cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recognition and Localization of Overlapping Parts From Sparse Data

This paper discusses how sparse local measurements of positions and surface normals may be used to identify and locate overlapping objects. The objects are modeled as polyhedra (or polygons) having up to six degrees of positional freedom relative to the sensors. The approach operates by examining all hypotheses about pairings between sensed data and object surfaces and efficiently discarding inconsistent ones by using local constraints on: distances between faces, angles between face normals, and angles (relative to the surface normals) of vectors between sensed points. The method described here is an extension of a method for recognition and localization of non-overlapping parts previously developed by the authors.
Pathology of the Umbilical Cord and Major Fetal Vessels. Vestiges of Embryonic Structures

In grouping the pathologic changes of the major fetal vessels together with the pathology of the umbilical cord it is recognized that their development and structure is intimately related. Moreover, an abnormal condition in one, e. g. excessively long cord, is often associated with pathologic events in the other e. g. thrombosis of vessels, and these events are frequently causally related.
Complex FastIVA: a robust maximum likelihood approach of MICA for convolutive BSS

We tackle the frequency-domain blind source separation problem in a way to avoid permutation correction. By exploiting the facts that the frequency components of a signal have some dependency and that the mixing of sources is restricted to each frequency bin, we apply the concept of multidimensional independent component analysis to the problem and propose a new algorithm that separates independent groups of dependent source components. We introduce general entropic contrast functions for this analysis and a corresponding likelihood function with a multidimensional prior that models the dependent frequency components. We assume circularity for the complex variables and derive a fast algorithm by applying Newton’s method learning rule. The algorithm separates mixed sources even in very challenging acoustic settings.
EVOLUCIÓN DE LA REGULACIÓN JURÍDICA DE LA PUBLICIDAD SOBRE MEDICAMENTOS EN ESPAÑA (2001-2011)

RESUMEN La evolucion de la regulacion juridica de la publicidad de los medicamentos en Espana ha experimentado unos avances significativos y una consolidacion durante la decada comprendida entre los anos 2001 y 2011. La pieza clave en esta ordenacion es la Directiva 2001/83/CEE en materia de publicidad de medicamentos para uso humano. Dicha Directiva Europea ha sido incorporada, durante este periodo, en la totalidad de los paises de la Union, de modo que con ella se establecen las bases que contribuyen a dotar de seguridad juridica tanto a los intereses de los consumidores y usuarios como a los de la industria farmaceutica en su pretension de utilizar la publicidad y la promocion como instrumento para aumentar sus ventas. En estos diez anos, la Directiva ha sido modificada en cuatro ocasiones, y se han ido anadiendo pequenas aportaciones. En la ultima revision se volvio a considerar la propuesta representada por el lobby de la industria farmaceutica para permitir la “informacion” directa a los consumidores. Previamente, el Parlamento Europeo habia rechazado una propuesta similar a la posibilidad de realizar publicidad directa al consumidor, tal como ocurre en Estados Unidos y en Nueva Zelanda. Este capitulo analiza la evolucion de la regulacion de la publicidad de los medicamentos y finaliza con la sintesis de dicha regulacion vigente en el ano 2011. ABSTRACT The evolution of the legal regulation of medicines publicity in Spain has undergone significant advances and consolidation along the decade 2001-2011. The key element in this ordering is the Directive 2001/83/EC on the publicity of medicinal products for human use. This European Directive has been built, during this period, in all the countries of the European Union, so with it was put the bases to contribute to provide legal certainty to the interests of consumers and users and of the pharmaceutical industry in its attempt to use publicity and promotion as a tool to increase it sales. In these ten years, the Directive has been amended four times, with the adding of small contributions. In the last revision was re-consider the proposal represented by the pharmaceutical industry lobby to allow the direct “information” to consumers. Previously, the European Parliament rejected a similar proposal about the possibility to offer direct publicity to consumer, as happens in the United States and New Zealand. This chapter analyzes the evolution of regulation of advertising of medicines and concludes with the synthesis of the current regulation in 2011.
Critical Evaluation of Scientific Websites by High School Students

This study describes an instructional intervention in which high school biology students learned to develop criteria for critically evaluating science Websites and scientific information contained in them. Results indicated that the process of learning to critically evaluate Websites was what was most valuable to them. Students’ lists of criteria for critically evaluating Websites were more extensive after instruction. Furthermore, the majority of students reported learning something new, indicated that they would spend more time evaluating scientific information on Websites, and reported increased confidence in their ability to evaluate scientific information on the Web.
Correlates of employment among welfare recipients: do psychological characteristics and attitudes matter?

