cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Task instructions and strategy transfer in the directed forgetting performance of mentally retarded adolescents

Abstract The influence of task explanation on strategy transfer was studied in educable mentally retarded adolescents (13 to 15 years old). A directed forgetting task was used in which the person was required to recall short sequences of picture names. In some sequences there was a cue to forget the first few pictures (irrelevant information) and to remember only the subsequent pictures (relevant information). During the first session the amount of explanation given the directed forgetting task was varied, and during the second, some of the subjects were trained to rehearse in a simple sequential memory task. Transfer of training was then examined on a retest of the directed forgetting task. The majority of subjects trained to rehearse and given a minimal explanation of the directed forgetting task maintained the strategy on trials which were identical to those used during rehearsal training, but failed to generalize the strategy on other trials. The results indicate that providing a full explanation of the task requirements does not assure strategy generalization, but providing only a minimal explanation makes strategy generalization unlikely.
Tachyons in σ-models

We analyze the O(N) symmetric σ-model in four dimensions with and without external source in the large-N approximation. We show that tachyons appear in these models only if cut-off effects are neglected. Including these effects and incorporating the triviality of the σ-model, we demonstrate that no tachyon pole exists. We discuss how our results affect recent ideas to circumvent the “no-loose-corollary” for WLWL scattering.
Upper-Ocean Inertial Currents Forced by a Strong Storm. Part I: Data and Comparisons with Linear Theory

Abstract A strong, isolated October storm generated 0.35–0.7 m s−1 inertia] frequency currents in the 40-m deep mixed layer of a 300 km×300 km region of the northeast Pacific Ocean. The authors describe the evolution of these currents and the background flow in which they evolve for nearly a month following the storm. Instruments included CTD profilers, 36 surface drifters, an array of 7 moorings, and air-deployed velocity profilers. The authors then test whether the theory of linear internal waves propagating in a homogeneous ocean can explain the observed evolution of the inertial frequency currents. The subinertial frequency flow is weak, with typical currents of 5 cm s−1, and steady over the period of interest. The storm generates inertial frequency currents in and somewhat below the mixed layer with a horizontal scale much larger than the Rossby radius of deformation, reflecting the large-scale and rapid translation speed of the storm. This scale is too large for significant linear propagation of the...
Galactic archeology: Interstellar abundances from boron to tin

Abstract Precise interstellar abundances are now available for many elements because high-quality data have been acquired with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope . In particular, extremely weak lines of abundant elements and resonance lines from rare elements are routinely seen in absorption from interstellar species in stellar spectra. This review will focus on recent work pertaining to abundances for B, C, O and a number of rare elements that are heavier than zinc.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for refractory pigment epithelial detachment with occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE New medications targeting vascular endothelial growth factor show promise in the treatment of wet macular degeneration. This study describes the clinical response and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings for patients with refractory pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and occult choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. METHODS A retrospective analysis of data for 10 patients with fibrovascular PEDs, initially treated with intravitreal pegaptanib, thermal laser, or photodynamic therapy with or without triamcinolone acetonide administration, was performed. All patients were refractory to previous treatment. They received monthly injections of bevacizumab and were followed by clinical examination, angiography, and OCT. RESULTS Nine of 10 patients had stable or improved vision. Angiogram findings showed resolution of leakage from CNVMs. OCT demonstrated resolution of the subretinal or intraretinal fluid but persistence of the PED itself. Vision improvement was correlated with OCT changes. CONCLUSION Intravitreal bevacizumab may be a viable option in treating patients with fibrovascular PEDs. OCT findings suggest that visual improvement is secondary to resolution of subretinal and intraretinal edema without resolution of the PED.
The anomalous low temperature relaxation of methyl protons

Abstract The frequency dependence of the low temperature T 1 minimum for the toluene methyl protons in p-t -butyltoluene and the fact that no low temperature minima have been observed for compounds having intramolecular rotational barriers with three-fold symmetry suggest that quantum mechanical tunnelling may not make an important contribution to the proton spin relaxation. A stochastic model for rotation in a potential barrier having both three- and six-fold symmetry terms is proposed.
GTP and Protein Synthesis in Cell-Free Systems

Abstract Two supernatant fractions, T1 and T2, have been isolated and partially purified from rat liver and rabbit reticulocytes. In a cell-free system programmed with polyuridylic acid, both fractions are needed for phenylalanine polymerization. T1 factor and GTP are required for the enzymatic binding of phenylalanil-tRNA to template charged ribosomes. In the course of the binding reaction, GTP is hydrolyzed while no dipeptide formation can be detected. T2 factor coincides with a ribosome-linked GTPase, which is not stimulated by the addition of polyuridylic acid and phenylalanil-tRNA.
Variance-Components Methods for Linkage and Association Analysis of Ordinal Traits in General Pedigrees

Many complex human diseases such as alcoholism and cancer are rated on ordinal scales. Well-developed statistical methods for the genetic mapping of quantitative traits may not be appropriate for ordinal traits. We propose a class of variance-component models for the joint linkage and association analysis of ordinal traits. The proposed models accommodate arbitrary pedigrees and allow covariates and gene-environment interactions. We develop efficient likelihood-based inference procedures under the proposed models. The maximum likelihood estimators are approximately unbiased, normally distributed, and statistically efficient. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed methods perform well in practical situations. An application to data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism is provided.
Iron near absorption edge X-ray spectroscopy at aqueous-membrane interfaces.

