cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ostial Left Main Stenosis following Repair of a Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

A patient complained of angina pectoris nine months after surgical repair of an aortic right atrial fistula and mitral valve replacement. Subsequently, he was shown to have a new obstruction of the ostium of the left main coronary artery. This case illustrates the need to consider this syndrome in the differential diagnosis of postoperative complaints of chest pain, especially following an operation which involves direct cannulation of the coronary arteries.
Binding and lysis of antibody-coated human erythrocytes by activated human monocytes

Abstract Human monocytes exposed to PHA-leukocyte-conditioned medium for 24 hr acquire markedly enhanced ADCC against antibody-coated human erythrocytes. Confluent monolayers of these activated monocytes were found to bind several fold the number of 51Cr-labeled antibody-coated erythrocytes as compared to monolayers formed from control monocytes (uncoated erythrocytes were not bound). The stoichiometry of this reaction indicated that activated monolayers bind approximately 3–5 erythrocyte targets per effector monocyte, whereas control monolayers bind control monocytes) if the monolayers were warmed to 37°C. These results indicate that target cell binding can occur at both 25 and 37°C, but lysis of bound targets requires incubation at 37°C. Using this temperature distinction to examine binding and lysis independently, it was found that binding was abrogated by IgG Fc fragments, but could occur over a broad pH range (5–8), and in the presence of 2-deoxy- d -glucose, colchicine, and sodium azide. Lysis of bound targets, on the other hand, was blocked by inhibitors of glycolysis, microtubule/filament organization, cellular respiration, and serine esterase activity, as well as EDTA and low pH; lysis was unaffected by scavengers of extracellular H2O2 and superoxide radicals.
The relation of students' precollege characteristics and freshman year experience to voluntary attrition

This study assessed the relative influence on attrition of students' precollege characteristics, their experiences and perceptions of the freshman year, and the interactions of sex, major, and racial or ethnic origin with those experiences and perceptions. A series of stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that precollege traits are not significantly related to attrition, that integration in the academic systems of the institution may be more important than involvement in the social systems, and that certain interactions between precollege traits and freshman year experiences and perceptions may be the most important. The findings suggest that attrition reduction efforts may need to be focused on what happens to students after they arrive on campus, on academic areas, and perhaps on the development of selective plans designed for different kinds of students.
Embryonic Expression of Fgf-6 Is Restricted to the Skeletal Muscle Lineage

As part of an ongoing examination of the functions of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene family in mammalian development, we have carried out an RNA in situ hybridization analysis of the Fgf-6 gene in the mouse embryo. In contrast to what has been found for three other members of the FGF gene family, no Fgf-6 RNA was detected in mouse embryos at E6.5 through E8.5. Fgf-6 RNA was first detected in embryos at E9.5 and was localized exclusively in the myotomal compartment of the somite. Similar results were obtained with embryos at E10.5 and E11.5. At E12.5, expression was still detected in the myotome, and also in the region containing the developing muscles of the body wall. By E14.5, Fgf-6 RNA was found in the majority of skeletal muscles in the fetus. These results are discussed in comparison with what is known about the expression patterns of the genes encoding other FGF family members, as well as their high-affinity receptors.
Obtaining Liftoff Indoors: Autonomous Navigation in Confined Indoor Environments

In this article, we consider the problem of autonomous navigation with a microaerial vehicle (MAV) in three-dimensional (3-D) confined indoor environments with multiple floors. We present experimental results with ground truth comparisons and performance analysis. We also highlight field experiments in multiple environments.
Food-Related Concerns of Older Adults with Macular Degeneration

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the food-related concerns of older adults with macular degeneration. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in 16 geographic locations. Sessions were recorded, transcribed and coded using NVivo(r) qualitative analysis software. Concerns were not significantly associated with age, education, or sex of participants. Similar concerns were expressed in both focus groups and interviews, but potentially embarrassing issues were mentioned more often during interviews. While there are strengths and weaknesses of each method, use of both interviews and focus groups increased the likelihood that the appropriate content area for the development of a questionnaire was captured.
BINDING-INDUCED ACTIVATION OF DNA ALKYLATION BY DUOCARMYCIN SA: INSIGHTS FROM THE STRUCTURE OF AN INDOLE DERIVATIVE-DNA ADDUCT

The mechanism for catalysis of DNA alkylation by the potent antitumor antibiotic duocarmycin SA (DSA) has been probed by determining the structure of a DNA adduct of the indole analogue (DSA-indole, DSI) lacking three methoxy functional groups. The three-dimensional structure of DSI covalently bound to A19 in d-(G1ACTAATTGAC11)·d-(G12TCAATTAGTC22) was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy using a total of 935 experimental distance and dihedral angle constraints. The representative ensemble of 20 conformers has no distance restraint violations greater than 0.03 A, no torsional restraint violations greater than 0.7°, and a pairwise rmsd over all atoms in the binding site of 0.48 A. Comparison of the structures of the DSA and DSI adducts reveals a structural basis for the critical role of one of the trimethoxy-indole functional groups in alkylation reactivity. A deeper penetration into the DNA minor groove in the vicinty of the indole subunit is observed for the DSI versus the DSA adduct, along with some variati...
Transbronchial Biopsy in Diffuse Lung Disease

