cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are pancarcinoma T and Tn differentiation antigens

Human fetal tissues were studied for presence of immunoreactive Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) and Tn epitopes (EPs) using well-defined anti-T and anti-Tn rodent monoclonal antibodies. T and Tn are universal (pan) carcinoma (CA) markers that are occluded in normal postfetal tissues except in some immunoprivileged enclaves. Immunohistochemical methods using avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase for staining were employed. Tissues between 45 and 117 days after ovulation were studied. In most instances, anti-T and anti-Tn antibodies showed similar immunoreactivity as demonstrated by positive immunohistochemical staining. The most intense staining was in epithelial and mesothelial components; the mesenchyme stained more faintly. All human sera have anti-T and anti-Tn antibodies, stimulated largely by intestinal flora. The presence of immunoreactive T and Tn during an early phase of fetal development, as shown here, and their known absence in noncarcinomatous postfetal tissues suggests that T and Tn, in addition to their association with CA, are stage-specific oncofetal antigens in pretolerogenic differentiation phases.
A comparison of the pharmacokinetics of multiple and single dose administrations of adriamycin

Abstract Adriamycin (ADR) to a total dose of 11 mg/kg LD 10 60 ) was administered intraperitoneally to female Balb/cKa mice either as a single dose or in multiple dose fractions. The concentration of ADR equivalents as a function of time after injection was determined using a fluorometric assay in the heart, lung, liver, kidney and intramuscularly growing EMT-6/Ro tumor. The results for single doses indicate both the maximum attainable tissue drug level and retention kinetics to be tissue specific. At 1–3 hr post-injection, measured values were highest in the liver and lowest in the tumor. Adriamycin equivalents had a longer half-life ( t 1 2 ) in the tumor (67 hr) than in the other tissues examined: lung, (45 hr), liver (29 hr), kidney (27 hr), and heart (20 hr). Studies also were performed to determine whether the ADR pharmacokinetics are altered during a multiple dose regimen. Mice were given either a single dose of 5.5 mg/kg, 2 daily doses of 2.75 mg/kg, or 5 daily doses of 1.1 mg/kg. The results showed: 1) a build-up in tissue ADR equivalents with a maximum value after each fraction dependent solely on the level of drug remaining from the previous dose and 2) that in all tissues studied, the pharmacokinetics of the subsequent dose of ADR are unaffected by both the size and number of previous dose increments.
Altered motility and duration of bacterial overgrowth in experimental blind loop syndrome.

To better understand the pathogenesis of the increased motility previously described in the blind loop rat, we studied the relationship between duration of bacterial overgrowth and both myoelectric activity and bacterial flora in this model. Myoelectric studies and quantitative bacterial cultures were performed on self-filling and self-emptying (control) blind loop rats, one, two, and three weeks postoperatively. All self-filling blind loop rats had greater random action potential activity and higher frequencies of migrating action potential complexes than controls (P<0.05). One-week self-filling blind loop rats had a higher frequency of migrating action potential complexes (P<0.05) and a higher ratio of counts ofEscherichia coli toBacteroides species (P<0.05) than the two- or three-week self-filling blind loop groups. Thus, qualitative changes in myoelectric activity occur during the development of bacterial overgrowth in the blind loop rat which may reflect evolving alterations in the bacterial flora.
Frequency of cervical smear abnormalities within 3 years of normal cytology.

Abstract Objective: To compare cervical screening outcomes associated with age and three screening intervals, 1, 2, and 3 years. Methods: We did a prospective cohort study comprising 128,805 women at community-based clinics throughout the United States who were screened for cervical cancer within 3 years of normal smears through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. We determined the incidence of cytologic abnormalities defined as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), high-grade SIL, and suggestive of squamous cell cancer. Results: Over the 3 years after normal smear results, the incidence of new smears interpreted as high-grade SIL or suggestive of squamous cell cancer (high-grade SIL or worse) was 66 of 10,000 for women under 30 years old, 22 of 10,000 for those 30–49 years, 15 of 10,000 for those 50–64 years, and 10 of 10,000 for those over 65 years. Age-adjusted incidence rates of high-grade SIL or worse were similar for women screened at 9–12 months (25 of 10,000), 13–24 months (29 of 10,000), and 25–36 months (33 of 10,000) after normal smears ( P = .46). Age-adjusted incidence rates of ASCUS, the most common cytologic abnormality, did not change ( P = .36). Incidence of smears interpreted as low-grade SIL increased as time from the normal smear increased ( P = .01). Conclusions: Within 3 years after normal cytology results, cervical smears interpreted as high-grade SIL or worse are uncommon, and the incidence rate is unrelated to the time since last normal smear. Optimal screening strategies for women with recent normal cytology results should be based on comprehensive modeling studies that incorporate the true risks and benefits of repetitive screening.
Quantitative analysis of biochar in field soil