Employing synchrotron X-ray scattering, we systematically determine the absorption near-edge spectra (XANES) of iron in its ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) states both as ions in aqueous solutions and as they bind to form a single layer to anionic templates that consist of carboxyl or phosphate groups at aqueous/vapor interfaces. While the XANES of bulk iron ions show that the electronic state and coordination of iron complexes in the bulk are isotropic, the interfacial bound ions show a signature of a broken inversion-symmetry environment. The XANES of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the bulk possess distinct profiles however, upon binding they practically exhibit similar patterns. This indicates that both bound ions settle into a stable electronic and coordination configuration with an effective fractional valence (for example, Fe[2+ν]+, 0 < ν < 1) at charged organic templates. Such two dimensional properties may render interfacial iron, abundant in living organisms, a more efficient and versatile catalytic behavior.
A Study of the relationship of late blight resistance to glycoalkaloid content in fifteen potato clones

Tuber glycoalkaloid (TGA) content, leaf glycoalkaloid (LGA) content, and the level of multigenic resistance to late blight were determined for 15 potato clones. There was no association between the level of blight resistance and the TGA or LGA contents in these clones. However, TGA and LGA contents were highly correlated. The genotypic correlation coefficient between TGA and LGA contents for the 15 clones was 0.82 (SE = 0.115). TGA contents from blight-infected plants were not significantly higher than TGA contents from healthy (fungicide-protected) plants. The results indicate that breeders should be able to select for multigenic late blight resistance withohut increasing TGA contents of clones in their breeding programs.
Associative self-sorting memory

A cryogenic associative memory is proposed in which the status of a memory word is determined, with respect to an interrogating word, on a high, low or equal basis. Thus the bracketing pair of words is determined, allowing the interrogating word to be inserted between them, a "dummy" register holding it temporarily. A double-shuffle operation moves the other words to make room for the new word in proper sequence.
Knowledge of Florida nurses and dietitians regarding dietary supplements.

Abstract Background Health care professionals should exhibit competency about dietary supplements to support the high number of Americans taking these products. Objectives To evaluate the knowledge of Florida nurses and dietitians regarding dietary supplements. Methods Florida nurses (n = 600) and dietitians (n = 600) were randomly selected to participate in a self-reported online survey. The actual knowledge of these professionals regarding nutrient-based and herbal supplements was evaluated by a quiz. Results Data of 89 dietitians and 64 nurses were analyzed using independent sample t-test and Pearson's correlation. The actual knowledge of both professionals revealed a mean correct score of 12.98 ± 6.16 (maximum score = 30). Dietitians had a significantly greater knowledge of dietary supplements when compared to nurses (P = 0.000). Both professionals were more knowledgeable on nutrient-based supplements than herbal. Conclusions Both groups had a fairly low knowledge of side effects of dietary supplements and their interactions with common medications, and seem to require additional education in this area. Focused training can be designed to improve professionals' knowledge about dietary supplements.
The antinociceptive effects of SCH-32615, a neutral endopeptidase (enkephalinase) inhibitor, microinjected into the periaqueductal, ventral medulla and amygdala.

Abstract The local effects of SCH-32615, an inhibitor of enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) on the hot-plate (HP) and tail-flick (TF) responses were examined following unilateral intracerebral microinjection into the periaqueductal brain (PAG), the medial ventral medulla (VM) and bilateral microinjection into the amygdala (AM) of the rat. In the PAG and VM, SCH-32615 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in HP and TF response latencies over a dose range of 1–30 μg with the ED50 values (μg) beingPAG-TF= 17;PAG-HP= 11;VM-TF= 7;VM-HP= 6. In the AM, dose-dependent increases were only observed on the HP. (ED50 (μg) HP = 17). Peak effects were observed within 10 min and response latencies remained elevated for 45–60 min. Injections of SCH-32615 at sites outside of the PAG or VM were considerably less effective. All antinociceptive effects were antagonized by naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Twenty-four hours following the microinjection of β-funaltrexamine (an irreversible opioid antagonist) into the PAG or the VM, the effects of SCH-32615 in the PAG were virtually abolished while in the VM, its effects were only moderately reduced. These data suggest that in the presence of a strong thermal stimulus, the behavioral response is subject to a tonically active or stimulus-evoked modulation by the local release in the PAG, VM and AM of an agent, presumably an enkephalin peptide, the degradation of which is altered by enkephalinase inhibition.
Psychophysiology in an Adult Hospital