This study examines whether and how a wide range of potential barriers to work, including psychological characteristics and attitudes, are associated with current employment in a recent sample of welfare recipients in Michigan (ND 672). Psychological factors include measures of depressive symptoms, work attitudes, and perceived risks associated with leaving welfare. Over and above demographic, economic, and contextual factors, positive psychological characteristics and attitudes were found to be moderately associated with currently being employed. Implications for welfare-to-work programs and policy are discussed.
The Descriptive Set Theory of σ - Ideals of Compact Sets

We present here a survey of the definability theory of σ-ideals of closed sets in compact metric spaces and its structural implications. We also include proofs of some recent results in this area.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Immune therapy for cancer has evolved significantly in the past several decades. With the recent dramatic successes of novel immune modulating agents in certain cancers, the scientific community has redoubled efforts to expand the impact of these treatments for more patients. Cancer vaccines have been developed and tested in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers for more than two decades, mostly with little success. As a result, there has been little interest or investment in this field of research. However, now that opportunities for combination immune therapies have become more attractive, having an understanding of the past work in cancer vaccines is critical (Fig. 3.1). In this chapter, we will review the most important and representative results of cancer vaccine research in GI cancers. The fundamentals of this work will not only serve future GI cancer research, but also other tumour types.
Starch gel electrophoresis of plant isozymes : a comparative analysis of techniques

Analysed in the review are methods and guidelines for enzyme extraction, effective storage of plant samples and buffers, efficient screening of taxa for enzymatic activity, and interpretation of diploid and polyploid banding patterns
Postplacental or delayed levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion and breast-feeding duration.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of timing of postpartum levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) insertion on breast-feeding continuation. STUDY DESIGN: Women interested in using a levonorgestrel IUD postpartum were randomized to immediate postplacental insertion (postplacental group) or insertion 6-8 weeks after vaginal delivery (delayed group). Duration and exclusivity of breast-feeding were assessed at 6-8 weeks 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Only women who received an IUD were included in this analysis. RESULTS: Breast-feeding was initiated by 32 (64%) of 50 of women receiving a postplacental IUD and 27 (58.7%) of 46 of women receiving a delayed IUD (p=.59). More women in the delayed group compared with the postplacental group continued to breast-feed at 6-8 weeks (16/46 vs. 15/50 p=.62) 3 months (13/46 vs. 7/50 p=.13) and 6 months postpartum (11/46 vs. 3/50 p=.02). The results did not differ when only women who initiated breast-feeding or only primiparous women with no prior breast-feeding experience were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD is associated with shorter duration of breast-feeding and less exclusive breast-feeding. Further studies on the effects of early initiation of progestin-only methods on womens lactation experience are needed. Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reactions to decholin in circulation time determination.

Abstract 1. 1. The histories of three patients who suffered three different types of allergic or allergic-like reactions to Decholin, when used in circulation time determinations, are presented. 2. 2. It is concluded that: (a) Decholin, as used in the determination of circulation time, is capable of producing allergic-like reactions. (b) No patient with a history of allergy should be subjected to the Decholin method of determining the circulation time. (c) By eliminating those patients with asthma, much of its value is lost. (d) Allergy or allergic-like reactions may occur in patients without history of allergy. (e) Patients may be sensitized to Decholin and at least potentially dangerous consequences may result.
iStent surgery as an option for mild to moderate glaucoma

Surgery with the iStent (Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA, USA), a trabecular bypass stent, has been added as an option for the treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma. It is a 1 mm titanium stent used to directly shunt aqueous from the anterior chamber into Schlemm’s canal. The published literature indicates that it can be used in open-angle glaucomas to achieve an IOP in the mid-teens. No vision threatening complications related to the device have been reported.
The p21-Ras signal transduction pathway and growth regulation in human high-grade gliomas.

Deregulated p21-Ras function, as a result of mutation, overexpression or growth factor-induced overactivation, contributes to at least 30% of human cancer. This article reviews the potential role of the p21-Ras family of GTPases in the regulation of growth of high-grade gliomas and describes how targeting this oncoprotein clinically may provide a novel strategy to counteract glioma proliferation. The application of strategies directed at selectively opposing the deregulated signal transduction pathway of high-grade gliomas may be of potential therapeutic benefit and may offer a whole new arsenal of antineoplastic agents to be included in the multimodal treatment of these challenging neoplasms.
Making the least of our differences? Trends in local economic development in Ontario and Michigan, 1990–2005

