cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles for RNA in Telomerase Nucleotide and Repeat Addition Processivity

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase with two subunits critical for catalytic activity, the protein telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA. In this study, we establish additional roles of the telomerase RNA subunit by demonstrating that RNA motifs stimulate the processivity of nucleotide and repeat addition. These functions are both functionally and physically separable from the roles of other RNA motifs in establishing a properly defined template. Binding of Tetrahymena telomerase RNA stem IV to TERT enhances nucleotide addition processivity, while a cooperation of the RNA pseudoknot and stem IV promotes repeat addition processivity. The low processivity of DNA synthesis by telomerase ribonucleoproteins lacking the pseudoknot and/or stem IV can be rescued by addition of the deleted region in trans. These findings demonstrate RNA elements with roles in telomerase elongation processivity that are distinct from RNA elements that specify the internal template.
Theoretical descriptions of climb controlled steady state creep at high and intermediate temperatures

Abstract Steady state creep via diffusion controlled dislocation climb is examined with particular reference to the role of dislocation core self diffusion. Several models for steady state creep controlled by dislocation climb lead to a creep equation of the form epsi = A Gb kT [D L + β( σ G ) 2 D c ]( σ G ) 3 , where β varies from 1 to 10 and A is about 10. Two new models which account for the effect of dislocation curvature on the climb motion of the dislocation are introduced in this paper. They also lead to the above creep equation. These models and the resulting creep equation provide a basis for an effective diffusivity to be used in cases where both lattice and core self diffusion are involved. However, a review of the available creep data for pure metals at high and intermediate temperatures shows that the effective diffusivity concept is not fully consistent with experiment. Discrepancies between the above creep equation and existing data suggest that current theoretical descriptions are still incomplete.
The Limits of Theoretical Integration

The integration of theoretical knowledge is often seen as the ultimate goal of research activity in the social sciences. In this article I explore limits in the form and degree to which our knowledge can be integrated, as well as limits in the worth and desirability of some kinds of integration. Most of the analysis depends on drawing two kinds of distinctions in theoretical activity—between theoretical and metatheoretical work and among different types of integration in each kind of work. Using primarily examples from theory and research on justice issues, I articulate three different ways in which work at the theoretical level can be integrated. Each type represents a distinct kind of knowledge development, requires different criteria of evaluation, and involves a varying degree of difficulty to achieve. Nevertheless, each of these types of integration is well worth pursuing. Justice research shows evidence of work involving all three types. Using a somewhat broader range of examples, I also distinguish three different ways in which metatheoretical work might be integrated. Again, each type is quite distinct and should be evaluated in different ways. However, each of these types is significantly more difficult to achieve than any of the types of theoretical integration. Moreover, I suggest that the last metatheoretical type—involving the integration of entire strategies, perspectives or schools of thought—is probably not even a desirable goal. As a consequence of these analyses, I recommend (1) that social scientists in general (and justice researchers in particular) focus most of our attention on one or another of the types of theoretical integration, and (2) that we articulate clearly which type of integration we are pursuing and evaluate our success at the effort using only the appropriate criteria.
Spectrographic Studies of Cancer and Normal Blood Plasma: II. Absorption Spectra of Fractionated Cancer and Normal Human Blood Plasma

Introduction In the experiments on the absorption of normal and cancer rat plasma fractionated with zinc hydroxide powder, described in the preceding paper (1), it was found that the absorption curves of normal rat plasma treated with zinc hydroxide powder were practically identical between the wavelengths of 2900 A and 3400 A while those of cancer rat plasma, similarly treated, deviated from the normal, the deviation being roughly proportional to the size of the tumor growth. In the present study, on human plasma, the same technic was employed to determine whether a similar difference exists. Results Absorption curves typical of those obtained are shown in Fig. 1; these were obtained from a healthy subject, Case 26. Curve A is that of undiluted plasma; curve B of plasma diluted five times; curve C of plasma diluted five times and treated with 0.1 gm. of zinc hydroxide powder per 5 c.c. of diluted plasma, and curve D of plasma diluted twenty times. Such determinations were made on 12 cancer and 7 normal plasmas. A careful examination of these curves was made to discover any possible correlation between the shape of the curves and the pathological condition of the subject. The height of the band at approximately 2780 A, which is a rough measure of the protein content, varied over a wide range in both cancer and normal plasmas, and nothing peculiar to the cancerous condition could be detected. The extinction coefficients in the region of 2900 A to 3100 A of plasma after treatment with 0.1 gm. of zinc hydroxide powder (curve C) gave no consistent values for these human specimens as was the case for rats (1). The ratio of the maximum extinction coefficient of the plasma treated with zinc hydroxide powder (curve C) to that of the untreated plasma of the same dilution (curve B) for the 2800 A band was, however, found to be greater for normal plasmas than for cancer plasmas. The work, therefore, was continued along this line.
Digital democracy comes of age: Internet voting and the 2000 Arizona democratic primary election

