cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Prophylactic Haloperidol Plasma Levels in Stable Outpatient Schizophrenics

AbstractSchizophrenic patients taking haloperidol prophylactically were screened for a haloperidol monitoring project at four medical centers. Fifty-five patients participated. Most patients had doses and plasma levels below those found in acute treatment studies; however, a sizeable minority had doses and levels that were greater than was probably needed for prophylaxis. Six percent of patients appeared to be rapid metabolizers. A regression formula was calculated for prediction of haloperidol level from daify dose. There were no apparent differences in dosing practices between two university-affiliated medical centers and two nonaffiliated centers. More research is needed to establish optimal prohylactic haloperidol levels. However, hayoperidol monitoring can provide some assistance for choice of dose.
A kinetic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster dopa carboxylase

Abstract The kinetic mechanism of dopa decarboxylase (3,4-dihydroxy- l -phenylalanine carboxy-lyase, EC 4.1.1.28) was investigated in Drosophila melanogaster . Based on initial velocity and product inhibition studies, an ordered reaction is proposed for dopa decarboxylase. This kinetic mechanism is interpreted in the context of measured enzyme activities and the catecholamine pools in Drosophila . The 1(2)amd gene is immediately adjacent to the gene coding for dopa decarboxylase ( Ddc ) and determines hypersensitivity to α-methyldopa in Drosophila . Dopa decarboxylase does not decarboxylate α-methyldopa and hence does not generate a toxic product capable of inhibiting 1(2)amd gene function. We propose that the 1(2)amd gene is involved with an unknown catecholamine pathway involving dopa but not dopamine.
A simulation system for a surface climbing robot

Abstract In order to reduce the cost of designing a new mechanism, it is desirable to use a simulation system that is able to provide a realistic representation of motions of the newly designed mechanism before actually manufacturing it. The modern computer graphics techniques have made it possible to realize this kind of simulation system. In this paper a simulation system with 2-D and 3-D was developed for design of a surface climbing robot with two legs, which can be used for inspections of nuclear power plants, ships, storage tanks, aircraft and tall buildings. This simulation/animation system was written in AutoLISP and implemented in a personal computer equipped with AutoCAD.
Maternal serum interleukin-6 concentration as a marker for impending preterm delivery.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether serum interleukin-6 concentrations predict impending preterm delivery. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 130 gravidas at 22–34 weeks’ gestation. The study group consisted of 89 women evaluated for preterm contractions or premature rupture of membranes, and these women were compared with 41 outpatient controls without evidence of labor or infection, chosen by clinicians at the time of routine prenatal visits. Serum interleukin-6 concentrations were measured using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Analyses were by the Mann-Whitney U and the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: All 41 control subjects had serum interleukin-6 concentrations less than 8 pg/mL. Sixteen of the 89 study patients had serum interleukin-6 concentrations greater than or equal to 8 pg/mL and 73 had values less than 8 pg/mL. When the serum interleukin-6 concentration was at least 8 pg/mL, the median interval from collection to delivery was significantly shorter than that among study and control subjects with serum interleukin-6 less than 8 pg/mL (5.5 versus 240 and 1801 hours, respectively; P Conclusion: Maternal serum interleukin-6 concentrations appear to be elevated in women destined to deliver prematurely. Measurement of this cytokine may prove useful in treating patients at high risk for preterm delivery.
The Measurement Integrity of Data Collected Using the Child Abuse Potential Inventory.

The present study investigated the reliability and validity of scores from the Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory. Subjects were 113 mothers, including 53 (46.9%) mothers of young children with handicaps and 60 (53.1%) mothers of young children without identified handicaps. Analyses of CAP validity scales suggested that the Random Response subscale could be improved by omitting selected items. Although total CAP scores had an impressive alpha coefficient (.91), consistent with those reported in previous research, some short subscales had unacceptable coefficients. The factor structure underlying responses was interpretable, but different in some respects from results reported in previous studies.
Abstract B15: HPV vaccinations among a multi-ethnic female outpatient clinic sample

