cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Caused by Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis with Central Nervous System Involvement - A Case Report (2628)

Objective: To demonstrate a case report of vertebrobasilar insufficiency caused by disseminated Coccidioidomycosis with central nervous system (CNS) involvement Background: Extrapulmonary disseminated CNS Coccidioidomycosis is a rare condition. However, CNS Coccidioidomycosis has a high mortality and relapse rate if untreated. The most common manifestations include nonspecific symptoms of headache, altered mental status and unexplained nausea/vomiting. Neuroimaging typically detects leptomeningeal enhancement of basilar cistern, sylvian fissure and pericallosal regions. Without adequate treatment, clinical course can be complicated by hydrocephalus, cranial neuropathy or arachnoiditis. We illustrate a rare example of CNS coccidioidomycosis resulting in vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Design/Methods: A case report Results: A case of 70 years old Hispanic male with diabetes mellitus presented with a 2-day history of recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness with transient binocular visual disturbance. Family denied seizure like activity, incontinence, or confusion. Neurological exam showed no focal neurological deficits or meningeal irritation signs. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium of brain showed an enhancement along the basal cistern, prechiasmatic optic nerve, optic chiasm, hypothalamus and encasement of vertebrobasilar arteries from the extra-axial pathology along the basal cistern which was confirmed by computed tomography angiography. Continuous electroencephalography could capture a typical event. There was generalized slow activities without epileptiform discharge which was suggestive of cerebral hypoperfusion. Serum 1,3 beta-d-Glucan level was elevated (389 pg/mL). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) manifested lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein (WBC 171cell/mm3 Lymphocyte 40% glucose 76mg/dL and protein 409mg/dL). Brain biopsy revealed acute inflammation. Elevation of CSF complement fixation for IgG of Coccidioides titer of 1:4 confirmed the diagnosis of Coccidioidal meningitis. Amphotericin B was initiated for 2 weeks and oral Fluconazole was continued for infinite. After treatment, patient had no further episodes of loss of consciousness or visual disturbances. Conclusions: CNS Coccidioidomycosis can present as vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Early recognition, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment reduces mortality and prevent complications. Disclosure: Dr. Karukote has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thakolwiboon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilms has nothing to disclose.
Exploiting and Sharing Tax Benefits: Seagram and Du Pont

On April 6, 1995 Seagram sold 156 million of its 164.2 million Du Pont shares back to Du Pont for $8.776 billion to finance its acquisition of MCA. We estimate that the tax savings generated in this transaction were approximately $1.8 billion, which is more than 1 percent of total 1996 U.S. corporate income tax revenues. The substantial tax savings were achieved through clever tax planning on the part of both Seagram and Du Pont, which resulted in the redemption of over 95 percent of Seagram's Du Pont holdings being taxed as a dividend instead of a sale. Dividend treatment and the corporate dividends received deduction allowed 80% of the redemption proceeds to escape taxation. Seagram received dividend treatment because the Du Pont redemption was not "substantially disproportionate" as defined under I.R.C. ? 302(b)(2). The redemption was not substantially disproportionate because Seagram received warrants to purchase 156 million Du Pont shares as part of the total $8.776 billion of consideration received from Du Pont. For tax purposes, these warrants counted as ownership and hence Seagram's percentage ownership of Du Pont did not change and was therefore not "substantially disproportionate." Du Pont's reward for its role in the deal was the acquisition of a large block of its outstanding shares at a discount from market price of approximately $800 million. Although Seagram realized a sizable share of the total tax benefits (about $1 billion) in the transaction, we estimate that Seagram's market value of equity declined by more than $2.5 billion in response to the sale of its Du Pont holdings and subsequent purchase of MCA. Seagram accounted for its 25% ownership in Du Pont under the equity method of accounting, and during the period 1982-1995, the Du Pont investment accounted for about 65% of Seagram's reported earnings. Our analyses provide some evidence that a portion of Seagram's shareholder wealth losses were attributable to investor concerns about lower accounting earnings, so-called financial reporting costs, caused by the loss of Du Pont's accounting profits. Although the transaction was taxed as a dividend, Seagram accounted for it as a sale. As part of the financial accounting for the transaction, Seagram recorded a $1.5 billion deferred tax liability. This deferred tax liability is unlikely to give rise to a cash obligation in the near future unless: (i) Seagram generates a capital loss of nearly $4 billion or, (ii) Du Pont's share price appreciates to a price at which a sale would not generate negative cash flow. Neither event is likely, particularly in the near term, which indicates that the $1.5 billion financial accounting liability is significantly overstated in economic terms.
Metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in SLE