The Internet has recently become an important part of the democratic process (Wilhelm 2000; Kamarck and Nye 1999; Rash 1997; Firestone and Corrado 1996). It was only a matter of time until democracy and politics entered the digital world, and now we are moving towards holding elections over the Internet. A major step in this direction took place early in the 2000 presidential election when the Arizona Democratic primary featured the first binding Internet election for public office (Solop 2000; Alvarez and Nagler 2000).
Making the Transition from Welfare to Work: Employment Experiences of CalWORKs Participants in the San Francisco Bay Area

This study describes welfare-to-work participants in the San Francisco Bay Area, support services, experiences with the CalWORKs program, and predictors of employment status in the wake of welfare reform. Findings indicate that many are working and more Stayers and Recidivists than Leavers are using food stamps and Medi-Cal. Multivariate analysis reveals that race and financial supports were the significant factors contributing to employability, defined as the ability to secure employment despite the need to supplement earned income with welfare payments. To help people stay off of welfare, case management services are needed to help participants maintain employment and increase job skills. In addition to expanding our understanding of human behavior within the social environment of poverty, implications for practice and policy are identified.
"Anomalous," Nonlinearly Current-Dependent Damping in CESR

In multibunch operation of the e+e- storage ring CESR, a long-range interbunch coupling force reveals itself by causing coherent transverse instabilities. We measure the damping time constant of the beam's coherent response to shock excitation, using single beams of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 8 bunches of e+; frequency-selective observation of a pickup signal permits identification of the multibunch modes. The long-range force predominates at low frequencies, like the effect of a resistive wall impedance, but two orders of magnitude larger; it exhibits a strongly nonlinear current dependence. Because of this, and because the source of the coupling is as yet unknown, we call the damping" anomalous." The resulting multibunch instabilities can be controlled by use of head-tail damping (positive chromaticity) and narrowband feedback.
Effects of growth hormone on hypothalamic catalase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase1

Age-associated changes in hypothalamic catalase activity and level, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) activity were examined in Ames dwarf mice with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and prolonged lifespan, in PEPCK-hGH transgenic mice with overexpression of GH and reduced lifespan, and compared to values measured in normal controls. Hypothalami from young (3-4 months), middle-aged (9-10 months), and old (19-23 months) male mice were examined using spectrophotometric assay and Western blot. In dwarf mice, Cu/Zn SOD and catalase activities declined with age, and were higher than the corresponding normal values in young and middle-aged groups. Catalase levels also declined with age, but were similar to values in normal controls. In GH transgenic mice, age-associated decline of both catalase and Cu/Zn SOD occurred earlier than in normal animals. Catalase levels and activities in transgenic animals were similar to controls, whereas Cu/Zn SOD activity was higher in transgenics than in normal mice. The present results suggest that dwarf mice, during early life, have enhanced hypothalamic free radical defenses, which may contribute to their extended lifespan. However, from the present results in GH transgenic mice, it is impossible to conclude whether early decline of hypothalamic catalase and Cu/Zn SOD in these animals represents a correlate of accelerated aging, or contributes to their reduced lifespan.
Interleukin-6 protects LNCaP cells from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation through the Stat3 pathway.

BACKGROUND Elevated expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in the progression of hormone refractory prostate cancer. Previous studies demonstrated that IL-6 promotes androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells. In this study, the effect of IL-6 on apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation was investigated. METHODS The effect of IL-6 on apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation in LNCaP cells was examined by cell death ELISA and Western blot using cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-9, as well as Bcl-xL and phosphorylated Bad. The Stat3 in IL-6-mediated anti-apoptosis in prostate cancer cells was examined using either dominant-negative or constitutively activated Stat3 mutants. RESULTS Overexpression of IL-6 renders androgen sensitive LNCaP human prostate cancer cells more resistant to apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation. LNCaP cells undergo apoptosis after 72 hr of androgen deprivation, an outcome is largely absent in clones overexpressing IL-6 as measured by cell death ELISA and chromatin degradation assays. IL-6 over-expressing cells resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-9 as well as an increase in the expression of Bcl-xL and phosphorylated Bad. Addition of IL-6 antibody completely abolished the anti-apoptotic activity of IL-6. This protective effect of IL-6 was reversed by the expression of a dominant-negative Stat3 mutant, Stat3F. Furthermore, ectopic expression of a constitutively active Stat3 antagonized androgen deprivation-induced cell death of LNCaP cells. CONCLUSION These results indicate that IL-6 protects androgen sensitive LNCaP cells from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation, and Stat3 activation play an important role in IL-6-mediated anti-apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Recherches et pratiques thérapeutiques aux USA avec les tout petits

A partir des travaux de Beatrice Beebe pour la communication mere-bebe, Peter Fonagy a propos de la notion de mentalisation, et Stanley Greenspan pour la grille de diagnostic des troubles de la petite enfance, on envisagera comment les recherches recentes aux USA sur le developpement et les competences des nourrissons ont ouvert un champ de travail et de reflexion qui oriente les chercheurs, les pediatres et les therapeutes a penser en termes d’intersubjectivite plutot que d’interactions et de constitution neurophysiologique plutot que de vie intrapsychique.
The Stroop effect: brain potentials localize the source of interference

