cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thyroid hormone controls glucocorticoid action in cultured GH1 cells.

WE have demonstrated that L-triiodothyronine (T3) stimulates growth hormone synthesis three to four-fold1–3 and inhibits prolactin secretion1 in cultured GH1 cells, which constitute a rat pituitary cell line. Others have shown that cortisol also stimulates growth hormone production in GH1 cells4. In GH3 cells, a closely related cell line, cortisol stimulates growth hormone production four- to eightfold and inhibits prolactin secretion approximately fourfold5. Thus, thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones seem to control similar growth hormone and prolactin responses in GH1 and GH3 cells. Studies of the effects of glucocorticoids in these cell lines4,5, however, have used commercial serum preparations containing physiological concentrations of thyroid hormone6. To examine the intrinsic response of these cells to glucocorticoid, therefore, it is necessary to use medium supplemented with serum which contains very low thyroid hormone levels. Using culture medium supplemented with hypothyroid calf serum, we have examined the influence of T3 and cortisol on the induction of growth hormone synthesis in GH1 cells. We report here that in the absence of T3, the cells seem unresponsive to glucocorticoids, whereas in its presence cortisol markedly enhanced growth hormone production. The apparent requirement of T3 for expression of the cortisol response seems independent of any influence of T3 on total cell steroid receptor levels or the nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution of the steroid receptor, and of any effect of cortisol in modulating the level of the T3 nuclear receptor.
Leg bud mesoderm retains morphogenetic potential to express limb-like characteristics ("limbness") in collagen gel culture.

Recent in situ hybridization studies have correlated expression of potential regulatory genes with pattern formation in limb bud mesoderm (Tabin: Cell 66:199-217, 1991); however, the mechanism(s) controlling their expression in mesoderm and their relevance to the establishment of a limb morphogenetic pattern remain unknown. One likely candidate for regulating patterning events in limb mesoderm is the apical ectodermal ridge, as its removal in ovo results in a graded truncation of limb skeletal elements in the proximal-distal axis dependent upon the time of excision (Rowe and Fallon: J Embryol Exp Morph 68:1-7, 1982). In the present study, we investigate whether the hypothetical imprint of ridge ectoderm is retained in cultured mesoderm. Specifically, we sought to determine if a subpopulation of limb mesoderm that forms in collagen gel culture (Markwald et al: Anat Rec 226:91-107, 1990), retains any expression of "limbness" in the absence of limb ectoderm as characterized by the formation of a predictable number and distribution of limb-like chondrogenic elements in comparison to the temporal and spatial relationships of the in situ proximal, hindlimb skeletal structures. Accordingly, explants of undissociated mesoderm from stage 18-22 chicken leg buds were cultured without ectoderm on collagen gel lattices and the central subpopulation of mesoderm was examined morphologically. We show that this central subset of mesoderm will form chondrogenic cells which were not expressed uniformly throughout the subset, but rather distinct nodules or elements of cartilage were elaborated. Moreover, the number of elements expressed by the central subset increased with the age of the mesoderm at the time of explantation; spatially and temporally, the sequence of elements that formed always proceeded from the proximal, anterior margin of the subset to its distal, posterior border. The shapes of the initial elements (designated I and II) resembled the forms of in situ proximal skeletal structures (girdle and femur-like), whereas more distal elements (III-V) were often fused and without structural similarity to in situ skeletal structures. When cultures were established from the posterior mesoderm of stage 19/20 or 21 mesoblasts, the frequency of element I formation was reduced approximately one-half, whereas formation of more distal elements was unaffected. Conversely, element formation from the central subset established from isolated anterior mesoderm was virtually identical to intact mesoblasts, indicating a capacity to regulate for the loss of mesoderm as occurs in situ (Hampe: Archs Anat Microsc Morph Exp 48:345-378, 1959).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Free electron laser saturation spectroscopy of neutral donors and negative donor ions confined in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells

Abstract Saturation of the D 0 1s-2p^ + transition, the D − -singlet transition and CR has been studied in donor (Si)-doped GaAs/AlGaAs multiple-quantum-well samples by magneto-transmission and magneto-photoconductivity measurements with the UCSB free electron laser. Effective lifetimes of the D 0 1s-2p + transition were found to vary systematically with laser frequency, decreasing from 62 ns at 84≈cm −1 to 3 ns at 124 cm −1 . The absorption coefficient of the D – -singlet transition initially increased by up to 40% and showed complete quenching at higher laser powers.
The interactions of surfactant viologens with cyclodextrins

