cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of [D-Trp8]-somatostatin-sensitive B50 phosphorylation.

Abstract Inhibition of the phosphorylation of the synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) protein B50 by [D-Trp8]-somatostatin in vitro is time-dependent. Increasing the time of incubation of hippocampal synaptic plasma membranes with the peptide from 15 sec to 30 min prior to addition of 7.5 μM [ γ- 32 P s]ATP results in a complete reduction of B50 phosphorylation. Incubation of synaptic plasma membranes for 30 min in the absence of peptide does not alter basal B50 phosphorylation. Neither ACTH nor β-endorphin produces similar effects—inhibition of B50 phosphorylation by ACTH is maximal at 15 sec and β-endorphin produces only a small inhibition, even after 30 min. [D-Trp8]-somatostatin is not activating a membrane-bound protease, since maximal inhibition of B50 phosphorylation by the peptide is seen in the presence of leupeptin or bacitracin. Hippocampal synaptic plasma membranes contain protein phosphatase activity. Assays of B50 phosphorylation in synaptic plasma membranes done under conditions that favor either net phosphorylation or dephosphorylation are consistent with inhibition of protein phosphatase activity by [D-Trp8]-somatostatin. This evidence suggests that [D-Trp8]-somatostatin interacts with SPM binding sites in the hippocampus, which may alter the activity of an endogenous protein phosphatase to determine the degree of B50 phosphorylation.
Rapid Method for Determination of Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Other Congeners in Marine Sediments Using Sonic Extraction and Photodiode Array Detection

A rapid method has been developed to measure dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners as well as other selected PCBs in sediment. The analytes were extracted from sediment by sonication with dichloromethane, and the PCBs were separated from interfering compounds on a gravity-flow cleanup column packed with acidic, basic, and neutral silica gels eluted with 1:1 hexane:pentane (v/v). Subsequently, the dioxin-like PCB congeners were resolved from nonplanar PCBs and other chlorinated compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two important advantages of PDA over conventional UV detection are the ability to identify individual analytes by comparing their UV spectra with those of reference standards and the ability to establish the spectral homogeneity (purity) of the analytes by comparing spectra within a peak to the apex spectrum. The HPLC-PDA method was tested with reference and marine sediment samples. Concentrations of selected dioxin-like PCBs, selected nonplanar PCBs, and summed PCBs in sediments and National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference materials determined by our rapid HPLC-PDA method were comparable with the levels in the same samples analyzed by alternative comprehensive methods (i.e., gas chromatography-electron capture detection or high-resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry).
Comparison of spiral CT, EUS and EUS/FNA for staging pancreatic neoplasms

Background: Studies have shown that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) more accurately stages pancreatic neoplasms than CT. However, most studies were performed before the era of spiral CT scanners. This study compares spiral CT with EUS for staging pancreatic neoplasms at one institution.
Theoretical study of linear LiCnLi (n=2–8) molecules

Restricted Hartree-Fock calculations have been carried out on linear LiCnLi (n=2–8) molecules. Ground state electronic structures, total energies, binding energies, and optimized geometries are reported. The possibility of basis set superposition error is examined. Extensive bond pattern change is found by comparison with linear Cn molecules.
Protecting the older adult

Learn the types of elder abuse plus risk factors, warning signs, and strategies to help your staff protect older patients.
Regulation of an aspartyl-tRNA species in BHK cells in culture and in solid tumor form

Abstract Hamster kidney cells (BHK 21/clone 13) grown in culture and in tumor form were compared for content of the various isoaccepting forms of aspartyl-tRNA by reversed phase 5 chromatography. The cells in cultured and in tumor states exhibited a major difference in the aspartyl-tRNA elution patterns. A 20-fold decrease was noted in a late-eluting isoaccepting species in the tumor cells.
Hurricanes' hydrological, ecological effects linger in major U.S. estuary

A year ago, eastern North Carolina was hit over a six-week period by three large hurricanes. The large-scale environmental effects began to be recorded as soon as each one subsided; the scientific underpinnings of their longer-term effects continue to be analyzed. This article details the short and longer-term effects on the hydrology and biota of Pamlico Sound, the second largest estuary in the United States.
Do suicide survivors suffer social stigma : a review of the literature