: This paper examines trends in local economic development policies in Canadian and US cities over the past fifteen years. Using data drawn from surveys conducted at four points in time - 1990, 1994, 2001, and 2005 - the study provides a longitudinal assessment of change versus stability in overall approach toward economic development. Findings indicate that Canadian and US cities have followed relatively similar trajectories in the extent to which they use particular economic development policies. Overall, the most common economic development policies in both nations have been and continue to be very similar: infrastructure investment generally, land development, basic promotion, and the use of special events to attract and retain businesses and residents and to promote the community. Thus, there is a visible pattern of the “least of differences” among cities in Michigan and Ontario in their development strategies and approaches. Sommaire: Le present article examine les tendances qui se sont degagees des politiques de developpement economique local dans les villes canadiennes et americaines, au cours des quinze dernieres annees. A l'aide des donnees tirees de sondages realises a quatre moments differents, a savoir en 1990, 1994, 2001 et 2005, l‘etude fournit une evaluation longitudinale des changements par rapport a la stabilite dans l'approche globale a l’egard du developpement economique. Les resultats indiquent que les villes canadiennes et americaines ont suivi des trajectoires relativement similaires dans la mesure ou elles ont recours a des politiques de developpement economique particulieres. Dans l'ensemble, les politiques de developpement economique les plus courantes dans ces deux pays ont ete et continuent d‘etre tres similaires: l'investissement dans l'infrastructure en general, l'amenagement du territoire, la promotion de base, et le recours a des evenements speciaux pour attirer et retenir les entreprises et les residents et pour promouvoir la communaute. Ainsi, il existe parmi certaines villes du Michigan et de l'Ontario un modele visible de la “moindre des differences” dans leurs strategies et leurs methodes de developpement.
Phase-II trial of tamoxifen in advanced breast cancer

Seventy-eight advanced breast cancer patients, most of whom had had prior treatment, were treated with the synthetic antiestogen tamoxifen. The overall objective response rate was 27% (21/78). An additional 19% (15/78) showed disease stabilization. Sixty-seven percent (14/21) of the responses were in soft tissue sites, 24% (5/21) on bony sites and one each occurred in liver and nodular lung disease. Forty percent of patients with soft-tissue disease alone responded, while 10% of patients with visceral disease showed responses in visceral sites. The response rate was 28% among patients with a known positive estrogen receptor (ER) assay. It was 21% among patients who had previously received cytotoxic drugs. Toxicity was mild and was seen in nausea and vomiting, hot flushes and vaginal bleeding, and occasional myelosuppression. One patient was withdrawn from the study because of a rash. In two patients the disease flared, once with concomitant hypercalcemia. Tamoxifen is a useful agent for advanced breast cancer even in some patients with visceral disease.
Prochievement Testing of Speaking

Today's language teacher emphasizes, among other things, the development of students' oral skills. Therefore, many teachers are seeking or innovating ways to test the speaking skill while (1) overcoming perennial problems such as the lack of time and the subjectivity of grading, and (2) finding effective ways of making achievement testing more proficiency oriented. The author presents a practical oral testing model which she researched, developed, implemented, disseminated, piloted, and refined in a variety of middle school, secondary, and university settings in Texas over the past six years. The author presents an outline of the principal considerations involved in establishing an oral testing program and covers a range of options under each heading. Major concerns discussed include: fitting speaking tests into the syllabus and course grade, linking teaching and testing approaches (with sample formats), testing interactive and individual performance, new versus old material, and impromptu versus prepared performance. Also covered are: sample size, scoring at various levels (with sample scales), partnering procedures, the role of tapes, scheduling, planning (with sample guide), and predicted outcomes.
Parathyroid hormone induces transcription of collagenase in rat osteoblastic cells by a mechanism using cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and requiring protein synthesis.

Collagenase is synthesized and secreted by rat osteoblastic cells in response to PTH. We have previously demonstrated that this effect involves a substantial increase in collagenase mRNA via transcription. Northern blots and nuclear run-on assays were performed to further investigate the induction of collagenase by PTH in the rat osteoblastic cell line UMR 106-01. Detectable amounts of collagenase mRNA were not apparent until 2 h of PTH treatment, showed the greatest abundance at 4 h, and declined to approximately 30% of maximum by 8 h. The changes in the rate of transcription of the collagenase gene in response to PTH paralleled and preceded the changes in the steady state mRNA levels. After an initial lag period of about 1 h, collagenase transcription rates increased from very low levels to a maximal response at 2 h, returning to about 50% of maximum by 10 h. The increased transcriptional rate of the collagenase gene was found to be dependent on the concentration of PTH, with a half-maximal response at approximately 7 x 10(-10) M rat PTH-(1-34) and a maximal effect with a dose of 10(-8) M. The PTH-mediated induction of collagenase transcriptional activity was completely abolished by cycloheximide, while transcription of the beta-actin gene was unaffected by the translation inhibitor. These data suggest that a protein factor(s) is required for PTH-mediated transcriptional induction of collagenase. Since PTH increases intracellular levels of several potential second messengers, agents that mimic these substances were employed to determine which signal transduction pathway is predominant in the PTH-mediated stimulation of collagenase transcription.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).
Excretion of N-acetylethionine sulfoxide by rats treated with ethionine

