cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Senescence Inhibition and Respiration Induced by Growth Retardants and 6N-Benzyladenine

Senescence of Grand Rapids leaf lettuce was greatly reduced at 3 storage temperatures by post-harvest treatment with N,N-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid (Alar) and 2-chloroethyltrimethylammonium chloride (CCC), but not with 6 N-benzyladenine (BA). Conversely, Alar and CCC were inactive on broccoli while BA was markedly effective. The deterioration and discoloration of mushrooms was inhibited by Alar with no effect observed from BA or CCC. The inhibition of senescence by BA and the growth retardants was not always associated with a reduction in respiration (O 2 uptake, CO 2 evolution). BA stimulated respiration and hastened senescence in leaf lettuce accompanied by a diametrically opposite effect from Alar and CCC. Thus, BA cannot be considered a universal senescence inhibitor. The variability of senescence responses induced by different chemicals on a variety of plant tissues suggests a dissimilar mode of action or a complex interaction with native growth substances.
Isoniazid overdose treated with high-dose pyridoxine

Large doses of pyridoxine recently have been shown to prevent the seizures and acidosis caused by ingestion of more than two to three grams of isoniazid. We present three cases of massive isoniazid ingestion, producing seizures and acidosis, that were treated successfully by administration of one gram of pyridoxine intravenously for each gram of isoniazid ingested.
Assessing Community Residents’ Perceptions of Local Registered Sex Offenders: Results from a Pilot Survey

Building on a social capital and social control framework that emphasizes the importance of the local neighborhood context for residential action, this research utilizes data from surveys of community residents to examine their perceptions of their neighborhhood, their familiarity with sex offender policies, and their awareness of and attitudes toward local registered sex offenders. Results indicate that a majority of residents are unaware of the presence of local sex offenders. However, residents who perceive their neighborhoods as high in informal social control also perceive their neighbors as more likely to report on local sex offenders.
Managing the pandemic of obesity: siding with the fox or the hedgehog?

Obesity is a major public health problem of pandemic proportion. Despite its high prevalence and widespread distribution (consistent with a common underlying etiology), clinical psychologists and primary care physicians routinely approach the problem with individualized but often ineffective treatments like psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, or propose alterations to specific components of the ‘toxic environment’, cultural influences, and psychosocial factors purported to cause overeating. This paper presents an alternative perspective and proposes a potential framework for assisting health professionals in developing rational approaches to education about and preventive treatment of obesity based on the role of factors in early life that contribute to personality and behavior and which over time lead to obesity and its maintenance.
Ca2+ signaling in prothoracicotropic hormone-stimulated prothoracic gland cells of Manduca sexta: Evidence for mobilization and entry mechanisms

Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) stimulates ecdysteroidogenesis in lepidopteran prothoracic glands (PGs), thus indirectly controlling molting and metamorphosis. PTTH triggers a signal transduction cascade in PGs that involves an early influx of Ca2+. Although the importance of Ca2+ has been long known, the mechanism(s) of PTTH-stimulated changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ [Ca2+]i are not yet well understood. PGs from the fifth instar of Manduca sexta were exposed to PTTH in vitro. The resultant changes in [Ca2+]i were measured using ratiometric analysis of a fura-2 fluorescence signal in the presence and absence of inhibitors of specific cellular signaling mechanisms. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 nearly abolished the PTTH-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i, as well as PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis and extracellular-signal regulated kinase phosphorylation, thus establishing a role for PLC and implicating inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in PTTH signal transduction. Two antagonists of the IP3 receptor, 2-APB and TMB-8, likewise blocked the [Ca2+]i response by a mean of 92%. We describe for the first time the presence of Ca2+ oscillations in PTTH-stimulated cells in Ca2+-free medium. External Ca2+ entered PG cells via at least two routes: store-operated (capacitative) Ca2+ entry channels and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. We propose that PTTH initiates a transductory cascade typical of many G-protein coupled receptors, involving both Ca2+ mobilization and entry pathways.
Hemodynamic response to ganglionic blockade with pentolinium during N2O-halothane anesthesia in man.

Hemodynamic and blood-gas variables were studied before and after pentolinium tartrate administration in six patients anesthetized with nitrous oxide–halothane and maintained at PaCO2 35–40 torr. Measurements were made prior to induction of anesthesia; before and 10, 20, and 60 minutes after adminis
Subsurface structure of sunspots

The subsurface structure of sunspots is probed by measuring travel-time delays of acoustic waves propagating beneath the spots, and using a helioseismic inversion method to infer the internal sound-speed perturbations and mass flows. The initial results obtained from the MDI instrument on SOHO reveal under sunspots zones of the relatively low sound speed, extended to a depth of approximately 4 Mm. These zones are associated with cool areas of sunspots. In the deeper interior of sunspots the sound speed is higher than in the surrounding plasma. The regions of the higher sound speed are at least 60 Mm deep. These observations also show complicated flow patterns that include converging vortex flows in the upper 4 Mm deep layer. These flows play important role for maintaining the structure of sunspots. Developing active regions are associated with complicated evolving sound-speed perturbations beneath the surface, which are probably caused by multiple flux tubes emerging from the deep interior. A study of a rapidly rotating sunspot revealed strong shear flows beneath the spot.
Fatigue damage in copper single crystals at room and cryogenic temperatures

