cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunophilin ligands promote penile neurogenesis and erection recovery after cavernous nerve injury.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We investigated the long-term effect of immunophilin ligands on erection physiology and cavernous tissue histology using rat models of unilateral and bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) injury.Materials and Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered the immunophilin ligand FK506 (5 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for 5 days), the nonimmunosuppressant FK506 derivative GPI1046 (3 to 3-pyridyl)-1-propyl(2 seconds)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidine carboxylate) (40 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for 5 or 28 days) or saline immediately upon induction of 2 paradigms of cavernous nerve injury, namely focal transection of the CN unilaterally, and a combination of focal transection of the CN unilaterally and excision of a 5 mm segment of contralateral CN (BIL treated). At 28 days following CN injury electrical stimulation of the transected CN and penile erection monitoring were performed. Whole penes were removed and evaluated immunohistochemically for the nitric oxide generator neur...
Prostaglandins: Critical roles in pregnancy and colon cancer

Cyclooxygenase catalyses a key step in prostaglandin biosynthesis, and recent work suggests that one isoenzyme, COX-2, has important roles in early stages of pregnancy; it also appears to be involved in the somewhat analogous process of colon tumor formation and spread.
Research on Anticipatory Ideological Compliance: Comment on Sargent and Harris

In their paper, “Academic Freedom, Civil Liberties, and SPSSI,” S. Stansfeld Sargent and Benjamin Harris (1986) give an account of the threat to individual liberties that characterized SPSSI's early years. Based to some extent on my personal experience during the post-World War II peak of this threat (i.e., the era of Senator Joseph McCarthy), I add a brief supplement to Sargent's and Harris's account. I provide a description of initial attempts by SPSSI members to discover the social psychological principles that help to understand the erosion of individual rights and freedoms that took place in those years.
Fluorescence lifetime measurements on some tryptophan-containing diketopiperazines

Abstract Fluorescence decay measurements were made on six tryptophan-containing diketopiperazines (cyclo(- l -Trp- l -His-), cyclo(- l -Trp-D-His-), cyclo(- l -Trp- l -Asp-), cyclo((- l -Trp- l -Glu-) and cylo(- l -Trp- d -Glu-); Trp, tryptophan; His, histidine; Asp, aspartic acid: Glu, glutamic acid). For each compound measurements were made at two pH values so as to determine the extent of the change in lifetime over the range of titration of the titratable group. The peptides were dissolved in either H 2 O or 98% D 2 O. The decay curves were fitted quite satisfactorily by two exponentials. The lifetime of the slow component decreased with pH from about 4 ns to about 0.9 ns depending on the peptide and pH. The lifetime of the fast component ranged from 0.2 ns to 0.5 ns depending on the peptide and pH. The lifetime of the slow component of the compound containing the l enantiomer of a given dipeptide was always longer than the lifetime of the slow component of the compound containing the d enantiomer. It was concluded that the fluorescence lifetimes correlate with the protonation of nearby titratable sites, by virtue of either quenching capability of charge, and possibly with the distance from these sites.
In search of a liberal Germany: Studies in the history of German liberalism from 1789 to the present

(1993). In search of a liberal Germany: Studies in the history of German liberalism from 1789 to the present. History of European Ideas: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 130-131.
Thermolysis of derivatives of amino sugars

Abstract Amino groups influence the course of the pyrolysis of carbohydrate derivatives and result in substantial dehydration and charring. N -Phenylglycosylamines and their acetates rearrange with almost quantitative loss of water or acetic acid and retention of the arylamino groups. The sharp dehydration reaction contrasts with the behaviour of the corresponding phenyl glycosides on thermolysis, which results in cleavage of the phenolic groups and subsequent breakdown of the glycosyl moiety. Thermal analysis and chemical data indicate that charring of other derivatives of amino sugars is due to intermediate formation of glycosylamines from thermal reaction of the amino group with glycosidic centres.
Enhancement of functional power in patients with coronary artery disease by circuit interval training

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12‐week circuit interval training (CIT) program on several indices of functional power in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients following from the exercise regimen. Twenty‐two patients with documented CAD served as subjects. After training, peak oxygen consumption (ml kg−1 min−1) and maximal MET level achieved in these patients increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Several hemodynamic variables and electrocardiographic data were studied to try to assess whether functional power was enhanced predominantly by central or peripheral hemodynamic and metabolic events. Maximal ST‐segment depression did not decrease significantly, and peak heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, rate‐pressure product, and the HR at the time of ST‐segment depression did not increase significantly. These data imply that the change in functional power observed was primarily the result of adaptation in the periphery.
Movie analytics: Visualization of the co-starring network

This poster contributes a novel application of social network visualization techniques to the motion picture industry. We make the case and illustrate with examples that a visualization approach based on k-cores helps alleviate otherwise inextricable memory issues in analyses of the IMDb co-starring network, which contains more than 2.6 million actors displaying over a billion links, with degrees which can rise to about 50,000 and above for the most connected actors.
Identification and partial characterization of specific estrogen receptors in the vole (Microtus montanus).

