cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrates, Tryptophan, and Behavior: A Methodological Review

In this methodological review, we examine the behavioral effects of carbohydrates and tryptophan and conclude that high-carbohydrate foods do not provoke hyperactivity, contrary to popular beliefs. Unbalanced carbohydrate meals, however, often induce fatigue and can impair performance among both children and adults. Although tryptophan hastens sleep onset, dulls pain sensitivity, and may reduce aggressiveness, it is unclear whether similar effects can be obtained through carbohydrate ingestion. We provide support for the hypothesis that carbohydrates and tryptophan function similarly and like drugs that modify brain biochemistry and accompanying mood and behavior. We also examine implications for clinical populations who selectively crave carbohydrates. Despite professional skepticism, both anecdotal and empirical evidence continue to suggest that foods affect behavior. The empirical literature has now grown sufficiently to evaluate the validity of beliefs about one nutrient category, carbohydrates. Claims about the psychological effects of carbohydrates, especially sugar, are multiple. They range from the assumption that sugar enhances activity and aggression, to the premise that sugar has an energizing effect on behavior, to the assertion that sugar induces an anxious or depressed mood. Scientific evaluation and dissemination of accurate information about diet-behavior relations may lead to beneficial applications. They may also help to dispel folk wisdoms that can justify ineffective or even harmful health practices. Recent clinical research suggests that certain population subgroups selectively crave carbohydrates, usually as snack foods. Examples include some proportion of individuals with obesity (Hopkinson & Bland, 1982; Wurtmanetal., 1985), postpartum depression (Dalton, 1980), seasonal affective disorder (Rosenthai et al., 1984) and nicotine withdrawal (Grunberg, 1982). It is possible that these individuals are unwittingly practicing selfmedication, using carbohydrates to induce desired effects on mood and behavior. To evaluate this possibility, one must define the effects of carbohydrates on mood and behavior. To provide a rationale and interpretive framework for the empirical literature, we first examine possible mechanisms to explain the acute behavioral effects of carbohydrates. In the second section, we review findings from empirical studies of children, in which hyperactivity and associated performance impairments have been the most studied dependent variables. In the third section, we focus on studies of adults, including the effects of carbohydrate or tryptophan on mood, performance, pain, and sleep. We evaluate results with reference to methodological factors that could contribute to discrepant conclusions. These factors include research design, sample characteristics,
The presence of CO2/HCO3 - is essential for hypoxic chemotransduction in the in vivo perfused carotid body

Carotid chemoreceptor activity was increased by the perfusion of the carotid body in vivo with hypoxic HEPES-buffered solution (HBS) containing CO2/HCO3− (HBA +), but not with hypoxic HBS withouut CO2/HCO3− (HBS-). When the perfusate was switched to hypoxic HBS+ during hypoxic HBS-perfusions, chemoreceptor activity increased immediately. Thus, CO2/HCO3− played a critical role in the hypoxic chemotransduction of the in vivo perfused carotid body.
Morphological and immunocytochemical identification of macrophages in the developing corpus callosum

The presence of macrophages in the developing corpus callosum of fetal and neonatal rats is confirmed using ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and histochemical techniques. The macrophages are first seen in the corpus callosum at about the time the callosal axons cross the midline and penetrate the cerebral hemispheres and they persist until about 10 days postnatal. The cells are found in the corpus callosum dorsal to the lateral ventricle, in the sub-ventricular zone and in the forming cavum septi pellucidi. The macrophages were identified at the light and electron microscopic level, including labelling of the cells following an intracerebral injection of horseradish peroxidase. The cells were also positive for an esterase stain specific for blood monocytes and macrophages and were labelled with a monoclonal antibody directed against macrophage cell surface polypeptides (Springer et al. 1979). These observations confirm the non-neuroepithelial origin of certain forms of phagocytic cells during cerebral development.
Global cardiovascular risk under early corticosteroid cessation decreases progressively in the first year following renal transplantation.

Abstract A primary reason to eliminate corticosteroids from immunosuppressive regimens in solid organ transplant recipients is improved cardiovascular risk profiles. Although a number of studies have documented that corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD) regimens reduce hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and weight gain, global assessments of cardiovascular risk under CSWD have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to document cardiovascular risk under CSWD using a global risk assessment by Framingham risk assessment. Methods Framingham global cardiovascular risk assessments were performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant on patients enrolled in prospective, IRB-approved early ( Results One hundred eighty-three patients were included in the analysis. Fourteen percent of patients had evidence of coronary heart disease (prior MI, CABG, PTCA, or significant cardiovascular disease as evidenced by angiography) prior to transplant. Complete information was available for 160 patients at baseline, 132 at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 93 at 12 months posttransplant. Mean 10-year risk (expressed as percent) for developing coronary heart disease decreased over time: 8.03 at baseline, 8.31 at 3 months, 7.40 at 6 months, and 7.20 at 12 months, indicating that global cardiovascular risk fell at 1 year posttransplant by about 10% in renal transplant recipients undergoing early CSWD. Conclusions Estimation of cardiovascular risk by Framingham risk factor assessment allows incorporation of several cardiovascular risk factors into a single estimate, thereby accounting for differential effects of each individual factor on global cardiovascular risk. This experience indicates that global cardiovascular risk decreases by approximately 10% at 1 year posttransplant in renal transplant recipients who undergo early corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD).
Multimodal ultrafine grain size distributions from severe plastic deformation at high strain rates

