cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concerns aired over benefits, costs of reducing arsenic in drinking water

After years of trying to determine acceptable standards, followed by backpedaling, and further study and debate, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in November is planning to re-propose its rule for safe arsenic levels in drinking water, and issue a final rule by February 22, 2002. Before the agency can take those steps, however, it needs to determine levels for arsenic that are safe, technically achievable, and economically feasible. A widely-distributed, naturally-occurring element, arsenic can enter groundwater, largely as a result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. Arsenic also can enter water sources due to its use as a wood preservative, and through operations such as mining and semi-conductor manufacturing.
Passive transplacental immunization: influence on the detection of enteric antigen in the systemic circulation.

Summary: Female New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Litters which had never suckled, from immunized and nonimmunized rabbits, were tested at 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h after birth. After obtaining an initial blood sample, all infant rabbits were gavaged with 100 mg of BSA plus tracer amounts of [125I]-BSA. Infant rabbits born to immunized mothers had circulating antibody before feeding and pups from nonimmunized mothers had no detectable antibody to BSA. The fed animals were sacrificed at 3–4 h after gavage. Serum obtained from cardiac and portal blood was examined for protein bound radioactivity and for the presence of immunoreactive BSA (iBSA) by electroimmunodiffusion. All infant rabbits had radioactivity in their blood. Approximately 50% of the radioactivity in the serum of infant rabbits from nonimmunized does was protein bound and all of these animals had iBSA in portal or cardiac serum samples. Of the 33 infant rabbits from immunized does, only four had protein bound radioactivity in their serum. This radioactivity appeared to be associated with circulating immune complexes of [125I]-BSA-rabbit-anti-BSA antibodies. None of the 33 infant rabbits had iBSA detectable by electroimmunodiffusion.
Multiple objectivity: an anti‐relativist approach to situated knowledge

Purpose – The paper aims to describe the inadequate nature of both “mono‐objectivist” approaches, which deny any role of social influence in science, and relativist social constructions, which fail to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. It outlines an alternative conceptual framework that allows for the possibility of social construction of science, while preventing epistemological relativism.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes the cybernetic concept of recursion to show how science can bend back on itself, investigating its own foundations, without undermining its ability to improve our empirical understanding of the world. The paper makes use of several case studies to define specific mechanisms that show how the process of knowledge production in science can steer a course between reduction to a single “right answer,” and fragmentation into subjective interpretations.Findings – The paper concludes by showing how the cybernetic recursion of multiple objectivity can also be applie...
Imatinib mesylate induces apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells

: Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant, usually fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Receptor tyrosine kinases contribute to the development and progression of this cancer. The relatively selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (STI-571 or Gleevec®) has recently been licensed. However, the ability of this drug to inhibit signal transduction and induce apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells is incompletely studied. Thus, our goal was to examine the ability of STI-571 to induce apoptosis in KMCH-1 cells, a human cholangiocarcinoma cell line. Methods: Apoptosis was assessed morphologically and also biochemically by measuring caspase activity and the mitochondrial membrane potential. STI-571 induced apoptosis and inhibited growth of KMCH-1 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis was accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization followed by a 4.5-fold increase in caspase activation and was abrogated by the pancaspase inhibitor z-VAD(OMe)-fmk. Interestingly, cholangiocarcinoma cells do not express detectable PDGFR, c-Abl or c-Kit, which are protein kinases known to be directly inhibited by STI-571. However, a significant decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation was observed following treatment with STI-571. This decrease in EGFR and FAK phosphorylation was associated with a reduction in Akt activity resulting in loss of Mcl-1, a potent anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein. Conclusions: these results indicate that STI-571 induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in a human cholangiocarcinoma cell line and suggest that STI-571 might warrant further investigation as a possible agent for treatment of human cholangiocarcinoma.
An Improved Algorithm for Ordered Sequential Random Sampling

Vitter has given a fast algorithm for drawing and ordered sequential random sample of n records from a file with N records. This paper proposes a modification to that algorithm to make it faster. This is achieved by simple mathematical techniques
The dynamics of bone marrow stromal cells in the proliferation of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors by substance P: an understanding of the effects of a neurotransmitter on the differentiating hematopoietic stem cell.

Abstract Communication within the hematopoietic–neuroendocrine–immune axis is partly mediated by neurotransmitters (e.g. substance P, SP) and cytokines. SP mediates neuromodulation partly through the stimulation of bone marrow (BM) progenitors. This study shows that SP, through the neurokinin-1 receptor, stimulates the proliferation of primitive hematopoietic progenitors: cobblestone-forming cells (CAFC, CD34+). This effect is optimal when macrophage is included within the fibroblast support. Indirect induction of IL-1 could be important in the proliferation of CAFC colonies by SP. Phenotypic and functional studies suggest that SP might directly interact with the CD34+/CD45dim population. These studies indicate that SP can initiate a cascade of biological responses in the BM stroma and stem cells to stimulate hematopoiesis.
Naltrexone reduces ethanol- and/or water-reinforced responding in rhesus monkeys: effect depends upon ethanol concentration.