Abstract 1. 1. Specific estrogen receptor proteins have been demonstrated in the cytosol of uterus and lactating mammary gland of the vole ( Microtus montanus ) using sucrose gradient centrifugation and a sensitive, radio-ligand binding assay in vitro . 2. 2. The number of binding sites/mg cytosol protein was 27 fmoles for the mammary gland and 810 fmoles for the uterus. 3. 3. The dissociation constant of the steroid—receptor complex from the mammary gland was approximately 2·0 × 10 −16 M and that of the uterus was 12·5 × 10 −10 M. 4. 4. Preliminary data from competition studies suing progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, hydrocortisone and a known antiuterotropic substance, CN-55, 945-27, indicate that the binding sites of the receptors from both uterus and mammary gland are estrogen specific.
Oxidation of NADPH by Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes during Phagocytosis

IT is now known that the phagocytic process in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) is accompanied by marked increases in the rates of oxygen consumption, glucose oxidation by the hexosemonophosphate shunt (HMPS) and oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide1–3. The energy for the phagocytic process seems to come from glycolysis1. The rate of glucose oxidation by the shunt in leucocytes seems to be regulated by the intracellular concentration of NADP (refs. 3 and 4). A suitable hypothesis for the enzyme basis underlying the metabolic stimulation in PMN during phagocytosis should therefore include a mechanism for the reoxidation of NADPH. Attempts have been made to correlate the stimulated activity of the hexosemonophosphate shunt in phagocytosing leucocytes with increased oxidation of NADPH. The evidence indicates that oxidation of NADPH in phagocytosing leucocytes is not accomplished by the classical route of hydrogen transport by way of cytochrome reductase and cytochrome c (ref. 1). Evans and Karnovsky5 have presented evidence for the existence in PMN cell extracts of an NADP-linked lactate dehydrogenase which is activated at low pH. Results obtained by Iyer, Islam and Quastel2 indicated that PMN possess an enzyme system capable of oxidizing NADPH and NADH by a reaction involving the formation of hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme, however, was found to bo much more active towards NADPH than NADH and its activity was strongly enhanced by manganese ions. Later Roberts and Quastel6 reported that the NADPH oxidase in PMN was probably peroxidase. Based on the available evidence, a mechanism was proposed to account for the metabolic changes observed in PMN during phagocytosis. This is seen as follows.
Gas Spitting by Alarmed Fish Disturbs Their Hydrostatic Equilibrium

Besides maintaining hydrostatic equilibrium, the physostomatous gas bladder of fish has the broader function of adapting the density of the fish to momentary needs.
Use of a long-lifetime Re(I) complex in fluorescence polarization immunoassays of high molecular weight analytes

We describe a new class of fluorescence polarization immunoassays based on the luminescence from a Re(I) metal-ligand complex. Re(I) complexes are extremely photostable and possess useful photophysical properties including long lifetimes, high quantum yields, and high emission polarization in the absence of rotational diffusion. In the present study, a conjugatable, highly luminescent Re(I) metal-ligand complex, [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)](ClO4), where bcp is 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and 4-COOHPy is isonicotinic acid, has been evaluated for use in fluorescence polarization immunoassays (FPIs) with high-molecular-weight antigens. This Re(I) complex (Re) displays highly polarized emission (with a maximum anisotropy near 0.3) in the absence of rotational diffusion and a long average lifetime (2.7 microseconds) when bound to human serum albumin (HSA) in oxygenated aqueous solution. The emission polarization of the Re-HSA conjugate is sensitive to the binding of anti-HSA, resulting in a significant increase in anisotropy. The labeled HSA was also used in a competition immunoassay where unlabeled HSA was also used as an antigen. These experimental results, combined with theoretical predictions, demonstrate the potential of this Re(I) metal-ligand complex as a luminescence probe in FPIs of high-molecular-weight analytes (10(5)-10(8) Da).
Polarization and pitch dependence of cholesteric blue-phase structures

Abstract For cholesteric mixtures of two biphenyl liquid crystals, we show: (1) The BPI-BPII wavelength gap vanishes discontinously with pitch, thereby suggesting two possible BPII structures. (2) The Bragg reflections are all circularly polarized , contrary to existing theories. The temperature dependence of the BPI-BPIIA wavelength is well described by Alexander's theory.
The pore water chemistry of 239,240Pu and 137Cs in sediments of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Abstract The collection of large volumes of pore water (1–2 liters per 2 cm horizon of sediment) and low level radiochemical measurements of 239,240Pu and 137Cs have been combined to produce the first study of these fallout artificial radionuclides in marine pore waters. Profiles from box cores taken in June and September 1982 from Buzzards Bay, Mass., are reported along with profiles of many diagenetic constituents (i.e. SO42−, alkalinity, Fe, Mn, DOC, and nutrients). The 239,240Pu pore water profile is characterized by a subsurface maximum of about 0.28 dpm/100 kg lying between 3–11 cm. Overlying seawater, in contrast, has an activity of 0.01 ± 0.02 dpm/100 kg. Below about 11 cm, the pore water 239,240Pu distribution follows that of the solid phase which decreases rapidly with depth. The pore water profiles of 137Cs are characterized by a broad and deeply penetrating maximum where activities of about 35–40 dpm/100 kg extend from 3 to 20 cm. Overlying seawater, in contrast, has an activity of 17–24 dpm/100 kg. The 137Cs and 239,240Pu pore water data show that there is preferential downward transport of 137Cs and that 239,240Pu does not have an active diagenetic chemistry and is not significantly mobile in these coastal sediments.
High Pressure Raman Spectroscopy of Single Crystals of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