A an initial diagnostic procedure in diffuse and localized lung disease, transbronchial lung biopsy ( TBB ) offers an attractive alternative to open lung biopsy. In the past, TBB was carried out by inserting a flexible forceps through a rigid, opentube bronchoscope or a catheter.’5 More recently, this technique has been popularized by passing the forceps through the channel of a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.6 6 Improvement in design of the fiberoptic bronchoscope has greatly facilitated the technique of TBB. Previously, the small biopsy channel severely limited the size of the forceps and, hence, the size of the biopsy specimen. Now the Machida FBS-6TL, Olympus BF-1T, and Pentax FB-19A all have a biopsy channel 2.6 mm in diameter which permits passage of a large “cup” or “crocodile” forceps. Since the biopsy channel of the bronchofiberscope also serves as a route for suction, the effective aspiration of blood, purulent material and secretions is more readily accomplished with the newer fiberoptic instru-
First contact: Copernican moment or nine days' wonder?

The vast uncertainties of SETI require caution in discussing the impact of discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence. Despite the awareness of some SETI scientists that such scenarios can easily reflect wishful thinking, popular discussions of the topic are flawed by failure to present speculations regarding impact that are consistent with basic assumptions that make SETI plausible in the first place. A more self-conscious attempt to deal directly with the ethical issues raised by the impact question would aid in creating more rigorous efforts.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Counselor Self-Disclosure: Does Sexual Orientation Matter to Straight Clients?

The present investigation explores the impact of counselor self-disclosure of sexual orientation on self-identified heterosexuals. Two hundred and thirty-eight psychology undergraduate students read a short description of a counselor and one of eight versions of a counseling transcript. Transcripts were identical with the exception of the gender of the counselor and the inclusion of a single counselor statement, in which the counselor either disclosed his/her sexual orientation through a “feeling” subtype disclosure (Knox and Hill in Journal of Clinical Psychology: Special Issue: In Session: Self-Disclosure 59(5):529–539, 2003) or made a reflective statement. A total of 184 respondents who self-identified as “exclusively heterosexual,” and accurately completed four validation check items, rated the target counselor on Expertness, Trustworthiness, and Attractiveness Subscales of the Counselor Rating Form-Short Version (CRF-S; Corrigan and Schmidt in Journal of Counseling Psychology, 30:64–75, 1983). A significant interaction effect was found between self-disclosure status and sexual orientation of the counselor. Participants perceived the disclosing gay and lesbian counselors as significantly more trustworthy than their nondisclosing gay and lesbian counterparts.
Morphine or Capsaicin Administration Alters the Secretion of Beta-Endorphin into the Hypophysial Portal Vasculature of the Rat

Immunoreactive beta-endorphin (ir-beta-END) concentrations were measured in the hypophysial portal plasma of the male rat under urethane anesthesia. On the basis of immunochemical studies and gel filtration chromatography it appears that ir-beta-END in rat hypophysial portal plasma is primarily beta-endorphin (beta-END) and not beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH). In addition, much of the ir-beta-END in portal plasma may be of pituitary origin since acute hypophysectomy resulted in approximately an 80% decrease in the portal plasma concentration of ir-beta-END. Nevertheless, in anesthetized animals that had been hypophysectomized acutely, portal plasma concentrations of ir-beta-END were still 5 times those in systemic plasma, indicative of hypothalamic secretion of the peptide. The administration of morphine sulfate (3 mg/kg, i.v.) resulted in a decrease of ir-beta-END concentrations from 3,157 +/- 547 pg/ml to 1,044 +/- 250 pg/ml. This effect was blocked by naltrexone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) pretreatment. Capsaicin (10 micrograms), which, when infused into the lateral cerebral ventricle of the rat, has been shown to decrease the amount of beta-END in the hypothalamus, but not elsewhere in the central nervous system, selectively decreased the concentration of ir-beta-END in portal plasma without changing systemic ir-beta-END concentrations. These studies indicate that ir-beta-END in portal plasma is probably beta-END which is derived from neurons in the hypothalamus. Moreover, it is concluded that the regulation of the release of ir-beta-END from these neurons involves opiate receptor mechanisms. The inhibitory influence of opiates on ir-beta-END secretion may be indicative of a classical feedback regulation of ir-beta-END-containing neurons.
Neuronal Origins of Choice Variability in Economic Decisions

To investigate the mechanisms through which economic decisions are formed, I examined the activity of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex while monkeys chose between different juice types. Different classes of cells encoded the value of individual offers (offer value), the value of the chosen option (chosen value), or the identity of the chosen juice (chosen juice). Choice variability was partly explained by the tendency to repeat choices (choice hysteresis). Surprisingly, near-indifference decisions did not reflect fluctuations in the activity of offer value cells. In contrast, near-indifference decisions correlated with fluctuations in the preoffer activity of chosen juice cells. After the offer, the activity of chosen juice cells reflected the decision difficulty but did not resemble a race-to-threshold. Finally, chosen value cells presented an "activity overshooting" closely related to the decision difficulty and possibly due to fluctuations in the relative value of the juices. This overshooting was independent of choice hysteresis.
Microanalyses of chemically etched thin film alumina-ferrite interfaces

