cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin releasing factor and catecholamines enhance glutamatergic neurotransmission in the lateral subdivision of the central amygdala

Glutamatergic neurotransmission in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) plays an important role in many behaviors including anxiety, memory consolidation and cardiovascular responses. While these behaviors can be modulated by corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and catecholamine signaling, the mechanism(s) by which these signals modify CeA glutamatergic neurotransmission remains unclear. Utilizing whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology recordings from neurons in the lateral subdivision of the CeA (CeAL), we show that CRF, dopamine (DA) and the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) all enhance the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC) without altering sEPSC kinetics, suggesting they increase presynaptic glutamate release. The effect of CRF on sEPSCs was mediated by a combination of CRFR1 and CRFR2 receptors. While previous work from our lab suggests that CRFRs mediate the effect of catecholamines on excitatory transmission in other subregions of the extended amygdala, blockade of CRFRs in the CeAL failed to significantly alter effects of DA and ISO on glutamatergic transmission. These findings suggest that catecholamine and CRF enhancement of glutamatergic transmission onto CeAL neurons occurs via distinct mechanisms. While CRF increased spontaneous glutamate release in the CeAL, CRF caused no significant changes to optogenetically evoked glutamate release in this region. The dissociable effects of CRF on different types of glutamatergic neurotransmission suggest that CRF may specifically regulate spontaneous excitatory transmission.
Position of the human X inactivation center on Xq

In three women with a 46,XXq- chromosome constitution, the length of the deletion was expressed as the ratio of the remaining part of Xq to Xp \(\frac{{c'}}{{a + b}}\). In one of them (KH) this ratio was 0.33, in another (GE) 0.59, and in the third (AP) the ratio fell between these values. The break in KH is more or less on the border of the Q-dark proximal region. A comparison with relevant X-autosomal translocations indicates that the X inactivation center lies near, but not at the border of, the Q-dark and the adjoining bright region (c and d).
Accuracy of patient prediction of allergy skin test results.

Background The ability of patients to self-diagnose allergy is unknown. Objective To estimate the ability of patients to correctly predict the results of allergy skin tests. Methods We conducted a structured interview of 86 patients with chronic rhinitis or asthma undergoing aeroallergen skin tests. We asked, "Do you expect the skin tests to be positive or negative?" and "What do you expect the allergy tests to be positive for?" Responses to these questions were correlated with the results of aeroallergen skin tests. Skin tests were performed using the prick technique and included cat, grass pollen, tree pollen, weed pollen, dust mites, and molds. Results Seventy-three participants provided usable responses. Of those with a positive skin test, the number (percentage) of participants who predicted correctly was 10/18 (56%) for cat, 4/14 (29%) for tree, 7/26 (27%) for weeds, 5/23 (22%) for dust mite, 2/12 (17%) for grass, and 1/8 (12%) for mold. Of those with a negative skin test, the number (percentage) of participants who predicted correctly was 47/50 (94%) for dust mite, 51/59 (86%) for trees, 56/65 (86%) for mold, 52/61 (85%) for grass, 45/55 (82%) for cat, and 38/47 (81%) for weeds. Conclusions (1) Patients have limited ability to correctly predict positive skin tests to aeroallergen. (2) Patients are able to predict negative skin tests with reasonable accuracy. (3) "What do you think you are allergic to?" may be a good screening question for patients with asthma and rhinitis.
Properties of natural actomyosin from the male housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract The kinetic properties of natural actomyosin (myosin B) ATPase, isolated from adult male houseflies, were examined. The ATPase was inhibited by increasing concentrations of KCl. At low ionic strength, both substrate inhibition and product inhibition were observed. The optimal temperature for ATPase activity was 45°C. Magnesium ions were necessary to activate the ATPase, and the enzyme was inhibited by 2 m M EGTA. Therefore, it was concluded that housefly actomyosin ATPase is quite similar to that of other species. The principal unique property of the housefly preparation (as in other insects with asynchronous flight muscles) is that the ATPase is activated by lower concentrations of calcium than the actomyosin ATPase of other species.
‘Hypertension’ and ‘microalbuminuria’: The bell tolls for thee

Since the terms 'hypertension' and 'microalbuminuria' were first defined, data from numerous studies have documented the continuous, rather than dichotomous, relation between blood pressure, albumin excretion, and cardiovascular disease. Lower blood pressures, down to at least 115/75 mmHg, and lower albumin excretions, below an estimated 2 mg/day, are associated with less cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that the abundances of modern civilization superimposed on the Paleolithic genotype of humans, which has not substantially changed in the last 10 000 years, have considerably shifted the 'normal' values for blood pressure and various biochemical indices such as albuminuria still found in today's stone-aged cultures to the 'neo-normal' values observed today in the rest of the modern world. Defining a large portion of the population as 'normal' based upon these dichotomous 'neo-normal' standards is not supported by the data, and therefore seems unjustifiable. We propose that the medical community consider abandoning the terms 'hypertension' and 'microalbuminuria' in favor of 'blood pressure-associated' and 'albuminuria-associated' disease.
Effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure and dielectric properties of titanium dioxide ceramics