Severe plastic deformation at high strain rates in machining is explored as a vehicle for engineering grain size distributions in copper. Typical strengthening in unimodal, ultrafine grained chips is found to accompany poor ductility when generated at large strains but low strain rates. However, at higher rates, in situ heating in the deformation zone engenders dynamic recovery that results in material with a multimodal grain size distribution that is comparable in strength to the unimodal chips, but additionally possesses improved ductility.
Eosinophil leukocyte responses and hypersensitivity reactions in the Bordetella pertussis-treated mouse.

Abstract Studies were concerned with an evaluation of hypersensitivity as one factor in the emergence of eosinophilia from antigen-antibody complex formation. Investigative approaches combined two experimental procedures in susceptible CFW strain mice: (1) Bordetella pertussis treatment to effect models of histamine-serotonin sensitivity and anaphylactic responsiveness and (2) sensitization and intraperitoneal challenge with egg albumin (EA) to induce local eosinophil responses in cell populations sampled during the resultant inflammatory process. Groups of 10 animals each were studied for these developments in varied modifications of the basic procedure. These experimental factors included single priming and multiple immunization injections, 4, 10, and 20 day sensitization schedules, and peritoneal fluid recovery at 6 hour and at 4 day periods after intraperitoneal antigenic challenge. In eight paired series there were no significant differences in quantitated eosinophilia between the control and B. pertussis -treated animals. Eosinophil cell responses could not be related to: the nonspecific leukocytosis of inflammation or lymphocyte-related leukocytosis of B, pertussis ; techniques favorable for effecting histamine responsive states, anaphylactic manifestations, or adjuvant immunizing effects of the vaccine; levels of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME)-sensitive hemagglutinating antibody; or the presence of precipitins to EA. A role for reaginic antibody reactivity in experimental eosinophilia is suggested but requires further study.
Can Caregivers Independently Rate Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease Patients?: A Longitudinal Analysis

To examine whether informant-based assessments of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be used longitudinally to track patient functioning, the authors followed AD patients (N=153) and their caregivers over 1 year with the Relative's Assessment of Global Symptomatology–Elderly (RAGS–E) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADASc). Factor analysis of the RAGS–E yielded two subscales, Cognitive Functioning and Mood Disturbance. The cognitive subscale and ADASc correlated at all visits, whereas the mood subscale did not. After 12 months (n=62), the cognitive scale worsened at a rate similar to the ADASc, suggesting concurrent validity. Therefore, informant-based measures appear to be reliable and valid methods of identifying cognitive change in AD patients.
Determination of major inorganic anions in rainwater by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract A method was optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of chloride, sulfate and nitrate anions by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection using hydrodynamic sample injection. A good linearity was observed for chloride in a concentration range of 5.0–200 μ M, and for sulfate and nitrate in a concentration range of 1.0–200 μ M. The relative standard deviations in the peak areas were 7.20%, 3.25% and 4.86% for chloride, sulfate and nitrate, respectively. This method was applied for the determination of sulfate, nitrate and chloride in the rainwater samples collected in Miami, Florida, between 1995 and 1996. An analysis of the rainwater data suggests that chloride found in rainwater most likely originates from marine aerosol, whereas sulfate comes mainly from anthropogenic activities. High levels of nitrate (>30 mM) in rainwater are largely associated with anthropogenic activities and summer thunderstorms in South Florida.
Arm-domain interactions can provide high binding cooperativity

Peptidyl arms extending from one protein domain to another protein domain mediate many important interactions in biology. A well-studied example of this type of protein–protein interaction occurs between the yeast homeodomain proteins, MAT α2 and MAT a1, which form a high-affinity heterodimer on DNA. The carboxyl-terminal arm extending from MAT α2 to MAT a1 has been proposed to produce an allosteric conformational change in the a1 protein that generates a very large increase in the DNA binding affinity of a1. Although early studies lent some support to this model, a more recent crystal structure determination of the free a1 protein argues against any allosteric change. This note presents a thermodynamic argument that accounts for the proteins’ binding behavior, so that allosteric conformational changes are not required to explain the large affinity increase. The analysis presented here should be useful in analyzing binding behavior in other systems involving arm interactions.
Accuracy of rock-varnish chemical analyses: Implications for cation-ratio dating

To compare methods of rock-varnish chemical analysis and cation-ratio determination,we prepared three glass standards, synthetic analogues of rock varnish. Analysis of these standards demonstrates that material of varnishlike composition can be accurately and precisely analyzed by means of quantitative, energy-dispersive electron microscopy (SEM-EDS).However, a blind interlaboratory comparison and reexamination of published data show that most published cation ratios of varnish are probably inaccurate because the technique used most frequently to determine rock-varnish composition, proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), did not accurately measure the concentration of Ti in the presence of Ba, a ubiquitous component of rock varnish. This inaccuracy suggests that the premise of cation-ratio dating and dates generated by this method should be reevaluated.
Susceptibility of Biomphalaria glabrata to infection with Echinostoma paraensei: correlation with the effect of parasite secretory-excretory products on host hemocyte spreading.

