cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometry, MRI, PET and NMR spectroscopy methods of non-invasive drug monitoring in prostate tumor

PET and MW images of mouse prostate tumors were correlated with histology, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation analysis and NMR peaks. Hypotheses were: 1. signal intensities of intracellular sodium (/spl mu/MRI) and flouro-2-deoxy-glucose utilization (/spl mu/PET) increased in tumors; 2. image signal intensities were associated with apoptosis as result of DNA fragmentation and accumulation of NMR visible metabolites.PC-3 cell lines were compared with DU-145, LNCaP cell lines in culture for the [Na]/sub i/ and [Ca]/sub l/ ion sensing dyes, cell death NMR peaks and apoptosis staining for chemotherapeutic action of different drugs. After PC3 tumor imaging, taxotere (40 mg/kg; n=5) and VP-16 etoposide (1.2 mg/kg; n=7) was administered i.v. and imaging was done after 12 hours and 24 hours. Tumors were taken out for immunohistological staining by pentachrome, feulgen and ss-DNA antibody. /spl mu/PET and /spl mu/MRI images showed increased 18-FDG uptake and sodium signal intensities in tumor. In tumors, taxotere induced an increase in IC-Na 30 % (p 6 %). Sodium NMR peaks isolated intracellular sodium. Apoptosis rich regions showed characteristic nuclei with S phase DNA histogram, appearing brighter on IC-Na images and mild active on PET images. /sup 31/P-NMR spectra showed characteristic high phospho-choline peaks. Integrated sodium MRI and PET imaging, NMR peaks indicated apoptosis and offers in vivo drug monitoring method.
Multiple Molecular Species of Circular R-factor DNA isolated from Escherichia coll

Using a rapid one-step method, circular DNA has been isolated from a strain of E. coli harbouring the R-factor R-1 and shown to contain at least two separate classes of covalently closed molecules. Evidence is presented for the stable existence of circular R-factor in E. coli.
Tyrannized by evidence : Making 'outcomes' work for our patients

The high cost of modern medicine has helped shape our social, political, and practice agendas for years, and we now have a managed care system strongly focused on cost containment. Thirty percent of people over age 16 report morbidity or use of the healthcare system for musculoskeletal conditions, 20% of which are chronic.(1) And they are expensive, costing about $126 billion annually.(2) Consequently, musculoskeletal-related costs are a prime target for containment, and since primary care and sports medicine physicians treat many patients who have these problems so is our practice.
An in vivo analysis of c-myc and c-fos expression during terminal erythroid differentiation in mouse spleen progenitors.

Using thiamphenicol and scheduled bleeding, we were able to induce an adequate number of erythroid stem cells (CFU-e) in mice in order to conduct an in vivo study of the changing expression of c-myc and c-fos oncogenes during erythropoiesis. Results indicated that c-myc and c-fos are active in erythropoiesis and have a similar pattern of expression. A large decrease in expression of both c-myc and c-fos occurs when erythroid cells begin the biochemical transition into mature phenotypes, i.e., when RNA synthesis is down-regulated.
Deuterium Attachment to Carbon Nanotubes in Solution

Strong attachment of deuterium to carbon nanotubes was observed in solution under mild experimental conditions when deuterated ethanol was used as a co-reactant in nanotube functionalization reactions. The solubility of samples in common organic solvents has allowed unambiguous 2H NMR characterization. The broad 2H NMR signal at ∼6.5 ppm is assigned to carbon-nanotube-bound deuterium species. The assignment is supported by the results from FT-IR measurements. The results from the use of selectively deuterated ethanols suggest that the labile deuterium is responsible for the attachment to carbon nanotubes.
The physiological consequences of ethylene glycol-induced changes in the frond structure of Lemna gibba

Abstract Ethylene glycol is the major component of many antifreeze/coolant and deicant formulations. Its use as an aircraft/runway deicant ensures that it is a major but intermittent pollutant of surface waters in the vicinity of those airports where it is used. Other uses, such as in automobile radiators or as a hydraulic fluid, result in smaller but more continuous and widespread releases. However, ethylene glycol is usually thought of as being relatively benign and therefore its fate and effects in higher plants have received little attention. Using axenic cultures of the aquatic angiosperm, Lemna gibba (duckweed), it has been shown that while ethylene glycol is not metabolized and is relatively non-toxic as far as vegetative reproduction in duckweed is concerned (EC10 and EC50 were 5740 and 10 920 ppm, respectively), it does have dramatic effects upon the structure of young fronds during their early growth and development. The result of the changes in frond structure is to increase the uptake of water and solutes from the surrounding environment. It is suggested that an increase in the uptake of a nutrient can lead to enhanced growth whereas an increase in the uptake of a toxicant can lead to the potentiation of its toxicity. In either case, the ecological consequences could be profound.
Using genetic algorithms to explore pattern recognition in the immune system