Abstract N-Acetylethionine sulfoxide contained about 90% of the radioactivity excreted in the urine of control rats injected with [Et-1-14C]-ethionine. N-Acetylethionine sulfoxide was identified on the basis of its chromatography on paper with the chemically synthesized compound, its deacetylation to ethionine sulfoxide, and its reduction to N-acetylethionine. N-Acetylethionine sulfoxide was also the primary excretion product of control rats injected with [14C]ethinine sulfoxide. Injected N-[ 14 C ]- acetylethionine sulfoxide was almost quantitatively recovered in the urine. When either [Et-1-14C]ethionine of [14C]ethionine sulfoxide was injected into ethione-fed rats, about half of the radioactivity was excreted as ethione sufloxide and half as N-acetylethionine sulfoxide. N-[ 14 C ] Acethylethionine sulfoxide injected into ethionine-fed rats was excreted as N-acetylethionine sulfoxide. The major pathway for the metabolism of ethionine by the rat appears to be: ethionine→ethionine sulfoxide→ N-Acetylethionine sulfoxide.
Imaging steep, high structures by scanning force microscopy with electron beam deposited tips

Abstract Probe tips for the scanning force microscope (SFM) were fabricated using the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to deposit thin carbon microtips on the end of commercially available silicon nitride SFM cantilevers. The microtips are made by aligning the electron beam directly down the axis of the original, pyramidal tip, and allowing carbon deposits to grow. In SEM micrographs the tips are approximately conical at their points, with typical end diameters of about 30 nm and cone angles of about 15°, and become cylindrical further down the shank, with diameters on the order of 0.1 μm. SFM images of steep, high test gratings which were made using these tips are accurately imaged, especially compared to the original, unaltered tips without a deposited microtip. Short tips were found to be quite robust: it is possible to scan at high speeds without damaging them, and, by applying high force, create small-scale furrows in metal-coated sample surfaces, again without damaging the tips.
Nutritional Value of Wet Corn Gluten Feed for Sheep and Lactating Dairy Cows

Experiments were conducted to determine digestibility of wet corn gluten feed in sheep and effect of wet corn gluten feed on DM intake, milk production, and milk composition by dairy cows. In Trial 1, six wethers were fed wet corn gluten feed at maintenance and ad libitum for determination of nutrient digestibility by the conventional 7-d total collection technique. The sheep ate 1.32 times maintenance at ad libitum intake and no significant differences were found in digestibility due to intake. Digestibilities of DM, organic matter, energy, CP, ether extract, ADF, NDF, and hemicellulose averaged 70.3, 73.0, 73.7, 78.3, 72.8, 51.4, 58.1, and 60.4%, respectively. Mean total digestible nutrients for both treatments was 70.3. In Trial 2, 12 Holstein cows in mid to late lactation were allotted to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Cows were fed a total mixed ration twice daily. Wet corn gluten feed was fed at 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30% of the total ration DM. There were no significant treatment effects on DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. Dry matter intake (kg/d), milk production (kg/d), and percent milk fat were 21.4, 22.9, and 3.71, respectively, for control; 21.4, 23.0, and 3.80 for the 10%; 21.0, 23.1, and 3.71 for the 20%; and 21.0, 23.2, and 3.89 for the 30% wet corn gluten feed.
The physician's conscience.

Lawrence and Curlin claim that we fail to resolve issues about medical professionals' claims to rights of conscience because we do not attend appropriately “to the possibility that disputants are o...
UCSD’s Short-Term Research Training Programs for Trainees at Different Levels of Career Development

Objective There is a critical need for new researchers in psychiatry, including subspecialties such as geriatric psychiatry. Many existing research training programs focus on post-doctoral-level trainees and involve several years of hands-on research with experienced mentors at major universities. Although valuable, such programs have some limitations in expanding the pool of investigators in specific areas. In this article, the authors describe several successful short-term research training programs.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. II. Single agent chemotherapy.

A retrospective analysis of 110 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who received one or more courses of single agent chemotherapy was conducted to determine the relationship between the histopathologic category of lymphoma, based on the scheme of Rappaport et al., and the results of chemotherapy. The data were most complete for oral alkylating agents. Complete tumor regressions occurred significantly more often in patients with nodular lymphomas than diffuse (p < 0.01) and were of longer duration. Responses and survival after the initiation of chemotherapy correlated closely with the histopathologic category of lymphoma ranging from a 5% complete response (CR) rate in patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma to a 48% CR rate in patients with nodular lymphocytic poorly differentiated lymphoma. The latter group exhibited a median survival of 60+ months from the initiation of chemotherapy. This study emphasizes the need to employ the more precise histologic classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas according to the criteria of Rappaport et al. in the design and interpretation of future prospective chemotherapy trials in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Earthquakes resulting from metastable phase transitions