Abstract Metabolic pathways control lineage specification within the immune system. Prominent metabolic changes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include enhanced flux of glucose through glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway to support proliferation and survival of proinflammatory T cells, plasma cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In contrast, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production are compromised by mitochondrial hyperpolarization, blocked electron transport, and increased production of reactive oxygen intermediates that compromise the development and function of memory and regulatory T cells. Dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate due to diminished turnover via mitophagy. Under metabolic stress, lupus T and B cells accelerate endocytic traffic and autophagy, recycling proteins into amino acids that activate the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) on the surface of lysosomes. Blockade of mitochondrial oxidative stress, mTOR activation, and glycolysis show preliminary evidence for clinical efficacy in animal models and patients with SLE.
The pediatric urobiome in genitourinary conditions: a narrative review

The microbial ecosystem within the bladder that can be measured within the urine, or urobiome, is an emerging field of study with little published data regarding children. However, investigations into urobiome research have the potential to significantly impact the understanding of the pathophysiology of genitourinary conditions, as well as potentially identify novel therapeutics. Therefore, both researchers and clinicians should be aware of pediatric urobiome research. The purpose of this review is to highlight the literature around urobiome research in urinary tract infections, nephrolithiasis, and neurogenic bladder; comment on pediatric-specific considerations when reading and interpreting the urobiome literature; and to identify new potential areas of research.
A Review of: “Charon, R. (2006). Narrative Medicine: Honoring Stories of Illness.”

As I read Charon's words, images of my dying aunt flooded my thoughts—a dam had broken and I was engulfed in painful memories. I remember lying next to her bedside, staring into her pale, sunken fa...
Plant apparency and chemical defense

A major objective of insect ecology is to explain observed patterns of interaction between plants and herbivorous insects. We would like to understand both how such patterns are maintained in ecological time and also how they have come about in evolutionary time. A test of how far such understanding has progressed will be our ability to predict how patterns vary from one kind of community to another and how they will change when subjected to natural or human disturbance.
[2] Comparison of X-ray and NMR-determined nucleic acid structures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the comparison of X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-determined nucleic acid structures. Of the currently available techniques for biomolecular structural determination, only nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray crystallography allow one to observe the often subtle variations in DNA topology. Several fine reviews of the NMR method provide details and historical perspective. Briefly, the NMR structural determination method relies on the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) to produce a set of interproton distance constraints that are then used to refine the molecular coordinates into a final geometry. Refinement methods are varied, but typically include either distance geometry or restrained molecular dynamics. Alternatively, differences between the solution and crystal structures may simply reflect an intrinsic inability of NMR to define accurately the subtle structural details. In either case, a methodology, by which highly accurate NMR-derived distances are obtained, should, in principle, be able to provide structures of sufficient accuracy to allow the fundamental differences in crystallographic and solution conformations to be observed. Crystallography and NMR provide important but different structural information about nucleic acids. Duplex DNA in crystals is subject to forces that are in fact appreciable and that significantly influence the structure, adopted by the molecule, even though the crystals are hydrated.
Atrial fibrillation induced and converted by domestic supply electric shock.

We present a case of persistent atrial fibrillation induced by a low-voltage electric shock reverting back to sinus rhythm after a similar repeat shock. (PACE 2012; 35:e320–e321)
Synchronized chaperone function of botulinum neurotoxin domains mediates light chain translocation into neurons.

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a multidomain protein in which the individual modules work in synchronized cooperative action in order to enter into neurons and inhibit synaptic transmission. The di-chain protein is made up of the ~50 kD light chain and the ~100 kD heavy chain. The HC can be further subdivided into the N-terminal translocation domain (HN) and the C-terminal Receptor Binding Domain (HC). BoNT entry into neurons requires the toxin to utilize the host cell’s endocytosis pathway where it exploits the acidic environment of the endosome. Within the endosome the HC triggers the HN to change conformation from a soluble protein to a membrane inserted protein-conducting channel in precise timing with LC refolding. The LC must partially unfold to a translocation competent conformation in order to be translocated by the HN channel in an N to C terminal direction. Upon completion of translocation, the LC is released from the HC and allowed to interact with its substrate SNARE protein. This article discusses the individual functions of each module as well as the mechanisms by which each domain serves as a chaperone for the others, working in concert to achieve productive intoxication.
Issues in Trace-Driven Simulation

Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of accurate trace-driven simulation models of today's computer systems. Unfortunately many modelers do not carefully inspect the input to their models. The fact is that the output of any model is only as good as the input to that model.
Electron Transport Components of Hepatic Microsomes SOLUBILIZATION, RESOLUTION, AND RECOMBINATION TO RECONSTITUTE ANILINE HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY

Abstract Components of the hepatic microsomal P-450 hemoprotein electron transfer system (TPNH-cytochrome c reductase and P-450 hemoprotein) and the microsomal cytochrome b5 electron transfer system (DPNH-cytochrome b5 reductase and cytochrome b5) were solubilized using Triton N-101 and glycerol, and separated using DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Microsomal aniline hydroxylase activity was reconstituted when the TPNH-cytochrome c reductase fractions and the P-450 hemoprotein fraction were combined. Cross-activities of the TPNH reductases and P-450 hemoproteins were obtained with preparations from phenobarbital- and 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats. The reconstituted aniline hydroxylase system resembled the native system with respect to turnover number, reducibility of the P-450 hemoprotein component with TPNH, and inhibition with carbon monoxide, p-chloromercuribenzoate, and vitamin K3, but differed in its ability to react with type I substrates such as ethylmorphine and aminopyrine.
Snapshots of Crystal Growth

