cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suspicious personality predicts behavior on a social decision-making task

How do personality measures of suspiciousness correspond to experimental measures of trust? Eighty-two subjects responded in an experimental paradigm that distinguished a suspicious decision-making condition from rational mistrust and risk aversion. Subjects in the Minnesota trust game were anonymously paired and chose between an assured payoff and a payoff determined by a partner or a coin flip. We found that subjects high on the alienation subscale of the multidimensional personality questionnaire (Patrick, Curtin, & Tellegen, 2002; Tellegen & Waller, 2008) were less trusting even when their partner had no monetary incentive to penalize them. However, subjects high on harm avoidance chose the uncertain payoff less when a coin flip determined their payment. These findings suggested that the mental processes associated with suspiciousness were qualitatively different from those related to risk aversion and rational mistrust and served to validate the Minnesota trust game as a measure of individual differences in suspicious decision-making biases.
Learning GMRF Structures for Spatial Priors

The goal of this paper is to find sparse and representative spatial priors that can be applied to part-based object localization. Assuming a GMRF prior over part configurations, we construct the graph structure of the prior by regressing the position of each part on all other parts, and selecting the neighboring edges using a Lasso-based method. This approach produces a prior structure which is not only sparse, but also faithful to the spatial dependencies that are observed in training data. We evaluate the representation power of the learned prior structure in two ways: first is drawing samples from the prior, and comparing them with the samples produced by the GMRF priors of other structures; second is comparing the results when applying different priors to a facial components localization task. We show that the learned graph captures meaningful geometrical variations with significantly sparser structure and leads to better parts localization results.
Plasmonic nanobubbles for target cell-specific gene and drug delivery and multifunctional processing of heterogeneous cell systems

Cell and gene cancer therapies require ex vivo cell processing of human grafts. Such processing requires at least three steps – cell enrichment, cell separation (destruction), and gene transfer – each of which requires the use of a separate technology. While these technologies may be satisfactory for research use, they are of limited usefulness in the clinical treatment setting because they have a low processing rate, as well as a low transfection and separation efficacy and specificity in heterogeneous human grafts. Most problematic, because current technologies are administered in multiple steps – rather than in a single, multifunctional, and simultaneous procedure – they lengthen treatment process and introduce an unnecessary level of complexity, labor, and resources into clinical treatment; all these limitations result in high losses of valuable cells. We report a universal, high-throughput, and multifunctional technology that simultaneously (1) inject free external cargo in target cells, (2) destroys unwanted cells, and (3) preserve valuable non-target cells in heterogeneous grafts. Each of these functions has single target cell specificity in heterogeneous cell system, processing rate > 45 mln cell/min, injection efficacy 90% under 96% viability of the injected cells, target cell destruction efficacy > 99%, viability of not-target cells >99% The developed technology employs novel cellular agents, called plasmonic nanobubbles (PNBs). PNBs are not particles, but transient, intracellular events, a vapor nanobubbles that expand and collapse in mere nanoseconds under optical excitation of gold nanoparticles with short picosecond laser pulses. PNBs of different, cell-specific, size (1) inject free external cargo with small PNBs, (2) Destroy other target cells mechanically with large PNBs and (3) Preserve non-target cells. The multi-functionality, precision, and high throughput of all-in-one PNB technology will tremendously impact cell and gene therapies and other clinical applications that depend on ex vivo processing of heterogeneous cell systems.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Two Patients With Alagille Syndrome

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance that is associated mostly with hepatic, cardiac, and skeletal abnormalities. In addition, the association of Alagille syndrome with ocular abnormalities is well known and is considered one of the characteristic features of this condition. Most commonly, posterior embryotoxon, glaucoma, or retinopathy has been identified in these children. The authors present 2 patients with Alagille syndrome who, before the age of 3 years old, developed idiopathic intracranial hypertension with documented increased intracranial pressure by lumbar puncture and papilledema, which was responsive to acetazolamide.
Robust eigenspace assignment using singular value sensitivities

A methodology to improve the stability robustness of feedback control systems designed using direct eigenspace assignment techniques is presented. The method consists of considering the sensitivity of the minimum singular value of the return difference transfer matrix at the plant input to small changes in the desired closed-loop eigenvalues and the specified elements of the desired closed-loop eigenvectors. Closed-form expressions for the gradient of the minimum return difference singular value with respect to desired closed-loop eigenvalue and eigenvector parameters are derived. Closed-form expressions for the gradients of the control feedback gains with respect to the specified eigenspace parameters are obtained as an intermediate step. The use of the gradient information to improve the guaranteed gain and phase margins in eigenspace assignment-based designs is demonstrated by application to an advanced fighter aircraft.
Slit modulates cerebrovascular inflammation and mediates neuroprotection against global cerebral ischemia