Susceptibility of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata to infection with the digenetic trematode Echinostoma paraensei was correlated with the ability of secretory-excretory products (SEP) derived from sporocysts of this parasite to interfere with the spreading behavior of host hemocytes in an in vitro assay. In 15 separate experiments, the prevalence of infection achieved by miracidia was positively correlated (C.C. = 0.779, P < 0.001) with the ability of in vitro-transformed sporocysts derived from the same batches of miracidia to produce SEP that inhibited host hemocyte spreading. Under assay conditions reflecting differences in hemolymph volumes between juvenile snails (susceptible to infection) and adult snails (relatively refractory to infection), SEP had a significantly greater effect on hemocytes from juvenile snails. No significant differences in response to SEP were noted when equivalent numbers of adult and juvenile hemocytes were used in the assay. Snails of the M line strain of B. glabrata are significantly more susceptible to infection with E. paraensei than 13-16-R1 strain snails. Exposure to SEP significantly increased the number of unspread hemocytes for both strains. However, significantly more 13-16-R1 than M line hemocytes remained spread following SEP treatment. Echinostoma paraensei sporocyst SEP effects on host hemocyte spreading mirror observed patterns in both age- and strain-related susceptibility of B. glabrata to this parasite. The results suggest that the number of hemocytes available to a particular snail influences its vulnerability to infection with E. paraensei.
Development and Comparative Analysis of a Pulse-Width Modulation Strategy

A pulse-width modulation (PWM) strategy used to generate a control signal for an electronic switching inverter is described. A triangular timing wave of frequency f=6?N?F is used where F is the reference wave frequency, and N? 1 is an integer. The polarity of the timing wave is the same as the polarity of the half period of the reference wave. A comparative analysis is presented of the PWM signal generated with this strategy with respect to a similar signal generated by means of a "traditional" triangular modulation strategy.
An outbreak of neonatal deaths among term infants associated with administration of chloramphenicol.

Summary The evidence presented strongly suggests that administration of chloramphenicol in previously recommended doses was responsible for an outbreak of early neonatal deaths in a newborn nursery. A death rate of 67 per cent is reported for 12 term infants who received over 110 mg. per kilogram per day and a cumulative dose over several days of 400 mg. per kilogram or more. Death occurred at 2 to 5 days of age after the sudden appearance of vascular collapse. Similar deaths have been reported in connection with chloramphenicol administration, particularly of premature infants, but possibly of certain older children and adults. The striking similarity between this outbreak of deaths, thought to be due to drug administration, and any outbreak of infectious disease emphasizes the need for broad epidemiologic investigation of any unusual occurrence in a newborn nursery.
Dietary freeze-dried black raspberry's effect on cellular antioxidant status during reflux-induced esophagitis in rats

Abstract Introduction Esophageal cancer consists of two distinct types, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and squamous cell carcinoma, both of which differ significantly in their etiology. Freeze-dried black raspberry (BRB) has been consistent in its ability to modulate the biomarkers and reduce the incidence of carcinogen-induced squamous cell carcinoma in rats. In our previous studies in the esophagoduodenal anastomosis (EDA) model, we have shown that the early modulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) significantly correlates with the development of reflux-induced EAC in rats. In this study we looked at the short-term effects of a BRB-supplemented diet on the modulation of antioxidant enzymes in reflux-induced esophagitis. Methods Male SD rats (8 wk old; n = 3–5) were randomized into three groups---sham-operated, fed control AIN-93M diet (SH-CD), EDA operated and fed either control diet (EDA-CD) or 2.5% (w/w) BRB diet (EDA-BRB). The effect of both reflux and dietary supplementation was analyzed 2 and 4 wk after EDA surgery. Results Animals in the EDA groups had significantly lower weight gain and diet intake compared to SH-CD ( P P P P = 0.09); however, this effect was not statistically significant and at 4 wk, EDA-CD (0.58 ± 0.12) showed an increase in MnSOD expression compared to SH-CD (0.34 ± 0.01). Conclusions In conclusion, our data suggest that dietary BRB does not increase the levels of cellular antioxidant enzymes or reduce the levels of lipid peroxidation compared to a control diet, in a short-term study of gastroesophageal reflux induction in the EDA animal model. However, it remains to be tested whether this is indicative of its ineffectiveness to inhibit reflux-induced EAC incidence over the long term.
Decision making, procedural compliance, and outcomes definition in U.S. forest service planning processes