In recent years, atomic force microscopy has provided important insights into how materials crystallize. The method allows measurements to be performed under actual crystallization conditions and is particularly well suited to small-molecule or protein crystals. In his Perspective, Ward reviews this work, which has provided support for the terrace-ledge-kink model of crystallization and promises insights into the influence of experimental condition on crystallization at the near-molecular level. A recent extension of the method enables spatial control of crystal nucleation and regulation of the crystal growth rate and may allow crystallization conditions to be optimized.
An Investigation of the Mechanism of the Luminescent Peroxidation of Luminol by Stopped Flow Techniques

Abstract The luminescent peroxidation of 5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione (luminol) by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has been investigated by stopped flow and fluorescence polarization techniques. Titration studies show that luminol acts as a 2-electron donor during the reduction of the HRP-H2O2 complexes, while electron paramagnetic resonance measurements indicate the intermediate formation of luminol radicals. Second order rate constants for the reaction between the HRP-H2O2 complex and luminol and between Complex II and luminol were found to be 2.3 x 106 m-1 sec-1 and 7.2 x 104 m-1 sec-1, respectively. An interesting feature of luminol peroxidation is that, in the presence of excess H2O2, light is one of the products. We have made a number of observations relative to the development of an appropriate mechanism for light emission. These are (a) light production occurs in a step subsequent to Complex II formation but prior to the formation of free HRP, (b) fluorescence polarization measurements have shown that Complex II is not a ternary complex and thus does not contain bound luminol, (c) Complex III does not constitute a pathway to luminescence, (d) more than 1 mole of H2O2 per mole of HRP is required for light emission, (e) light production is dependent on the square of the luminol radical concentration, this being confirmed by computer simulation of the luminescence time course, and (f) the effects of both luminol and H2O2 concentration on the initial luminescence rate show normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics when such measurements are done on the stopped flow apparatus. A kinetic scheme has been formulated and a rate equation derived from it that accounts for the data outlined above and which is consistent with current concepts of peroxidase mechanisms.
Local lymph node involvement does not predict poor outcome in pediatric renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Local lymph node involvement in adults with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with poor outcome. The prognostic significance of local lymph node involvement in children with RCC has not been studied systematically. METHODS A retrospective review of patients treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) and an extensive review of the medical literature were undertaken to evaluate the prognostic significance of local lymph node involvement in pediatric RCC. RESULTS Thirteen patients with the diagnosis of RCC were treated at St. Jude since the hospital's inception in 1962. Four patients presented with lymph node-positive, distant metastasis-negative (N+M0) disease, and all 4 remain disease free after resection without adjuvant therapy (follow-up duration, 2–9 years). A systematic review of the literature including 243 pediatric patients with RCC revealed stage-specific survival rates of 92.5%, 84.6%, 72.7%, and 12.7% for Stage I–IV disease, respectively. Of 58 children with N+M0 RCC for whom outcome data were available, 42 (72.4%) were alive without disease at last follow-up. Among patients whose therapy could be discerned, those who received no adjuvant therapy fared as well (15 of 16 alive) as those who received various adjuvant treatments (22 of 31 alive). CONCLUSIONS Children with lymph node–positive RCC in the absence of distant metastatic disease had a relatively favorable long-term prognosis, with survival rate nearly triple those of adult historical controls. Until highly effective therapies for RCC are identified, these children should not be exposed to adjuvant treatment. Further investigation of the biologic differences between adult and pediatric RCC is warranted. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
cRACE: a simple method for identification of the 5' end of mRNAs.