Abstract Biochar is used with increasing frequency as a soil amendment because of its potentially beneficial effects on soil carbon sequestration, crop yield, nutrient leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. Simple methods for the analysis of biochar in soil, however, are currently unavailable. Therefore, we have adapted the “loss on ignition” method for this purpose. The technique requires knowledge of the proportions of both biochar and biochar-free soil that are lost on ignition. One can use values determined prior to the amendment of the soil with biochar, assuming that the values do not change after biochar is incorporated in the soil. We tested these assumptions. Over the course of 15 months, the assumptions proved to be valid under our test conditions. The technique accurately determined a wide range of biochar concentrations in field soil.
Improved UXO detection via sensor fusion

Traditional algorithms for UXO remediation experience severe difficulties distinguishing buried targets from anthropic clutter, and in most cases UXO items are found among extensive surface clutter and shrapnel from ordnance operations. These problems render site mediation a very slow, labor intensive, and efficient process. While sensors have improved significantly over the past several years in their ability to detect conducting and/or permeable targets, reduction of the false alarm rate has proven to be a significantly more challenging problem. Our work has focused on the development of optimal signal processing algorithms that rigorously incorporate the underlying physics characteristics of the sensor and the anticipated UXO target in order to address the false alarm issue. In this paper, we describe several techniques for discriminating targets from clutter that have been applied to data obtained with the Multi-sensor Towed Array Detection System (MTADS) that has been developed by the Naval Research Laboratory. MTADS includes both EMI and magnetometer sensors. We describe a variety of signal processing techniques which incorporate physics-based models that have been applied to the data measured by MTADS during field demonstrations. We will compare and contrast the performance of the various algorithms as well as discussing tradeoffs, such as training requirements. The result of this analysis quantify the utility of fusing magnetometer and EMI dat. For example, the JPG-IV test, at the False Positive level obtained by NRL, one of our algorithms achieved a 13 percent improvement in True Positive level over the algorithm traditionally used for processing MTADS data.
Cold event in the South Atlantic Bight during summer of 2003: Anomalous hydrographic and atmospheric conditions

[1] Unusually cold seawater temperatures were observed along much of the U.S. eastern seaboard during the summer of 2003. In this study, hydrographic and atmospheric observations from spring through summer were analyzed to track the evolution of the cold water event in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) and investigate links to various forcing mechanisms. The hydrographic observations included 13 cross-shelf transects over the central region of the SAB, surface temperature time series from several NDBC stations, and bottom temperatures from a mid shelf mooring. Atmospheric data were obtained from NDBC stations. Additional data included water level from NOS stations and river discharge from USGS stations. The conditions observed during spring and summer of 2003 were compared with climatological values. Record precipitation and increased river discharge during spring produced strong salinity stratification over the inner and mid shelf. Anomalously intense and persistent upwelling-favorable winds were present from May until August. On the mid and outer shelf the resulting upwelling and subsurface shoreward penetration of cold water acted as a feedback mechanism to preserve the stratified conditions through the summer. The characteristics of the upwelled water corresponded to water from the lower part of the Gulf Stream water column. On the shelf the resulting temperature values under the thermocline were significantly lower than climatological temperatures by 5°–7°C.
Exercise, smoking cessation, and short-term changes in serum lipids in women: a preliminary investigation.

Purpose: This study investigated the combined effects of exercise and smoking cessation on serum lipids. Methods: Eighteen female smokers quit smoking using standard behavioral methods combined with exercise (N = 9) or with a nonexercise contact time control (N = 9). The smoking cessation program for both groups consisted of 12 weekly I-h behavioral modification sessions held over 12 wk. Exercise training consisted of three supervised 45-min sessions per week for 12 wk. Contact control consisted of three health education lectures/discussions per week for 12 wk. Fitness (estimated VO 2 peak), dietary variables. and fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins were assessed before and at the end of treatment. VO 2 peak increased in the exercise subjects compared with the controls. Results: Total caloric intake as well as total fat and carbohydrate increased significantly after smoking cessation in the controls, but there were no dietary changes in the exercise group. high density lipoprotein (HDL)-C 2 increased (7.6 mg.dL -1 . P < 0.01) in the exercise group. whereas the increases in HDL and its subfractions did not attain statistical significance in the contact control group. Total cholesterol. low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C. and triglycerides did not change in either group. Conclusions: We conclude that exercise training magnifies the increase in HDL-C that usually occurs with smoking cessation.
Cloning and Expression Studies of Novel Small RNAs in Tetraploid Cotton