Nanostructured (~200 nm grain size) titanium dioxide (TiO2) ceramics were densified at temperature as low as 800 °C by pressureless sintering in a pure oxygen atmosphere. Phase transition and microstructural development of sintered samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dielectric properties including d.c. conductivity, dielectric constant, loss tangent, and dielectric breakdown strength (BDS) were determined for samples sintered at various temperatures. The influence of sintering temperature on the microstructural development, defect chemistry, and dielectric properties of TiO2 is discussed. Nanostructured TiO2 ceramics with high sintering density (>98%) lead to improved dielectric properties; high BDS (~1800 kV/cm), low electrical conductivity (~5 × 10−15 S/cm), high dielectric constant (~130), and low loss tangent (~0.09% at 1 kHz), which is promising for application in high energy density capacitors.
Color texture models for machine vision

We develop a physical model that characterizes the appearance of textured color surfaces in three dimensions. The model is derived from properties of surfaces and the physics of image formation. The color texture model describes the dependence of the spatial correlations within and between bands of a color image on surface reflectance, illumination, and the scene geometry. We show that there are important advantages in using color information for texture analysis. From our model, we derive an algorithm for recognizing instances of color textures independent of scene geometry. This algorithm is useful for the recognition of three dimensional objects and the segmentation of color images of three dimensional scenes. Experimental results are provided to confirm the model and to illustrate the performance of the algorithm.
Evaluation of Endocarditis Caused by Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Developing Nonsusceptibility to Daptomycin

We examined sequential methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates from a patient with mitral valve endocarditis recovered during persistent bacteremia on standard therapy and relapse after treatment with daptomycin. An isolate obtained after 5 days of antimicrobial therapy, but before exposure to daptomycin, showed subtle physiological changes in response to daptomycin, with significant regrowth in the daptomycin killing assay compared to the treatment-naive strain. Once daptomycin was started, the population became more heterogeneous and tested as nonsusceptible. These organisms were examined in a simulated-vegetation in vitro pharmacodynamic model, which confirmed progressive decreases in killing with daptomycin concentrations that simulate those attained in humans with 6-mg/kg of body weight daily dosing. Early surgical intervention or combination therapy or both might have prevented the loss of daptomycin susceptibility.
Effect of heat treatment on the mechanical state of 20% cold-worked type 316 austenitic stainless steel

The first measurement to verify R (sigma*, T) in 20 percent cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel is reported.
Redundancy and Biological Aging

The relationship between aging and organizational redundancy in biological systems was investigated from the standpoint of information theory. A mortality rate function derived for a randomly deteriorating redundant system approximates observed mortality rates more closely than does the Gompertz function and indicates that variations in redundancy among various mammalian species could account for their widely different rates of aging.
Patterning in crystal plasticity of FCC metals

Abstract In this overview of the following four contributions to the present Viewpoint Set we present a factual assessment of the present understanding of the phenomenon of cellular dislocation patterning occurring in pure FCC metals in monotonic deformation in Stage III and discuss the most promising mechanistic developments accounting for the driving forces, emerging forms of patterning and sources of dynamic recovery.
Supplementary sample nonparametric empirical Bayes in a quality control situation

SUMMARY The supplementary sample nonparametric empirical Bayes procedure (Krutchkoff, 1967) is slightly modified here and compared with the classical quality control procedure by Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the empirical Bayes procedure is generally more powerful and will usually detect an out-of-control situation sooner than the classical procedure.
Evaluating MEDLINE on CD‐ROM: an overview of field tests in library and clinical settings

The paper presents an overview of the National Library of Medicine's 1988 field test and evaluation project, including the participation of 21 user sites, on the use of MEDLINE products on CD‐ROM, and reports on the subsequent evaluation forum held at the NLM on 23 September 1988.
In adults, use of anxiolytic or hypnotic drugs was associated with increased risk for mortality

Source Citation Weich S, Pearce HL, Croft P, et al. Effect of anxiolytic and hypnotic drug prescriptions on mortality hazards: retrospective cohort study. BMJ. 2014;348:g1996. 24647164
Separation and quantitation of mixtures of the most commonly abused drugs

Abstract TLC has been used for the separation and semiquantitative estimation of various mixtures of narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, and tranquilizers appearing in the illicit market. Of the solvent systems employed, chloroform–dioxane–ethyl acetate‐concentrated ammonium hydroxide (25:60:10:5 v/v) gave complete separation for all 17 compounds examined. Potassium permanganate (0.1%) and iodine fumes were used as detection reagents. Twelve different mixtures of two, three, and four compounds, randomly selected, were separated and the spots were quantitated using a UV absorption–concentration relationship. The spots were eluted from the plates, and their absorption was measured and compared to standard curves. Recoveries were found to be between 93 and 95% for quantities as small as 0.1 mg./ml., while quantities as small as 1 mcg. could be detected.
Social Work Students and Self-Care: A Model Assignment for Teaching.