We have devised a simple method for identification of the 5' end of mRNAs in which the first strand cDNA is circularized and/or joined into a concatemeric form by T4 RNA ligase and the resulting single-stranded DNA is subsequently used as a template for amplification of the 5' end by the polymerase chain reaction (1) (PCR) with gene-specific primers. The technique has been used for determination of the 5' end of Caenorhabditis elegans unc-13 and T12A2.4 mRNAs. Most clones isolated fromcDNA libraries lack their 5' end, due to premature termination ofcDNA synthesis by reverse transcriptase. Therefore, 5'-end mapping ofmRNA is a crucial step for the analysis of a gene and its promoter. A variety of methods are available for mapping mRNA ends, including RNase protection, SI mapping and primer extension (2). These methods require relatively large amounts of mRNA and often pose difficulty in identifying the 5' end ofrare mRNAs. An alternative procedure has been described as the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) (3), in which mRNA is reverse-transcribed with a gene-specific primer and the cDNA is modified at the 5' end with a homo-oligonucleotide synthesized by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. The tailed cDNA is subjected to PCR amplification with a complimentary oligonucleotide to the tail and a gene-specific primer. By this technique, it is often difficult to detect the 5' end of rare mRNAs, due to inefficiency of the tailing reaction and/or non-specific priming by a homopolymeric primer. To overcome this problem, anchored RACE has recently been introduced (4-6). To prevent self ligation of cDNA, the method requires an excess amount of 'anchor' oligonucleotide that is linked to first-strand cDNA for subsequent PCR amplification. Furthermore, to prevent self-ligation of the anchors, the 3' end of the oligonucleotide has to be modified by incorporating an unusual nucleotide such as dideoxynucleotides. Ligation of the modified oligonucleotide anchor to mRNA requires multi-step chemical and enzymatic reactions to remove the 5'-end capping structure. To simplify the multi-step processing of cDNA and mRNA, we have devised a method that we have denoted as cRACE (circular or concatemeric first-strand cDNA-mediated RACE). The method has been used for identification ofthe 5' end of the C.elegans unc-13 mRNA, which encodes a diacylglycerol/ phorbol ester receptor and plays a role in neurotransmission (7). The mRNA is expressed in only a subset of neurons at a very low level, 0.1% of abundant mRNAs such as the myosin heavy 5, mRNA 3'
Spirituality and Counseling Supervision: Current Practices of Board-Approved Supervisors

This study surveyed three levels of licensed professional counselors—interns (LPC-Is), counselors (LPCs), and supervisors (LPC-Ss)—regarding the extent to which spirituality is addressed in supervision. An exploratory factor analysis (N = 373) revealed four salient factors: supervisory system, meaning and values, client system, and diversity. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed statistically significant differences between LPC-Ss and LPC-Is. This study found supervisors’ perceptions of addressing spirituality in supervision were statistically significantly higher than interns. Implications of the findings are presented.
Regional primaries and presidential campaign coverage

Abstract In presidential nomination campaigns, media coverage can influence candidates' resource allocations, their chances of success in subsequent contests, and thus the choice of the eventual nominee. In this study, we analyze the distribution of media coverage during four recent campaigns. The analysis demonstrates that state population is only one of a number of factors that influence the magnitude of coverage, thus individuals in certain states enjoy disproportionate influence over the selection of nominees. In addition, we find that contests that are part of a regional primary receive less coverage, ceteris paribus, than contests that are not. Thus, state-level policy-makers will find it locally disadvantageous to schedule their contests at the same time as neighboring states.
Detection of FSK signals using linear FM dispersion method

A new signal processing technique for the detection of FSK signals in white Gaussian noise is presented. The new feature of this technique is that the received FSK signal waveforms are first converted into new waveforms and the detection is carried out by using an appropriate matched filter matched to the new waveforms. The waveform conversion approach at the receiver is advantageous since the required matched filter for the new waveform is realizable more readily than that for the FSK waveforms.
Behavior of He(2 3 S) metastable atoms in weakly ionized helium plasmas

Investigations concerning the behavior of the $\mathrm{He}(2^{3}S)$ population in active-discharge and after-glow helium plasmas are described. Good quantitative agreement is obtained between measured $\mathrm{He}(2^{3}S)$ densities in active discharges and predicted values based on the solution of a nonlinear rate equation. The rate coefficient for ionizing triplet-metastable-metastable collisions is measured in afterglow helium plasmas for the pressure range 10-40 Torr; close agreement is obtained with the value reported by Phelps and Molnar, though consideration of effects due to electrons suggests a downward revision of about 20%. The electron temperature decay in the afterglow is measured and found to agree closely with the decay expected on the basis of calculated energy source and loss processes which affect the electron gas. In this work, measurement of the $\mathrm{He}(2^{3}S)$ metastable density is accomplished by the novel use of a He-Ne laser operating at 1. 0798 $\ensuremath{\mu}$ in an interferometer as well as by the conventional optical-absorption method. Advantages and disadvantages of this interferometer technique are discussed.
The Major Glycerophospholipids of the Predatory and Parasitic Bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HID5

Bdellovibrio are small motile bacteria that attack and parasitize larger Gram-negative bacteria and since they might have practical applications, these organisms are attracting the attention of researchers as indicated by the sequencing of the B. bacteriovorus genome. There is an earlier report showing that B. bacteriovorus scavenges fatty acids from the host cell during its parasitic phase otherwise the biochemical nature of its lipids, particularly its complex lipids, remains unknown. We here report on the phospholipid classes of an axenically cultured host-independent strain (HID5). Phospholipids and fatty acids were identified by a variety of chromatographic procedures and high-resolution mass spectrometric techniques. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the major phospholipid and phosphatidylserine, cardiolipin, phosphatidylglycerol, and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine were also identified. The major fatty acids were 16:0, 16:1, 18:1, and 9,10-Mt C16:0 (cyC17:0). Unlike another predatory bacterium, Bacteriovorus stolpii strain UKi2, sphingolipids were not detected in B. bacteriovorus by the procedures used in this study. This is consistent with the apparent lack of genes coding for sphingolipid biosynthesis enzymes in the B. bacteriovorus genome database. The results are consistent with the separation of Bdellovibrio and Bacteriovorus into separate genera.
Improved transverse relaxation rate measurement techniques for the assessment of hepatic and myocardial iron content