Background: The opioid antagonist naltrexone reduces responding for ethanol. If naltrexone produces this effect by blocking ethanol-induced opioid activity, then naltrexone should reduce responding for ethanol regardless of level of the ethanol responding relative to an alternatively available reinforcer. In addition, if naltrexone competitively blocks ethanol-induced opioid activity, then the naltrexone effect may be surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, thus, ethanol intake (dkg). This study was conducted to determine whether naltrexone will selectively reduce ethanol-reinforced responding when the ethanol concentration is varied such that ethanol fluid deliveries are less than, greater than, or equal to the fluid deliveries of concurrently available water. Methods: Four adult male rhesus monkeys were allowed to respond for ethanol or water concurrently for 2 hr per day. Ethanol concentration was either 2%, 8%, or 32%. On various days, either saline or naltrexone (0.1 mag) was given intramuscularly 30 min before the drinking session. Results: When ethanol fluid deliveries were greater than those of water (at 2% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for ethanol. When the ethanol and water fluid deliveries were approximately equal (at 8% ethanol), naltrexone reduced both ethanol and water fluid deliveries. When water fluid deliveries were greater than those of ethanol (at 32% ethanol), naltrexone reduced responding for water. Conclusions: Thus, naltrexone reduced responding for the preferred fluid, either ethanol or water, depending on ethanol concentration. The effect was not surmountable by increasing ethanol concentration and, therefore, ethanol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone may reduce ethanol-reinforced responding by a mechanism other than that of blocking ethanol-induced opioid activity. Naltrexone may be inducing an aversive interoceptive state.
Thorium and uranium diphosphonates: Syntheses, structures, and spectroscopic properties

Four new thorium and uranium diphosphonate compounds, [H{sub 3}O]{l_brace}Th{sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub 2}F{r_brace} (Thbbp-1), An{sub 2}{l_brace}(O{sub 3}PC{sub 6}H{sub 4}PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}]{r_brace} [An=Th(IV), U(IV)] (Thbbp-2)/(U4bbp), and [(C{sub 2}H{sub 5})(CH{sub 3}){sub 3}N][(UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(O{sub 3}PC{sub 6}H{sub 4}PO{sub 3}H){sub 2}F(H{sub 2}O)] (U6bbp) have been synthesized hydrothermally using 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid as ligand. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Thbbp-1 and Thbbp-2 contain seven-coordinate Th(IV) within ThO{sub 6}F and ThO{sub 7} units with capped trigonal prismatic and capped octahedral geometries, respectively. U4bbp is isotypic with Thbbp-2. The structure of U6bbp contains U(VI) is the common seven-coordinate pentagonal bipyramid. - Graphical abstract: Coordination polyhedra and luminescence properties in thorium and uranium compounds. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three-dimensional thorium and uranium complexes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Conversion of U(VI) to U(IV) under hydrothermal condition. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Unusual seven-coordinate thorium complexes exhibiting capped octahedral and capped trigonal prismatic geometries.
The Antiprogestins RU486 and ZK98299 Affect Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion Differentially on Estrus, but not on Proestrus

Previous in vivo studies from our laboratory indicated that administration of the antiprogestin RU486 on proestrus suppresses both the preovulatory gonadotropin surges and the secondary FSH surge, suggesting a role for the progesterone receptor (PR) in the generation of these surges. The present study was designed to test the effects of another antiprogestin, ZK98299, which has been reported to block the PR through a mechanism different from that of RU486, on gonadotropin secretion in vivo. RU486 and ZK98299 (2 and 6 mg/kg) were administered s.c. at 1230 h on proestrus; uterine intraluminal fluid content, serum gonadotropins, and gonadotropin subunit messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were determined at 1830 h on proestrus and at 0900 h on estrus. At 1830 h on proestrus, both RU486 and ZK98299 at both doses caused equal suppression of the preovulatory FSH surge and FSHbeta mRNA. Both antiprogestins also equally attenuated the preovulatory LH surge at this time, with the higher doses causing greater suppression. In contrast, at 0900 h on estrus, the antiprogestins affected serum FSH differentially; only RU486 suppressed the secondary FSH surge despite the fact that both drugs prevented the release of uterine intraluminal fluid, confirming blockade of progesterone action at the level of the uterus. Neither drug had a significant effect on FSHbeta mRNA at 0900 h on estrus. ZK98299 at the higher dose caused a small, but significant, increase in serum LH. In a subsequent experiment, we compared the effects of RU486 and ZK98299 (6 mg/kg, s.c.), administered at 1230 h on proestrus, on serum FSH raised above the natural secondary FSH surge on the morning of estrus by passive immunization with an antiserum to inhibin-alpha (anti-I) at 1700 h on proestrus. Consistent with the results of the first experiment, both antiprogestins blocked the release of uterine intraluminal fluid, but only RU486 lowered serum FSH in both the normal sheep serum-treated controls and anti-I-treated rats; in contrast, ZK98299 actually increased serum FSH in the normal sheep serum-treated control animals. ZK98299 also increased FSHbeta mRNA in the control group; RU486, on the other hand, reduced FSHbeta mRNA only in the anti-I group. The results demonstrate unequivocally that whereas the effects of the two antiprogestins on serum FSH and FSHbeta mRNA are similar on proestrus, they are divergent on estrus. The data suggest that the functional state of the PR/transcriptional activation complex in the gonadotrope on the morning of estrus is different from that on the evening of proestrus.
Dynamics Of Pattern Vision