The literature reveals scant research on self-care practices among social work students; yet self-care is vital as students prepare to be practitioners who are not only effective in working with all aspects of the clients' total selves, but who are themselves healthy. They are not prepared to be good practitioners unless they have first learned to care for themselves. This article discusses a self-care assignment that was developed by the first author for students enrolled in a 1st-year master's-level social work foundation practice class. This assignment can serve as a model for those who wish to teach students about the importance of selfcare. Implications for social work education are also addressed.
Factors Affecting Abundance of White Crappies in Chickamauga Reservoir, Tennessee, 1970-1989

Abstract Angler catches of white crappie Pomoxis annularis and the abundance of adult white crappies in cove rotenone samples decreased significantly in Chickamauga Reservoir from 1970 through 1989. Conversely, densities of larvae and young of year increased (nonsignificantly) during this period. In the 1970s, year-class strength was variable, but high young-of-year densities resulted in increased abundance and angler catch rates when the cohorts reached adult sizes. During the 1980s, reproductive success and survival through the first summer were adequate, but few white crappies reached harvestable size. Expansion of aquatic vegetation and resulting changes in fish and invertebrate community structures appeared to be the most important factors affecting survival of young white crappies in Chickamauga Reservoir. Also, low dissolved oxygen conditions associated with a 1985–1988 drought may have limited survival of age-1 and older white crappies. Prior to 1988, white crappies were the predominant Pomoxis sp...
Quantifying economic fluctuations

Abstract This manuscript is a brief summary of a talk designed to address the question of whether two of the pillars of the field of phase transitions and critical phenomena—scale invariance and universality—can be useful in guiding research on interpreting empirical data on economic fluctuations. Using this conceptual framework as a guide, we empirically quantify the relation between trading activity—measured by the number of transactions N—and the price change G(t) for a given stock, over a time interval [t,t+Δt]. We relate the time-dependent standard deviation of price changes—volatility—to two microscopic quantities: the number of transactions N(t) in Δt and the variance W2(t) of the price changes for all transactions in Δt. We find that the long-ranged volatility correlations are largely due to those of N. We then argue that the tail-exponent of the distribution of N is insufficient to account for the tail-exponent of P{G>x}. Since N and W display only weak inter-dependency, our results show that the fat tails of the distribution P{G>x} arises from W. Finally, we review recent work on quantifying collective behavior among stocks by applying the conceptual framework of random matrix theory (RMT). RMT makes predictions for “universal” properties that do not depend on the interactions between the elements comprising the system, and deviations from RMT provide clues regarding system-specific properties. We compare the statistics of the cross-correlation matrix C —whose elements Cij are the correlation coefficients of price fluctuations of stock i and j—against a random matrix having the same symmetry properties. It is found that RMT methods can distinguish random and non-random parts of C . The non-random part of C which deviates from RMT results, provides information regarding genuine collective behavior among stocks. We also discuss results that are reminiscent of phase transitions in spin systems, where the divergent behavior of the response function at the critical point (zero magnetic field) leads to large fluctuations, and we discuss a curious “symmetry breaking”, a feature qualitatively identical to the behavior of the probability density of the magnetization for fixed values of the inverse temperature.
Sulfone analogues of taurine as modifiers of calcium uptake and protein phosphorylation in rat retina.