Cerebrovascular inflammation contributes to secondary brain injury following ischemia. Recent in vitro studies of cell migration and molecular guidance mechanisms have indicated that the Slit family of secreted proteins can exert repellant effects on leukocyte recruitment in response to chemoattractants. Utilizing intravital microscopy, we addressed the role of Slit in modulating leukocyte dynamics in the mouse cortical venular microcirculation in vivo following TNFalpha application or global cerebral ischemia. We also studied whether Slit affected neuronal survival in the mouse global ischemia model as well as in mixed neuronal-glial cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. We found that systemically administered Slit significantly attenuated cerebral microvessel leukocyte-endothelial adherence occurring 4 h after TNFalpha and 24 h after global cerebral ischemia. Administration of RoboN, the soluble receptor for Slit, exacerbated the acute chemotactic response to TNFalpha. These findings are indicative of a tonic repellant effect of endogenous Slit in brain under acute proinflammatory conditions. Three days of continuous systemic administration of Slit following global ischemia significantly attenuated the delayed neuronal death of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. Moreover, Slit abrogated neuronal death in mixed neuronal-glial cultures exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation. The ability of Slit to reduce the recruitment of immune cells to ischemic brain and to provide cytoprotective effects suggests that this protein may serve as a novel anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective target for stroke therapy.
Branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in isolated rat pancreatic islets

Branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase in isolated rat pancreatic islets were shown to be regulated by a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanism. Broad-specificity phosphoprotein phosphatase treatment stimulated and ATP addition inhibited their activities. The kinases responsible for inactivating these complexes were shown to be sensitive to inhibition by known inhibitors, alpha-chloroisocaproate and dichloroacetate. Total activity (nmol/min/islet / 37 degrees C) of branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase was 0.86 and 5.09, with a % active form (activity before phosphatase treatment divided by activity after phosphatase treatment X 100) of 36% and 94%, respectively. Incubation of intact isolated islets with alpha-chloroisocaproate affected neither insulin release nor flux through branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase.
Reduction in urinary free cortisol during benzodiazepine treatment of panic disorder

Urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels were measured at baseline and at four and eight weeks after initiation of treatment in 66 patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for primary panic disorder (PD). Thirty-seven normal control subjects also had UFC levels measured three times at monthly intervals. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with alprazolam, diazepam, or placebo. At baseline, complicated PD patients (those with agoraphobia and secondary depression) had significantly higher UFC levels than did normal controls. At four and eight weeks, complicated PD patients receiving alprazolam and diazepam had significant reductions in UFC excretion compared to baseline. Patients with uncomplicated PD maintained UFC levels comparable to controls at each sampling period. Treatment with benzodiazepines did not lower UFC levels in this group. These findings suggest that patients with complicated PD demonstrate hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that is decreased by treatment with benzodiazepines.
Pre-formulation studies of resveratrol.

AbstractContext: Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, has potential chemotherapy effects but very low oral bioavailability in humans.Objective: To evaluate the solubility, pH stability profile, plasma protein binding (PPB) and stability in plasma for resveratrol.Methods: Solubility of resveratrol was measured in 10 common solvents at 25 °C using HPLC. The solution state pH stability of resveratrol was assessed in various United States Pharmacopeia buffers ranging from pH 2 to 10 for 24 h at 37 °C. Samples were analyzed up to 24 h. Human PPB was determined using ultracentrifugation technique. Standard solutions of drug were spiked to blank human plasma to yield final concentrations of 5, 12.5 or 25 μg/mL for determination. Finally, stability of resveratrol in human and rat plasma was also assessed at 37 °C. Aliquots of blank plasma were spiked with a standard drug concentration to yield final plasma concentration of 50 μg/mL. Samples were analyzed for resveratrol concentration up to 96 h.Result...
The genus Myxoproteus (Protozoa: Myxosporida) in macrourid fishes.

Abstract Five species, two new, of myxosporida in the genus Myxoproteus were found in geographically widespread deepsea macrourid fishes. Some myxosporida showed little tissue specificity. The spore size remained constant among hosts and over long distances.
A monoclonal antibody (SJ-9A4) to P24 present on common alls, neuroblastomas and platelets - I. Characterization and development of a unique radioimmunometric assay.

