cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purines and the nucleus tractus solitarius: effects on cardiovascular and respiratory function.

SUMMARY 1. The roles of adenosine and adenosine 5′-triphosphate in cardiorespiratory regulation by the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) have been evaluated in a range of experiments, using microinjections of selective agonists and antagonists of purinoceptors. 2. Adenosine injected into the caudal NTS decreases heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (BP) and respiratory frequency by an action at A2a receptors on glutamatergic nerve terminals. Microinjections of the A2a agonist CGS 21680 caused falls in arterial BPand HR which were selectively antagonized by the A2a antagonist CGS 15943. Injection of the Ai agonist CPA in the caudal NTS elevated BP and HR and its actions were selectively antagonized by the Ai antagonist l,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxan-thine. Adenosine enhanced glutamate release in the NTS. 3. In the rostral NTS, adenosine administration resulted in an elevation of BP. 4. ATP microinjection into the subpostremal NTS depressed HR and BP by an action on P2x purinoceptors, which are blocked by suramin. ATP microinjections differentially affected vascular conductance in regional peripheral vascular beds, with the most marked increases in conductance in the iliac bed and lesser effects in the superior mesenteric and renal vascular beds. 5. Recordings from renal and lumbar sympathetic nerves have demonstrated marked dose-dependent decreases in efferent activity following α, β-methylene ATP injections into the NTS; however, only renal but not lumbar sympathetic nerve activity was inhibited following CGS 21680 injections into the same site of the NTS. 6. ATP may function as a fast-acting neurotransmitter in the baroreceptor afferent pathway or in interneurons in the NTS. Adenosine is likely to play a role as a modulator of activity in baroreceptor and chemoreceptor pathways, fine tuning the functional output of both systems.
A Phosphosignaling Adaptor Primes the AAA+ Protease ClpXP to Drive Cell Cycle-Regulated Proteolysis

The response regulator CpdR couples phosphorylation events in Caulobacter crescentus with the AAA+ protease ClpXP to provide punctuated degradation of crucial substrates involved in cell cycle regulation. CpdR functions like an adaptor to alter substrate choice by ClpXP; however, it remains unclear how CpdR influences its multiple targets. Here we show that, unlike canonical ClpXP adaptors, CpdR alone does not strongly bind its substrate. Instead, CpdR binds the N-terminal domain of ClpX and prepares (primes) the unfoldase for substrate engagement. This priming creates a recruitment interface that docks multiple substrates and additional adaptor components. We show that adaptor-dependent priming of ClpX avoids concentration-dependent inhibition that limits traditional scaffolding adaptors. Phosphosignaling disrupts the adaptor-protease interaction, and mutations in CpdR that impact ClpX binding tune adaptor activity and biological function. Together, these results reveal how a single adaptor can command global changes in proteome composition through priming of a protease.
A semi-empirical equation for the response time of in-plane switching liquid crystal display and measurement of twist elastic constant

A semi-empirical equation is developed to characterize the optical decay time of in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe field switching (FFS) liquid crystal displays. This equation takes the effects of elastic constants, cell gap, liquid crystal material, rubbing angle, and anchoring strength into account simultaneously. Good agreement between simulation and experiment is obtained. Moreover, this equation can be used to measure the twist elastic constant K22 of liquid crystals. The measured temperature-dependent K22 values of 5CB agree well with previously published results. Hence, our equation not only describes the response time of IPS and FFS cells but also provides a simple yet accurate method to determine the twist elastic constant of liquid crystal materials.
Disruption analysis for neural network topology evolution systems

This paper presents a method for analyzing GA effectiveness for the evolution of neural networks. The analysis is based on the schemata of the (phenotype) neural network being evolved, as opposed to the traditional method of analyzing schemata disruptions at the genotype level. Comparisons between the two types of analysis are made. Empirical data is presented that indicates the greater validity of the analysis at the phenotype level.
Search for reversible light‐induced changes in the Si‐H absorption bands of a‐Si:H

We tried to verify the reversible light‐induced changes in the strengths of the Si‐H vibrational absorption bands in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) that were reported by Zhang et al. and by Carlson et al. We did not find any such changes in a‐Si:H samples prepared under several different conditions. Our detection sensitivity was more than an order of magnitude higher than that of the previous authors.
Watershed modelling of hydrology and water quality in the Sacramento River watershed, California