N-ethyl-N’-hexadecyl-4,4’-bipyridinium bromide (C16VBr2) and N-ethyl-N’-octadecyl-4,4’-bipyridinium bromide (C18VBr2) were used as electroactive probes to assess the interactions between surfactants and cyclodextrins. Cyclic voltammetry, visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and surface tension techniques were used to detect the formation of complexes between the surfactant viologen probes and α- and β-cyclodextrins. The voltammetric results suggest the formation of inclusion compounds in which the hydrophobic tail of the surfactant viologens penetrate the cyclodextrin cavity. The dimerization of the viologen cation radicals is essentially suppressed by the presence of α-cyclodextrin (ACD) while no effects are observed in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (BCD). The observed results are best explained by the relative solubility in aqueous media of each of the inclusion complexes in the several accessible viologen oxidation states.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Transcriptional Regulation Is Independent of a TFIID-Binding Downstream Initiator Sequence

Previous studies have shown that the promoter of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene contains a transcriptional initiator located downstream from the transcription initiation (cap) site. This initiator was shown to be essential for efficient in vitro TATA box binding and function of TATA box-binding factor (TFIID); its deletion significantly reduced in vitro template transcription by the GFAP promoter and inhibited almost completely expression of a reporter gene under control of human GFAP promoter and upstream sequences in glial cells. However, although activity of initiator-containing GFAP promoter in human and murine GFAP-reporter constructs in transfected cells was shown to increase sharply when upstream cis-acting elements are added, initiator-lacking murine constructs have shown a small GFAP promoter region to have high activity in glioma cells, with no increase in activity when regulatory sequences are extended further upstream. These findings suggested a possible difference between the in vitro and in vivo effects of the downstream initiator on the promoter region itself, as well as an in vivo interplay between the initiator and regulatory sequences upstream from the promoter region. Here we have analyzed the effect of the downstream initiator on gene expression in cells using matched (pairs of otherwise identical initiator-containing and initiator-deleted plasmids) constructs extending to different upstream positions. We show that matched initiator-containing and initiator-deleted counterparts direct similar expression levels, and that, with or without the downstream initiator, expression levels increase sharply when upstream sequences are added to the GFAP promoter. Our results show that the downstream initiator is not required for GFAP transcriptional activity in cultured cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Laughter in Horace’s Ode I. 9 and Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale

The article discusses a possible influence of Horace’s Ode I. 9 on Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale. Both contain a young girl laughing in the dark and the laughter is associated with a love affair; both deal with youth and age; the Horatian ode presents the laughter as occurring within a springtime landscape, while Chaucer’s Alisoun is described through natural imagery.
Sex differences in outcome after ventricular fibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies have shown that early defibrillation programs improve survival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Reports also suggest that women fare worse than men do after cardiovascular events, but there is no population-based study of sex differences after an OHCA with early defibrillation. We, therefore, compared the short- and long-term survival and quality-of-life (QOL) in women and men after an OHCA. Methods: All patients with a ventricular fibrillation (VF) OHCA who received early defibrillation in Olmstead County, Minnesota between November 1990 and December 2000 were included. Using medical records and the cardiac arrest database, the short- and long-term survival and QOL based on a SF-36 survey of each sex were compared. Adjusted QOL scores were obtained by using age- and sex-specific norms from a sample of the general U.S. population; an adjusted score of 50 (normalized mean) was considered normal. Results: Thirty-seven female and 163 male patients presented with a VF OHCA and early defibrillation. Survival to hospital admission was significantly better for women than men [30 female survivors to admission (81%), 112 male (69%), p = 0.04]. Paradoxically, survival to discharge among those admitted was worse for women [13 female survivors to discharge (43%), 66 male (61%), p = 0.04]. The average length of follow-up was 4.8 ± 3.0 years. The 5-year expected survival was 83% in women and 78% in men ( p = 0.48). There was no difference in call-to-shock time (6 ± 2, 6 ± 2 min, p = 0.6) or whether the arrest was witnessed (86, 82%, p = 0.64). There was no statistical difference between women and men in age (64 ± 17, 65 ± 14 years), ejection fraction (40 ± 17, 40 ± 18%), diabetes (17, 29%, p = 0.16), hypertension (23, 28%, p = 0.58) or known CAD (27, 48%, p = 0.06). Adjusted QOL scores were similar between women and men in terms of pain (52 ± 9, 52 ± 10) vitality (47 ± 11, 40 ± 9), general health (49 ± 9, 44 ± 7), social function (51 ± 10, 51 ± 8), and mental health (50 ± 10, 49 ± 6). Conclusion: Women are more likely to survive to hospital admission following an OHCA. However, admitted women less likely to survive their hospital stay. Long-term survival and QOL are equally favorable in both sexes.
HOTAIR Forms an Intricate and Modular Secondary Structure