To gain insight into the high-pressure polymorphism of RDX, an energetic crystal, Raman spectroscopy results were obtained for hydrostatic (up to 15 GPa) and non-hydrostatic (up to 22 GPa) compressions. Several distinct changes in the spectra were found at 4.0 ± 0.3 GPa, confirming the α−γ phase transition previously observed in polycrystalline samples. Detailed analyses of pressure-induced changes in the internal and external (lattice) modes revealed several features above 4 GPa: (i) splitting of both the A‘ and A‘ ‘ internal modes, (ii) a significant increase in the pressure dependence of the Raman shift for NO2 modes, and (iii) no apparent change in the number of external modes. It is proposed that the α−γ phase transition leads to a rearrangement between the RDX molecules, which in turn significantly changes the intermolecular interaction experienced by the N−O bonds. Symmetry correlation analyses indicate that the γ-polymorph may assume one of the three orthorhombic structures: D2h, C2v, or D2. On ...
The IBM System/370 vector architecture: design considerations

The considerations that shaped the architecture of the IBM System/370 Vector Facility are reviewed. The architectural requirements, decisions, and innovations are summarized, and the rationale for the choices that were made is given. Issues related to vector function, performance, compatibility, migration, and integration with the rest of the System/370 architecture are covered. >
Ion screening effects and stellar collapse

During the collapse of a massive star{close_quote}s stellar core Coulomb effects maintain the ions in a highly correlated state. This has an important consequence: Neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering, which dominates the neutrino opacity, is substantially reduced for low-energy neutrinos. This results from phase interference effects that occur when the neutrino wavelength becomes larger than the interion spacing, and is analogous to a crystal becoming transparent to x rays when the change in wave number from scattering is smaller than the reciprocal lattice spacing. This reduction in the neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering cross section, referred to as {open_quotes}ion screening,{close_quotes} has been calculated most recently by Horowitz. Using his correction, we investigate its effect on stellar core collapse. Our numerical results show that {nu}{sub e} downscattering with electrons is sufficiently rapid to fill the low-energy neutrino window created by ion screening, but the window width is insufficient for ion screening to have a significant effect on core deleptonization. In particular, inclusion of ion screening lowers the trapped lepton fraction by only 0.015 in both our 15M{sub {circle_dot}} and a 25M{sub {circle_dot}} models. We confirm this with an analytic model that elucidates ion screening{close_quote}s essential effect. For the sake of comparison, we also investigate themore » effect on core deleptonization of turning neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering off completely, and of turning off all semileptonic neutral-current neutrino scattering. These latter neutrino opacity modifications have substantially greater effects on core deleptonization than the ion-screening correction. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Immunocytochemical staining of isolated rat sertoli cells for anti‐FSHβ

Sertoli cells are a primary target for the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testis. The purpose of this investigation was to verify ultrastructurally that FSH binds to receptors on the plasma membrane of isolated rat Sertoli cells. A relatively pure aliquot of Sertoli cells was obtained by first dissociating testicular tissue from immature rats with collagenase and then centrifuging the suspension in Percoll density gradients. Pre-embedding staining with the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) complex technique using anti-FSH beta as the primary antiserum localized endogenous receptor-bound FSH on the plasma membrane of isolated Sertoli cells. Staining was considered to be specific since membranes of Sertoli cells derived from hypophysectomized rats were not stained when subjected to the same procedure. Cytoplasmic vesicles in Sertoli cells from experimental, control, and hypophysectomized groups also stained with PAP. Staining of these structures appeared to be specific since it was obliterated by preabsorption of anti-FSH beta with FSH. Preabsorption with luteinizing hormone (LH) did not affect the staining of cytoplasmic vesicles. The results of this investigation provide the first evidence for ultrastructural localization of specific binding sites for anti-FSH beta on the cell membrane of isolated Sertoli cells using an unlabeled antibody technique, and they further support the contention that Sertoli cells are a primary target for the action of FSH.
Determination of plutonium oxidation states in dilute nitric acid by complementary tristimulus colorimetry.