Abstract Deep and intermediate earthquakes cannot be explained in terms of slow accumulation and sudden release of stress because relaxation rates in the earth's mantle are such that accumulation of stress over a long period of time does not appear likely. Consequently, sudden volume changes due to phase transitions in the mantle have been suggested as a possible energy source for these earthquakes. However, a phase transition at equilibrium pressure and temperature cannot result in the spontaneous release of energy because the rate of appearance of the new phase is determined by the rate at which energy enters or leaves the system. Thus a sudden release of free energy requires a spontaneous change from the metastable state. Slow currents in the earth's mantle contained between phase discontinuities could generate effects resulting in the transport of a mineral assemblage from one pressure-temperature environment to another. If the pressurevolume changes in these currents are essentially adiabatic the pressuretemperature environment near a phase discontinuity would be favourable for spontaneous phase transitions, even though the environment at the phase discontinuity in the surrounding mantle was that of equilibrium. Thus, the hypothesis that deep and intermediate earthquakes are triggered by sudden volume changes is consistent with thermodynamic considerations.
Attempted control of hyperglycemia during cardiopulmonary bypass fails to improve neurologic or neurobehavioral outcomes in patients without diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective Hyperglycemia worsens outcomes in critical illness. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial tested whether insulin treatment of hyperglycemia during cardiopulmonary bypass would reduce neurologic, neuro-ophthalmologic, and neurobehavioral outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods Three hundred eighty-one nondiabetic patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were given infusions of insulin or placebo when their blood glucose concentration exceeded 100 mg/dL during cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome measure was the combined incidence of new neurologic, neuro-ophthalmologic, or neurobehavioral deficits or neurologic death observed at 4 to 8 days postoperatively. This same measure was assessed secondarily at 6 weeks and 6 months. Length of hospital stay was also compared as a secondary assessment. Results The 2 groups were well matched at baseline. The insulin-treated group had significantly lower blood glucose concentrations during bypass. Sixty-six percent of subjects in the insulin-treated group and 67% of subjects in the control group demonstrated a new or worsening neurologic, neuro-ophthalmologic, or neurobehavioral deficit or neurologic death at the 4- to 8-day assessment. Outcomes were also similar in the 2 groups at 6 weeks (37% and 39% incidence, respectively) and 6 months (30% and 25%, respectively). Median lengths of stay were 7 and 6 days, respectively, in the treatment and control groups. None of these outcome differences was statistically significant. Conclusion Attempted control of hyperglycemia during cardiopulmonary bypass had no significant effect on the combined incidence of neurologic, neuro-ophthalmologic, or neurobehavioral deficits or neurologic death and failed to shorten the length of hospital stay. These results do not contradict those of other studies showing that aggressive control of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period will improve outcome.
What makes a binding site a binding site

Organic probe molecules have recently been used to define hydrophobic binding sites on the surface of proteins. It appears that the presence of water on the surface of a protein plays a crucial role in the interaction between that protein and its binding site.
Penicillin as a Prophylactic in Abdominal Surgery.

SummaryPenicillin given by the intraperitoneal route in a single dose of one hundred thousand Oxford units is detectable in the blood stream 3 to 7 hours in 5 cases, and one to 2 hours in 2 cases in sufficient amounts to neutralize penicillin sensitive invaders in abdominal surgery.
Structural and functional conservation of fungal MatA and human SRY sex-determining proteins

Sex determination in animals and fungi is regulated by specific sex-determining genes. The Aspergillus nidulans mating type gene matA and the human SRY (Sex-Determining Region Y) encode proteins containing a single HMG (high-mobility group) domain. Analysis of the amino-acid sequence of MatA and SRY transcription factors revealed significant structural similarity. The human SRY protein is able to functionally replace MatA and drives the sexual cycle in the fungus A. nidulans. Functional studies indicate that SRY drives early fruiting body development, and hybrid MatA protein carrying the SRY HMG box is fully capable of driving both early and late stages of sexual development, including gametogenesis. Our data suggest that SRY and MatA are both structurally and functionally related and conserved in regulating sexual processes. The fundamental mechanisms driving evolution of the genetic pathways underlying sex determination, sex chromosomes and sexual reproduction in eukaryotes appear similar.
Clothing outshopping in a rural Western community

Statistics reveal that over half of all women are gainfully employed outside the home. Professional working women have a certain status to maintain and it is reasonable to assume that their clothing needs might differ from women who are employed in other occupations and who remain in the home. Recent research has shown that considerable shopping occurs out of the local retail trade area (termed outshopping). Product-specific outshopping research has revealed clothing to be a product consumers are willing to out-shop to obtain. Professionally employed women might have to resort to outshopping more often than the other women in order to meet their clothing needs. For this project outshopping was defined to be the percentage of shopping which occurred at least 50 miles from the test site. This research represents the combined efforts of a graduate class studying trends in fashion merchandising; a telephone survey was developed and conducted by the class and responses from 100 female consumers were analysed using multiple step-wise regression. It was predicted and found that clothing outshopping behaviour could be significantly predicted by the degree of satisfaction with local retailing and number of children remaining in the home. Including the two variables professional/non-professional working status, and the age of female respondent as predictors, did not significantly improve the ability to predict outshopping behaviour. The implications for retailers are discussed.
NBI 30775 (R121919), an orally active antagonist of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) type-1 receptor for the treatment of anxiety and depression