Abstract The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) dictates a process of analyzing and disclosing the likely impacts of proposed agency actions on the human environment. This study addresses two key questions related to NEPA implementation in the U.S. Forest Service: 1) how do Interdisciplinary (ID) team leaders and decision makers conceptualize the outcomes of NEPA processes? And 2), how does NEPA relate to agency decision making? We address these questions through two separate online surveys that posed questions about recently completed NEPA processes – the first with the ID team leaders tasked with carrying out the processes, and the second with the line officers responsible for making the processes' final decisions. Outcomes of NEPA processes include impacts on public relations, on employee morale and team functioning, on the achievement of agency goals, and on the achievement of NEPA's procedural requirements (disclosure) and substantive intent (minimizing negative environmental impacts). Although both tended to view public relations outcomes as important, decision makers' perceptions of favorable outcomes were more closely linked to the achievement of agency goals and process efficiency than was the case for ID team leaders. While ID team leaders' responses suggest that they see decision making closely integrated with the NEPA process, decision makers more commonly decoupled decision making from the NEPA process. These findings suggest a philosophical difference between ID team leaders and decision makers that may pose challenges for both the implementation and the evaluation of agency NEPA. We discuss the pros and cons of integrating NEPA with decision making or separating the two. We conclude that detaching NEPA from decision making poses greater risks than integrating them.
Highly prevalent genetic alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in anaplastic and follicular thyroid cancers.

Context: Genetic alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPK pathways have not been fully defined in anaplastic and follicular thyroid cancers [anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), follicular thyroid cancer (FTC)]. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore a wide-range genetic basis for the involvement of these pathways in ATC. Design: We examined mutations and copy number gains of a large panel of genes in these pathways and corresponding phosphorylation of ERK (p-ERK) and Akt. Results: We found frequent copy gains of RTK genes, including EGFR, PDGFRα and -β, VEGFR1 and 2, KIT, and MET and in PIK3Ca, PIK3Cb, and PDK1 genes in the PI3K/Akt pathway. Mutations of Ras, PIK3Ca, PTEN, and BRAF genes and RET/PTC rearrangements were common, whereas mutations in PDK1, Akt1, Akt2, and RTK genes were uncommon in ATC. Overall, 46 of 48 ATC (95.8%) harbored at least one genetic alteration, and coexistence of two or more was seen in 37 of 48 ATC (77.1%)....
Abstract P1-01-10: Sentinel lymph node-II biopsy in breast cancer: A novel method to accurately predict non-sentinel axillary lymph node status

Background: In breast cancer patients, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is recommended in the presence of sentinel lymph node metastasis (SLNM). However, in 50-70% of patients, SLN is the only site affected by metastasis and thus majority of these patients are exposed to risk of morbidity of ALND without any benefit. Z011 trial suggests avoiding ALND in early breast cancer patients with isolated SLNM. However, this trial results are not applicable to women with advanced T-stage, multiple SLNM, and the presence of lympho-vascular or peri-capsular invasion. This prospective study aims to analyze whether SLN-II biopsy would help in accurate prediction of non sentinel axillary metastases in the presence of metastatic SLN-I. Methods: After IRB approval, 65 patients with biopsy proven breast cancer underwent SLN biopsy using a standard technique. After identification of the SLN-I, 0.1 cc of methylene blue dye was injected into SLN-I, and the lymphatic channels were traced to identify SLN-II station. ALND was performed in the presence of SLNM. After a pathologic examination, the sensitivity and specificity of SLN-II and the concordance rate between SLN-I, SLN-II and the axilla were calculated to determine the accuracy of SLN-II in identifying the non-sentinel axillary metastasis. Results: A total of 65 breast cancer patients underwent SLN-I and SLN-II biopsy. Average number of SLN-I harvested was 1.7 (range 1-5) and that of SLN-II was 1.4 (range 1-4). Metastases to SLN-I were identified in 12 (18.5%) patients. Upon ALND, only 3 (25%) patients had higher axillary metastasis whereas in 9 patients (75%), axilla had no metastasis. SLN-II predicted the presence (3 of 3) or absence (9 of 9) of axillary metastases with 100% accuracy. The sensitivity, accuracy, false negative rate and negative predictive value of SLN-I in identifying higher axillary metastasis were 92.3%, 98.5%, 7.7% and 98% respectively, whereas same metrics for SLN-II were 100%, 100%, 0% and 100% respectively. Thus in the presence of SLN-I metastasis, SLN-II accurately identified axillary involvement 100% of the times. One patient was associated with a skip SLN-II metastasis. In this patient SLN-I was negative, however non-sentinel metastases were noted upon ALND. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in breast cancer patients with SLN-I metastases, SLN-II biopsy is feasible and accurately predicts the higher axillary lymph node status in terms of either the presence or absence of metastasis. In other words, in patients with SLN-I metastasis, a negative SLN-II rules out higher axillary metastasis, whereas the presence of the SLN-II metastasis was associated with further axillary metastasis. Thus, ALND can be avoided in women with isolated SLN-I metastasis but absent SLN-II involvement. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-01-10.
Dynamic slip and nonlinear viscoelasticity