Thin films of aluminium oxide were deposited on ferrite (NixZn1−xFe2O4) substrates by r.f. sputtering. The sputtered alumina films were not easily etched by hot phosphoric acid unlike readily etchable films prepared by physical deposition techniques. Microanalytical characterization of unetched films, partially etched films and interfacial regions was conducted to identify the microscopic features responsible for reluctant film etchability. The post-etched films were categorized as easily, partially and un-etchable (EE, PE and U respectively) and were examined using optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, EDS, XPS, AES, and TEM/STEM. TEM examination of cross-sections of partially etchable films revealed a non-uniform crystalline phase at the film-substrate interface. Electron diffraction data identified the phase asη-alumina although AES and EDS results suggest that the interfacial phase also contained some iron. The occurrence and orientation of theη-alumina phase was shown to depend on the orientation of the grains of the ferrite substrate.
HIV/AIDS Training in CACREP‐Approved Counselor Education Programs

This article presents the results of a survey mailed to 64 CACREP-approved counselor education graduate programs to explore the amount and the level of training provided on HIV/AIDS. The results show that 51% of the programs offered at least a colloquium on basic information about HIV/AIDS. The survey also explored course work that might be indirectly related to HIV/AIDS, as well as other courses directly related to the topic. Suggestions are made for ways to incorporate HIV/AIDS training into counselor education programs.
“I'm Going Home”: Discharges Against Medical Advice

Discharge against medical advice (AMA), in which a patient chooses to leave the hospital before the treating physician recommends discharge, continues to be a common and vexing problem. This article reviews the prevalence, costs, predictors, and potential interventions for this clinical problem. Between 1% and 2% of all medical admissions result in an AMA discharge. Predictors of AMA discharge, based primarily on retrospective cohort studies, tended to be younger age, Medicaid or no insurance, male sex, and current or a history of substance or alcohol abuse. Interventions to reduce the rate of AMA discharges have not been systematically studied. This article offers suggestions for interventions based on studies in other areas of clinical care as well as the psychiatric AMA discharge literature. Studies for this review were identified by searching the relevant MeSH heading (discharge) and key words (against medical advice, leave, elope, hospital, and self-discharge) in PubMed databases and selecting all English-language articles from 1970 through 2008 that included data on adult medical inpatients.
Generalized Spectrum of Steklov-Robin Type Problem for Elliptic Systems

We will study the generalized Steklov-Robin eigenproblem (with possibly matrix weights) in which the spectral parameter is both in the system and on the boundary. The weights may be singular on subsets of positive measure. We prove the existence of an increasing unbounded sequence of eigenvalues. The method of proof makes use of variational arguments.
Fiber spectrum and functional properties of pyramidal tract neurons in the american opossum

The number and size of pyramidal tract (PT) axons and the functional properties of cerebral PT neurons were examined in the American opossum. The pyramidal tract contains 30,000–40,000 axons, none greater than 5 μ in diameter and 99% of 3 μ or less in diameter. Cerebral neurons were isolated and classified as PT or non-PT according to standard antidromic spike criteria in response to stimulation of the medullary pyramid. Response to natural stimulation and to electrical stimulation of the four paws was tested. PT neurons displayed a wider convergence than non-PT neurons, but the more superficially isolated PT neurons showed only weak or nonexistent excitation from the skin. Response to stimulation of one paw could be blocked by prior stimulation of another paw, whether or not the conditioning stimulus evoked a discharge. At least some of the blocking may be due to intracortical inhibitory synapses, for weak conditioning shocks applied to the pyramidal tract could block the peripherally evoked response in half of the neurons tested, both PT and non-PT. During high-frequency stimulation of the pyramidal tract, antidromic spikes readily separated into distinct A and B components, the B spike frequently failing altogether. The slow antidromic conduction speeds, 4–14 m/sec, agreed well with the small axon diameters found by histological methods.
Imprint-Templated Nanocoax Array Architecture: Fabrication and Utilization

Arrays of vertically-oriented cylindrical, coaxial and triaxial nanostructures are fabricated from polymer nanopillar arrays prepared by nanoimprint lithography. With particular process modifications, these arrays have wide potential utility, including as molecular-scale biological (biomarker, pathogen, etc.) and chemical (explosives, environmental agents, etc.) sensors, high density neuroelectronic interfaces and retinal prostheses, radial junction photovoltaic solar cells, ultracapacitors, and optical metastructures. We report on their fabrication and example utilizations in the latter of these areas, with arrays of typical area density 106 mm−2.
A class of vectorfields on S2 that are topologically equivalent to polynomial vectorfields