Normal vision is a dynamic process, which depends on the constant motion of the retinal image that is produced by eye movements. Studies in which these natural motions have been eliminated, and in some cases replaced by artificial ones (under the control of the investigator), reveal important properties of the visual process. In this paper, we describe the effects of image stabilization on luminous and chromatic contrast sensitivity, explore the ways in which sensitivity varies with velocity, compare the effects of artificial image motion with those of natural eye movements, and report some surprising properties of the mechanism responsible for the residual detection of stabilized images.
Developing Entrepreneurial Skills in IT Courses: The Role of Agile Software Development Practices in Producing Successful Student Initiated Products

Universities are under increasing pressure to provide real world experience to students. Entrepreneurial courses are prevalent in business schools and have been shown to develop entrepreneurial skills. Entrepreneurial skills are equally important in the development of IT innovations. The research in this area of education is not as prevalent. We argue that Agile Software development methods, along with other key course characteristics enable students to learn entrepreneurial skills related to IT product development and do so in an environment where innovation can flourish. We present some preliminary data, which demonstrates some success in the course in developing entrepreneurial skills, with a particular focus on the use of Agile Development and mentoring methods in developing those skills.
Note: Dissolution of aerosol particles of budesonide in Survanta™, a model lung surfactant

Abstract The effect of a pulmonary surfactant extract from bovine lung, Survanta™, on the dissolution rate of aerosol particles of budesonide was determined. Aerosol particles of budesonide were generated from an ethanol solution, dried, and collected by a cascade impactor for characterization or by a liquid impinger for dissolution experiments. Powder x‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the aerosol particles and starting material. No change in phase was detected, although the aerosol particles appeared to contain residual solvent. The dissolution rate of the aerosol particles in saline was low and variable. Survanta™ increased the extent of dissolution of budesonide in proportion to the added concentration, which was also verified by equilibrium solubilization studies. Survanta™ also increased rate of dissolution, in a manner similar to sodium dodecyl sulfate. Analysis of the concentration of budesonide following ultracentrifugation indicated that there is rapid equilibration of budesonide between the Survanta™ and aqueous phase. These results show that lung surfactant has the potential of enhancing the rate and extent of dissolution of drugs administered to the lung. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90: 98–104, 2001
Impulsivity, aggression, and neuroendocrine responses to serotonergic stimulation in substance abusers

Alterations in the activity of central serotonergic systems have been implicated in impulsive and aggressive behavior. We examined the neuroendocrine and psychological responses of 24 substance users with differing levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity to the oral administration of an indirect serotonin agonist fenfluramine (60 mg) or placebo given in a double-blind crossover design. All subjects were volunteers on a closed research ward and were abstinent from drugs for a minimum of 5 days. Baseline plasma prolactin (PRL) levels were greater in the groups with higher levels of self-reported aggressiveness and impulsivity. When adjusted for the baseline, PRL and cortisol responses 180 min after fenfluramine administration were significantly elevated in subjects with higher levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity. Peak cortisol levels were correlated with impulsivity. PRL and cortisol responses to fenfluramine were more strongly correlated with impulsivity than aggressiveness. Also, the more impulsive subjects reported a decrease in subjective states of depression, hostility and anxiety after drug treatment. These data further support the hypothesis of altered serotonergic activity in aggressive and impulsive behaviors.
Ground State of F.C.C. Alloys with Multiatom Interactions

Abstract The ground state of a binary f.c.c. alloy with nearest neighbor interactions and tetrahedral multiatom interactions (characterized by two parameters α and β) is derived and presented in a chart which shows classification of phases in the space of α and β. Where non-stoichiomctric phases can occur, the phase boundaries at T = 0 are computed using the tetrahedron approximation of the cluster variation method. Duality of the composition and the chemical potential is emphasized and results are presented and/or interpreted in the dual approaches.
Race and the representation of discourse: Fictitious scenarios and the O.J. Simpson case