Abstract We report the development and characterization of SJ-9A4, a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) produced against common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (C-ALL) cell lines. SJ-9A4 reacted with C-ALL, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), platelets and C-ALL neuroblastoma (NB) and the K562 cell lines. It had no significant reactivity with erythrocytes, granulocytes, circulating T or B lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytic cell lines or a Ewing's sarcoma cell line. SJ-9A4 was shown to recognize the same region as two other MoAb to the p24 antigen, BA-2 and DU-ALL-1, as demonstrated by their ability to inhibit the binding of labeled SJ-9A4 to NALM-1 and NB cells. Other MoAb: J5, PI 153 3 and monoclonal anti-HLA-DR antibodies gave no inhibition. A solid phase indirect radioimmunometric assay (IRA) was developed which enabled the detection of P24 from C-ALL cells, utilizing its ability to bind the Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA 1 ) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and SJ-9A4 simultaneously. When BA-2 and DU-ALL-1 were used in place of SJ-9A4, similar IRA results were obtained. Using the RCA 1 /SJ-9A4-IRA, P24 from as few as 1.6 × 10 4 cells of a C-ALL cell line could be detected; however, similar extracts of NB cell lines were negative despite high levels of SJ-9A4 binding to intact cells. The presence of P24 in NB extracts was demonstrated by (1) preincubation of NB extracts with SJ-9A4 which blocked MoAb binding to P24 and (2) immunoadsorption of P24 from solubilized membranes of 35 S-methionine (met) labeled NB cells. Treatment of NB cells with neuraminidase did not result in IRA binding when either RCA 1 or WGA were used as the solid phase lectin indicating that the differences in lectin affinity are not due to over sialation of NB membrane glycoproteins. These findings demonstrate a difference in the glycosylation of P24 from C-ALL and NB cells.
Stability of semiconductor states with insulating and contact boundary conditions

We prove the existence of global smooth solutions near a given steady state of the hydrodynamic model of the semiconductors in a bounded domain with physical boundary conditions. The steady state and the doping profile are permitted to be of large variation but the initial velocity must be small. Two cases are considered. In the first one the problem is three-dimensional, the boundary conditions are insulating and the steady state velocity vanishes. In the second one, the problem is one-dimensional, the boundary is of contact type and the steady state velocity does not vanish.
Gendered Citation Patterns in International Relations Journals

This paper applies a methodology utilized in economics to study citation patterns in two International Studies Association journals. The paper analyzes articles published in International Studies Quarterly (ISQ) and International Studies Perspectives (ISP) in 2005. Comparisons are made based on the sex of the authors of articles and the sex of the cited authors in each paper's bibliography. Empirical analyses suggest that male authors of ISQ and ISP articles are less likely to cite work by female scholars in comparison with female authors. Mixed-gender author teams are also significantly less likely to cite research by female scholars relative to female article authors.
Reference accuracy in library and information science journals

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the percentage of reference errors and type of errors in four library and information science (LIS) journals.Design/methodology/approach – Research articles from issues published in 2007 were selected for analysis. The references were compared to online freely available tables of contents. The errors identified were categorised into six elements: journal title; author(s); article title; publication year; volume; and page numbers.Findings – The highest percentage of reference errors was 49.1 percent (Information and Management). The overall error rates were: author (56 percent), page number (22 percent), article title (15 percent), volume (3 percent), publication year (2 percent) and journal title (2 percent).Research limitations/implications – The tables of contents (ToCs) used to compare the article references may not have correctly recorded the article details. Not all journal references could be reviewed as not all journal ToCs are available online. This one year,...
Structure-guided Mutational Analysis of the OB, HhH, and BRCT Domains of Escherichia coli DNA Ligase

NAD+-dependent DNA ligases (LigAs) are ubiquitous in bacteria and essential for growth. LigA enzymes have a modular structure in which a central catalytic core composed of nucleotidyltransferase and oligonucleotide-binding (OB) domains is linked via a tetracysteine zinc finger to distal helix-hairpin-helix (HhH) and BRCT (BRCA1-like C-terminal) domains. The OB and HhH domains contribute prominently to the protein clamp formed by LigA around nicked duplex DNA. Here we conducted a structure-function analysis of the OB and HhH domains of Escherichia coli LigA by alanine scanning and conservative substitutions, entailing 43 mutations at 22 amino acids. We thereby identified essential functional groups in the OB domain that engage the DNA phosphodiester backbone flanking the nick (Arg333); penetrate the minor grove and distort the nick (Val383 and Ile384); or stabilize the OB fold (Arg379). The essential constituents of the HhH domain include: four glycines (Gly455, Gly489, Gly521, Gly553), which bind the phosphate backbone across the minor groove at the outer margins of the LigA-DNA interface; Arg487, which penetrates the minor groove at the outer margin on the 3 ®-OH side of the nick; and Arg446, which promotes protein clamp formation via contacts to the nucleotidyltransferase domain. We find that the BRCT domain is required in its entirety for effective nick sealing and AMP-dependent supercoil relaxation.
An Exploration of the Relationship between Religiosity and Retention