Abstract The preparation of reference standards for use in complementary tristimulus colorimetry for plutonium is described. Plutonium(III) and (VI) are prepared by hydrazine reduction and silver(II) oxidation, respectively, of plutonium(IV). Plutonium(V) is prepared by reduction of plutonium(VI) with ascorbic or sulphurous acid. A method for computerizing tristimulus colorimetry is presented, and the technique is extended to three dimensions (“quadristimulus colorimetry”).
The Ross/Konno procedure in neonates and infants: intermediate-term survival and autograft function

Abstract Background . The Ross procedure has been increasingly applied to neonates and infants. Addition of a modified Konno-type enlargement of the aortic annulus allows the application of this procedure to neonates and infants with significant annular hypoplasia. The potential for growth and the proven durability make the autograft an ideal aortic valve replacement. Methods . Between March 1993 and December 2000, 10 patients under 1 year of age underwent a Ross/Konno procedure at our institution (range, 2 to 349 days; median 16). All patients had severe to critical aortic stenosis. All patients required aortic annulus enlargement for size mismatch between the aortic and pulmonary valves. Results . There were no deaths at a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 1 to 74 months). All patients had none to mild aortic stenosis on Doppler echocardiography. Eight patients had a 0 to 1+ aortic insufficiency, 1 patient had a 2+ aortic insufficiency, and 1 patient had a 3+ aortic insufficiency. Aortic annular dilatation was not observed. Aortic sinus dilatation occurred initially (mean change in z-value: 0 to 12 months, +2.1) and then stabilized (mean change in z-value: 12 to > 36 months, +0.6). No patient required additional procedures for aortic valve disease. Two patients required three pulmonary allograft replacements. Conclusions . The Ross procedure with a modified Konno-type enlargement of the aortic annulus is an excellent approach to aortic valve disease in the neonate and infant. The procedure can be accomplished with low morbidity and mortality, and low rates of reoperation. The pulmonary autograft demonstrates durability without developing aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, or progressive dilatation. Enlargement of the aortic annulus parallels somatic growth.
Clinical, Histopathologic, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Gliomatosis Cerebri (P03.139)

Objective: To characterize clinical, histopathologic, and radiologic features in 32 patients with gliomatosis cerebri (GC). Background GC is a rare primary tumor of the central nervous system, characterized by diffuse neoplastic glial cell infiltration of more than two cerebral lobes and relative preservation of the surrounding brain architecture. Although primarily astrocytic in origin, cases with oligodendroglial and mixed oligoastrocytic features have been described. Radiologically, GC is defined by no or minimal contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design/Methods: We identified 32 subjects from the neuroradiology and neuro-oncology database at the Massachusetts General Hospital who met the diagnostic criteria of GC. Clinical, histopathologic, and imaging characteristics were assessed. Results: Most common clinical symptoms at presentation were seizures (63%), cognitive dysfunction (28%) and headaches (16%). Tumors were classified as WHO grade II and WHO grade III with equal distribution, and most commonly were diagnosed as astrocytomas (n=20), oligodendrogliomas (n=4), and mixed oligoastrocytomas (n=3). Forty-four percent had bihemispheric T2/FLAIR hyperintensity on MRI, with frequent involvement of the temporal (n=31) and frontal (n=25) lobes as well as the subventricular zone (n=24). Treatment involved surgery (n=13), radiation (n=15), chemotherapy (n=26), and combined chemo-radiation (n=10). Median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 32 months from the time of radiologic diagnosis (ranging from 20 days to 231 months). Median time to progression after the first (TTP1), and second (TTP2) treatment regimen were 15 and 9 months, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with GC present with heterogeneous clinical, pathologic, and imaging findings. Some patients demonstrate prolonged overall survival of more than 10 years suggesting subpopulations of GC patients with significantly better prognosis. Further detailed characterization of molecular and histopathological features of GC and advanced neuroimaging techniques may help to identify distinct subgroups of GC and guide further treatment decisions. Supported by: The American Brain Tumor Association and the American Academy of Neurology Foundation. Disclosure: Dr. Ly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pine has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stemmer-Rachamimov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hochberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dietrich has nothing to disclose.
Volatile composition and odour-activity value of thornless 'Black Diamond' and 'Marion' blackberries

Abstract ‘Black Diamond’ is a recently developed thornless blackberry cultivar with large fruit size, high yield, and good processed fruit quality that has rapidly become an industry standard. The flavour of ‘Black Diamond’ fruit is not the same as ‘Marion’, which is regarded by the industry as having the ideal flavour. In order to understand the aroma differences, the volatile composition of ‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’ was analysed using stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC–MS) and solid-phase extraction (SPE)-microvial insert thermal desorption-GC–MS for two growing seasons. Although seasonal variations were present, the overall volatile profile in ‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’ were very similar, but the concentrations of some aroma compounds varied greatly. Odour-activity value (OAV) indicated that furaneol, linalool, β-ionone, and hexanal could be most important in ‘Marion’, while in ‘Black Diamond’, the most important compounds were linalool, β-ionone, furaneol, and 2-heptanol. The major difference between the cultivars for aroma compounds was that ‘Marion’ had a 5 times higher OAV of furaneol than ‘Black Diamond’, while ‘Black Diamond’ had a 3 times higher OAV of linalool than ‘Marion’. The chemical analysis results matched with the descriptive sensory evaluation that ‘Marion’ had more berry, fruity, strawberry aroma while ‘Black Diamond’ had more floral aroma.
CASE REPORT OF A PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITE

Instances of malformation of the genital organs of such degree as to bring into question the sex of the afflicted individual are still sufficiently uncommon to warrant the report of instances as they may be encountered. The present case is that of a child aged 20 months, who, 22 hours before death, was admitted to the hospital in coma. The parents stated that the genital abnormality was recognized at birth and that after deliberation the physician in attendance decided that the individual was a boy. Aside from, the genital condition there were no stigmata of endocrine defect in evidence. Post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be chronic interstitial nephritis with small granular kidneys of the type usually seen in those dying in advanced age. Histological examination of the kidneys showed advanced glomerular fibrosis, marked increase in the kidney stroma, and vascular selerosis approaching obliteration of the vessels. Accompanying this was cardiac hypertrophy, the left ventricle wall measu...
A Bayesian MCMC approach to survival analysis with doubly-censored data

Doubly-censored data refers to time to event data for which both the originating and failure times are censored. In studies involving AIDS incubation time or survival after dementia onset, for example, data are frequently doubly-censored because the date of the originating event is interval-censored and the date of the failure event usually is right-censored. The primary interest is in the distribution of elapsed times between the originating and failure events and its relationship to exposures and risk factors. The estimating equation approach [Sun et al. (1999). Regression analysis of doubly censored failure time data with applications to AIDS studies. Biometrics 55, 909-914] and its extensions assume the same distribution of originating event times for all subjects. This paper demonstrates the importance of utilizing additional covariates to impute originating event times, i.e., more accurate estimation of originating event times may lead to less biased parameter estimates for elapsed time. The Bayesian MCMC method is shown to be a suitable approach for analyzing doubly-censored data and allows a rich class of survival models. The performance of the proposed estimation method is compared to that of other conventional methods through simulations. Two examples, an AIDS cohort study and a population-based dementia study, are used for illustration. Sample code is shown in Appendix.
The impact of delayed visual feedback on collaborative performance

When pairs work together on a physical task, seeing a common workspace benefits their performance and transforms their use of language. Previous results have demonstrated that visual information helps collaborative pairs to understand the current state of their task, ground their conversations, and communicate efficiently. However, collaborative technologies often impinge on the visual information needed to support successful collaboration. One example of this is the introduction of delayed visual feedback in a collaborative environment. We present results from two studies that detail the form of the function that describes the relationship between visual delay and collaborative task performance. The first study precisely demonstrates how a range of visual delays differentially impact performance and the collaborative strategies employed. The second study describes how parameters of the task, such as the dynamics of the visual environment, reduce the amount of delay that can be tolerated.
RAPID COMMUNICATION: Inhibitory Effect of a Two Day Fast on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation by Leucocytes and Plasma Ortho-Tyrosine and Meta-Tyrosine Concentrations

ABSTRACT Since glucose intake acutely increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and mononuclear cells (MNC), we have now investigated whether a fast over a period of 48h reduces ROS generation by these cells. Eight normal subjects were fasted for 48h. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 24h and 48h. ROS generation by PMN fell significantly at 24h (66.1 ± 19.5% of basal) and further at 48h (45.9 ± 23.0 % of basal; p < 0.001). ROS generation by MNC fell to 62.4 ± 16.5% at 24h and by 48.4 ± 16.5% (p < 0.001) by 48h. The level of p47phox subunit, an index of NADPH oxidase, the enzyme converting molecular oxygen to superoxide (O˙2−) radical, also fell in parallel. Plasma o-tyrosine/phenylalanine ratio fell significantly from 0.326 ± 0.053 mmol/mol to 0.303 ± 0.055 mmol/mol at 48h and m-tyrosine/phenylalanine ratio fell from 0.363 ± 0.063 mmol/mol to 0.340 ± 0.064 mmol/mol (p < 0.05). Thus, a 48h fast may reduce ROS generation, total oxidative load and oxidative dama...
Obama's Interfaith Service Challenge: A Call for a New Theology of Service in American Higher Education

Abstract: President Obama's recent Interfaith Service Challenge issued to colleges and universities in the United States encourages schools to commit to year-long interfaith service projects that engage constituencies across campus, across faith traditions, and across the wider local community. While they were included in pre-challenge planning, university chaplains and religious life staff were omitted from the list of partners. This omission challenges college chaplains and campus ministers to articulate a theology of interfaith service that represents their enduring priorities to engagement across faith lines and in service to others. For Christians, such a theology could be based on the three key principles of imago dei, theologia crucis, and faith active in love.
An Allelic Series of Mice Reveals a Role for RERE in the Development of Multiple Organs Affected in Chromosome 1p36 Deletions