This research was concerned with how race of actors in a text, race of participant, and race of experimenter are related to discourse processing. In Phase 1, participants read two texts and were asked inferential questions about the text contents. In Phase 2, extended discourse was studied, with participants indicating and defending judgments of O.J. Simpson's guilt or innocence, and rating the significance of Simpson case‐related statements. In Phase 1, Blacks demonstrated a same‐race bias favoring a Black suspect, as opposed to a White suspect, whereas Whites showed an other‐race bias, also favoring a Black suspect. However, in Phase 2, both Black and White participants demonstrated a same‐race bias regarding O.J. Simpson. The results demonstrated the fruitful use of extended discourse and how belief‐based dispositions contribute to a rich mental representation of and inferential use of discourse. In addition, the findings demonstrated that White responding was consistent with a model of “aversive” raci...
The relevance of Clostridium botulinum type C in public health and food processing

Summary A survey of published information suggests that measures taken in the food industry to control Clostridium botulinum types A and B would also control type C should its numbers have increased locally as a consequence of outbreaks of botulism in wildfowl or broiler chickens.
Current pharmacotherapy for obesity: extrapolation of clinical trials data to practice

Introduction: When used prudently and in combination with lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy has an important role in the management of obesity. Areas covered: This review covers targets for antiobesity drugs, challenges and limitations, failed translation of basic science to clinical practice, methodological and regulatory issues in clinical trials of pharmacotherapy, efficacy and risks of drugs currently approved for obesity, and clinical practice issues when using antiobesity drugs with emphasis on recently approved drugs. Expert opinion: Drugs currently approved for long-term therapy of obesity offer modest benefits for most patients, substantial benefits for some and no benefits for others. Numerous methodological problems including exclusion of the type of patients who are most often seen in clinical practices, inadequate enrollment of men and minorities, exclusion of patients taking antidepressants, high dropout rates, lack of follow-up after treatment discontinuation, and less than ideal impu...
Some classification theorems for submanifolds in Minkowski space-time

if its mean curvature vector H is an eigenvector of A with eigenvalue 0. The study of submanifolds whose mean curvature vector is an eigenvector of A was initiated in [3] in which the author proved that a submanifold M of a Euclidean space satisfies the condi- tion AH = 2H for some constant 2 if and only if either M is biharmonic (2 = 0), or M is of l-type or of null 2-type. The complete classification of surfaces in E 3 satisfy the condition AH = 2H was done in t988 by the author. In this paper we investigate submanifolds of hyperbolic spaces satisfying the condition AH = 2H. More precisely, we obtain the following results. Theorem 1. Let M be an n-dimensional submanifoM of the hyperbolic space H "~ -t (_ 1), imbedded standardly in the Minkowski space-time E"~. Then the mean curvature vector H of M in E'~ is an eigenvector of A if and only if either M is a minimal submanifold of Hm-1 (_ 1) or M is contained in a totally umbilical hypersurface of t-1 ~- I (_ 1) as a minimal submanifold. Theorem 2. Let M be an n-dimensional, non-minimal submanifoM of the hyperbolic' space H m- 1 (_ 1), imbedded standardly in the Minkowski space-time E'~. Then the Jbllowing statements are equivalent: (a) M is a biharmonic submanifold of E";; (b) the mean curvature vector of M in E'; is a light-like constant vector; (c) M is a pseudo-umbilical submanifold with unit parallel mean curvature vector in
The Medicare data release conundrum.

In April 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published detailed information on the $77 billion that 880 000 health care practitioners billed for some 6000 Medicare Part B servi...
Planning for success: The interdisciplinary approach to building Bayesian models

This paper describes a process by which anthropologists, computer scientists, and social welfare case managers collaborated to build a stochastic model of welfare advising in Kentucky. In the process of collaboration, the research team rethought the Bayesian network model of Markov decision processes and designed a new knowledge elicitation format. We expect that this model will have wide applicability in other domains.
A Virtual Careers Fair.

In Australia, careers fairs have traditionally been one of the avenues used by major companies to recruit their graduate staff. Most Australian universities have a one- or two-day event of this type to promote their graduates to employers and to expose their students to employment opportunities. Attendance at careers fairs is expensive for employers, and problematic for students who may be studying externally or working part-time. The concept of a Virtual Careers Fair was initially a response to the difficulties of providing a careers event that would be accessible to employers and the full range of students at a regional university. This case study examines the effectiveness of the Virtual Careers Fair in providing graduate employment information to students in Australia and New Zealand.
Lipoprotein Effects on the Vessel Wall