Abstract Microscopic and microstructural analyses of fatigue damage evolution in copper single crystals vs temperature down to 4.2 K and environment revealed that the spacing between slip bands becomes smaller at lower temperatures and in inert environments whereas the thickness of a slip band decreases with the temperature but is independent of environment. The thickness of a slip band was found to correspond to the ladder rung spacing. Under all conditions, just initiated fatigue cracks are very short and small in depth.
Regional Geochronology of Chile South of 50° Latitude

In southern Chile the oldest known rocks are metamorphosed. Gneiss from the basement rocks of the Magellan Basin at the Atlantic entrance to the Strait of Magellan has been dated by Rb-Sr total-rock analyses at 306 ± 156 m.y. (λβ = 1.47 × 10 −11 yr −1 ), with an initial Sr 87 Sr 86 ratio of 0.7112 ± 0.0033. Biotite from a sample of gneiss has been dated as Permian age by the Rb-Sr and K-Ar methods; this implies that the basement rocks of the Magellan Basin have been involved in one or more Paleozoic geologic events. Paraschist from the basement complex along Chile9s Pacific margin indicated Paleozoic to Mesozoic total-rock Rb-Sr ages, based on an assumed initial Sr 87 Sr 86 ratio of 0.710; minerals separated from the schists gave late Mesozoic Rb-Sr and K-Ar dates. Volcanic rocks that overlie the basement rocks and are generally accepted as being of Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous age based on stratigraphic position gave total-rock Rb-Sr and K-Ar dates of Late Cretaceous to Tertiary age; these dates are considered to represent the time of final closure of their isotopic systems, perhaps associated with deformation in the region. The plutonic igneous rocks that constitute the southern Andes Patagonian batholithic complex range in age from Jurassic to Tertiary. Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (155 to 120 m.y.), Late Cretaceous (100 to 75 m.y.), and middle to late Tertiary (50 to 10 m.y.) phases of magmatic activity have been recognized. In the Cordillera Darwin region of the Beagle Canal, minerals separated from plutonic rocks of the Cordillera Darwin suite and from the metamorphic rocks it intrudes gave Rb-Sr and K-Ar dates of Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary age.
Nitric oxide utilizes NF-κB to signal its neuroprotective effect against alcohol toxicity

Abstract Alcohol damages the developing brain and can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. One of alcohol's most important neuropathologic effects is neuronal death. As neurons mature, they become less vulnerable to alcohol-induced death because they acquire a protective signaling pathway, mediated by nitric oxide (NO). This pathway is the NO–cGMP–cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase G (NO–cGMP–PKG) pathway. The goal of the present studies was to determine whether nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is the downstream effector through which the NO–cGMP–PKG pathway signals its neuroprotective effects against alcohol. An activator of NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), protected immature cerebellar granule neuron cultures against alcohol-induced cell death in a dose-dependent fashion. The protective effect of TNF-α was similar in magnitude to the protective effects of NMDA and DETA-NONOate, both of which are NO–cGMP–PKG pathway activators. Blockade of the pathway at its first step with NAME, second step with LY83583, or third step with PKG inhibitor increased alcohol-induced cell death and the vulnerability of mature neurons to alcohol toxicity. TNF-α protected the neurons, even when the NO–cGMP–PKG pathway was blocked at upstream sites. NF-κB activation inhibitor (NFi) worsened alcohol-induced cell death and blocked the protective effects of NO–cGMP–PKG pathway activators and TNF-α. TNF-α reduced the alcohol vulnerability of immature neurons, while NFi increased the vulnerability of mature neurons. Both NMDA and TNF-α led to the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, demonstrating that both agents can activate NF-κB in cerebellar granule cells. Thus, NF-κB plays a critical role in the acquisition of alcohol resistance by maturing neurons and is a key downstream effector through which the NO–cGMP–PKG pathway signals its neuroprotective effects against alcohol.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBMICROMETER GaAs MESFET USING DRIFT‐DIFFUSION SIMULATOR

An empirical velocity‐field relationship, based on Monte Carlo simulation, is used to modify a drift‐diffusion model for the characterization of short gate GaAs MESFET's. The modified drift‐diffusion model is used to generate both the steady‐state and the small‐signal parameters of submicron GaAs MESFET's. The current, transconductance, and cutoff frequency are compared with two‐dimensional Monte Carlo simulation results on a 0.2 µm gate‐length. The model is also used to predict measured I‐V and s‐parameters of a 0.5 µm gate‐length ion‐implanted GaAs MESFET. The comparison and the analysis made, support the accuracy of the modified drift‐diffusion simulator and makes it computationally efficient for analysis of short‐gate devices.
An Altered Mode of Calcium Coordination in Methionine-Oxidized Calmodulin

