cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meaning and Its Usefulness for Inner-City HIV/AIDS Interventions

Those who attended the AIDS sessions at the 1992 American Anthropological Association meetings in San Francisco were confronted by a number of diametrically opposed anthropologies of AIDS. Some sessions stressed theory, conceptual matters, and talk, while others focused on applications and action. The pervasive tension between theoretical and applied research was compounded for many by the assumptions that qualitative research on symbolic constructs is necessarily theoretical rather than applied and that such qualitative research is incompatible with research on quantifiable behaviors. But, in fact, confining our interests either to theory and symbol systems or to practical applications and quantitative data weakens the potential contributions anthropologists can make to health education and disease prevention.
Early onset preeclampsia and second trimester serum markers.

Objective To examine serum markers measured in the second trimester to identify women who subsequently develop preeclampsia. Methods Clinically defined preeclampsia was confirmed in 45 women who had provided a serum sample as part of Down syndrome screening. Preeclampsia was categorized as mild or severe, as well as early (<32 weeks) or late onset. Each case was matched with five controls based on gestational age and date of serum collection. Stored sera were retrieved and tested for inhibin A, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGF R1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and endoglin. Results were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) and compared in case and control pregnancies. Univariate analysis was used to identify the strongest markers, which were then used in a multivariate model. Results Inhibin A, PlGF, and endoglin were consistently associated with preeclampsia, especially for early onset disease. A multivariate model using the three markers could identify 50% of the pregnancies with early onset preeclampsia with a 2% false positive rate. Conclusion The levels of inhibin A, PlGF, and endoglin in the second trimester can be combined using a predictive model to provide individualized risk estimates for early onset preeclampsia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of time-frequency distributions for ultrasonic flaw detection

In this study, we have examined time-frequency distributions Gabor transform, Wigner-Ville distribution, Choi-Williams distribution and Wavelet transform for improved flaw detection performance in ultrasonic nondestructive testing applications. A new methodology is presented with respect each T/F distribution methods, with necessary steps to achieve maximum flaw echo visibility enhancement. This methodology describes i) mapping ultrasonic signal to T/F domain, ii) projection from T/F representation back to time domain, iii) interpretation of the signal using order statistics. These steps include choosing the optimal time and frequency window sizes (based on Heisenberg principle), and the appropriate post-processing detection method to minimize the effect of null-observations. To demonstrate the validity of the methods, we discuss and draw an analogy between T/F distributions and the conventional Split-Spectrum Processing flaw detection method. The analytical and experimental studies verify the feasibility of the T/F techniques for NDE applications.
Molecular theory expressions for the stress tensor in flowing polymeric liquids

Various molecular expressions for the stress tensor for polymeric liquids are given and interrelated. Particular attention is paid to restrictions associated with constraints in the molecular models, hydrodynamic interaction, and molecular confinement in concentrated systems. A recently derived generalization of the Kramers-Kirkwood stress-tensor formula can be taken as the starting point for many polymer calculations.
Evidence for diffusion of a partially oxidized titanium species into bulk platinum

Auger electron spectroscopy shows that an oxidized titanium species diffuses into a clean Pt foil between 700 and 900 K. This diffusion is reversible and the titania returns to the surface when the sample is cooled. However, when the titania-covered Pt surface is heated in oxygen, the titania desorbs irreversibly from the Pt. Likewise, unoxidized titanium is also removed from the surface irreversibly, indicating that the diffusing species is partially oxidized. This species is found to prevent CO and H2 chemisorption and may explain the support-metal effects observed on titania-supported Pt.
Strange hadronic loops of the proton: A quark model calculation

Nontrivial q{anti q} sea effects have their origin in the low-Q{sup 2} dynamics of strong QCD. The authors present here a quark model calculation of the contribution of s{anti s} pairs arising from a complete set of OZI-allowed strong Y{sup *}K{sup *} hadronic loops to the net spin of the proton, to its charge radius, and to its magnetic moment. The calculation is performed in an ``unquenched quark model'' which has been shown to preserve the spectroscopic successes of the naive quark model and to respect the OZI rule. They speculate that an extension of the calculation to the nonstrange sea will show that most of the ``missing spin'' of the proton is in orbital angular momenta.
An architecture for dialogue management: Implications in user-computer dialogue design

Abstract The management of user-computer dialogues involves the examination of policies, procedures and methodologies that enable users and designers to control, monitor and facilitate effective user-computer communication. Dialogue management can be facilitated by the application of software tools in the dialogue design phases. The tools and methods serve to exploit pertinent environmental attributes and result in the determination of alternative dialogue components and relations. This paper defines an architecture for dialogue management that supports conceptualization, transformation, generation and realization in dialogue design. The architecture promotes functional layering, modularization and invocability of dialogue functions by application systems.
The banking industry after the Riegle–Neal Act: re-structure and overall performance