Purpose To develop and validate an optimized respiratory-gated, gradient-echo sampling of free induction decay and echo (GESFIDE) pulse sequence for the simultaneous measurement of R2, R2*, and R2′ in the liver or heart. Materials and Methods Fifteen subjects (12 thalassemia patients and three normal volunteers) were scanned using an optimized navigator-gated GESFIDE pulse sequence for the measurement of R2, R2*, and R2′ in the liver and heart. For imaging the myocardium, dark-blood preparation was used to suppress the blood signal to improve accuracy. The results were compared with those obtained from breath-held GESFIDE and multi-gradient-echo (GRE) scans. Results Good agreement between breath-held and navigator-gated scans was found for R2, R2*, and R2′ values in the liver (slopes = 0.97–0.99, r = 0.997–0.998, P < 0.0001) and for R2* in the heart (slope = 1.02, r = 0.85, P < 0.0001). Both R2* and R2′ were closely correlated to R2 in the liver, with correlation factors of 0.998 and 0.994, respectively, but weaker correlations were observed in the heart (r = 0.72 for R2* vs. R2 and r = 0.51 for R2′ vs. R2). Conclusion The improved sequence enables free-breathing measurements of transverse relaxation rates of the myocardium and liver. The method precludes the need for multiple breath-held scans and possible misregistration issues, and may prove most beneficial for imaging young children and patients who may have difficulty with prolonged or repeated breath-holds. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;26:208–214. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Full-color subtractive light valve for display applications

A full-color miniature light valve is being investigated for display applications. The light valve is based on a subtractive rather than an additive approach to color mixture. In utilizing a subtractive color approach, a full-color information display is created using a single broadband light source whose energy passes through a stack of three thin liquid crystal cells. Each cell contains a different dichroic dye (e.g. cyan, magenta, and yellow) in a guest/host arrangement with the liquid crystal medium. Each dichroic guest/host liquid crystal cell constitutes an electronic color filter, switchable by the application of an appropriate voltage across the two plates of the cell. In one extreme state, the cells simply pass all spectral components of the light, while in the other extreme state the spectral composition of light passing through the cells is altered by the particular dichroic dye so that the complementary color of the dye is blocked or subtracted from passage through the cell. Voltages between the extremes produce the gradations in spectral throughput required for fullcolor operation. The achievable color gamut will be approximately equal to a shadow-mask color CRT. With a pixel addressing mechanism in each of the cells, a full color information display is created with complete color control at each individual pixel.
Oxidation of guaiacol by lignin peroxidase. Role of veratryl alcohol.

We have investigated the lignin peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of guaiacol and the role of veratryl alcohol in this reaction by steady-state and pre-steady-state methods. Pre-steady-state kinetic analyses demonstrated that guaiacol is a good substrate for both compounds I and II, the two- and one-electron oxidized enzyme intermediates, respectively, of lignin peroxidase. The rate constant for the reaction with compound I is 1.2 × 106M-1 s-1. The reaction of guaiacol with compound II exhibits a Kd of 64 μM and a first-order rate constant of 17 s-1. Oxidation of guaiacol leads to tetraguaiacol formation. This reaction exhibits classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Km of 160 μM and a kcat of 7.7 s-1. Veratryl alcohol, a secondary metabolite of ligninolytic fungi, is capable of mediating the oxidation of guaiacol. This was shown by steady-state inhibition studies. Guaiacol completely inhibited the oxidation of veratryl alcohol, whereas veratryl alcohol had no corresponding inhibitory effect on guaiacol oxidation. In fact, at low guaiacol concentrations, veratryl alcohol stimulated the rate of guaiacol oxidation. These results collectively demonstrate that veratryl alcohol can serve as a mediator for phenolic substrates in the lignin peroxidase reaction.
Similarity revisited: A comparison of similarity—attraction versus dissimilarity—repulsion

Byrne, Clore & Worchel's (1966) similarity-attraction hypothesis and Rosenbaum's (1986a) dissimilarity-repulsion hypothesis offer very different explanations concerning similarity phenomena (people with similar attitudes become friends, lovers, etc.). Byrne has long maintained that similarity itself leads to greater attraction. Rosenbaum has recently challenged that position and offers evidence that individuals are initially repulsed by dissimilarity, and then seek out similar others. Two studies were designed directly to compare the variability of each hypothesis using a variation of Byrne's phantom other' technique. After filling out an attitude survey, subjects were privately asked to include or exclude similar or dissimilar others (manipulated in surveys supposedly completed by the other subjects in the experiment but actually constructed by the experimenter) for a group activity. Both the inclusion/exclusion decision and the order in which the decisions were made comprised the measure of attraction. Results of both studies indicate that subjects tend initially to include similar others and then exclude dissimilar others, thus supporting a similarity-attraction hypothesis. Instructions concerning the group activity were also varied across studies, without affecting the pattern of results. The implications of the method and findings for similarity-attraction research are discussed.
A methodology for dynamic analysis of linear structure‐foundation systems with local non‐linearities