The P300 component of the event-related brain potential was used in conjunction with reaction time to identify the locus of interference on the Stroop color-word test. Whereas response time varied ...
Ambient Temperature Synthesis of Spinel Ni3S4: An Itinerant Electron Ferrimagnet

Abstract Ni 3 S 4 crystallizing in the cubic spinel structure has been synthesized by an ambient temperature reaction between aqueous nickel chloride and sodium dithionite solutions. The product has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, and magnetic measurements. Ni 3 S 4 is metastable and it begins to decompose above 100°C. Ni 3 S 4 is metallic and it exhibits itinerant electron ferrimagnetism.
How does osteonecrosis about the knee progress in young patients with leukemia?: a 2- to 7-year study.

Background Osteonecrosis is a major treatment complication of pediatric leukemias owing to its potential to cause joint deterioration. Because of potential long-term effects of osteonecrosis on joints, information regarding its progression and collapse in different patients can be used to identify high-risk groups, advise the patients and parents of this complication, and potentially consider the risk for development of osteonecrosis in planning primary treatment.
Age-specific risks of syphilis, gonorrhea, and hospitalized pelvic inflammatory disease in sexually experienced U. S. women.

In a study of the age-specific risks of syphilis gonorrhea and hospitalized pelvic inflammatory disease recorded information was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and population statistics were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. The occurrence of gonorrhea and infectious syphilis decreases throughout the reproductive years of a womans life. However the incidence of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) declines quickly during adolescence and appears erratically from that point on. Social behavioral and biological factors affect the risk and incidence of STDs and PID in younger women. A lower socioeconomic status has been linked to earlier coitus along with an increased risk of attaining an STD. The use of oral contraceptives increases with age and is show to have a positive affect in countering the risk of PID. In addition oral contraceptives decrease the severity of PID. Past research has generally ignored adolescents and their role in the sexual transmission of disease. It is important that future study of STDs not only include adolescents but perhaps concentrate on them.
Characterization of a New Titanium Dioxide-Polymer Nanocomposite Material for Electronic Packaging Using Light Scattering Spectroscopy

During the last decade there has been a great progress in the field of inorganic and organic hybrid material development and characterization techniques. Mechanical, optical and electrical properties of these hybrid materials heavily depend upon the percentage composition of inorganic and organic components of these hybrid materials [1–3]. Generally, inorganic particle distribution in the organic polymer is characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy. In this paper we introduce an optics based technique for composite materials characterization. In our research, Titania pigments are used in molding compounds to improve opacity by increasing scattering efficiency of the medium. The light scattering efficiency of the samples is found to be increasing with the addition of Titania particles in the base polymer. This systematic increase of light scattering is attributed to the surface morphology, variation of refractive index due to addition of Titania particles.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The infinite-volume ground state of the Lennard-Jones potential

We consider a finite chain of particles in one dimension, interacting through the Lennard-Jones potential. We prove the ground state is unique, and approaches uniform spacing in the infinite-particle limit.
The relationship of plasma cortisol and β-endorphin immunoreactivity to surgical stress and postoperative analgesic requirement

It has been hypothesized that the endogenous opioid (endorphin) system is related to biologic stress responses. We have used general surgery as a naturalistic model for studying stress response in humans. Abdominal surgery, but not anesthesia induction, was associated with significant increases in plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity and cortisol. Both hormones decreased significantly during post-operative morphine administration. Baseline and mean surgery levels of plasma beta-endorphin immunoreactivity showed an inverse relationship with post-operative analgesic requirement. These data support involvement of the endorphin system in human stress response and in human endogenous analgesic mechanisms. Findings also support the concept that baseline or psychologically stimulated levels of arousal may also be an important determinant in the physiology of stress response and pain perception.
Cellular regulation of actin network assembly.

Bray D: Cell Movements, 2nd edn. London: Garland Publishing; 2000. Higgs HN, Pollard TD: Regulation of actin polymerization by Arp2/3 complex and WASp/Scar proteins. J Biol Chem 1999, 274:32531-32534. Kreis T, Vale R: Guidebook to the Cytoskeletal and Motor Proteins, 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1999. Pollard TD, Blanchoin L, Mullins RD: Molecular mechanisms controlling actin filament dynamics in nonmuscle cells.Ann Rev Biophys Biomolec Struct 2000, 29:545-576.
A Criterion and Design for Space-Time Block Codes Achieving Full Diversity With Linear Receivers