Abstract The syntheses of five sulfone analogues of taurine are described: 2-aminoethylmethyl sulfone (AEMS), thiomorpholine-U-dioxide (TMS), N -methylthiomorpholine-1,1-dioxide (M-TMS), (±)3-aminotetrahydrothiopyran-1, 1-dioxide (APS), and (±)3-aminotetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide (ATS). When these compounds were evaluated in the rat retina as modulators of ATP-dependent calcium ion uptake at low calcium ion concentrations (10 μM), AEMS, ATS, and APS were found to be more potent stimulators of ATP-dependent calcium ion uptake than taurine. TMS and M-TMS had no effect. At high concentrations of calcium ions (1.44mM), taurine, AEMS, ATS, APS, and TMS inhibited ATP-independent calcium ion uptake; AEMS, ATS, and APS were more potent inhibitors than taurine. ATS was the only compound tested (including taurine) that inhibited ATP-dependent calcium ion uptake at high calcium ion concentrations. The effects of the sulfone analogues of taurine on the incorporation of phosphate into retinal proteins were also studied. Taurine, AEMS, ATS, APS, and TMS were equipotent inhibitors of phosphate incorporation (30–45%). M-TMS had no effect.
Profiles of serum cytokines in acute drug-induced liver injury and their prognostic significance.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United-States. The aim of the study was to describe serum immune profiles associated with acute DILI, to investigate whether there are profiles associated with clinical features or types of DILI and/or with prognosis, and to assess temporal changes in levels. Twenty-seven immune analytes were measured in the sera of 78 DILI subjects in the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) and compared with 40 healthy controls. Immune analytes (14 cytokines, 7 chemokines and 6 growth factors) were measured by BioPlex multiplex ELISA at DILI onset and after 6 months. A modeling process utilizing immune principles was used to select a final set of variables among 27 immune analytes and several additional clinical lab values for prediction of early death (within 6 months of DILI onset). Nineteen of the 27 immune analytes were differentially expressed among healthy control, DILI onset and 6-month cohorts. Disparate patterns of immune responses, especially innate and adaptive cellular (mostly TH17) immunity were evident. Low values of four immune analytes (IL-9, IL-17, PDGF-bb and RANTES) and serum albumin are predictive of early death [PPV = 88% (95% CI, 65%-100%), NPV = 97% (95% CI, 93%-100%), accuracy = 96% (95% CI, 92%-100%)]. Conclusions Acute DILI is associated with robust and varying immune responses. High levels of expression of cytokines associated with innate immunity are associated with a poor prognosis, whereas high levels of expression of adaptive cytokines are associated with good long-term prognosis and eventual recovery. Serum immune analyte profiles at DILI onset appear to be of prognostic, and perhaps, diagnostic significance.
Erythropheresis in treating retinal detachments secondary to sickle-cell retinopathy.

We used erythropheresis instead of partial exchange transfusion to increase the levels of hemoglobin A in patients with sickle-cell disease. The process takes only 90 minutes and reduces the preoperative hospitalization period substantially.
Perceived Social Competence, Negative Social Interactions, and Negative Cognitive Style Predict Depressive Symptoms During Adolescence

The current study examined whether negative interactions with parents and peers would mediate the longitudinal association between perceived social competence and depressive symptoms and whether a negative cognitive style would moderate the longitudinal association between negative interactions with parents and increases in depressive symptoms. Youth (N = 350; 6th–10th graders) completed self-report measures of perceived social competence, negative interactions with parents and peers, negative cognitive style, and depressive symptoms at three time points. Results indicated that the relationship between perceived social competence and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by negative interactions with parents but not peers. Further, baseline negative cognitive style interacted with greater negative parent interactions to predict later depressive symptoms.
Glutathione peroxidase-1 regulates mitochondrial function to modulate redox-dependent cellular responses.

Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) is a selenocysteine-containing enzyme that plays a major role in the reductive detoxification of peroxides in cells. In permanently transfected cells with approximate 2-fold overexpression of GPx-1, we found that intracellular accumulation of oxidants in response to exogenous hydrogen peroxide was diminished, as was epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated Akt activation in response to hydrogen peroxide or EGF stimulation. Knockdown of GPx-1 augmented EGFR-mediated Akt activation, whereas overexpression of catalase decreased Akt activation, suggesting that EGFR signaling is regulated by redox mechanisms. To determine whether mitochondrial oxidants played a role in these processes, cells were pretreated with a mitochondrial uncoupler prior to EGF stimulation. Inhibition of mitochondrial function attenuated EGF-mediated activation of Akt in control cells but had no additional effect in GPx-1-overexpressing cells, suggesting that GPx-1 overexpression decreased EGFR signaling by decreasing mitochondrial oxidants. Consistent with this finding, GPx-1 overexpression decreased global protein disulfide bond formation, which is dependent on mitochondrially produced oxidants. GPx-1 overexpression, in permanently transfected or adenovirus-treated cells, also caused overall mitochondrial dysfunction with a decrease in mitochondrial potential and a decrease in ATP production. GPx-1 overexpression also decreased EGF- and serum-mediated [3H]thymidine incorporation, indicating that alterations in GPx-1 can attenuate cell proliferation. Taken together, these data suggest that GPx-1 can modulate redox-dependent cellular responses by regulating mitochondrial function.
Mutant p53 exerts oncogenic effects through microRNAs and their target gene networks

MicroRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression and modulate multiple cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. A number of microRNAs have been shown to be regulated by p53, the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer. It is has been demonstrated that some mutant p53 proteins not only lose tumor suppressor activity, but also acquire novel oncogenic functions that are independent of wild-type p53. In this review, we highlight recent evidences suggesting that some mutant p53 proteins regulate the expression of specific microRNAs to gain oncogenic functions and identify a gene network regulated by the microRNAs downstream of mutant p53.
Tuberculosis: From History to Current Management