Accumulation of lipids within the arterial wall is a distinguishing characteristic of the atherosclerotic lesion and is seen in virtually all stages of plaque development. This process is directly correlated with the serum level of some lipids, especially cholesterol, LDL, and other lipoprotein particles. In contrast, an increased serum level of HDL is protective against plaque formation. Evidence has steadily accumulated showing that HDL acts as a “sink” for cholesterol, presumably removing it from tissue. In any discussion of trafficking of materials between blood and the arterial wall, the endothelium must be considered pivotal because of its critical location at the junction between blood and blood vessel. Penetration of lipoproteins into the arterial wall has been shown both quantitatively and qualitatively in experimental animal models. Areas of lipid accumulation appear at localized sites along the arterial lumen in these animal models, consistent with the focal nature of plaque development in humans. The mechanism for the predilection of some localized areas to accumulate plaque has been under debate for a considerable time and is likely multifactorial. In some instances, this process seems related to a focal transient loosing of the tight association between adjoining endothelial cells (ECs). In these areas, there may be easy access to underlying vascular tissue. However, because such gaps appear only occasionally, it is likely that some ECs are actively involved in the accumulation of lipids.1 These topics are at the center of the study by Rutledge et al2 described in this issue of Circulation Research . In the present study, VLDL was fluorescently labeled and perfused into rat arteries. Attachment of VLDL at the arterial surface was modest, but with …
Estrogen receptor positive tumors: Do reproductive factors explain differences in incidence between black and white women?

Purpose The incidence of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer is higher among white women relative to black women. In two large prospective cohorts, the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS) and the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII), we investigated whether reproductive factors explain the difference.
MI-Winnow: A New Multiple-Instance Learning Algorithm

We present Mi-Winnow, a new multiple-instance learning (MIL) algorithm that provides a new technique to convert MIL data into standard supervised data. In MIL each example is a collection (or bag) of d-dimensional points where each dimension corresponds to a feature. A label is provided for the bag, but not for the individual points within the bag. Mi-Winnow is different from existing multiple-instance learning algorithms in several key ways. First, Mi-Winnow allows each image to be converted into a bag in multiple ways to create training (and test) data that varies in both the number of dimensions per point, and in the kind of features used. Second, instead of learning a concept defined by a single point-and-scaling hypothesis, Mi-Winnow allows the underlying concept to be described by combining a set of separators learned by Winnow. For content-based image retrieval applications, such a generalized hypothesis is important since there may be different ways to recognize which images are of interest
Is transobturator tape as effective as tension-free vaginal tape in patients with borderline maximum urethral closure pressure?

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare transobturator tape (MONARC) with tension-free vaginal tape in patients with borderline low maximum urethral closure pressure. Study design Historical cohort analysis of 3-month outcomes in 145 subjects (MONARC = 85; tension-free vaginal tape=60). A cut-off point of 42 cm H 2 O for preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure was identified as predictor of success in the entire cohort. The cohort was stratified by sling type and analyzed. Outcome variables included urodynamic stress incontinence, urethral pressure profiles, subjective stress incontinence symptoms, and complications. Results The relative risk of postoperative urodynamic stress incontinence 3 months after surgery in patients with a preoperative maximum urethral closure pressure of 42 cm or less H 2 O was 5.89 (1.02 to 33.90, 95% confidence interval) when we compared MONARC with tension-free vaginal tape. Subjects in the MONARC and tension-free vaginal tape groups did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics. We defined subjects as failures if they demonstrated postoperative objective stress incontinence on multichannel urodynamic testing. Conclusion In subjects with maximum urethral closure pressure of 42 cm or less H 2 O, the MONARC was nearly 6 times more likely to fail than tension-free vaginal tape at 3 months after surgery. Long-term follow-up and randomized controlled trials are needed.
Parallel algorithms for the analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis gels

This paper describes some parallel processing algorithms for the analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis images. The machine used for the processing was the CLIP4 Cellular Array Computer at University College, London, one of the largest processor arrays in the world. Included in this paper are an algorithm for centroid detection, Gaussian fitting algorithms, and an algorithm for the extraction of data out of the cellular array machine. It is shown that these parallel algorithms can run at a speed almost completely independent of the number of spots in the gel images.
Altered ligand specificity by protonation in the ligand binding domain of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels are the critical mediators between the second messengers of sensory transduction and the cell's membrane potential. The photoreceptor CNG channels are act...
Studies on 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase. I. In vitro inhibition and substrate interaction☆