Abstract The passage of the Riegle–Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (IBBEA) of 1994 allowed bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state after September 30, 1995. We examine the impact of the legislation on the performance of the banking industry by comparing performance measures of banks with their pre-IBBEA levels. We find that the performance improved in the post-IBBEA period but when controlled for general economic conditions and interest rate movements, the impact of IBBEA on bank performance appears insignificant.
Direct imaging of surfactant micelles, vesicles, discs, and ripple phase structures by cryo-transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Surfactant microstructures in dilute aqueous solutions and dispersions—globular, swollen, and cylindrical or wormlike micelles, discoid and ripple phase structures, and uni- and multilamellar vesicles—can be seen at high resolution by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) of thin vitrified sample films. Sample films are prepared within a chamber where temperature and chemical activities of the surrounding vapor are controlled, thereby preventing evaporation and temperature changes that could alter the microstructure in the labile systems. The thin liquid films are quenched by rapidly plunging them into liquid ethane. The resulting vitrified samples are mounted into a cold-stage and transferred into a TEM for direct observation. Monophasic solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) show globular micelles that swell with added toluene or styrene to form swollen micelles. Worm-like micelles form in CTABNaBr solutions. Dilute mixtures of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine (DHPC) show discoid structures above the main transition temperature of DPPC and A and A/2 ripple structures of the Pβ′ phase at temperatures below the main transition temperature. A new model is proposed for the A structure and the ripple structures are shown to exist as single bilayers. Biphasic dispersions of sodium 4-(1′-heptylnonyl)benzenesulfonate (SHBS) show spheroidal and tubular vesicles, and complex encapsulated vesicles and coiled tubules. Vesicle-like microstructures of SHBS persist at 90°C. At the relatively low SHBS concentrations studied there is no evidence of the constant spacing characteristic of the lamellar phase at higher concentrations, suggesting that the structures observed may result from unbinding fluctuations that disrupt lamellar phases.
Needs of recovering cardiac patients and their spouses: compared views.

Identifying the needs of patients and spouses following an acute cardiac event is an essential first step in the development of nursing interventions to facilitate couples' psychosocial adaptation. Therefore, the self-perceived needs of 49 couples were compared 5 months following the patients' hospitalization for an acute cardiac event (i.e. myocardial infarction or coronary artery revascularization). Both patients and spouses identified the need for information as being most important compared with all other needs; however, significant discrepancies were found in ratings between patients and spouses. Needs which spouses rated as having a high priority included receiving information about the patient's feelings during the recovery period, having time alone, talking with the patient about concerns, and receiving information about the expected psychological recovery. Patients did not consider these same needs as they related to their spouses particularly important. Rather, they rated the need for information about their condition, the need to have honest explanations, and the need to talk with a health professional about their problems as having the highest priority. Many of the needs that both patients and spouses ranked as being important or very important were unmet in 40-70% of the cases. In this study, both patients and spouses expressed similar needs for information, but the type of information that they wanted differed and, in the majority of cases, these needs were not met by nurses and physicians.
Photochemistry of alizarin adsorbed on a glass surface

Abstract Photochemical processes at the gas—solid interface are interesting, but difficult to study. Photoeffects involving alizarin (1,2-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone) adsorbed on the inside surface of a gas chromatographic capillary column were investigated. Alizarin interacts strongly with the polar surface environment resulting in a large red shift of the absorption band. Aromatic or aliphatic N-substituted amines were passed through the column in the carrier gas stream. Irradiation of the column caused a photochemical reaction to occur on the adsorbed alizarin surface. An excited triplet state was produced followed by exciplex formation between alizarin and amine. The final product of the photoreaction was a dealkylated amine. A new approach to the study of photoprocesses on surfaces using standard gas chromatographic equipment was demonstrated. Specific mass spectrometric and sensitive flame ionization detectors were applied. The technique was found to be sensitive to photoeffects at very low concentration.
Simple compact Fizeau wavemeter.

A relatively simple, inexpensive, and compact Fizeau wavemeter is described that provides an accuracy of better than 1 part in 106 across the visible spectrum. The design is a variant of that initially proposed by Gardner and employs a novel geometry to eliminate wavelength measurement errors due to changes in wave front curvature.
Target gene discovery in extended families with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a polygenic, multifactorial disease. Multiple attempts have been made to identify genes that predispose to development of diabetes using both the candidate gene approach and whole genome scanning. However, in spite of substantial financial commitment, very few targets have been identified. Identification of predisposing genes is complicated by several factors. Diabetic patients demonstrate a variety of gene defect combinations. Identification of predisposing genomic regions is thus impeded if data are collected from a heterogeneous population. In addition, the diseased phenotype may only manifest when the net effect of the predisposing factors exceeds a certain ‘threshold'. The effects of predisposing genetic and environmental factors thus appear to be additive, and this also complicates target gene discovery. Using the traditional approach, significant associations between genomic regions and disease are rarely observed unless data are acquired from hundreds of individuals. In contrast, results from whole genome scans performed in homogeneous and consanguineous populations with a high incidence of type 2 diabetes have demonstrated that highly significant associations can be obtained using data from a small number of subjects belonging to the same extended family. Such populations offer the promise of substantial progress in type 2 diabetes genomics research.
Effects of nikethamide, picrotoxin and strychnine on 'amphetamine-state'.