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between religiosity and retention at Idaho State University (ISU). Attrition is a problem that has, and continues to plague higher education. Research shows that students who are more integrated in education (both in and out of class) are more likely to remain enrolled. For this study, religious involvement was examined as an avenue of educational integration. Data were obtained from 103 respondents to a mail survey. Factor analysis revealed three useable factors regarding religious attitudes and behaviors. These factors were analyzed along with demographic variables to explore the relationship between religiosity and retention. The demographic information showed that the sample was representative of the ISU student population. Although statistically significant differences based on demographics in terms of enrollment were not found, significant differences were noted between males and females across some enrollment related demographic variables.
On a family of interval estimators of effective doses

The asymptotic confidence (delta) intervals and intervals based upon the use of Fieller's theorem for effective doses were compared with two new approaches by Huang et al. (J. Statist. Comput. Simulation 72 (2002) 565) in a simulation study for a logistic dose-response curve. It was shown that these two novel approaches perform well to achieve a compromise between the conservative tendency of the Fieller interval and the liberalism often exhibited by the delta interval. Here attention is focused on the analytic comparison of the Fieller and delta intervals with one of two new methods, termed λ -interval, which includes the Fieller and delta intervals as special cases. The properties of this family of interval estimation methods are investigated, an analytical comparison of the various methods is provided and Sitter and Wu's (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 88 (1993) 1021) analysis for explaining the difference in performance of the delta and Fieller intervals is extended to include the λ -interval based on simulation studies.
A note on the relation between temporally-increasing and spatially-increasing disturbances in hydrodynamic stability

The frequency and amplification rates for a disturbance growing with respect to time are compared with those of a spatially-growing wave having the same wave-number. For small rates of amplification it is shown that the frequencies are equal to a high order of approximation, and that the spatial growth is related to the time growth by the group velocity.
Foliage consumption and larval development of parasitized and unparasitized soybean looper,Pseudoplusia includens [Lep.: Noctuidae], reared on a resistant soybean genotype and effects on an associated parasitoid,Compidosoma truncatellum [Hym.: Encyrtidae]

Field grown foliage from the resistant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] breeding line GAT “81–327” and the susceptible cultivar “Ransom” was used to rear unparasitized larvae of the soybean looper (SBL),Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), and larvae parasitized byCopidosoma truncatellum (Dalman). SBL larvae, whether parasitized or not, consumed more foliage when fed “Ransom”. Unparasitized larvae reared on “81–327” had longer developmental times and suffered greater mortality than unparasitized larvae reared on “Ransom”. Parasitization of SBL larvae byC. truncatellum increased total foliage consumption of both soybean lines. Parasitized larvae reared on the resistant “81–327” weighed less and yielded fewer parasitoid adults.
A versatile catalyst system for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of C(sp(2))-tosylates and mesylates.

A catalyst system for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of aryl and vinyl tosylates and mesylates has been developed. This catalyst displays excellent functional group tolerance and allows the coupling of heteroarylboronic acids with aryl tosylates and mesylates to be performed in high yields. Moreover, reactions employing alkylboronic acids, as well as heteroaryl, vinyl, and allylic pinacol boronate esters were conducted with high efficiencies.
Differential expression of DOC-1 in microsatellite-unstable human colorectal cancer.

The precise genetic mechanism of malignant transformation in DNA mismatch repair deficient, microsatellite-unstable colorectal cancer (CRC) has yet to be elucidated. We employed cDNA microarray to identify patterns of gene expression among CRC cell lines and to compare directly lines with and without microsatellite instability. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that microsatellite-unstable CRC cell lines demonstrate specific patterns of gene expression that differ significantly from those observed among microsatellite-stable CRC. Multiple differential expression patterns were identified. Genes demonstrating differential expression included deleted-in-oral-cancer-1 (DOC-1), a highly conserved growth suppressor. DOC-1 expression correlated with microsatellite status, with significantly decreased expression in microsatellite-unstable cell lines and constitutive expression in microsatellite-stable cell lines. We also observed alterations in the biologic behavior of p12DOC-1-deficient cell lines, with increased S phase and decreased apoptosis compared to microsatellite-stable (DOC-1+) cell lines. Transfection of p12DOC-1 into SW48, which lacks p12DOC-1 expression, resulted in cell cycle and apoptosis profiles similar to other p12DOC-1+ cell lines. These results support the hypothesis that microsatellite-unstable CRC is characterized by novel patterns of gene expression different from those associated with microsatellite-stable CRC, and demonstrate that p12DOC-1 has tumor suppressor potential in colon epithelial cells.
Advanced ICD troubleshooting: Part II.