Several significant problems arise when film is fabricated on a large scale. One of these is the appearance of irregularities on the extrudate surfaces when the polymer melt is extruded at high rates. These irregularities vary in intensity and form and are generally known as sharkskin melt fracture. This phenomenon, which occurs when the wall shear stress exceeds a critical value, is a limiting factor for production rates in many industrial extrusion operations such as film blowing of polyethylene. We used a sliding plate rheometer incorporating a shear stress transducer to study slip in both steady and unsteady flows. By combining a dynamic slip model with a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model, we determined the slip model parameters for LLDPE film resin with and without a fluoropolymer sharkskin suppressant. The models give good prediction of our slip data in steady shear but show insufficient gap dependence in exponential shear. Our own film blowing studies demonstrated the efficiency of the sharkskin suppressant; it has more than doubled the throughput in our laboratory setup. The fluoropolymer additive was found to profoundly affect both the steady and dynamic slip parameters. Hence, the sharkskin suppressant alters how the LLDPE remembers its past slipping motions.
Bioassay of environmental nickel dusts in a particle feeding ciliate

The ciliated protozoan Paramecium was used to quantitate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of nickel particles. The biological response of these eukaryotic cells to pure nickel powder and iron-nickel powder was assayed and compared to the effect of the inorganic carcinogen nickel subsulfide. Cytotoxicity was determined by the percent survival of treated cells. Genotoxicity was indicated by significant increases in the fraction of nonviable offspring (presumed index of lethal mutations) found after self-fertilization (autogamy) in parents from the nickel-treated versus neutral control groups. The cells were exposed to the dusts and the biological effects determined. Only the nickel subsulfide consistently showed a significant increase in offspring lethality.
Computed tomography as an adjunct to ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis

The sonographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings were reviewed in 17 patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) over a 6-year period from 1984 to 1989. Of the six patients in whom both ultrasound and CT were performed, CT revealed marked gallbladder (GB) wall abnormalities, including perforation, and pericholecystic fluid collections in five patients not demonstrated by sonography. Of the total group, five patients had GB wall thicknesses of less than or equal to 3 mm (normal) at pathologic examination, which demonstrated a spectrum of disease ranging from acute hemorrhagic/necrotizing, to gangrenous acalculous cholecystitis with perforation. Sonography was falsely negative or significantly underestimated the severity of AAC in seven of the 13 patients examined by sonography. CT because of its superior ability to assess pericholecystic inflammation may provide additional diagnostic information even after a thorough sonographic study in cases of AAC.
Optical Photometry Constraints on the Inclination of the Double Degenerate Binary WD 0957−666

We have obtained the first time‐resolved photometry of the double degenerate white dwarf/white dwarf binary star WD 0957−666. Light curves of the binary are essentially indistinguishable from light curves of nonvarying field stars. We detect no eclipses that have amplitudes larger than ≈0.04 mag. Using a simple geometric model predicting eclipse behavior in WD 0957−666, we use this result (along with a lower limit by Moran, Marsh, & Bragaglia) to constrain the system inclination to i ≈ 62°–86°.
Regeneration research in the Soviet Union.

Over the past 20 years Soviet research in regeneration has undergone a shift in emphasis from work on amphibians to mammals. In that period several distinct schools of thought have arisen, and often there has been considerable controversy as to the nature of certain regenerative processes. At present most mammalian tissues and organs are being studied with respect to natural regenerative capacity and means of stimulating further regeneration. The most striking results have been obtained in the areas of muscle and bone regeneration. Progress in other areas has been less spectacular. Considerable effort has been put into devising means of regenerating functional tissue from pathologically changed or irradiated organs. The field of regeneration research in the Soviet Union is quite highly organized and includes a relatively large number of workers. Progress has, to some extent, been impeded by shortages of equipment and biochemical preparations.
Four-dimensional logical transforms: Data processing by cellular automata

Abstract Thresholded binary convolution functions now called “logical transforms” are employed extensively in the computer analysis of images in the two-dimensional (spatial) domain. This is particularly evident in the commercialization of robot vision systems in automated microscopy. This paper describes an extension of the logical transform into four dimensions and illustrates its use in four-dimensional data analysis.
Women's use of dual methods of sexual self-protection.