One of the delineating elements found in suicide bereavement versus normal bereavement is the stigma experienced by survivors. This review of the literature will provide insight into stigma as an underlying element in suicide bereavement and point to the role of health professionals in dealing with this complex issue. Historical review and empirical studies are analyzed to provide a framework for how suicide relates to natural bereavement. The conclusion is that suicide bereavement is different from natural loss. The challenge to health care providers is to sort through the complex issues surrounding the individual and their social network to find mechanisms that lead to resolution. Suicide has a profound effect on the family, friends, and associates of the victim that transcends the immediate loss. As those close to the victim suffer through bereavement, a variety of reactions and coping mechanisms are engaged as each individual sorts through individual reactions to the difficult loss. Bereavement refers to "all the physiological, psychological, behavioral, and social response patterns displayed by an individual following the loss (usually through death) of a significant person or thing" (Dunne, Dunne-Maxim & McIntosh, 1987). Bereavement following suicide is complicated by the complex psychological impact of the act on those close to the victim. It is further complicated by the societal perception that the act of suicide is a failure by the victim and the family to deal with some emotional issue and ultimately society affixes blame for the loss on the survivors. This individual or societal stigma introduces a unique stress on the bereavement process that in some cases requires clinical intervention.
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin does not directly alter the phenotype of maturing B cells in a murine coculture system.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), acting through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), elicits numerous toxicological effects, including immunosuppression. Previous work from our laboratory has suggested that TCDD exposure in mice is associated with altered lymphopoietic development, in particular altered B-cell phenotype in the bone marrow. It remains to be determined which specific hematopoietic populations or subpopulations within the marrow cavity are directly targeted by TCDD. To examine the effects of TCDD on developing B cells in vitro, a stromal coculture model was used. Primary bone marrow cells from male, 6- to 7-week-old C57Bl/6 mice were cocultured separately on two AhR-containing stromal cell lines (M2-10B4 and S17) that support B-cell development in the presence of IL-7. The cocultures were treated with 0 to 10 nM TCDD. Shifts in phenotype were quantified by cell surface marker staining and flow cytometry. Four populations in the maturing B cell (very early pre-pro-B, pre-pro-B, pro-B, and pre-B) were defined for quantification. The results show that the only statistically significant effect of TCDD was within the pre-pro-B population in cultures with the S17 stromal cell line. The increase in number of cells with this phenotype was seen in cultures with both wild-type and AhR-/- primary bone marrow cells. These results suggest that the maturing B220+ B cell is not the direct target for TCDD-induced bone marrow B-cell alterations.
Development of a Water Cluster Evaporation Model using Molecular Dynamics

A Monte Carlo simulation using the SPC potential model has been used to determine the potential energy and constant volume heat capacity of water dimers and trimers. It was found that the potential energy almost follows a linear trend versus temperature. The heat capacity fluctuates around 10 cal/mol/K and reaches a maximum around 220 K for the dimer and 240 K for the trimer. The Molecular Dynamics simulation has been used to evaporate water dimers and trimers. The cumulative evaporation probabilities were calculated for temperatures ranging from 240 K to 300 K. The cluster evaporation rates were calculated using Weerashinge’s equation, and they were compared with the UDT rates. Both values were found to be in good agreement. Finally, vibrational frequencies were computed.
Rapidly solidified materials — A status report

Abstract The review considers categories of materials as defined by their primary constituent. Products based on the transition metals - iron, cobalt and nickel - will be considered first, followed by aluminium-based alloys and other non-ferrous materials. A forecast is given for the periods of likely applications in industry sectors.
Computer summation of series: Floats vs reals

Abstract One of the difficulties in using computers as an aid in teaching calculus is that the discrete floating point number system with which a computer operates lacks just those properties of the real number system which are pivotal in making the calculus work. One way in which the difference between these number systems can be explored and dramatically demonstrated is by studying both numerically and analytically, the partial sums of series of positive terms as a function of precision. The results of such a study can be used to illustrate important points to audiences at several different levels of mathematical expertise.
System identification of spatiotemporally invariant systems

We present a distributed projection algorithm for system identification of spatiotemporally invariant systems. Each subsystem communicates only with its immediate neighbor to share its current estimate along with a cumulative improvement index. Based on the cumulative improvement index, the best estimate available is picked in order to carry out the next iterate. For small estimation error, the scheme switches over to a “smart” averaging routine. The proposed algorithm guarantees to bring the local estimates arbitrarily close to one another. We demonstrate that the proposed scheme has a clear advantage over the standard projection algorithm and is amenable to indirect distributed adaptive control of spatiotemporally invariant systems. Our proposed algorithm is also suitable to address the estimation problem in distributed networks that arise in a variety of applications, such as environment monitoring, target localization and potential sensor network problems.
Goldthioglucose and the blood-brain barrier.