Abstract Rats were trained to discriminate between d-amphetamine sulfate (0.8 mg/kg) or saline by selectively pressing two levers programmed on differential response at low rate 15-sec schedule for food reinforcement. Nikethamide (25–75 mg/kg), strychnine (0.5 and 10 mg/kg) and picrotoxin (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) did not produce d-amphetamine-like responding in the animals. Results indicated that in order for drugs to produce similar discriminative cue they should possess a specific pharmacological property in common.
REPLYING TO VEATCH'S CONCERNS: SPECIAL MORAL PROBLEMS WITH TOTAL ARTIFICIAL HEART INACTIVATION

Moral problems arise when contemplating the inactivation of total artificial heart technology: however, an ethical obligation to explant the device as part of therapy withdrawal is not one of them. Further, arguments will be presented justifying that inactivation of the device is not morally equivalent to active killing of the patient. When device inactivation is clinically and ethically warranted, this decision should not be unilaterally made by the physician but through thorough discussion with the patient (if possible), the patient's surrogate, and the medical team. Consultation with legal counsel and the hospital ethics committee may also be appropriate
Moral judgment in delinquents and nondelinquents: recognition versus production measures.

Summary Juvenile delinquents' (n = 60) and nondelinquents' (n = 73) stages of moral development were compared using both recognition and production measures. Juvenile delinquents were found to score significantly lower than nondelinquents on a production measure of moral judgment (the Sociomoral Reflection Measure). A recognition measure (the Sociomoral Reflection Objective Measure), however, did not discriminate between the two groups in an analysis controlled for significant covariates of age, socioeconomic status, and IQ. The possibility that delinquents are delayed in the production but not recognition of mature moral reasoning is considered. The possibility is also considered, however, that excessive error variance associated with recognition measures of moral reasoning when administered to juvenile delinquents is responsible for the inability of such measures to discriminate between delinquents and nondelinquents.
Correlation of bubble-cap fractionating-column plate efficiencies

A method of estimating the true conditions of operation of a bubble-cap tray is presented. Intermediate between the Murphree and the Lewis methods, which represent the extremes of actual operation, this method involves the use of a correlation to determine the degree of liquid mixing on the tray and the use of new relations between the Murphree vapor efficiency, the Lewis case I efficiency, and the true local efficiency. For the last, partial liquid mixing is taken into account. Data were obtained on an 18-in. O.D. three-tray bubble-cap tower containing ten 3-in. bubble caps a tray. Partial liquid mixing was correlated for changes in vapor and liquid rates, pressure, temperature, and weir height for the system ethylene dichloride-toluene. Efficiency data on acetone-water, ethanol-water, and ethylene dichloride-toluene showed the following effects: (1) low concentration of lwo boiler usually, but not always, resulted in low true local efficiencies, always with high Murphree efficiencies; (2) vapor velocity effects are more intimately connected with slot velocity than superficial velocity (and hence entrainment); (3) raising the pressure gives higher efficiencies; (4) an increase in liquid depth increases the true local efficiency but may have no effect on the Murphree efficiency.
Molecular-Thermodynamic Prediction of Critical Micelle Concentrations of Commercial Surfactants

Commercial surfactants have widespread use in many practical applications, including detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, enhanced oil recovery, and surfactant-based separation processes. Howeve...
Uncommon methods for spectroscopic analyses of polymers

The commonly used spectroscopic analyses of polymers include infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass(MS), x-ray(XR), and the rapidly growing near infrared(NIR). The uncommon methods that are not frequently used include nuclear quadrupole resonance(NQR), electron spin resonance, and combination techniques such as gas chromatography-infrared, thermal-infrared, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and even thermal-gas chromatography-infrared or mass spectroscopy. The use of two of these methods (thermal-infrared(TGA-IR) and NQR is described. Appropriate examples are shown to point out how useful they can be.
Managing change in student affairs leadership roles