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as key players in fundamental cellular processes and diseases, but their functions are poorly understood. HOTAIR is a 2,148-nucleotide-long lncRNA molecule involved in physiological epidermal development and in pathogenic cancer progression, where it has been demonstrated to repress tumor and metastasis suppressor genes. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms of HOTAIR, we purified it in a stable and homogenous form in vitro and we determined its functional secondary structure through chemical probing and phylogenetic analysis. The HOTAIR structure reveals a degree of structural organization comparable to well-folded RNAs, like the group II intron, rRNA or lncRNA steroid receptor activator. It is composed of four independently-folding modules, two of which correspond to predicted protein-binding domains. Secondary structure elements that surround protein-binding motifs are evolutionarily conserved. Our work serves as a guide for “navigating” through the lncRNA HOTAIR and ultimately for understanding its function.
The correlation between ciliary ultrastructure and ciliary beat frequency in experimental chronic sinusitis

Ciliary ultrastructural abnormalities secondary to chronic sinusitis may cause abnormal mucociliary transport clearance. We examined the relationship between anatomic abnormalities of ciliary ultrastructure secondary to chronic sinusitis and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) before and after middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) in rabbits. Ultrastructural abnormalities of cilia included absence of axoneme membrane, blebs of the axoneme membrane, compound cilia, and ciliary orientation. Two groups of rabbits were studied: Uninfected (group A control, n = 3) and infected (group B, n = 10); 10(8) CFU S. pneumoniae were used to infect the animals in group B after sinus ostial occlusion and chronic sinusitis developed. After 6 weeks with infection, 6 of 10 group B animals underwent MMA and were restudied 6 weeks later. Uninfected animals had mean CBF = 11.75 Hz. Animals with chronic sinusitis had mean CBF = 8.5 Hz (p < 0.05). Six weeks after MMA, mean CBF = 11.82 Hz. This was not different from control. There were significant changes in ciliary ultrastructure when uninfected and infected rabbits were compared. These changes were reversed with MMA. Changes in ciliary ultrastructure correlated significantly with changes in CBF for all animals. Abnormalities in ciliary ultrastructure may account for the abnormal mucociliary transport clearance seen in chronic sinusitis in rabbits.
On estimation of parameters of the exponential power family of distributions

Consider the three-parameter exponential power distribution with location parameter μ, scale parameter σ2 and shape (power) parameter β. This is a general symmetric family of distributions with normal, double exponential and rectangular as special cases. Such distributions are used in Bayesian statistics as a wider choice of symmetric parent distribution and in classical statistics in determination of lack of normality. This note obtains simultaneous estimates of μ, σ2 and β by method of moments and method of maximum likelihood. It also studies the behavior of estimates of β through Monte Carlo simulation when values of μ and σ2 are set equal to zero and unity respectively.
Childhood trauma and pain medication prescription in adulthood.

AbstractObjective. In this study, we examined the relationships between five types of self-reported trauma in childhood and the prescription of pain medications in adulthood. Methods. Using a cross-sectional sample of convenience, we surveyed 80 internal medicine outpatients with regard to five types of childhood trauma (i.e. sexual, physical, emotional abuses; physical neglect; the witnessing of violence). We then retrospectively examined the medical record of each participant for active prescriptions of pain medications during the preceding 4 weeks (i.e. narcotic analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS, “other” pain medications). Results. We found that the number of different types of abuse in childhood correlated with NSAID prescriptions, “other” pain medication prescriptions, and the total number of prescribed pain medications—but not with narcotic analgesic prescriptions. Also, no individual form of childhood trauma exceeded the others in contribution. Conclusions. While a greater...
Effects of long-term unilateral naris closure on the olfactory epithelia of adult mice.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of long-term unilateral naris closure on the olfactory epithelia of adutt mice. The results support and extend the findings of our previous paper in which we examined the effects of unilateral closure for up to 3 months. In the present study naris closures were performed for 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 months. The observed effects depended on the length of closure and the position of the sampling site along the rostral-caudal axis of the olfactory epithelium. The closed sides appeared to be unaffected by naris closure at all time points when compared to controls. A number of time-dependent changes were characteristic of the open-side olfactory epithelium. The most deleterious effects occured in the rostral regions of the epithelium where there were dramatic losses of receptor neurons at 3 months, regrowth at 4 months, and losses at 5, 6, 7 and 8 months of closure. The effects of naris closure on the morphology of the epithelium on the open sides were often striking. In mice that had significant losses of receptor neurons, the epthhelium frequently had only supporting and basal cell layers with virtually the entire neuronal layer absent. Depending on the length of closure, the middle regions of the open side showed either no effect, losses, or else an increase in the number of receptor neurons. Naris closure resulted in an increase in the number of receptor neurons in the caudal regions of the open side at all time points. In the 7 and 8 month closure groups, 2 additional abnormalities were observed on the open sides. Some animals showed an increased rugosity of the olfactory epithelial surface. In others large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were visible on the epithelial surface indicating active inflammation.
A robust framework for content-based retrieval by spatial similarity in image databases