Individuals with terminal and interstitial deletions of chromosome 1p36 have a spectrum of defects that includes eye anomalies, postnatal growth deficiency, structural brain anomalies, seizures, cognitive impairment, delayed motor development, behavior problems, hearing loss, cardiovascular malformations, cardiomyopathy, and renal anomalies. The proximal 1p36 genes that contribute to these defects have not been clearly delineated. The arginine-glutamic acid dipeptide (RE) repeats gene (RERE) is located in this region and encodes a nuclear receptor coregulator that plays a critical role in embryonic development as a positive regulator of retinoic acid signaling. Rere-null mice die of cardiac failure between E9.5 and E11.5. This limits their usefulness in studying the role of RERE in the latter stages of development and into adulthood. To overcome this limitation, we created an allelic series of RERE-deficient mice using an Rere-null allele, om, and a novel hypomorphic Rere allele, eyes3 (c.578T>C, p.Val193Ala), which we identified in an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-based screen for autosomal recessive phenotypes. Analyses of these mice revealed microphthalmia, postnatal growth deficiency, brain hypoplasia, decreased numbers of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN)-positive hippocampal neurons, hearing loss, cardiovascular malformations–aortic arch anomalies, double outlet right ventricle, and transposition of the great arteries, and perimembranous ventricular septal defects–spontaneous development of cardiac fibrosis and renal agenesis. These findings suggest that RERE plays a critical role in the development and function of multiple organs including the eye, brain, inner ear, heart and kidney. It follows that haploinsufficiency of RERE may contribute–alone or in conjunction with other genetic, environmental, or stochastic factors–to the development of many of the phenotypes seen in individuals with terminal and interstitial deletions that include the proximal region of chromosome 1p36.
Computational molecular modeling in peptide drug design

The review concentrates on practical applications of computer molecular modeling in peptide drug design. The examples of the predictions (successful or not) made by computational modeling before synthesis of peptide analogs, not the explanations provided after synthesis and biological testing of peptides, are discussed. The review spans over 20 years of predictions made by computer molecular modeling for bradykinin, angiotensin, thyrotropin-releasing factor, tuftsin, substance P, CCK-related peptides, luliberin, alpha-melanotropin and opioid peptides. The described examples are discussed in terms of finding the optimal way to use computer modeling for peptide design. The step-by-step 'technology' of peptide design is outlined in detail.
Conditional probabilities in quantum theory and the tunneling-time controversy

It is argued that there is a sensible way to define conditional probabilities in quantum mechanics, assuming only Bayes's theorem and standard quantum theory. These probabilities are equivalent to the ``weak measurement'' predictions due to Aharonov, Albert, and Vaidman [Phys. Rev. Lett. 60, 1351 (1988)] and hence describe the outcomes of real measurements made on subensembles. In particular, this approach is used to address the question of the history of a particle that has tunneled across a barrier. A gedanken experiment is presented to demonstrate the physically testable implications of the results of these calculations, along with graphs of the time evolution of the conditional probability distribution for a tunneling particle and for one undergoing allowed transmission. Numerical results are also presented for the effects of loss in a band-gap medium on transmission and on reflection, as a function of the position of the lossy region; such loss should provide a feasible, though indirect, test of the present conclusions. It is argued that the effects of loss on the pulse delay time are related to the imaginary value of the momentum of a tunneling particle and it is suggested that this might help explain a small discrepancy in an earlier experiment.
Polygenic Risk Predicts Obesity in Both White and Black Young Adults

Objective To test transethnic replication of a genetic risk score for obesity in white and black young adults using a national sample with longitudinal data. Design and Methods A prospective longitudinal study using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Sibling Pairs (n = 1,303). Obesity phenotypes were measured from anthropometric assessments when study members were aged 18–26 and again when they were 24–32. Genetic risk scores were computed based on published genome-wide association study discoveries for obesity. Analyses tested genetic associations with body-mass index (BMI), waist-height ratio, obesity, and change in BMI over time. Results White and black young adults with higher genetic risk scores had higher BMI and waist-height ratio and were more likely to be obese compared to lower genetic risk age-peers. Sibling analyses revealed that the genetic risk score was predictive of BMI net of risk factors shared by siblings. In white young adults only, higher genetic risk predicted increased risk of becoming obese during the study period. In black young adults, genetic risk scores constructed using loci identified in European and African American samples had similar predictive power. Conclusion Cumulative information across the human genome can be used to characterize individual level risk for obesity. Measured genetic risk accounts for only a small amount of total variation in BMI among white and black young adults. Future research is needed to identify modifiable environmental exposures that amplify or mitigate genetic risk for elevated BMI.
Cost optimization of activated sludge systems