B15 Background High risk types of HPV are necessary though not sufficient causes of the vast majority of cervical cancers. With the approval by FDA of the HPV vaccine among women age 9-26, dissemination is critical. Fewer than one-third of the US population has heard of HPV. Few know about its association with cervical cancer, and how to prevent its spread. Yet, physician recommendation is key to vaccination. Methods The study examines vaccination intentions and practices among a sample of 235 multi-ethnic/racial, urban primary care physicians who are enrolled in an RCT of an educational intervention. Intention was measured via self-report prior to FDA approval. Vaccination rates were assessed two years post-FDA vaccine approval, among their multi-ethnic female patients, age 18-26, using medical audit. Results Prior to the approval of the vaccine, findings revealed strong intention to vaccinate among physicians, at 92% extremely or somewhat likely to vaccinate. Multivariate analyses of primary care physicians revealed that those who regularly performed recto-pelvic examinations on asymptomatic women (β=0.21, p=0.03), and those who were more familiar with the ACS screening guidelines held stronger intentions to vaccinate (β=0.24, p=0.01) than did comparable others. Female primary care physicians had stronger intentions to vaccinate for HPV than male providers (β=0.21, p=0.03). Two years post-approval, 10% of multi-ethnic female patients age 18-26 have received at least one inoculation, 2% have received the entire 3-dose protocol. Major barriers are awareness, cost, and availability of the vaccine. Conclusions: The findings reveal stronger intentions to vaccinate than contemporaneous population-based surveys (80%), but similar predictors in gender and knowledge. The rate of vaccination is comparable to the 14% for the Hepatitis B vaccine among children one year post-approval, but much lower than among pediatricians in a Boston metropolitan hospital (57%) during a similar period of time. This is the first study to observe vaccination intentions among urban physicians working in under-resourced communities, and to systematically report the HPV vaccination uptake among their young adult female patients. Targeted dissemination strategies to urban primary care physicians in under-resourced areas, with tailored messages, are critical. In addition to exploring the pragmatic issues in disseminating the vaccine, we will examine the ethical, political, and social contexts for population-based HPV vaccine inoculations. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B15.
Free surface on a viscoelastic liquid in a cylinder with spinning bottom

The shape of the free surface and the flow field of a simple fluid driven by the steadily rotating bottom cap of a cylindrical cup is investigated. A regular domain perturbation in terms of the angular velocity of the bottom cap is used. The velocity field is a superposition of a strong primary, azimuthal field and a weaker secondary meridional field. The effect of the aspect ratio and viscoelasticity of the fluid results in multiple cell structures in the meridional plane. The free surface shape determined at the lowest significant order in the perturbation algorithm, is similarly affected by the same factors. Both the flow field and the interface shape are determined for a wide range of aspect ratios and viscoelastic parameters.
Method of the retrieval of the aerosol particle size distribution (APSD) in the marine atmosphere boundary layer (MABL) from optical measurement data

The retrieval of the aerosol particle distribution function in the marine atmosphere boundary layer for the radius interval up to 30 micrometers is considered with the use of simultaneous data on the spectral attenuation and small- angle phase function. An iterative procedure is constructed combining inversion algorithms for the spectral attenuation and phase function, each of them being efficient for a specific particle size interval.Numerical experiments with two aerosol models are performed. It is shown that the inversion methodology under discussion makes it possible to retrieve the particle size distribution function for the radius interval 0.2-30 micrometers with a mean relative error less than 10 percent.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an autocrine growth factor for VEGF receptor–positive human tumors

Angiogenesis is required for the progression of tumors from a benign to a malignant phenotype and for metastasis. Malignant tumor cells secrete factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which bind to their cognate receptors on endothelial cells to induce angiogenesis. Here it is shown that several tumor types express VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) and that inhibition of VEGF (VEGF antisense oligonucleotide AS-3) or VEGFRs (neutralizing antibodies) inhibited the proliferation of these cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, this effect was abrogated by exogenous VEGF. Thus, VEGF is an autocrine growth factor for tumor cell lines that express VEGFRs. A modified form of VEGF AS-3 (AS-3m), in which flanking 4 nucleotides were substituted with 2-O-methylnucleosides (mixed backbone oligonucleotides), retained specificity and was active when given orally or systemically in vitro and in murine tumor models. In VEGFR-2-expressing tumors, VEGF inhibition may have dual functions: direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and inhibition of angiogenesis.
A metaphorical analysis of the ecology of the classroom

Abstract This paper strives to characterize the conversation of practice in a middle school classroom using the metaphor of ‘margins’. This metaphor is useful for describing a relational component of the ecology of a classroom. Margins are areas in nature and society where diversity exists, where life is often riskier for the inhabitant and where species, ideas, and actions are able to have the freedom to flourish, to experiment and to seek potentialities. Margins are relational. They have no meaning without considering what they surround. The ‘center’ of instruction (lecture, homework, and standardized tests) is often sterile, predictable, and inhibits diversity in thought and action; whereas activity in the margins (ideas, questions, and tangents) fosters excitement, spontaneity, improvisation and allows classroom participants to take risks. Finally, margins connect the teacher with the students, the students with the content, and establish the classroom environment as a living, pulsating place to learn...
Attenuation of autoimmune disease in Fas-deficient mice by treatment with a cytotoxic benzodiazepine.