UBERCULOSIS (TB) is a disease probably as old as humanity itself. Skeletal remains from the Iron Age have shown pathological lesions that are classic for the disease, and recent examinations of mummified human remains from before the time of Christ have shown acid-fast bacilli and evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by polymerase chain reaction. It is fair to say that TB and man evolved together, and owing to the very high frequency of infection in the past, the human cellmediated immune system can be regarded as having developed in response to the challenge of TB. The importance of this fact has been emphasized by the recent development of epidemic immune deficiency caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is causing a secondary epidemic of TB wherever the two pathogens coexist. Thus, although an ancient disease, TB remains a formidable adversary and continues to create new challenges for the modern world. Therefore, this special issue of Seminars in Roentgenology is both timely and necessary in providing state-of-the-art information regarding diagnostic and monitoring approaches for TB. This article will review the epidemiology of TB, its microbiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic methods other than imaging, modern therapy, and the normal and abnormal course of the disease.
Blind Identification of Two-Channel IIR Systems With Application to Central Cardiovascular Monitoring

This paper presents a new approach to blind identification of a class of two-channel infinite impulse response (IIR) systems with applicability to clinical cardiovascular monitoring. Specifically, this paper deals with a class of two-channel IIR systems describing wave propagation dynamics. For this class of systems, this paper first derives a blind identifiability condition and develops a blind identification algorithm, which is able to determine both the numerator and denominator polynomials of the channel dynamics uniquely. This paper also develops a new input signal deconvolution algorithm that can reconstruct the input signal from the identified two-channel dynamics and the associated two-channel measurements. These methods are applied to identify the pressure wave propagation dynamics in the cardiovascular system and reconstruct the aortic blood pressure and flow signals from blood pressure measurements taken at two distinct extremity locations. Persistent excitation, model identifiability, and asymptotic variance are analyzed to quantify the method’s validity, accuracy, and reliability without employing direct measurement of the aortic blood pressure and flow signals. The experimental results based on 83 data segments obtained from a swine subject illustrate how the cardiovascular dynamics can be identified accurately and reliably, and the aortic blood pressure and flow signals can be stably reconstructed from two distinct peripheral blood pressure signals under diverse physiologic conditions.
Trends in Traumatic Brain Injury in the U.S. and the public health response: 1995-2009.

Abstract Problem Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a public health problem in the United States. In 2009, approximately 3.5 million patients with a TBI listed as primary or secondary diagnosis were hospitalized and discharged alive (N = 300,667) or were treated and released from emergency departments (EDs; N = 2,077,350), outpatient departments (ODs; N = 83,857), and office-based physicians (OB-P; N = 1,079,338). In addition, 52,695 died with one or more TBI-related diagnoses. Methods Federal TBI-related laws that have guided CDC since 1996 were reviewed. Trends in TBI were obtained by analyzing data from nationally representative surveys conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Findings CDC has developed and is implementing a strategy to reduce the burden of TBI in the United States. Currently, 20 states have TBI surveillance and prevention systems. From 1995–2009, the TBI rates per 100,000 population increased in EDs (434.1 vs. 686.0) and OB-Ps (234.6 vs. 352.3); and decreased in ODs (42.6 vs. 28.1) and in TBI-related deaths (19.9 vs. 16.6). TBI Hospitalizations decreased from 95.5 in 1995 to 77.9 in 2000 and increased to 95.7 in 2009. Conclusions The rates of TBI have increased since 1995 for ED and PO visits. To reduce of the burden and mitigate the impact of TBI in the United States, an improved state- and territory-specific TBI surveillance system that accurately measures burden and includes information on the acute and long-term outcomes of TBI is needed.
Bargaining with Two-sided Incomplete Information: An Infinite Horizon Model with Alternating Offers

This paper examines an infinite horizon bargaining model, incorporating five features: two-sided incomplete information (with potentially information-revealing strategies), an infinite horizon, uncertainty concerning the potential gains from trade, an illumination of interesting qualitative bargaining issues, and plausible (free from arbitrarily specified out-of-equilibrium conjectures) equilibria. These features, motivated in the paper, have powerful implications. A Nash equilibrium exists, and is generically both unique and sequential. Comparative static implications of variations in the game's specifications are developed. We find that natural indications of bargaining strength emerge from the model, and establish the intuitive result that an increase in a player's relative bargaining strength makes that player more likely to capture the gains from bargaining.
Or Does It Explode?: Black Harlem in the Great Depression

The establishment of Harlem as the main area of black settlement and as a poor ghetto occurred before the Depression. When the Depression came, the blacks fell still further into poverty. Racism created and perpetuated Harlem's poverty, yet segregation and discrimination also produced strong social and political networks that served not only to meet immediate needs, but to mobilise thousands to demand a better life. In this extensively researched and well argued book, Cheryl Greenberg examines the growth in the 1930s of a widespread, activist, political culture in Harlem.
Room temperature magnetic (Ga,Mn)N: a new material for spin electronic devices

A new dilute magnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)N grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is reported. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and extraordinary Hall effect (EHE) measurements verified a ferromagnetic component at room temperature. The direction of the easy axis and the Curie temperature varies with the growth conditions, the latter ranging from 38°C to 75°C. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) confirms diffusion of Mn into the GaN to a depth of 380 A.
Three different calmodulin-encoding cDNAs isolated by a modified 5'-RACE using degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