Managing change is one of the most complex skills of leadership. This chapter examines some of the most difficult changes confronted by student affairs leaders and the practical wisdom they have gained from these encounters.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and their effects on contrast-induced nephropathy after cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing diagnostic procedures and/or interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use has been implicated both as increasing the risk of developing CIN and as a protective factor against developing CIN. Because many patients who are referred for cardiac catheterization have comorbidities for which ACEIs are utilized, the precise role of these medications in the pathogenesis of CIN needs to be clarified. There is evidence both for and against a renoprotective effect of ACEIs in the development of CIN. However, virtually all clinical studies are relatively small studies and most of them are retrospective. Because of the important role that ACEIs play in the chronic treatment of the cardiac patient, further studies are warranted to define the role of the ACEIs in CIN when exposure to contrast is needed in this group of patients. Because CIN is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in the cardiac patient, all efforts to decrease its incidence should be pursued. At the present time there is no compelling evidence for starting or stopping ACEIs before cardiac catheterization/ coronary angiography or coronary intervention. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Quantification of substance P mRNA in human mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes using a mimic-based RT-PCR.

We have recently demonstrated that human monocytes and lymphocytes express the substance P (SP) gene at both the mRNA and protein level [Ho, W.Z., Lai, J.P., Zhu, X.H., Uvaydova, M., Douglas S.D., 1997. Human monocytes and macrophages express substance P and neurokinin-1 receptor. Journal of Immunology, 159, p. 5654; Lai, J.P., Douglas, S.D., Ho, W.Z., 1998. Human lymphocytes express substance P and its receptor. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 86, p. 80; Lai, J.-P., Douglas, S.D., Rappaport, E., Wu, J., Ho, W.-Z., 1998. Identification of a delta isoform of preprotachykinin mRNA in human mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 91, p. 121]. Using RT-PCR assay with several specific human SP primer pairs, we were able to differentiate four isoforms of preprotachykinin (PPT-A, the SP precursor) mRNA transcripts on ethidium bromide-stained agarose gels and clone the PCR amplified cDNA of the four isoforms (α, β, γ, and δ) of the PPT-A gene. In an effort to quantitatively measure PPT-A mRNA levels, we have developed a mimic-based RT-PCR assay to analyze total PPT-A mRNA levels in human monocytes and lymphocytes. We designed a specific human SP primer pair (HSP4/HSP3) to amplify a single fragment of cDNA derived from all four isoforms of PPT-A mRNA transcripts, with a sensitivity of 120 molecules per reaction. Thus the PPT-A mRNA transcripts in an unknown sample can be quantitatively analyzed using the mimic-based RT-PCR. The accuracy and reproducibility of this assay were confirmed by the plasmids containing α, β, γ and δ cDNA inserts and by in vitro synthesized mRNA from a plasmid containing β isoform cDNA insert. Our data indicate that the SP mimic-based RT-PCR assay has potential advantages in studies of SP levels in a variety of human cells as well as in clinical specimens.
Cathepsin B2 measurement by sensitive fluorometric ammonia analysis.

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the measurement of cathepsin B2 activity that is based upon highly sensitive fluorometric ammonia analysis. The fluorochrome results from the reaction of phthaldehyde and mercaptoethanol with ammonium salts at pH 7.4. The method is sensitive in the range of 5–400 nmoles ammonium salt/ml. The assay is highly specific for ammonia since amino acids, peptides, amines, and amides do not interfere. Likewise, other components of the cathepsin B2 reaction system do not interfere. The most distinct advantage of the method is that the awkward diffusion step of most routine ammonia analyses can be eliminated.
Integration of sequence tagged microsatellite sites to the chickpea genetic map.

Fifty sequence-tagged microsatellite site (STMS) markers and a resistant gene-analog (RGA) locus were integrated into a chickpea (Cicer arietinum L., 2n = 2x = 16 chromosomes) genetic map that was previously constructed using 142 F6-derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of C. arietinum × Cicer reticulatum Lad. The map covers 1,174.5 cM with an average distance of 7.0 cM between markers in nine linkage groups (LGs). Nine markers including the RGA showed distorted segregation (P < 0.05). The majority of the newly integrated markers were mapped to marker-dense regions of the LGs. Six co-dominant STMS markers were integrated into two previously reported major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring resistance to Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. Using common STMS markers as anchors, three maps developed from different mapping populations were joined, and genes for resistance to Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.: Fr. f. sp. ciceris), and for agronomically important traits were located on the combined linkage map. The integration of co-dominant STMS markers improves the map of chickpea and makes it possible to consider additional fine mapping of the genome and also map-based cloning of important disease resistance genes.
Mulch as a Potential Management Strategy for Lesser Cornstalk Borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Bush Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

ABSTRACT Lesser cornstalk borer (LCB), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), is a serious pest of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and many other crops. The effect of mulching as a management method for LCB was examined in 2 field experiments conducted in small plots (1 m2) at 2 different locations (experiments A and B) in Alachua Co., FL. Both experiments were conducted in the summer and repeated in the fall, 2007. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 5 replications at both locations. In experiment A, treatments were bare ground, plots with mulch, and plots with weeds (original weed cover); while in experiment B, treatments were bare ground and mulched plots. The mulch was obtained from a crop of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) planted at another location. Data were collected on bean plant mortality, plant growth parameters (fresh weight, height, and length including roots of surviving plants), and population levels of potential predators. LCB attack was less (P ≤ 0.10) in mu...
Multiple Spitz nevi: a clinicopathologic study of 9 patients.