Since the discovery of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), extensive research has attempted to provide novel treatment strategies for diseases related to the malfunctions of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) system. In depression, cerebrospinal fluid levels of CRF are higher than that in normal individuals. Specifically, increased CRF signaling via the CRF1 receptor is thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of major depression and anxiety disorders. Consequently, a number of compounds have been in various stages of development targeting the postulated overactivity of CRF/CRF1-receptor signaling. NBI 30775, also known as R121919, is a potent, selective, and functional antagonist of the human CRF1 receptor that was being developed as a potentially novel treatment for anxiety and depression. In pharmacological assays in vitro, NBI 30775 was shown to be a potent functional antagonist at the CRF1 receptor, while having little affinity at the CRF2 receptor subtype. In animal studies, this translated into central CRF1 receptor inhibition determined by ex vivo binding studies. NBI 30775 was able to reduce stress-induced elevations of plasma ACTH. It also exhibited behavioral effects in several animal models measuring both anxiety and depression, which included elevate plus maze, defense withdrawal, and tail suspension tests. Finally, in an open-label dose-escalation Phase 2a clinical study in patients with major depressive disorder, NBI 30775 was able to reduce the scores on self-rated or physician-administered depression scales in the patients. Although there were no untoward effects seen in the Phase 2a study, the clinical development of this compound was discontinued because of a reversible elevation of liver enzyme activity in two healthy volunteers in a parallel Phase I dose-escalation study. This first clinical experience has certainly had a positive impact in the efforts to find a safe CRF1 receptor antagonist as a novel therapeutic for depression- and anxiety-related disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 65:216–226, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cytokine and lymphocyte activation during experimental acute pyelonephritis.

We studied the cellular and humoral events which follow experimental acute pyelonephritis from P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to gain insight into the relationships among cells and specifically cytokines to determine how early events in untreated infection lead to renal damage. Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys were studied after they were subjected to unilateral ureteral bacterial inoculation. We evaluated the blood for leukocytosis and studied lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies to the subsets and serum, complement, cytokines and antibody titers. Interleukin-1, 2, and 6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Leukocytosis was marked and there were significant elevations in serum cytokines, interleukin-1α, 2 and 6 with only small changes in the level of TNF. Interleukin-2 levels were sustained and may have upregulated the homing receptor for virgin lymphocytes. The studies illustrated the unique relationship between cytokines and lymphocytes and the response to bacterial infection, showing that the inflammatory response is regulated not only by cytokine activity but also by lymphocyte activation.
Quantitative autoradiographic study on the RNA synthesis in the neurons after mercury intoxication

Abstract Adult male mice were injected with methylmercuric chloride (CH3HgCl) at a daily dosage of 1.0 mg/kg body weight. After 3 weeks, [3H]-uridine was injected into these animals which were then killed at 1 hr and 24 hr. The dorsal root ganglia at L3–L5 were dissected out for quantitative autoradiographic analysis. It was found that although the activity for the RNA to migrate from the nucleus into the cytoplasm was not changed, there was a marked reduction in the uridine incorporation by the nerve cells indicating a decreased RNA synthetic activity. This decreased RNA synthetic activity is believed to be responsible, at least in part, for the marked reduction of RNA content in these neurons after mercury intoxication.
Factors underlying the increased sensitivity to field stimulation of urinary bladder strips from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Abstract 1. The responses of bladder strips from control, streptozotocin-diabetic, and sucrose-drinking rats to electrical field stimulation were investigated. Sucrose-drinking rats were included as additional controls because they have enlarged bladders as a result of non-diabetic diuresis. 2. Bladder strips from diabetic rats developed more spontaneous activity than those from the two control groups. Indomethacin reduced the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions suggesting that they resulted from endogenous prostaglandin formation. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) had little effect, while alpha, beta-methylene ATP caused increases in spontaneous activity. 3. Bladder strips from diabetic rats responded to field stimulation with greater contractions than controls in the absence of antagonists as well as in the presence of atropine and alpha, beta-methylene ATP. Increasing TTX concentrations caused a step-wise depression of the contractile response to electrical stimulation which was not affected by preincubation with either atropine or alpha, beta-methylene ATP. 4. Atropine and indomethacin had no effect on strength-duration curves constructed to measure threshold contractile responses to five pulses stimulation. The curves were shifted to the right by both TTX and alpha, beta-methylene ATP, indicating that the responses were neurogenic in nature and at least partially, the result of stimulation of P2-purinoceptors. In the absence of drugs, bladder strips from diabetics responded at lower voltages and pulse widths than those of control and sucrose-drinking rats, suggesting that they were more excitable. 5. The response curve of bladder strips from diabetics to field stimulation at increasing voltage was shifted upwards and to the left compared to strips from control or sucrose-drinking rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sulfhydryl proteins of penguin egg white: Ovalbumin and penalbumin. Comparisons with penguin serum albumin, chicken ovalbumin, and bovine serum albumin