Failure to Deliver Therapy or Delay of Therapy Absent or delayed therapy may be caused by programmed values (including human error), ICD system performance, or a combination of the two. The most common causes are ICD inactivation, VT slower than the programmed detection interval, SVT-VT discriminators, undersensing, and intradevice software interactions. Pacemaker-ICD interactions, once important, are now rare due to incorporation of dualand triple-chamber pacemakers in ICDs.
DNA Segregation and Partitioning in Caulobacter Crescentus: Super-Resolving Protein Colocalization at the Cell Pole

Biological function relies on biochemical reactions that require spatial proximity between biomolecules. We are investigating how DNA segregation and partitioning is driven by the spatial recruitment of proteins to the cell pole in the bacterial model system Caulobacter crescentus. The polar organizing protein PopZ assembles as a polymeric network at one and then the opposite cell pole where it respectively anchors the original and the newly replicated DNA. Previous super-resolution imaging experiments in our lab have determined the cytosolic locations of the partitioning system proteins, ParAB, during directional DNA segregation (Ptacin et al., 2010), but the role of the PopZ network in the biochemical reaction cycle of these proteins has not yet been explored. To determine precise positioning of the partitioning system proteins in relation to the PopZ polymeric network, we utilized quantitative two-color 3D super-resolution microscopy in live Caulobacter cells. We measured the shapes and volumes of the PopZ networks with tens of nanometer resolution and, by counting the localized PopZ proteins within each network, we determined that PopZ localizes with a globally conserved volume density. These results indicate that PopZ may serve as a homogeneous scaffold that spatially compartmentalizes the biochemical interactions of the partitioning system proteins. This model is supported by two-color super-resolution images that clearly reveal where and how the Par system proteins overlap with the PopZ networks. These data thus provide key mechanistic insights into the spatial regulation of ParAB protein activity during DNA segregation and partitioning.
The Web of Life: Natural Science Information on the Internet

Summary As society has come to equate economic prosperity with the health of our living resources, national science policy has called for the development of a comprehensive digital knowledge base to support informed decision making and wise resource management. The Internet and World Wide Web demonstrate the earliest stages of this evolving virtual library of the natural world, offering an increasing array of high-quality, innovative resources and services in the natural science arena. This article discusses the leading providers of natural science information on the Internet and highlights some of the exemplary resources they are delivering online. The discussion concludes with a brief discussion of the role of the librarian in developing the Web of natural science knowledge online and provides a short Webliography of starting points for further exploration of this subject area.
Transient hypertension after two phenylpropanolamine diet aids and the effects of caffeine: a placebo-controlled follow-up study.

Abstract purpose and patients and methods: Reports of severe adverse reactions following the imagination of single (75 mg) or double doses of the sympathomimetic drug phenylpropanolamine (PPA), with and without caffeine, prompted us to undertake a study of the effects of five drug preparations (75 mg PPA, 150 mg PPA, 75 mg PPA plus 400 mg caffeine, 400 mg caffeine, and placebo) in 16 resting, normotensive subjects. The study was of a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. Each subjects consented to take the five drug preparations on different study days, which were separated by at least 48 hours. results: Compared with blood pressure (BP) values obtained after placebo ingestion, significant BP increases occurred over several hours following 150 mg PPA and after 75 mg PPA plus 400 mg caffeine. Significant BP increases after ingestion of 75 mg PPA and after 400 mg caffeine were less frequent. The mean peak BP following 150 mg PPA was 173 ± 9103 ± 4 mm Hg, compared with 148 ± 497 ± 3 mm Hg after the other three active preparations; after placebo, peak BP reached 137 ± 885 ± 5 mm Hg. conclusion: These results indicate that 150 mg PPA (the amount in two diet aids) substantially elevates BP. Our findings may explain some of the recent case reports of nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage in young, healthy persons ingesting PPA at recommended or minimally greater dosages. We suggest physicians inform patients who are likely consumers of PPA (i.e., those with allergies, those with eating disorders, overweight persons, women during the postpartum period) and patients at risk for stroke (i.e., the elderly and hypertensive patients) of the risks of taking more than the recommended amounts of PPA and of combining caffeine with PPA.
Cation-π-Interaction Promoted Aggregation of Aromatic Molecules and Energy Transfer within Y Zeolites

Photophysical studies of naphthalene confirm that aromatic molecules tend to aggregate within cation exchanged Y zeolites. Ground-state aggregation is traced to the presence of cation-aromatic pi-interaction. Solvents that can coordinate to the cation “turn off” the cation-aromatic interaction, and consequently aggregation does not occur in zeolites that are impregnated with the above solvents. The solvent that exhibits a maximum in such an effect is water. MP2 calculations on cation-benzene dimer indicate that cation-\pi-interaction results in stabilization of the \pi-stacked benzene dimer. Results of MP2 calculations are consistent with the formation of ground-state \pi-stacked aggregates of naphthalene molecules within Y zeolites.
Stereoselective disposition of carvedilol is determined by CYP2D6