Small RNAs are a group of non-coding RNAs that downregulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner to control plant growth and development. The objective of the present study was to clone and characterize several small RNAs in cotton. To identify small RNAs that are involved in the development of cotton bolls and fibers, we generated cDNA libraries from cotton bolls at 13 days post-anthesis from two cotton cultivars, Pima Phy 76 (Gossypium bardadense) and Acala 1517–99 (Gossypium hirsutum). Screening of these libraries identified eight small RNAs, seven of which have not been reported in other plant species and appear to be absent in the known sequences of other plant species. Their predicted target genes are known to be involved in cotton fiber development. The cloned small RNAs displayed lower and differential expression in the examined boll developmental stages using RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR. The genetic polymorphism of the small RNAs at the DNA level was evaluated by miRNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis using primers designed from the small miRNA genes in combination with AFLP primers. Homologous small RNA gene sequences were further isolated using this homology-based genotyping approach, and potential hairpin structures were identified. The results represent a novel method to isolate small including miRNA genes at the RNA and DNA levels in many plant species where genome sequences are not available or expressed sequence tags are limited.
The apical cell of fern roots and shoots: an appraisal of its functional role in development

A brief review of the Apical Cell Theory and its relationship to apical growth in pteridophytes is presented. Currently there are two concepts regarding the importance of the apical cell during development. One group of investigators has presented evidence to demonstrate that the apical cell is mitotically active only during early initiation and organisation of apical meristems. Soon the apical cell becomes essentially inactive in cell division, and may undergo endopolyploidy. The second group has provided evidence in support of the original tenet that the apical cell plays an important and continuing role in shoot and root development and does not undergo endopolyploidy. Curiously enough, evidence for both concepts is based essentially upon the same procedures and techniques: histogenesis, determination of the mitotic index and cell-cycle durations, labelling with 3 H-thymidine, and cytophotometric measurements of DNA content of the apical cell and subjacent cells.
Malignant Glioma Sensitivity to Radiotherapy, High-dose Tamoxifen, and Hypericin: Corroborating Clinical Response in Vitro: Case Report

Previous work has demonstrated the importance of protein kinase C in regulating glioma cell proliferation in vitro. Tamoxifen, a protein kinase C inhibitor when administered in high dosages, is currently being used as an adjuvant in the treatment of patients with malignant gliomas. The patient in the present study harbored a left frontal anaplastic astrocytoma adjacent to Broca's area and the paracentral region, which limited gross resection. After a subtotal resection of the tumor and after radiation, the patient was administered high-dose tamoxifen therapy for gross residual gadolinium-enhancing regions that were revealed by magnetic resonance imaging and by high glucose uptake as demonstrated by positron emission tomography. After treatment, a decrease in gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance images and a decrease in glucose uptake revealed by positron emission tomography were noted. A laboratory examination of the tissue obtained from the original surgical resection revealed resistance to radiation therapy but sensitivity to tamoxifen as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The subsequent in vitro testing of the tumor that was removed after the recurrence of tumor (22 months after the initiation of tamoxifen) revealed loss of sensitivity to tamoxifen. However, the recurrent tumor remained sensitive to growth inhibition by the potent protein kinase C inhibitor, hypericin, despite loss of sensitivity to tamoxifen in vitro, suggesting the potential clinical application of this agent. This close in vitro correlation with the clinical course of the patient in the present study suggests a potential role for such in vitro radiation and chemosensitivity testing in designing a rational individualized clinical course of treatment.
TRACING INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS THROUGH REPORTS OF TRANSFERS OF TIME AND MONEY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AFRICAN‐AMERICANS, HISPANICS AND WHITES

The purpose of this study was to describe any patterns of distinctive sociocultural adaptation in the form of exchanges of time and money between American households, and to determine whether any observed racial or ethnic differences remain after controlling for social background characteristics. We tested one dimension of the sociocultural adaptation hypothesis — Through processes of distinctive sociocultural adaptation, minority group members learn to survive by adjusting behaviors, values, and informal organization in response to demands and stressors in their social environment. The focal adaptation in our study involved instrumental and expressive exchanges between households. The findings showed that minority groups on average were less likely to participate in instrumental and expressive exchanges between households as compared to the majority group. The study involved a secondary analysis of data collected in 1987–1988 as part of the National Survey of Families and Households (N= 13,017). Logistic...
Heart failure, myocardial stunning, and troponin: a key regulator of the cardiac myofilament.

This review discusses post-translational modifications of myofilament regulatory proteins, particularly troponin, associated with heart failure and myocardial stunning—two common disease processes. Altered phosphorylation, partial proteolysis and, possibly, oxidative damage to myofilament proteins may result in abnormalities in both systolic and diastolic function. At a molecular level, these changes may lead to abnormalities in crossbridge cycling and tension development and result in inefficiencies in utilization of energy. Understanding these alterations may lead to new targeted therapies.
CLONIDINE ACTIVATES MEMBRANE POTASSIUM CONDUCTANCE IN MYENTERIC NEURONES