Penalbumin (PEN), a newly discovered sulfhydryl-containing glycoprotein from egg whites of penguins(Sphenisciformes), is a major constituent of all penguin egg whites studied, but it is low or very low in most other egg whites studied. Adelie penguin(Pygoscelis adeliae) egg white contains ∼30% ovalbumin (POVAL) and 25% PEN, while chicken egg white contains ∼55% ovalbumin (COVAL) and <0.01% PEN. PEN has a molecular weight of 61,000 and contains 15% carbohydrate and two sulfhydryl groups, but no phosphates. POVAL has a molecular weight of 48,000 and contains 7% carbohydrate, three sulfhydryl groups, and one phosphate. Penguin serum albumin (PSA) has properties which are very similar to bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the composition and properties of PEN were suggestive of an ancestral relationship to POVAL and COVAL. PEN reacts slowly with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), while POVAL reacts rapidly. On simultaneous addition of DTNB and cystamine (β,β′-diaminodiethyl disulfide) the rate of reaction with PEN was increased, but not with POVAL.
Biotransformation of furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 during butanol fermentation

The ability of fermenting microorganisms to tolerate furan aldehyde inhibitors (furfural and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF)) will enhance efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates to fuels and chemicals. The effect of furfural and HMF on butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum 824 was investigated. Whereas specific growth rates, μ, of C. acetobutylicum in the presence of furfural and HMF were in the range of 15-85% and 23-78%, respectively, of the uninhibited Control, μ increased by 8-15% and 23-38% following exhaustion of furfural and HMF in the bioreactor. Using high performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometric assays, batch fermentations revealed that furfural and HMF were converted to furfuryl alcohol and 2,5-bis-hydroxymethylfuran, respectively, with specific conversion rates of 2.13g furfural and 0.50g HMF per g (biomass) per hour, by exponentially growing C. acetobutylicum. Biotransformation of these furans to lesser inhibitory compounds by C. acetobutylicum will probably enhance overall fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates to butanol.
Tandem radical addition reactions to substituted indoles under atom-transfer and oxidative conditions

Abstract The dimethyl methylmalonyl radical was generated upon photolysis of dimethyl bromomethylmalonate or treatment of dimethyl methylmalonate with Mn(OAc) 3 ·2 H 2 O. This radical was added to an exocyclic olefin appended to 1-acyl or 3-acyl indoles, with subsequent cyclization to generate 1,2- or 2,3- fused indole derivatives, respectively.
Postnatal maternal cortisol levels predict temperament in healthy breastfed infants.

Abstract Background The implications of the biologically active elements in breast milk for the breastfed infant are largely unknown. Animal models suggest that ingestion of glucocorticoids during the neonatal period influences fear behavior and modifies brain development. Aims To determine the association between postnatal maternal cortisol levels and temperament in breastfed infants. Study design The relation between maternal cortisol and infant temperament was examined in breastfed and formula-fed infants. Plasma cortisol was used as a surrogate measure for breast milk cortisol levels (plasma and milk levels are correlated in the 0.6 to 0.7 range; [Patacchioli FR, Cigliana G, Cilumbriello A, Perrone G, Capri O, Alema GS, et al. Maternal plasma and milk free cortisol during the first 3 days of breast-feeding following spontaneous delivery or elective cesarean section. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigations 1992;34:159-163.]. If exposure to elevated cortisol levels during infancy influences temperament, then a relation between the two should be found among the breastfed infants, but not among the formula-fed infants. Subjects Two hundred fifty-three two-month-old infants and their mothers. Outcome measures Fearful temperament assessed with the Infant Behavior Questionnaire [Garstein MR, Rothbart MK. Studying infant temperament via the revised infant behavior questionnaire. Infant Behavior and Development 2003;26:64-86]. Results Among the breastfed infants, higher maternal cortisol levels were associated with reports of increased infant fear behavior (partial r = 0.2; p Conclusions The findings are consistent with our proposal that exposure to cortisol in breast milk influences infant temperament. Biologically active components in breast milk may represent one avenue through which the mother shapes the development of the human infant during the postnatal period.
Phosphorus and fluorine NMR examination of the anesthetized newt (Notopthalamus viridescens).