Oxidation of methionine residues in calmodulin (CaM) lowers the affinity for calcium and results in an inability to activate target proteins fully. To evaluate the structural consequences of CaM oxidation, we used infrared difference spectroscopy to identify oxidation-dependent effects on protein conformation and calcium liganding. Oxidation-induced changes include an increase in hydration of α-helices, as indicated in the downshift of the amide I′ band of both apo-CaM and Ca2+-CaM, and a modification of calcium liganding by carboxylate side chains, reflected in antisymmetric carboxylate band shifts. Changes in carboxylate ligands are consistent with the model we propose: an Asp at position 1 of the EF-loop experiences diminished hydrogen bonding with the polypeptide backbone, an Asp at position 3 forms a bidentate coordination of calcium, and an Asp at position 5 forms a pseudobridging coordination with a calcium-bound water molecule. The bidentate coordination of calcium by conserved glutamates is unaffected by oxidation. The observed changes in calcium ligation are discussed in terms of the placement of methionine side chains relative to the calcium-binding sites, suggesting that varying sensitivities of binding sites to oxidation may underlie the loss of CaM function upon oxidation.
Comparing Field Methods that Estimate Mobile–Immobile Model Parameters

Recent studies have used field techniques that estimate soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters. These methods utilize a tension infiltrometer to infiltrate either a single tracer or a series of tracers in order to estimate immobile water content (θ im ) and mass exchange coefficient (α) of the mobile-immobile solute transport model. The objective of this study was to compare two single tracer methods (basic and variance) with one multiple tracer method for estimating θ im and α from data obtained on the same field soil location. Hydraulic conductivity (K(h 0 )) was also estimated using these methods. Research was done at five interrow sites in a ridge-tilled corn (Zea mays L.) field, and the soil was mapped as a Nicollet series (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic, Aquic Hapludoll). The values of θ im and α estimated by the multiple tracer method compared well with previously measured values using the same technique on the same field. The θ im n values for the multiple tracer technique were larger than values derived from the basic single tracer technique. The basic single tracer technique did not take into consideration a mass exchange between θ im and the mobile water domain (θ m ). The α values were less variable for the multiple tracer method than for the single tracer-variance method. Values of immobile water fraction (θ im /θ) for the multiple and basic single tracer techniques ranged from 0.30 to 0.52 and from 0.24 to 0.35, respectively. The values of α for the multiple and single tracer-variance techniques ranged from 0.06 to 0.9 d -1 and from 0.03 to 60 d -1 , respectively, The volumetric water content (θ) changed considerably over the course of the experiment for the estimation of α using the single tracer-variance method; thus, the assumptions of this technique were compromised. The measured values of K(h 0 ) at the five sites ranged from 0.47 to 1.66 μm S There was evidence that the basic single tracer method underestimated θ im and overestimated θ m , because this method considers α = 0 during the tracer application.
Rock friction and its implications for earthquake prediction examined via models of Parkfield earthquakes.

Abstract The friction of rocks in the laboratory is a function of time, velocity of sliding, and displacement. Although the processes responsible for these dependencies are unknown, constitutive equations have been developed that do a reasonable job of describing the laboratory behavior. These constitutive laws have been used to create a model of earthquakes at Parkfield, CA, by using boundary conditions appropriate for the section of the fault that slips in magnitude 6 earthquakes every 20-30 years. The behavior of this model prior to the earthquakes is investigated to determine whether or not the model earthquakes could be predicted in the real world by using realistic instruments and instrument locations. Premonitory slip does occur in the model, but it is relatively restricted in time and space and detecting it from the surface may be difficult. The magnitude of the strain rate at the earth's surface due to this accelerating slip seems lower than the detectability limit of instruments in the presence of earth noise. Although not specifically modeled, microseismicity related to the accelerating creep and to creep events in the model should be detectable. In fact the logarithm of the moment rate on the hypocentral cell of the fault due to slip increases linearly with minus the logarithm of the time to the earthquake. This could conceivably be used to determine when the earthquake was going to occur. An unresolved question is whether this pattern of accelerating slip could be recognized from the microseismicity, given the discrete nature of seismic events. Nevertheless, the model results suggest that the most likely solution to earthquake prediction is to look for a pattern of acceleration in microseismicity and thereby identify the microearthquakes as foreshocks.
Spectrochemical analysis by using discharge devices with solution electrodes.