A framework for retrieving images by spatial similarity (FRISS) in ima ge databases is presented. In this framework, a robust retrieval by spatial similarity (RSS) algorithm is defined as one that incorporates both directional and topological spatial constraints, retrieves similar images, and recognized images even after they undergo translation, scaling, rotation (both perfect and multiple), or any arbitrary combination of transformatioins. The FRISS framework is discussed and used as a base for comparing various existing RSS algorithms. Analysis shows that none of them satisfies all the FRISS specifications. An algorithm, SIMdtc, is then presented. SIMdtc introduces the concept of a rotation correction angle(RCA) to align objects in one image spatially closer to matching objects in another image for more accurate similarity assessment. Similarity between two images is a function of the number of common objects between them and the closeness of directional and topological spatial relationships between object pairs in both images. The SIMdtc retrieval is invariant under translation, scaling, and perfect rotation, and the algorithm is able to rank multiple rotation variants. The algorithm was tested using synthetic images and the TESSA image database. Analysis shows the robustness of the SIMdtc algorithm over current algorithms.
The effect of training and diet on lipoprotein cholesterol, tissue lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase in rats

Treadmill training for 1 hr/day for 10 wk did not significantly affect chylomicron, very low density, low density, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats fed either a high carbohydrate (glucose) or high fat (coconut oil) diet. Lipoprotein lipase activity of heart, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle fibers was also unaffected by training. Carbohydrate feeding, however, when compared to fat feeding significantly lowered all lipoprotein cholesterol values as well as heart and fast-oxidative-glycolytic muscle fiber lipase activity and, conversely, significantly elevated hepatic triglyceride lipase activity. Thus, in the rat, an alteration in the serum lipid profile did not occur as a result of training, but dietary differences did independently influence serum lipid levels and tissue enzyme activity. It is suggested that human studies need to control for the possible independent influence of dietary differences when investigating the effects of training on lipoprotein metabolism.
Efficient polymer monolith for strong cation-exchange capillary liquid chromatography of peptides.

A stable poly[2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate] monolith was synthesized inside a 75-μm-i.d. capillary by photoinitiated copolymerization with water, methanol, and ethyl ether as porogens. The resulting monolith was evaluated for strong cation-exchange capillary liquid chromatography of both synthetic and natural peptides. Although the monolith possessed relatively strong hydrophobicity due to the use of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid as one monomer, the monolith had a high dynamic binding capacity of 157 μequiv of peptide/mL, or 332 mg of cytochrome c/mL. Exceptionally high resolution resulting from extremely narrow peaks was obtained, resulting in a peak capacity of 179 when using a shallow salt elution gradient. Although a second, naturally formed gradient might contribute to the sharp peaks obtained, high efficiency was mainly due to the use of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as a biocompatible cross-linker.
Intention to screen for colorectal cancer among white male employees.

Abstract Background.This study identifies factors associated with employee intention to participate in a company-sponsored program of continuous screening for colorectal cancer. Automobile industry pattern and model makers who had been offered screening for over a decade were included in the study. Methods.Data were collected at the outset of a randomized trial of screening and nutrition interventions. A baseline survey was mailed to 4,490 white men without a history of colorectal cancer. This mailing generated complete responses from 2,693 (60%) individuals. Survey data obtained for these men, including measures of cognitive and psychological representations related to colorectal screening, social influence, and intention to screen, were supplemented by background information gathered from employment records of these men. Workplace screening services were documented via a survey of plant health care professionals. Results.Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported a high level of intention to screen. Multivariate analyses showed that intention to screen was positively associated with employee past participation in screening, belief in the salience and coherence of screening, belief in screening efficacy, perceived self-efficacy, belief that polyp removal prevents colorectal cancer, perceived personal susceptibility to colorectal cancer or polyps, receptivity to family member support for screening, and workplace scheduling of screening examinations. Conclusion.Factors associated with intention to screen may contribute to participation in continuous screening programs. Research is needed to assess the impact of interventions that facilitate appointment scheduling, provide tailored education about screening, and encourage lay support.
Investigating the role of inorganic phosphate in tumor metabolism and metastasis