An efficient computational technique is presented for the dynamic analysis of large linear structural systems with local non-linearities. The earthquake response evaluation for many practical structures belongs to this class of problems. The technique provides a rational approach to the earthquake-resistant design of structure-foundation systems with predetermined non-linearities occurring along the structure-foundation interface. Various possibilities for base isolation systems are naturally fitted within the proposed framework. In particular, we address uplifting of the structure as a natural base isolation concept. We use the dynamic substructuring technique and an efficient numerical algorithm which accommodates non-proportional damping as a consistent way to reduce significantly the computational effort, which is in sharp contrast to the vast majority of ad-hoc simplified models used for the same purpose. A numerical example which demonstrates the vibration isolation effect when the uplifting of the concrete gravity dam occurs is also presented.
Ben (moringa) seed oil

A brief description of the tree Moringa oleifera, flowers and fruits has been given. The oil expressed from seed produced in Haiti, the subject of this investigation, gave the following characteristics: Refractive index at 25° C. 1.4671 Iodine number (Hanus) 68 Saponification value 186.4 Acid value 0.74 Unsaponifiable matter 1.5 per cent.
Nursing testimony before Congress, 1993-2011.

This article describes nurses’ testimony before congressional committees between1993 and 2011. We address three questions: (a) How have trends in nurses’ testimony changed over time? (b) What do da...
Spatial selection via feature-driven inhibition of distractor locations.

The allocation of spatial attention was measured with detection probes at different locations. Response times were faster for probes at the location of the target digit, which subjects reported, than at the locations of distractor digits, which they ignored. Probes at blank locations between stimuli produced fast responses, indicating that selection was accomplished by inhibiting distractor locations but not other areas. Unlike earlier studies using location cuing with simpler stimuli, these experiments showed no attentional differences across horizontal or vertical midlines. Attention varied little with distance from the target, although blank locations far from the target were somewhat less attended than were those near the target, and attention was only slightly affected by expectations for stimulus location. This task demonstrates a form of feature-driven spatial attention, in which locations with objects lacking target features are inhibited.
CONVERGENCE OF THE TWO-COMPONENT PLASMA CORRELATION FUNCTION.

It has been suggested that the divergence of the two-component plasma correlation function at small interparticle distances may be removed by taking quantum corrections to the classical result in a certain manner. It is shown here that this approach is not possible in general. A completely quantum-mechanical treatment is given instead, and an explicit convergent expression for the radial distribution function at small $\mathcal{r}$ is obtained. Also discussed is the fact that there does not seem to exist any simple interpolation formula that bridges the classical and the quantum-mechanical results for $\mathcal{r}$ in the region of thermal de Broglie wavelengths.
Application of neural network to enhancing accuracy of E-beam proximity effect correction

Abstract In most cases, proximity effect correction in E-beam lithography is inherently a sequential process of correcting one circuit primitive at a time. Consequently, the phenomenon of “recursive” effect may lead to a degradation in correction accuracy. A well-trained neural network can reduce this problem of the recursive effect by correcting circuit elements in a group. We have designed a neural network based proximity corection scheme in order to overcome the recursive nature of sequential correction and enhance correction accuracy, especially in circuits with high density and fine feature sizes.
Formation of the 3′ end of U1 snRNA requires compatible snRNA promoter elements

U1 and U2 snRNAs are thought to be transcribed by RNA polymerase II. A conserved sequence known as the 3' box is located just downstream from the snRNA coding region and directs formation of the 3' end of pre-U1 and pre-U2 snRNA. We show here that a U1 or U2 promoter containing an intact snRNA enhancer is required for the U1 3' box to function efficiently. Promoters for genes encoding mRNAs cannot substitute for the snRNA promoter. Thus snRNAs must be transcribed by a specialized transcription complex that differs from transcription complexes synthesizing mRNAs. Moreover, in contrast to polyadenylated and nonpolyadenylated mRNAs, the 3' ends of pre-snRNAs must be generated either by termination of transcription, or by an RNA processing event intimately coupled to transcription.
A nonlocal model for plug formation in plates

Abstract By means of a nonlocal viscous fluid model, an investigation is carried out of the problem of penetration of a cylindrical projectile into a plate leading to a failure of the plate by a plug formation. The effect of impact is represented by a uniform initial velocity distribution over a circular region on the surface of the plate. The behavior of this plate material is assumed to be viscous and spatially nonlocal, and only the effects of vertical shearing stress are considered. The expression of stress, velocity and displacement are obtained and the calculated displacement profiles are compared with some existing experimental profiles.
Hydrogen Bonding between Amino Acid Backbone and Side Chain Analogues: A High-Level ab Initio Study