Apres avoir augmente la permeabilite corticale sang-cerveau chez des rats, on a donne a ces animaux une injection d'aurothioglucose. Aucune lesion due a l'aurothioglucose n'a ete decouverte dans aucun des sites de permeabilite accrue. Les resultats montrent que la production de lesions par l'aurothioglucose n'est pas due a une permeabilite non-specifique dans certains sites hypothalamiques; ils confirment la theorie glucostatique qui suggere qu'il existe des glucorecepteurs a affinite definie situes a ces sites.
A Novel Method for Determining Pressure Sensitivity of Underwater Shear-Stress Sensor Skins

This paper reports the development of a novel method for determining the pressure sensitivity of two types of surface micromachined underwater shear stress sensor skins for micro shear stress sensing applications. The two types of sensors consisted of a thin-diaphragm sensor and a thick-diaphragm sensor. The focus is on the use of a combination of metrology and numerical simulation to theoretically determine the pressure sensitivity of the sensors and compare to experimental data. Using this combination, the nitride diaphragm deflection, the intrinsic stress of the diaphragm, and the piezoresistive gauge factor of the polysilicon sensing element were successfully determined. For the thin-diaphragm sensor, the tensile intrinsic stress and gauge factor were determined to be 28 MPa and 4, respectively. For the thick diaphragm sensor, the average tensile intrinsic stress and gauge factor were 48 MPa and 12, respectively. Using these numbers, the pressure sensitivity of the shear stress sensors was successfully modeled and verified against experimental results.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Skeletal regulatory proteins enhance thin filament sliding speed and force by skeletal HMM

At saturating calcium and nucleotide concentrations, troponin (Tn) and tropomyosin (Tm) enhance the in vitro motility speed of individual actin filaments, suggesting the roles of these thin filament proteins in regulating contraction may include a modulation of crossbridge kinetics. Using a homogeneous complement of fast rabbit skeletal proteins, we examined if Tn and Tm modify specific transitions in the crossbridge cycle by varying skeletal muscle crossbridge kinetics and measuring actin filament sliding speed and steady-state force using the in vitro motility and microneedle assays, respectively. Skeletal regulatory proteins increased the force and sliding speed of actin filaments sliding on skeletal HMM. Faster crossbridge cycling with increased temperature or with substitution of dATP as the contractile substrate resulted in both increased sliding speed and force of unregulated filaments, while the addition of regulatory proteins diminished or eliminated this increase. In contrast, regulatory proteins did not influence filament mechanics when crossbridge cycling was slowed with lowered ATP concentration. The results are most simply explained if addition of the Tn and Tm complex to actin enhances both the transition rate of the force-generating actomyosin isomerization (or the preceding transition) and the apparent crossbridge detachment rate, but that the relative influence of Tn and Tm is dependent on the external load.
Decomposing household, professional and market forecasts on inflation: a dynamic factor model analysis

A dynamic factor model with stochastic volatility is used to investigate the relationships between three alternative measures of inflation expectations. The results show evidence of both a common time-varying trend and a common transitory component between inflation and short-term inflation expectations from households, professionals and markets. While the common time-varying trend has declined in both level and volatility since the early 1980s, it was found that consumer expectations are disproportionately influenced by the visibility of prices of select few goods. Roughly speaking, a 1% point increase in food and energy prices leads to about 1/3% point increase in consumer forecasts of inflation. In terms of policymaking, this finding suggests that stability in highly visible prices can moderate inflation in a meaningful way.
Autoimmune-induced preferential depletion of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is genetically regulated in relapsing EAE (B6 × SJL) F1 mice

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is commonly used to investigate mechanisms of autoimmune-mediated damage to oligodendrocytes, myelin, and axons in multiple sclerosis (MS). Four distinct autoimmune mechanisms with subsequently distinct patterns of demyelination have been recognized in acute MS lesions. EAE correlates for those distinct patterns of MS lesions are unknown. An excessive loss of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), as a result of distal oligodendrogliopathy, is found exclusively in the subtype III lesion. We sought to answer if types of demyelination in acute lesions during onset and relapse of EAE can replicate the specific patterns observed in MS acute lesions. In parental H-2b (C57BL/6, B6) and hybrid H-2b/s [(B6 × SJL) F1] EAE mice, we examined spinal cord levels of MOG, MAG, and myelin basic protein (MBP), and compared to levels of axonal neurofilament (NF160) to assess axonal function, and levels of PARPp85 as an indicator of irreversible apoptosis. During disease onset, levels of MOG significantly dropped in both strains, although more profoundly in H-2b/s mice. Levels of MOG recovered in relapsing mice of both strains. Regulation of MAG was dissimilar to MOG. Modest loss of MAG was found at disease onset in both strains of mice. Unexpectedly, in relapsing H-2b/s mice, a major depletion of MAG and NF160, accompanied with sharp elevation of PARPp85 levels, was measured. PARPp85 immunoreactivity was observed in cytoplasm and nuclei of some MBP containing cells. Taken together, our results show genetically controlled distinct patterns of MOG and MAG depletion, in MOG35–55 induced EAE in H-2b and H-2b/s mice. The data also suggest distinctive immune regulation of acute lesions that develop in relapsing compared to disease onset. A profound depletion of MAG, concomitant with marked depletion of axonal NF160, and sharp elevation of PARPp85 levels, occurred exclusively in relapsing H-2b/s mice. Our findings suggest concurrence of sharp decrease of MAG levels, axonal dysfunction and irreversible apoptosis with severe relapsing disease in H-2b/s mice. We propose that MOG-induced EAE in H-2b/s mice may prove as a useful model in studying mechanisms, which govern autoimmune-induced preferential loss of MAG, and its impact on oligodendroglial pathology.
INDIVIDUAL AND DYAD-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION

A study was designed to gather preliminary information concerning the effectiveness of small-group (dyad) computer-assisted instruction. Children in Grades 3 to 6 completed 10 lessons designed to teach students the critical elements involved in solving mathematical word problems, i.e., identifying key words, writing equations, and selecting the appropriate mathematical operation. Four instructional conditions were evaluated: (1) one child using a microcomputer, (2) two children (dyad) using one microcomputer, (3) one child using one workbook, and (4) two children (dyad) using one workbook. Children in the microcomputer-dyad condition developed more positive attitudes towards computer-instruction than students working individually. No significant differences in achievement scores were found between children given computer-assisted instruction and those given workbooks.
State Identification Policies: Gifted Students from Special Populations.

The results of two studies of state policies related to the identification of gifted students from special populations (i.e., culturally diverse families, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or gifted students with disabilities) are reported here. In the first study the policies from all fifty states were reviewed to examine their impact on gifted students who have traditionally been overlooked (special populations). In this study state policies were not found to be the major obstacle to more comprehensive identification of gifted students. The follow‐up study examined the implementation of state policies in three states: Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. These case studies revealed an interesting pattern for policy development and application. Recommendations for future policy directions are given.
Chronic Cystitis Associated With Keratinizing Squamous Metaplasia Progressing to Squamous Papilloma

We present a patient with extensive keratinizing squamous metaplasia that progressed to squamous papilloma over the course of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of keratinizing squamous metaplasia with melanotic deposits of an unknown material with synchronous development of squamous papilloma.
Sexual Violence in the Backlands Toward a Macro-Level Understanding of Rural Sex Crimes

This research focuses on structural covariates of sex crimes in rural communities (using urban and urbanizing communities as comparison groups), with particular analysis on exploring how the magnitude and direction of such covariates differ with respect to type of sex crime. Using 2000 sex crime data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) for the population of reporting U.S. cities, negative binomial and logistic regression procedures were used to explore the relationship between resource disadvantage, local investment, and economic inequality and sex crime subtypes. For sex crimes that occurred almost exclusively in the home, urban and urbanizing community rates were largely influenced by resource disadvantage and local investment, while these measures did not reach significance for explaining rural rates. Conversely, local investment was a significant predictor of sex crimes that occurred outside the home in rural communities. This research indicates that a structural analysis of sexual victimization (widely absent from the scientific literature) does yield significant findings and that disaggregation of crime into subtypes allows for a more detailed differentiation between urban and rural communities.
Kinetic isotope effects implicate the iron-oxene as the sole oxidant in P450-catalyzed N-dealkylation.

Multiple oxidants have been implicated as playing a role in cytochrome P450-mediated oxidations. Herein, we report results on N-dealkylation, one of the most facile reactions mediated by P450 enzymes. We have employed the N-oxides of a series of para-substituted 13C2H2-labeled N,N-dimethylanilines to function as both substrates and surrogate oxygen atom donors for P450cam and P4502E1. Kinetic isotope effect profiles obtained using the N-oxide system were found to closely match the profiles produced using the complete NAD(P)H/NAD(P)-P450 reductase/O2 system. The results are consistent with oxidation occurring solely through an iron−oxene species.
The re-expression of two myosin heavy chains in regenerated rat muscle spindles

The vascular supply and tendons of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of two adult rats were unilaterally severed and the muscles were allowed to regenerate for 40 days. Serial frozen sections of muscle grafts were cut and stained for enzymes that delineated fiber type, sensory endings and motor endings. MF30 and ALD58, two antibodies which react only to intrafusal fibers in normal rat muscle, were reacted against sections of nerve-intact muscle grafts. Data were compared to that from muscles of normal rats. Encapsulated fibers devoid of sensory innervation and some extrafusal fibers in muscle grafts had a weak to moderate reaction to MF30, but no reaction to ALD58. Regenerated, encapsulated fibers with sensory innervation bound both MF30 and ALD58. These data indicate that afferents which reinnervate regenerated spindles retain the capacity to induce expression of spindle-specific myosin isoforms in rats.
Hallucinogen-induced rotational behavior in rats.