Abstract Baylor All Saints Medical Center has thoughtfully integrated psychophysiological services into its offerings for pain and psychiatric patients. Two case studies are presented that explore interdisciplinary care for chronic pain and hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome. Self-regulation services for psychiatric patients are summarized. Possible future directions are identified.
Staff Smart, Part 2: Delegation

Making your staff as capable and productive as they can reasonably be requires good recruitment, the ability to motivate, and a knack for delegating. I wrote about recruitment last year for the Smart IT department ("Smart Staff Recruiting," Mar./Apr. 2009), and in the last installment of this department, I focused on motivation. Here, I discuss how to successfully delegate responsibilities.
CI-966, a GABA uptake inhibitor, antagonizes ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration in the gerbil.

Abstract 1. 1. Cerebral ischemia of 5 min duration was induced in unanesthetized gerbils by bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries. 2. 2. The extent of cerebral damage was assessed by the elevation of motor activity in comparison with pre-ischemic levels and by a histological assessment of the extent of neuronal degeneration of the CAI area of the hippocampus. 3. 3. The GABA transport inhibitor CI-966 (10 mg/kg i.p.) was tested for cerebroprotective activity in a gerbil stroke model. CI-966 reduced the extent of stroke injury as assessed by locomotor activity and measurement of hippocampal CAI pyramidal cell injury. 4. 4. It is proposed that enhancement of extracellular GABA levels during ischemia accounts for the cerebroprotective actions of CI-966.
Preventing aids at $1 a head.

( April 23 Editorial, p10) , we now have a chance ( perhaps our only chance) to show just what global economic might and a little political will can do. For by acting quickly there is still time to avert the huge AIDS disaster now looming over Africa, Asia, and Latin America. And unlimited funds are not needed – we can stop explosive AIDS outbreaks among large populations for less than $1 per head. The key is to intervene early and to focus on the unsterile injection of heroin.
Differential Modulation of Akt/Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Pathway Regulates Apoptotic and Cytoprotective Signaling Responses

We have previously reported that specific dopamine agonists mediate protection against apoptosis induced by oxidative stress by activating the D2 receptor-coupled phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K)/Akt pathway. In the present study we examined the downstream effectors of PI-3K/Akt signaling and their role in cell death after oxidative stress and protection provided by ropinirole, a D2 receptor agonist in PC12 cells and primary cultures of dopamine neurons. Ropinirole treatment was associated with rapid translocation and phosphorylation of the PI-3K substrate Akt and phosphorylation of Akt substrates. One of these Akt downstream substrates was identified as the pro-apoptotic factor glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Ropinirole-induced protection was associated with phosphorylation of GSK-3β (inactivation). In contrast, inhibition of PI-3K blocked the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β (activation) and prevented the protection mediated by ropinirole. Suppression of Akt with specific short hairpin RNA in normal PC12 cells caused cell death, which was associated with reduced phosphorylation of GSK-3β and reduced levels of β-catenin, a transcriptional activator that is regulated by GSK-3β. Knock-out of GSK-3β expression with a short hairpin RNA alone was itself sufficient to cause cell death. We further demonstrated that oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dephosphorylates Akt and GSK-3β, increases GSK-3β activity, and promotes an interaction with β-catenin and its degradation. Inhibition of GSK-3β activity by inhibitor VIII protects cells from H2O2 similar to ropinirole. These results indicate that GSK-3β downstream of Akt plays a critical role in cell death and survival in these models.
STUDIES ON POWER PLANTS USING DISSOCIATING GASES AS WORKING FLUIDS

Abstract Conventional power-plant working fluids are not ideal for obtaining high thermal efficiencies. In this paper a number of dissociating gases are studied for use as working fluids. Higher thermal efficiencies and reduction of capital cost in terms of smaller component sizes are demonstrated. The criterion of determining equilibrium performance on isentropic paths is established. The reaction-kinetics data can be used to calculate the actual composition change along an isentropic path. Various combined cycles using dissociating gases have been optimized. Results show that these cycles can offer higher efficiencies than non-dissociating gases.
Antihypertensive and renin angiotensin effects of metolazone with and without propranolol.