This paper describes an immune system model based on binary strings. The purpose of the model is to study the pattern-recognition processes and learning that take place at both the individual and species levels in the immune system. The genetic algorithm (GA) is a central component of the model. The paper reports simulation experiments on two pattern-recognition problems that are relevant to natural immune systems. Finally, it reviews the relation between the model and explicit fitness-sharing techniques for genetic algorithms, showing that the immune system model implements a form of implicit fitness sharing.
The Potential Impacts of State Trading Enterprises on World Markets: The Exporting Country Case

Export state trading enterprises (STEs) play an important role in global agricultural trade. STE behavior has significant implications for world food markets, irrespective of whether or not these markets are inherently competitive. Previous literature has suggested that STEs have market power and can earn oligopolistic rents. We find there is no compelling empirical evidence to support this argument. However, we show the cross-commodity effects of export STEs can disrupt competitive world markets, through offering an implicit export subsidy to a downstream industry.
Recombinant human mullerian inhibiting substance inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase

AbstractAutophosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in A-431 cells and plasma membrane fractions was inhibited by partially purified recombinant human Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS). Immunoprecipitation of the EFG receptor using anti-EGF receptor or anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies, and phosphoamino acid analysis of this receptor, demonstrated that MIS specifically inhibited EGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of EGF receptor autophosphorylation by MIS in membrane preparations was not affected by increasing concentrations of EGF, manganese or [γ-(32)P] ATP. Thus, it is unlikely that MIS competes for EGF binding sites or sequesters substrate. Immunoabsorption of MIS with anti-human MIS antibody blocked the MIS inhibition of EGF receptor autophosphorylation, indicating that the inhibition was due to MIS. Our data suggest that MIS regulates the activity of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase in A-431 cells.
Labor, Leisure, and the Yeoman in Coleridge’s and Wordsworth’s 1790s Writings

In the republican tradition, from Aristotle through James Harrington, leisure was essential to the cultivation of civic virtue; labor—associated with the oikos rather than the polis—was not. In the late eighteenth-century, however, some democratic republicans celebrated the yeoman, who cultivated civic virtue through both his leisure and his labor. As a union of ancient opposites, the yeoman was a compelling but politically unstable character in republican theory, as suggested in the work of Jefferson and Rousseau. The same is true of the yeoman in Coleridge's and Wordsworth's early writings. Both writers began the 1790s convinced that in the yeoman one found the political realization of both labor and leisure. By mid-decade, Wordsworth no longer believed this, emphasizing instead the moral—rather than civic—value of landed property (the site of labor and leisure). Coleridge, too, came to question the significance of landed property, but not the significance of civic virtue; instead, he investigated new means to realizing that political condition, including a free press and a clerisy.
Fidelity imaging for atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy is widely employed for imaging material at the nanoscale. However, real-time measures on image reliability are lacking in contemporary atomic force microscopy literature. In this article, we present a real-time technique that provides an image of fidelity for a high bandwidth dynamic mode imaging scheme. The fidelity images define channels that allow the user to have additional authority over the choice of decision threshold that facilitates where the emphasis is desired, on discovering most true features on the sample with the possible detection of high number of false features, or emphasizing minimizing instances of false detections. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of fidelity imaging.
SeCA: A framework for Secure Channel Assignment in wireless mesh networks

To maximize the available throughput in multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks (WMNs), it is a critical issue to design a channel assignment scheme efficiently utilizing orthogonal channels. However, most channel assignment schemes are vulnerable to the misbehaviors of nodes participating in channel assignment, and existing secure channel assignment schemes do not address all of the vulnerabilities. In this paper, we address the threats to channel assignment in WMNs resulting from node misbehaviors and present a generic verification framework to detect such misbehaviors. We develop a concrete verification scheme based on this framework and an existing distributed channel assignment scheme. We validate our approach by implementing the verification scheme and evaluating it through simulation. The results show that our approach improves misbehavior detection with minimum performance overhead.
Some consequences of sensor error in a model for passive detection

Abstract A model for detection of targets by three bearing-angle-only sensors is presented. Sensors are assumed to report angles with additive Gaussian measurement error, and some probabilistic consequences of this assumption are examined.
Isolation and Characterization of a Dimeric Ruthenium(II) Complex. An Intermediate in the Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxygen Oxidation of Thioethers to Sulfoxides

Complexes of the type Ru11X2(MeSO)2 or 3(PR3) are excel1ent catalysts for the selective oxygen oxidation of thioethers to sulfoxides. The complex RuCl2(Me2SO)3(PPh3) is an example of such a catalyst, and its solution chemistry under simulated catalytic conditions reveals that only one detectable complex is present. This presumed catalytic complex has been isolated and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR and by an x-ray structure determination to be the chlorotri-μ-chlorotris(dimethyl sulfoxide)bis(triphenylphosphine) diruthenium, 2. Single crystals of 2 are monoclinic with space group P 21/c with a = 16.662(3)A, b = 16.576(3)A, c = 19.282(3)A, and β =98.86(1)°. The structure was refined to R = 0.053(Rw = 0.069) by using 5186 unique reflections. Both Ru centers are coordinated in a distorted octahedral fashion having three μ-bridged chlorine atoms shared between them. RU1 possesses three terminal ligands, one chloride, one triphenylphosphine and a dimethyl sulfoxide. RU2 is terminally bonded to two Me2SO...
Advances in the genetics of glioblastoma: are we reaching critical mass?