1 Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the myenteric plexus of the ileum removed from guinea-pigs. The effects of clonidine and adrenaline on membrane potential and resistance were observed.2 Clonidine (100 pM-30 nM) caused a concentration-dependent membrane hyperpolarization associated with a fall in neurone input resistance.3 The amplitude of the clonidine hyperpolarization, but not the conductance increase, was greater in cells with lower resting potentials and smaller in more polarized neurones. In a given cell, membrane hyperpolarization decreased and membrane depolarization increased the clonidine effect.4 Low potassium solutions enhanced and high potassium solutions reduced the hyperpolarizing action of clonidine but did not significantly change the conductance increase caused by clonidine.5 The concentration-effect curve for clonidine was displaced to the left when the extracellular calcium concentration was reduced. Conversely, clonidine was almost ineffective in elevated calcium concentrations. This was true for both the hyperpolarization and the conductance increase.6 It is suggested that clonidine activates a potassium conductance by causing an elevation in the free intracellular calcium concentration.7 Clonidine reversibly depressed the amplitude of the nicotinic fast excitatory postsynaptic potential and the noncholinergic slow excitatory postsynaptic potential.8 All the effects of clonidine were shared by adrenaline and the actions of both were reversed or prevented by phentolamine (100 nM-1 muM).
Revisiting random key pre-distribution schemes for wireless sensor networks

Key management is one of the fundamental building blocks of security services. In a network with resource constrained nodes like sensor networks, traditional key management techniques, such as public key cryptography or key distribution center (e.g., Kerberos), are often not effective. To solve this problem, several key pre-distribution schemes have been proposed for sensor networks based on random graph theory. In these schemes, a set of randomly chosen keys or secret information is pre-distributed to each sensor node and a network is securely formed based on this information. Most of the schemes assumed that the underlying physical network is dense enough, that is, the degree of each node is hig.In this paper, we revisit the random graph theory and use giant component theory by Erdos and Renyi to show that even if the node degree is small, most of the nodes in the network can be connected. Further, we use this fact to analyze the Eschenhauer et. al's, Du et. al's, and Chan et. al's key pre-distribution schemes and evaluate the relation between connectivity, memory size, and security. We show that we can reduce the amount of memory required or improve security by trading-off a very small number of isolated nodes. Our simulation results show that the communication overhead does not increase significantly even after reducing the node degree. In addition, we present an approach by which nodes can dynamically adjust their transmission power to establish secure links with the targeted networked neighbors. Finally, we propose an effcient path-key identification algorithm and compare it with the existing scheme.
Jun N-Terminal Kinase Promotes Proliferation of Immature Erythroid Cells and Erythropoietin-Dependent Cell Lines

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the hormone necessary for development of erythrocytes from immature erythroid cells. EPO activates Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family in the EPO-dependent murine erythroid HCD57 cells. Therefore, we tested if JNK activity supported proliferation and/or survival of these cells. Treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited JNK activity and EPO-dependent proliferation of HCD57 cells and the human EPO-dependent cell lines TF-1 and UT7-EPO. SP600125 also increased the fraction of cells in G2/M. Introduction of a dominant-negative form of JNK1 inhibited EPO-dependent proliferation in HCD57 cells but did not increase the fraction of cells in G2/M. Constitutive JNK activity was observed in primary murine erythroid progenitors. Treatment of primary mouse bone marrow cells with the SP600125 inhibitor reduced the number of erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-e's) but not the more differentiated erythroid colony-forming units (CFU-e's), and SP600125 protected the BFU-e's from apoptosis induced by cytosine arabinoside, demonstrating that the SP600125 inhibited proliferation of the BFU-e's. Therefore, JNK activity appears to be an important regulator of proliferation in immature, primary erythroid cells and 3 erythroid cell lines but may not be required for the survival or proliferation of CFU-e's or proerythroblasts.
Late-onset hyperlactataemia following paediatric cardiac surgery.

To investigate the clinical significance of a late rise in blood lactate concentration, developing after PICU admission, in older children undergoing cardiac surgery. Retrospective, observational study. Single UK PICU. A total of 147 children, aged 2–16 years, in 2 cohorts: FONTAN (n = 63) Fontan operation; and MIXED (n = 84) operations of varying complexity. None. Sequential data were collected up to 12 h postoperatively: arterial blood gas, lactate, glucose concentrations; haemodynamic variables; inotropic support; urine output, core-peripheral temperature gradient. Data were collected on clinical outcomes: PICU mortality; length of ventilation, PICU stay; renal and hepatic function. Late-onset hyperlactataemia (LOH) was defined if blood lactate increased to or above 3 mmol/l. Data from the LOH group were compared to a group with a low blood lactate (<3 mmol/l) throughout (No_LOH). LOH occurred in 28 (44%) and 21 (25%) of patients in FONTAN and MIXED cohorts, respectively. A strong association was found between LOH and hyperglycaemia (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in postoperative urine output, core-peripheral temperature gradient or inotrope requirement in the LOH versus No_LOH groups. No significant differences were found with respect to clinical outcomes in the LOH versus No_LOH groups. All LOH patients were discharged from PICU within 1 day and survived. LOH is common in older children following cardiac surgery. We found no evidence to suggest that it is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The strong association between LOH and hyperglycaemia supports a metabolic aetiology.
Significance of pebble size and shape in sorting by waves