Solution electrode discharge instruments offer a low-cost, portable, small platform for fast spectrochemical analysis. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, go to the Analytical Chemistry website at pubs.acs.org/journal/ancham.)
Olfactory neuroblastoma: A retrospective clinicopathologic study

Twenty-one cases of olfactory neuroblastoma treated at The University of Michigan Hospitals between 1945 and 1981 were reviewed with emphasis on the method of treatment and outcome. Staging of the cases by the method of Kadish and co-workers was done. The clinical course was not predictable on the basis of the histologic criteria. Local recurrences were common (61%). Metastatic spread of the neoplasms occurred in 28% of the cases. The recurrence-free interval decreased in those patients treated initially with radiation as compared with those treated with surgery alone. This study does not support the premise that radiation treatment is as good as surgery in early disease. Craniofacial resection combined with radiation treatment for recurrence is the preferred treatment.
Interpolation-Scheme Calculation of Electron-Phonon Interaction in Noble and Transition Metals: Copper

A simple method for evaluating the electron-phonon interaction matrix elements, and hence the point-mass enhancement and the relaxation time of quasiparticles, is proposed for the transition metals. The method is based essentially on the Bloch model of the electron-phonon interactions and is similar to a pseudopotential formulation with modification to account for the presence of $d$ electrons in the conduction bands and the resulting anisotropy of the above quantities. The results obtained by applying our theory to copper, based on the combined interpolation scheme with explicit inclusion of the screening effects based on Lindhard's formulation and of the contributions from transverse and longitudinal phonons and from umklapp processes, are in fair quantitative agreement with those obtained from a phenomenological interpretation of the experimental cyclotron-mass data of Lee and with the calculations of Nowak based on an empirical phase-shift formulation.
Turn-on fluorescence response upon anion binding to dimesitylboryl-functionalized quaterthiophene

Addition of CN− or F− to the B-functionalized quaterthiophene QTB induces a rapid change in the emission color from yellow to blue and blue-green, respectively, accompanied by a strong fluorescence turn-on. Structural analyses and TD-DFT calculations suggest that both the conformation of the conjugated backbone and the nature of the anion have a critical impact.
Schizotypal and borderline features in psychopathic criminals

Abstract This study tests the prediction that criminals with medium scores on the Psychopathy Checklist have a raised level of schizotypal traits [Hare & Forth (1985), Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 94, 541–546], and the hypothesis that this sub-group are characterized by impulsivity and lack of planning [Heston (1970), Science, 167, 249–256]. Criminals were divided into low, medium and high groups on the Psychopathy Checklist and assessed on schizotypal and borderline personality, and self-report measures of schizotypal personality. Both predictions were supported. It is concluded that a clearer separation of psychopaths with and without schizotypal features in future studies of antisocial populations may help clarify our understanding of both of these criminal sub-groups.
Do Ligand Binding and Solvent Exclusion Alter the Electrostatic Character within the Oxyanion Hole of an Enzymatic Active Site

We report the site-specific incorporation of a thiocyanate vibrational probe into the active-site oxyanion hole of ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) to test the effect of hydrophobic steroid binding and solvent exclusion on the local electrostatic environment at this position. While binding of an uncharged ground state steroid analogue shifts the observed −CN vibrational frequency by +0.4 cm-1 relative to unliganded KSI, binding of an intermediate steroid analogue containing localized negative charge results in a +2.8 cm-1 shift. On the basis of a Stark tuning rate of 0.7 cm-1/(MV/cm), this shift indicates a fivefold larger change in the projection of the local electric field along the −CN bond in the presence of the charged ligand. Binding of a single ring phenolate with oxyanion charge localization equivalent to the intermediate steroid analogue but lacking distal hydrocarbon rings results in an identical −CN peak shift. We conclude that solvent exclusion and replacement by hydrophobic steroid rings negligibl...
Factors influencing surface runoff generation from two agricultural hillslopes in central Pennsylvania

The variable source area (VSA) concept provides the underlying paradigm for managing phosphorus losses in runoff in the north-eastern USA. This study sought to elucidate factors controlling runoff along two hillslopes with contrasting soils, including characterizing runoff generation mechanisms and hydrological connectivity. Runoff monitoring plots (2 m x 1 m) were established in various landscape positions. Footslope positions were characterized by the presence of a fragipan that contributed to seasonally perched water tables. In upslope positions without a fragipan, runoff was generated primarily via the infiltration-excess (IE) mechanism (96% of events) and was largely disconnected from downslope runoff. Roughly 80% of total runoff originated from the north footslope landscape position via saturation-excess (SE) (46% of events; 62% of runoff) and IE (54% of events; 38% of runoff) mechanisms. Runoff from the north hillslope was substantially greater than the south hillslope despite their proximity, and apparently was a function of the extent of fragipan representation. Results demonstrate the influence of subsurface soil properties (e.g. fragipan) on surface runoff generation in variable source area hydrology settings, which could be useful for improving the accuracy of existing runoff prediction tools.
Integrative demographic modeling reveals population level impacts of PCB toxicity to juvenile snapping turtles

A significant challenge in ecotoxicology and risk assessment lies in placing observed contaminant effects in a meaningful ecological context. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been shown to affect juvenile snapping turtle survival and growth but the ecological significance of these effects is difficult to discern without a formal, population-level assessment. We used a demographic matrix model to explore the potential population-level effects of PCBs on turtles. Our model showed that effects of PCBs on juvenile survival, growth and size at hatching could translate to negative effects at the population level despite the fact that these life cycle components do not typically contribute strongly to population level processes. This research points to the utility of using integrative demographic modeling approaches to better understand contaminant effects in wildlife. The results indicate that population-level effects are only evident after several years, suggesting that for long-lived species, detecting adverse contaminant effects could prove challenging.
A cascade cycloaddition strategy leading to the total synthesis of (-)-FR182877.