Abstract Let X be a C1 vectorfield on S2 = {(x, y, z)ϵ R: x2 + y2 + z2 = 1} such that no open subset of S2 is the union of closed orbits of X. If X has only a finite number of singular orbits and satisfies one additional condition, then it is shown that X is topologically equivalent to a polynomial vectorfield. A corollary is that a foliation F of the plane is topologically equivalent to a foliation by orbits of a polynomial vectorfield if and only if F has only a finite number of inseparable leaves.
Myotubularin-related protein (MTMR) 9 determines the enzymatic activity, substrate specificity, and role in autophagy of MTMR8

The myotubularins are a large family of inositol polyphosphate 3-phosphatases that, despite having common substrates, subsume unique functions in cells that are disparate. The myotubularin family consists of 16 different proteins, 9 members of which possess catalytic activity, dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PtdIns(3)P] and phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2] at the D-3 position. Seven members are inactive because they lack the conserved cysteine residue in the CX5R motif required for activity. We studied a subfamily of homologous myotubularins, including myotubularin-related protein 6 (MTMR6), MTMR7, and MTMR8, all of which dimerize with the catalytically inactive MTMR9. Complex formation between the active myotubularins and MTMR9 increases their catalytic activity and alters their substrate specificity, wherein the MTMR6/R9 complex prefers PtdIns(3,5)P2 as substrate; the MTMR8/R9 complex prefers PtdIns(3)P. MTMR9 increased the enzymatic activity of MTMR6 toward PtdIns(3,5)P2 by over 30-fold, and enhanced the activity toward PtdIns(3)P by only 2-fold. In contrast, MTMR9 increased the activity of MTMR8 by 1.4-fold and 4-fold toward PtdIns(3,5)P2 and PtdIns(3)P, respectively. In cells, the MTMR6/R9 complex significantly increases the cellular levels of PtdIns(5)P, the product of PI(3,5)P2 dephosphorylation, whereas the MTMR8/R9 complex reduces cellular PtdIns(3)P levels. Consequentially, the MTMR6/R9 complex serves to inhibit stress-induced apoptosis and the MTMR8/R9 complex inhibits autophagy.
Phonon-assisted absorption enhancement in amorphous Si solar photovoltaic

In electronics and photonics phonons hinder transport or present inefficiency, but here we scrutinized them to improve the photovoltaic solar-cell performance. Phonons account for a significant portion of the temperature-dependent absorption coefficient of a-Si:H (hydrogenated amorphous silicon), e.g., at 300 K, between 1.5 to 2.2 eV. We propose and theoretical treat introduction of suitable a-Si x Sn 1−x alloy, choosing Sn for desired phonons to assist in the absorption of photons and increase the overall efficiency of the cell. Phonons are essentially thermally induced vibrations within the semiconductor lattice. The spectra of these vibrations are characterized by (a) structure and (b) force constant between atoms (inter-atomic potential). Here we show that Sn alloy can be used to enhance phonon-assisted absorption which in turn may increase the current generation.
Review Essay: Theology as Talking About a God Who Talks

By placing divine speech acts at the center of philosophical theology in Divine discourse: Philosophical reflections on the claim that God speaks, Nick Wolterstorff joins in the task of overcoming onto-theology and calling theology, including philosophical theology, back from Athens to its home in Jerusalem. His creative accounts of indirect discourse illumine ways in which God can be said to speak through the Bible. There are important but undeveloped political implications to the notion that God is a member of the speech community to which we also belong.
A parallel stochastic optimization algorithm for solving 2D bin packing problems

This study describes a stochastic approach to the problem of packing two-dimensional figures in a rectangular area efficiently. The techniques employed are similar to those used in genetic algorithms or in simulated annealing algorithms, algorithmic methods which are grouped under the general classification of stochastic optimization. A parallel processing system, an Intel i860 hypercube, is used to speed up execution. Execution time is quite lengthy due to the costly process of evaluating the lengths of layouts. Load balancing is quite efficient and near-perfect load balancing is achieved. Four different data sets were tested, the simplest consisting of 129 figures, each of seven possible shapes and of differing sizes. The goal of a minimum of 80% efficiency or utilization based on bin length was achieved in all runs performed. >
Optimal Incentive Structures for the Board of Directors: A Hierarchical Agency Framework

We examine optimal equity-based incentives for the Board of Directors (BOD) in a hierarchical agency framework. The underlying agency problem is due to a shareholder-manager conflict on investment policy. There is an endogenous demand for directors to monitor the quality of the firm's investment opportunity set and ratify managerial investment decisions, since managers have private information on the economic prospects of the firm. But self-interested directors must be motivated to exercise personally costly due diligence in monitoring the management. We show that under certain conditions it is optimal for the shareholders to create a hierarchical double-agency situation in equilibrium, where both the managers and their purported monitors are subject to moral hazard, but equity incentive awards to the BOD are still incentive efficient. Our analysis highlights the role of firm-and industry-specific variables such as past economic performance, the size of investments and the span of the investment opportunity set, firm leverage, and profit volatility. Finally, we provide a parsimonious and tractable ordering of the strength or effectiveness of endogenously determined corporate governance mechanisms, and relate the effectiveness of internal corporate governance mechanisms to observable firm- and industry-specific variables.
Conductivity Enhancement in Lanthanum Phosphates