Background Whether agminated, within a speckled lentiginous nevus/nevus spilus, or randomly scattered, multiple Spitz nevi (SN), defined as two or more SN, is a rare entity. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate patients presenting with multiple SN. Methods We conducted a search of the database of the Yale Spitzoid Neoplasm Repository from May 1990 to June 2010 to identify patients with multiple SN. The clinicopathologic features of these patients are the subject of this study. Results Nine patients with a total of 38 SN were identified retrospectively during a 20-year period. Patients ranged in age from 2 to 34 years (mean 22 years). The total number of histologically confirmed SN in each patient ranged from 2 to 13 (mean 5; median 2). These SN were more commonly diagnosed clinically as atypical nevi rather than as SN. The histopathologic findings ranged from those of a classic SN to an atypical Spitzoid neoplasm that was difficult to distinguish from a Spitzoid melanoma. Of the SN examined histologically in this series, the majority (53%) showed no atypical histopathologic features and none had recurred after a re-excision. Limitations The low number of patients with multiple SN is a limitation. Conclusion The presence of multiple SN is a rare phenomenon. The majority display histopathologic characteristics of classic SN or a few atypical features.
Creativity-Support Systems for Planning, Design and Decision support*

A major objective of computer support is to increase human problem-solving capability, and especially human creativity: creativity in all aspects of working on complex problems. To achieve this high level of synergy of man and machine requires a theory which can be used to design appropriate computer systems support. The theory presented here describes the process of working on a problem in terms of both human and computer operators changing both human and computer images of the problem. Operators are defined operationally as processes. Each process is constructed out of modules, which are executable sets of instructions for man and/or machine. A step is application of a module together with specification of input and output data; a process is a sequence of steps. In a creativity-support system (CSS), a variety of types of modules can be provided, which allow construction of an even richer variety of operators which can support a wide range of styles of man and machine interaction. Examples are given of modules for search and for evaluation, to illustrate this variety of styles. A general-purpose microcomputer software system (AE-1) is described which serves as a “breadboard” for developing and using creativity-support systems
Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes as modulators of Hodgkin disease risk.

BACKGROUND: Although the pathogenesis of Hodgkin disease (HD) remains unknown, the results of epidemiologic studies suggest that heritable factors are important in terms of susceptibility. Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may contribute to individual susceptibility for development of different cancers. However, to the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have investigated the role of such polymorphisms as risk factors for development of HD. METHODS: The authors evaluated the relation between polymorphisms in 3 nucleotide excision repair pathway genes (XPD [Lys751Gln], XPC [Lys939Gln], and XPG [Asp1104His]), the base excision repair XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), and double-strand break repair XRCC3 (Thr241Met) in a population of 200 HD cases and 220 matched controls. Variants were investigated independently and in combination; odd ratios (OR) were calculated. RESULTS: A positive association was found for XRCC1 gene polymorphism Arg399Gln (OR, 1.77; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.16-2.71) and risk of HD. The combined analysis demonstrated that XRCC1/XRCC3 and XRCC1/XPC polymorphisms were associated with a significant increase in HD risk. XRCC1 Arg/Arg and XRCC3 Thr/Met genotypes combined were associated with an OR of 2.38 (95% CI, 1.24-4.55). The XRCC1 Arg/Gln and XRCC3 Thr/Thr, Thr/Met, and Met/Met genotypes had ORs of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.02-4.10), 1.97 (95% CI, 1.05-3.73), and 4.13 (95% CI, 1.50-11.33), respectively. XRCC1 Gln/Gln and XRCC3 Thr/Thr variant led to a significant increase in risk, with ORs of 3.00 (95% CI, 1.15-7.80). Similarly, XRCC1 Arg/Gln together with XPC Lys/Lys was found to significantly increase the risk of HD (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.09-4.23). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may modify the risk of HD, especially when interactions between the pathways are considered. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Quantification of the production of dihydrokaempferol by flavanone 3-hydroxytransferase using capillary electrophoresis.