Objective Elimination of autoreactive cells relies on Fas-dependent activation-induced cell death mechanisms, an important component of peripheral tolerance. Defects in Fas or its cognate ligand lead to inefficient activation-induced cell death and are specific causes of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate a novel 1,4-benzodiazepine (Bz-423) that induces apoptosis and limits autoimmune disease in NZB/NZW mice, to determine its activity against lupus-like disease associated with defective Fas expression. We investigated the Fas-dependence of its cytotoxic actions, its therapeutic potential in mice deficient in Fas, and its therapeutic mechanism of action. Methods Primary lymphocytes isolated from Fas-deficient MRL/MpJ-Faslpr (MRL-lpr) mice were tested for sensitivity to Bz-423. Bz-423 was administered to MRL-lpr mice for short (1-week) or long (14-week) periods, and its effects on cell survival were determined along with measures of nephritis, arthritis, antibody titers, and Th subpopulations. BALB/c mice were similarly treated to determine if Bz-423 alters normal immune functions in vivo. Results Administration of Bz-423 to MRL-lpr mice significantly reduced autoimmune disease including glomerulonephritis and arthritis. Treatment was associated with decreases in CD4+ T cells and an alteration in the Th1/Th2 balance. At the therapeutic dosage, Bz-423 did not interfere with normal T and B cell responses in BALB/c mice, suggesting that this agent is not globally immunosuppressive. Conclusion Bz-423 is a novel immunomodulatory agent that is active against disease even in the context of defective Fas signaling. It is a leading compound for further investigation into the development of selective therapies for lupus.
Low androgen induced penile maldevelopment involves altered gene expression of biomarkers of smooth muscle differentiation and a key enzyme regulating cavernous smooth muscle cell tone.

Purpose: We determined the effects of low androgens in the neonatal period on biomarkers of smooth muscle cell differentiation, Myh11 and Acta2, and on Pde5A expression in the penis.Materials and Methods: One-day-old pups were treated daily with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist antide with or without dihydrotestosterone for 1 to 6 days. Tissues were collected at age day 7 and at adulthood at age 120 days. Penes were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Testes were assayed for the intratesticular testosterone and steroidogenic enzymes Cyp17α1 and StAR.Results: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist exposure suppressed the neonatal testicular testosterone surge 70% to 80%. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed 80% to 90% reductions in Cyp17α1 and StAR protein, and 40% to 60% reductions in Myh11 and ACTA2 as a result of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist compared to controls. Dih...
DNA in cytosol fractions obtained by differential centrifugation of homogenates of rapidly growing liver tumors

Preliminary work revealed that the cytosol fractions obtained by differential centrifugation of homogenates of the rapidly growing Morris hepatomas 7777 and 7288CTC contained substantially more DNA than could be detected with the more slowly growing hepatoma 5123C or the liver of tumor-bearing rats. The amount of DNA in the cytosol fractions of the rapidly growing hepatomas was decreased by concentrations of cations which are known to promote precipitation of solubilized chromatin. Data on the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA of nuclear and cytosol fractions and the time-dependent effects of hydroxyurea were compatible with initial nuclear synthesis and later release of the DNA seen in the cytosol fractions. The amount of this DNA was increased in larger tumors and was less in isolated cells than in solid tumors. Postmortem changes in the liver and hepatoma 5123C, but not in hepatomas 7777 and 7288CTC, resulted in a large increase in DNA appearing in the cytosol fraction. The results indicated that the measurement of DNA in cytosol fractions may serve as a guide to the existence of necrosis in tumors, but is not always proportional to the degree of necrosis.
SU-EE-A1-03: A Study On the Use of Full-Field Non-Flat Beams for IMRT Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the adequacy of full‐field non‐flat megavoltage beams for planning and delivery of step‐and‐shoot Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for different body sites. Method and Materials:IMRTtreatment optimization creates non‐flat fluence maps to accomplish prescribed treatment objectives. With “Stereotactic” mode available in commercial linacs with the flattening filter removed, non‐flat beams are now available that produce dose rates much higher than the flattened beam modes in current clinical use, thus offering the potential of deliveringtreatments much faster. We have recently installed and commissioned such a photon beam. This beam is currently restricted in its clinical use to 5×5cm2. Full field beam data was acquired for this beam in research mode. The full‐field stereotactic mode beam data was modeled in Eclipse TPS. IMRT plans previously delivered for different target sizes and complexities ranging from prostate, head and neck and abdomen were re‐planned using the same target and normal tissue constraints. Plans comparable to the clinically accepted treatment plans were obtained. These plans were compared using several plan comparison parameters, along with the total number of MU's and segments required to deliver a comparable plan, and correlated to the size of the target. Results: Our results show that clinically acceptable treatment plans are easily accomplished with the non‐flat beams, with comparable MU's for smaller targets, but proportionally larger MU's for larger targets. The number of segments required to deliver comparable plans with the non‐flat beam were very similar, but slightly higher. Conclusion: Our study indicates that treatmentdelivery with highly modulated fields do not require flattened beams for clinical treatmentdelivery. The benefit of three times higher dose rates than the flattened beam will make treatmentdelivery significantly faster for non‐flat beams. This benefit will be much more significant for hypofractionated treatments.
The supraoptic decussation in the cat