Activated sludge is a widely used aerobic biological waste-water treatment process. A rational approach to least cost design of an integrated system is described which includes the following processes: activated sludge reactor, final settling tanks, gravity thickening, and aerobic sludge digestion. Both capital and operation and maintenance costs are considered. Biological reactor design is based on microbial kinetic concepts and continuous culture of microorganisms theory. Biological solids retention time (θc) is utilized as the primary independent design variable to which system performance is related, e.g., effluent quality, ammonia oxidation, and excess sludge production. Liquid-biomass separation is based on the batch flux technique, a rational approach to design of gravity separators (final settling tanks). Trade-offs among reactor volume, clarifier size, recycle pumping capacity, thickener capacity, digester volume, air requirements, and sludge production are discussed. The optimum design is taken as the combination of these parameters within the acceptable design domain, determined by effluent quality criteria, that results in minimum cost. While the method described is general, design of a given treatment system depends on availability, from lab or pilot studies, of system specific numerical values for biological growth coefficients and biomass setting characteristics. A design example illustrates the approach.
Racial and ethnic disparities in preterm births in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization in the United States

Objective The objective of the study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in preterm births in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Study Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 97,288 singleton and 40,961 twin pregnancies resulting from fresh, nondonor IVF cycles using 2006-2010 data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Online Reporting System. Results Rates of very early preterm ( Conclusion There exist notable racial and ethnic disparities in preterm births in infants conceived by IVF, suggesting that mechanisms other than socioeconomic disparities contribute to this difference.
Self-management in type 2 diabetes: the adolescent perspective.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to document barriers and facilitators of self-management as perceived by adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Methods Focus groups were conducted with adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Adolescents aged 13 to 19 years were recruited from an academic medical center diabetes clinic. Between 2003 and 2005, 6 focus groups were used to elicit responses from the adolescents related to self-management of their diabetes. Questions were asked by trained group facilitators. Transcripts were coded by 3 reviewers. Qualitative analyses were conducted using NVIVO software. Results A total of 24 adolescents participated in 6 focus groups. Coding resulted in 4 common domains affecting self-management: adolescent psychosocial development; the role of others with diabetes; environmental influences; and adolescents' problem-solving/coping skills. Adolescents identified both barriers to and facilitators of self-management within each domain. Barriers often related to social situations, embarrassment, seeking acceptance or perceived normalcy, and balancing competing interests. Adolescents viewed having another family member with diabetes as both a positive and a negative influence. Environmental influences, including school and family situations, had a large impact on self-management behaviors. Making sensible food choices was a common challenge. Descriptions of problem-solving or coping skills were limited, but cognitive techniques, such as reframing, were described. Conclusion Adolescents with type 2 diabetes identified many barriers to self-management, particularly related to interpersonal interactions, the influence of others with diabetes, and environmental influences. Results suggest that improving self-management in adolescents may require multimodal interventions to address individual, family, and social processes.
FISH AND THE BIBLE: SHOULD READER‐RESPONSE THEORIES ‘CATCH ON’?

L'A. se demande pourquoi la methode critique lecteur-reponse n'a pas marche dans les etudes neo-testamentaires. Le solipsisme de l'hermeneutique de Fish qui est centree sur le lecteur provient de son epistemologie anti-fondationaliste, qui, en tant que theorie generale de la connaissance, sous-estime l'independance des cibles preferees de Fish (les sens et les textes), mais egalement toutes les autres contraintes. Un des problemes les plus cruciaux pour Fish est celui de la menace du subjectivisme qui cree des difficultes particulieres a ses theories de la critique lecteur-reponse
Biological roles of fibroblast growth factor-2.

I. Introduction II. Structure of FGF-2 III. Mechanisms of Action of FGF-2: Extra- and Intracellular Signaling A. Exogenous 18-kDa FGF-2 B. Endogenous 18-kDa FGF-2 and HMW FGF-2 IV. Release of FGF-2 V. Roles of FGF-2 in Development and Differentiation in Various Organ Systems A. Mesoderm induction B. Angiogenesis C. Vessel wall D. Lung E. Hematopoiesis F. Nervous system G. Reproductive system H. Skin I. Eye J. Muscle and skeleton K. Digestive system VI. Conclusions
Abstract P1-09-19: Demographic trends in clinical trial withdrawal rate within the bubble study