Carvedilol is a mixed α- and β-adrenergic receptor antagonist that is administered as a racemic mixture. Although the two isomers are equally potent as ∝1-blockers the S(−)-isomer is principally responsible for the β blockade of carvedilol. To determine the role of pharmacogenetics in the metabolism of carvedilol we studied nine extensive metabolizers of both debrisoquin and mephenytoin, seven poor metabolizers of debrisoquin but extensive metabolizers of mephenytoin, and three poor metabolizers of mephenytoin but extensive metabolizers of debrisoquin. The clearance of R-carvedilol was significantly lower than S-carvedilol in both debrisoquin phenotypes. Poor metabolizers of debrisoquin had a significantly lower clearance of R-carvedilol than extensive metabolizers of debrisoquin. The partial metabolic clearance of carvedilol to the two ring-hydroxylated metabolites 4- and 5-hydroxyphenyl carvedilol were significantly reduced in poor metabolizers of debrisoquin. No effect of mephenytoin phenotype on carvedilol kinetics was observed. Thus carvedilol is stereoselectively metabolized in humans, and the clearance of S-carvedilol is higher than that of R-carvedilol. In poor metabolizers of debrisoquin the clearance of R-carvedilol is further reduced, resulting in higher plasma concentrations and perhaps greater α-blockade. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1995) 57, 518–524; doi:
Enzyme inactivation of aspermatogenic antigen.

IMMUNOLOGICALLY induced experimental aspermatogenesis offers an excellent model for the exploration of autoimmune diseases1. Moreover, interest in reproductive antigens with respect to problems of fertility and sterility is increasing2. It is therefore pertinent to acquire information concerning the chemistry of the antigens related to this model auto-immune disorder and to reproductive potential. We have already described the aspermatogenic antigen (ASA) as a polypeptide–saccharide moiety1 and have also recognized a lipid as part of this molecule (unpublished experiments). We report here the ability of certain enzymes to inactivate ASA.
Temperature swing adsorption compression: Effects of nonuniform heating on bed efficiency

Abstract A temperature swing adsorption system is considered for the capture and pressurization of CO 2 from a gas mixture consisting of N 2 , O 2 , and 0.26% CO 2 . Alternating desorption and adsorption half-cycles are modeled until a periodic state is reached in order to determine the impact that nonuniform heating has on the efficacy of desorption. The coupled material and energy balances are solved numerically using finite elements at various time steps so that temperature, loading, and CO 2 fluid-phase mole fraction profiles can be developed and investigated. The regeneration efficiency is found to approach the ideal value when the heaters are spaced optimally and operated uniformally. The results are useful in that they depict a strong necessity of strict heating controls and optimal heater spacing in order to maximize the regeneration efficiency during a temperature swing desorption half-cycle.
Efficiency of including first-generation information in second-generation ranking and selection: results of computer simulation

Using computer simulation, we evaluated the impact of using first-generation information to increase selection efficiency in a second-generation breeding program. Selection efficiency was compared in terms of increase in rank correlation between estimated and true breeding values (i.e., ranking accuracy), reduction in coefficient of variation of correlation coefficients (i.e., ranking reliability), and increase in realized gain, with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). The test populations were generated with varying parameters: selection strategy (forward vs backward selection of parents); number of parents (24∼96); number of crosses per parent (1∼8); heritability (0.05∼0.35); ratio of dominance to additive variance (0∼3); ratio of additive-by-site to additive variance (0∼3); and ratio of dominance-by-site to additive variance (0∼3). The two selection strategies gave distinct results. When parents of the second-generation crosses had been selected via backward selection, adding first-generation information markedly increased selection efficiency. Conversely, when parents had been selected via forward selection, first-generation information provided little increase in efficiency. The amount of increase depended more on heritabilities in both generations and less on dominance and genotype–by–environment effects. Including first-generation information helped more when there were many parents and few crosses per parent in the second generation. Only in the case of extremely low first-generation heritabilities was there no benefit to adding first-generation information in terms of improved ranking reliability and accuracy.
Politicians on the Board of Directors: Do Connections Affect the Bottom Line?

Resource dependence theory emphasizes the importance of linking firms with external contingencies that create uncertainty and interdependence. A critical source of external interdependency and uncertainty for business is government. One way to link a firm to the government is appointing ex-politicians to the board of directors. This study compares the boards of two groups of firms—those from heavily and less regulated industries—and finds the former group has more politician directors. Firms with politicians on the board are associated with better market-based performance across both groups, although the relationship is more pronounced within heavily regulated industries.
Idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure and open-angle glaucoma.