Abstract 1. 1. An enzyme preparation obtained from quickly frozen hog kidney by the method of Clark et al. (10) was found to decarboxylate l -5-hydroxytryptophan, l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, l - erythro -3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, and l - threo -3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine. 2. 2. The enzymic activity toward l -5-hydroxytryptophan or l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine was not affected by the addition of 5-hydroxytryptamine, α-methyltryptamine methane sulfonate, 5-(3-indol-acrylolyl)salicylic acid, 1-benzyl-2,5-dimethylserotonin, or (5-oxyindolyl-3) butenone-3 but was inhibited by 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamine, m -hydroxypropadrine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, thiosemicarbazide, β-(3-indolyl)acrylic acid, 3,4′-dihydroxy-3′-carboxychalcone and 3,4,4′-trihydroxy-3′-carboxychalcone, and 1-(5-hydroxyindolyl-3)-2-(3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)ethylene. The inhibition by 2-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)ethylamine could be reversed by addition of pyridoxal phosphate. 3. 3. Mixtures of l -5-hydroxytryptophan and l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine were found to be decarboxylated at a rate intermediate between the decarboxylation rates of the separate substrates. 4. 4. The depression in the decarboxylation rate of the mixture was roughly proportional to the molar ratio of l -5-hydroxytryptophan and l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. 5. 5. The intermediate relationship between the decarboxylation rate of the mixture and the individual substrates was approximately the same whether 0 μg., 25 μg., or 20 μmoles of pyridoxal phosphate was included in the system. 6. 6. Additive stoichiometry could be obtained with substrate mixtures in the presence of excess enzyme or after relatively long periods of incubation. 7. 7. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to the discrete nature of l -5-hydroxytryptophan and l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylases and the possible physiological significance of their interactions.
Part VI—Addressing Professional Preparation for Serving Students with Disabilities in Extracurricular Athletic Programs

The feature concludes with Part VI, a brief overview of how professional preparation should train students to fulfill the roles needed to help implement these extracurricular programs in a direct or consultative manner.
3-Cyclohexene-1-dl-alanine, an analog of leucine

Abstract 3-Cyclohexene-1- dl -alanine was prepared by condensing 4-bromomethylcyclohexene and ethyl acetamidocyanoacetate, followed by hydrolysis of the resulting intermediate. The amino acid analog inhibited the growth of Leuconostoc dextranicum 8086, and its toxicity was competitively reversed by leucine (inhibition index = 100). Its inhibitory properties were correlated with the structure of the cyclohexene ring. The active form probably possesses the configuration in which carbons 1 and 6 are on opposite sides of the plane of carbons 2, 3, 4, and 5.
cDNA cloning of a snake venom metalloproteinase from the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), and the expression of its disintegrin domain with anti-platelet effects

Abstract A 5′ truncated snake venom metalloproteinase was identified from a cDNA library constructed from venom glands of an eastern diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus adamanteus ). The 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to obtain the 1865 bp full-length cDNA sequence of a snake venom metalloproteinase (CamVMPII). CamVMPII encodes an open reading frame of 488 amino acids, which includes a signal peptide, a pro-domain, a metalloproteinase domain, a spacer, and an RGD-disintegrin domain. The predicted amino acid sequence of CamVMPII showed a 91%, 90%, 83%, and 82% sequence homology to the P-II class enzymes of C. adamanteus metalloproteinase 2, Crotalus atrox CaVMP-II, Gloydius halys agkistin, and Protobothrops jerdonii jerdonitin, respectively. Disintegrins are potent inhibitors of both platelet aggregation and integrin-dependent cell adhesion. Therefore, the disintegrin domain (Cam-dis) of CamVMPII was amplified by PCR, cloned into a pET-43.1a vector, and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Affinity purified recombinantly modified Cam-dis (r-Cam-dis) with a yield of 8.5 mg/L culture medium was cleaved from the fusion tags by enterokinase cleavage. r-Cam-dis was further purified by two-step chromatography consisting of HiTrap™ Benzamidine FF column, followed by Talon Metal affinity column with a final yield of 1 mg/L culture. r-Cam-dis was able to inhibit all three processes of platelet thrombus formation including platelet adhesion with an estimated IC 50 of 1 nM, collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation with the estimated IC 50 s of 18 and 6 nM, respectively, and platelet function on clot retraction. It is a potent anti-platelet inhibitor, which should be further investigated for drug discovery to treat stroke patients or patients with thrombotic disorders.
Activity of a human oculorotary muscle unit

Abstract Single unit responses were recorded, even during strong contraction, by means of a concentric electrode with a 10–25 μ diameter core. During progressively increasing contraction which lasted 8 sec, a single unit was followed and its amplitude and frequency (or period) plotted. Two patterns of activity are distinguished. A tonic activity is seen, starting at fewer than 10/sec, increasing in frequency as the muscle contracts to more than 100/sec. Superimposed on this tonic response the same unit exhibits brief bursts of one to four spikes, as high as 270/sec, which may occur as often as at half second intervals. In another subject, a unit reached the frequency of 350/sec. These bursts of activity can be interpreted as either a response to irritation by the electrode or as genuine phasic activity. The theoretical significance of the pattern interpretation is discussed.
An overview and analysis of PDA forensic tools

Mobile handheld devices are becoming evermore affordable and commonplace in society. When they are involved in a security incident or crime, forensic specialists require tools that allow proper extraction and speedy examination of any digital evidence present. This paper gives an overview of forensic software tools for Personal Digital Assistants (PDA). A set of generic scenarios was devised to simulate evidentiary situations and applied to a set of target devices to gauge how selected tools react under various situations. The paper summarizes those results, giving a snapshot of the capabilities and limitations of present day tools, and also provides background information on PDA hardware and software.
Thermodynamics of peptide inhibitor binding to HIV-1 gp41.