Glioblastoma is the most common and highest-grade brain tumor, causing over 10,000 deaths each year in the US alone. Given the resistance of this tumor to standard surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, an understanding of the underlying genetic lesions is vital. Recent efforts to comprehensively profile glioblastomas using the latest technologies, both by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and by other groups, are addressing this need. Some genetic aberrations in glioblastoma have been known for decades, but early output from the new profiling initiatives has further illuminated the relevant genetics in this disease. Some genetic lesions, such as TP53 mutation, NF1 deletion or mutation, and ERBB2 amplification, have been found to be more common than was previously reported. New and unexpected discoveries have also been made, such as frequent mutations of the IDH1 and IDH2 genes in secondary glioblastoma. We might be tempted to speculate that we are approaching a comprehensive knowledge of the genetic lesions involved in glioblastoma, although other major discoveries doubtless remain to be made. In addition, the complex task of incorporating our updated knowledge into new—and possibly personalized—therapies for patients with glioblastoma still lies ahead.
Microparticle shape effects on margination, near-wall dynamics and adhesion in a three-dimensional simulation of red blood cell suspension

We present a 3D computational modeling study of the transport of micro-scale drug carriers modeled as microparticles of different shapes (spherical, oblate, and prolate) in whole blood represented as a suspension of deformable red blood cells. The objective is to quantify the effect of microparticle shapes on their margination, near-wall dynamics and adhesion. We observe that the near-wall accumulation is highest for oblate particles of moderate aspect ratio, followed by spherical particles, and lowest for very elongated prolate particles. The result is explained using micro-scale dynamics of individual particles, and their interaction with red blood cells. We observe that the orientation of microparticles in 3D space and the frequency of their collisions with red blood cells are the key factors affecting their margination. We show that due to repeated collisions with red blood cells in the presence of a bounding wall, the axes of revolution of oblate particles align near the plane of the shear flow, but those of prolate particles shift towards the vorticity axis with a wider distribution. Such specific orientations lead to more frequent collisions and a greater lateral drift for oblate particles than microspheres, but less frequent collisions and a reduced lateral drift for elongated prolate particles, resulting in the observed differences in their near-wall accumulation. Once marginated, the particle shape has an entirely different effect on the likelihood of making particle–wall contacts. We find that marginated prolate particles, due to their alignment along the vorticity axis and large angular fluctuations, are more likely to make contacts with the wall than spherical and oblate particles. We further simulate the adhesion between flowing microparticles and the wall in the presence of red blood cells, and observe that once wall contacts are established, the likelihood of firm adhesion is greater for disk-like particles, followed by elongated prolates, and microspheres. Consequently, this study suggests that the local hemorheological conditions near the targeted sites must be taken into consideration while selecting the optimum shape of micro-scale vascular drug carriers.
Compunctio and the Heart in the Old English Poem The Wanderer

I contend that attention placed on the medically derived (now religious) doctrine of compunction can result in a reading of the Wanderer that highlights the poem's religious and secular ambiguities, though the Christian elements receive emphasis here. I briefly examine the doctrine of compunction as it evolved from Scripture and was developed by Climacus, Jerome, Isidore, among others, with the goal of illustrating that the doctrine was well known in the Anglo-Saxon period.
Signaling Difficulties with Linkage in Crisis Bargaining

In crisis bargaining, the sides have interests in common and interests that conflict. Both sides would like to prevail on the issues in conflict, but both would like to avoid war if possible. One way to increase the sides’ common interests is to link additional issues into the dispute. Linkage creates the possibility of both sides winning; both of them receive an outcome they prefer on at least one issue and prefer the linkage deal to going to war. The most famous example of linkage in crisis bargaining is the deal that ended the Cuban missile crisis. The Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles, and the United States pledged not to invade Cuba in the future.
Hyperbolic heat conduction with convection boundary conditions and pulse heating effects

This paper describes the numerical simulation of hyperbolic heat conduction with convection boundary conditions. The effect of a step heat loading, a sudden pulse heat loading, and a pulse internal heat source are considered in conjunction with convection boundary conditions. Two methods of solution are presented for predicting the transient behavior of the propagating thermal disturbances. In the first method, MacCormack's predictor-corrector method is employed for integrating the hyperbolic system of equations. Next the transfinite element method, which employs specially tailored elements, is used for accurately representing the transient response of the propagating thermal wavefronts. The agreement between the results of various numerical test cases not only validates the representative behavior of the thermal wave fronts but also provides an understanding of the representative behavior due to convection boundary conditions and varied heating effects.
INCORPORATION OF CARBON FROM GLUCOSE INTO CEREBRAL AMINO ACIDS, PROTEINS AND LIPIDS, AND ALTERATIONS DURING RECOVERY FROM HYPO-GLYCAEMIA1