General Information. All reactions were carried out under an atmosphere of argon in flame-dried glassware. The reaction solvents: THF, Et2O, CH2Cl2 were purified by passage over activated alumina. Reagents were used as received from the manufacturer unless otherwise stated. Flash chromatography was carried out using EM reagent silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh). Analytical thin layer chromatography was performed on EM Reagent 0.25 mm silica gel 60-F plates. All TLC plates were visualized by UV fluorescence quenching and were stained with either p-anisaldehyde or ceric ammonium molybdate (CAM). Optical rotations were measured on a Jasco DIP-0181 digital polarimeter with a sodium lamp and are reported as follows: [α]λ °C (c=g/100 mL solvent). Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer 1600 series FT-IR spectrometer. H-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Inova-500 (500 MHz) spectrometer and are reported in ppm using solvent as an internal standard (CDCl3=7.26 ppm). Data are reported as: [δ shift]([s= singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, m=multiplet, b=broad], [integration], and [J=coupling constant in Hz]). Proton decoupled C-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Mercury 400 (100 MHz) spectrometer and are reported in ppm using solvent as internal standard (CDCl3=77.0 ppm). Low and high resolution mass spectra were obtained at the Harvard University Mass Spectrometry Laboratory.
Inflammation stimulates niacin receptor (GPR109A/HCA2) expression in adipose tissue and macrophages

Many of the beneficial and adverse effects of niacin are mediated via a G protein receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 109A/hydroxycarboxylic acid 2 receptor (GPR109A/HCA2), which is highly expressed in adipose tissue and macrophages. Here we demonstrate that immune activation increases GPR109A/HCA2 expression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TNF, and interleukin (IL) 1 increase GPR109A/HCA2 expression 3- to 5-fold in adipose tissue. LPS also increased GPR109A/HCA2 mRNA levels 5.6-fold in spleen, a tissue rich in macrophages. In peritoneal macrophages and RAW cells, LPS increased GPR109A/HCA2 mRNA levels 20- to 80-fold. Zymosan, lipoteichoic acid, and polyinosine-polycytidylic acid, other Toll-like receptor activators, and TNF and IL-1 also increased GPR109A/HCA2 in macrophages. Inhibition of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 or TIR-domain-containing adaptor protein inducing IFNβ pathways both resulted in partial inhibition of LPS stimulation of GPR109A/HCA2, suggesting that LPS signals an increase in GPR109A/HCA2 expression by both pathways. Additionally, inhibition of NF-κB reduced the ability of LPS to increase GPR109A/HCA2 expression by ∼50% suggesting that both NF-κB and non-NF-κB pathways mediate the LPS effect. Finally, preventing the LPS-induced increase in GPR109A/HCA2 resulted in an increase in TG accumulation and the expression of enzymes that catalyze TG synthesis. These studies demonstrate that inflammation stimulates GPR109A/HCA2 and there are multiple intracellular signaling pathways that mediate this effect. The increase in GPR109A/HCA2 that accompanies macrophage activation inhibits the TG accumulation stimulated by macrophage activation.
Readers, authors, and page structure: a discussion of four questions arising from a content analysis of Web pages

Previous research describing Web page and link classification systems resulting from a content analysis of over 75 Web pages left us with four unanswered questions. 1 What is the most useful application of page types: as descriptions of entire pages or as components that are combined to create pages? 2 Is there a kind of analysis that we can perform on isolated anchors, which can be text, icons, or both together, that is equivalent to the syntactic analysis for embedded and labeled anchors? 3 How explicitly are readers informed about what can be found by traversing a link, especially for the relatively broad categories of expansion and resource links? 4 Is there a relationship between the type of link and whether its target is a whole page or a fragment, or if its target is in the same site or a different site than its source? This article examines these questions under the assumption that the author and the reader of Web pages will cooperate in order to have successful communication. Our discussion leads to ideas of how author-provided context and readers' expectations and experience are combining to form new stylistic conventions and genres on the Web.
Experimental Analysis of a Web-Based Training Intervention to Develop Positive Psychological Capital

Psychological capital with components of hope, self-efficacy, optimism, and resiliency has recently emerged as a core construct in taking positive psychology to the workplace. A distinguishing feat...
Studies of Schizosaccharomyces pombe DNA polymerase alpha at different stages of the cell cycle.