Abstract This paper compares means, standard deviations and standard errors for length, breadth, thickness and weight of samples of 500 quartzite and flint/chert pebbles from six beach crest sites on the shingle beach at Chesil Beach, Dorset, England. Because of the conditions prevailing, grading alongshore is especially well developed but the principles apply elsewhere. The data are used in examining various shape ratios and indexes including LUTTIG 's (1956) sigma (σ) and pi (π), the W entworth (1922)-C ailleux (1945) flatness index, K rumbein's (1941) sphericity index, and the maximum projection index of S need and F olk (1958). It is shown that the only comparable dimension or index between the quartzite and flint/chert population is thickness. Since the specific gravity of both lithological types is the same it would appear that over the range of pebble sizes and shapes present on this beach, thickness is the critical dimension in determining the overall sorting of pebbles by wave action.
Direct oxidative methane conversion at elevated pressure and moderate temperatures

The study reports non-catalytic and catalytic (samarium oxide) oxidative methane conversion at 900 psig and 550-600°C. At elevated pressure, significant oxidative coupling yield could be obtained without a catalyst at temperature much lower than those of conventional catalytic operation
Second Order Methods for Optimizing Convex Matrix Functions and Sparse Covariance Clustering

A variety of first-order methods have recently been proposed for solving matrix optimization problems arising in machine learning. The premise for utilizing such algorithms is that second order information is too expensive to employ, and so simple first-order iterations are likely to be optimal. In this paper, we argue that second-order information is in fact efficiently accessible in many matrix optimization problems, and can be effectively incorporated into optimization algorithms. We begin by reviewing how certain Hessian operations can be conveniently represented in a wide class of matrix optimization problems, and provide the first proofs for these results. Next we consider a concrete problem, namely the minimization of the l1 regularized Jeffreys divergence, and derive formulae for computing Hessians and Hessian vector products. This allows us to propose various second order methods for solving the Jeffreys divergence problem. We present extensive numerical results illustrating the behavior of the algorithms and apply the methods to a speech recognition problem. We compress full covariance Gaussian mixture models utilized for acoustic models in automatic speech recognition. By discovering clusters of (sparse inverse) covariance matrices, we can compress the number of covariance parameters by a factor exceeding 200, while still outperforming the word error rate (WER) performance of a diagonal covariance model that has 20 times less covariance parameters than the original acoustic model.
Crystal Statistics. III. Short-Range Order in a Binary Ising Lattice

The degree of order in a binary lattice is described in terms of a family of "correlation" functions. The correlation function for two given lattice sites states what is the probability that the spins of the two sites are the same; this probability is, of course, a function of temperature, as well as of the distance and orientation of the atoms in the pair. It is shown that each correlation function is given by the trace of a corresponding ${2}^{n}$-dimensional matrix. To evaluate this trace, we make use of the apparatus of spinor analysis, which was employed in a previous paper to evaluate the partition function for the lattice. The trace is found in terms of certain functions of temperature, ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{a}$, and these are then calculated with the aid of an elliptic substitution.Correlations for the five shortest distances (without restriction as to the orientation of the pair within the plane) are plotted as functions of temperature. In addition, the correlation for sites lying within the same row is given to any distance. For the critical temperature this correlation is plotted as a function of distance. It is shown that the correlation tends to zero as the distance increases, that is to say: there is no long-range order at the critical temperature.
Helping infants cope with change

An attempt will be made here to set forth in non‐technical language, some practical suggestions on how teachers, students and child‐care workers can help infants cope with change as may occur with adoption and foster care at various ages. John Dewey once said, “Such happiness as life is capable of, comes from full participation of all of our powers in the endeavor to rest from each changing situation of experience, its own full unique meaning.”
Predictions for neural control based on limb dynamics

Abstract Knowledge of limb dynamics and joint torques can provide unique predictions about neural mechanisms responsible for the control of limb motions. During unrestrained limb movements, mechanical interactions between articulated limb segments can significantly influence the resultant limb trajectories. To appreciate this mechanical complexity, quantitative modelling is necessary to determine how joint torques are affected by both muscle contractions and interactive forces between limb segments. Examples from non-weight-bearing, stereotypic movements of the cat hindlimb show that muscle contractions can either cause movements or counteract torques arising from mechanical interactions between segments. When interactive torques are substantial, motion-dependent feedback can monitor changes in the limb dynamics. Supraspinal centers, therefore, do not necessarily have to preplan compensatory muscular actions, and feedback at spinal segments allows for neural adaptation of the on-going limb dynamics.
A hypersensitive site in hsp70 chromatin requires adjacent not internal DNA sequence