We have carried out calculations of hydrogen-bonding structures and energies, using the pseudospectral local MP2 methodology and a high-quality triple ζ basis set for a large set of amino acid side chain analogues. Both neutral and charged amino acid analogues are examined, and interactions between donors and the π electron acceptor moiety in a benzene ring are considered. A total of >140 structures have been studied, representing all possible hydrogen-bonding interactions between a set of 11 amino acid side chain analogues. The effects of electron correlation, basis set size, and basis set superposition error are analyzed in detail for this data set. A particular focus of the paper in terms of chemically interesting effects is the influence of resonance interactions upon hydrogen-bonding strength, which is elucidated quantitatively for a significant number of donor−acceptor pairs. Finally, it is observed that donors and acceptors fall into “strong” and “weak” categories, with the weak species severely da...
Educational Psychology Has Fallen, but It Can Get Up

Educational psychology has fallen, but it can get up. It has fallen because of its uncertainty, as a field, as to its own core. I argue that the core of the field ought to be in the multifaceted analysis of the teaching—learning process. A useful construct for analyzing this process is that of expertise—what is it that makes for an expert teacher and an expert learner? Expertise is a prototype, and so in order to understand expertise, we need to understand the prototypes we have formed for expert teachers and students. I discuss the prototype of the expert teacher in terms of knowledge, efficiency, and insight; and the prototype of the expert student in terms of the kinds of abilities that are currently valued in schools and that we might further value. This discussion therefore points out that prototypes are not fixed: We can decide what we value, and thereby, what constitutes expertise in a given domain.
Sequential administration of interleukin-6 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in newborn rats: modulation of newborn granulopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.

ABSTRACT: During states of increased demand, neonatal host defense is characterized by dysregulation of granulopoiesis, resulting in a high incidence of neutropenia. This study investigated the modulation of neonatal rat hematopoiesis by 14-d administration of recombinant human (rh) IL-6, rh-granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), or sequential combination of rhIL-6 and rhG-CSF. Specifically, newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either rhIL-6 (5 μg/kg/d for 14 d), rhG-CSF (5 μg/kg/d for 14 d), rhIL-6 for 7 d followed by rhG-CSF for 7 d, PBS/BSA for 7 d followed by rhG-CSF for 7 d, or PBS/BSA for 14 d. RhIL-6 alone significantly increased the peripheral platelet count during the latter part of the 2nd wk of administration (d 13: 980 ± 42 versus 716 ± 23 × 103/mm3) (p = < 0.001) (mean ± SEM). Treatment with rhIL-6 for 7 d followed by rhG-CSF significantly increased the peripheral neutrophil count compared with 7 d of PBS/BSA and 7 d of G-CSF (d 14 absolute neutrophil count 4888 ± 12 versus 2720 ± 317/mm3) (p = < 0.05). Similarly, sequential rhIL-6/rhG-CSF significantly increased the d-14 bone marrow neutrophil storage pool (9873 ± 882 versus 3564 ± 159/mm3) (p = < 0.005). Lastly, sequential rhIL-6/rhG-CSF induced the highest increase in bone marrow (p < 0.01) and liver/spleen CFU-GM pool (p < 0.001) compared with any other treatment group. These studies suggest that rhIL-6 alone is associated with a significant increase in the neonatal platelet count. The sequential combination of rhIL-6 followed by rhG-CSF may also induce significant increases in neonatal peripheral neutrophilia, bone marrow neutrophil storage pools, and bone marrow and liver/spleen myeloid progenitor pools. This sequential combination has been demonstrated to enhance neonatal hematopoiesis.
Oxidative stress as a therapeutic target in globoid cell leukodystrophy.

Abstract Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD, Krabbe Disease) is a lysosomal storage disease, resulting from the genetic deficiency of galactosylceramidase (GALC). This disease is marked by accumulation of the cytotoxic lipid psychosine (Psy). Psychosine is known to induce oxidative stress in cultured cells, and this stress can be ameliorated through co-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Oxidative stress has also been observed in vivo in the mouse model of GLD, the Twitcher mouse (Twi). We hypothesized that treating oxidative stress with NAC; either alone or in combination with bone marrow transplant (BMT) would improve the course of disease. All breeding cages were maintained on water containing NAC. Once born, the pups received IP boluses of NAC three times per week, and were maintained on NAC-containing water. A separate cohort of animals received the same regimen of NAC in addition to a BMT on post-natal days 2–3. Although NAC lowers the level of oxidized proteins in the brains of Twi mice, and dramatically improves immunohistochemical markers of disease, neither treatment results in any clinical improvements in the Twi mouse. Our data suggest that oxidative stress may be sufficiently down-stream in the pathogenic cascade initiated by Psy accumulation as to be difficult or impossible to treat with standard pharmacologic agents. It is possible that NAC may synergize with other therapies or combinations of therapies. A better understanding of the initiating effects of Psy toxicity and oxidative damage may uncover treatable therapeutic targets.
Response to “Comment on ‘Generalized Localization Model of Relaxation in Glass-Forming Liquids’” by A. Ottochian et al.