Background Altered cell metabolism is regarded as a hallmark of cancer with numerous studies highlighting glucose and glutamine as critical nutrients for tumor proliferation. Rapidly dividing cells should also require a continuous supply of phosphate, an essential nutrient for the synthesis of nucleic acids, phospholipids and high energy metabolites such as ATP. In agreement with this, high serum phosphate has recently been associated with lung and skin tumorigenesis in mouse models [1]. Although this example seems striking, the influence of phosphate on cancer cell proliferation has not been characterized to date. Elucidating the role of phosphate in cancer metabolism will be fundamental in understanding the needs of tumor cells. This is particularly relevant in breast cancer and bone metastasis, as bone is the single largest source of stored phosphorus. Additionally, the high local phosphate concentration during osteolysis represents a potential factor contributing to the cell’s prolific microenvironment. Taking an interdisciplinary approach combining cell biology and metabolomics will help us understand how the metabolic network can be rewired in response to changes in phosphate availability. Materials and methods Global metabolome analysis was conducted on a panel of breast cancer cell lines including MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cultured with increasing phosphate levels, ranging from 1mM to 20mM. Metabolite extraction was performed using cold methanol and samples were analyzed on an orbitrap based LC-MS. Metabolite levels were characterized using an established database. Results The relative abundance of numerous metabolites changed significantly. These include NADPH, which decreased by approximately 80-fold and FMN, which increased approximately 15-fold as phosphate was increased. Additionally, several glycolytic intermediates were observed to increase reproducibly in the presence of high phosphate. Currently, NADPH turnover is being further analyzed using stable isotope tracers. Furthermore, global metabolomics experiments under phosphate starvation conditions are being performed to identify additional metabolic changes and to corroborate if effects observed in a high phosphate context present a reciprocal effect in phosphate starvation. Taken together, changes observed in metabolism and cell behavior support the rationale that phosphate could indeed modulate the activity of cancer cells.
Constitutional Cultures: On the Concept and Representation of Constitutions in the Atlantic World. Edited by Silke Hensel, Ulrike Bock, Katrin Dircksen, and Hans‐Ulrich Thamer. (Newcastle upon Tyne, England: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2012. Pp. xiii, 467. $82.99.)

This volume is the product of a collaborative project by multiple authors, most of whom are affiliated with academic institutions in Germany. The book's chapters examine the culture of constitution...
Atrial fibrillation and flutter: maintaining stability of sinus rhythm versus ventricular rate control.

Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter. Two major treatment strategies have emerged for managing atrial tibrillation: maintaining sinu.s rhythm by chronic administration of suppres.sive antiarrhythmic agents versus controlling the ventricular rate and chronic anticoagulation. Potential benefits of maintenance of sinus rhythm include improvement of the hemodynamic profile of the patient, a decreased risk of cerebrova.scular accidents, reduced symptoms, and, if atrial fibrillation is successfully suppressed, possible elimination of the need for chronic anticoagulation. When selecting long-term antiarrhythmic drug therapy for suppres.sion of atrial fibrillation, it should he recalled that at least 50% of patients have a recurrence ofthe arrhythmia within the first year and the majority of other patients have a recurrence within the next 3 to 5 years. In addition, the risk of proarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death must be considered: this has stimulated interest in nonpharmacolo gic approaches to maintaining sinus rhythm. Large muKicenter randomized trials are now under way to compare the benefits and risks of maintaining sinus rhythm versus controlling the ventricular rate and chronically anticoagulating patients in atrial fibrillation. Important endpoints of these trials include mortality, functional capacity, and quality of life. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 6, pp. 962-971. October 1995. Pt. I!)
Optimal control of a M/M/m queue

The problem of optimal control of a M/M/m queueing system is investigated. As in the M/M/l case the optimum control is shown to be a window type mechanism. The window size L depends on the maximum allowable time delay T and can be explicitly computed. The throughput time delay function of the M/M/m system is briefly discussed.
Older adults’ fear and acceptance of death: A transition model

A transition model of fear of death in older adults is proposed, in which increased fear of death is predicted for elders in their late seventies or early eighties, evoked by the conflict or tension between the urge to survive and the awareness of limited survival time. This fear prompts coping efforts, with cognitive and emotional reorganization leading to decreased fear and increased acceptance of death. Study participants were 109 elders (ninety-three women and sixteen men; sixty-eight Whites and forty-one African-Americans) ranging in age from seventy to ninety-seven years (M=80.7 years; SD=6.9 years). In addition to earlier analysis showing increased fear of death in the transition period, qualitative analysis of open-ended interview protocols identified use of denial and suppression by younger participants, various coping strategies by those in their late seventies and early eighties, and increased acceptance of death by older participants. Evidence provides modest support of the model.
Rare earth-yttrium iron-gallium garnet epitaxial films for magnetic bubble domain applications

Abstract (RE,Y) 3 (Fe,Ga) 5 O 12 garnets, where RE=Eu or Gd, have been developed for use as magnetic bubble domain materials. Magnetic and crystallographic studies were used to find suitable compositions for epitaxial thin films on nonmagnetic garnet substrate crystals. Properties of films grown by liquid phase epitaxy on Czochralski Gd-Ga garnet (111) substrates are discussed. Uniaxial anisotropy in the films can be interpreted as being the result of a lattice mismatch stress mechanism. The Gd-Y films with uniaxial anisotropy are in tension while the Eu-Y films are in compression as shown by lattice spacing differences between films and their substrates. Uncracked, high stability Eu-Y films with very high compressive stresses were grown. Annealing experiments reveal significant changes in anisotropy which correlate with large changes in film lattice spacing. Thus, it is possible to obtain high uniaxial anisotropy in garnets containing only one kind of rare earth ion together with a nonmagnetic ion such as yttrium. These films support domains with very high wall velocities at typical device drive fields.
The relationship between ADHD symptoms and driving behavior in college students: the mediating effects of negative emotions and emotion control