Background/aims: To report a case series of Idiopathic Elevated Episcleral Venous Pressure (IEEVP). Methods: Retrospective chart review of all cases of IEEVP seen over a 5-year period by three physicians. Results: Six cases (five men and one woman) are added to the known 19 documented cases in the English literature, only three of which were reported in the last 10 years. By history, the onset of conjunctival injection of all patients was in early adulthood or late teens. None had an identifiable lesion by modern imaging techniques. All cases had bilateral but asymmetric involvement. Four of the six required glaucoma surgery by the 5th to 7th decade of life. The three eyes that had glaucoma filtration surgery had good outcomes. Choroidal effusions occurred in the postoperative period of one eye which was not hypotonous. Conclusion: IEEVP is a rare cause of glaucoma which is diagnosed by the clinical criteria of dilated episcleral vessels without an identifiable cause. If glaucoma filtration surgery is required, there are generally good results. However, clinicians must be cautious of choroidal effusions occurring at non-hypotonous intraocular pressures.
Hopelessness and suicide

Recent research has established hopelessness as a key mediating variable between depression and suicide intent and behavior. The relative roles of hopelessness and other cognitive characteristics of suicidal individuals, such as cognitive rigidity and poor problem-solving skills, have been examined and models of suicidal behavior proposed. Cognitive therapy research developed scales for assessing suicidal ideation, suicide intent, and hopelessness and conducted prospective studies which demonstrate the predictive utility of hopelessness in eventual suicide. The cognitive characteristics of suicidal individuals, including hopelessness, are discussed as suicide risk factors. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Methodological Issues in Studying the Toy Play of Young Children with Mental Retardation.

The methods of 27 studies that focused on the toy play of young children with mental retardation were reviewed with respect to sample characteristics, contextual parameters, and type of measurement. Considerable variability was evident across and within studies with respect to these methodological considerations. It should be noted that researchers frequently neglect to include potentially valuable methodological information. Given the variability and lack of specificity in reporting important information, care therefore is needed in the interpretation and generalization of research outcomes. Differences across studies, combined with the small number of studies examined in this article, highlight the need for continued research into issues surrounding the play of young children with mental retardation. Suggestions for future research are described.
Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy measurements of elemental release from 2 high-palladium dental casting alloys into a corrosion testing medium.

Abstract Statement of Problem. The biocompatibility of high-palladium alloy restorations has been of some concern due to the release of palladium into the oral environment and sensitivity reactions in patients. Purpose. This study measured the in vitro elemental release from a Pd-Cu-Ga alloy and a Pd-Ga alloy into a corrosion testing medium. Material and Methods. Both alloys were cast into 12-mm-diameter × 1-mm-thick disks, subjected to heat treatment that simulated porcelain firing cycles, polished to a 0.05-mm surface finish, and ultrasonically cleaned in ethanol. Two specimens of each alloy were immersed 3 times (at 7, 70, and 700 hours) in an aqueous lactic acid/NaCl solution used for in vitro corrosion testing and maintained at 37°C. The specimens were removed after each immersion time, and the elemental compositions of the solutions were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Elemental concentrations for the 2 alloys at each immersion time were compared with Student t test (α=.05). Results. No significant differences in palladium release were found for the 7- and 70-hour solutions, but significant differences were found for the 700-hour solutions. Mean concentrations of palladium and gallium in the 700-hour solutions, expressed as mass per unit area of alloy surface, were 97 (Pd) and 46 (Ga) μg/cm 2 for the Pd-Cu-Ga alloy and 5 (Pd) and 18 (Ga) μg/cm 2 for the Pd-Ga alloy. Conclusion. Relative proportions of the elements in the solutions were consistent with the release of palladium and breakdown of microstructural phases found in the alloys. The results suggest that there may be a lower risk of adverse biological reactions with the Pd-Ga alloy than with the Pd-Cu-Ga alloy tested. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:80-5.)
Nonland factor markets in the Thünen model

The operation of several nonland factor markets is made explicit in the spatial context of the Thunen model. The primary results of the Thunen model emerge but are elaborated upon in details. Land pays the full transport bill on outputsand on transported inputs, but if workers require a smaller wage payment at greater distances from market, land receives the wage bill savings. Consumption of local farm output will always decrease wages and increase rents. If interest rates rise with distance from market, farms nearer the market will be operated with purchased equipment and farther farms with rented equipment.
A Program of indigent obstetric care and planned parenthood in a rural North Carolina county.

Abstract The results of a specifically planned maternal health program associated with a planned parenthood program in a rural North Carolina county have been reviewed. The numbers of patients attending postpartum clinics have increased since the introduction of specific methods of contraception, namely, the IUCD and the pill. The numbers of such indigent patients being cared for by the private practitioner in the rural community is phenomenal and poses a serious problem in health care as the new decade begins.
The Importance of Spatial Distribution of Stemness and Proliferation State in Determining Tumor Radioresponse