Current proton exchange membranes (PEM) are based on polymeric materials such as perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion™), which have an upper limit to their temperature of operation (< 100°C). To overcome this limitation, ceramic PEM materials are being investigated for transportation applications, where operating temperatures in the range of 200°-600°C are desired. In this study, the conductivity behavior of lanthanum orthophosphate (LaPO 4 ) has been compared and contrasted with lanthanum ultraphosphate (LaP 5 O 14 ) in order to better understand crystal structure—proton conduction relationships in ceramic materials. The conductivity of the lanthanum phosphates (doped and undoped) was measured using impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 300°-600°C. The conductivity of 5 mol% Sr 2 -doped LaP 5 O 14 (1.01 × 10 -4 S/cm, 600°C) was found to be an order of magnitude higher than similarly doped LaPO 4 (7.00 x 10 -6 S/cm, 600°C), which is a well-investigated proton conducting material. In addition, it was observed that the activation energy for protonic conduction was much lower for doped LaP 5 O 14 (0.80 ± 0.01 eV) as compared with LaPO 4 (1.09±0.01 eV). A hypothesis relating the oxygen-to-oxygen ion distance in a material to the activation energy for proton conduction is presented and the experimental results obtained have been critically examined on the basis of the hypothesis and other relevant literature. From this analysis, it is shown that the condensed nature of the phosphate anion in LaP 5 O 14 can provide low-energy avenues for proton transport within the material leading to enhanced conductivity in the material. Limitations of the currently proposed model for proton conduction along with some other plausible explanations for the conductivity enhancement have also been discussed.
Using Surveys to Assess the Prevalence of Sexual Harassment: Some Methodological Problems

Problems and issues associated with using survey methodologies to develop estimates of the prevalence of sexual harassment are summarized. Problems with respect to the definition of sexual harassment in survey research, response sets, the use of retrospective self-report measures, sample selection bias, validity and reliability, and generalizability are addressed. Recommendations are offered in terms of conducting such survey research in future efforts to assess sexual harassment, as well as establishing relationships between reports of sexual harassment and other relevant variables.
Secretion and degradation of mutant leucine-specific binding protein molecules containing C-terminal deletions

The leucine-specific binding protein (LS-BP), a periplasmic component of the Escherichia coli high-affinity leucine transport system, is initially synthesized in a precursor form with a 23 amino acid N-terminal leader sequence that is removed during secretion of the protein into the periplasm. Using in vitro mutagenesis, deletion mutants of the LS-BP gene have been constructed with altered or missing amino acid sequences in the C-terminal portion of the protein. These altered binding proteins exhibited normal processing and secretion but were rapidly degraded in the periplasmic space. In the presence of an uncoupler of the transmembrane potential (CCCP) the precursor forms accumulated in the membrane and were protected from degradation. The altered binding proteins also were secreted by spheroplasts of E coli, after which they were easily detected.
Wage cyclicality: Evidence from Spain using social security data

Using longitudinal social security data, this study finds evidence of weak real wage cyclicality in Spain throughout 1988–2011. The baseline estimate of a 0.4 % increase in wages in response to a one percentage point decline in the unemployment rate lies in the lower bound of available estimates for developed countries. Wage cyclicality in a rigid labour market like Spain is mainly driven by workers under temporary contracts and newly-hired workers. I calculate the cyclicality of the net present value of wages in new matches—the relevant piece of information for firms posting vacancies, but a rarely available measure—and find that it is well approximated by the cyclicality of wages for newly-hired workers.
Re-evaluation of the subgroup analysis from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists randomized controlled trial of cervical cerclage

History-indicated cervical cerclage is offered to patients who are at risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), though the indications are controversial. A common practice of offering cerclage after three prior SPTBs or midtrimester losses (MTLs) is based on findings of the subgroup analysis of the 1993 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) randomized trial of cervical cerclage. The subgroup analysis was performed by repeating the primary analysis within individual subgroups, which can lead to erroneous conclusions. We repeated the subgroup analysis by evaluating the interaction between the characteristic of interest and treatment allocation in a regression model. The interaction between cerclage and any prior PTB as a binary variable was non-significant. Among subjects delivering at <37 weeks, there was a significant interaction between cerclage and prior PTBs as a continuous variable or ≥ 3 (p-values 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). There were no significant interactions between cerclage...
Drug-Drug Discrimination: Stimulus Properties of Drugs of Abuse Upon a Serotonergic-Dopaminergic Continuum