A sensitive method using capillary electrophoresis for the separation, detection, and quantification of dihydrokaempferol (1) is reported. Well-resolved, sharp symmetrical peaks were obtained in grapefruit leaf extracts for 1, naringenin (2), and the internal standard, naringin (3). Long columns were required to resolve 1 from 2 in crude enzyme reactions and this resulted in run times of 60 min. The limit of detection for 1 was found to be 1.44 ng/µL (4.2 pg). The method showed excellent linearity and reproducibility. The method was used to determine the activity of flavanone 3-hydroxytransferase (F3H) in leaf tissue of grapefruit by quantification of the production of dihydrokaempferol in controlled time course reactions. The sensitivity of the method makes it adaptable to assaying F3H activity in individual young seedlings and/or in small tissue samples and requires only 100 mg of tissue. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Variable Effects of Family Background on the Timing of First Marriage: United States, 1969–1993

Abstract Longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for a sample of 6570 women and men observed between 1969 and 1993 are used to examine historical changes and life-course variation in the effects of family background characteristics on the timing of first marriage. Discrete-time event history analyses reveal that the inverse effect of parental resources (family income and mother's education) on the timing of first marriage has both declined over time and weakens as children age. Historical declines in the effect of parental resources on first marriage timing appear to explain the divergence between Black and White marriage patterns over this period. In contrast, the inverse effect of experiencing a nonintact family structure during childhood on the timing of first marriage remains constant over both historical time and the life course. The implications of these findings for theories of demographic individuation and life-course perspectives are discussed.
The relationship between time of feeding and aggression in a group of captive hamadryas baboons

The relationship between time of feeding and aggression in a one-male unit of captive hamadryas baboons was studied to determine if feeding once a day, at a designated time and in measured amounts leads to a high level of aggressive behavior. The performance of maintenance behaviors did not differ between pre-feeding and post-feeding periods, however, aggressive behavior significantly decreased after feeding.
Comparative joint actions of semicarbazide and thiosemicarbazide on induction of malformations and osteolathyrism in mixtures with benzoic hydrazide

A developed mixture testing protocol, evaluating malformation of Xenopus embryos, was used to examine the joint actions of semicarbazide (SC) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC) with benzoic hydrazide (BZH). These compounds were selected to evaluate the effect of a substitution of sulfur for oxygen on osteolathyrism induced in Xenopus embryos. Binary combinations of SC with BZH and TSC with BZH were tested using three mixture ratios for each combination. Each compound was simultaneously tested alone in 96 h static-renewal tests, starting with late-blastula stage embryos. Toxic unit analysis, evaluating induction of malformations in general and osteolathyrism specifically, indicated the joint action for each combination was concentration addition. The results indicate that the three chemicals are similar and non-interactive and are likely to induce osteolathyrism by the same primary mechanism of action.
Sensitivity to feared stimuli in obsessive-compulsives: A dichotic listening analysis

The experiment reported here was designed to test whether fear-relevant stimuli are preceived more readily than neutral ones, and whether vigilance for the former is due to fear or to familiarity. Eleven obsessive-compulsives were administered a dichotic listening task before and after treatment by exposure and response prevention. Behavioral (button press) and physiological (skin conductance response) measures revealed that fear-relevant words were detected more than neutral words before but not after treatment. Additionally, the magnitude of the skin conductance response was greater to fearrelevant than to neutral targets before but not after treatment. These findings suggest that sensitivity to fear-relevant stimuli is due to fear and not familiarity.
Cue-induced conditioned activity does not incubate but is mediated by the basolateral amygdala.

Abstract Re-exposure to drug-associated cues causes significant drug craving in recovering addicts, which may precipitate relapse. In animal models of craving, drug-seeking responses for contingent delivery of drug-associated cues sensitizes or “incubates” across drug withdrawal. To date there is limited evidence supporting an incubation effect for behaviors mediated by non-contingent presentation of drug-associated cues. Here we used a model of cue-induced conditioned activity to determine if the conditioned locomotor response to a non-contingent presentation of a drug-associated cue sensitizes across drug withdrawal. In addition, because cue-induced drug-seeking responses are mediated by the rostral basolateral amygdala (BLA), we investigated whether this structure is critical for the expression of cue-induced conditioned activity. A conditioned association between cocaine (15 mg/kg) and a compound discrete cue (flashing bicycle light + a metronome) was established over 12 conditioning sessions in male Sprague–Dawley rats. In experiment 1, cue-induced conditioned activity was assessed on 3 occasions: 3, 14 and 28 days following the final drug–cue conditioning session. Cocaine-conditioned rats demonstrated reliable cue-induced conditioned activity across all 3 test sessions, however there was no evidence of an incubation effect. To determine whether repeated testing prevented the observation of an incubation effect, rats in experiment 2 were tested either 3 days or 28 days following conditioning; again no incubation effect was observed. In experiment 3, either saline or the GABA A receptor agonist muscimol was infused prior to testing. Intra-BLA infusions of muscimol prevented the expression of cue-induced conditioned activity. These data support the role of the rBLA in mediating conditioned responses to drug-associated cues. The failure to observe an incubation effect for cue-induced conditioned activity may point to a fundamental difference in the manner by which contingent and non-contingent presentations of drug-associated cues influence behavior.
Physically active academic lessons in elementary children