Nuclease-hypersensitive sites in chromatin exist at the 5′ side of many eukaryotic genes. To gain some understanding of the molecular basis of these hypersensitive sites, we have now examined the pair of sites upstream of the Drosophila hsp70 gene in a series of plasmids that contain deletions in the hypersensitive region and have been transformed into yeast cells. Hypersensitive sites 5′ to a Drosophila hsp70 gene are preserved when this gene is introduced into yeast by transformation1. We find that a yeast strain containing a plasmid in which the deletion extends through the first hypersensitive site still displays the normal pair of hypersensitive sites, so DNA sequences over which the first hypersensitive site is centred are not required for hypersensitivity at this position and the site can form over a foreign DNA sequence juxtaposed against this deletion end point. Deletions progressing further into the region bracketed by the pair of 5′ hypersensitive sites eliminate the first hypersensitive site and alter the downstream site. We propose that the hypersensitive sites are generated through the binding of a protein that renders flanking sequences more accessible to nucleases, perhaps by preventing normal chromatin packaging.
Retention of inoculativity in the transmission of pea enation mosaic virus by pea aphids as associated with virus isolates, aphid reproduction and excretion.

Abstract The period of time that pea aphid vectors, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), retained the capacity of transmit the pea enation mosaic virus to sweet pea seedlings, Lathyrus odoratus L., in serial transmission experiments varied with the isolate of the virus used. Similarities or differences in symptoms were not necessarily associated with the retention of inoculativity. The decline in the transmission rate with the more persistent isolates of the virus occurred with a similar decline in the rates of reproduction and excretion, and presumably reflected a general lesssening in the feeding activity of aging vectors.
Adolescent cannabinoid exposure attenuates adult female sexual motivation but does not alter adulthood CB1R expression or estrous cyclicity.

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by neuronal remodeling and the maturation of adult emotionality, reproductive behavior and social behavior. We examined whether chronic cannabinoid exposure in adolescent rats alters female sexual motivation, estrous cyclicity, sucrose preference, and CB1R expression in adulthood. Female rats were administered with the synthetic cannabinoid agonist, CP-55,940 (0.4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), daily during adolescent development (PND 35–45). In a subset of subjects, socio-sexual motivation was investigated in adulthood (PND 75–86) using a runway apparatus. Estrous cyclicity was tracked in adulthood via vaginal cytology and a single-mount test. A two-bottle sucrose preference test was also conducted to determine whether predicted changes in socio-sexual motivation might be linked to alterations in hedonic processing. CB1R expression was examined in two separate subsets of subjects, one sacrificed following drug treatment (PND 46) and one before behavioral testing (PND 74). Drug treatment significantly decreased adult preference for a male conspecific (sexual motivation), as assessed by both Run Time and Proximity Time, but did not affect estrous cyclicity or sucrose preference. CP-55,940 treatment also induced immediate, but transient, decreases in CB1R expression in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and amygdala. Drug treatment did not affect CB1R expression in the nucleus accumbens (core or shell) or globus pallidus at either time point. We suggest that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the maturation of neuroendocrine axes and adult female reproductive behavior, and that chronic exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence disrupts these neurodevelopmental processes.
Characterization of mixed metal oxides (SrTiO3 and BaTiO3) synthesized by a modified aerogel procedure

Abstract Nanosized mixed-metal-oxide particles of strontium and barium titanate (SrTiO3 and BaTiO3) were synthesized by a modified aerogel procedure (MAP). The effects on the structural properties of altering the solvent used, calcination temperatures, and calcination parameters were investigated. The aerogels were obtained by supercritical drying of the wet gels from different solvent combinations (mixtures of alcohols and toluene). Depending on the kind of alcohol, the specific surface area and crystallite size of SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 aerogels can be varied. The structural and surface properties were investigated by nitrogen BET analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Comparisons with commercial samples were also made. A mixture of ethanol and toluene was found to be the best binary solvent for supercritical drying, which produced a SrTiO3 sample with a surface area of 159 ± 9 m2 g−1 and an average crystallite size of 8 ± 2 nm, and a BaTiO3 sample with a surface area of 175 ± 15 m2 g−1 and an average crystallite size of 6 ± 2 nm.
Suicide and the Shame of Exposure

A recent spate of suicides among those investigated by a Royal Commission in Australia on police corruption leads to the recommendation of mental health resources being provided for such investigations. Language: en
Interaction of maternal photoperiod history and food type on growth and reproductive development of laboratory meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