Previous research has shown a relationship between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and driving anger and adverse driving outcomes. Moreover, adults with ADHD symptoms express their emotions in more aggressive ways, indicating a lack of emotion control. The present study surveyed 246 college students to examine the relationship among ADHD symptoms, negative emotions, emotion control, and driving anger and safe driving behavior. Mediating effects of negative emotions and emotional control on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and self-reported driving anger and safe driving behavior were also examined. Both negative emotions and emotion control were significant mediators of the relationship between ADHD symptoms and driving anger, but not safe driving behavior. Mediation was stronger for ADHD-Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms than for ADHD-Inattention symptoms. These results may provide some insight on how to design training programs for individuals with ADHD symptoms to increase driving safety.
Cognitive and Attitudinal Factors in the Analysis of Alternatives to Binge Drinking

The present study examined cognitive and attitudinal factors relevant to binge-drinking tendencies in a college sample. Results indicate that positive expectations about binge-drinking activities were related to binge-drinking tendencies. Binge-drinking tendencies were also negatively related to expectations regarding nonbinge-drinking alternatives. General attitudes toward drinking and normative influences were found to have complex influences on binge-drinking tendencies involving indirect, direct, and moderated effects. The findings are discussed with respect to developing prevention programs.
Effect of Architecture of Cell Nucleus on the Folding Principles of 3D Genome of Budding Yeast

Architecture of the cell nucleus and the spatial organization of genome are critical for nuclear functions. Single-cell imaging techniques and chromosome conformation capture (3C) based methods provide a wealth of information on the spatial organization of chromosomes. Computational tools for modeling chromosome structure have broad implications in studying effects of the geometry of nucleus on higher-order genome organization and nuclear functions. Here we describe a multi-chromosome constrained self-avoiding chromatin model for studying ensembles of structural genome models to understand the folding principles of budding yeast genome. We successfully generated a large number of model genomes of yeast under different geometrical constraints and found that spatial confinement of cell nucleus and molecular crowding in the nucleus are key determinants of the folding behavior of yeast chromosomes. Furthermore, the relative positioning of chromosomes and the interactions between them are found to be due to presence of nuclear landmarks such as centromere tethering to spindle pole body.
Fermi Golden Rule Approach to Evaluating Outer-Sphere Electron-Transfer Rate Constants at Semiconductor/Liquid Interfaces

Fermi's golden rule is used to formulate rate expressions for charge transfer of delocalized carriers in a nondegenerately doped semiconducting electrode to localized, outer-sphere redox acceptors in an electrolyte phase. If the charge-transfer rate constant is known experimentally, these rate expressions allow computation of the value of the electronic coupling matrix element between the semiconducting electrode and the redox species. This treatment also facilitates comparison between charge-transfer kinetic data at metallic and semiconducting electrodes in terms of parameters such as the electronic coupling to the electrode, the attenuation of coupling with distance into the electrolyte, and the reorganization energy of the charge-transfer event. Within this framework, rate constant values expected at representative semiconducting electrodes have been evaluated from experimental data for charge transfer from Au electrodes to ferrocene-terminated thiols, to Ru(NH3)53+/2+-terminated thiols, and through bl...
In)validity of large N orientifold equivalence

It has been argued that the bosonic sectors of supersymmetric $SU(N)$ Yang-Mills theory, and of QCD with a single fermion in the antisymmetric (or symmetric) tensor representation, are equivalent in the $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit. If true, this correspondence can provide useful insight into properties of real QCD (with fundamental representation fermions), such as predictions [with $O(1/N)$ corrections] for the nonperturbative vacuum energy, the chiral condensate, and a variety of other observables. Several papers asserting to have proven this large $N$ ``orientifold equivalence'' have appeared. By considering theories compactified on ${\mathbb{R}}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}^{1}$, we show explicitly that this large $N$ equivalence fails for sufficiently small radius, where our analysis is reliable, due to spontaneous symmetry breaking of charge-conjugation symmetry in QCD with an antisymmetric (or symmetric) tensor representation fermion. This theory is also chirally symmetric for small radius, unlike super-Yang-Mills theory. The situation is completely analogous to large-$N$ equivalences based on orbifold projections: simple symmetry realization conditions are both necessary and sufficient for the validity of the large $N$ equivalence. Whether these symmetry realization conditions are satisfied depends on the specific nonperturbative dynamics of the theory under consideration. Unbroken charge-conjugation symmetry is necessary for validity of the large $N$ orientifold equivalence. Whether or not this condition is satisfied on ${\mathbb{R}}^{4}$ (or ${\mathbb{R}}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}^{1}$ for sufficiently large radius) is not currently known.
Ecological correlates of fuel dynamics and potential fire behavior in former upland prairie and oak savanna