— [U-14C]Glucose was given to dogs by intravenous infusion to maintain a fixed level of specific radioactivity of the plasma glucose. The time course of incorporation of 14C into free amino acids, proteins and lipids of the cerebrum was observed for periods up to 2 h. Labelling of amino acids closely related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle increased progressively throughout the infusion, approaching specific radioactivities per μg-atom of carbon equal to that of the plasma glucose. No significant dilution by unlabelled carbon entering the metabolic pathways was apparent. In dogs subjected to profound insulin hypoglycaemia, [U-14C]glucose mixed with unlabelled glucose was given to bring about recovery. The incorporation of 14C into glutamate, glutamine and aspartate during a 40-min period was greater than during a comparable period in control animals, whereas the incorporation into serine was reduced. When considered in relation to alterations in amino acid levels, the data suggest that during recovery from hypoglycaemia the rates of synthesis of amino acids related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle are increased. During the period of recovery the rates of incorporation of 14C from glucose into proteins exceeded the pre-insulin rates to a degree surpassing the increased incorporation into free amino acids. The labelling of the ganglioside, cerebroside-sulphatide and cephalin fractions was also increased, The rates of incorporation into the lecithin-sphin-gomyelin and cholesterol fractions during recovery were the same as in the pre-insulin period. Hypoglycaemia decreased the cerebral content of the phospholipid fractions; the lecithin-sphingomyelin fraction returned toward normal during recovery, whereas the cephalins did not increase significantly. The electrographic patterns and the occurrence of convulsive activity are discussed, both in insulin hypoglycaemia and during recovery.
Tolcapone and Hepatotoxic Effects

Four patients with Parkinson disease have recently been described in whom severe hepatic dysfunction developed in association with tolcapone therapy. These reports led to the introduction of a "black box" warning and more intensive monitoring requirements in the United States. A review of these cases and all clinical trials indicates that liver dysfunction did not develop in any patient who had received monitoring of liver function according to the original prescribing information. Virtually all instances of liver enzyme abnormality and clinical liver dysfunction occurred within 6 months of initiating treatment. To assess the current role of tolcapone therapy in Parkinson disease, a panel of neurologists and hepatologists was convened. Consensus was reached with respect to the following: (1) Tolcapone is an effective agent in the treatment of patients with fluctuating Parkinson disease. (2) The risk of developing irreversible liver injury is negligible with appropriate monitoring. (3) It may be possible to reduce the frequency of monitoring after 6 months of treatment. (4) The requirement that tolcapone be withdrawn if liver enzymes are elevated above the upper limit of normal on a single occasion is unnecessarily restrictive. It was concluded that tolcapone, when used as an adjunct to levodopa, is an effective anti-parkinsonian agent and that less frequent monitoring after 6 months, with an action limit of 2 to 3 times the upper limit of normal, is sufficient to ensure safety in patients who are deriving benefit from the drug.
In vivo characterization of atherosclerotic plaque of human carotid arteries with histopathological correlation using ARFI ultrasound

Atherosclerotic plaque characterization with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging has recently been developed using phantoms and atherosclerotic pigs, but has yet to be validated in vivo in humans. We present initial results from an ongoing clinical trial investigating in vivo ARFI imaging of human carotid plaque with spatially-matched histopathology. Patients undergoing clinically-indicated carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were recruited from UNC Hospitals and imaged with ARFI prior to surgery. After surgery, the extracted specimen was sectioned according to noted arterial geometry for spatial registration to the ultrasound imaging plane and processed histologically. In two symptomatic patients, plaques were composed of a mixture of small and large necrotic cores, mild intra-plaque hemorrhage, and fibrosis. Mean ARFI peak displacements were observed to be two to three times higher in regions corresponding to either necrotic core or intra-plaque hemorrhage compared to regions of dense fibrosis or calcification. In an asymptomatic patient with predominantly calcified plaque, mean ARFI peak displacements were small (∼1–2 µm) suggesting stiff tissue. The results of this study indicate that areas of relatively large displacement by ARFI imaging correlate with lipid/necrotic cores and/or inflammation, which may confer an increased chance of plaque rupture and future ischemic event. This work demonstrates the feasibility of transcutaneous ARFI for characterizing the material and structural composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques via mechanical properties, in humans, in vivo.
Laue diffraction protein crystallography at the National Synchrotron Light Source

A new facility for the study of protein crystal structure using Laue diffraction has been established at the X26 beam line of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The characteristics of the beam line and diffraction apparatus are described. Selected results of some of the initial experiments are discussed briefly by beam line users to illustrate the scope of the experimental program. Because the Laue method permits the recording of large data sets in a single shot, one goal in establishing this facility has been to develop the means to study time-resolved structures within protein crystals. Systems being studied include: the reactions catalyzed by trypsin; photolysis of carbonmonoxy myoglobin; and the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein.
The Sonographic Reasoning Method