In most of the existing space-time code designs, achieving full diversity is based on maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding at the receiver that is usually computationally expensive and may not have soft outputs. Recently, Zhang-Liu-Wong introduced Toeplitz codes and showed that Toeplitz codes achieve full diversity when a linear receiver, zero-forcing (ZF) or minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver, is used. Motivated from Zhang-Liu-Wong's results on Toeplitz codes, in this paper, we propose a design criterion for space-time block codes (STBC), in which information symbols and their complex conjugates are linearly embedded, to achieve full diversity when ZF or MMSE receiver is used. Subsequently, we propose a novel family of STBC that satisfy the criterion and thus achieve full diversity with ZF or MMSE receiver. Our newly proposed STBC are constructed by overlapping the 2times2 Alamouti code and hence named overlapped Alamouti codes in this paper. The new codes are close to orthogonal while their symbol rates can approach 1 for any number of transmit antennas. Simulation results show that overlapped Alamouti codes significantly outperform Toeplitz codes for all numbers of transmit antennas and also outperform orthogonal STBC (OSTBC) when the number of transmit antennas is above 4.
Validity and Reliability of the Confirmation of Expectations Paradigm As a Determinant of Consumer Satisfaction

The Validity of the Confirmation of Expectations paradigm with respect to consumer satisfaction was examined on the basis of the intercorrelations between five variables of the satisfaction process i.e., Expectations, Postpurchase Evaluation, Confirmation of Expectations, Overall Satisfaction, and Repurchase. The results showed that the confirmation of expectations was a confounding variable in the satisfaction process. The major explanation for this variable not fitting into the process was the low reliability of the gain scores or difference scores (i.e., subtraction of prepurchase expectations from post-purchase evaluation) used for the computation of the confirmation of expectations. The major conclusions of this study were as follows: (1) If the purpose of the research is only to predict satisfaction or repurchase then it is best to depend upon direct measures such as postpurchase ratings. (2) If the purpose of research is diagnostic analysis then it is better to apply the confirmation of expectations concept. But for this later application it is important to develop reliable scales to measure the construct of confirmation.
Successful management of labor and delivery in primary pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Patients with pulmonary hypertension often do poorly when subjected to the stress of major surgery or pregnancy. Recently we have shown improved hemodynamics and prolonged survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension who respond to high doses of nifedipine.1 We report the first case of a pregnant patient with primary pulmonary hypertension tested with intravenous adenosine and treated with high-dose oral nifedipine, with an uncomplicated labor and delivery.
Cladistical analysis of primitive G-band sequences for the karyotype of the ancestor of the Cricetidae complex of rodents

Homologous segments identified by G-banding sequences of chromosomes of Peromyscus boylii, Neotoma micropus, Oryzomys capito, (Family Cricetidae) Rattus norvegicus, Melomys burtoni, and Apodemus sylvaticus (Family Muridae) were used to hypothesize a chromosomal condition for the cricetid ancestor. A critical assumption in proposing the primitive G-banding sequences for a given chromosome is that if the outgroup and ingroup taxa have a specific sequence, then the ancestor of the ingroup taxa also had that same sequence. Using this methodology, (chromosome numbers refer to proposed homology to the standardized karyotype for Peromyscus), we propose that: (1) the primitive banding pattern of chromosome 1 was identical to that of Neotoma; (2) the primitive patterns of chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were primitive banding patterns of 5 and 13 were undetermined; (4) a major portion of the banding patterns of 14 and X were present in the ancestral karyotype. Only the largest 14 autosomes and X were examined because the smaller elements had insufficient G-band definition to ensure reasonable accuracy. The karyotype ancestral to that of Peromyscus, Neotoma, and Oryzomys may be as above and the banding patterns of 5, 13, and 14 were acrocentric and identical to those shown for Peromyscus, Neotoma, and Oryzomys (Fig. 1). In the primitive karyotype, heterochromatin (C-band material) was probably limited to the centromeric regions. If the primitive karyotype is as described above, then it is possible to determine the direction, type, and magnitude of chromosomal evolution evident in the various cricetid lineages. Based on the available data, radiation from the ancestral cytotype is characterized by a nonrandom distribution of types of chromosomal changes. Within many genera, more rearrangements occur in the 14 largest autosomal chromosomes of some congeneric species than distinguish the proposed primitive conditions for the genera Peromyscus, Neotoma, and Oryzomys. It would appear that the extensive morphological radiation from the primitive cricetid ancestor as indicated by the presence of over 100 surviving genera within the family, was not accompanied by extensive karyotypic changes. The magnitude of chromosomal variation that accompanies speciation in these genera appears to range from no detectable chromosomal evolution to a radical reorganization of the genome.
Comparison of skeletal muscle motor unit discharge characteristics in young and aged humans.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the discharge characteristics of motor unit action potentials. Three decades of aged subjects ranging from 60 to 90 yr of age were compared to a group of 20–35 yr olds. Motor unit behavior was described by the interspike interval (ISI) and expressed statistically as a mean, a floating standard deviation (FSD), and a floating serial correlation (FRHO). The 70- to 79-yr-old group tended to have a slow motor unit discharge rate, an increased variability of discharge (FSD) and a negative serial correlation coefficient (FRHO). All three factors describing motor unit discharge behavior possibly suggest substitution of larger motor units for small motor units normally active at low tensions for the 70–79 age group.
Diquark condensation and the quark-quark interaction