The gp41 subunit of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein mediates fusion of the cellular and viral membranes. The gp41 ectodomain is a trimer of α-helical hairpins, where N-terminal helices form a parallel three-stranded coiled-coil core and C-terminal helices pack around the core. A deep hydrophobic pocket on the N-terminal core represents an attractive target for antiviral therapeutics. We have employed a soluble derivative of the gp41 core ectodomain and small cyclic disulfide D-peptide inhibitors to define the stoichiometry, affinity, and thermodynamics of ligand binding to this pocket using isothermal titration calorimetry. These inhibitors bind with micromolar affinity to the pocket with the expected stoichiometry of three peptides per gp41 core trimer. There are no cooperative interactions among the three binding sites. Linear eight- or nine-residue D-peptides derived from the pocket-binding domain of the cyclic molecules also bind specifically. A negative heat capacity cha...
Minimax multiple t-tests for comparing k normal populations with a control

Abstract Let π 1 ,·, π k be k normal populations with unknown means θ 1 ,·, θ k , and a common unknown variance σ 2 > 0. Based on independent samples of sizes n 1 ,·, n k , the populations are to be partitioned into two sets, where the first one contains all π i with θ i ≥ θ 0 , and where the other one contains the rest. At first it is assumed that θ 0 is known. Under an additive ‘ a i − b i ’ loss function a minimax procedure is derived which is of a simple natural form. The proof of minimaxity makes use of the Bayes approach and involves a sequence of nonsymmetric priors, which play a similar role as a least favorable prior in simpler problems. Analogous results are presented for the case that θ 0 is not known. In this case, a control normal population is assumed to exist from which an additional sample of size n 0 can be drawn.
Electrocardiographic indications of significant mitral insufficiency in patients with mitral valve disease

Abstract Surgical correction of mitral stenosis has become an accepted procedure in selected cases. This has made it important to diagnose preoperatively in such cases the degree of competence of the mitral valve as well as the degree of stenosis. At present our tools for diagnosing significant mitral insufficiency in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease are imperfect. Thus, many series of mitral commissurotomies report cases in which cardiotomy revealed unexpected predominant mitral insufficiency. 1–9 The present paper reports some electrocardiographic features of significant mitral insufficiency which came to our attention during the first 126 operations for mitral valvulotomy at The New York Hospital.
The S95 standard: Bridging the gap between business and automation is the time to invest in manufacturing execution systems?

The article consists of a Powerpoint presentation on bridging the gap between business and automation and invests in manufacturing execution systems. The areas discussed include: manufacturing systems; business performance; ERP vendors; supply chain; Deloitte value map structure; etc.
Fetal spectrum disorders: an overview of ethical and legal issues for healthcare providers.

’thics are “the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” 1 Ethical principles are involved when people attempt to explore and search for solutions regarding what is acceptable or unacceptable based on the norms of society. The study of ethics is integral for virtually every aspect of healthcare and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are no exception. FASDs result from maternal alcohol use and are characterized by facial, growth, and central nervous system abnormalities. Discussions regarding the ethics of FASD include discussion of the four basic ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, 2 as well as the issue of confidentiality. For this particular paper, the focus will be on the ethics surrounding prenatal alcohol use that could result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Since the four basic ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice) may conflict with one another in different situations that require healthcare decisions, clinicians must weigh each principle against the other three in each case. The principle of “autonomy” involves self-determination when making healthcare decisions. Adults are generally considered as being capable of such decisions, but persons with alcohol addiction or dependence (certainly minor children) may be considered to have limited capabilities in this regard. 3 For example, pregnant women are
Polyaromatic ether‐ketones containing various biphenylene units as crosslinking sites

Polyaromatic ether-ketones were prepared from diphenyl ether, isophthaloyl dichloride, and small amounts of 2,6-, 2,7-, 1,5-, and 1,8-dicarboxylic acid chloride of biphenylene, respectively, by Friedel–Crafts reaction. Biphenylene units were incorporated as crosslinking sites. Crosslinking is achieved by curing the polymers at 310–350°C for several hours. While the uncured resins are soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid, the fully crosslinked polymers are completely insoluble.
New role for spinal Stargazin in α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor-mediated pain sensitization after inflammation