1. Es wird der Verlauf der Bundel der supraoptischen Decussationen bei der Katze beschrieben, so wie er in Marchipraparaten verfolgt werden kann. 2. Das Bundel der dorsalen supraoptischen Decussation steigt mindestens aus dem rostralen Rhombencephalon an, tritt ins hintere Langsbundel ein, durchzieht dann das mediale H-Feld und den rostrolateralen Hypothalamus, gibt ipsilateral Fasern an die Substantia innominata und die Area supraoptica ab, endet aber in der Hauptsache im Nucl. reticularis thalami der kontralateralen Seite neben dem lateralen Kniehocker. Kollateralen ziehen zur Area praetectalis, wo sie zum Teil enden, zum Teil aber nach nochmaliger Kreuzung das Praetectum der ruckgekreuzten, d. h. ipsilateralen Seite erreichen. 3. Die Bundel der ventralen Decussation scheinen einem weitverzweigten System anzugehoren. Eine ebenfalls mindestens aus dem oberen Rautenhirn ansteigende Pars ascendens verlauft im lateralen Mittelhirn, dann langs des medialen Randes des Corpus geniculatum mediale nach vorn unten, durchstost und umrankt den lateralen Hirnschenkelfus, um zwischen diesem und dem Tractus opticus zur Kreuzung innerhalb und uber dem Chiasma ab-, von da an symmetrisch wieder anzusteigen. Lateral des gegenuberliegenden Hirnschenkelfuses findet eine Teilung in zwei Aste statt, wovon der eine tectalwarts zieht, der andere sich ventral des medialen Kniehockers verliert, bzw. nicht weiter verfolgt werden konnte. Eine Pars tectofugalis mit nicht genau bekanntem Ursprungsort verlauft bis zur Gegend lateral des gleichseitigen Hirnschenkelfuses, wo wiederum eine Teilung in zwei Aste erfolgt. Der eine verlauft reziprok zur Pars ascendens bis zum Hirnschenkelfus der gekreuzten Seite und verliert sich ebenfalls ventral des medialen Kniehockers. Der andere bleibt auf der Herdseite, steigt im Stratum zonale des Corpus geniculatum mediale nach hinten oben an und endet in einem dem letzteren caudodorsal aufliegenden kleinen Kern, der als Nucl. retrogeniculatus bezeichnet wird.
Characterization of a Vacuolar Protease in Neurospora crassa and the Use of Gene RIPing to Generate Protease-deficient Strains

We have isolated a gene from Neurospora crassa that appears to encode a pepstatin-sensitive protease found both in membranes and in soluble contents of vacuoles. The gene contains two introns and encodes a 396-residue protein with a molecular mass of 42,900 Da. Because of the similarity of the protein to proteinase A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae the gene has been named pep-4. Strains with mutations in the pep-4 gene were generated in vivo by the gene RIPing procedure described by Selker and Garrett (Selker, E. U., and Garrett, P. W. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, 6870-6874). The mutant strains were deficient in pepstatin-sensitive protease activity and did not appear to produce a major 42-kDa polypeptide in the vacuole. The mutant strains grew at the same rate as the wild type and had no other observable phenotype. When compared with inactivation of the PEP4 gene of S. cerevisiae, inactivation of the pep-4 gene in N. crassa produced a phenotype that was different in several ways. In N. crassa the mutant strains did not exhibit reduced sporulation or reduced viability after nitrogen starvation, and they had elevated levels of proteinase B and carboxypeptidase activities. The pep-4 gene appears to encode the N. crassa, homolog of proteinase A, but the maturation of vacuolar hydrolases appeared to be less dependent on this protease than has been observed in S. cerevisiae.
Association Between Addiction Treatment Staff Professional and Educational Levels and Perceptions of Organizational Climate and Resources

ABSTRACT. Background: Research studies have identified addiction treatment staff who have higher levels of education as having more positive attitudes about evidence-based treatment practices, science-based training, and the usefulness of evidence-based practices. This study examined associations between addiction treatment staff level of education and their perceptions of 3 measures of organizational change: organizational stress, training resources and staffing resources in their treatment unit. Methods: The sample included 588 clinical staff from community-based substance abuse treatment organizations who received Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding (2003–2008) to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs). Bivariate analysis and regression modeling methods examined the relationship between staff education level (no high school education, high school education, some college, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctoral degree, and other type of ...
Giant Resonances in C 12

Detailed measurements on the reaction ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ are reported in the incident proton energy range $14\ensuremath{\le}{E}_{p}\ensuremath{\le}22$ MeV. Previously reported absolute cross sections for this reaction have been found to be in question. Measurements have been made leading to the first (${2}^{+}$) and third (${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) states of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ in addition to the ground state. No evidence has been found for the predicted resonance at ${E}_{x}=35$ MeV, also reported in earlier experimental work. Detailed calculations based on the one-particle-one-hole model wave functions of Gillet and Vinh-Mau have been compared with the experimental data using a complete $R$-matrix formalism. Repetition of these calculations using pure $j\ensuremath{-}j$ configurations yields comparable agreement. Evidence for the importance of many-particle-many-hole configurations in the radiative capture process has been found, particularly in the reaction leading to the first and third excited states, but also in the ground-state reaction data. The calculations are significant in the sense that no new parameters are introduced, nor are any significant approximations used which are not already in the model wave functions under test. The isospin mixing in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ is found to be very small, if the new absolute ($p, {\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$) cross section reported here is used; this is in marked contrast to earlier estimates of this mixing.
Bile acid concentration reference ranges in a pregnant Latina population.