A vital component of clinical sonography is the approach the sonographer uses to analyze both the patient’s clinical history and the sonographic findings of each examination. Although every study i...
Effects of estrogen in the CNS

Awareness of estrogen's effects on neural function is broadening rapidly. Areas of recent progress include increased understanding of estrogen signaling through both genomic and nongenomic pathways, as well as the mechanisms by which estrogen can induce or maintain synapses and protect neurons from a variety of insults. Findings in these areas demonstrate a role for estrogen that goes beyond direct control of reproductive function.
Bowel preparation with split-dose polyethylene glycol before colonoscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a commonly used bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the standard large-volume solution may reduce patient compliance. Split-dosing of PEG has been studied in various randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). However, results have been conflicting. Objective We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the role of split-dose PEG versus full-dose PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Design Multiple databases were searched (January 2011). RCTs on adults comparing full-dose and split-dose of PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy were included and analyzed by calculating pooled estimates of quality of bowel preparation, preparation compliance, willingness to repeat the same preparation, and side effects by using odds ratio (OR) by fixed and random-effects models. Setting Literature search. Patients Per RCTs. Main Outcome Measurements Satisfactory bowel preparation, willingness to repeat same bowel preparation, patient compliance, and side effects. Results Five trials met inclusion criteria (N = 1232). Split-dose PEG significantly increased the number of satisfactory bowel preparations (OR 3.70; 95% CI, 2.79-4.91; P P = .03) compared with full-dose PEG. Split-dose PEG also significantly decreased the number of preparation discontinuations (OR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98; P = .04) and nausea (OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.79; P Limitations Limited number of studies. Conclusions The use of a split-dose PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy significantly improved the number of satisfactory bowel preparations, increased patient compliance, and decreased nausea compared with the full-dose PEG.
Determination of hyaluronidase activity in venoms using capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract The technique used in this study was based on the addition of a known quantity of hyaluronic acid (HA) to an aliquot of crude venom sample, followed by obtaining capillary electrophoresis profiles both immediately after the mixing and after a known period of incubation. The presence of hyaluronidase (HYASE) and the degree of its activity were determined from the change in the abundance (peak height) of intact HA at its retention time. Quantitative and/or comparative enzyme activity could also be obtained from determining the incubation time needed either to achieve a selected percentage decrease in the size of the intact HA peak or to complete the digestion process as determined by the attainment of a constant profile of the oligosaccharide end products. The detection limit was 3 × 10−6U/μl HYASE, defined as the decrease of the peak height of the added standard quantity of HA (0.008 mg/ml) from the initial signal-to-noise ratio of 6 down to 2; with respect to sample size, 1.5 × 10−8U of HYASE could be detected in 5 nl of incubated sample. The utility of the technique was illustrated by the rapid detection of HYASE activity in HYASE standards, crude bee venom and several snake venoms, the HYASE content of which has not yet been reported, and in collected high-performance liquid chromatography-separated venom fractions.
KCl loss and cell shrinkage in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell induced by hypotonic media, 2-deoxyglucose and propranolol

Abstract Ehrlich ascites tumor cells lose KCl and shrink after swelling in hypotonic media and in response to the addition of 2-deoxyglucose, propranolol, or the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, plus Ca2+ in isotonic media. All of these treatments activate cell shrinkage via a pathway with the following characteristics: (1) the KCl loss responsible for cell shrinkage does not alter the membrane potential; (2) NO3− does not substitute for Cl−; (3) the net KCl movements are not inhibited by quinine or DIDS; and (4) early in this study furosemide was effective in inhibiting cell shrinkage but this sensitivity was subsequently lost. This evidence suggests that the KCl loss in these cells occurs via a cotransport mechanism. In addition, hypotonic media and the other agents used here stimulate a Cl− -Cl− exchange, a net loss of K+ and a net gain of Na+ which are not responsible for cell shrinkage. The Ehrlich cell also appears to have a Ca2+-activated, quinine-sensitive K+ conductive pathway but this pathway is not part of the mechanism by which these cells regulate their volume following swelling or shrink in isotonic media in response to 2-deoxyglucose or propranolol. Shrinkage by the loss of K+ through the Ca2+ stimulated pathway appears to be limited by Cl− conductive movements; for when NO3−, an anion demonstrated here to have a higher conductive movement than Cl−, is substituted for Cl−, the cells will shrink when the Ca2+-stimulated K+ pathway is activated.
Species differences between rats and pigeons in choices with probabilistic and delayed reinforcers.