Considerable evidence has demonstrated that alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor blockade has an antinociceptive effect on inflammatory pain. Stargazin (STG) is the first transmembrane protein known to associate with AMPA receptors and regulate their synaptic targeting. However, it is not known whether STG is involved in inflammatory pain processing by regulating AMPA receptor function. In the present study, we investigated the effect of knockdown of spinal STG on AMPA receptor-mediated pain sensitization after inflammation. Antisense technology was employed to knock down STG expression in the spinal cord. We show that STG was expressed and interacted with AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 in the spinal cord. Intrathecally injected STG antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) specifically decreased STG expression in the lumbar spinal cord and dose dependently inhibited formalin-induced inflammatory pain in the second phase. More important was our finding for the first time that this specific STG antisense ODN diminished AMPA (0.1 mug)-enhanced formalin pain and lost its effect if pretreated with AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX. Our results demonstrate a new role for STG in central sensitization of inflammatory pain by interacting with AMPA receptors in the spinal cord.
Study on Microstructures of Al-4 wt pct V Master Alloys

Aluminum (Al)-V master alloys have attracted attention, because they can potentially be efficient grain refiners for wrought aluminum alloys. In this paper, the microstructure and factors affecting the microstructure of Al-4 wt pct V master alloys were investigated by means of controlled melting and casting processes followed by structure examination. The results showed that the type and morphology of the V-containing phases in Al-V master alloys were strongly affected by the temperature of the melt, concentration of vanadium in solution in the melt and the cooling conditions. Two main V-containing phases, Al3V and Al10V, which have different shapes, were found in the alloys prepared by rapid solidification. The Al3V phase formed when there were both a high temperature (1273 K to 1673 K (1000 °C to 1400 °C)) and a relatively high vanadium content of 3 to 4 wt pct, while the Al10V phase formed at a low temperature (<1373 K (1100 °C)) or a low vanadium content in the range of 1 to 3 wt pct. The results also showed that the type of V-containing phase that formed in the Al-4 wt pct V master alloy was determined by the instantaneous vanadium content.
Genetics as a tool for the dissociation of mental operations over the course of development

In recent years it has become possible to differentiate separable aspects of attention and to characterize the anatomical structure and dynamic states of their underlying networks. When individual differences in the structure and dynamics of these networks are used as dependent measures in associations with individual genetic variation, it becomes possible to assign cellular and molecular changes that occur over the course of normal development to specific aspects of network structure and function. In this way, a more granular understanding of the physiology of neural networks can be obtained. Here we review a translational research strategy focused on how genetic variation contributes to the normal development of attentional function. We seek to use genetic information to help construct a multinode, multinetwork model that can explain, in part, individual differences in the development of attention over the course of development.
Studying Ground Water Under Delmarva Coastal Bays Using Electrical Resistivity

Fresh ground water is widely distributed in subsurface sediments below the coastal bays of the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). These conditions were revealed by nearly 300 km of streamer resistivity surveys, utilizing a towed multichannel cable system. Zones of high resistivity displayed by inversion modeling were confirmed by vibradrilling investigations to correspond to fresh ground water occurrences. Fresh water lenses extended from a few hundred meters up to 2 km from shore. Along the western margins of coastal bays in areas associated with fine-grained surficial sediments, high-resistivity layers were widespread and were especially pronounced near tidal creeks. Fresh ground water layers were less common along the eastern barrier-bar margins of the bays, where sediments were typically sandy. Mid-bay areas in Chincoteague Bay, Maryland, did not show evidence of fresh water. Indian River Bay, Delaware, showed complex subsurface salinity relationships, including an area with possible hypersaline brines. The new streamer resistivity system paired with vibradrilling in these investigations provides a powerful approach to recovering information required for extension of hydrologic modeling of shallow coastal aquifer systems into offshore areas.
Comparison of Mercury and Aneroid Blood Pressure Measurements in Youth

OBJECTIVE: Because of concerns about the safety and environmental impact of mercury, aneroid sphygmomanometers have replaced mercury-filled devices for blood pressure (BP) measurements. Despite this change, few studies have compared BP measurements between the 2 devices. METHODS: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study conducted a comparison of aneroid and mercury devices among 193 youth with diabetes (48% boys, aged 12.9 ± 3.7 years; 89% type 1). Statistical analyses included estimating Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, paired t tests, and fitting regression models, both overall and stratified by age (<10 vs ≥10–18 years). RESULTS: Mean mercury and aneroid systolic and diastolic BPs were highly correlated. For the entire group, there was no significant difference in mean systolic BP using the aneroid device, but there was a −1.53 ± 5.06 mm Hg difference in mean diastolic BP. When stratified by age, a lower diastolic BP (−1.78 ± 5.2 mm Hg) was seen in those ≥10 to 18 years using the aneroid device. No differences in systolic BP were observed, and there were no differences in BP by device in individuals <10 years. Regression analyses did not identify any explanatory variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although a small discrepancy between diastolic BP measurements from aneroid versus mercury devices exists, this variation is unlikely to be clinically significant, suggesting that either device could be used in research or clinical settings. * Abbreviations: BP — : blood pressure DPPOS — : Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study SEARCH — : SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Oculomotor adaptation with virtual reality scotomas

A simulation of central blindness in normal human subjects was produced by linking a high- accuracy eye position sensor with a computer visual display. This eye controlled system may be classified ...