Renin angiotensin system parameters and blood pressure (B.P.) were followed monthly in patients with essential hypertension on metolazone, 5 mg daily for three months and with added propranolol, 40 to 160 mg, for the subsequent three months. On metolazone alone at three months, sitting B.P. declined from 166/108 +/- 14/11 mm Hg to 145/98 +/- 14/9 mm Hg (P less than 0.005). Plasma renin activity (PRA) increased from 3.9 +/- ng/ml/hr to 10.4 +/- 8.6 ng/ml/hr (P less than 0.005); plasma angiotensinogen did not change. Venous blood angiotensin I and II levels (pg/ml) rose initially but returned toward control values. A significant decline in plasma renin substrate reactivity (PRSr) in index occurred. Propranolol addition caused further lowering of only systolic B.P. and predominantly in the standing position, more marked at one month (40 mg) than at three months (160 mg). No significant further changes were observed in any of the measured parameters of renin angiotensin system, except for a rise in PRSr index concomitant with B.P. elevation at three months. Metolazone-induced changes in B.P. showed significant correlations at three months with changes in PRSr index. It is concluded that during chronic metolazone administration, the overall activity of the renin angiotensin system was diminished or unchanged. Propranolol did not inhibit metolazone stimulated PRA but did cause further decline in B.P. in the first two months, unrelated to renin angiotensin system.
Two-time-scale online actor-critic paradigm driven by POMDP

In this paper, we analyze a class of actor-critic algorithms under partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) environment. Specifically, in this work we focus on the two-time-scale framework in which the critic uses a temporal difference with neural network (NN) as nonlinear function approximator, and the actor is updated using greedy algorithm with the stochastic gradient approach. Instead of the common construction of hidden state estimator, we develop the idea originated from Singh, Jaakkola and Jordan (1994) into an online action-dependent actor-critic paradigm. This framework explores the ability of the adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) approach in POMDP environment without implementing extra architectures such as state estimators. Both the theoretical analysis and simulation studies validate that the framework performs effectively under certain assumptions given in this paper.
Recent Contributions to the Theory of Defense Mechanisms: A Comparative View:

Some of the most recent contributions to the theory of defense mechanisms are critically reviewed including theories of complex motivational properties of the ego (Schafer, 1968; Kris, 1984), a functional theory of defense (Brenner, 1982), an object-representational theory of defense (Kernberg, 1976), a "two-person" theory of defense (Modell, 1984) and a self-psychologically based theory of defense (Kohut, 1984). These recently proposed theories of defense mechanisms utilize differing levels of analytic observation and theoretical discourse. One of the major differences among theorists involves the variety of referents of defense mechanisms (i.e., what is being defended against) including impulse, drive derivative, object loss, or environmental failure. Another fundamental difference involves the variety of ways theorists regard the relation between internal homeostasis and the external world. Questions are raised about the recent tendency in psychoanalytic theory to develop or invoke different theories of defense to explain a broad range of clinical phenomena.
Degradation of polysaccharides in alkaline solution to organic acids: Product characterization and identification

Agricultural products have considerable potential for conversion to valuable oxychemicals. Analyses by ether extraction, titration, and anion-exchange classification of the alkaline degradation products of totally converted starch and cellulosics showed that the product compounds are mainly organic acids. Almost all the organic acids are monocarboxylic in nature, with an average equivalent weight in the range 76–84. The organic acids identified thus far by HPLC and GC are formic, acetic, glycolic, lactic, 2-hydroxybutyric, 2-hydroxyisobutyric, and 2-hydroxyvaleric acids. Together, these compounds represent 41–46% of the starting material weight.
Five universal exigencies, indicatrons and sexological theory

In sexology as science, except for the special case of introspection, on which the defense of mind-body dualism rests, raw data are obtained, like the raw data of all the other sciences, through the special senses and exteroceptive observation. In Table 1 are shown the verbs and nouns that are needed to relate the five special senses of the observer to the observed, as stimuli are transmitted to their destination from their source. Some of these terms sound somewhat unidiomatic, which is no accident. It is precisely because vernacular English was not designed for scientific usage that some needed terms have been lacking--to the detriment of theoretical mindbody unity. Another missing term in sexology as science is a generic one for any type of unit of raw data. The gap can be filled with the new term, indicatron, in recognition of the fact that sexology's units of raw data all serve to indicate something. Since exactly the same applies to the raw data of any science, then sexology and the other sciences share the same premise. The sociopsychological and the biomedical sciences from which sexology conjointly derives are not separated as being of the mind and the body respectively. They are unified in indicatronics, the science of indicatrons, in which the split between body and mind is semantically irrelevant. The indicatrons of sexology can be classified under five universal exigencies of being human: being pairbonded, troopbonded, abidant, yclept, and foredoomed.
Prophylaxis and the mechanism for the initiation of organophosphorous compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity

Recent work concerned with the mechanism underlying the development of organophosphorous compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) is reviewed. Topics covered include the prophylaxis of OPIDN by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and other agents, neurotoxic esterase (NTE) as measured using either labelled di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate or an esterase assay, and the relationship between NTE and the development of OPIDN. There is considerable evidence that NTE has the biochemical properties which should be expected for the initiation site for OPIDN. However, the in vitro assays as currently performed may not entirely reflect the behavior of organophosphorous compounds in vivo, or the assays may not be sensitive enough to identify the actual target. It is argued that prophylaxis is a distinguishing characteristic of OPIDN which is not necessarily related to NTE inhibition, although it does provide evidence that NTE is involved. It is concluded that the NTE hypothesis could be furthered by additional studies with peripheral nerve, more sensitive methods for the detection of potential binding sites, and the establishment of a physiological role for NTE which relates it to the neuropathy.
A new solution method for quadratic matrix equations