Agricultural pollutant runoff is a major source of water contamination in California's Sacramento River watershed where 8500 km2 of agricultural land influences water quality. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrology, sediment, nitrate and pesticide transport components were assessed for the Sacramento River watershed. To represent flood conveyance in the area, the model was improved by implementing a flood routing algorithm. Sensitivity/uncertainty analyses and multi-objective calibration were incorporated into the model application for predicting streamflow, sediment, nitrate and pesticides (chlorpyrifos and diazinon) at multiple watershed sites from 1992 to 2008. Most of the observed data were within the 95% uncertainty interval, indicating that the SWAT simulations were capturing the uncertainties that existed, such as model simplification, observed data errors and lack of agricultural management data. The monthly Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients at the watershed outlet ranged from 0.48 to 0.82, indicating that the model was able to successfully predict streamflow and agricultural pollutant transport after calibration. Predicted sediment loads were highly correlated to streamflow, whereas nitrate, chlorpyrifos and diazinon were moderately correlated to streamflow. This indicates that timing of agricultural management operations plays a role in agricultural pollutant runoff. Best management practices, such as pesticide use limits during wet seasons, could improve water quality in the Sacramento River watershed. The calibrated model establishes a modelling framework for further studies of hydrology, water quality and ecosystem protection in the study area. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurotoxicity of free-radical-mediated serotonin neurotoxin in cultured embryonic chick brain neurons.

Abstract Exposure of serotonin (5-HT) to oxygen-derived free-radical-generating system, xanthine oxidase-hypoxanthine or to a Fenton reaction results in the formation of the neurotoxin, tryptamine-4,5-dione. In cultured embryonic chick brain neurons, incubation of tryptamine-4,5-dione or its ethyl carbonate derivative resulted in a dose-dependent neurotoxicity (1–100 μM). The addition of sulfhydryl compound, glutathione at 2 or 10 μM significantly enhanced the toxicity induced by 10 μM tryptamine-4,5-dione. On the contrary, glutathione at 10 μM decreased the neurotoxic effect caused by 10 μM 5,6- and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine in the cultured neurons. The toxicity resulted from 5,6- and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine could be fully prevented by a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. However, the toxicity caused by tryptamine-4,5-dione and glutathione conjugate could not be blocked by fluoxetine (10 or 100 μM) or by a glutathione transferase inhibitor, boric acid/serine. The results indicate a different molecular mechanism among 5-HT derived neurotoxins and suggest that tryptamine-4,5-dione and/or its glutathione conjugate would cause neuronal damage, if they are formed in vivo.
Multi-terawatt femtosecond Cr:LiSAF laser

We discuss the design of a Cr:LiSAF laser system capable of generating ultrashort, 90-fs Fourier-transform limited pulses with a peak power of 8 TW. Using chirped pulse amplification and flashlamp-pumped Cr:LiSAF amplifiers this system incorporates a regenerative amplifier and three additional double-pass amplifiers with increasing aperture up to 25 mm. The temporal performance as well as the spatial beam quality are discussed in detail. We discuss extension of this system to the Petawatt power level. >
Optical Scattering Cross Sections for Polydispersions of Dielectric Spheres

Optical scattering cross sections for polydispersions of dielectric spheres, showing dependence on ratio of third to second moment of shape and size distribution function
X-ray structures of two oxidation states of a flavin-nicotinamide biscoenzyme and models for flavin-nicotinamide interactions

The flavin nicotinamide biscoenzymes Flox(-)--C3--Nic+ and H2Flred--C3--Nic+ assume extended conformations in the solid state. In both derivatives the nicotinamide and flavin groups associate through hydrogen bonding. The bending angle of the reduced flavin moiety is less than half that in any previously reported 1,5-dihydroflavin structure. This effect is apparently due to ring stacking interactions.
Assessing State Transportation Agency Constructability Implementation

Although guidance is available for state transportation agencies to establish constructability review processes (CRPs), nationwide implementation has been slow due, in part, to a lack of clarity regarding related costs and benefits and a perception that CRPs are resource intensive. This study funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program reveals that while numerous states have attempted implementation in various forms, obstacles have frequently either hindered or halted progress. Four elements appear to be essential for the successful implementation and continuance of a CRP: (1) institutionalization of the CRP Champion, (2) an emphasis on a quality-driven as opposed to a schedule-driven design process, (3) clear yet flexible guidelines for executing constructability reviews across the broad range of project types and sizes, and (4) a vehicle for meaningful expert input from construction contracting professionals. A benefit-cost model, founded on the proposition that CRP implementation provides efficiencies that result in significant cost and schedule reductions, is demonstrated using case studies. A need for more precise identification of costs and quantification of benefits is noted.
Atmospheric CO2 stabilization and ocean acidification

[1] We use a coupled climate/carbon-cycle model to examine the consequences of stabilizing atmospheric CO2 at different levels for ocean chemistry. Our simulations show the potential for major damage to at least some ocean ecosystems at atmospheric CO2 stabilization levels as low as 450 ppm. Before the industrial revolution, more than 98% of corals reefs were surrounded by waters that were >3.5 times saturated with respect to their skeleton materials (aragonite). If atmospheric CO2 is stabilized at 450 ppm only 8% of existing coral reefs will be surrounded by water with this saturation level. Also at this CO2 level 7% of the ocean South of 60°S will become undersaturated with respect to aragonite, and parts of the high latitude ocean will experience a decrease in pH by more than 0.2 units. Results presented here provide an independent and additional basis for choosing targets of atmospheric CO2 stabilization levels.
Potential role of the flavin-containing monooxygenases in the metabolism of endogenous compounds.