LSD, mescaline, and MDMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in normal rats induced dose-dependent rotation (circling behavior), which was consistent in direction from week to week (1 week separating hallucinogen administration). The direction of LSD-induced rotation for individual animals was the same as amphetamine-induced, but not apomorphine-induced, rotation. Of the three postsynaptic serotonin antagonists (methysergide, cyproheptadine, and 2-bromo-LSD) tested, only methysergide induced rotation; this rotation was consistent in direction from week to week, and was in the same direction as LSD-induced rotation. l-LSD induced weak rotation and was approximately six times less potent than d-LSD. p-Chlorophenylalanine pretreatment increased the sensitivity to LSD, whereas α-methyl-p-tyrosine pretreatment blocked LSD-induced rotation. Simultaneous administration of LSD and amphetamine induced rotation significantly greater than amphetamine alone; a similar effect was observed with LSD plus scopolamine. However, apomorphine plus LSD induced rotation similar in magnitude to apomorphine alone. These results suggest that the mechanism by which hallucinogens induce rotation is consistent with an inhibitory action on the serotonin-containing midbrain raphe neurons. The inhibition of raphe neuronal firing could disinhibit nigrostriatal activity (possibly at the level of the substantia nigra). Methysergide-induced rotation could result from partial antagonism of postsynaptic serotonin receptors in the substantia nigra or striatum. The dopaminergic properties of LSD may attenuate rotation resulting from disinhibition of nigrostriatal activity by interacting with presynaptic nigrostriatal dopamine autoreceptors.
Can D-dimer levels identify patients at risk for early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke?

Can D -dimer levels identify patients at risk for early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke?
Distinct gene expression signatures in the striata of wild-type and heterozygous c-fos knockout mice following Methamphetamine administration: Evidence from cDNA array analyses

Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug of abuse which can cause apoptosis and degeneration of monoaminergic terminals in the mammalian brain. c-fos appears to play a protective role against METH-induced damage because METH toxicity is exacerbated in c-fos heterozygous knockout mice. In the present study, we used the comprehensive technique of cDNA array to test the idea that heterozygous c-fos knockout mice might show differential METH-induced molecular responses in comparison to wild-type (WT) animals. Of 1,176 genes examined, the expression of 195 genes in either of the two groups of mice was affected by at least 2-fold at 2 or 12 h after METH treatment. More genes were either up- or downregulated in the WT mice. Moreover, there were substantial differences in the pattern of responses between the two genotypes, with more genes involved in DNA repair and protective processes being upregulated in WT mice after METH administration. These results support the idea that the c-fos knockout genotype may render the animals unable to trigger multicomponent responses in order to protect against the multifaceted toxic effects of this illicit neurotoxin. Synapse 44:211–226, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Octanoylglucuronide excretion in patients with a defective oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids

Abstract Octanoyl-β- d -glucuronide was identified in the urine of five patients with hypoketotic hypoglycemia and dicarboxylic aciduria due to a defective β-oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids. Two subjects who ingested large amounts of medium-chain triglycerides also excreted large amounts of the glucuronide. The substance was extracted from the urine with ethyl acetate and analyzed by: (1) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the trimethylsilyl derivative and (2) preparative one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase and again GC-MS. A quantitative analysis was performed indirectly by measuring the urinary bound octanoate after the removal of octanoylcarnitine. Octanoylglucuronide represents an additional mechanism for the detoxification of octanoate; its formation may be of help for the maintenance of carnitine homeostasis in patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Early Memories from Outpatients With and Without a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This study examined the relation between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and object relations in adulthood. Early memory narratives from 79 outpatients seeking individual psychotherapy at a community clinic were coded using Westen's (1995) Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS). Differences in functioning between those outpatients who reported CSA and those with no history of CSA were compared. Initial findings suggested that there were no group differences between CSA survivors and no-CSA clinical controls on the SCORS variables. However, when this clinical group was organized into no-CSA, low-severity CSA (no penetration), and high-severity CSA (oral, anal, or vaginal penetration) groups, analyses demonstrated that the high-severity CSA survivors had a significantly poorer understanding of social causality.
A taxometric investigation of unipolar depression in the national comorbidity survey

Ongoing debate has questioned whether unipolar depression is a dimensional or categorical phenomenon. Although past studies using taxometric methods have supported a dimensional interpretation, each has suffered from methodological limitations. The present study was designed to overcome these limitations through reanalysis of the National Comorbidity Survey. Two indicator sets were constructed from the depression-relevant questions of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Participants who endorsed the lifetime occurrence of significant depressed mood or anhedonia (n=4,577) were submitted to 2 nonredundant taxometric procedures (maximum eigenvalue and means above minus below a cut), additional consistency tests, and recently developed simulation techniques. All results converged on a dimensional solution. The implications of these findings on assessment, treatment, and research design are discussed.
Brain site variations in effects of morphine on electrical self-stimulation