Abstract A new method of finding the roots of the quadratic matrix equation A + BR + RC + RDR = 0 , where A , B , C , and D are n × n matrices is described in this paper. The method gives all roots of the equation when the eigenvalues of the characteristic matrix are distinct and a subset of the roots where the eigenvalues are repeated. The sign and Walsh functions are utilized in the root extraction algorithm.
Role of intestinal anaerobic bacteria in colonization resistance

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the intestinal anaerobe bacteria in colonization resistance. Germfree mice were associated with Escherichia coli C25 and either (a) no other species; (b) enterococcus; (c) Escherichia coli M14 and Proteus mirabilis, or (d) Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides vulgatus. All species colonized the cecum in high numbers, but only enterococcus significantly limited the translocation of Escherichia coli C25 to mesenteric lymph nodes. However, the overall translocation rates were similar in all groups and ranged from 60% to 100%, due to translocation of other intestinal flora in addition to Escherichia coli C25. Conventionally reared mice were given either streptomycin, bacitracin/streptomycin or metronidazole which selectively eliminated facultative gram-negative bacteria, nearly all bacterial species or strictly anaerobic bacteria respectively. Only metronidazole significantly increased the rates of translocation of normal intestinal bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes. Cohort groups of mice were then orally inoculated with drug resistant Escherichia coli C25, which actively colonized the cecum of all drug treated mice and translocated to the mesenteric lymph nodes of approximately half the streptomycin and metronidazole treated mice and nearly all the bacitracin/streptomycin treated mice. These results indicate that anaerobic bacteria play a pivotal role in limiting the translocation of normal intestinal bacteria, but that other bacterial groups also have a role in preventing the intestinal colonization and translocation of potential pathogens.
A possible role of the Merkel cell in aphthous stomatitis

Abstract The concept presented here suggests that the Merkel cell and its catecholamine-containing granules may serve as the end organ in a neurophysiologic pathway over which psychogenic factors would transmit impulses leading to the discharge of the Merkel cell's catecholamine granules. It is speculated that the released catecholamines, through local vasoconstriction, would contribute to or trigger the dermoepidermal necrosis which, in the development of aphthous ulcers, has been shown to follow the early monocytic lymphocytic infiltrate.
Time development of a quasistationary state

Approximately 40 years ago it was realized that the time development of decaying systems might not be precisely exponential. Winter [Phys. Rev. 123, 1503 (1961)] analyzed the simplest nontrivial system\char22{}a particle tunneling out of a well formed by a wall and $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function. He calculated the probability current just outside the well and found irregular oscillations on a short-time scale followed by an exponential decrease followed by more oscillations and finally by a decrease as a power of the time. We have reanalyzed this system, concentrating on the survival probability of the particle in the well rather than the probability current, and find a different short-time behavior.
Ectopic production in serum-free media of the common alpha subunit of the glycoprotein hormones.

The HeLa-S3 cell strain grown in Ham's F12 medium supplemented with insulin, transferrin, cortisol, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and trace elements, but containing no serum, continued to produce the common α-subunit of the glycoprotein hormones for the 10 d study. The amounts of α-subunit secreted into the medium during the first 4 d were indistinguishable from those in F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. During the remainder of the experiment the amounts of α-subunit reached 50 to 80% those in the serum-supplemented medium.
Evaluation of differential effects of carbohydrate and fat intake on weight gain, serum IGF-1 and erythrocyte Na+K+ATPase activity in suboptimal nutrition in rats.

Suboptimal nutrition leads to growth delay, frequently without over clinical or biochemical signs. We hypothesize that changes in serum IFG-1 and erythrocyte sodium-potassium ATPase activity (ENKA) may be indices of suboptimal nutrition.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed for 4 weeks with balanced diets of different carbohydrate (CHO) to fat (FAT) ratios (3:1, 2:1, and 1:1) and three levels of energy intake (ad-libitum, 80%, and 60%), corrected for actual body weight). Daily weight gain and weekly tail growth were monitored while ENKA, serum total protein, T3, insulin and IGF-1 were measured after four weeks. Refeeding experiments were also performed with the 3:1 and 1:1 CHO:FAT diets, including 4 weeks of dietary restriction and one week of ad-libitum feeding.Weight gain, tail growth, and IGF-1 decreased (p < 0.05) in all groups after 1 week of dietary restriction. A decrease in ENKA (p < 0.05) was found in rats that consumed 60% of ad-libitum energy intake only after 4 weeks. At the end of dietary tr...
The role of endogenous prostanoids in the response of the rat gastric microcirculation to vasoactive agents.