Several xenobiotics and their corresponding cysteine S-conjugates are metabolized in vivo to cysteine S-conjugate sulfoxides and/or N-acetylcysteine S-conjugate sulfoxides. Homocysteine S-conjugates, such as methionine and ethionine, are also metabolized in vivo to sulfoxides. The enzymatic basis for these metabolic reactions is not known. Recently, the rat liver and kidney S-benzyl-L-cysteine S-oxidase activities were found to be associated with flavin-containing monooxygenases that are structurally and immunochemically related to known FMO1 isoforms. Further evidence for FMO1 being the major FMO isoform involved in S-benzyl-L-cysteine sulfoxidation was obtained from kinetic studies with cDNA-expressed rabbit FMOs. Endogenous cysteine S-conjugates, e.g. cysteinylcatecholamines, cysteinylleukotrienes, lanthionine and djenkolic acid may also be substrates for FMOs, since S-benzyl-L-cysteine can be considered a model for these compounds. Methionine, an endogenous homocysteine S-conjugate, was shown to be a substrate for cDNA-expressed rabbit FMO1, FMO2, and FMO3, however, the methionine sulfoxidation reaction was preferentially catalyzed by FMO3. These results suggest that FMOs may also play a role in the in vivo metabolism of endogenous homocysteine S-conjugates.
Racial differences in promotion candidate performance and reactions to selection procedures: a field study in a diverse top‐management context

The present study examined African-American and White promotion candidates' reactions to and performance on selection procedures that were completed within a police department where African Americans occupied the majority of top-management positions. Reactions (perceived job relatedness and test-taking motivation) of 187 candidates competing for promotion to the rank of sergeant were assessed after completing a written job knowledge test and a situational interview. Analyses showed that both the African-American and White candidates judged the situational interview to be more job-related than the pencil-and-paper job knowledge test. In addition, African Americans perceived both selection measures to be more job-related and reported higher levels of test-taking motivation than White candidates even though African Americans performed more poorly than White candidates on the paper-and-pencil test. These results challenge the contention that lower test-taking motivation for African-American candidates is related to racial differences in performance on pencil- and-paper tests. Implications and directions for future research on reactions to selection procedures for promotion in racially diverse employment settings are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of mineral nutrient element concentrations in developing cotton leaves, bracts, and floral buds in relation to position in the canopy

Abstract Plant mineral nutrient element status is an important factor influencing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, development, metabolism, and yield. A field study was conducted to determine changes in mineral nutrient element concentrations in leaves, bracts, and floral buds of field‐grown cotton plants during development of squares (floral bud with three bracts) as affected by fruiting position within the plant canopy. During square ontogeny, the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) concentrations of sympodial leaves and floral bracts decreased, whereas the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) increased, and sulfur (S) concentration exhibited little change (leaves) or increased (bracts) with increasing square age. The N, P, Ca, and S concentrations in floral buds declined synchronously; K and Mg concentrations showed an increasing trend within the first 20 days, peaked at about 25‐day square age, and then sharply decreased three to five days before flowering. During square development, the ...
Magnetic properties of sputtered Fe thin films: Processing and thickness dependence

The microstructure and magnetic properties of polycrystalline Fe films with thicknesses of 200–1000 A have been investigated. The films were prepared by rf sputtering onto SiO2 substrates. The investigation was prompted by the lack of data on sputtered Fe films in this thickness regime as well as disagreement in the data for evaporated films. In addition to thickness, substrate temperature and deposition pressure were varied to examine their effect on the microstructure. The film microstructure was characterized by x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Auger spectroscopy. The polycrystalline films did not display a strong preferred orientation and had average grain sizes of 60–85 A. Surface oxide layers formed upon exposure to air ranged from 10 to 80 A, the thicker oxides formed on films with lower density. Magnetic hysteresis measurements were made with a vibrating sample magnetometer. Below 1000 A, porosity and surface oxidation result in reductions up to 25% in the saturation magnet...
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the New Jersey Coastal Atmosphere

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in the coastal New Jersey atmosphere as part of the New Jersey Atmospheric Deposition Network (NJADN). PAH results from the first year of atmospheric sampling (Oct 1997−Oct 1998) at a suburban site near New Brunswick, NJ and a coastal site at Sandy Hook, NJ are presented. PAHs (36) were analyzed at both sites including phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene whose concentrations ranged from 0.74 to 20.9 ng/m3 and 0.0020 to 0.62 ng/m3, respectively. PAH concentrations at the suburban site were 2× higher than concentrations measured at the coastal site, consistent with the closer proximity of NB to urban/industrial regions than SH. The seasonal trends of particulate PAH concentrations indicate that PAH sources such as fuel consumption for domestic heating and vehicular traffic drive their seasonal occur rence. While gaseous concentrations of methylated phenanthrenes and pyrene were higher during the winter and similar to high molecular weight P...
Effects on experimental animals of long-term continuous inhalation of a triaryl phosphate hydraulic fluid☆☆☆