Abstract An adjusting-delay procedure was used to study rats’ choices with probabilistic and delayed reinforcers, and to compare them with previous results from pigeons. A left lever press led to a 5-s delay signaled by a light and a tone, followed by a food pellet on 50% of the trials. A right lever press led to an adjusting delay signaled by a light followed by a food pellet on 100% of the trials. In some conditions, the light and tone for the probabilistic reinforcer were present only on trials that delivered food. In other conditions, the light and tone were present on all trials that the left lever was chosen. Similar studies with pigeons [Mazur, J.E., 1989. Theories of probabilistic reinforcement. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 51, 87–99; Mazur, J.E., 1991. Conditioned reinforcement and choice with delayed and uncertain primary reinforcers. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 63, 139–150] found that choice of the probabilistic reinforcer increased dramatically when the delay-interval stimuli were omitted on no-food trials, but this study found no such effect with the rats. In other conditions, the probability of food was varied, and comparisons to previous studies with pigeons indicated that rats showed greater sensitivity to decreasing reinforcer probabilities. The results support the hypothesis that rats’ choices in these situations depend on the total time between a choice response and a reinforcer, whereas pigeons’ choices are strongly influenced by the presence of delay-interval stimuli.
Wavefront control of high-power laser beams in the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

The use of lasers as the driver for inertial confinement fusion and weapons physics experiments is based on their ability to produce high-energy short pulses in a beam with low divergence. Indeed, the focusability of high quality laser beams far exceeds alternate technologies and is a major factor in the rationale for building high power lasers for such applications. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a large, 192-beam, high-power laser facility under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for fusion and weapons physics experiments. Its uncorrected minimum focal spot size is limited by laser system aberrations. The NIF includes a Wavefront Control System to correct these aberrations to yield a focal spot small enough for its applications. Sources of aberrations to be corrected include prompt pump-induced distortions in the laser amplifiers, previous-shot thermal distortions, beam off-axis effects, and gravity, mounting, and coating-induced optic distortions. Aberrations from gas density variations and optic-manufacturing figure errors are also partially corrected. This paper provides an overview of the NIF Wavefront Control System and describes the target spot size performance improvement it affords. It describes provisions made to accommodate the NIF's high fluence (laser beam and flashlamp), large wavefront correction range, wavefront temporal bandwidth, temperature and humidity variations, cleanliness requirements, and exception handling requirements (e.g. wavefront out-of-limits conditions).
The structure of the DNA of bacteriophage φX174: IV. Pyrimidine sequences

Apurinic acid was prepared from ^(14)C-labeled DNA of the bacteriophage φX174 with unlabeled calf thymus DNA as carrier. The terminal phosphates of the pyrimidine tracts were removed by treatment with the alkaline phosphatase of E. coli and the resulting mixture fractionated on a column of DEAE-Sephadex into fragments of uniform chain length (isopliths) up to undecanucleotides.
Non-Magnetic Films of Nickel

Properties of sputtered nickel films.---(1) Magnetic. These films, prepared by sputtering in hydrogen on to a cooled surface, with a 1000 volt d.c. generator, are initially non-magnetic, showing neither magneto-optic rotation nor tractive effects in a magnetic field. After heating to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} or 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, however, they become strongly magentic and exhibit both these effects. Films much thicker than 120m\ensuremath{\mu}, or those sputtered with an induction coil, are likely to be magnetic from the start. (2) Crystal structure. X-ray spectrograms by the powder method show for the heat-treated (magnetic) film the face-centered cubic lattice as for ordinary nickel, but prove that the original non-magnetic film is amorphous. These facts suggest that ferro-magnetism in nickel, at any rate, is not a property of the individual atom as customarily supposed, but of the crystalline aggregate. A number of possible objections to this point of view are taken up and discussed. (3) Electric. The gain in magnetic properties on heat-treatment is accompanied by a decrease of resistance to a fraction (a fifth in one case) of its initial value. The original film also gives only about 1 percent of the Hall effect that it does after heat-treatment. (4) Color. Some films, particularly those deposited on a surface at liquid-air temperatures, display remarkable colors. On examination of the reflected light with a spectroscope, only a narrow spectral region is seen to be absent. If the nickel films are thin, covering with an optically dense liquid completely destroys the colors.
Evolution of polaron states into bipolarons in polypyrrole

The kinetics of polaron recombination into bipolarons in polypyrrole has been studied by optical-absorption spectroscopy on films doped in situ in an electrochemical cell. ESR studies confirm that the metastable states possess spin, while the stable states do not. The data reveal a slow evolution, consistent with polaron-diffusion rates limited by the mobility of the accompanying counterion.
On the shortcomings of our organisational forms: with implications for educational change and school improvement

This article informs school improvement and educational change from a radically different perspective. Building upon work done recently in neural psychology, primatology and ethology, the article examines four common and general types of organisational form: the cell, the silo, the pyramidal, and the network types of organisational structures. Status and dominance hierarchies are discussed, as are the dynamics of collaboration/competition and collectivism/individualism. Final consideration is given to the concepts of culture and community, especially as they manifest in the school improvement literature.
Optimization of μCT data processing for modelling of dental structures in orthodontic studies