Tumor growth and progression is a complex phenomenon dependent on the interaction of multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Necessary for tumor development is a small subpop- ulation of potent cells, so-called cancer stem cells, that can undergo an unlimited number of cell divisions and which are proposed to divide symmetrically with a small probability to produce more cancer stem cells. We show that the majority of cells in a tumor must indeed be non-stem cancer cells with limited life span and limited replicative potential. Tumor development is dependent as well on the proliferative potential and death of these cells, and on the migratory ability of all cancer cells. With increasing number of cells in the tumor, competition for space limits tumor progres- sion, and in agreement with in vitro observation, the majority of cancer cells become quiescent, with proliferation primarily occurring on the outer rim where space is available. We present an agent-based model of early tumor development that captures the spatial heterogeneity of stemness and proliferation status. We apply the model to simulations of radiotherapy to predict treatment outcomes for tumors with different stem cell pool sizes and different quiescence radiosensitivities. We show by first presuming homogeneous radiosensitivity throughout the tumor, and then consid- ering the greater resistance of quiescent cells, that stem cell pool size and stem cell repopulation during treatment determine treatment success. The results for tumor cure probabilities comprise upper bounds, as there is evidence that cancer stem cells are also more radioresistant than other tu- mor cells. Beyond just demonstrating the influence of mass effects of stem to non-stem cell ratios and proliferating to quiescent cell ratios, we show that the spatiotemporal evolution of the devel- oping heterogeneous population plays a pivotal role in determining radioresponse and treatment optimization.
Is the Optimal Level of Protein Intake for Older Adults Greater Than the Recommended Dietary Allowance

Background. Protein is a macronutrient essential for growth, muscle function, immunity and overall tissue homeostasis. Suboptimal protein intake can significantly impact physical function and overall health in older adults.
SOFC cogeneration system for building applications, part 1: Development of SOFC system-level model and the parametric study

A thermal and electrochemical model is developed for the simulation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) cogeneration system in this study. The modeling algorithms of electrochemical and thermal models are described. Since the fuel cell stack itself is only a single component within the whole SOFC system, the modeling of the balance-of-plant (BOP) components is also performed to assess the system-level performance. Using the new model, a parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of fuel flow rate, extent of methane gas pre-reforming, fuel utilization factor, recycling rate of cathode gas and cell voltage on the overall system performance. As a result of the parametric study, fuel flow rate, cell voltage, fuel utilization and recycling rate of cathode gas turned out to improve system power output. In addition, the internal reforming turned out to have advantage over external reforming in terms of system power supply.
Predictors of Rehospitalization in a Male Alcoholic Population

The aim of this study was to determine demographic and psychological predictors of rehospitalization in a group of 238 alcoholic patients followed 6 months after hospital discharge. The relationship of the person's perception of the treatment environment and whether treatment was completed or not was also studied in regard to readmission. At the time of admission to an inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Unit, patients gave demographic and medical, social, and vocational histories. They also completed a battery of psychological tests which measured symptoms, mood, and motivation. One week after admission they rated their perception of the treatment unit in regards to 12 dimensions of ward atmosphere. Of the 200 patients available for follow-up, 125 completed the 30 to 50 d treatment and 75 did not. Thirty percent of the patients were readmitted within 6 months. Patients with more stable life histories in terms of employment and family back-groud were less often readmitted. Being depressed, angry, inert, a...
Crystallization and preliminary diffraction studies of a truncated form of a novel protease from spores of Bacillus megaterium.

During germination of spores of Bacillus species, a novel protease termed GPR initiates the degradation of a group of small acid-soluble spore proteins which protect the dormant spore's DNA from damage. Trypsin digestion of the zymogen of B. megaterium GPR removes ∼15 kDa from the C-terminal end of the 46 kDa zymogen subunit, leaving a 30 kDa subunit. Single crystals of this truncated form of GPR have been obtained by the vapor-diffusion method using PEG 4000 as a precipitating agent. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 67.99, b = 105.34, c = 108.63 A, β = 95.68°. The cryofrozen crystals diffract X-rays to about 3.3 A using synchrotron radiation.
Durkheim's Two Concepts of Anomie

(1965). Durkheim's Two Concepts of Anomie. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 37-44.
Uptake and utilization of 14C-glycine by embryos of Sebastes melanops

The ability of embryos of the viviparous scorpaenid Sebastes melanops to take up nutrients from an exogenous substrate was demonstrated by incubating embryos at various stages of development (18–30 days after fertilization) in 14C-labeled glycine for 24h. Uptake was highest for embryos at the latest stages (28–30 days) and increased at a linear rate during the incubation period. Nutrient uptake was not time dependent in embryos at the early stages (18–22 days). Nutrient utilization by S. melanops embryos was measured by the oxidation of 14C-labeled glycine to 14CO2. The amount of respired 14CO2 by the oldest embryos increased significantly at a linear rate over the 24 h incubation period. There was no evidence of nutrient utilization by the youngest embryos. The developmental changes we observed in the uptake and utilization of exogenous glycine are supported by our previous findings that the oldest embryos have fully developed mouths and guts, and require additional nutrition from intraovarian sources at this stage of development.