In our recent paper, “Generalized localization model of relaxation in glass-forming liquids”, we presented relaxation-time data for several simulated and experimental glass-formers and reported that we could not obtain a good collapse of these data to the universal form proposed by Leporini and coworkers. We further argued that a localization model, based upon an extension of the free volume model to anisotropic local free volume, describes relaxation data in these same glass-forming materials with physically meaningful parameters. In their comment on this study, Ottochian et al. argue that the origin of our inability to obtain a collapse to their model is an incorrect choice of the relaxation-time shi factor employed in their model, and that their model describes our data when this issue is corrected. This reply aims to answer the question of whether the oneparameter master curve of Ottochian et al. can describe the data presented in our paper, and more generally whether it is physically reasonable and consistent with other available data. Four observations suggest that this master curve does not universally describe relaxation data. (1) A one-parameter master curve is apparently inconsistent with the well-documented phenomenon of antiplasticization. (2) Ottochian et al.’s premise of a universal form based on normalization of the Debye–Waller factor hui by its value at Tg mathematically precludes the use of an adjustable relaxation time shi factor for reasons of mathematical consistency, and the collapse presented by Ottochian et al. apparently violates this consistency requirement.
Neuromagnetic correlates of developmental changes in endogenous high-frequency brain oscillations in children: a wavelet-based beamformer study.

Abstract Recent studies have found that the brain generates very fast oscillations. The objective of the present study was to investigate the spectral, spatial and coherent features of high-frequency brain oscillations in the developing brain. Sixty healthy children and 20 healthy adults were studied using a 275-channel magnetoencephalography (MEG) system. MEG data were digitized at 12,000 Hz. The frequency characteristics of neuromagnetic signals in 0.5–2000 Hz were quantitatively determined with Morlet wavelet transform. The magnetic sources were volumetrically estimated with wavelet-based beamformer at 2.5 mm resolution. The neural networks of endogenous brain oscillations were analyzed with coherent imaging. Neuromagnetic activities in 8–12 Hz and 800–900 Hz were found to be the most reliable frequency bands in healthy children. The neuromagnetic signals were localized in the occipital, temporal and frontal cortices. The activities in the occipital and temporal cortices were strongly correlated in 8–12 Hz but not in 800–900 Hz. In comparison to adults, children had brain oscillations in intermingled frequency bands. Developmental changes in children were identified for both low- and high-frequency brain activities. The results of the present study suggest that the development of the brain is associated with spatial and coherent changes of endogenous brain activities in both low- and high-frequency ranges. Analysis of high-frequency neuromagnetic oscillation may provide novel insights into cerebral mechanisms of brain function. The noninvasive measurement of neuromagnetic brain oscillations in the developing brain may open a new window for analysis of brain function.
Glutamine decomposition in DMEM: Effect of pH and serum concentration

The pH and serum dependence of the glutamine decomposition rate constant, Kgln, in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, DMEM, was determined. The findings indicate that Kgln increases with increase in pH and fetal calf serum (FCS) concentration in DMEM. At a constant pH of 7.25, Kgln increases from 5.7×10−4 to 13.2×10−4 h−1 as FCS content of the medium increases from 0.0 to 10.0 (% v/v). Moreover, at a constant FCS of 10 (% v/v), Kgln increases from 11.5×10−4 to 33.6×10−4 h−1 as pH of the medium increases from 7.2 to 7.6.
Effective Lagrangian for a system of nonrelativistic fermions in 2+1 dimensions coupled to an electromagnetic field: Application to anyonic superconductors.

We study here, in two spatial dimensions, the effective Lagrangian of nonrelativistic charged fermions in an electromagnetic field. The fermionic integration is performed yielding a one-loop effective action that is evaluated using the inhomogeneity (derivative) expansion technique. The effective Lagrangian involves a Chern-Simons (CS) -like term with a coefficient that is a staircase'' function of {ital B}, the magnetic field. We then discuss the application of this effective Lagrangian to a system of anyons, showing that the cancellation of the induced CS term against a CS term included in the beginning to change the fermions to anyons, is favored energetically, together with the expulsion of {ital B} from the system of anyons. The cancellation implies the existence of a massless mode. This, together with the fact that {ital B}=0, implies superconductivity.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor pharmacogenomics: overview and implications for practice

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely prescribed and recommended as first-line therapy for most patients with hypercholesterolemia or established coronary heart disease. However, there is interpatient variability in lipid-lowering response to statins that is not explained by initial cholesterol levels and inadequate dosing alone. Genetic polymorphisms may contribute. This review discusses the potential contribution of polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins involved in drug metabolism and transport, cholesterol biosynthesis, lipid metabolism and others to lipid responses to statins.