The effect of prostaglandin E 2 on the gastric microcirculation and the role of endogenous prostanoids in the response of the gastric microcirculation to vasoactive agents were studied using an in vivo microscopy technique in the rat. Changes in diameter of gastric submucosal arterioles (the vessels controlling mucosal blood flow) in response to superfusion with different agents were measured by an image-splitting technique. Prostaglandin E 2 produced dose-related dilatation of gastric submucosal arterioles. Administration of indomethacin to inhibit endogenous prostanoid synthesis significantly reduced basal arteriolar diameter but did not alter the magnitude of the change in vessel diameter in response to norepinephrine or histamine. Although the final diameter achieved with these agents was smaller after indomethacin than before, this difference was entirely accounted for by the decrease in basal arteriolar diameter following inhibition of prostanoid synthesis. There was no evidence of any direct modifying effect of endogenous prostanoids on norepinephrine vasoconstriction or histamine vasodilatation. The present study also demonstrated that neither endogenous prostanoids nor endogenous histamine are responsible for vascular escape from adrenergic vasoconstriction.
The role of RNA sequence and structure in RNA--protein interactions

We investigate the sequence and structural properties of RNA--protein interaction sites in 211 RNA--protein chain pairs, the largest set of RNA--protein complexes analyzed to date. Statistical analysis confirms and extends earlier analyses made on smaller data sets. There are 24.6% of hydrogen bonds between RNA and protein that are nucleobase specific, indicating the importance of both nucleobase-specific and -nonspecific interactions. While there is no significant difference between RNA base frequencies in protein-binding and non-binding regions, distinct preferences for RNA bases, RNA structural states, protein residues, and protein secondary structure emerge when nucleobase-specific and -nonspecific interactions are considered separately. Guanine nucleobase and unpaired RNA structural states are significantly preferred in nucleobase-specific interactions; however, nonspecific interactions disfavor guanine, while still favoring unpaired RNA structural states. The opposite preferences of nucleobase-specific and -nonspecific interactions for guanine may explain discrepancies between earlier studies with regard to base preferences in RNA--protein interaction regions. Preferences for amino acid residues differ significantly between nucleobase-specific and -nonspecific interactions, with nonspecific interactions showing the expected bias towards positively charged residues. Irregular protein structures are strongly favored in interactions with the protein backbone, whereas there is little preference for specific protein secondary structure in either nucleobase-specific interaction or -nonspecific interaction. Overall, this study shows strong preferences for both RNA bases and RNA structural states in protein--RNA interactions, indicating their mutual importance in protein recognition.
Upgrading the Prospective Business Teacher

Abstract “What can business teacher education institutions do to upgrade the prospective business education teacher and consequently result in an improved business education program?
Sculpting that "WoW" body: constructing gender identity in World of Warcraft

This poster presents findings from an analysis of the gendered aspects of visual and performative choices players make when designing an avatar in World of Warcraft. Within the game, the binary choice of male or female gender itself is an aesthetic choice with no strategic impact, allowing players to construct a more multidimensional gendered in-game identity.
Synergistic enhancement of the acoustic startle reflex by dopamine D1 and 5-HT1A agonists and corresponding changes in c-Fos expression in the dorsal raphe of rats.

Rationale and objectives: Several studies have reported an increase in dopamine (DA)-stimulated behavioral responses after manipulations that reduce brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels. Because others have shown that systemic administration of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) reduces 5-HT levels throughout the brain, we tested the effects of 8-OH-DPAT on the enhancement of the acoustic startle reflex by the dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF 82958. In addition, we used the expression of the c-Fos protein as a marker of neuronal activity to assess any corresponding drug-induced changes within the dorsal raphe (DR). Methods and results: Male Sprague-Dawley rats pretreated (10 min) with 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg/kg) showed a marked potentiation of the enhancement of startle by SKF 82958 (0.1 mg/kg). Furthermore, SKF 82958 produced a dramatic induction of c-Fos in the DR, an effect that was blocked by 8-OH-DPAT. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry for c-Fos and 5-HT showed that SKF 82958-induced expression of c-Fos, and its blockade by 8-OH-DPAT, occurred in a percentage of 5-HT-containing cells of the DR. Conclusions: These data suggest the possibility that inhibition of the DR by 8-OH-DPAT mediates the potentiation of startle by SKF 82958, perhaps through a reduction in 5-HT release in the striatum. Such an interpretation is consistent with the hypothesis of an inhibitory role of the 5-HT system on DA-mediated behaviors.
Some Common Misperceptions About P Values