Abstract In order to obtain the 5' ends of the three mouse calmodulin (CaM) cDNAs, we modified the standard 5' RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method to use degenerate synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides to prime cDNA synthesis of all three CaM mRNAs. In this modified method, the degenerate primers were annealed to mRNAs in an incubation step prior to the reverse transcription reaction. Separating the annealing step from the reverse transcription reaction allowed for greater stringency by using higher temperatures than could be tolerated if the reverse transcriptase were present. Annealing was also done with lower primer concentration and was driven by a longer incubation time. After the annealing step, cDNA synthesis was initiated by diluting the annealing mixture into a 42°C buffer with reverse transcriptase. The synthesized cDNA was poly (dA) -tailed to allow PCR amplification of the first-strand cDNA with an anchor-dT17 primer and the degenerate primers. The CaM cDNAs were evident after this PCR. A second PCR, with nested gene-specific primers, was used to isolate the individual CaM cDNAs from the products of the first PCR. Three distinct CaM cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. By comparison of the 5' untranslated sequences between the mouse CaM DNAs and rat CaM cDNAs, the corresponding homologs were assigned. The results suggest that application of this modified RACE method could improve the success of isolating specific cDNAs in cases where use of a nested primer is not possible or when amino-acid sequence information is available and only degenerate primers can be designed for cloning cDNAs by the 5'-RACE method.
The conversion of scopoletin-4-14C into scopolin and fabiatrin in tobacco seedlings

Abstract Time studies were made on the fate of scopoletin-4- 14 C taken up through the roots of whole tobacco seedlings. Of the total radioactivity recovered in one set of scopoletin-4- 14 C continuous feeding experiments, a range of 43–51% (av. 46%) was found to be in the 'soluble' portion of the roots and shoots. At one period (after 4 hr of continual feeding of scopoletin-4- 14 C), about 91% of the radioactivity in the 'soluble' fraction was found to be present as scopoletin-7-glucoside (scopolin); less than 3% as scopoletin; and approximately 5% as fabiatrin. The percentage of the total recovered radioactivity contributed by the 'soluble' compounds decreased with time, whereas the percentage of the radioactivity due to the 'insolubles' increased with time. The results also suggest that some of the radioactive scopolin (from scopoletin-4- 14 C not converted at an early stage to 'insoluble' material) may be converted with more time to other 'soluble' compounds and possibly also to some 'insoluble' material. In the roots, fabiatrin was formed slowly from scopolin. The half-life of scopolin was found to be 16 days. Fabiatrin had a slower turnover rate than did scopolin. No measurable amount of fabiatrin was found in the shoots. When a lower starting concentration of scopoletin-4- 14 C was fed to the seedling in continuous feeding experiments, a larger percentage of the radioactivity appeared in the 'insoluble' fraction of tobacco roots. A hypothesis based on compartmentation of metabolic and vacuolar pools is proposed.
ORIGINS AND DIVERSITY OF THE AGING REACTION IN PHOSPHONATE ADDUCTS OF SERINE HYDROLASE ENZYMES : WHAT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACTIVE SITE DO THEY PROBE ?

Molecular mechanics and dynamics combined with semiempirical calculations were carried out for purposes of comparison of the active site characteristics of AChE, trypsin, and chymotrypsin as probed by their diastereomeric adducts with 2-(3,3-dimethylbutyl) methylphosphonofluoridate (soman), methylphosphonate monoester anions, and tetravalent carbonyl intermediates of the reactions of the natural substrates in each case. Glu199 is a key residue in the electrostatic catalytic mechanism of AChE, in removal of the leaving group, and possibly by acting as an alternate general base catalyst. "Pushing" of an alkoxy ligand by Glu199 and the numerous small van der Waals interactions promote dealkylation in phosphonate adducts of AChE much more effectively than any other enzyme. A high concentration of negative charge created by the phosphonate ester monoanion and Glu199 adjacent to it fully accounts for the resistance to the attack of even the strongest nucleophile applied for enzyme reactivation. Stabilization of the developing negative charge on the phosphonates in the soman-inhibited PSCS adducts of serine hydrolases is by electrophilic residues in the oxyanion hole (AChE) and the protonated catalytic His. PR diastereomers of soman-inhibited AChE can be accommodated in an orientation in which the oxyanion hole interactions are lost and for which the stabilizing interactions are 17-26 kcal/mol smaller than in the PS diastereomer. The dealkylation reaction is almost equally likely in all diastereomers of soman-inhibited AChE. The stabilizing interaction energies are approximately 4 kcal/mol greater in the PR than in the PS adducts of the soman-inhibited serine proteases. There is 0.60 unit greater partial negative charge on the phosphonyl fragment in the anion of phosphonate monoesters of Ser than at the oxygens of tetravalent carbonyl transients resulting in approximately 12-22 kcal/mol greater stabilization of the former than the latter.
Vibrational relaxation dynamics of the X̃1∑g+ state of C3