Objective The total bile acid (TBA) concentration criterion for diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy varies in the published literature. The purpose of this study was to establish pregnancy-specific reference ranges for the TBA concentration among Latina women. Study Design Self-identified Latina women (n = 211) over 18 years of age with a singleton pregnancy were recruited and had random serum samples drawn during the second and third trimesters. The total and fractionated bile acid concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and reference ranges were calculated. Laboratory-provided general reference ranges from a general population of adult men and nonpregnant women were used for comparison. Results The TBA reference range for our Latina pregnant population ( Conclusion These data suggest that the upper TBA concentration reference range in our Latina pregnant population is 8.5 µmol/L, based on LC-MS/MS measurements.
Introduction of mutations into the non-structural genes or 3' untranslated region of an attenuated dengue virus type 4 vaccine candidate further decreases replication in rhesus monkeys while retaining protective immunity.

Abstract A dengue virus vaccine candidate, rDEN4Δ30, has been previously reported to be safe and immunogenic in humans, but a subset of vaccinees developed asymptomatic rash, elevation of liver enzymes and/or mild neutropenia. In the current study, mutations that had previously been shown to reduce replication of DEN4 virus in suckling mice and/or in SCID mice engrafted with human liver cells (SCID-HuH-7 mice) were introduced into rDEN4Δ30 in an attempt to further attenuate this virus. Three of the five resulting modified rDEN4Δ30 viruses showed decreased replication in SCID-HuH-7 mice relative to rDEN4Δ30. Moreover, in rhesus monkeys, two of the modified rDEN4Δ30 viruses showed a decrease in replication relative to rDEN4Δ30 while generating levels of neutralizing antibody similar to rDEN4Δ30 virus. All of the modified rDEN4Δ30 viruses completely protected immunized rhesus monkeys from challenge with wild-type DEN4 virus. Based on their attenuation for both human liver cells and rhesus monkeys, two of the modified rDEN4Δ30 vaccine candidates are currently being prepared for use in clinical trials. The application of these attenuating mutations to flavivirus vaccine development is discussed.
Combination of pulsed-wave Doppler and real-time three-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography for quantifying the stroke volume in the left ventricular outflow tract.

Real-time three-dimensional (3-D) color Doppler echocardiography (RT3D) is capable of quantifying flow. However, low temporal resolution limits its application to stroke volume (SV) measurements. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to develop a reliable method to quantify SV. In animal experiments, cross-sectional images of the LV outflow tract were selected from the RT3D data to calculate peak flow rates (Qp3D). Conventional pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler was performed to measure the velocity-time integral (VTI) and the peak velocity (Vp). By assuming that the flow is proportional to the velocity temporal waveform, SV was calculated as α × Qp3D × VTI/Vp, where α is a temporal correction factor. There was an excellent correlation between the reference flow meter and RT3D SV (mean difference = −1. 3 mL, y = 1. 05x −2. 5, r = 0. 94, p < 0. 01). The new method allowed accurate SV estimations without any geometric assumptions of the spatial velocity distributions. (E-mail: shiotat@ccf.org)
Jejunal proabsorptive actions of selective opiate agonists administered via the cerebral ventricles

Abstract Non-selective enkephalin analogs, such as [D-Ala 2 , Met 5 ]enkephalinamide, have been found to increase jejunal absorption in the rat and dog after their intracerebroventricular administration. In the present investigation, experiments were designed to characterize the brain opiate receptor subtype mediating this action in the rat proximal jejunum in situ and to assess the involvement of extrinsic sympathetic nerves innervating this gut region in opioid-induced absorption. Changes in jejunal water transport were examined in rats pretreated with bolus i.c.v. doses (≤ I μg) of the respective μ-, δ-, or κ-opiate agonists [D-Ala 2 , N-Me-Phe 4 , Gly 5 -ol]enkephalin (DAGO), [D-Pen 2 , D-Pen 5 ]enkephalin or U-50 488 and infused intravenously with the secretagogue prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 , 5 μg/kg-min). In saline-pretreated rats, PGE 1 produced large, time-dependent decreases in jejunal fluid absorption. Of the opiate agonists examined, only DAGO in submicrogram doses significantly inhibited PGE 1 actions 60 to 90 min after its administration. Extirpation of the celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia, major sources of sympathetic neurons innervating the upper gut, significantly attenuated both the antiabsorptive actions of PGE 1 and the proabsorptive actions of DAGO (0.3 μg, i.cv.). These results suggest that CNS μ-opiate receptors modulate jejunal absorption in the rat, an action mediated through extrinsic sympathetic nerves innervating the upper small intestine.
Detection and analysis of eavesdropping in anonymous communication networks