Pairs of bipolar electrodes were stereotaxically aimed at two of three sites: the locus coeruleus (LC), the substantia nigra, pars compacta (SNC), and the median forebrain bundle (MFB). Rats were shaped to bar-press for trains of intracranial electrical stimulation presented as pairs of monophasic pulses. The first pulse of a pair (the C, conditioning pulse) was followed by a second pulse (the T, test pulse) after a parametrically varied interval. The effects of chronic morphine administration were tested in a paradigm of 7 days saline, 7 days morphine, 1 day morphine+naloxone, and 6 days post-drug saline. High doses of morphine (5 mg/kg) depressed response rates for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). LC placements and those just lateral or ventral to the LC showed large increases in ICSS rates under morphine (2.5 mg/kg). This area was delimited on either side by tips that showed response rate depressions under morphine. MFB placements yielded response rate facilitations under morphine. Sites medial to the MFB and ventral within the MFB showed rate depressions under morphine. Dorsal substantia nigra placements showed facilitated rates, whereas placements ventral within the SNC and substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNR) produced more variable results, with rates tending to be depressed by morphine. The ICSS procedure may be a useful animal model for detecting the abuse potential of drugs.
Biopolymers as biomaterials: mechanical properties of gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate-L-leucine copolymers.

A seires of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate-L-leucine copolymers were prepared and cast films of the copolymers were subjected to dynamic mechanical and stress-strain tests. Dynamic mechanical testing revealed that the copolymers had a molecular relaxation at about 50°C and that the magnitude of this relaxation was directly proportional to the molar concentration of glu(OBz) in the copolymer. The magnitude of the 50°C relaxation was also dependent upon orientation. The stress-strain behavior of the copolymers was examined before and after PECF treatment. Prior treatment with PECF caused in increase in the tensile strength to failure and a decrease in the elongation at failure. Increasing concentrations of leu caused the tensile strength to failure to increase. Efforts to degrade the films by refluxing 6 N HCl and enzymic attack were unsuccessful and suggested that these copolymers could find use as biomedical materials.
OPTICAL PATH-LENGTH SPECTROSCOPY OF WAVE PROPAGATION IN RANDOM MEDIA

We propose optical path-length spectroscopy as a new approach to obtaining information from media that exhibit multiple light scattering. By using a backscattering technique based on low-coherence interferometry, we are able to determine the optical path-length distribution for light reflected from a random medium and to infer the value of the transport mean free path. We illustrate how a diffusion approximation model leads to a satisfactory description of depth-resolved profiles of the backscattered intensity and discuss potential applications of this technique.
Predicting Supercell Motion Using a New Hodograph Technique

A physically based, shear-relative, and Galilean invariant method for predicting supercell motion using a hodograph is presented. It is founded on numerous observational and modeling studies since the 1940s, which suggest a consistent pattern to supercell motion exists. Two components are assumed to be largely responsible for supercell motion: (i) advection of the storm by a representative mean wind, and (ii) propagation away from the mean wind either toward the right or toward the left of the vertical wind shear—due to internal supercell dynamics. Using 290 supercell hodographs, this new method is shown to be statistically superior to existing methods in predicting supercell motion for both right- and left-moving storms. Other external factors such as interaction with atmospheric boundaries and orography can have a pronounced effect on supercell motion, but these are difficult to quantify prior to storm development using only a hodograph.
How a Soccer Stadium Helps with an Education in Science and Seismology

neering undergraduate students from the university’s Faculty of Engineering. Several researchers teach a number of math, physics, geophysics, and seismology-related courses and are often on the lookout for undergraduate students whom they can recruit for their research activities. Conversely, a student might reach out to the researcher and indicate an interest in extending his or her activities beyond the classroom. Senior students who are more versed in the disciplines of geophysics often know which field they would like to extend their activities into and are more readily absorbed into some research group. However, if the student is still at an early stage in his or her degree, finding suitable activities for him or her is more challenging because of the student’s limited knowledge of the underlying physics and underdeveloped mathematical toolkit. Here we will discuss the experiences gained from such a case in which, under an adviser’s guidance, a student undertook a very simple yet enlightening research project in seismology at the middle of his degree in geophysics engineering. We will show how the project aided the student in preparing and devel oping basic scientific research methodologies, critical analysis capabilities, and essential seismological tools for a more serious investigation in seismology and tectonophysics that was to hap pen later as part of his undergraduate thesis. THE PROJECT With the intent of designing a research experience that was fun and engaging, yet scientifically sound, an old project that was almost a rumor was resurrected. The National Seismological Service (SSN), operated for the Mexican government by the IG, has a broadband network throughout the country. One of the stations, CUIG, is located in a vault within UNAM’s main campus in southern Mexico City. A basaltic masonry sta dium, built to host the 1968 Olympics with a seating capacity of 63,000, is located 1.5 km away from the seismometer (Figure 1). The Olympic glory is all but faded now, but the stadium still hosts one of the most popular teams in the Mexican profes
The chemokine CCL2 is required for control of murine gastric Salmonella enterica infection.