Ten male N/Nih rats were trained to discriminate between the interoceptive cues produced by the purportedly dopaminergically-mediated drug d-amphetamine at 0.4 mg/kg intraperitoneally administered 20 min prior to training and those produced by the purportedly serotonergically-active agent norfenfluramine at 0.7 mg/kg. Once this discrimination was successfully acquired, the rats were tested with saline and with both drugs administered simultaneously and these manipulations were seen to produce random responding; indicating roughly equivalent cueing strength. Subsequently, various drugs thought to act upon serotonergic neurons, i.e., LSD and MDMA, were tested and shown to generalize in a dose-responsive manner to the norfenfluramine-appropriate lever. In contrast, the dopaminergically-active agent methcathinone and the D3 agonist 7-OH-DPAT produced generalization on the amphetamine-appropriate lever. Results are discussed in light of the increased specificity of behavioral testing available in a drug vs. drug discriminative paradigm using two drugs with different mechanisms of action.
Exploring self-star properties in cognitive sensor networking

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) possess inherent tradeoffs among conflicting operational objectives such as data yield, data fidelity and power consumption. In order to address this challenge, this paper proposes a biologically-inspired framework to build cognitive WSN applications, which introspectively understand their conflicting objectives, find optimal tradeoffs with given constraints and autonomously adapt to dynamics of the network. The proposed framework, MONSOON, models an application as a decentralized group of software agents. This is analogous to a bee colony (application) consisting of bees (agents). Agents collect sensor data on individual nodes and carry the data to base stations. They perform this data collection functionality by autonomously sensing their local and surrounding network conditions and adaptively invoking biological behaviors such as pheromone emission, reproduction and migration. Each agent has its own behavior policy, as a gene, which defines how to invoke its behaviors. MONSOON allows agents to evolve their behavior policies via genetic operations such as crossover and mutation. Simulation results show that agents (WSN applications) exhibit the properties of self-configuration, self-optimization and self-healing and adapt to various dynamics of the network (e.g., node/link failures) by satisfying conflicting objectives under given constraints.
Oral-aboral axis specification in the sea urchin embryo III. Role of mitochondrial redox signaling via H2O2

In sea urchin embryos, specification of the secondary (oral–aboral) axis occurs via nodal, expression of which is entirely zygotic and localized to prospective oral ectoderm at blastula stage. The initial source of this spatial anisotropy is not known. Previous studies have shown that oral–aboral (OA) polarity correlates with a mitochondrial gradient, and that nodal activity is dependent both on mitochondrial respiration and p38 stress-activated protein kinase. Here we show that the spatial pattern of nodal activity also correlates with the mitochondrial gradient, and that the latter correlates with inhomogeneous levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. To test whether mitochondrial H2O2 functions as a redox signal to activate nodal, zygotes were injected with mRNA encoding either mitochondrially-targeted catalase, which quenches mitochondrial H2O2 and down-regulates p38, or superoxide dismutase, which augments mitochondrial H2O2 and up-regulates p38. Whereas the former treatment inhibits the initial activation of nodal and entrains OA polarity toward aboral when confined to half of the embryo via 2-cell stage blastomere injections, the latter does not produce the opposite effects. We conclude that mitochondrial H2O2 is rate-limiting for the initial activation of nodal, but that additional rate-limiting factors, likely also involving mitochondria, contribute to the asymmetry in nodal expression.
Large displays enhance optical flow cues and narrow the gender gap in 3-D virtual navigation.

Objective: Existing reports suggest that males significantly outperform females in navigating 3-D virtual environments. Although researchers have recognized that this may be attributable to males and females possessing different spatial abilities, most work has attempted to reduce the gender gap by providing more training for females. In this paper, we explore using large displays to narrow the gender gap within these tasks. Background: While evaluating various interaction techniques, we found that large displays affording wider fields of view seemed to improve virtual navigation performance in general and, additionally, to narrow the gender gap that existed on standard desktop displays.Method: We conducted two experiments (32 and 22 participants) exploring the individual contributions of display and geometric fields of view to the observed effects as well as isolating factors explaining performance increases seen on the large displays. Results: We show that wider fields of view on large displays not only...
Bioactive prolactin levels and risk of breast cancer: a nested case-control study

Background: Prolactin is a lactogenic hormone associated with breast cancer risk in prospective studies, which used immunoassays. The immunoassay captures multiple isoforms and may not fully reflect the biologic activity of prolactin relevant to breast carcinogenesis. Methods: We considered plasma bioactive prolactin levels measured by the Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay, which is sensitive to the somatolactogenic activity of prolactin and growth hormone, within a nested case–control study of invasive breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS/NHSII). We also considered associations with breast cancer risk factors. Results: We had bioassay measures on 1,329 cases and 1,329 controls. Bioassay levels were inversely associated with parity (4+ vs. 0 children = −18%, P = 0.01), body mass index (30+ vs. <22 kg/m2 = −16%, P < 0.01), and age at menopause (53+ vs. 48 years = −18%, P = 0.03) and positively with family history of breast cancer (yes vs. no = 14%, P < 0.01). The relative risk (RR) comparing the top versus bottom quartile of bioassay levels was 1.19 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.94–1.51; P trend = 0.18]. The association was suggestively stronger for postmenopausal (RR = 1.36; 95% CI, 0.93–1.98; P trend = 0.12) versus premenopausal women (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.71–1.37; P trend = 0.71). There was an association for cases diagnosed <4 years after blood draw (RR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.45–4.89; P trend < 0.01), but not for cases diagnosed later. We did not observe differential associations by estrogen receptor status or other tumor characteristics. Conclusions: Our results show similar associations for prolactin levels measured by bioassay and by immunoassay with both breast cancer risk factors and risk. Impact: Future work examining risk prediction model of breast cancer can use the immunoassay to accurately characterize risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 1–8. ©2014 AACR .
The mechanism of the "lung lesion" in shock.