Abstract Nine long-term continuous inhalation studies were conduced with mist of a triaryl phosphate hydraulic fluid at atmospheric concentrations ranging from 1.8 to 110 mg/m3. Neurotoxic signs were noted in rabbits at concentrations of 102 mg/m3 and 103 mg/m3, and in chickens at concentrations between 23 and 110 mg/m3 during the period of principal interest, namely, 90 days. No neurotoxic signs were noted in dogs, monkeys, or rats at concentrations ranging from 1.8 to 110 mg/m3. In two studies in which dogs, rabbits, chickens, and monkeys were exposed 8 hr/day, 5 days/week, for a total of 30 exposures, no signs of neurotoxicity were noted in any species at a concentration of 25 mg/m3. At 50 mg/m3, signs of neurotoxicity were observed in chickens only.
Treating Nondementia Illnesses in Patients With Dementia

Physicians increasingly are called on to provide primary care for the growing population of people with Alzheimer-type dementia. However, little attention has been paid to the care of nondementia illnesses in this group of patients. To illustrate how presence of dementia can alter the risk-benefit ratio of treatment of a common medical problem, we present a case study in which a patient with dementia developed disastrous adverse effects to a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis. This case and 2 composite vignettes illuminate how presence of dementia should influence the decision-making process for treatment of nondementia illnesses. We address issues such as decreased decision-making capacity, problems with reporting adverse effects, decreased cognition leading to problems with treatment adherence, and the role of screening and basic questions about acceptable burdens of treatments in patients with limited prognosis. We suggest ways to improve communication with patients with dementia in an effort to minimize complications and improve care, as well as policy changes to include patients with dementia in clinical trials.
Every 4-Connected Line Graph of a Planar Graph is Hamiltonian

Let G be a graph withE(G) ≠O. The line graph of G, written L(G) hasE(G) as its vertex set, where two vertices are adjacent in L(G) if and only if the corresponding edges are adjacent inG. Thomassen conjectured that all 4-connected line graphs are hamiltonian [2]. We show that this conjecture holds for planar graphs.
The reaction of lithium phenylacetylide and phenyllithium with N-(ω-Bromoalkyl)phthalimides

Lithium phenylacetylide reacted with short-chain N-(ω-bromoalkyl)phthalimides 1b and 1c to give tricyclic products 2b and 2c in moderate yields. Likewise, tricyclic products 3a-c were obtained when short-chain imides 1a-c were treated with phenyllithium. When longer-chain imides 1d-f in this series were treated with lithium phenylacetylide only tertiary alcohols 4d-f could be isolated. Partial hydrogenation of 2b and 2c yielded the corresponding alkenes 5b and 5c, products which corroborated the structural assignment of 2b and 2c.
Nonsurgical collection of blastocysts from dairy goats.

Abstract In two trials, eight attempts were made to collect fertilized ova from dairy goats by nonsurgical methods. In both trials the cervix of each doe was dilated by inserting a Laminaria japonica tent device into the cervical canal prior to flushing. In Trial 1, an attempt was made to collect embryos from four nonsuperovulated does by flushing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) through a rigid pipette. Little fluid and no embryos were recovered from the does. All four donors were in estrus two days after the procedure. In the second trial, FSH-superovulated does were collected on day 5 following estrus. The donors were anesthetized, and a modified Foley catheter was passed through the cervical canal. In three does, a 24 ga. two-way Foley was stiffened with a size 10 (French) polypropylene catheter which penetrated the Foley, extending 7 cm beyond the tip. Recovery of flushing medium with this device was minimal, and laparotomy of one doe revealed a punctured uterus. Replacement of this device with a different catheter, through which a polypropylene catheter (size 5 Fr.) penetrated only 1 to 2 cm, resulted in satisfactory return of infused PBS, and recovery of two blastocysts and one degenerated ovum from this doe. Use of the same device on a second doe without laparotomy resulted in collection of seven blastocysts and three degenerated ova. Of three observed donors that received Laminaria tents (including one which was not flushed) two were in estrus three days after the procedure, while unused synchronized recipients showed normal cycle lengths. Surgical transfer of two blastocysts from each donor to each of two synchronized recipients resulted in the birth of twin kids from one recipient doe. The study demonstrates the feasibility of embryo collection from dairy goats by nonsurgical means.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Cause of Syncope

A 77-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma presented with orthostatic syncope. Investigation revealed metastatic carcinoma in the left lung extending through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium obstructing the mitral orifice. On review of the literature, this case appears to be the first to describe metastatic carcinoma to the left atrium presenting as a primary cause of syncope.
On the role of lower bounds in characterizations of weak lower semicontinuity of multiple integrals

We study weak lower semicontinuity of integral functionals in W 1,p under standard p-growth conditions, with integrands whose negative part may have p-growth as well. MSC 2000: 49J45
HIV-2 and SIVmac accessory virulence factor Vpx down-regulates SAMHD1 enzyme catalysis prior to proteasome-dependent degradation.