Introduction: There are well described barriers to clinical trial enrollment and participation among varied racial, ethnic and demographic groups. Little is known about clinical trial drop-out rate among these groups. The purpose of this study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who originally signed consent and enrolled in the Bubble Study but then withdrew at a later date. The Bubble Study is a non- blinded, prospective observational cohort study designed to assess the adherence rate of adjuvant endocrine therapy among women with early stage breast cancer. Materials and Methods: From August 2012 to May of 2013, 75 women were enrolled into the Bubble Study. Demographic data (age, race and insurance status) and treatment factors (stage, surgery type, and therapy duration) were collected. Descriptive statistics (such as mean, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum for continuous measures and frequency and percentage for discrete measures) were produced for the entire cohort and the subjects of cohort. Frequencies were compared using a Chi-square test (Fisher9s exact test when expected cell frequencies are small). Continuous measures were compared using a two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for normally or non-normally outcome measures, respectively (Matthews and Farewell, 2007). In addition, linear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore association with different factors. Results were declared significant at significance level of 5% and all analyses are performed using SAS (2003, 2005). Results: At the time of analysis, 75 patients enrolled into the Bubble Study. Table 1 summarizes the demographic, social economic, therapeutic factors such as race, age, stage, surgery type, insurance and therapy durations and their relevant frequency and percentage are presented. The p-values are shown based on the chi square test. Blacks represented 28% of the total enrollment. Private insurance represented the majority (61.3%) of those enrolled and Medicare, Medicaid and Uninsured followed in that order (24.3%, 13% and 1.3% respectively.) In regards to race and insurance status, there was no significant difference between the enrolled group and the withdrawal group although there was a trend toward Blacks and Medicare with higher rate of withdrawal. Stage, surgery type or age did not predict for withdrawal. The most common reasons reported for withdrawal were financial and/or insurance reasons (22%), inconvenience of pharmacy pick up (13%) and preference for the prior system (9%). Conclusions: Demographic characteristics that traditionally predict for underrepresentation in clinical trial enrollment did not predict for withdrawal from the Bubble Study. Although small, this data set suggests disparities in clinical trial participation are largely due to enrollment rather than withdrawal. Larger analysis is needed to confirm these findings. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-09-19.
The Cultures of Environmental Health Protection: Risk Assessment, Precautionary Principle, Public Health, and Sustainability

Adam Finkel makes us think. Reading his many writings is always an intellectual pleasure. I will take advantage of the Editor's request that commentaries use Finkel's article in this issue as a spr...
The Academic Axe: Some Trends in Dismissals from Institutions of Higher Learning in America

So that, while the higher learning still remains as the enduring purpose and substantial interest of the university establishment, the dominant practical interests of the day will, transiently but effectually, govern the detail lines of academic policy, the range of instruction offered, and the character of the personnel; and more particularly and immediately will the character of the governing boards and the academic administration so be determined by the current run of popular sentiment touching the community's practical needs and aims; since these ruling bodies stand, in one way or another, under the critical surveillance of a lay constituency.1
The point spread function in paraxial optics

Paraxial optics is generally regarded as yielding ideal spherical wavefronts. The ideal point spread function for a circular aperture with an ideal spherical wavefront is an Airy disk. In paraxial optics a small rotation of the exiting polarization state occurs off-axis in the direction perpendicular to the meridional plane. This is a linear form of skew aberration. The resulting apodization of the co and crossed-polarized components in the exit pupil modify the point spread function (PSF) of paraxial optics. In the cross-polarized term, the pupil amplitude varies linearly through a value of zero along the meridional plane, like the function f(x,y) = k x. The Fourier transform of this pupil function is the Fourier transform of the derivative of the Airy disk, which results in a cross-polarized PSF component much larger than the Airy disk. The cause of this polarization rotation, known as skew aberration, is related to the parallel transport of the polarization state through the optical system along skew rays, and to the Berry phase. These cross-polarized PSF components, which although very small in paraxial optics, are nevertheless not zero. Since they occur within paraxial optics they are thus intrinsically interesting. These polarization effects are not related to the Fresnel equations or to any coating–induced polarization but occur in a nonpolarizing or polarizing optical systems.
Formal total syntheses of classic natural product target molecules via palladium-catalyzed enantioselective alkylation

Pd-catalyzed enantioselective alkylation in conjunction with further synthetic elaboration enables the formal total syntheses of a number of “classic” natural product target molecules. This publication highlights recent methods for setting quaternary and tetrasubstituted tertiary carbon stereocenters to address the synthetic hurdles encountered over many decades across multiple compound classes spanning carbohydrate derivatives, terpenes, and alkaloids. These enantioselective methods will impact both academic and industrial settings, where the synthesis of stereogenic quaternary carbons is a continuing challenge.
Genetic control of dopamine receptors in mouse caudate nucleus: Relationship of cataleptic response to neuroleptic drugs

Mice of the inbred strain BALB/cJ, which have a greater number of midbrain dopamine neurons, have more dopaminergic receptors of the DA2 class in the caudate nucleus but exhibit a greater cataleptic response to neuroleptic drugs than mice of the CBA/J strain. Variations in the number of dopaminergic receptors may be genetically determined and influence the magnitude of behaviors produced by drugs which are active on brain dopaminergic systems.
Regeneration of Müller and Mauthner axons after spinal transection in larval lampreys

The regeneration of large unmyelinated axons following transection of the spinal cord was studied in small larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) Individual Muller and Mauthner axons normally occur in a characteristic pattern in the spinal cord, but their positions were altered in the first several segments caudal to the lesion following regeneration. Muller axons grew out of the ventral tracts and sometimes looped back towards the brain or crossed the midline; maximum misdirection of axons occurred near the site of transection. Mauthner axons frequently bifurcated. Despite the aberrant and incomplete regeneration of axons, the larvae exhibited normal coordinated swimming, crawling, and coiling behavior.