Dental studies evaluating μCT output often examine resolution as a parameter that affects the data, but many other factors can influence image quality. The objective of this paper is to present the issues involved with the optimization of μCT data acquisition and processing for two biomechanical animal models. The first model evaluates surface and volumetric changes in root structure after in vitro fatigue loading of dog incisors. The second evaluates the in vivo morphometric bone and tooth responses to application of orthodontic force in inbred and transgenic mice. This type of data required specific magnification and noise control μCT settings to segment and render objects with acceptable definition. The proposed procedures enabled high definition rendering of changes in tooth and bone morphology in orthodontic studies. They also allowed for the construction of solid models for finite element analyses.
Wavefunctions and eigenvalues of image potential states

Methods for calculating wavefunctions and eigenvalues of image potential states are presented. We consider cases corresponding to metal–vacuum interfaces, metal–dielectric medium interfaces and metal–dielectric medium–vacuum interfaces. We represent the metal as a perfect conductor or as a Fermi–Thomas metal. We present the dependence of the wavefunctions and eigenvalues of the image potential states on dielectric constants, electron affinity, work function of the metal, and inverse Fermi screening parameter.
The regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase as a target for chemotherapy of cancer and other cellular dysfunctional-related diseases

Three separate experimental approaches, using site-selective cAMP analogs, antisense strategy and retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer, have provided evidence that two isoforms, the RI- and RII-regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, have opposite roles in cell growth and differentiation; RI being growth stimulatory while RII is a growth-inhibitory and differentiation-inducing protein. As RI expression is enhanced during chemical or viral carcinogenesis, in human cancer cell lines and in primary human tumors, it is a target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. 8-Cl-cAMP and RI antisense oligodeoxynucleotide, those that effectively down-regulate RI alpha and up-regulate RII beta, provide new approaches toward the treatment of cancer. This approach to modulation of RI vs RII cAMP transducers may also be beneficial toward therapy of endocrine or cellular dysfunction-related diseases where abnormal signal transduction of cAMP is critically involved.
Mechanisms of Stone Formation

We have reviewed the general mechanisms involved in kidney stone formation, with reference to those composed of calcium oxalate or phosphate, uric acid, and cystine. These processes include nucleation of individual crystals, aggregation or secondary nucleation to produce small intrarenal multicrystalline aggregates, fixation within the kidney, and further aggregation and secondary nucleation to produce the clinical stone. The factors regulating these processes have been discussed as well as the effects of tubular fluid or urine pH and promoters or inhibitors, including urate or uric acid in the case of calcium oxalate stones, citrate, pyrophosphate, phytate, and urinary proteins. We also discuss the potential for macromolecular inhibitors to actually promote stone formation when they are fixed to some intrarenal structure or if they themselves become aggregated into protein–protein complexes.
Subungual blue nevus with combined phenotypic features

Blue nail dyschromia may represent melanocytic, vascular, or other etiologies. A case of a subungual blue nodule is presented, with a pseudo-clubbed nail. On histopathologic examination, there was a combined subungual blue nevus, with features of a common blue nevus and a pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma. This unusual presentation is reviewed, with a discussion of blue nail dyschromia and subungual blue nevi.
Silicone rubber carpal implants: a study of the incidence of late osseous complications.

This clinical review of 53 silicone rubber carpal implants done by the senior author (P. R. C.) between 1976 and 1983 determines the incidence of so-called "silicone rubber synovitis." Although previously reported in small series, the true incidence of this complication of wear of the implant has not been documented. In this study late radiographic follow-up demonstrated lytic lesions adjacent to the carpal implants in 75% of the scaphoid implants, 55% of the lunate implants, and 75% of the scapholunate implants. In patients with x-ray film evidence of lytic lesions, more than half (56%) complained of pain, and more than one fourth (27%) have already had revision surgery. In every patient who had reoperation in this study, the histologic examination of the tissue in the wrist showed a chronic granulomatous process identical to that previously reported in cases of so-called "silicone rubber synovitis." These "lytic lesions" must be differentiated from "degenerative cysts" that are a part of the natural progression of degenerative arthritis. Four cases were submitted for mass spectrophotometric analysis, and the positive identification of the silica atom was made in all four. This study shows that the wear of carpal bone implants of silicone rubber and subsequent "silicone rubber synovitis" are common occurrences and not rare as has been previously inferred from isolated case report studies. This study suggests that (1) implantation of these implants in young, healthy individuals is rarely indicated, and (2) careful follow-up of patients who already have these implants in place is important. It should be noted that this series of patients does not include those with flexible finger implants, trapezium implants, or flexible hinged-wrist implants; all of which have much different loading stresses than the three carpal bones reviewed and probably are not associated with this seriously high incidence of complications.
A Kinase/Phosphatase System Involving the Protooncogene Lck Is Necessary for Inducible Modulation of Sob 1 during T Cell Activation