Abstract The vibrational relaxation dynamics of the ground 1∑g+ electronic state of C3 has been studied following IR multiple photon dissociation of allene. Wavelength and time resolved spectra, using dye laser-induced fluorescence are used to characterize the vibratioanl levels and their corresponding rise and decay rates. Vibrational relaxation rates are reported for C3 (1∑+g, 100 or 110) in the presence of Ar, He, N2, O2 and C2H2, in addition to the reaction rate constant of C3 (1∑+g. 000) with C2H2 of (2.2 ± 0.20) × 10-14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1.
Continued associations to homographs

Continued associations were collected to each member of a set of homographie stimuli. The associations were scored with respect to their meaning referent (primary or secondary). In accordance with the S-R hierarchical model of word associations, there was a moderately high covariation between percentage scores based on cultural norms and percentage scores based on individual associative protocols. However, the pattern of associations suggested a modification of this model in terms of the separate retrieval of each meaning of a given homograph.
Universal screening for substance abuse at the time of parturition.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of substance abuse in an inner city population at delivery admission by universal urine toxicology screening. Study Design This was a retrospective analysis of universal urine toxicology screening at admission for delivery on the LSU obstetric service at University Hospital in New Orleans. Results Four hundred sixty-two women delivered during the first 4 months of 2005. Four hundred and sixteen (90%) had a urine screen performed and 79 (19%) screened positive for 1 or more substances. Rates of a positive test by substance were: cocaine (3.1%), amphetamines (2.4%), barbiturates (2.1%), opiates (2.6%), THC (17.2%), benzodiazepine (5.7%), and phencyclidine (0%). Conclusion Nineteen percent of the tested population screened positive for at least 1 of 7 substances at admission for delivery. Women who used illicit substances were older and of higher parity. Low birthweight and HIV were particularly prevalent in those who screened positive for cocaine and/or amphetamines.
Establishment of pacemaker activity in tissues allotransplanted with interstitial cells of Cajal.

Background Loss or disruption of Kit+-interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) capable of generating pacemaker activity has been implicated in the development of numerous gastrointestinal motility disorders. We sought to develop a model where ICC could be allotransplanted into intestines naturally devoid of these cells. Methods Enzymatically dispersed cells from the intestinal tunica muscularis of Kit+/copGFP and KitV558Δ/+ gain-of-function mice were allotransplanted into myenteric plexus regions of W/WV mutant intestines that lack ICC at the level of the myenteric plexus (ICC-MY) and pacemaker activity. Immunohistochemical analysis fate mapped the development of ICC-MY networks and intracellular microelectrode recordings provided evidence for the development of functional pacemaker activity. Key Results Kit+-ICC developed into distinct networks at the level of the myenteric plexus in organotypic cultures over 28 days and displayed robust rhythmic pacemaker activity. Conclusions & Inferences This study demonstrates the feasibility of allotransplantation of ICC into the myenteric region of the small intestine and the establishment of functional pacemaker activity into tissues normally devoid of ICC-MY and slow waves, thus providing a possible basis for the therapeutic treatment of patients where ICC networks have been disrupted due to a variety of pathophysiological conditions.
A survey of budget-related planning and control policies and procedures

Abstract This article reports the results of a survey of budgeting practices of American manufacturing firms. It is based on the responses (27.4% response rate) from a systematic, random sample of all manufacturing firms listed on the files of Compustat. The survey instrument covered six sections: preparation of the planning budget, cost control procedures, performance reporting and communication, budget related procedures for overall company planning and control, administration of the budgeting system, and time dimensions of the planning process. Fifty variables were surveyed. While respondents generally indicated that they use recommended budgeting techniques, there were instances where the responses indicated otherwise. There appears to be significant resistance to incorporating such matters as statistical techniques and to developing feedback channels to get information from line managers regarding their feelings about the role they play in the budgeting process. On the other hand, formalization of the budgeting process is common. It might be concluded that a significant lag time exists between development and implementation of such ideas as statistical control procedures and the tools of human relations.
A counterexample to a conjecture of Abbott

Abstract Arguments using elementary number theory are used to construct counterexamples to a conjecture of Abbott.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPECIES INTERACTIONS IN AN EARLY OLD-FIELD PLANT COMMUNITY