The interaction of maternal photoperiod history and four diets were tested by measuring body growth, reproductive development, and pelage development in 9-week-old juvenile meadow voles. Meadow vole dams were housed in long daylengths (LD; 14 h light/day), short daylengths for 2 weeks (SD; 10 h light/day), or short daylengths for 26 weeks (PR; photorefractory) prior to mating. Immediately following parturition, one of four diets was available to dams and pups; (a) a control diet containing no 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA); (b) the control diet plus sprouted wheat (which contains 6-MBOA); (c) the control diet plus alfalfa harvested in spring (no 6-MBOA); and (d) the control diet plus alfalfa harvested in autumn (no 6-MBOA). By 9 weeks of age, juvenile meadow voles born to photorefractory dams and fed either spring or fall alfalfa or sprouted wheat were significantly larger and more had achieved puberty than juveniles fed only the control diet. Juveniles born to LD dams demonstrated a smaller increase in developmental rate than photorefractory juveniles when fed alfalfa and spring wheat, and juveniles of SD dams showed the smallest effect of alfalfa and sprouted wheat on development. Supplements of spring wheat and both forms of alfalfa had similar positive effects on growth and reproduction. The authors suggest that juvenile meadow voles rely on the interaction of maternal photoperiod history and the availability of nutrient-rich food such as sprouted wheat and alfalfa to time the onset of growth and puberty.
Nonstationary noise estimation in functional MRI

An important issue in functional MRI analysis is accurate characterisation of the noise processes present in the data. Whilst conventional fMRI noise representations often assume stationarity (or time-invariance) in the noise generating sources, such approaches may serve to suppress important dynamic information about brain function. As an alternative to these fixed temporal assumptions, we present in this paper two time-varying procedures for examining nonstationary noise structure in fMRI data. In the first procedure, we approximate nonstationary behaviour by means of a collection of simple but numerous time-varying parametric models. This is accomplished through the derivation of a locally parametric AutoRegressive (AR) plus drift model which tracks temporal covariance by allowing the model parameters to evolve over time. Before exploring time variation in these parameters, window-widths (bandwidths) that are well suited to the latent time-varying noise structure must be determined. To do this, we employ a bandwidth selection mechanism based on Stein's Unbiased Risk Estimator (SURE) criterion. In the second procedure, we describe the fMRI noise using a nonparametric method based on Functional Data Analysis (FDA). This process generates well-conditioned nonstationary covariance estimates that reflect temporal continuity in the underlying data structure whilst penalizing effective model dimension. We demonstrate both methods on simulated data and investigate the presence of nonstationary noise in resting fMRI data using the whitening capabilities of the locally parametric procedure. We evaluate the comparative behaviour of the stationary and nonstationary AR-based methods on data acquired at 1.5, 3 and 7 T magnetic field strengths and show that incorporation of time variation in the AR parameters leads to an overall decrease in the level of residual structure in the data. The FDA noise modelling technique is formulated within an activation mapping procedure and compared to the SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping) toolbox on a cognitive face recognition task. Both the SPM and FDA methods show good sensitivity on this task, but we find that inclusion of the nonstationary FDA noise model seems to improve detection power in important task-related medial temporal regions.
Lateral thalamic infarcts.

• A patient with occlusion of the proximal posterior cerebral artery (PCA), a lateral thalamic infarct, and hemisensory loss later developed hemianopia and hemiparesis and had extensive PCA territory infarction in the midbrain, the lateral portion of the thalamus, and the occipital lobe noted at necropsy. Two other patients had lateral thalamic infarcts on computed tomography, normal angiographic findings, and presumed thalamogeniculate artery branch occlusion. There are three clinical syndromes associated with lateral thalamic infarction: (1) hemisensory loss, hemiataxia, and involuntary movements; (2) pure sensory stroke; and (3) sensory-motor stroke. Ataxia, adventitious movements, and sensory loss are due to infarction of the lateral, posterolateral, and posteromedial ventral nuclei caused by occlusion of the PCA proximal to the thalamogeniculate artery branches or by occlusion of large thalamogeniculate arteries. Pure sensory and sensory-motor strokes are due to smaller infarcts in the posterolateral-posteromedial ventral complex and adjacent internal capsule caused by occlusion of penetrating artery branches of the thalamogeniculate arteries.
Induction of diabetes by cumulative environmental insults from viruses and chemicals.

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC) induces diabetes in certain inbred strains of mice by infecting and destroying pancreatic β cells1,2, the severity of the diabetes depending on the number of β cells destroyed3. In strains of mice resistant to EMC-induced diabetes, insufficient β cells are damaged to alter glucose homeostasis3,4. However, diabetes can be produced in many species by streptozotocin, a highly specific β-cell toxin5. Here, we used concentrations of streptozotocin that did not produce diabetes, but reduced the β-cell reserve. When strains of mice normally resistant to EMC-induced diabetes were first treated with sub-diabetogenic doses of streptozotocin, then infected with EMC virus, diabetes developed. Furthermore, when mice were infected with viruses such as Coxsackie B3 and B5, which ordinarily produce little if any β-cell damage6, diabetes developed if the mice were first treated with sub-diabetogenic doses of streptozotocin. These findings suggest that diabetes may result from cumulative β-cell damage induced by sequential environmental insults.
Recurrent arch obstruction after repair of isolated coarctation of the aorta in neonates and young infants: is low weight a risk factor?