We employ a bispinor gap equation to study superfluidity at nonzero chemical potential, $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\ne}0,$ in two- and three-color QCD, exploring the gap's sensitivity to the nature of the quark-quark interaction. The two-color theory, ${\mathrm{QC}}_{2}\mathrm{D},$ is an excellent exemplar; the order of truncation of the quark-quark scattering kernel K has no qualitative impact, which allows a straightforward elucidation of the effects of $\ensuremath{\mu}$ when the coupling is strong. In the three-color theory the rainbow-ladder truncation admits diquark bound states, a defect that is eliminated by an improvement of K. The corrected gap equation describes a superfluid phase that is semiquantitatively similar to that obtained using the rainbow truncation. A model study suggests that the width of the superfluid gap and the transition point in ${\mathrm{QC}}_{2}\mathrm{D}$ provide reliable quantitative estimates of those quantities in QCD.
USE OF DIAMIDE IN DETERMINING THE SHELF LIFE OF REFRIGERATED CHICKEN

A study was done to determine if a relationship exists between plate counts determined on trypticase soy agar containing diamide and the shelf life of refrigerated chicken carcasses. Results show that determining plate counts with TSA containing 0.05% diamide appears useful as a means of predicting shelf life of raw chicken and possibly other fresh meats stored under refrigeration.
Benefit Transfer: A Comparison of Approaches

Benefit transfer has become increasingly important for policy researchers as a low-cost approach for assigning benefits to environmental amenities. To gain insights on how to best perform benefit transfer, this study analyzes estimates from both the travel cost (TC) and contingent valuation (CV) methods. The analysis compared the point estimate approach with the benefit function approach for transferring economic benefits between a study site and a policy site. Data from the 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation for deer hunting was used to provide both the CV willingness-to-pay and the TC consumer surplus estimates. The study found that when focusing on a nonsite-specific activity such as deer hunting, benefits transferred fairly well, with the average error being slightly less than 30 percent for CV estimates and just under 35 percent for TC estimates. In addition, the empirical results suggest that the more precise benefit function approach provide some improvement to the more general point estimate approach, with the CV methods showing moderate gains while the TC method showing only minimal gains. The study also found that the closer the distance between the policy and research sites was, the more the precision of the benefit transfer increased.
Electrical stimulation of skeletal muscle--a study of muscle as an actuator.

In many forms of disability in humans due to paralysis, it appears possible to regain some measure of function through direct electrical stimulation of paralysed muscles. The work described in this paper represents some of the first steps taken in a broad research program toward controlled electrical stimulation of muscles in human beings. From an engineering point of view, it is important to characterize the muscle as an operational element. This means that the force and movement responses to input stimuli must be analysed and modeled so that effective control systems can be designed. Such analytic models must take into account physiologic factors such as metabolic capability, maintenance and regeneration of muscle tissue, and comfort and fatigue factors. Most of the data reported herein have been obtained from normal human beings. In general, comfort and pain have been used to define limits which are assumed to be equally applicable to involved persons. Initial studies have been directed to determine the nature of electrical signals which produce the maximum stimulation effects with minimum discomfort and pain. Constant current stimulation was chosen as an optimum mode. Studies were made to determine the nature and location of motor points. Plots showing isometric torque developed about the elbow as a function of stimulation frequency and intensity have been made. Single muscle twitch responses were recorded and a mathematical model derived for a single muscle twitch. Tetanic torque was predicted from single muscle twitch response. A mathematical model for a total muscle which is consistent with the concept of a summation of muscle twitches to produce tetanic contraction has been proposed.
Intraoral pressure, nasal pressure and airflow rate in cleft palate speech.

We have suggested that compensatory behaviors associated with cleft palate may be strategies developed for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of a speech regulating system. The purpose of t...
Clinical Effects of Methylphenidate and Thioridazine in Intellectually Subaverage Children

Abstract Thirty children with subaverage IQs and psychiatric diagnoses of attention deficit disorder and/or conduct disorder took part in a double-blind study of placebo, methylphenidate, and thioridazine, which were given for 3 weeks each. The results showed a consistent and highly significant effect of methylphenidate in reducing teacher ratings of problem behavior. Parent ratings showed no behavioral effects for the group as a whole. An attentional model of stimulant drug response was used to divide subjects according to a cognitive maturity domain presumed to reflect selective attention. When divided according to breadth of attention, mental age, and IQ level, higher functioning subjects were found to show a generally favorable response to methylphenidate on both teacher and parent rating scales, whereas children of low functional level typically showed an adverse or indifferent response. The present data suggest that mental age and IQ may be important determinants of drug response; below a given level, there was a greatly reduced likelihood of responding positively. Clinical response to thioridazine was substantially less than the response to methylphenidate, with significant improvements confined to conduct and hyperactivity problems on teacher ratings.
Diabetes Education Infrastructure and Capacity in Hospitals and Home Health Agencies in Maryland and Pennsylvania