Salmonella enterica is a gram-negative intracellular pathogen that can cause a variety of diseases ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever. The Typhimurium serotype causes gastroenteritis in humans; however, infection of mice results in an enteric fever that resembles human typhoid fever and has been used as a model for typhoid fever. The present study examined the role of the chemokine CCL2 in the control of Salmonella infection. Upon infection with salmonellae, mucosal expression of CCL2 is rapidly up-regulated, followed by systemic expression in the spleen. CCL2−/− mice became moribund earlier and had a higher rate of mortality compared to wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, CCL2−/− mice had significantly higher levels of bacteria in the liver compared to wild-type controls. Mucosal and serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were elevated in CCL2−/− mice compared to wild-type mice. In vitro analysis demonstrated that CCL2−/− macrophages infected with salmonellae resulted in dysregulated cytokine production compared to macrophages derived from wild-type mice. These data are the first to directly demonstrate CCL2 as a critical factor for immune responses and survival following S. enterica infection.
Effects of coping on blood pressure responses to threat of aversive stimulation.

The purpose of this study was to examine effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to availability and difficulty of control over anticipated aversive auditory stimulation. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 44 subjects were presented either of two instructional sets regarding control: a) that exposure to the aversive stimulus would be contingent on the subject's performance at a cognitive task (Control), or b) that the stimulus would occur at random during the task period (No Control). The experimental task consisted of problems in concept formation and was presented to Control and No Control subjects at either of two levels of difficulty (Difficult or Easy); task success was manipulated by the experimenter to assure equivalent performance across groups. Results indicated that within the Task Difficult condition, Control subjects evidenced greater systolic blood pressure elevations than subjects in the No Control group, whereas Control and No Control subjects in the Task Easy condition showed no reliable differences. Diastolic blood pressure did not vary by control or task difficulty. It was concluded that the availability of control responses may induce greater arousal in situations involving threat of aversive stimulation, but that this effect obtains only when subjects experience some degree of difficulty employing available coping strategies.
The posterior vermis of the cerebellum selectively inhibits 10-Hz sympathetic nerve discharge in anesthetized cats

We studied the changes in inferior cardiac sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) produced by aspiration or chemical inactivation (muscimol microinjection) of lobule IX (uvula) of the posterior vermis of the cerebellum in baroreceptor-denervated and baroreceptor-innervated cats anesthetized with urethane. Autospectral analysis was used to decompose SND into its frequency components. Special attention was paid to the question of whether the experimental procedures affected the rhythmic (10-Hz and cardiac-related) components of SND. Aspiration or chemical inactivation of lobule IX produced an approximately three-fold increase in the 10-Hz rhythmic component of SND (P ≤ 0.05) in baroreceptor-denervated cats. Total power (0- to 20-Hz band) was unchanged. Despite the absence of a change in total power in SND, there was a statistically significant increase in MAP. In baroreceptor-innervated cats, neither aspiration nor chemical inactivation of the uvula caused a significant change in cardiac-related or total power in SND or MAP. These results are the first to demonstrate a role of cerebellar cortical neurons of the posterior vermis in regulating the frequency composition of naturally occurring SND. Specifically, these neurons selectively inhibit the 10-Hz rhythm-generating network in baroreceptor-denervated, urethane-anesthetized cats. The functional implications of these findings are discussed.
Meta-analysis: the effect of antibiotic resistance status on the efficacy of triple and quadruple first-line therapies for Helicobacter pylori.

Summary Background Information regarding the effects of drug resistance on therapies for Helicobacter pylori is limited. Aims To determine the effect of drug resistance on the efficacy of first-line treatment regimens for H. pylori and identify the most efficacious treatments in the presence of drug resistance. Methods We searched for studies using the keywords: ‘Helicobacter pylori’,‘resistance’ and ‘treatment’ or ‘therapy’. Multilevel meta-regression models were used to determine the effect of drug resistance on treatment efficacy. Results We analysed data from 93 studies with 10 178 participants. For triple therapies, clarithromycin resistance had a greater effect on treatment efficacy than nitroimidazole resistance. Metronidazole resistance reduced efficacy by 26% in triple therapies containing a nitroimidazole, tetracycline and bismuth, while efficacy was reduced by only 14% when a gastric acid inhibitor was added to the regimen. Quadruple therapies containing both clarithromycin and metronidazole were the most efficacious; >80% of H. pylori infections were consistently eradicated with these regimens. Conclusions Drug resistance was a strong predictor of efficacy across triple therapies for the eradication of H. pylori in adults. Resistance to either clarithromycin or metronidazole, but not both simultaneously, may be overcome by using quadruple therapies, especially those containing both clarithromycin and metronidazole.
Effects of off great-circle propagation on the phase of long-period surface waves