Abstract The status of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) DNA polymerase alpha was investigated at different stages of the cell cycle. S.pombe DNA polymerase alpha is a phosphoprotein, with serine being the exclusive phosphoamino acid. By in vivo pulse labeling experiments DNA polymerase alpha was found to be phosphorylated to a 3-fold higher level in late S phase cells compared with cells in the G2 and M phases, but the steady-state level of phosphorylation did not vary significantly during the cell cycle. Tryptic phosphopeptide mapping demonstrated that the phosphorylation sites of DNA polymerase alpha from late S phase cells were not the same as that from G2/M phase cells. DNA polymerase alpha partially purified from G1/S cells had a different mobility in native gels from that from G2/M phase cells. The partially purified polymerase alpha from G1/S phase cells had a higher affinity for single-stranded DNA than that from G2/M phase cells. Despite the apparent differences in cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation, mobility in native gels and affinity for DNA, the in vitro enzymatic activity of the partially purified DNA polymerase alpha did not appear to vary during the cell cycle. The possible biological significance of these cell cycle-dependent characteristics of DNA polymerase alpha is discussed.
Cognitive appraisal mediates adrenomedullary activation to a psychological stressor

The present experiment tested the hypothesis that differential neuroendocrine elicitation is prompted by subjects' cognitive expectations of an acute stressor. Subjects making a challenge appraisal' of an academic exam were predicted to have increased sympathetic neuroendocrine activation, while this activation was expected to decrease in subjects making a threat appraisal'. Self-reported anxiety in relation to these variables was also examined. Sympathetic adrenomedullary activation woos assessed via urinary catecholamines at three time points: time 1 (at least one week prior to the exam), time 2 (immediately prior to the exam), and time 3 (immediately after the exam). Contrary to the hypothesis, the threat group had higher adrenomedullary activation than the challenge group in anticipation of the exam (time 2). During the exam (assessed by time 3), overall adrenomedullary activation dropped regardless of cognitive appraisal group. There was a robust positive correlation between anxiety and adrenomedullary activation at baseline and pre-exam. Post-exam, this correlation continued for the challenge appraisal group only. Results demonstrated that cognitive appraisal is a significant mediator of adrenomedullary activation.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration to newborn infants with neutropenia and clinical signs of early-onset sepsis.

Objective. To determine whether recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration: 1) accelerates production of neutrophils; 2) increases bone marrow stored and precursor neutrophils; and 3) is safe in newborn infants with neutropenia and clinical signs of early-onset sepsis. Study Design. We randomized 20 infants with neutropenia and clinical signs of early-onset sepsis in the first 3 days of life to receive G-CSF (10 μg/kg/d) or placebo for 3 days. Entry criteria included neutropenia as defined by Manroe criteria, an elevated immature to total neutrophil ratio [(I/T) ≥0.25], and a requirement for ventilatory support. Cultures were obtained and antibiotics initiated on all study infants. Circulating absolute neutrophil count (ANC), I/T ratio, bone marrow neutrophil storage pool (NSP) and neutrophil proliferative pool (NPP), and plasma G-CSF concentrations were evaluated. Also, severity of illness as determined using the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP), morbidity, and mortality were recorded. Results. Circulating ANC increased in both G-CSF and placebo recipients by day 1. Also, the I/T neutrophil ratio decreased in both G-CSF and placebo recipients. There were no significant differences in the ANC or I/T ratio between the two groups during the study period. Similarly, bone marrow NSP and NPP did not differ between G-CSF and placebo recipients at study entry or day 2. No differences were observed in the secondary outcome measures induding severity of illness, morbidity, and mortality. Conclusions. Administration of recombinant G-CSF to infants with neutropenia and clinical signs of early-onset sepsis did not increase circulating ANC, or bone marrow NSP and NPP compared with placebo. No differences were observed between G-CSF and placebo recipients in severity of illness, morbidity, or mortality. No adverse effects of G-CSF administrations were noted. 13; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, neutropenia, early-onset sepsis, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil storage pool, neutrophil proliferative pool.
Intrauterine repair of spina bifida: preoperative predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus☆

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine which factors that are present at the time of intrauterine repair of spina bifida could predict the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus during the first year of life. Study design One hundred seventy-eight fetuses have undergone intrauterine repair of spina bifida at Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 1997. Among these, 116 fetuses had a postnatal follow-up period of at least 12 months. The primary outcome of the study was the need for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus during the first year of life. The following variables were analyzed: maternal demographics (age, race, gravidity, and parity), gestational age at the time of surgery, ventricular size, degree of hindbrain herniation (determined by magnetic resonance imaging in 33 cases), type of defect (myelomeningocele vs myeloschisis), upper level of the lesion, presence of talipes, and intraoperative use of a lumbar drain. Statistical analysis was performed with logistic regression (to test the association of fetal and maternal factors and the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting), 2-sample t -tests for comparison of means, and receiver operating curves with the use of the probabilities that were generated by the logistic regression for both continuous and categoric versions of the factors. Results Sixty-one of 116 of the fetuses (54%) who underwent operation in utero required the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt before the age of 1 year. The upper level of the lesion was the strongest predictor of shunt requirement (adjusted odds ratio per 1 level increase with the use of continuous variables [S1 through T10], 1.73 [95% CI, 1.22- 2.44]; adjusted odds ratio with the use of upper lesion level ≥L3 vs 25 weeks as a categorized variable, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.28-8.24]), and preoperative ventricular size (adjusted odds ratio per 1 unit increase with the use of continuous variables, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.01-1.36]; adjusted odds ratio with the use of ventricular size ≥14 mm vs P P =.03). Seventy-one percent of the fetuses who underwent operation at >25 weeks of gestation also required shunt placement (37/52 fetuses); 39% of the fetuses (24/61 fetuses) who were treated ≤25 weeks of gestation did not ( P =.01). Thirty-five fetuses had a lesion level ≤L4 and a ventricular size Conclusion This study suggests that, among fetuses who underwent operation in utero for spina bifida, fetuses with a ventricular size of
Middle ear transmission losses caused by tympanic membrane perforations in cats.