Abstract 1. We have examined newts by 19 F-NMR using the anesthetic halothane as a probe and in another set of experiments taken 31P-NMR spectra under similar conditions. 2. The spectra were recorded from the animal's tail. 3. The water soluble 31 P-NMR signals point to little difference between anesthetized and unanesthetized newts except for the potential disappearance of two pools of inorganic phosphate in the anesthetized animals. 4. The 19 F spectra show two anesthetic populations in the tail which the phosphorus spectra suggest arise from populations of halothane in muscle and in lipid.
Direct maximum likelihood localization for FBMC modulated signals

Filterbank Multicarrier (FBMC) modulation is a potential candidate for cognitive radio (CR) wireless networks due to its high spectrum efficiency and low interference among neighboring bands. Within the CR network it is important that the base station (BS) can localize the mobile station (MS) to better distribute radio resources. While most research has focused on interference within the FBMC network, We present a novel technique based on direct maximum likelihood (ML) position estimation which uses previously measured channel statistics to estimate MS locations by combining received signals from several BS. Our previous work has shown that this kind of direct ML estimation method outperforms conventional methods based on TOA estimation in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Here we demonstrate how this technique can be adapted to the FBMC system.
Feasibility of a reactive distillation column with ternary mixtures

We develop feasibility criteria for reactive distillation systems in terms of phase and reaction equilibria. A reactive distillation column with the liquid-phase reaction R1 + R2 ↔ P1 can be feasib...
Elderly Jews and Happiness With Locale

This study analyzes neighborhood attachment and satisfaction within the foundations of preference theory—that is, utility analysis. This framework considers an individual's utility function, a construct that relates attachment and satisfaction to the consumption of goods and services. We demonstrate that utility functions can help to predict the individual's bond to the neighborhood. The sample population includes 268 elderly Jews residing in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Bonds to place increase with increasing age. Bonds decrease when residents perceive the neighborhood to be unsafe during the day. The percentage of Blacks is a significant predictor of bonds to place.
Immune defects in simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract We recently reported a Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SAIDS) in rhesus macaques at the California Primate Research Center. Here, we studied in vitro lymphocyte response to the mitogens Concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) with and without interleukin 2 (IL-2). Immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion. T helper and T suppressor lymphocytes were identified with the monoclonal antibodies OKT4 and OKT8. Concentrations of IgG and IgM were significantly (p Both the humoral and cell mediated immune responses are affected in SAIDS. The role of IL-2 in this immune defect must be studied further.
Anxiety-inhibiting statements and relaxation combined in two cases of speech anxiety

Abstract Two speech anxious college students were treated by a program in which anxiety-evoking situations were imagined in hierarchical order. The anxiety was counteracted by a combination of anxiety-inhibiting statements and muscle relaxation. The subjects reported marked decrease of anxiety in public speaking and related situations, both after treatment and at a 1-yr follow-up.
Half-life and decay of the long-lived isomer of Eu-150

The half-life of the long-lived isomer of $sup 150$Eu has been measured to be 35.8 +- 1.0 yr. Two methods were used for the measurements. In the first, the $sup 150$Eu half-life was measured relative to that of $sup 147$Eu, $sup 148$Eu, $sup 149$Eu, and $sup 152$Eu by measuring the atom ratios and disintegration-rate ratios in a mixed tracer solution using mass-spectrometric and Ge(Li) counting techniques. The second method involved studying the $gamma$ spectrum of three mass-separated $sup 150$Eu sources over periods of up to 6.1 yr with several NaI(Tl) detectors. No evidence was found for the 6.2 yr half-life which has been previously reported for $sup 150$Eu.
SUBACUTE CANNABINOID TREATMENT: ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY AND WITHDRAWAL EXCITABILITY IN MICE

1 The effects of subacute treatment with cannabidiol, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC), phenytoin and phenobarbitone on anticonvulsant activity and on withdrawal excitability in mice were compared in three electrically induced seizure-threshold tests. 2 In the maximal electroshock-threshold test, subacute treatment did not alter the anticonvulsant activity of cannabidiol, phenytoin or phenobarbitone, but tolerance developed to delta 9-THC. 3 In the 60 Hz electroshock-threshold test, the activity of delta 9-THC and cannabidiol did not change, but tolerance developed to phenobarbitone, and there was an increase in sensitivity to phenytoin. 4 In the 6 Hz electroshock-threshold test, there was an increase in sensitivity to both delta 9-THC and cannabidiol, there was tolerance to phenobarbitone, while the activity of phenytoin did not change. 5 Although tolerance developed in some of the seizure-threshold tests to delta 9-THC and phenobarbitone, tolerance to cannabidiol and phenytoin did not develop in any of the tests. 6 Hyperexcitability followed withdrawal from only delta 9-THC (6 Hz and 60 Hz electroshock-threshold tests) and phenobarbitone (maximal electroshock-threshold and 60 Hz electroshock-threshold tests). 7 The delta 9-THC withdrawal hyperexcitability suggests that the use of marihuana may jeopardize the control of seizures in epileptics.