The success of species in a community is determined not only by the direct interac- tions between species but also by indirect interactions. Indirect effects will occur if an associate species changes the abundance of intermediate species in a chain of interactions that ultimately affect the growth of some focal species. A model of species interactions in a community is presented here and used to quantify direct and indirect effects in a five-species weedy plant community. This method quantifies indirect effects by measuring changes in the abundance of the intermediate species and then estimating how such changes will affect the focal species. The experiments demonstrated that the direct effects in this community were generally negative (competitive) and could be quite large. Indirect effects were positive (facilitative) and negatively correlated with the direct effects, which thus acted to mitigate the usually larger competitive effects. The magnitudes of most species interactions in this community were primarily deter- mined by large direct effects of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and, to a lesser extent, Agropyron repens. The species that exhibited the least competitive release following the removal of a competitor were those that were the most suppressed, because of the nonlinear nature of their response to increasing abundance of competitors. Each species in a community is affected by interactions with many other spe- cies. Understanding this complex set of interactions involves determining a com- bined effect of the many often simultaneous species interactions in which any single species is participating. This understanding has proven elusive, and several authors have even suggested that it may, at present, be beyond our grasp (Brown
Unlicensed NK cells target neuroblastoma following anti-GD2 antibody treatment

Survival outcomes for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) have significantly improved with anti-disialoganglioside GD2 mAb therapy, which promotes NK cell activation through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. NK cell activation requires an interaction between inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and HLA class I ligands. NK cells lacking KIRs that are specific for self HLA are therefore “unlicensed” and hyporesponsive. mAb-treated NB patients lacking HLA class I ligands for their inhibitory KIRs have significantly higher survival rates, suggesting that NK cells expressing KIRs for non-self HLA are mediating tumor control in these individuals. We found that, in the presence of mAb, both licensed and unlicensed NK cells are highly activated in vitro. However, HLA class I expression on NB cell lines selectively inhibited licensed NK cell activity, permitting primarily unlicensed NK cells to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These results indicate that unlicensed NK cells play a key antitumor role in patients undergoing mAb therapy via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, thus explaining the potent “missing KIR ligand” benefit in patients with NB.
Studies on the metabolism of adipose tissue— XVIII. In vitro effects of insulin, epinephrine and glucagon on lipolysis and glycolysis in pigeon adipose tissue☆

Abstract 1. 1. Lipolysis in pigeon adipose tissue in vitro was stimulated by epinephrine and glucagon. 2. 2. Tissue from males was less sensitive to glucagon than that from females. 3. 3. Stimulation of lipolysis did not occur anaerobically. 4. 4. The molar ratio of FFA to glycerol produced under hormone stimulation was three to four and was not altered by the presence of glucose even though considerable glucose consumption did occur. 5. 5. Lack of re-esterification of FFA and the possible accumulation of mono- and diglycerides is suggested. 6. 6. Both epinephrine and glucagon stimulated lactate production in the presence of glucose. 7. 7. A significant increase in O 2 consumption was seen only when both epinephrine and glucose were present. Insulin had no observable effect on lipolysis or glycolysis.
Specific Patterns of Intrinsic Connections between Representation Zones in the Rat Motor Cortex

The organization of intrinsic connections in rat motor cortex was studied by combining microstimulation and tract-tracing techniques. Maps of forelimb and vibrissal movements were constructed from the distribution of cortical sites from which movements were evoked in response to intracortical microstimulation. Then, a single injection of a fluorescent dextran was placed into either a vibrissal or a wrist representation zone, or into a region bordering these zones, resulting in anterograde labeling of long intrinsic, horizontal axons. Following injection into the vibrissal area, axons were largely restricted to the whisker representation zone and to the border region with the forelimb representation. Injections into a wrist zone labeled projections largely restricted to the forelimb area and to the border with the vibrissal area. Injections into a border region labeled dense projections throughout most of the forelimb and vibrissal areas. These findings indicate that intrinsic axon collaterals in the motor cortex form specific and extensive connections among representation zones related to movements of the same body part. These connections may be involved in the coordination of activity in different representation zones for the execution of complex movement patterns. The projection of axon collaterals into border regions may be the anatomical substrate for the rapid reorganization of motor cortical maps that occurs following various experimental manipulations.
Effects of Metabolism and Physiology on the Production of Okenone and Bacteriochlorophyll a in Purple Sulfur Bacteria

Purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) are important photoautotrophs inhabiting chemoclines in euxinic and meromictic lakes. These organisms are the only producers of the carotenoid, okenone, a compound that has been targeted as a biomarker for photic zone euxinia, particularly in ancient sedimentary environments. Although the natural occurrence and geochemistry of this compound has been studied previously, this is the first systematic and comprehensive report on the microbial physiology of okenone production in pure cultures. Four strains/species: Marichromatium purpuratum DSMZ 1591, Marichromatium purpuratum DSMZ 1711, Thiocapsa marina DSMZ 5653, and FGL21 (isolated from Fayetteville Green Lake, New York) were chosen because they produce okenone and Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a). We developed a new, in vivo technique for the quantification of okenone allowing for more rapid and accurate quantification. The ratio of okenone to Bchl a differs among species and strains of PSB, varying from 0.463 ± 0.002 to 0.864 ± ...
What Does the Duty to Warn Require

We all have a duty to warn others when we can easily provide information to protect them from significant harm. In the medical context, a duty to warn patients and research subjects who are at risk...