In a sample of college women at two private universities, this study examined dual use of self-protective measures, i.e., simultaneous use of condoms for disease prevention and birth control pills for contraception. Those who were dual users of condoms and birth control pills were in newer relationships, were less committed to their current relationships, and perceived their partners as more likely to have HIV or other STDs, as compared to college women using condoms only, birth control pills only, or no method. Dual use was unrelated to personality or health and risk behavior. Rather, dual use reflected a pattern of sexual self-protection based on risk management associated with concerns about consequences of sexual activity, that is STDs and conception, and not with more distal factors.
Renormalization-group equation for high-energy wide-angle scattering in phi 4 theory

It is shown that the scattering amplitude in ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ theory obeys the renormalization-group equation in the limit of high energy for fixed wide scattering angle. It is conjectured that this feature is common to all renormalizable field theories involving spinor and/or scalar fundamental fields but no vector fields.
The Colonial Office and British Business before World War I: A Case Study

As Great Britain expanded its economic sphere at the turn of the century, what was the nature of the relationship between the imperial government and private firms seeking profits within the free trade empire? Was there a “well-planned and consistent program directed from the top,” or was the government's so-called “high policy” toward business actually the result “of ad hoc compromises among various departmental heads” buried three and four levels deep in the Colonial Office? The experience of the Tanjong Pagar Dock Co. of Singapore suggests that the opportunities for British firms to exploit the resources of British controlled territories could be seriously circumscribed by the “arbitrary paternalism” of “crusading bureaucrats.”
Food allergy guidelines and assessing allergic reaction risks: a regulatory perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review information in food allergy guidelines and the literature on assessing and understanding food allergic reaction risks. RECENT FINDINGS Current food allergy guidelines have focused on tools for better diagnosis of food allergy and treatment of reactions. These guidelines have not addressed the growing body of literature on risk assessment and diagnostic tools being used to assess dose-response relationships in relation to food-allergen exposures. The literature includes substantial data from food-allergen challenges performed in sensitive individuals, and probabilistic modeling of these data may help to elucidate the relationship between allergen dose exposures, including thresholds, and reaction risk in allergic individuals. Understanding this relationship has potential to improve the health-related quality of life of allergic consumers. SUMMARY Recent findings in the literature have highlighted improved diagnostic tools and other information that can be used to assess risks for allergic reaction to low-dose allergen exposures (thresholds) and reaction severity in food allergic consumers. Recommendations to better define and stratify allergic reaction risks for consumers could be adopted into guidelines for the diagnosis and clinical management of food allergy.
Aquaculture of the Atlantic Red Porgy

Abstract Aquaculture of red porgy Pagrus pagrus (Sparidae) in North America was assessed by the investigation of broodstock conditioning and egg production, larval growth and survivorship, and juvenile grow out. Red porgy broodstock were collected off the coast of North Carolina and held in an outdoor recirculating seawater tank under ambient photoperiod and offshore bottom temperatures. Red porgy broodstock (n = 20) produced up to 300,000 viable eggs/d during their natural spawning period between January and March 2005. Larval survival to 10 d posthatch (dph) was 75.0 ± 2.2% (mean ± SE). Survival declined markedly after 13 dph and was 2.4% by 35 dph, when 1,200 postmetamorphic-stage juveniles remained. Larvae reached 11.2 ± 1.12 mm and 29.3 ± 0.55 mg at 35 dph, and juveniles reached 55 mm total length (TL) at 90 dph. Juvenile grow-out trials in recirculating tanks resulted in red porgy reaching 195 ± 0.32 mm TL and 158 ± 0.14 g at 313 dph and a weight-specific growth rate of 6.8%. The results suggest a l...
The HSV-2 mutant ΔPK induces melanoma oncolysis through nonredundant death programs and associated with autophagy and pyroptosis proteins

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive and drug-resistant cancer. Virotherapy is a novel therapeutic strategy based on cancer cell lysis through selective virus replication. However, its clinical efficacy is modest, apparently related to poor virus replication within the tumors. We report that the growth compromised herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) mutant, ΔPK, has strong oncolytic activity for melanoma largely caused by a mechanism other than replication-induced cell lysis. The ratio of dead cells (determined by trypan blue or ethidium homodimer staining) to cells that stain with antibody to the major capsid protein VP5 (indicative of productive infection) was 1.8–4.1 for different melanoma cultures at 24–72 h post-infection. Cell death was due to activation of calpain as well as caspases-7 and -3 and it was abolished by the combination of calpain (PD150606) and pancaspase (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluormethyl ketone, z-VAD-fmk) inhibitors. Upregulation of the autopahgy protein Beclin-1 and the pro-apoptotic protein H11/HspB8 accompanied ΔPK-induced melanoma oncolysis. Intratumoral ΔPK injection (106–107 plaque-forming unit (pfu)) significantly reduced melanoma tumor burden associated with calpain and caspases-7 and -3 activation, Beclin-1 and H11/HspB8 upregulation and activation of caspase-1-related inflammation. Complete remission was seen for 87.5% of the LM melanoma xenografts at 5 months after treatment termination. The data indicate that ΔPK is a promising virotherapy for melanoma that functions through virus-induced programmed cell death pathways.
Ellagic acid and flavonoid antioxidant content of muscadine wine and juice.