Abstract Background Although schools are an ideal location to conduct interventions that target children, the emphasis on standardized testing makes it difficult to implement interventions that do not directly support academic instruction. In response, physically active academic lessons have been developed as a strategy to increase physical activity while also addressing core educational goals. Texas I-CAN! is one incarnation of this approach. Methods We will review the on-going research on the impact of these active lessons on: teacher implementation, child step count, child attention control, and academic performance. Results The collected studies support the impact of physically active academic lessons on each area of interest. Conclusions If these data can be replicated, it suggests that teachers might find these lessons of benefit to their primary role as educators, which should ease dissemination of these and other physically active lessons in elementary schools.
Geochronology of a rich early Pleistocene vertebrate fauna, Leisey Shell Pit, Tampa Bay, Florida

Abstract Leisey Shell Pit, on the southeastern edge of Tampa Bay, has produced the largest early Pleistocene vertebrate fauna in North America, consisting of about 30,000 cataloged specimens. The predominantly terrestrial and freshwater vertebrate fauna was transported into an estuarine environment during a regressive phase in an otherwise marine, bay-bottom sequence of sandy shell beds. The biochronological age of the Leisey Shell Pit local fauna is late Sappan (or late early Irvingtonian) based on the presence of such mammalian species as Mammuthus meridionalis and Smilodon gracilis , the absence of any Blancan holdovers, and early records of Lutra, Nothrotheriops, Palaeolama , and a new small glyptodont. Magnetostratigraphy indicates that the entire Pleistocene section at Leisey is reversed and thus presumably accumulated in the post-Olduvai part of the Matuyama Magnetochron (i.e., 1.66 myr or younger). Strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr 86 Sr ) sampled from aragonitic bivalve shells ( Chione cancellata ) trend higher with increasing height in the section, yielding a mean age estimate for the two major bone beds of 1.7 ± 0.35 myr. In combination, these three geochronologic methods provide a high-resolution approach toward age determination and delimit the age of Leisey Shell Pit local fauna as between 1.66 and 1.4 myr.
A general scheme for the automatic inference of variable types

We present the best known algorithm for the determination of run-time types in a programming language requiring no type declarations. We demonstrate that it is superior to other published algorithms and that it is the best possible algorithm from among all those that use the same set of primitive operators.
Interferon-γ Differentially Affects Alzheimer’s Disease Pathologies and Induces Neurogenesis in Triple Transgenic-AD Mice

Inflammatory processes, including the episodic and/or chronic elaboration of cytokines, have been identified as playing key roles in a number of neurological disorders. Whether these activities impart a disease-resolving and/or contributory outcome depends at least in part on the disease context, stage of pathogenesis, and cellular milieu in which these factors are released. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is one such cytokine that produces pleiotropic effects in the brain. It is protective by ensuring maintenance of virus latency after infection, yet deleterious by recruiting and activating microglia that secrete potentially damaging factors at sites of brain injury. Using the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3×Tg-AD), which develops amyloid and tau pathologies in a pattern reminiscent of human Alzheimer's disease, we initiated chronic intrahippocampal expression of IFNγ through delivery of a serotype-1 recombinant adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV1-IFNγ). Ten months of IFNγ expression led to an increase in microglial activation, steady-state levels of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine transcripts, and severity of amyloid-related pathology. In contrast, these rAAV1-IFNγ-treated 3×Tg-AD mice also exhibited diminished phospho-tau pathology and evidence of increased neurogenesis. Overall, IFNγ mediates what seem to be diametrically opposed functions in the setting of AD-related neurodegeneration. Gaining an understanding as to how these apparently divergent functions are interrelated and controlled could elucidate new therapeutic strategies designed to harness the neuroprotective activity of IFNγ.
Pain medication contracts for problem patients.

Abstract Pain manifested by hospital patients is a source of concern for both patients and staff. The staff's attempts to provide reasonable freedom from pain are not always satisfactory to the patient, however. Demands for increasing medication often become struggles between patient and staff for control, and such struggles may seriously interfere with treatment. Pain medication contracts can aid communication and decrease power struggles.
Association of dopamine gene variants, emotion dysregulation and ADHD in autism spectrum disorder