A P value <0.05 is perceived by many as the Holy Grail of clinical trials (as with most research in the natural and social sciences). It is greatly sought after because of its (undeserved) power to persuade the clinical community to accept or not accept a new treatment into practice. Yet few, if any, of us know why 0.05 is so sacred. Literature abounds with answers to the question, What is a P value?, and how the value 0.05 was adopted, more or less arbitrarily or subjectively, by R.A. Fisher, in the 1920s. He selected 0.05 partly because of the convenient fact that in a normal distribution, the 5% cutoff falls around the second standard deviation away from the mean.1 However, little is written on how 0.05 became the standard by which many clinical trial results have been judged. A commentary2 ponders whether this phenomenon is similar to the results from the monkeys in the stairs experiment, whereby a group of monkeys were placed in a cage with a set of stairs with some fruit at the top. When a monkey went on the steps, blasts of air descended on it as a deterrent. After a while, any monkey that attempted to get on the steps was dissuaded by the group. Eventually, the monkeys were gradually replaced by new monkeys, but the practice of dissuasion continued, even when the deterrent was no longer rendered. In other words, the new monkeys were unaware of the reason why they were not supposed to go up the steps, yet the practice continued. In the following, I first review what a P value is. Then, I address 2 of the many issues regarding P values in clinical trials. The first challenges the conventional need to show P <0.05 to conclude statistical significance …
Learned helplessness sensitizes hippocampal norepinephrine to mild restress

A proportion of rats exposed to inescapable tailshock stress displayed a performance deficit, termed learned helplessness, in a subsequent shuttlebox avoidance task. The technique of in vivo microdialysis was used to determine hippocampal norepinephrine levels in learned helpless, nonhelpless and nonprestressed control rats. Similar basal norepinephrine levels were detected in samples between rat groups. Following an exposure to a milder form of inescapable shock, an increase in norepinephrine output was detected in learned helpless rats, which was significantly greater than nonhelpless, nonprestressed, or control animals. Thus, inescapable stress appears to sensitize the hippocampus to increase norepinephrine release in response to a subsequent smaller stressor. This hypersensitivity might underlie the avoidance impairment of learned helplessness. Therefore, the possibility exists that similar neurochemical changes may also be responsible for some of the symptoms of human posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as the poor coping associated with seemingly mild stress.
Large-scale synthesis of single-crystal CdSe nanowires through a cation-exchange route

Cation-exchange reaction between Ag{sup +} and Cd{sup 2+} was employed to transform single-crystal Ag{sub 2}Se nanowires into single-crystal CdSe nanowires as a case study of transformation from one chalcogenide to another one. The CdSe nanowires of {approx}30 nm in diameter had a wurtzite crystal structure and showed preservation of both the morphology and single crystallinity of the Ag{sub 2}Se nanowires. This synthetic route is useful in producing large quantities of CdSe nanowires with uniform diameters and exceptionally long lengths (>50 {micro}m).
Absence of circulating interferon in patients with infectious and serum hepatitis.

SummaryMultiple serum samples from 34 patients in various stages of acute and chronic hepatitis were collected during a 7-month period and assayed for interferon. The diagnosis of infectious and serum hepatitis was based on accepted clinical and laboratory criteria. No virus-inhibitory activity characteristic of interferon was detected in any of the serum specimens.
Ambulatory treatment of tuberculous intrathoracic lymphadenitis.

SUMMARY Nine patients with intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenitis were treated in the Bedford Chest Clinic with isoniazid in conjunction with PAS orstreptomycin. Marked regression of the lymphadenitis was observed in the majority (seven out of nine) within two to four months. The results were of sufficient significance to warrant the suggestion of a diagnostic trial of anti-mycobacterial treatment in patients with obscure unilateral intrathoracic lymph node disease in the presence of a positive tuberculin skin test.
Maintenance of an exact repeat ground track - The Geosat ERM

The continuing GEOSAT Exact Repeat Mission (ERM) has maintained an exact repeat ground track orbit with a standard devhtion of u = 537 meters for over thirty seventeen day repeat cycles. A total of 97.29% of the coverage has been within 20 of the mean. At the same time, a frozen orbit with perigee at co = 9 (U 2.2") and eccentricity e = 0.0008 (U = 0.00003) has also been maintained. Drag make-up orbit maintenance maneuvers have been required at approximately 30 day intervals. No special maneuvers have been required for the frozen orbit. The primary obstacles in ERM maintenance have been the uncertainties inherent to orbit determination and atmospheric density prediction with the precision necessary for our requirements.
Using Performance Assessment To Engage Preservice Teachers in Mathematical Discourse.