In this study, questionnaire data were described regarding diabetes education program capacity in Maryland and Pennsylvania hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and home health agencies (HHAs). Hospitals, HMOs, and HHAs in each state were asked to indicate whether they currently have a diabetes education program and, if not, whether they had such a program anytime within the past 10 years. Home health agencies were less likely to have had programs in the past and more likely to have recently established diabetes education programs. About half of hospitals currently without programs had a program sometime within the past 10 years. Hospitals in Maryland and Pennsylvania responded similarly; Pennsylvania HHAs were more likely to report having diabetes education programs than HHAs in Maryland. On the average, programs showed moderate levels of institutionalization. Respondents to the questionnaire believed that their programs would be sustained; these projections appeared to not be sensitive to...
ABNORMALITIES OF PULMONARY AND OTHER VESSELS IN RAT FETUSES FROM MATERNAL PTEROYLGLUTAMIC ACID DEFICIENCY.

Maternal pteroylglutamic acid (PGA or folic acid) deficiency from the ninth to eleventh days of gestation produced in rat fetuses a variety of congenital abnormalities of the pulmonary and other vessels. These included single pulmonary artery, absence of the ductus arteriosus, single coronary artery, stenosis of the pulmonary trunk, persistent truncus arterious, and termination of the pulmonary veins in the right atrium or left anterior vena cava. Study of young PGA-deficient embryos showed a number of these anomalies in the course of development. Many of the abnormalities encountered resembled those occurring in man.
The extrapyramidal systems of the spinal cord. II. Results of combined pyramidal and extrapyramidal lesions in the macaque.

Unilateral spinal lesions were made in six Macaques; in two, the bulbar pyramid was sectioned contralaterally. In four Macaques with chronic pyramidal section, contralateral spinal lesions were made. The effect of each lesion separately and of the combined lesions upon the locomotor status of the animals was evaluated behaviorally, by electromyography and the lesions studied histologically after two years' survival. Spinal lesions provoked changes in resistance to passive stretch and tendon reflexes primarily, and changes in movement secondarily: when hypertonus appeared, movements in opposing muscles were restricted, whereas movements opposing muscles were restricted, whereas movements opposed by muscles with decreased tone were hypermetric. Spinal lesions greatly altered the paresis provoked by pyramidotomy: small ventrolateral lesions restored “contact” placing, improved stepping and hopping and made the hypotonic (“pyramidal”) limb hypertonic. Execution of movements was poor, however, poorest in an animal with combined pyramidal and ventral funiculus lesion. The importance of extrapyramidal tracts in return of function following pyramidotomy was demonstrated in relation (a) to the size of the spinal lesion and (b) to its cross-sectional location. Gross sequential movement of muscles normally fixating the limb appears when the pyramid is cut. These movements are greatly impaired when spinal lesions are added, and the usual grouping of synergists is disrupted. Fixation of the limb represents the integration of extrapyramidally activated, pyramidally inhibited synergistic contractions upon which discrete usage of distal muscle depends.
The Relationship of Aspiration Status With Tongue and Handgrip Strength in Healthy Older Adults

Background. Recently, subclinical aspiration has been identified in approximately 30% of community-dwelling older adults. Given that the tongue is a key component of the safe swallow, we hypothesized healthy older adults who aspirate will generate less tongue strength than adults who do not aspirate. Furthermore, as muscle weakness may reflect a global effect of aging, we further investigated whether tongue strength is correlated with handgrip strength.
Linking HSCs to their youth

Fetal haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-renew extensively to build the blood system from scratch. The protein Lin28b negatively regulates the microRNA let-7 to keep levels of its target Hmga2 high, hence conferring high self-renewal potential to fetal HSCs. This regulatory circuit can be experimentally modulated to boost the lower self-renewal activity of quiescent adult HSCs.
Perifused pituitary cells as a model for studies of gonadotropin biosynthesis and secretion

Pituitary gonadotropes are influenced by a variety of hormones in vivo. In an effort to study these signals individually, several experimental models have been devised. One of these models, pituitary perifusion, has the dual advantage of removing endogenous hormones and growth factors and permitting exogenous signals to be applied in a continuous or pulsatile fashion. Application of the perifusion model to the study of gonadotropen biosynthesis and secretion has led to the discovery of several previously unappreciated interactions between hypothalamic and paracrine signals that act on gonadotropes.
Ultrasound-guided lumpectomy for palpable breast cancers.