Abstract The phosphotyrosine containing protein Sob 1 regulates inducibility of a DNA binding complex (Band A) at the SRE of c- fos during T cell activation. In the present study, Sob 1 was regulated by activation of T cells through the T cell antigen receptor. Inhibition of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) inactivated Sob 1 function and allowed the Band A DNA–protein complex to form. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) caused constitutive activation of Sob 1 function and prevented induction of Band A at the SRE. Thus, Sob 1 is regulated by a constitutive PTP/PTK system. J.CaM 1 cells that lack a functional form of the PTK Lck are unable to induce Band A through the T cell antigen receptor. J.CaM 1 cells reconstituted with Lck seem to induce Band A normally. Thus, functional Lck is required for regulation of Sob 1.
Coping changes the brain

One of the earliest and most consistent findings in behavioral neuroscience research is that learning changes the brain. Here we consider how learning as an aspect of coping in the context of stress exposure induces neuroadaptations that enhance emotion regulation and resilience. A systematic review of the literature identified 15 brain imaging studies in which humans with specific phobias or posttraumatic stress disorder were randomized to stress exposure therapies that diminished subsequent indications of anxiety. Most of these studies focused on functional changes in the amygdala and anterior corticolimbic brain circuits that control cognitive, motivational, and emotional aspects of physiology and behavior. Corresponding structural brain changes and the timing, frequency, and duration of stress exposure required to modify brain functions remain to be elucidated in future research. These studies will advance our understanding of coping as a learning process and provide mechanistic insights for the development of new interventions that promote stress coping skills.
Coronary atherosclerosis in cardiac transplant patients treated with total lymphoid irradiation

Abstract Background: Multiple episodes of rejection following cardiac transplantation have been associated with an increased incidence of coronary atherosclerosis. Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) has been shown to be a successful treatment for persistent allograft rejection, but its effect on coronary arterial disease has yet to be evaluated. Methods: From 1987 to 1999, 40 patients required TLI for persistent or recurrent allograft rejection following heart transplantation. Each patient's (Group 1, n = 31) post-transplant coronary angiograms were examined and compared with those of a control group (Group 2, ( n = 32) matched for time of transplantation. Degree of coronary stenosis was assessed on a 6-point scale. All patients received induction therapy (rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin or OKT3) and standard triple immunosuppressive therapy. TLI (80 cGy × 10 fractions) was used for the treatment of recurrent or persistent rejection on the basis of clinical indications. Actuarial survival, number and treatment of rejection episodes, and severity of coronary artery disease were compared in each group. Results: Recipient gender, age, race and cytomegalovirus (CMV) status at time of transplant, along with donor gender, CMV status and graft ischemia time, were similar in both groups. Group 1 donor age was younger than that of Group 2 (22.2 ± 11.2 vs 31.5 ± 13.6 years, p = 0.004), and the indication for surgery in Group 1 patients was more likely to be ischemic heart disease (15 of 31 vs 6 of 32, p = 0.02). Mean follow-up was 5.7 ± 3.5 years in Group 1 vs 6.9 ± 3.8 in Group 2 ( p = NS). Group 1 had more rejection episodes (4.4 ± 2.2 vs 2.3 ± 2.0, p = 0.0002) and more steroid treatments (9.78 ± 4.0 g vs 5.14 ± 4.7 g, p p = 0.035). Conclusions: Despite multiple episodes of rejection, patients treated with TLI after cardiac transplant appear to develop less coronary atherosclerosis than appropriately matched controls.
Biosensors based on cross‐linking of biotinylated glucose oxidase by avidin

Abstract : Avidin, having four biotin binding units, cross-links and immobilizes glucose oxidase (GOX) labeled with multiple biotins (B-GOX) when solutions of B-GOX and avidin are mixed on an electrode. The H2O2 flux generated in the B-GOX catalyzed oxidation of glucose by dissolved O2 is measured as an electroreduction current at a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) redox conducting hydrogel electrode poised at +100 mV (Ag/AgCl). The sensitivity of the resulting glucose sensor is 0.14A/sq cm/M with a linear range up to 2mM glucose. (jg)
Generating physical addresses directly for saving instruction TLB energy

Power consumption and power density for the Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) are important considerations not only in its design, but can have a consequence on cache design as well. This paper embarks on a new philosophy for reducing the number of accesses to the instruction TLB (iTLB) for power and performance optimizations. The overall idea is to keep a translation currently being used in a register and avoid going to the iTLB as far as possible - until there is a page change. We propose four different approaches for achieving this, and experimentally demonstrate that one of these schemes that uses a combination of compiler and hardware enhancements can reduce iTLB dynamic power by over 85% in most cases. These mechanisms can work with different instruction-cache (iLl) lookup mechanisms and achieve significant iTLB power savings without compromising on performance. Their importance grows with higher iLl miss rates and larger page sizes. They can work very well with large iTLB structures, that can possibly consume more power and take longer to lookup, without the iTLB getting into the common case. Further, we also experimentally demonstrate that they can provide performance savings for virtually-indexed, virtually-tagged iLl caches, and can even make physically-indexed, physically-tagged iLl caches a possible choice for implementation.