Fire behavior has changed drastically in North America following Euro-American settlement. We sought to identify potential fire behavior in former prairie and savanna following forest succession, and to predict potential fire behavior from plant community data. We collected data on fuel loads, soils, topography, and plant communities from 239 plots at seven sites in the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA. We defined eight plant cover types; an ordination based on tree species basal area by diameter classes and the cover of ground layer functional types supported these community types. Extant prairie and savanna plots had the lowest fuel loads, but there were no consistent differences in fuels among wooded communities. We used a fire behavior model, BehavePlus, to simulate potential fire behavior in our study plots. Because plant community data, standard fuel models and the ordination axes were poor predictors of fuels and potential fire behavior, we explored a new method of incorporating ecological data into predictions of fire behavior. We used classification and regression trees (CARTs) to find groups of plots that differed in their potential fire behavior. Although the best CART explained only 32% of the variance in potential fire behavior, the CARTs suggest ways to more effectively manage fire behavior – for example, indicating the importance of the legacy effects of savanna trees. Our results suggest that the legacies of succession on historic prairie and savanna have led to novel and heterogeneous fuels complexes, making it difficult to predict potential fire behavior from standard fuel models or community types. CARTs could be useful in other regions, both to indicate locations that should be management priorities and specific management techniques to attenuate fire behavior.
Estimating CO2 Emissions Reductions With EnergyPlus for an Office Building in Salt Lake City

This research estimates the achievable CO2 emissions reductions for a medium sized office building located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Four strategies that required minor retrofits or changes to a building’s operational controls were considered: automatic window shading, changes in window construction, lighting intensity, and temperature setpoint adjustment. Since 70% of energy consumed by the building sector is for heating, cooling and lighting, the methods introduced were targeted to reduce these sources of demand. The model building used was selected from the U.S. DOE’s commercial reference buildings. The simulations were run using the DOE’s EnergyPlus building energy modeling software and a TMY3 weather data file for Salt Lake City. The effect of these possible building changes on energy consumption and the CO2 emissions resulting from the production of this energy were examined. The impact of the automatic window shade was the lowest of the strategies considered with a 1% reduction in GHG emissions. This is likely the result of a low solar irradiation area to building volume ratio and should be explored for smaller residential and commercial buildings. Window construction was more promising with GHG emissions reductions between 2% and 6%. Lighting strategies and altered temperature set points demonstrated GHG emissions reduction of up to 15%. This research establishes a technique to evaluate building emissions reductions with respect to location, building construction, and operation.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Outer membrane peptides of Yersinia pestis mediating siderophore-independent assimilation of iron.

It is established that wild-type cells ofYersinia pestis absorb exogenous hemin or Congo red and thus grow as pigmented colonies at 26° C on media containing these chromatophores (Pgm+). Pgm+ isolates are known to possess a siderophore-independent mechanism of iron-transport (required for growth in iron-deficient medium) which is absent in avirulent Pgm− mutants. Production of the bacteriocin pesticin and linked invasins (Pst+) is an additional defined virulence factor of yersiniae; mutation of Pgm+,Pst− organisms to pesticin-resistance (Pstr) results in concomitant conversion to Pgm−. In this study, autoradiograms of two-dimensional gels of [35S]methionine-labeled outer membranes from Pgm− mutants were compared to those of the Pgm+,Pst+ or Pgm+,Pst− parent. An apparently single predominant peptide present in these preparations (> 10% of total membrane protein) existed as a family of iron-modifiable 17.9-kDa molecules focusing down to isoelectric points of about 4.6 and up to 5.89. Expression of eight detectable Pst+-specific peptides was not significantly influenced by exogenous iron. Pgm+ yersiniae constitutively produced pigmentation-specific peptide F and five iron-repressible peptides termed IrpA to IrpE. Typical spontaneous mutation to Pgm− resulted in loss of peptide F and IrpB-E. A rare Pgm+,Pstr mutant, selected on Congo red agar containing pesticin, also lost IrpB-E but retained peptide F. This isolate, like Pgm− mutants, failed to grow in iron-deficient medium. Regardless of phenotype, all yersiniae utilized hemin, hemopexin, myoglobin, hemoglobin, and ferritin, but not transferrin or lactoferrin, as sole sources of iron.
A novel role for microglia in minimizing excitotoxicity

Microglia are the abundant, resident myeloid cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that become rapidly activated in response to injury or inflammation. While most studies of microglia focus on this phenomenon, little is known about the function of 'resting' microglia, which possess fine, branching cellular processes. Biber and colleagues, in a recent paper in Journal of Neuroinflammation, report that ramified microglia can limit excitotoxicity, an important insight for understanding mechanisms that limit neuron death in CNS disease.
Release in vivo of Met-enkephalin and encrypted forms of Met-enkephalin from brain and spinal cord of the anesthetized cat.