Abstract SAMHD1, a dGTP-regulated deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) triphosphohydrolase, down-regulates dNTP pools in terminally differentiated and quiescent cells, thereby inhibiting HIV-1 infection at the reverse transcription step. HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) counteract this restriction via a virion-associated virulence accessory factor, Vpx (Vpr in some SIVs), which loads SAMHD1 onto CRL4-DCAF1 E3 ubiquitin ligase for polyubiquitination, programming it for proteasome-dependent degradation. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of SAMHD1 recruitment to the E3 ligase have not been defined. Further, whether divergent, orthologous Vpx proteins, encoded by distinct HIV/SIV strains, bind SAMHD1 in a similar manner, at a molecular level, is not known. We applied surface plasmon resonance analysis to assess the requirements for and kinetics of binding between various primate SAMHD1 proteins and Vpx proteins from SIV or HIV-2 strains. Our data indicate that Vpx proteins, bound to DCAF1, interface with the C terminus of primate SAMHD1 proteins with nanomolar affinity, manifested by rapid association and slow dissociation. Further, we provide evidence that Vpx binding to SAMHD1 inhibits its catalytic activity and induces disassembly of a dGTP-dependent oligomer. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized biochemical mechanism of Vpx-mediated SAMHD1 inhibition: direct down-modulation of its catalytic activity, mediated by the same binding event that leads to SAMHD1 recruitment to the E3 ubiquitin ligase for proteasome-dependent degradation.
Attachment of carbohydrate to enzymes increases their circulatory lifetimes

In previous reports [l-6] we have described the coupling of a number of enzymes to cyanogen bromide-activated dextran to produce soluble enzymedextran conjugates. Enzymes modified in this way have stability properties that are superior to those of the corresponding native enzymes. Thus conjugation of catalase, OLand (3-amylases, and trypsin with dextran decreased their susceptibility to heat inactivation [l-5] . Following conjugation, the stability of trypsin in the presence of protein denaturants such as urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate was markedly increased, and the enzyme became resistant to inhibition by naturally-occurring protease inhibitors [2,3] . Enzymedextran conjugates were also shown to be more resistant than the corresponding native enzymes to proteolytic inactivation, both autolytic [2,3] and by added exogenous proteases [5] . We have now investigated the behavior of two synthetic enzyme-dextran conjugates in experimental animals with a view to determining whether enzymes modified by attachment of carbohydrate are likely to have properties making them more useful than unmodified enzymes for the therapy of metabolic disorders that are responsive to administration of exogenous enzymes. In this report the effect of attachment of dextran on the in vivo behavior of Bacillus arnyloliquefaciens cu-amylase and bovine liver catalase is described. Our findings suggest a new approach to increasing the
Repeated acquisition as a behavioral baseline

The Boren (1963) technique for studying variables affecting acquisition with an individual-S design was modified and used with pigeons. The sensitivity and reversibility of the steady-state baseline were demonstrated by temporarily removing the different Stimuli correlated with the different members of the chain. This “tandem” probe produced a substantial increase in the number of learning errors.
Isolation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins from flavonoid-producing cell cultures

The extraction, fractionation, and chromatographic separation of a series of proanthocyanidin monomers and oligomers were facilitated using a flavonoid-rich cell culture of Vaccinium pahalae Skottsberg as the donor tissue. The cell cultures, after exposure to light, readily accumulated anthocyanin pigments and other flavonoids in relatively large amounts, with minimal concurrent production of pectins, enzymes, and complex sugars produced in field-grown Vaccinium berries. The absence of these interfering compounds greatly simplified the isolation and purification of proanthocyanidins and other phenolic compounds from cell cultures, primarily using vacuum chromatography. Subsequently, the structures and molecular weights of several individual compounds and the general composition of unresolved fractions were established with 1H- and 13C-NMR and MS. The initial extract of V. pahalae cell cultures was readily fractionated on silica gel to yield a series of fractions containing proanthocyanidin B-2, a series of increasingly polar proanthocyanidin oligomers ranging from dimers to heptamers largely based on (−)-epicatechin structures (some with A-type linkages), a mixture of E- and Z-p-coumaric acid, the corresponding 4-O-glucoside, and other compounds containing E- and Z-p-coumaric acid moieties. Cell culture extracts demonstrated broad antioxidant capacity and significant ability to inhibit tumor promotion in vitro, as indicated in an ornithine decarboxylase assay.
Ovarian cancer complicated by invasive pulmonary aspergillus.