The pulmonary insufficiency often associated with various forms of shock has attracted considerable attention only recently. Its incidence in critically injured patients from our highways and the battlefields of Southeast Asia has spurred considerable speculation and research. So great is the interest in this area that in 1968 the National Research Council conducted a conference on pulmonary complications of nonthoracic trauma. Several similar conferences have been held since then. Although this conference focuses more broadly on the subject of shock, the lung lesion in shock deserves careful consideration.
Empirical Study of the State of the Practice in Alternative Technical Concepts in Highway Construction Projects

State departments of transportation (DOTs) are encouraging early involvement of contractors in highway design and construction through the solicitation of alternative technical concepts (ATCs) during procurement. This approach provides DOTs with the opportunity to tap industry experience and expertise for design alternatives. ATCs can improve constructability, enhance innovation, shorten schedules, reduce risk, and ultimately save costs. DOTs have documented significant cost savings from ATCs on a project-by-project basis. This paper provides an up-to-date perspective on the types of projects in which ATCs are used in U.S. highway construction, according to empirical data from a national study of 250 projects completed by DOTs and the Office of Federal Lands Highway. These projects were completed through design–build, construction manager–general contractor, and design–bid–build project delivery methods, and only 40 of the projects solicited ATCs during procurement. The quantitative findings presented in ...
CD4+ Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Require NKG2D To Protect From Lethal Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a rare cell population in humans (TCRα Vα24-Jα18) and mice (TCRα Vα14-Jα18) that are characterized by a rapid release of immunoregulatory cytokines upon stimulation. The tolerogenic impact of host iNKT cells on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after conditioning with total lymphoid irradiation and anti-thymocyte globulin (TLI/ATG) has been shown previously (Lan et al. , BBMT 2003). Moreover, we recently described a subset of CD49b+ NKT cells overlapping with iNKT cells and providing protection from acute GVHD mainly via an IL-4-dependent mechanism (Leveson-Gower et al. , Blood 2011). Here, we investigated the role of highly purified adoptively transferred donor-derived CD4+ iNKT cells. Balb/c recipient mice were transplanted with T cell-depleted bone marrow together with 1x106 CD4/CD8 T lymphocytes (Tcon) from C57Bl/6 donor mice after irradiation with 8 Gy. Mice co-injected with as low as 5x104 freshly isolated and highly purified (>99%) CD4+ iNKT cells showed a significant survival benefit compared to mice receiving Tcon alone ( p =.0015). Consistently, weight and GVHD score improved in mice that received CD4+ iNKT cells. Signal intensity derived from expanding luciferase expressing alloreactive Tcon was significantly lower in animals treated with CD4+ iNKT cells demonstrating inhibition of proliferation of alloreactive Tcon through CD4+ iNKT cells ( p <.0001). In vivo CFSE proliferation assay confirmed decreased Tcon proliferation in peripheral lymph nodes ( p <.0001), mesenteric lymph nodes ( p =.0277) and spleen ( p =.0005). CD4+ iNKT cells showed a Th2-biased cytokine profile with high levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the presence of alloreactive Tcon challenged with irradiated allogeneic stimulators. Co-injection of CD4+ iNKT cells that were expanded 5-fold in vitro with α-GalCer and IL-2 had the same protective effect from lethal acute GVHD compared to freshly isolated CD4+ iNKT cells (p =.7987). Interestingly, CD4+ iNKT cells derived from NKG2D-/- animals were significantly less effective in preventing acute GVHD lethality (WT vs. NKG2D-/- p =.0027). In conclusion, low numbers of highly purified freshly isolated and cultured CD4+ iNKT cells protect from lethal acute GVHD in mice and require NKG2D. Despite the fact that iNKT cells are a rare cell population, the feasibility of in vitro expansion with retained functionality of CD4+ iNKT cells provide the basis for clinical translation. EM and RN contributed equally. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Localization of cholinergic nerves in lower airways of guinea pigs using antisera to choline acetyltransferase