We sought to determine the re-excision rate following lumpectomy for palpable breast cancers using intraoperative ultrasound (US). A secondary aim was to investigate the impact on surgical decision-making. We identified 73 women who underwent US-guided lumpectomy for palpable breast cancer between 2006 and 2010. A cohort of 124 women who underwent palpation-guided lumpectomy was used for a comparison group. Data included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative findings, and pathologic outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for data summary and compared by chi-square or t test, as appropriate. A total of 73 women underwent US-guided lumpectomy, and 124 women underwent palpation-guided lumpectomy (median age 55 years). Patients undergoing palpation-guided lumpectomy had smaller tumors that were more likely to be HER2/neu amplified compared with patients undergoing US-guided lumpectomy (P 0.05 for each). Re-excision rates were similar in both groups [17 (23%) in the US group versus 31 (25%) in the palpation group; P > 0.05]. In the US group, 45 patients (62%) had additional shave margins taken based on US interrogation of the specimen, and 12 patients (16%) were spared a 2nd procedure based on the use of intraoperative US. Although palpable breast cancers can be excised based on direct palpation or needle localization, we believe that US guidance provides an excellent tool to aid the breast surgeon. Only 10% of patients had a positive margin on final pathology as a result, and the overall re-excision rate was acceptable.
Comparative thermostability of enzymes from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus cereus.

Abstract The activity and thermostability of eleven enzymes from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus cereus were compared. The thermophilic enzymes with two exceptions showed much greater thermostability than their mesophilic counterparts. Thermophilic protein showed greater resistance to precipitation than mesophilic protein at various concentrations and temperatures. Data obtained from mixtures of thermophilic and mesophilic protein suggested the absence of stabilizing factors in the cellular environment of the thermophile.
New Combinations in Lychnis (Caryophyllaceae) from Africa

New combinations in Lychnis L. (Caryophyllaceae) are proposed for the names of seven taxa occurring in the East and West African mountains. The taxa have previously been placed in Uebelinia Hochstetter, but recent molecular studies placed the group within Lychnis. The new combinations are: L. crassifolia (T. C. E. Fries) M. Popp, L. kigesiensis (R. D. Good) M. Popp, L. kigesiensis subsp. ragazziana (S. Ousted) M. Popp, L. kiwuensis (T. C. E. Fries) M. Popp, L. kiwuensis subsp. erlangeriana (S. Ousted) M. Popp, L. rotundifolia (Oliver) M. Popp, and L. scottii (Turrill) M. Popp.
Release of Free DNA by Membrane-Impaired Bacterial Aerosols Due to Aerosolization and Air Sampling

We report here that stress experienced by bacteria due to aerosolization and air sampling can result in severe membrane impairment, leading to the release of DNA as free molecules. Escherichia coli and Bacillus atrophaeus bacteria were aerosolized and then either collected directly into liquid or collected using other collection media and then transferred into liquid. The amount of DNA released was quantified as the cell membrane damage index (ID), i.e., the number of 16S rRNA gene copies in the supernatant liquid relative to the total number in the bioaerosol sample. During aerosolization by a Collison nebulizer, the ID of E. coli and B. atrophaeus in the nebulizer suspension gradually increased during 60 min of continuous aerosolization. We found that the ID of bacteria during aerosolization was statistically significantly affected by the material of the Collison jar (glass > polycarbonate; P B. atrophaeus; P < 0.001). When E. coli was collected for 5 min by filtration, impaction, and impingement, its ID values were within the following ranges: 0.051 to 0.085, 0.16 to 0.37, and 0.068 to 0.23, respectively; when it was collected by electrostatic precipitation, the ID values (0.011 to 0.034) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those with other sampling methods. Air samples collected inside an equine facility for 2 h by filtration and impingement exhibited ID values in the range of 0.30 to 0.54. The data indicate that the amount of cell damage during bioaerosol sampling and the resulting release of DNA can be substantial and that this should be taken into account when analyzing bioaerosol samples.
Comparison of tank treatments with copper sulfate and potassium permanganate for sunshine bass with ichthyobodosis.

Abstract The biflagellated, single-celled parasite Ichthyobodo necator can cause significant losses among fish populations, particularly those cultured in tanks. Treatments of KMnO4 and CuSO4 were evaluated against a naturally occurring I. necator infestation on sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis) raised in tanks. Four-hour static treatments with 3 mg of KMnO4/L of water (2.5 mg/L above the determined KMnO4 demand) or 2 mg of CuSO4/L of water (total alkalinity = 207 mg/L; total hardness = 95 mg/L) were randomly applied to 4 tanks/treatment (23 fish/tank); the same treatments were reapplied 2 d later. Four tanks were used as positive controls. By 2 d posttreatment (after the second treatment), only 17.4% of the untreated control fish survived, and a sample of the remaining fish was heavily infested with I. necator. All remaining control fish were dead by 5 d posttreatment. The KMnO4 treatment significantly curtailed the initial mortality (survival = 92.4%) and...
Reversal of desertification: The role of physical and chemical soil properties