Background. Invasive aspergillus is a rarely reported infection in patients with solid tumors. Case. A 59-year-old woman developed invasive pulmonary aspergillus after surgical debulking of an advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma and initiation of adjuvant combination chemotherapy. Conclusion. Invasive pulmonary aspergillus is rarely diagnosed in patients with solid tumors such as ovarian cancer. Risk factors for development of the disease can include neutropenia, immunosuppression and chronic steroid use. Successful treatment of the infection relies upon prompt diagnosis and utilization of effective antifungal medications for a prolonged period of time.
Contemporary cystectomy versus preoperative radiation plus cystectomy for bladder cancer

Abstract The role of preoperative radiation therapy (RT) as an adjunct to radical cystectomy (C) was studied by reviewing 58 consecutive patients requiring bladder removal during 1980–1982 for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Thirty-six patients underwent RT + C; 22 had C alone. The sole reason for choosing between RT + C versus C was physician prejudice favoring one form of therapy over another. Pretreatment clinical staging was similar in both groups, slightly favoring the RT + C group with only 25 percent versus 36 percent of C patients with clinical stage exceeding B1. Pathologic stage distribution similarly favored the RT + C group slightly with only 56 percent versus 68 percent of C patients having lesions with P-stage greater than B1. Thirty-three percent of patients in the RT + C group had papillary lesions in contrast to only 27 percent in the C alone group. There was only one postoperative death in each group. Three-year minimal allow-up was available in all surviving patients. One-, two-, and three-year survival free of disease was 94 percent, 80 percent, and 70 percent, respectively, in the group treated by C alone. Similar figures for the RT + C group were 86 percent, 76 percent, and 60 percent, respectively. Projected five-year survival rates for both groups regardless of preoperative RT was over 60 percent. All but one failure in the RT + C group had 4,000 rad or more preoperative radiation. This contemporary study shows no advantage of preoperative radiation in patients requiring cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Effects of training dose and two- versus three-choice testing procedure on nicotine discrimination responding in humans.

Rationale: Discrimination of a drug’s interoceptive stimulus effects often depends substantially on training and testing conditions. Objectives: We examined changes in nicotine discrimination behavior in humans as a function of lowering the training dose and of varying the discrimination testing procedure. Methods: Smokers and never-smokers (n=10 each) were initially trained to discriminate 20 µg/kg nicotine by nasal spray from placebo (0) and tested on generalization of discrimination responding across a range of doses from 0 to 20 µg/kg. Each subsequently learned to reliably discriminate progressively smaller doses of nicotine from placebo until his or her threshold dose for discrimination was identified (mean=2.7 µg/kg). A repeat testing of generalization responding across 0–20 µg/kg was then conducted, using placebo and the subject’s threshold dose as training doses. Generalization testing involved both two-choice and three-choice (novel response option) quantitative procedures. Results: A significant shift to the left was seen in nicotine-appropriate responding in the two-choice procedure when the nicotine training dose was lowered (i.e. from the first to the second test of generalization). In the three-choice procedure, however, there was no such leftward shift. Instead, in never-smokers, a flattening of nicotine-appropriate responding occurred with a lowering of the training dose, while novel-appropriate responding significantly increased. The subjective effects of ”head rush” and, in never-smokers only, ”jittery” also showed a shift to the left in their relationship with nicotine generalization dose when the training dose was lowered. Conclusions: These results confirm the importance of training and testing conditions on discrimination behavior and subjective drug responses within subjects and demonstrate the utility of the novel-response, three-choice procedure for assessing qualitatively different stimulus effects of novel drug doses.
Inflicted T12 fracture-dislocation: CT/MRI correlation and mechanistic implications

We describe the CT and MRI findings of a thoracolumbar neurocentral synchondrosis fracture-dislocation in an abused infant. The morphologic features of this classically described fracture, and the associated cervical and sacral spine injuries displayed on cross-sectional imaging, provide compelling evidence for a mechanism of massive hyperflexion and axial spinal loading.
Reproducibility of glow peak fading characteristics of thermoluminescent dosimeters

Abstract This study examines the reproducibility of LiF:Mg,Ti pre-irradiation and post-irradiation fading rates. To test post-irradiation fading, 99 calibrated 3.2 × 3.2 × 0.9 mm 3 LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) of dimensions were first annealed. The set was then irradiated to an average of 4.4 mGy using a 3.2 × 10 11 Bq 137 Cs source. The irradiated TLDs were allowed to fade at room temperature for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, or 17 d. The TLDs were then read out over a 3.5 h time period using a standard commercial hot planchet TLD reader with nitrogen gas to prevent chemiluminescence. The experiment was then repeated for the other fading times. To test pre-irradiation fading, the TLDs were annealed, then placed in storage for 0.5, 1.6, 3, 4, 8, 18, 27, or 43 d. After that time, the TLDs were irradiated and read out. A computerized glow curve deconvolution program was used to fit the glow curve data to a four-peak first-order Gaussian kinetics model. The areas of peaks 2, 3, 4, and 5 were retrieved in order to be studied alone, as well as normalized to other peaks. The peak areas and peak area ratios were then fit to two or three term exponential decay equations that allowed the determination of the fading rate by calculating their parameters. These parameters were then compared for different TLDs in order to determine if their values followed a Gaussian distribution. Then, a group mean and standard deviation could be used for each value for all TLDs for later use instead of calculating an individual mean for each TLD.
A National Overview of Fishery Research Funded by the Dingell-Johnson Program

