cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitatory and inhibitory amino acids and peptide-induced responses in acutely isolated rat spinal dorsal horn neurons.

Abstract The responses to excitatory and inhibitory amino acids and peptides were investigated in isolated rat spinal dorsal horn neurons (laminae I–V) of young rats using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. The treatment of spinal slices with low concentrations of enzymes and mechanical dissociation yielded isolated neurons that were sensitive to excitatory amino acids (glutamate, kainate, quisqualate and N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA), inhibitory amino acids (γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine) and peptides (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The responses of dorsal horn neurons to NMDA were potentiated by glycine and CGRP, whereas GABA A responses were enhanced by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Our observations indicate that there is reasonable agreement between many of the responses of isolated neurons and those studied in in vivo and in vitro slice and culture preparations.
Kant and Rawls on the Cultivation of Virtue.

In ‘Two conceptions of virtue’, Thomas Hill reconstructs the conceptions of virtue, and of proper moral upbringing, found in Kant and Rawls. Here I offer some brief reflections on these conceptions of virtue and its cultivation. I argue that Kant’s conception of virtue is grounded in a mistaken conception of desire, and that this makes it difficult to account properly for the role of ‘sentimental education’ in a good moral upbringing. I then suggest that, in addition to the explicit conception of moral upbringing to which Hill attends, Rawls has an implicit conception of the cultivation of the virtue of justice. This conception is implicit in Rawls’ philosophical methodology, and it assigns a central and recognizably Hegelian role to reasoned philosophical reflection.
New circuits for recurrent surge oscillography

This new transient analyzer, a combined recurrent surge generator and oscillograph, has many new circuits to increase the convenience and accuracy of transient response measurement. A 400-cycle surge generator gives intense images. A vertical-bias system on the cathode-ray tube provides unmetered bias for positioning, metered bias for displacement-type deflection measuring, and astigmatism control for measuring small differences of large voltages. A time-measuring circuit provides two blank spots on the sweep whose positions are adjustable and metered.
TU-A-BRC-05: Imaging to Monitor the Efficacy of Novel Molecular Targeted Radiation Protecting Drugs

Purpose: This research addresses apoptosis within stem cells and necrosis as two common mechanisms of radiation induced tissue injury. Inhibitors of enzyme GSK3&#946; markedly attenuate radiation induced apoptosis in normal tissues but not in cancer. These drugs prevented radiation induced injury in brain, intestine, bone marrow and skin. Here we develop noninvasive imaging as a means to monitor radioprotection by GSK3 inhibitors. Methods: Specific inhibitors of GSK3, SB2 and SB4, were administered to mice by IP injection prior to irradiation. Single‐treatment Gamma Knife doses of 15–60Gy were given to the 50% isodose volume (33.5mm3) in one mouse brain hemisphere. T2‐weighted, microMRI of the brain was performed weekly. Whole abdominal doses of 7–8Gy were used to treat intestine. F18‐labeled apoptosis radiotracer was manufactured in the radiochemistry laboratory and was injected by tail vein in mice at 24 hours after irradiation. MicroPET imaging was performed to monitor uptake of the apoptosis detector following irradiation. Results: Radiation induced apoptosis in the brain and intestine occurred after 24 hours in a dose dependent manner with doses as low as 2Gy. Brain necrosis was compared histologically with imaging following 15‐60Gy and was first detected 3–7 weeks after irradiation. GSK3 inhibition prevented radiation induced apoptosis and preserved organ function in irradiated mice. MRI detected brain necrosis in mice treated with Gamma Knife. The apoptosis radiotracer has a short half life which is sufficient because apoptosis is transiently detected at 24 hours after irradiation. Renal excretion of the radiotracer allows imaging of radiation induced apoptosis in intestinal crypts after abdominal irradiation. Conclusions: Radioprotection of the brain and intestine by GSK3&#946; inhibitors can be monitored by MRI and PET imaging.Radiotracers with a high sensitivity for apoptosis are needed to monitor apoptosis. These imaging modalities are needed for the planned clinical trials of GSK3 inhibitors as radioprotectors.
Mass measurement accuracy of matrix‐assisted laser desorbed biomolecules: A Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry study

The use of binary matrices and internal calibrants to improve the mass measurement accuracy in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry is described. Binary matrices enhance the analyte ion yield and enable a complete MALDI-FTICR mass spectrum to be obtained from a single laser shot. The advantage of single-laser-shot data acquisition is that it eliminates line-broadening due to shot-to-shot frequency variations. It is shown that unresolved product ions, mainly due to loss of H2O and/or NH3, shift the centroid of an unresolved multi-component peak. A mass measurement accuracy of 12 ppm was obtained for the bovine insulin [M+H]+ ion using melittin as an internal calibrant.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor attenuates the locomotor hypofunction and striatonigral neurochemical deficits induced by chronic systemic administration of the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid.