Anonymous communication networks, like Tor, partially protect the confidentiality of user traffic by encrypting all communications within the overlay network. However, when the relayed traffic reaches the boundaries of the network, toward its destination, the original user traffic is inevitably exposed to the final node on the path. As a result, users transmitting sensitive data, like authentication credentials, over such networks, risk having their data intercepted and exposed, unless end-to-end encryption is used. Eavesdropping can be performed by malicious or compromised relay nodes, as well as any rogue network entity on the path toward the actual destination. Furthermore, end-to-end encryption does not assure defense against man-in-the-middle attacks. In this work, we explore the use of decoys at multiple levels for the detection of traffic interception by malicious nodes of proxy-based anonymous communication systems. Our approach relies on the injection of traffic that exposes bait credentials for decoy services requiring user authentication, and URLs to seemingly sensitive decoy documents which, when opened, invoke scripts alerting about being accessed. Our aim was to entice prospective eavesdroppers to access our decoy servers and decoy documents, using the snooped credentials and URLs. We have deployed our prototype implementation in the Tor network using decoy IMAP, SMTP, and HTTP servers. During the course of over 30 months, our system has detected 18 cases of traffic eavesdropping that involved 14 different Tor exit nodes.
Reading the world, the globe, the cosmos: approaches to teaching literature for the twenty-first century

Suzanne Choo's book is a timely and thoughtful contribution that engages literature teachers, teacher educators, and literature researchers with critical issues related to the pedagogical power of ...
The effect of strain rate on the deformation and relaxation behavior of 6/6 nylon at room temperature

The influence of strain rate changes in the range from 10−3 to 10−6 1/s on the zero-to-tension loading and unloading behavior as well as short term relaxation properties is investigated using cylindrical specimens of circular cross section. A clip-on extensometer measures and controls the axial strain in an MTS servohydraulic, computer-controlled mechanical testing machine. Strains do not exceed twenty percent and all deformation is macroscopically homogeneous. An increase in strain rate causes an increase in stress level. Surprisingly, the total stress drop in a 20 min relaxation period increases with prior strain rate. When the relaxation test is started in the inelastic region with low tangent modulus the total stress drop is nearly independent of the stress and strain at which relaxation commences. Unloading to zero load is not linear but curved and the strain recovery at zero stress is significant. It occurs at an ever decreasing rate and does not exceed three percent in a 12 h period. Like the relaxation behavior the recovery rate increases with prior strain rate. Repeated relaxation periods during zero-to-tension cycling can show a stress magnitude decrease during loading but a stress magnitude increase during unloading. The results suggest that a unified model with an overstress dependence of the inelastic rate of deformation could be useful in modeling.
Isolation of a Previously Unidentified Polysaccharide (MAR-10) from Hyssop officinalis That Exhibits Strong Activity Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

A polysaccharide (MAR-10) was isolated from the aqueous extract of the plant Hyssop officinalis and examined for its activity against HIV-1 (SF strain) in HUT78 T cell line and primary cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MAR-10, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited HIV-1 replication as demonstrated by the inhibition of HIV-1 p24 antigen and syncytia formation. Furthermore, MAR-10 had no significant direct toxicity or effect on lymphocyte functions or CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts. In addition, MAR-10 has broad spectrum anti-glycosidase activity. Our study demonstrates that MAR-10 contains strong anti-HIV-1 activity that may be useful in the treatment of patients with HIV-1 infection.
Heat shock proteins transfer peptides during antigen processing and CTL priming

Recently emerging evidence indicates that the heat shock proteins (HSPs) gp96, hsp90, and hsp70 associate with antigenic peptides derived from cellular proteins. This evidence forms the basis of the following two hypotheses: 1) that HSPs constitute a relay line in which the peptides, after generation in the cytosol by the action of proteases, are transferred from one HSP to another, until they are finally accepted by MHC class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum, and 2) that the binding of peptides by HSPs constitutes a key step in the priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vivo. The following chain of events is suggested: HSPs are released from virus-infected cells or tumor cells in vivo during lysis of cells during infection or by the action of antibodies or nonspecific effectors. The HSPs, which are now complexed with antigenic peptides derived from the cognate cells, are taken up by macrophage or other specialized antigen-presenting cells, possibly by a receptor-mediated mechanism. The HSP-borne peptide is then routed to the endogenous presentation pathway in the antigen-presenting cell and is displayed in the context of that cell's MHC class I, where it is finally recognized by the precursor CTLs. Thus it is suggested that, as with antigen presentation by MHC class II molecules, presentation by MHC class I molecules is also carried out primarily by the host antigen-presenting cells. This mechanism explains the phenomenon of cross-priming and has implications for the development of immunological strategies against cancer and infectious diseases.
Virtual nn pair processes as a relativistic correction to second-order multiple scattering theory

Abstract The elastic scattering of protons from 16 O, 40 Ca and 208 Pb at 800 MeV is analyzed using non relativistic, multiple scattering theory where virtual pair production-annihilation processes for the projectile are included as a relativistic correction. Second-order, target-nucleon correlation terms are also examined. The effects of these corrections on the predicted elastic scattering observables are evaluated.
Synthesis of Highly Charged Organometallic Dendrimers and Their Characterization by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry and Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction

Four new carbosilane dendrimers terminated with 12, 24, 36, and 72 benzyl groups have been synthesized and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization−time-of-flight mass spectrome...
Minor-element and Sr-isotope geochemistry of tertiary stocks, Colorado mineral belt

Rocks of the northeast portion of the Colorado mineral belt form two petrographically, chemically and geographically distinct rock suites: (1) a silica oversaturated granodiorite suite; and (2) a silica saturated, high alkali monzonite suite. Rocks of the granodiorite suite generally have Sr contents less than 1000 ppm, subparallel REE patterns and initial 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios greater than 0.707. Rocks of the monzonite suite are restricted to the northeast part of the mineral belt, where few rocks of the granodiorite suite occur, and generally have Sr contents greater than 1000 ppm, highly variable REE patterns and 87Sr/86Sr initial ratios less than 0.706. Despite forming simple, smooth trends on major element variation diagrams, trace element data for rocks of the granodiorite suite indicate that they were not derived from a single magma. These rocks were derived from magmas having similar REE patterns, but variable Rb and Sr contents, and Rb/Sr ratios. The preferred explanation for these rocks is that they were derived by partial melting of a mixed source, which yielded pyroxene granulite or pyroxenite residues. The monzonite suite is chemically and petrographically more complex than the granodiorite suite. It is subdivided here into alkalic and mafic monzonites, and quartz syenites, based on the textural relations of their ferromagnesian phases and quartz. The geochemistry of these three rock types require derivation from separate and chemically distinct magma types. The preferred explanation for the alkalic monzonites is derivation from a heterogeneous mafic source, leaving a residue dominated by garnet and clinopyroxene. Early crystallization of sphene from these magmas was responsible for the severe depletion of the REE observed in the residual magmas. The lower Sr content and higher Rb/Sr ratios of the mafic monzonites requires a plagioclase-bearing source. The Sr-isotope systematics of the majority of these rocks are interpreted to be largely primary, and not the result of crustal contamination. The positive correlation of Rb/Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios for the least fractionated samples indicate that the sources from which parent magmas of both the granodiorite and monzonite suites were derived are Precambrian in age.
The role of atomic surface structure in the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of III-V compound semiconductors

The atomic structure of gallium arsenide and indium phosphide (001) surfaces in the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) environment has been characterized in situ by scanning tunneling microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. During growth at V/III ratios above 10, these films exhibit similar surface structures. They are terminated with alkyl groups, hydrogen atoms and group V dimers (As or P) adsorbed on top of a complete layer of group V atoms. As the V/III ratio decreases, the exposed arsenic and phosphorous atoms desorb from the surface. On gallium arsenide, this occurs through a phase transition, involving gallium out-diffusion and surface roughening. By contrast, on InP, the underlying phosphorous atoms simply form rows of dimers, yielding a smooth, continuous layer.
Revised correlations in the early Precambrian Hamersley Basin based on a horizon of resedimented impact spherules

The Early Precambrian Hamersley Group of Western Australia contains two thick packages of carbonate strata: the Paraburdoo Member of the Wittenoom Formation and the Carawine Dolomite. The Carawine Dolomite has long been viewed as a shallow‐water stratigraphic equivalent of the deeper water Wittenoom Formation because the two units occupy mutually exclusive areas within the Hamersley Basin and the former contains some platformal deposits whereas the latter consists exclusively of basinal deposits. The Carawine Dolomite and the Wittenoom Formation each contain a single layer partially composed of distinctive sand‐size spherules that have the characteristics of microkrystites (silicate melt droplets ejected during large bolide impacts). In the Carawine Dolomite, the microkrystites are restricted to a dolomitic debris‐flow deposit (the dolomixtite) which is 24.7 m thick and located ∼60 m above the basal contact. In the Wittenoom Formation, the microkrystites are restricted to a low‐density turbidite known as ...
Regulation of PPARγ and Obesity by Agouti/Melanocortin Signaling in Adipocytes

To study the potential biological role of agouti/melanocortin signaling in human adipose tissue, we engineered transgenic mice to overexpress agouti in adipose tissue. The aP2-agouti transgenic mice become significantly heavier than littermates. The increased body weight is maintained at approximately 15% above nontransgenic mice through 20 weeks and is caused by increased fat mass. The obesity is increased by a high-fat diet. There is no change in food intake in the aP2-agouti mice suggesting changes in energy utilization. A possible mechanism is that the agouti/melanocortin signaling regulates levels of PPARgamma. PPARgamma functions as a major regulator of adipocyte differentiation and as a receptor for the antidiabetic thiazolidinediones. Agouti increases PPARgamma protein levels in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and PPARgamma expression is elevated in the fat pads of the aP2-agouti transgenic mice. The modest weight gain observed in the transgenic mice suggests that hypothalamic pathways regulating food intake are intact and the observed adiposity is within ranges that can be achieved by a paracrine mechanism at the adipocyte level.
The Maritime Influence on Diurnal Temperature Range in the Chesapeake Bay Area