Abstract More than 50 percent of a State's Dingell-Johnson apportionment is involved in broad areas of fishery research. During calendar year 1981, $20,170,000 has been obligated for research under the D-J grant program. Support for environmental studies and surveys has increased appreciably in importance since 1969. As a species group, salmonid research exceeded $5 million in Federal funds. Obligations for largemouth bass research were $850,000. Interest in species-specific research seems to be diminishing, while multiple species and systems research is increasing. There is some evidence that research will not attract similar percentages of new inputs to the D-J funding base should expansion legislation become law.
Cellular Biophysics: Bacterial Endospore, Membranes and Random Fluctuation

Purposeful motion of biological processes can be driven by Brownian motion of macromolecular complexes with one-sided binding biasing movement in one direction: a Brownian ratchet, now proposed to explain membrane motion during a phagocytosis-like process in bacteria.
CHOOZ and LSND

Abstract CHOOZ, a long baseline neutrino disappearance oscillation experiment [1], is preparing to take data with a 5 ton scintillation detector located 100 meters underground and 1 km from the newly constructed pair of 4.2 GW reactors in Chooz, France. Initial data taken without significant reactor power show that background rates are much less than the expected signal for full reactor power and no flavor mixing. The experiment will be useful for understanding the CRA. LSND, a short baseline neutrino appearance oscillation experiment at LAMPF [2] has recently reported results [3] from a doubling of the integrated beam current. The previously reported beam-related excess of events persists, and could constitute an oscillation signal of a different nature than seen for solar and atmospheric neutrinos.
Mineralogy, petrology and chemistry of lunar rock 12039.

Rock 12039 belongs to the olivine-depleted group of magmatic rocks characterized by normative and modal SiO2, absence or very low abundance of olivine, and high FeO/(FeO + MgO), Ti/Cr, and CaO/MgO ratios. Clinopyroxenes in this rock show a complex, essentially continuous, compositional zonation from augite cores through ferroaugite to ferrohedenbergite with an abrupt discontinuity at the pyroxferroite contact and, thus, are different from pyroxene in most other Apollo 12 rocks. Two grains contain thin subcalcic pigeonite zones. Texture, presence of very fine (less than 1 micron) exsolution lamallae, and pyroxene zoning indicate a relatively rapid cooling history and pronounced in situ chemical fractionation.
Dihydropyridine inhibition of neuronal calcium current and substance P release.

Dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists, which inhibit the slowly inactivating or L-type cardiac calcium (Ca) current, have been shown to be ineffective in blocking45Ca influx and Ca-dependent secretion in a number of neuronal preparations. In the studies reported here, however, the antagonist DHP nifedipine inhibited both the L-type Ca current and potassium-evoked substance P (SP) release from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. These results suggest that, in DRG neurons. Ca entry through L-type channels is critical to the control of secretion. The inhibition of Ca current by nifedipine was both voltage and time-dependent, significant effects being observed only on currents evoked from relatively positive holding potentials maintained for several seconds. As expected from these results, nifedipine failed to inhibit L-type Ca current underlying the brief plateau phase of the action potential generated from the cell's normal resting potential; likewise, no significant effect of the drug was observed on action potential-stimulated SP release evoked by electrical field stimulation. The results of this work are discussed in terms of an assessment of the role of L-type Ca channels in neurosecretion.
A Critique of Schüklenk and Brookey: “Biomedical Research on Sexual Orientation: Researchers Taking Our Chances in Homophobic Societies”

In their paper in the previous issue of the Journal of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, Schuklenk and Brookey warn that research on the causes of sexual orientation may be dangerous. They develop several themes of which the most radical appear to be that “research has no value of its own” and that the products of research may be used for evil purposes, that we should greatly fear advances in knowledge, and (at least by implication) that we should put a stop to research and to advancing knowledge on the origins of sexual orientation. The present critique attempts to place their themes in a different context.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Heart-Hand Syndromes

Background Heart-hand syndromes compose a class of combined congenital cardiac and limb deformities. The prototypical heart-hand disorder is Holt-Oram syndrome, which is characterized by cardiac septation defects and radial ray limb deformity. We have recently mapped the Holt-Oram syndrome gene defect to the long arm of human chromosome 12 in two families. The role of this disease locus in the pathogenesis of related conditions such as heart-hand syndrome type III (cardiac conduction disease accompanied by skeletal malformations) or familial atrial septal defects is unknown. Methods and Results Clinical evaluations and genetic linkage analyses were performed in five additional kindreds with Holt-Oram syndrome and also in one kindred with heart-hand syndrome type III and one kindred with familial atrial septal defect and conduction disease. Holt-Oram syndrome in all five kindreds mapped to chromosome 12q2. These studies and previous data provide odds of greater than 1025:1 that the Holt-Oram syndrome disea...
BEFRIENDING AN AMORAL NATURE