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of dopaminergic gene variants with emotion dysregulation (EMD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3/DAT1) polymorphisms (intron8 5/6 VNTR, 3'-UTR 9/10 VNTR, rs27072 in the 3'-UTR) and one dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) variant (rs2283265) were selected for genotyping based on a priori evidence of regulatory activity or, in the case of DAT1 9/10 VNTR, commonly reported associations with ADHD. A sample of 110 children with ASD was assessed with a rigorously validated DSM-IV-referenced rating scale. Global EMD severity (parents' ratings) was associated with DAT1 intron8 (ηp(2)=.063) and rs2283265 (ηp(2)=.044). Findings for DAT1 intron8 were also significant for two EMD subscales, generalized anxiety (ηp(2)=.065) and depression (ηp(2)=.059), and for DRD2 rs2283265, depression (ηp(2)=.053). DRD2 rs2283265 was associated with teachers' global ratings of ADHD (ηp(2)=.052). DAT1 intron8 was associated with parent-rated hyperactivity (ηp(2)=.045) and both DAT1 9/10 VNTR (ηp(2)=.105) and DRD2 rs2283265 (ηp(2)=.069) were associated with teacher-rated inattention. These findings suggest that dopaminergic gene polymorphisms may modulate EMD and ADHD symptoms in children with ASD but require replication with larger independent samples.
Emerging efforts for discovering new biomarkers of liver disease and hepatotoxicity.

Tremendous & concerted effort has yet to provide the biomarkers needed for patient stratification The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) defines personalized medicine as “the tailoring of medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. It does not literally mean the creation of drugs or medical devices that are unique to a patient, but rather the ability to classify individuals into subpopulations that differ in their susceptibil­ ity to a particular disease or their response to a specific treatment. Preventive or therapeutic interventions can then be concentrated on those who will benefit, sparing expense and side effects for those who will not” [101]. Discovering bio­ markers with high sensitivity and specificity is a vital prerequisite for realizing personalized medi­ cine in such clinical applications as diagnostics and disease classification, treatment selection and prognostics. Notable effort and success in devel­ oping requisite biomarkers has been seen within public, private and academic institutions alike, all aided by and providing more impetus for new molecular technologies [1]. The human liver is an organ critical to human survival and wellbeing, performing vital bio­ logical functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis and production of digestive enzymes. Exposure to drugs and environmental chemicals can cause liver damage and loss of liver function in part or even in whole. Liver diseases associ­ ated with hepatotoxicity are complex, and the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood and manifest in a genetically dependent man­ ner. Diagnosis of liver diseases and detection of hepatotoxicity, especially in early stages, have long been established as paramount goals driv­ ing major, relentless and often concerted research
The Atmospheric Background of Perfluorocarbon Compounds Used as Tracers

There are seven cyclic perfluoroalkane compounds, which can be detected in extremely low concentrations, that are used to track mass movement and transfer in a variety of research and practical applications. They are used in leak detection in underground storage and pipelines and in atmospheric transport and diffusion research on local, regional, and continental scales. They are likely to be a used globally for monitoring carbon sequestration in geological formations. The atmospheric background levels of these compounds must be accurately known, and trends in their concentrations determined for these compounds to be effective in monitoring CO2 reservoirs and because there are environmental concerns about their release. Results of measurements of perfluorocarbon background concentrations from two recent field programs are presented, and trends in these values examined using data collected over the last 25 years. The current atmospheric concentrations of these compounds are in the low parts per quadrillion ...
Transport and the seasonal variation of ozone

The transport mechanisms responsible for the seasonal behavior of total ozone are deduced from the comparison of model results to stratospheric data. The seasonal transport is dominated by a combination of the diabatic circulation and transient planetary wave activity acting on a diffusively and photochemically determined background state. The seasonal variation is not correctly modeled as a diffusive process. The buildup of total ozone at high latitudes during winter is dependent upon transient planetary wave activity of sufficient strength to cause the breakdown of the polar vortex. While midwinter warmings are responsible for enhanced ozone transport to high latitudes, the final warming marking the transition from zonal mean westerlies to zonal mean easterlies is the most important event leading to the spring maximum. The final warming is not followed by reacceleration of the mean flow; so that the ozone transport associated with this event is more pronounced than that associated with midwinter warmings.
A Tetrahedral Transition State at the Active Sites of the 20S Proteasome Is Coupled to Opening of the α-Ring Channel

Intrinsic conformational transitions contribute to the catalytic action of many enzymes. Here we use a single-molecule approach to demonstrate how such transitions are linked to the catalytic sites of the eukaryotic proteasome, an essential protease of the ubiquitin pathway. The active sites of the cylindrical proteasomal core particle are located in a central chamber accessible through gated entry channels. By using atomic force microscopy, we found continual alternation between open and closed gate conformations. We analyzed the relative abundance of these conformers in wild-type and mutated yeast core particles upon exposure to substrates or inhibitors. Our data indicate that the dynamic gate can be opened by allosteric coupling to a tetrahedral transition state at any of the working active centers. The results point to the N(alpha)-amine of the N-terminal active site threonyl residue as the major effector group responsible for triggering the essential conformational switch.