AbstractThis study analyzes the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay on the diurnal temperature range (DTR) reported by nearby weather stations. Coastal locations reported the smallest DTRs and DTR fluctuations, and DTR increased with distance from the ocean. Month of the year and airmass type also proved to be significant predictors of DTR. All locations showed a bimodal annual DTR pattern with peaks during the transitional seasons and experienced the greatest DTR during dry and/or warm air masses. Proximity to the ocean had the largest (smallest) influence on DTR during dry (moist) air masses with extreme (moderate) temperatures. Seasonally, the proximity to the ocean had the strongest impact on DTR during early–middle spring. A multiple regression model using distance from water, month, and airmass type explains over 30% of DTR variability in the area (p < 0.01). Airmass type has the largest influence on DTR, and changes in both air mass and month impacted the DTR of continental locations...
Mechanisms of bacterial morphogenesis: evolutionary cell biology approaches provide new insights

How Darwin's "endless forms most beautiful" have evolved remains one of the most exciting questions in biology. The significant variety of bacterial shapes is most likely due to the specific advantages they confer with respect to the diverse environments they occupy. While our understanding of the mechanisms generating relatively simple shapes has improved tremendously in the last few years, the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of complex shapes and the evolution of shape diversity are largely unknown. The emerging field of bacterial evolutionary cell biology provides a novel strategy to answer this question in a comparative phylogenetic framework. This relatively novel approach provides hypotheses and insights into cell biological mechanisms, such as morphogenesis, and their evolution that would have been difficult to obtain by studying only model organisms. We discuss the necessary steps, challenges, and impact of integrating "evolutionary thinking" into bacterial cell biology in the genomic era.
A method for reproduction of movements of the mandible: A research progress report

Abstract The dynamic duplicator uses the factor of time in mandibular movements as it relates to instantaneous positions. The duplicator embodies the principle that the motion of a rigid body can be described by the instantaneous positions of three reciprocating points which do not lie on the same straight line and which are confined within three mutually perpendicular planes. At any given instant, each point can be at only one position. Each of the three points is the active part of the reproducing device. The value of the dynamic duplicator lies in the fact that there are no limitations in reproductions of movements of the mandible because of the construction of the mechanism. Initial and terminal positions as well as all intermediary positions can be included in the duplicated mandibular movements. The manner of attachment to the lower jaw by the mandibular frame imposes no greater restriction to function than a conventional hinge-bow. The important values of this mechanism follow: 1. The duplicator is an exact geometric counterpart of the recording apparatus in its spatial relationship with the maxillae and the mandible. 2. The dynamic duplicator has no degree of freedom, and it is mechanically and electronically controlled by the mandible. 3. The duplicator will produce identical information as received from the patient instead of equivalent values. 4. The time-displacement relationship is not incorporated in the conventional use of positional records and pantographic tracings. Instruments which are designed to duplicate the skull use points in movements which are passive rather than active. The instantaneous positions of the points are determined by other points in the guides of the instruments.
An agent-based formal framework for modeling and simulating supply chains

We propose an open and extensible agent-based formal framework for modeling and simulating supply chains. Since structures and behaviors of supply chains can be very different based on underlying business models and markets, most of existing simulation and modeling tools are only applicable to specific subsets of supply chains. To improve extensibility, a distinctive feature of our approach is that it separates the functionalities of an element from its role and handles interactions among elements in an agent-based framework: elements are modeled as agents and their interactions decide the behavior of a supply chain. Our framework provides formal definitions for the syntax and semantics of an element. The framework separates internal behaviors of an element from its interface. These features make it easier to define new types of elements and customize their behaviors for a variety of supply-chain applications. The framework also gives rigid simulation-based semantics for a supply-chain model. The formalism it introduced helps an analyst understand and validate simulation results precisely and rigorously. The formal framework also facilitates automated formal analysis of a supply chain [7]. We discuss the implementation of our framework in context of SIMRISK, a supply chain simulation and analysis tool we developed.
Optical harmonic generation and mixing in multilayer media: extension of optical transfer matrix approach to include anisotropic materials

The optical transfer matrix technique for the analysis of optical harmonic generation and mixing in laminar structures is extended to include the case of anisotropic media. This approach is applicable in the limit of low conversion efficiencies, where attenuation and phase shifts of the pump beams due to nonlinear interactions can be neglected. In this approximation one first solves the linear problem for the pump waves in the structure, using optical transfer matrices to take all reflections and linear attenuation into account. Then the nonlinear polarizations driven by these waves are found, and finally expressions for the waves at the harmonic and combination frequencies generated by these polarizations are derived, again using transfer matrices to account exactly for all reflections and linear attenuation. In the anisotropic case 4 × 4 transfer and propagation matrices are required, and all polarization components are treated simultaneously. The results are given in a computationally convenient form.