Antioxidant properties of flavonoids and ellagic acid were characterized in eight wines and juices produced by various processing methodologies from red and white muscadine grape cultivars (Vitis rotundifolia). Juices and wines were produced by hot- and cold-pressed techniques, and additional wine was produced following on-hull fermentation for 3, 5, and 7 days. Chromatographic conditions were developed to simultaneously separate anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and flavonols and correlated to a measurement of overall antioxidant capacity (AOX), and their changes were monitored after storage for 60 days at 20 and 37 °C. Regression coefficients between concentrations of individual polyphenolics and AOX ranged from 0.55 for ellagic acid to 0.90 for kaempferol. Both red and white wines had higher AOX values after storage than juices made from an identical grape press, despite lower concentrations of individual polyphenolic compounds. Red wines fermented on-hull had higher initial concentrations of antioxidant pol...
Correlation Between Measures of the Rapid Eye Movements of Wakefulness and Sleep

Literature review suggested that certain properties of the REMs of wakefulness and REM sleep show changes with experience and/or maturation. A positive correlation was predicted to obtain between measures of REM sleep intensity and waking information search organization/activity in normal human adults. A correlational study of the REMs of sleep and wakefulness in 9 college-age Ss corroborated the hypothesis. Percentage REM sleep did not correlate significantly with any of the waking REM measures. Implications of the results for current theories and future research on REM sleep–waking perception interrelationships were described.
Radioguided Parathyroidectomy Effective in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Background Radioguided parathyroidectomy (RGP) has been shown to be effective in adult patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT), but the utility of RGP in pediatric patients has not been systematically examined. It is not known if adult criteria for radioactive counts can accurately detect hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in pediatric patients. The purpose of our study was to determine the utility of RGP in children with primary HPT. Materials and methods A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained single-institution database for patients who underwent a RGP for primary HPT identified 1694 adult and 19 pediatric patients aged 19 y or younger. From the adult population, we selected a control group matched three to one for gland weight and gender and compared pre- and postoperative laboratory values, surgical findings, pathology, and radioguidance values between the control and the pediatric groups. Results Excised glands from pediatric patients were smaller than those in the total adult population (437 ± 60 mg versus 718 ± 31 mg, P = 0.0004). When controlled for gland weight, ex vivo counts as a percentage of background were lower in the pediatric group (51% ± 5% versus 91% ± 11%, P = 0.04). However, ex vivo radionuclide counts >20% of the background were found in 100% of pediatric patients and 95% of the adult-matched control group. Conclusions All pediatric patients met the adult detection criteria for parathyroid tissue removal when a RGP was performed, and 100% cure was achieved. We conclude that RGP is a useful treatment option for pediatric patients with primary HPT.
Combined wavelets-DCT image compression

The mappings from multidimension to one dimension, or the inverse mappings, are theoretically described by space filling curves, i.e., Peano curves or Hilbert curves. The Peano Scan is an application of the Peano curve to the scanning of images, and it is used for analyzing, clustering, or compressing images, and for limiting the number of the colors used in an image. In this paper an efficient method for visual data compression is presented, combining generalized Peano Scan, wavelet decomposition, and adaptive subband coding technique. The Peano Scan is incorporated with the encoding scheme in order to cluster highly correlated pixels. Using wavelet decomposition, an adaptive subband coding technique is developed to encode each subband separately with an optimum algorithm. Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is applied on the low spatial frequency subband, and high spatial frequency subbands are encoded using Run Length encoding technique.
Flood trends and river engineering on the Mississippi River system

[1] Along >4000 km of the Mississippi River system, we document that climate, land-use change, and river engineering have contributed to statistically significant increases in flooding over the past 100–150 years. Trends were tested using a database of >8 million hydrological measurements. A geospatial database of historical engineering construction was used to quantify the response of flood levels to each unit of engineering infrastructure. Significant climate- and/or land use-driven increases in flow were detected, but the largest and most pervasive contributors to increased flooding on the Mississippi River system were wing dikes and related navigational structures, followed by progressive levee construction. In the area of the 2008 Upper Mississippi flood, for example, about 2 m of the flood crest is linked to navigational and flood-control engineering. Systemwide, large increases in flood levels were documented at locations and at times of wing-dike and levee construction.
The Effects of Castration on the Ventral Prostate of the Outbred Syrian Hamster

SummaryProlonged castration or castration combined with adrenalectomy had virtually no effect on epithelial cell height in the ventral prostate glands of outbred Syrian hamsters. Although the wet weight of the prostate glands of adult and young adult hamsters increased following castration, the acid phosphatase activity in these glands decreased dramatically. The increase in wet weight was apparently due to the increased accumulation of proteinaceous secretions rather than to prostatic hyperplasia, since the DNA content of the glands decreased significantly after castration for 2 weeks. When administered in vivo, the antiandro-gen cyproterone acetate had no detectable effect on prostatic epithelial cell height or overall wet weight. The data suggest that although the ventral prostate of the outbred hamster is an androgen-responsive tissue, neither its wet weight nor its secretory epithelium show typical postcastrational atrophy.This investigation was partially supported by USPHS Training Grant ES0098-5. T...
Resolution of two [35S]GTP-γ-S binding sites and their response to chronic morphine treatment: A binding surface analysis

