting from 125I-βE binding to the opioid sites occurred in diffuse patches over several cells, with preferential location in dense cell patches. Pretreatment of NG108-15 with the δ agonist DADLE, previously shown to decrease βE binding to δ sites on intact cells, also reduced silver grain density; however, some cells located in dense cell clusters were resistant to substantial agonist induced loss of labeling. These results suggest that δ opioid binding has a heterogenous cellular distribution in NG108.
The prison industry and the marketplace

It is not surprising that an industry has arisen regarding reentry. The US penal system spawns industry. For nearly two decades, when the New York Times published its list of the fastest-growing job titles, justice-related positions justice related positions, typically some sort of corrections worker, were regularly featured. It is inconceivable, in the American context, that economic interests would not be closely tied to the growth of the prison industrial complex. At its core are prison jobs themselves, including business in the short term with its construction and development, and long-term employment created through staffing, such an efficient engine of job creation that it was inevitable a reentry enterprise would follow suit.That is, prison growth produced reentry growth, which in turn created the foundation for a prisoner reentry industry. For it to have been otherwise would have been very odd. What's so bad about that? It means jobs, after all; usually good-paying jobs with job security and benefits?often with union protection. What's to complain about? There are three layers of problems. The first is technical and has to do with opportunity costs. The prison industrial complex has created jobs, yes; and the pay these jobs provide leads to expenditures in the marketplace, boosting the economy. That is a plus. But what value, really, do these jobs create? One might argue that the jobs fall within an industry that produces community safety and in that way they represent "value added." But with all the recent research on the limited crime prevention capacity of the prison, combined with the now powerfully persuasive research about the collateral consequences of mass incarceration, it is no longer possible to say, credibly, that the prison industry is a major component of public safety. The technical problem is, we receive get far less from the investment in the prison sector than we might have, compared to an investment made elsewhere.. This is the point the advocates of "justice reinvestment" make: we ought to use the
Permethylation for mass spectrometry: rearrangements of ester linkages and use of potassium t-butoxide.

Thirteen selected compounds were permethylated with potassium t-butoxide in dimethyl sulphoxide and methyl iodide, a simpler procedure than those using sodium hydride but equally effective. From mass spectrometric study of the products. it emerged that carboxylic esters of methanol and of o-diphenols were at least partially rearranged, whereas those of benzyl alcohol and of a monophenol, as well as fully acylated carbohydrate-like substances, were largely not. Some anamalies of C-methylation and N-methylation were encountered.
Matching high-risk recipients with marginal donor hearts is a clinically effective strategy.

Background The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical outcomes associated with alternate listing transplantation, which utilizes "marginal" donor organs by transplanting them into high-risk recipients who fail to meet the standard criteria for transplantation. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. Analysis focused on patients undergoing heart transplantation between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2005 (n = 13,024). High-risk criteria included age more than 65 years old, retransplantation, hepatitis C-positive, human immunodeficiency virus-positive, creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min, diabetes mellitus with peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes with creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min. Marginal donor criteria included age more than 55 years, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C-positive, human immunodeficiency virus-positive, ejection fraction less than 45%, and donor:recipient weight less than 0.7. Results Survival in the standard transplant group, defined as non–high-risk patients who received nonmarginal organs, was better than in all other groups ( p ω 0.001). Alternate listing transplantation patients had the worst survival ( p ω 0.001). The 5-year survival for the alternate listing transplantation group was 51.4%, compared with 75.1% in the standard transplant group; the standard transplant patients, with the lowest incidence of in-hospital infection (21.1%) and dialysis (7.1%), also had the best transplant hospitalization outcomes ( p ω 0.001). In contrast, alternate listing transplantation patients had the highest incidence of in-hospital infection (35.4%; p ω 0.001). Length of stay during transplant hospitalization was also shortest in the standard transplant group (18.8 days; p ω 0.001). Conclusions Alternate listing transplantation is associated with greater morbidity and resource utilization compared with standard transplantation. However, this strategy offers a median survival of 5.2 years to patients who would otherwise be expected to live 1 year, and therefore, may be reasonably applied to expand the benefits of transplantation. Further studies examining the costs and quality of life related to this approach are needed.
Iron hydroxide: model for enzymes that oxidize proteins.

The particles of an iron hydroxide sol were found to be a suitable model for protein-oxidizing enzymes such as peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. In addition to small molecules such as pyrogallol, human serum proteins, albumin and γ-globulin, are shown to be substrates of the oxidizing model. The activity is markedly increased by the addition of small amounts of copper to the iron in the particles of the sol. The size and molecular weight of the enzyme model, as well as the number of active centers were determined.
A Shock Toxin That Produces Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Multiple Organ Failure

ABSTRACT Objective To introduce a new concept in the etiology and treatment of traumatic and septic shock. It describes 3 types of shock: (1) hypovolemic shock, (2) traumatic shock, and (3) septic shock. Background The mortality of septic shock in both total number and mortality rate has been increasing over the past 40 years despite major advances in diagnosis and treatment, including a number of "magic bullets." Trauma is the No. 1 cause of death in persons under the age of 44 and the No. 3 cause of all deaths. Traumatic shock has been assumed to be caused by hypovolemia; however, many traumatic shock patients die with a normal blood volume, usually after several days. Septic shock in pigs using an injection of killed Escherichia coli organisms produced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Control pigs treated with plasminogen activator survived. Septic shock in humans also treated with plasminogen activator showed excellent results. Traumatic shock studied in pigs showed excellent results with plasminogen activator. A normal blood volume was maintained with the use of intravenous fluids. Traumatic shock in humans also treated by plasminogen activator showed excellent results. The improvement in Pao 2 and other parameters demonstrated in these studies provides a new possibility in the treatment of trauma and/or sepsis induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DIC is almost always present in traumatic and septic shock and probably in the course of ARDS and multiple organ failure. The DIC is probably initiated by tissue cell or bacterial cell destruction, which liberates a thrombogenic aminophospholipid that forms the inner layer of all cell walls.