Summary. Surface wave phase corrections for departures from great-circle propagation are computed using two-point ray-tracing through the aspherical earth model M84C of Woodhouse & Dziewonski (1 984). For Rayleigh and Love waves with periods in the range 100-250 s, we determine whether these corrections provide significant variance reductions in source determinations compared with corrections calculated assuming great-circle propagation through the heterogeneous structure. For most source-receiver geometries, the off great-circle travel-time effects are small (< 10 s) for second and third orbits (e.g. R2 and R3), and their application in source determinations does not significantly reduce the data variance. This suggests that for the loworder heterogeneous models currently available the geometrical optics approximation is valid for long-period low orbit surface waves. Off greatcircle phase anomalies increase quasi-linearly with increasing orbit number, indicating that the geometrical optics approximation degrades for higher orbits, which emphasizes the importance of developing higher order approximations for free-oscillation studies.
Applications of capillary gas chromatography in routine toxicological analyses

Capillary columns offer the toxicologist several advantages over packed columns. We have presented a highly reproducible screening procedure based on the retention index system and have shown the use of capillary columns for routine quantitation. We are currently expanding the use of these columns in our laboratory and predict that they will be in routine use by most toxicologists in the near future.
An integrated circuit for real-time tissue contrast enhancement in ultrasound diagnostic imaging systems

The design and implementation of a custom-integrated circuit chip for use in an experimental ultrasound imaging system are described. The chip uses a six-stage pipeline to implement an adjustable transfer characteristic containing three degrees of freedom. The adjustable transfer characteristics is implemented using a unique binary search based algorithm. This approach results in less chip area requirement and faster sustained operation than would be allowed by other more obvious approaches. >
A neural network approach to hierarchical analog fault diagnosis

A novel technique involving a neural network for efficient hierarchical fault diagnosis of analog circuits and systems is presented. The fault clustering property of the neural network is utilized to conceptualized the fault equivalence and BC (behavioral condition) reduction at higher levels. It is also shown that fault diagnosis can be done at any desired level and the precision of the diagnosis can be controlled during the fault dictionary generation stage. This technique can be applied to diagnose systems irrespective of their domain of operation as long as they can simulated. The proposed methodology was verified using an OTA-C low pass filter. >
Examination of Human Breast Milk for Evidence of Human Herpesvirus 6 by Polymerase Chain Reaction

2. Okamoto H, Okada S, Sugiyama Y, et al. Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA by a two-stage polymerase chain reaction with two primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region. Jpn J Exp Med 1990;60:215-22. 3. Okamoto H, Sugiyama Y, Okada S, et al. Typing hepatitis C virus by polymerase chain reaction with type-specific primers: application to clinical surveys and tracing infectious sources. J Gen Virol 1992;73:673-9. 4. Mori S, Kato N, Yagyu A, et al. A new type of hepatitis C virus in patients in Thailand. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1992; 183:33442.
P.18.3 Test–retest reliability of strength measurements of the long finger flexors (LFF) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM1) have distal upper extremity weakness which initially focuses on the long finger flexors. Grip strength using a Jamar dynamometer with the handle in the second position has provided reliable measurement of hand strength in patients with DM1. Grip strength however, is a measure of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscle strength and does not isolate the LFF. The use of the Jamar dynamometer with the handle in the furthest position, contacting the distal phalanx, isolates the flexor digitorum profundus. Pinch also relies on long finger flexor strength. There are no established testing procedures in DM1 to specifically examine the LFF. To pursue this goal, this study investigates test–retest reliability of strength measurements of the LFF in patients with DM1. We measured strength of the LFF by manual muscle testing (MMT) and quantitative muscle testing (QMT) in 26 patients with DM1. MMT was performed bilaterally on the LLF of the thumb, first and second digits using standard MRC procedures and grading. QMT was performed using a Jamar hand dynamometer on the furthest setting and the palmar pinch was measured using a pinch gauge (B & L Engineering). These testing procedures were performed twice in a 24 h period (ranging from 18–24 h apart). The weighted kappa statistic for LFF’s using MMT were 0.84 (right) and 0.92 (left). The ICC for the LFF using the Jamar dynamometer was 0.95 (right) and 0.92 (left). The ICC for palmar pinch was 0.95 (right) and 0.96 (left). Strength testing of the LFF demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability over a 24 h period. Tests of sensitivity to change over longer periods of time are necessary to establish the usefulness of these tests as outcome measures for clinical trials.
BRCA1 transactivates the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1).

The p27 KipI is a member of the universal cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family. Previously, immunochemical analysis of a series of breast cancer cell lines demonstrated a correlation between the expression of p27 KipI and the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1. BRCA1 has a number of activities including DNA repair, growth inhibition and as a transcription factor. Here we demonstrate that BRCA1 transactivates expression of p27 Kip1 . This transactivation is dependent on the presence of a functional C-terminal transactivation domain. Promoter-deletion analysis identified the presence of a putative BRCA1-responsive element located at position -615 to -511 of the p27 Kip1 promoter. These results suggest that the transcriptional regulation of p27 Kip1 by BRCA1 may be a mechanism for BRCA1- induced growth inhibition.