Abstract The mechanisms by which prolonged exposure to morphine leads to tolerance are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of etorphine (ET) on [ 35 S]guanosine 5′-(-thio)-triphosphate ([ 35 S]GTP-γ-S) binding in brains of rats made tolerant to morphine via the implantation of morphine (or placebo) pellets. Binding surface analysis was used to characterize the interactions of ET, Gpp(Np)H and GTP-γ-S with sites labeled by [ 35 S]GTP-γ-S. Data sets were fitted to one- and two-site binding models using the nonlinear least squares curve fitting program MLAB-PC (Civilized Software, Bethesda, MD, USA). Two binding sites were readily resolved. Chronic morphine significantly increased the B max and K d of the high affinity binding site. ET stimulated [ 35 S]GTP-γ-S binding in placebo membranes via an increase in the B max of the high affinity binding site. In contrast, ET stimulated [ 35 S]GTP-γ-S in chronic morphine membranes via a large decrease in the K d of the high affinity site. These results suggest that chronic morphine treatment alters the mechanism by which ET stimulates [ 35 S]GTP-γ-S binding to G-proteins. Since proper G-protein/receptor coupling increases [ 35 S]GTP-γ-S binding via an increase in B max values, these results suggest that opioid receptors in chronic morphine membranes are not normally coupled to G-proteins. These findings corroborate earlier studies that reported changes in G-protein function in morphine tolerant animals.
Fabrication of Pb-Free Sn-Bi Solder Using Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether

Lead-free solders have been gaining more and more attention recently. Sn-Bi system is one of the most promising candidates as the lead-free solder materials. In this article Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Brij 35) was used as the additive in the electrochemical deposition of Sn-Bi alloy. Various current densities and bath compositions have been investigated. Sn-Bi composites were successfully deposited on a copper substrate. The deposits were then characterized and studied by scanning electron microscopic (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Results indicate that the morphology and crystalline orientations are composition dependent. Intermetallic compound (IMC) was formed during the reflow process.
Impact of an abbreviated adenosine protocol incorporating adjunctive treadmill exercise on adverse effects and image quality in patients undergoing stress myocardial perfusion imaging

Background Limited data are available about the effects of adjunctive treadmill exercise on adverse effects and the image quality of adenosine perfusion imaging. This study compared the incidence of adverse effects and image quality between standard 6-minute adenosine perfusion imaging and a stress test incorporating a 4-minute adenosine infusion with low-level treadmill exercise.
Morphogenesis of the mossy fiber synapses in the hippocampus of the rhesus monkey.

Abstract Morphogenesis of the hippocampal mossy fiber synapses (MFSs) in fetal and postnatal rhesus monkeys was examined by electron microscopy. Typical invaginated MFSs were absent on gestation days 90 and 109 and were detected infrequently on day 132. In older fetuses and postnatal animals of 16 days and 9 months of age, the percentage of invaginated MFSs increased and the synapses exhibited increases in the number of invaginated spines and density of synaptic vesicles and greater maturity of the spines. At all ages, MFSs exhibited a wide range of maturity which may be correlated with the reported protracted generation of dentate granule cells in the rhesus monkey. The pattern of morphogenesis of MFSs in the monkey suggests that as in the rat, it is very likely that the mossy fibers contact pyramidal cells prior to the emergence of the ‘thorny excrescences’ and that this is followed by progressive maturation of the MFSs. The time-course of major morphogenetic modifications in MFSs in the rhesus monkey corresponds to the period of elaboration of complex spines and synapses in the dentate molecular layer. On this basis, it is suggested that these two processes are interrelated developmental events.
COLLAGENS, COLLAGEN-BINDING HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 47 AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 ARE INDUCED IN CICATRICIAL PEMPHIGOID: POSSIBLE ROLE(S) IN DERMAL FIBROSIS

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease associated with scarring. Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is thought to play an important role in fibrogenesis, but its role in skin lesions of cicatricial pemphigoid is not yet known. In the present study, we examined the role of HSP47 in dermal fibrosis in cutaneous lesions of a CP patient. Skin biopsies from a patient with CP, and from normal subjects were studied for the expression of HSP47, and interstitial collagens (type I and type III collagens) by immunohistochemistry. Dermal fibroblasts isolated from skin of normal individuals and from fibrotic skin of a CP patient were used to study the expression of HSP47, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), type I and type III collagens. Compared to the control skin sections, an increased expression of HSP47 was associated with an increased deposition of interstitial collagens in the fibrotic skin section of the CP patient. Similarly, in contrast to control dermal fibroblasts, the fibroblasts isolated and cultured from fibrotic skin of the CP patient, and grown in vitro, exhibited increased expression of HSP47, type I and type III collagens. Furthermore, compared to the normal control fibroblasts, an increased expression of TGF-β1 was detected in the dermal fibroblasts isolated from fibrotic skin of the CP patient. When dermal fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of TGF-β1 (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml for 24 h), it induced the expression of both type I collagen and HSP47, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. In conclusion, the expression of TGF-β1, HSP47, type I collagen and type III collagen was up-regulated in the fibrotic skin of CP patient, and a complex interaction of these molecules may initiate and propagate the fibrotic cascade in the skin of CP patients.