Abstract Processing of the proenkephalin molecule will result in peptide fragments in which the pentapeptide YGGFM is included. We have employed a molecular sieve (2 kDa) separation, enzyme hydrolysis radioimmunoassay (RIA) treatment sequence which permits concurrent measurement of Met-enkephalin (Enk) and several enkephalin-encrypting (X-Enk) peptides in a single sample. Using this protocol, the release of Enk and X-Enk (total Enk - Enk) greater and less than 2 kDa from spinal cord and the mesencephalic aqueductal grey was assessed under resting conditions and during stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the chloralose-urethane anesthetized cat. Under resting conditions measurable levels of Enk ( 10.5±4.7 ; 9.1±2.1 pg/min ) and X-Enk ( 47.8±19.7 ; 45.7±12.3 pg/min ) are found in aqueductal and spinal superfusates, respectively. The X-Enk measured under resting and evoked conditions in aqueductal and spinal perfusates is associated almost exclusively (>90–95%) with fragments >2 kDa in size. These results, showing the relative absence of detectable levels of X-Enk forms −5 M), though there was no effect on the resting release of either Enk or X-Enk, the levels of Enk measured under evoked conditions were significantly augmented in both ventricular and spinal perfusates.
Novel pink bollworm resistance to the Bt toxin Cry 1Ac: effects on mating, oviposition, larval development and survival.

Bt cotton plants are genetically engineered to produce insecticidal toxins from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) bacterium and target key lepidopteran pests. In all previous strains of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) selected in the laboratory for resistance to insecticidal Cry1Ac toxin using an artificial diet containing the toxin, resistance to Cry1Ac and to Bt cotton is linked to three cadherin alleles (r1, r2, and r3). In contrast, the BG(4) pink bollworm strain was selected for resistance to Bt cotton by feeding larvae for four days in each of 42 generations on bolls of ‘NuCOTN33B®’ that expressed Cry1Ac toxin. After additional selection for eleven generations on Cry1Ac-incorporated diet, the susceptibility to Cry1Ac, fecundity, egg viability, and mating of this strain (Bt4R) was compared with the unselected Cry1Ac-susceptible parent strain. Some larvae of the Bt4R strain survived on diet containing ≥ 10 µg Cry1Ac per milliliter artificial diet, but none survived on transgenic cotton bolls. In contrast to strains selected exclusively on Cry1Ac diet, some survival of progeny of reciprocal moth crosses of Bt4R resistant and Bt-susceptible strains occurred on Cry1Ac-treated diet, suggesting differences in levels of dominance. The Bt4R resistant strain does not have the r1, r2, or r3 mutant cadherin genes as do all previous strains of pink bollworm selected on Cry1Ac-treated artificial diet. The combined results suggest a mechanism of resistance to Cry1Ac that is different from previously described cadherin mutations.
Current State of Psychiatric Involvement on Palliative Care Consult Services: Results of a National Survey

Abstract Context Palliative care consult services have emerged as an excellent resource for physicians seeking help with patients' symptoms. Symptoms include those of a psychiatric nature (e.g., depression, anxiety, delirium); however, little information is known about whether palliative care services include psychiatric input as part of multidisciplinary teams. Objectives To explore 1) the current level of collaboration between psychiatrists and palliative care consult services across the U.S. and 2) the factors that support or restrict such involvement. Methods A national survey was developed and distributed electronically to program directors identified in the National Palliative Care Registry maintained by the Center to Advance Palliative Care. Analyses examined trends in psychiatry involvement with hospital-based palliative care teams. Results The survey had a 59% response rate, with final analyses including surveys completed by 260 palliative care program directors (67% inclusion rate from total respondents). Seventy-two percent of respondents reported some form of involvement with a psychiatrist on their palliative care service, with only 10% of those identifying a psychiatrist as a full- or part-time member of the team. Most respondents reported that they would like psychiatrists to be more involved with the palliative care services (71%). Secondary analyses of qualitative responses identified common impediments to increased psychiatry involvement, which included financial constraints, provider interest, and perceived disciplinary disconnect. Conclusion There are shared objectives between psychiatry and palliative care; however, currently, co-involvement on treatment teams is quite limited. Future research is needed to identify ways to facilitate the interface of palliative care and psychiatry.
Levels of Nitric Oxide Synthase Product Citrulline Are Elevated in Sera of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

AbstractSerum levels of citrulline, a product of nitric oxide synthase activity, were measured in 36 CFS patients and 16 controls to determine whether synthase activity may be elevated in CFS patients. Serum citrulline levels were found to be significantly elevated in CFS patients and, in addition, there was a trend towards higher levels in CFS patients with stronger symptoms. These results provide support for the view that nitric oxide synthase activity tends to be elevated in CFS patients, thus supporting a prediction of the elevated nitric oxide/peroxynitrite theory of CFS etiology.