This article describes one mathematics educator's inclusion of an oral performance assessment into mathematics methods courses for preservice teachers at both the elementary and middle school levels. The nature of the assessment is described, issues related to implementation are discussed, and reflections about the assessment from the instructor and the students are shared.
Estimation of generalized additive models

Abstract Spline estimation of generalized additive models is considered here. Cross-validation is used as a criterion of model estimation. Some computationally simpler approximations to cross-validation are given.
Rotational and Vibrational Structure of the Fourth Positive Bands of Carbon Monoxide

The rotational structure of twelve of the fourth positive bands of CO ($A^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}\ensuremath{-}X^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$) has been measured and analyzed. The analyses of two bands are given. The values obtained for the rotational constants of the normal state are ${B}_{0}=1.9170$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0.01738$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. This is in disagreement with the result of infrared band measurements, which give ${B}_{0}=1.84$. The data obtained on the excited $A^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ state are in complete agreement with the results of Angstrom ($B^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{-}A^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}$) band studies. The higher value of ${B}_{0}$ for the normal state is verified by measurement of the 0-0 band of the ultraviolet system $B^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{-}X^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$. The recently reported predissociation of the $B$ state is also observed in this band. New measurements are given of the fourth positive band heads below 2270A. A formula is given to represent all the known band heads, and from this a formula for band origins is obtained.
The case for Mohs' surgery by the fixed-tissue technique.

There are times when Mohs' surgery by the fixed-tissue technique is superior or the only feasible method of managing some cutaneous malignancies. Five cases are described and illustrated to make the point.
Stable expression of insect GABA receptors in insect cell lines. Promoters for efficient expression of Drosophila and mosquito Rdl GABA receptors in stably transformed mosquito cell lines

We are interested in establishing stably transformed insect cell lines efficiently expressing the insect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit gene Resistance to dieldrin or Rdl. In order to facilitate this we utilized a system based on stable transformation of Aedes albopictus mosquito cell lines using the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene as a selected marker. Here we report the production of stable mosquito cell lines carrying high copy numbers of Rdl genes from both Drosophila and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the subsequent high efficiency expression of functional GABA gated chlorine ion channels. We also used this system to compare the activity of a range of immediate early baculovirus promoters in mosquito cell culture and demonstrate that IE1 promoter constructs work efficiently across insect species. Results are discussed in relation to the potential use of these constructs in the generic transformation of non-Drosophilid insects.
Characterization and application of a disease-cell model for a neurodegenerative lysosomal disease

Disease-cell models that recapitulate specific molecular phenotypes are essential for the investigation of molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) with predominant neurological manifestations. Herein we report the development and characterization of a cell model for a rapid neurodegenerative LSDs, globoid-cell leukodystrophy (GLD), mostly known as Krabbe disease. GLD is caused by the deficiency of β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes two glycosphingolipids, psychosine and galactosylceramide. Unfortunately, the available culture fibroblasts from GLD patients consist of a limited research tool as these cells fail to accumulate psychosine, the central pathogenic glycosphingolipid in this LSD that results in severe demyelination. Firstly, we obtained brain samples from the Twitcher (Twi) mice (GALC(twi/twi)), the natural mouse model with GALC deficiency. We immortalized the primary neuroglial cultured cells with SV40 large T antigen, generating the 145M-Twi and the 145C-Wt cell lines from the Twi and control mice, respectively. Both cell lines expressed specific oligodendrocyte markers including A2B5 and GalC. The 145M-Twi cells showed biochemical and cellular disturbances related to GLD neuropathogenesis including remarkable caspase-3 activation, release of cytochrome C into the cytosol and expansion of the lysosomal compartment. Under treatment with glycosphingolipids, 145M-Twi cells showed increased LC3B levels, a marker of autophagy. Using the LC-MS/MS method that we developed, the 145M-Twi cells showed significantly higher levels of psychosine. The 145M-Twi and 145C-Wt lines allowed the development of a robust throughput LC-MS/MS assay to measure cellular psychosine levels. In this throughput assay, l-cycloserine showed to significantly reduce the 145M-Twi cellular levels of psychosine. The established 145M-Twi cells are powerful research tools to investigate the neurologically relevant pathogenic pathways as well as to develop primary screening assays for the identification of therapeutic agents for GLD and potentially other glycosphingolipid disorders.
Cutaneous Toxic Effects Associated With Vemurafenib and Inhibition of the BRAF Pathway

Background The development of a novel BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib, has been associated with impressive tumor regression in patients with BRAF-positive stage IV melanoma. In the phase 3 clinical trials, dermatologic toxic effects associated with vemurafenib were described, namely, the development of eruptive squamous cell carcinomas. Herein, 3 cases are presented that highlight the development of squamous cell carcinomas and other cutaneous sequelae that have not been previously reported and are reminiscent of those observed with administration of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib tosylate. In addition, the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these toxic effects is reviewed. Observations The development of keratosis pilaris–like eruptions; seborrheic dermatitis–like rashes; and hyperkeratotic, tender plantar papules reminiscent of those seen in sorafenib-associated hand-foot skin reaction, as well as squamous cell carcinomas, is presented in association with vemurafenib-based treatment of metastatic melanoma. Conclusions The development of sorafenib-like cutaneous sequelae (squamous cell carcinomas, keratosis pilaris–like eruptions, seborrheic dermatitis–like rashes, and hand-foot skin reaction) associated with vemurafenib administration suggests that BRAF inhibition alone may be sufficient to induce these changes.