. Contrary to George C. Williams, moral judgments of nature are not appropriate, whereas affirmation of the intrinsic value of creation is. The concern for offspring and kin identified by Williams as the principle force of evolution is not inherently evil in its operation in human society. Instead of juxtaposing it as enemy to justice and altruism, we should try to extend the scope of felt kinship to the whole human race.
Pictorial rehearsal effects in younger and older adults

Abstract In three studies, we examined pictorial rehearsal effects in younger and older adults. Concrete and abstract line drawings that varied in the amount of pictorial detail were presented for study under different presentation conditions. In the pictorial rehearsal condition, each picture was followed by a blank rehearsal interval where the picture was no longer presented. In all three experiments, the poststimulus interval enhanced picture recognition for both age groups, relative to a control condition where no rehearsal interval occurred. These findings suggest that older adults, like younger adults, form and maintain visual images across a blank rehearsal interval. Implications of these findings for current views on imaginal processes in older adults are discussed.
Classification of on-line poultry carcasses with backpropagation neural networks

A transportable system equipped with an overhead shackle conveying line and a visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectrophotometer system was assembled and used at a poultry slaughter plant. The reflectance spectra of each poultry carcass hung on the moving shackle was measured with a stationary fiber optic probe, which was set 2 to 5 cm away from the carcass, depending on the size. Reflectance spectra of wholesome and unwholesome poultry carcasses on the moving shackle, set at 60 or 90 birds/min, were measured, either under room light or in a dark environment. The scanning time for each carcass was 0.32 s. Most of the unwholesome poultry carcasses for this study were septicemic and air-sacculitic. The average accuracy in classifying wholesome and unwholesome carcasses was above 94%. All the misclassified carcasses were air-sacculitic. With a shackle speed of 90 birds/min, the highest average accuracy was obtained when the reflectance was measured in the dark (97.5%). The results showed that the accuracy of classification could be improved with the maintenance of a consistent lighting environment. All results indicated the Vis/NIR spectrophotometer system would be a highly accurate, robust tool for on-line, real-time classification of wholesome and unwholesome carcasses.
Racial Disparities in Access to Care for Men in a Public Assistance Program for Prostate Cancer

California's IMPACT program provides all its enrollees with health insurance and social service resources. We hypothesized that racial/ethnic disparities in access to care might be attenuated among men served by this program. Our objective was to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in health services utilization and patient-reported health care outcomes among disadvantaged men in a prostate cancer public-assistance program, and to identify modifiable factors that might explain persistent disparities in this health care setting. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 357 low-income men enrolled in IMPACT from 2001 through 2005. We evaluated realized access to care with two health services utilization measures: (1) use of emergency department care without hospitalization and, (2) frequency of prostate-specific antigen testing. We also measured two patient-experience outcomes: (1) satisfaction with care received from IMPACT, and (2) confidence in IMPACT care providers. We observed significant bivariate associations between race/ethnicity and patient-experience outcomes (P<0.05), but not utilization measures. In multivariable models, Hispanic men were more likely than white men to report complete satisfaction with health care received in IMPACT (adjusted OR=5.15, 95% CI 1.17-22.6); however, the association between race/ethnicity and satisfaction was not statistically significant (P=0.11). Language preference and self-efficacy in patient-physician interactions are potentially-modifiable predictors of patient-experience outcomes. We observed no racial/ethnic disparities in health services utilization among disadvantaged men served by a disease-specific public assistance program. The greater satisfaction and confidence among Hispanic men are explained by modifiable variables that suggest avenues for improvement.
The influence of comorbid conditions on racial disparities in endometrial cancer survival

Objective There are known disparities in endometrial cancer survival with black women who experience a greater risk of death compared with white women. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the role of comorbid conditions as modifiers of endometrial cancer survival by race. Study Design Two hundred seventy-one black women and 356 white women who had been diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 1990-2005 were identified from a large urban integrated health center. A retrospective chart review was conducted to gather information on comorbid conditions and other known demographic and clinical predictors of survival. Results Black women experienced a higher hazard of death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–1.87) and from endometrial cancer (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.63–3.60). After adjustment for known clinical prognostic factors and comorbid conditions, the hazard of death for black women was elevated but no longer statistically significant for overall survival (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.94–1.57), and the hazard of death from endometrial cancer remained significantly increased (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.39–3.68). Both black and white women with a history of hypertension experienced a lower hazard of death from endometrial cancer (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23–0.98; and HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19–0.67, respectively). Conclusion The higher prevalence of comorbid conditions among black women does not explain fully the racial disparities that are seen in endometrial cancer survival. The association between hypertension and a lower hazard of death from endometrial cancer is intriguing, and further investigation into the underlying mechanism is needed.