Abstract Desertification, the conversion of arid grasslands to shrublands due to overgrazing and drought, is occurring on over a quarter of the land on earth. Conceptual models of desertification predict desertified shrublands are in a stable state, and grass recovery is unlikely. These models hypothesize that as grass is lost, feedback loops involving low soil nutrients or insufficient water infiltration rates prevent the return of perennial grasses to desertified sites. However, these models cannot account for recent reports of reversals of desertification following long-term livestock removal. Here, we analyzed soil nutrients and water infiltration at a desertified site where native perennial grasses are recovering inside a 49-year livestock exclosure. We found higher water infiltration and soil nutrients inside the exclosure. We postulate that in the absence of livestock there is a slow release from compaction that, over decades, results in an increase in water infiltration and a concomitant decrease in erosion, which promotes nutrient accumulation in the soil. Our data support key desertification model assumptions: increased nutrients and infiltration are associated with reversal of desertification. This suggests that given sufficient time and removal of livestock, soil properties at some desertified sites can improve sufficiently to support the re-establishment of perennial grasses.
Effect of protein-bound RNA associated with chick embryo chromatin on template specificity of the chromatin☆

Abstract The possible function of the protein-bound RNA in chick embryo chromatin is examined by experiments involving chromatin reconstitution and DNA-RNA hybridization of the template products. In the presence of this RNA, functional chromatin may be reconstructed from the dissociated chromatin by gradient dialysis from high to low salt in the presence of urea. RNA's, synthesized in vitro using such a reconstituted chromatin as a template, resemble the native RNA isolated from nuclei for their ability to form specific molecular hybrids with DNA. Degradation of this RNA by zinc nitrate resulted in a diminishing of this specific reassociation. RNA's primed by zinc-treated chromatin differ from either nuclear RNA or the original chromatin-primed RNA. Although protein-bound RNA is found in native chromatin, the origin of its coupling (protein to RNA) is unknown at the present time.
Development of an in vitro incubation procedure for screening of CYP2D6 intrinsic clearance.

Abstract The in vitro intrinsic clearances (CLint) for the metabolism of p-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and fluoxetine by the CYP2D6 enzyme were calculated using a steady-state (SS) approach and a new general enzyme (GE) method, which measures the formation of product and the depletion of substrate as a function of time. For PMMA, the SS experiment resulted in a CLint of 2.7 ± 0.2 μL pmol 2D6−1 min−1 and the GE experiment resulted in a CLint of 3.0 ± 0.6 μL pmol 2D6−1 min−1. For fluoxetine, the SS experiment resulted in a CLint of 0.33 ± 0.17 μL pmol 2D6−1 min−1 and the GE experiment resulted in a CLint of 0.188 ± 0.013 μL pmol 2D6−1 min−1. We used two kinetic modeling techniques that can accommodate atypical kinetic models. We also show that the addition of fluoxetine results in a 10-fold decrease in the observed intrinsic clearance of PMMA, confirming that fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the liver enzyme CYP2D6.
A Differential Advection Model of Orographic Rain

Abstract The history of the theory of orographic rain, and recent evidence against the “stable upglide” model, are briefly reviewed. A new model is proposed in which the blocking of low level air by a mountain causes approaching cold air to override the warm air, producing an unstable layer upstream of the mountain. This model is compared with recent observations in the Cascades and San Juan Mountains. The suggestion is that under some conditions it is the blocking action of the mountain, rather than forced ascent, which causes enhanced precipitation.
Another look at the spending response to the 2001 income tax rebates

This article revisits the spending response to the 2001 US tax rebates by focussing on two key aspects of how tax policy researchers use the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX). These two attributes, which are often overlooked, are as follows: the measures used for consumption and the ‘outlier’ criteria applied to the data. First, I reproduce the results in Johnson et al. (2006), which (using the CEX) concluded that households immediately spent 20–40% of their rebates on nondurable consumption goods. Then, I show how making two changes – both of which are relied upon in the literature – affects their results. These adjustments reduce the estimated magnitude of the rebate's impact by as much as 100%.
On the question of carbonium ions as intermediates over silica-alumina and acidic zeolites

Abstract Activation energies for the isomerization of an equilibrated mixture of 2-methylpent-1-ene and 2-methylpent-2-ene to several isomers with an ultrastable Y catalyst have been found to correspond closely with the barriers to the rearrangement of the same “postulated” carbonium ions in super-acids. This provides evidence for relatively stable carbonium ions as reaction intermediates on this solid acid. The same rearrangements with a conventional amorphous SiO 2 Al 2 O 3 catalyst involve distinctly different barriers and are more indicative of the presence of surface alkoxy compounds as intermediates. With these catalysts it is proposed that rearrangements may occur through polar (cationic-like) transition states.
Vaccination of patients with B–cell lymphoma using autologous antigen–pulsed dendritic cells

In this pilot study, we investigated the ability of autologous dendritic cells pulsed ex vivo with tumor–specific idiotype protein to stimulate host antitumor immunity when infused as a vaccine. Four patients with follicular B–cell lymphoma received a series of three or four infusions of antigen–pulsed dendritic cells followed, in each instance, by subcutaneous injections of soluble antigen two weeks later. All patients developed measurable antitumor cellular immune responses. In addition, clinical responses have been measured with one patient experiencing complete tumor regression, a second patient having partial tumor regression, and a third patient resolving all evidence of disease as detected by a sensitive tumor–specific molecular analysis.