Primary antiserum to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), a specific marker for cholinergic nerves, was used to characterize the distribution of cholinergic nerve fibers and nerve cell bodies in guinea pig airways. ChAT immunoreactive nerve fibers were localized to the smooth muscle throughout the conducting airways and in the lamina propria of the trachea and large bronchi. Likewise, all nerve cell bodies in the ganglia intrinsic to the trachea and bronchi displayed a cholinergic phenotype. By contrast, ChAT immunoreactive nerve fibers were infrequently seen in the lamina propria of the peripheral airways and were absent in the airway epithelium. No evidence for colocalization of ChAT and the enzyme synthesizing the putative relaxant neurotransmitter nitric oxide was observed. These results provide further evidence for the key role played by cholinergic nerves in regulating airway smooth muscle tone and bronchial blood flow and provide further evidence that acetylcholine is not coreleased with the neurotransmitter(s) mediating relaxations of airway smooth muscle.
Abstract 2892: Enhancing anti cancer activity of PI103, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, by designing a self assembled Nanoformulation

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a pivotal role in the growth and survival of various cancers. Small molecule inhibitors targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (eg. Wortmannin, LY294002, PI-103, PI828) are promising anti cancer agents. Major drawbacks of these drugs are their poor water solubility and off-target toxicity. Nanoscale drug delivery systems have been harnessed as drug carriers to target tumours through enhanced permeation and retention effect. In this study, we developed a nanoformulation of PI103, a potent dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, to improve delivery and reduce side effects. PI103 was encapsulated in a homogeneous self-assembled mixture of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. DSPE-PEG protective shell was introduced to increase its circulation time. Thin-film-hydration technique followed by extrusion through 200 nm porous membranes developed nanoparticles of 110-150 nm size with 0.15-0.20 mM drug loading. Release kinetics study confirmed the stability of this formulation in PBS for several days as well as a sustained release property in in-vitro Cell Lysate system. In-vitro cell proliferation assay demonstrated improved cytotoxicity of nanoformulated PI103 in murine breast cancer cell line 4T1 and K-ras upregulated and PTEN suppressed ovarian cancer model cells. Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis with FITC tagged Annexin-V, an early apoptosis marker, showed increased apoptosis with the nanoformulation than the free drug. Western blot analysis expressed more potent inhibition of PI3 kinase/Akt pathway by the nanoformulated PI103. These results indicate that nanoformulation can enhance the potential of PI103. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2892. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2892
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND DYNAMICS OF NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE RECEPTORS

Since the discovery of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF or ANP) in 1981 by De Bold et al. (1), more than 6500 articles on the subject have appeared in the literature. For an extensive review on ANP and its receptors, the reader is directed to Reference 2. In this short review, we will consider in a noninclusive manner the dynamics and functional properties of natriuretic peptide receptors. ANP is a 28-amino acid polypeptide hormone secreted mainly by the heart atria in response to atrial stretch that results from an increase in central venous pressure, or systemic and pulmonary hypertension. ANP is a member of a family of natriuretic peptides, which include B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and urodilatin. The physiological role of BNP, CNP, and urodilatin remains essentially unknown.The main actions of ANP in the mammalian organism are geared toward the regulation of volumepressure homeostasis (2,3). In the kidney, ANP exerts hemodynamic and tubular actions that l...
Vitamin B12 and Antibiotics in the Diet of Turkey Poults from Hens Fed No Animal Protein

Abstract VITAMIN B12 has been shown to give a growth response in chicks fed a ration containing no animal protein supplements (Ott, 1948). In turkey poults Scott et al. (1948) were unable to demonstrate a growth response by the addition of yeast and liver concentrate, which was a source of vitamin B12. Lillie et al. (1949) obtained increased growth in poults with fish meal or meat meal in the ration. They suggested that the improvement was due to the vitamin B12 content of these products, although a vitamin B12 concentrate or crystalline vitamin B12 was not tested. McGinnis et al. (1949), Singsen et al. (1950), Stokstad and Jukes (1950) Combs and Shaffner (1950), and Patrick (1951) have reported that vitamin B12 or vitamin B12 concentrates produce no growth response in poults, although several natural feedstuffs, fermentation products, and antibiotics were shown to increase the rate of growth. Almquist and Merritt (1951) . . .
Draft Genome Sequence of Phomopsis longicolla Type Strain TWH P74, a Fungus Causing Phomopsis Seed Decay in Soybean.

ABSTRACT Phomopsis longicolla is the primary cause of Phomopsis seed decay in soybean. Here, we report the de novo assembled draft genome sequence of the P. longicolla type strain TWH P74 (ATCC 60325), which was originally isolated by Hobbs et al. from soybean seed in Ohio in 1983.
Donor-Driven Transitional Justice And Peacebuilding

AbstractThe prescription of transitional justice (TJ) has become the norm when societies emerge from violent conflict and/or political repression. Because of the realities of most post-conflict situations, funding and logistical support for TJ comes primarily from international sources. Post-conflict situations vary, but there has developed internationally a template of TJ tailored to attract international support and resources and a self-reinforcing dynamic is emerging: the international community insists that TJ processes must conform to international norms and standards, donors look to invest their monies in trusted mechanisms, a professionalised contingent of scholars and practitioners provides expertise and promises outcomes, and recipient governments, NGOs and other practitioners synchronise their performance with donor expectations and demands. This paper interrogates the ethical dilemmas when TJ is donor driven, points out some of the dangers when TJ is externally defined, de-contextualised, techn...