Abstract Background: Repair of aortic coarctation is often delayed in small infants because of the belief that such patients are at risk of recurrent arch obstruction and that growth will decrease this risk. To determine whether low weight was a risk factor for recurrent arch obstruction, we reviewed our experience with coarctation repair via left thoracotomy in infants less than 3 months of age. Methods: From 1990 to 1999, 103 patients less than 3 months of age underwent repair of aortic coarctation through a left thoracotomy. Median age was 18 days (1-90 days), with 45 patients less than 2 weeks. Median weight was 3.3 kg (1.0-6.4 kg) and 14 patients were less than 2 kg. The method of repair was resection and end-to-end anastomosis in 64 patients, subclavian flap angioplasty in 34, and patch augmentation of the arch in 5. Demographic, echocardiographic, and operative variables were analyzed for correlation with recurrent arch obstruction. Results: One early and 1 late death occurred, both in patients who had complications but no evidence of recoarctation. At median follow-up of 24 months, reinterventions for recurrent arch obstruction were performed in 15 patients. The median time to reintervention was 5 months and was less than 1 year in 12 patients. Kaplan-Meier freedom from arch reintervention was 88% at 1 year (95% confidence intervals: 82%-94%) and 82% at 5 years (95% confidence intervals: 72%-92%). Factors associated with shorter duration to arch reintervention by univariable Cox regression included younger age (continuous, P =.01; ||2 weeks, P =.005), smaller transverse arch (absolute diameter, P ||.001; indexed to weight, P =.03; indexed to ascending aortic diameter, P =.02), and smaller ascending aorta (absolute diameter, P =.02). Smaller absolute transverse arch diameter and younger age were the only independent predictors of shorter time to arch reintervention by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Weight and type of repair did not correlate with risk of recoarctation. Conclusions: Low weight is not a risk factor for recurrent obstruction after repair of coarctation of the aorta in infants less than 3 months of age. Rather, risk of recoarctation is more a function of the anatomy of the arch. Thus, it is not indicated to delay repair in low weight infants with the goal of achieving growth. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;122:883-90
Perturbation Training prior to ACL Reconstruction Improves Gait Asymmetries in Non-Copers

We investigated whether preoperative perturbation training would help anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient individuals who complain of knee instability ("non-copers") regain quadriceps strength and walk normally after ACL reconstruction. Nineteen non-copers with acute ACL injury were randomly assigned into a perturbation group (PERT) or a strengthening group (STR). The PERT group received specialized neuromuscular training and progressive quadriceps strength training, whereas the STR group received progressive quadriceps strength training only. We compared quadriceps strength indexes and knee excursions during the mid-stance phase of gait preoperatively to data collected 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Analyses of Variance with repeated measures (time/limb) were conducted to compare quadriceps strength index values over time (time x group) and differences in knee excursions in limbs between groups over time (limb x time x group). If significance was found, post hoc analyses were performed using paired and independent t-tests. Quadriceps strength indexes before intervention (Pert: 87.2%; Str: 75.8%) improved 6 months after ACL reconstruction in both groups (Pert: 97.1%; Str: 94.4%). Non-copers who received perturbation training preoperatively had no differences in knee excursions between their limbs 6 months after ACL reconstruction (p = 0.14), whereas those who received just strength training continued to have smaller knee excursions during the mid-stance phase of gait (p = 0.007). Non-copers strength and knee excursions were more symmetrical 6 months postoperatively in the group that received perturbation training and progressive quadriceps strength training than the group who received strength training alone.
MEASUREMENTS OF LOCAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS FROM A FLAT PLATE TO A PAIR OF CIRCULAR AIR IMPINGING JETS

Local heat transfer coefficients from a flat plate to a pair of circular air impinging jets are investigated experimentally, A pair of well-controlled, fully developed circular air impinging jets at room temperature are used in the experiments. The experimental method in this investigation is the transient liquid-crystal technique. During the experiments, the surface liquid-crystal color distribution of the test plate is recorded using a video imaging acquisition system, and the color information is translated into a surface temperature distribution through a digital color image processing unit. Local heat transfer coefficients art obtained using a surface transient heat conduction analysis. The flow Reynolds number of the jet is kept at 23,000. The jet-to-plate distance and the jet-to-jet spacing are varied in the experiment. Detailed radial heat transfer distributions at different radial directions are obtained and analyzed for L/D = 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The effect of jet spacing distance (S/D =1.75, 3.5...
Teaching Master's and Doctoral Social Work Students to Systematically Evaluate Evidence-Based Interventions.

Evidence-based research relevant to social work practice has grown dramatically. This article describes a method that was implemented to teach master's and doctoral social work students how to synthesize and evaluate evidence-based interventions for social work–related problems and populations. The method includes eight steps: conceptualize the problem and define the research question(s); conduct a systematic search; define study inclusion and exclusion criteria; identify and categorize types of interventions and outcomes; rate the studies' methodological rigor; determine outcome attainment; combine outcome attainment and study rigor, and compare the evidence across studies. Two examples are presented of the implementation of this approach along with a discussion of the challenges and limitations.