Losses (determined by measuring microphonic responses) were essentially identical, regardless of whether produced by admittance of sound into the middle ear via perforations in the tympanic membrane (TM) or in the bulla. With SPLs monitored directly at the TM, losses increased at 12 dB/oct with inverse frequency for f < 1 kHz, a pattern determined by the changes in the (calculated) net sound pressure acting from front and back on the TM. Clinically, hearing losses due to TM perforations are frequency-independent. The difference between the two situations has mainly to do with the use of precalibrated SPLs in Clinical Audiometry.
The Bioavailability of Intranasal and Smoked Methamphetamine

Background Patients in harm-reduction treatment programs are switching from intravenous to other routes of methamphetamine (INN, metamfetamine) administration to avoid risks associated with needle use. Relatively little has been reported about the bioavailability of methamphetamine when smoked or used intranasally. Methods Eight experienced methamphetamine users were administered smoked or intranasal methamphetamine concurrently with an intravenous dose of deuterium-labeled methamphetamine. Plasma and urine concentrations were measured for calculation of bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters by noncompartmental methods. Results Methamphetamine was well absorbed after smoking or intranasal administration, with bioavailabilities of 79% after intranasal administration and 67% of the estimated delivered dose or 37.4% of the absolute (pipe) dose after smoking. Maximum methamphetamine concentrations occurred at 2.7 and 2.5 hours after intranasal and smoked doses. The elimination half-life was similar for intravenous (11.4 hours), intranasal (10.7 hours), and smoked (10.7 hours) methamphetamine. Clearance (272 mL x h(-1) x kg(-1)), steady-state volume of distribution (4.2 L/kg), and mean residence time (16 hours) of the intravenous dose were similar to previously reported values. Dextroamphetamine (INN, dexamfetamine) half-life (all routes) was 16.2 hours. Methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine renal clearances (all routes) were about 100 and 1100 mL x h(-1) x kg(-1), respectively. Conclusions Intranasal and smoked methamphetamine are well absorbed. Although intranasal or smoked routes may decrease the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases, exposure to methamphetamine and the possibility of drug-related complications remain substantial.
AMALGAMATION OF MESON-NUCLEON SCATTERING DATA

We present a series of numerical and statistical techniques for interpolating and combining (''amalgamating'') data from meson-nucleon scattering experiments. These techniques have been extensively applied to ..pi..p elastic and charge-exchange differential-cross-section and polarization data in the resonance region. The amalgamation is done by fitting a momentum- and angle-dependent interpolating surface to the data over a moderately narrow momentum range, typically approx.150 MeV/c, using the interpolating surface to shift data in a narrower central momentum region into fixed angular bins at a predetermined central momentum, and then statistically combining the data in each bin. The fitting procedure takes into account normalization errors, momentum calibration errors, momentum resolution, electromagnetic corrections, threshold structure, and inconsistencies among the data. The full covariance matrix of the amalgamated data is calculated, including contributions of statistical error, systematic error, and interpolation error. Techniques are presented for extracting from the covariance matrix information on the collective statistical fluctuations which correlate the errors of the amalgamated data. These fluctuations are described in terms of ''correlation vectors'' which facilitate the use of the amalgamated data as input for resonance-region phenomenology.
Partial correlation matrix estimation using ridge penalty followed by thresholding and re-estimation

Motivated by the problem of construction gene co-expression network, we propose a statistical framework for estimating high-dimensional partial correlation matrix by a three-step approach. We first obtain a penalized estimate of a partial correlation matrix using ridge penalty. Next we select the non-zero entries of the partial correlation matrix by hypothesis testing. Finally we reestimate the partial correlation coefficients at these non-zero entries. In the second step, the null distribution of the test statistics derived from penalized partial correlation estimates has not been established. We address this challenge by estimating the null distribution from the empirical distribution of the test statistics of all the penalized partial correlation estimates. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate the good performance of our method. Application on a yeast cell cycle gene expression data shows that our method delivers better predictions of the protein-protein interactions than the Graphic Lasso.
Epidemiology of Insomnia

Prevalence of insomnia is variable due to inconsistency in defining the syndrome. It can be seen with or without comorbid illnesses and is now recognized as a distinct clinical syndrome even when associated with an underlying medical or psychiatric disorder. It is more common in women and in people who do shift work. Insomnia is present worldwide but appears to be less common in Asians. Individuals who have an anxiety-prone personality and depression are more prone to develop insomnia. It can have a huge economic impact as insomnia sufferers place a significant economic burden on their employers and health care system. Insomnia may be a risk factor for development of depression, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery diseases.
Stock Return Momentum and Investor Fund Choices

Recent research by Gruber (1996) and Zheng (1999) has shown that investors are able to predict mutual fund performance and invest accordingly. This phenomenon has been dubbed the smart money effect. We show that the smart money effect is explained by stock return momentum at the one year horizon. Further analysis suggests that investors do not select funds based on a momentum investing style, but rather simply chase funds with recent large returns. Our finding that a common factor in stock returns explains the smart money effect offers no affirmation of investor fund selection ability.
Characteristics Changes of Carbon Solids made from Ground Raw-Coke Powder with Heat-treatment Temperature

Characteristics of the carbon solids made from ground raw-coke powder were investigated with increasing heat-treatment temperature.Byelectron microscopic observation it was known that microtexture of the ground raw-coke powder compact was consisted of spherical particles with 1-5μm size, which were fomed by agglomeration of small ground coke grains, and of some soluble component phases at the boundaries among particles.With increasing temperature the soluble component phases changed to porous texture and small pores less than 1μm size apPeared at the temperatures from 600°C to 1800°C.Coalescence of the particles occurred at 1500-1800°C and boundaries among Particles were not so clear any more as were observed below 1500°C Behaviors of the apPearances of the porous texture and the coalescence of particles Were considered to give some in fluences to the changes of strength and hardness of the carbon solids with heat-treatment temperature.The carbon solid heat-treated at1300°C had the maximum bending strength of 700kg/cm2 and shore hardness of 120.Slight decrease of shore hardness, however, was observed at about 800°C which seemed to be predominantly due to the poreformation. Above 1300°C the strength and the hardness decreased with increasing temperature, and the carbon solid heat-treated at 2800°C showed bulk density of 1.959/cm3, bending strength of 500kg/cm2, shore hardness of 90, d (002) spacing of 3.38 A and Lc (002) of about 200A.
Survey on Current Status of Human Resources in Community Health Centers of Xiamen City

Objective To know the present state of human resources in community health centers of Xiamen City,to find the problems in these aspects,and to provide the evidence for putting forward relative suggestions.Methods The data collected from the baseline investigation on community health service in Xiamen City were statistically analyzed by SPSS13.0.Results The human resources structure of health workers in community health centers was quite different in Xiamen,average each thousand individuals possess of only 0.28 community health worker.The ratio of general practitioner in Xiamen institutions was 15.48%,and the ratio of public health doctor was 2.96%.Less than 30% doctors had undergraduateship and more than 85% nurses had not accepted the college education.Only 23.46% doctors had intermediate technical title in Xiamen City,and the same ratio in nurses was even lower.Conclusions The quantity of health workers in community health centers of Xiamen City is insufficient;the structure of community sanitary personnel is unreasonable,the whole quality of human resources in community health service should be further improved.
Triggering Sounds from Discrete Air Gestures: What Movement Feature Has the Best Timing?

Motion sensing technologies enable musical interfaces where a performer moves their body “in the air” without manipulating or contacting a physical object. These interfaces work well when the movement and sound are smooth and continuous, but it has proven difficult to design a system which triggers discrete sounds with precision that allows for complex rhythmic performance. We conducted a study where participants perform “airdrumming” gestures in time to rhythmic sounds. These movements are recorded, and the timing of various movement features with respect to the onset of audio events is analyzed. A novel algorithm for detecting sudden changes in direction is used to find the end of the strike gesture. We find that these occur on average after the audio onset and that this timing varies with the tempo of the movement. Sharp peaks in magnitude acceleration occur before the audio onset and do not vary with tempo. These results suggest that detecting peaks in acceleration will lead to more naturally responsive air gesture instruments.
Gait Patterns in Children With Cancer and Vincristine Neuropathy

Purpose:Children treated with vincristine often develop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but effects of CIPN on gait have not been reported.Methods:Gait variables of 52 children/adolescents treated for non-central nervous system cancers with CIPN were compared with an age- and sex-
Activating Aluminum Reactivity with Fluoropolymer Coatings for Improved Energetic Composite Combustion

Aluminum (Al) particles are passivated by an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) shell. Energetic blends of nanometer-sized Al particles with liquid perfluorocarbon-based oxidizers such as perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) excite surface exothermic reaction between fluorine and the Al2O3 shell. The surface reaction promotes Al particle reactivity. Many Al-fueled composites use solid oxidizers that induce no Al2O3 surface exothermicity, such as molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) or copper oxide (CuO). This study investigates a perfluorinated polymer additive, PFPE, incorporated to activate Al reactivity in Al-CuO and Al-MoO3. Flame speeds, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) were performed for varying percentages of PFPE blended with Al/MoO3 or Al/CuO to examine reaction kinetics and combustion performance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to identify product species. Results show that the performance of the thermite-PFPE blends is highly dependent on the bond dissociation energy of the metal oxide. Fluorine-Al-based surface reaction with MoO3 produces an increase in reactivity, whereas the blends with CuO show a decline when the PFPE concentration is increased. These results provide new evidence that optimizing Al combustion can be achieved through activating exothermic Al surface reactions.