Abstract The present study investigated whether glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor prevents the progressive striatal degeneration induced by chronic systemic administration of the mitochondrial toxin, 3-nitropropionic acid. In addition, the effects of delayed treatment with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor on toxin-induced behavioural and neurochemical deficits were determined. infused with 3-nitropropionic acid (15 mg/kg/day, for four weeks) via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps was considerably reduced compared to control rats. However, in rats given a single intracerebroventricular injection of 100 μg of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, locomotor activity was significantly higher than in rats injected with the vehicle, an effect that was most pronounced at the onset of toxin infusion. Consistent with a protective or restorative effect in this model of striatal neurodegeneration, toxin-induced deficits in markers of neurotransmitter function were attenuated by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Thus, [3H]GABA uptake and [3H]tiagabine/GABA uptake sites in striatal target tissues (globus pallidus and substantia nigra), as well as [3H]choline uptake, choline acetyltransferase activity and dopamine receptor binding in the striatum were decreased by the toxin and restored to varying degrees by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor administration. As with locomotor abnormalities, effects on neurochemical deficits were most prominent when glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor was given at the start of toxin infusion, but remained significantly higher than in the vehicle-injected rats when given up to two weeks after. Substance P, dynorphin A and [Met]enkephalin levels in the striatal target tissues also were reduced by 3-nitropropionic acid. The results show that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protects striatal neurons from slow excitotoxic cell death resulting from energy deprivation, secondary to mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, they suggest that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor may be a viable therapeutic agent for slowly progressive central nervous system disorders, like Huntington's disease, that may be caused by secondary excitotoxicity resulting from abnormal energy utilization.
Prison's Dilemma: Do Education and Jobs Programmes Affect Recidivism?

This paper employs a hazard model to analyse the impact of education and two types of prison employment programmes on recidivism over a ten-year period for 4515 prisoners released from Ohio prisons in 1992. Estimations with a Weibull mixture model and propensity score approach provide two means for investigating self-selection bias. Selection bias is detected for participation in the most common prison job programme but has little effect on estimated marginal savings impacts of prison industry and education programmes. Estimates of the cost savings from postponing return to prison due to programme participation are provided. The potential for cost savings through decreasing or delaying return to prison is an important finding given the substantial and increasing cost of incarceration.
Affinity analysis of idiotype-positive and idiotype-negative Ars-binding hybridoma proteins and Ars-immune sera.

Abstract The possibility that idiotype dominance may be associated with increased affinity for hapten was investigated in the murine A/J anti- p -azophenylarsonate (Ars) response. Fluorescence quenching of 14 Ars-binding hybridoma proteins by Ars-tyrosine was measured and K a calculated using computerassisted curve fitting. There was a 200-fold range in K a for idiotype-positive hybridoma proteins, with 2 IgM hybridoma proteins being near the median. No clear difference in K a was apparent between idiotype-positive (Id + ) and idiotype-negative (Id − ) hybridoma proteins. K a was measured by fluorescence quenching on affinity-purified anti-Ars antibodies from 6 conventional antisera; there was no difference between Id + and Id − (idiotype suppressed) sera. The affinities of the hybridoma proteins were correlated with the ratio of binding to Ars 36 -BSA and Ars 10 -BSA by direct radioimmunoassay. With this calibration, functional affinities of Ars-immune sera could be determined from relative binding ratios without the need for prior affinity purification. This was done for 18 Ars-immune sera, and again there was no clear difference between Id + and Id − sera. Studies from this laboratory have identified the amino acid sequence of a hybridoma protein which corresponds to the germ line DNA sequence for the cross-reactive idiotype family. The present study shows that the protein directly encoded by the germ line gene has low affinity for hapten suggesting that somatic diversification operating on the germ line sequence can produce antibodies with increased affinity for hapten within the cross-reactive idiotype family. The present study also suggests that affinity is not the driving force behind idiotype dominance of the Ars-immune response.
Assessing Pharmacy Students' Ability to Accurately Measure Blood Pressure Using a Blood Pressure Simulator Arm

Objective. To compare student accuracy in measuring normal and high blood pressures using a simulator arm. Methods. In this prospective, single-blind, study involving third-year pharmacy students, simulator arms were programmed with prespecified normal and high blood pressures. Students measured preset normal and high diastolic and systolic blood pressure using a crossover design. Results. One hundred sixteen students completed both blood pressure measurements. There was a significant difference between the accuracy of high systolic blood pressure (HSBP) measurement and normal systolic blood pressure (NSBP) measurement (mean HSBP difference 8.4 ± 10.9 mmHg vs NSBP 3.6 ± 6.4 mmHg; p<0.001). However, there was no difference between the accuracy of high diastolic blood pressure (HDBP) measurement and normal diastolic blood pressure (NDBP) measurement (mean HDBP difference 6.8 ± 9.6 mmHg vs. mean NDBP difference 4.6 ± 4.5 mmHg; p=0.089). Conclusions. Pharmacy students may need additional instruction and experience with taking high blood pressure measurements to ensure they are able to accurately assess this important vital sign.
ChromDB: The Chromatin Database

The ChromDB website (http://www.chromdb.org) displays chromatin-associated proteins, including RNAi-associated proteins, for a broad range of organisms. Our primary focus is to display sets of highly curated plant genes predicted to encode proteins associated with chromatin remodeling. Our intent is to make this intensively curated sequence information available to the research and teaching communities in support of comparative analyses toward understanding the chromatin proteome in plants, especially in important crop species such as corn and rice. Model animal and fungal proteins are included in the database to facilitate a complete, comparative analysis of the chromatin proteome and to make the database applicable to all chromatin researchers and educators. Chromatin biology and chromatin remodeling are complex processes involving a multitude of proteins that regulate the dynamic changes in chromatin structure which either repress or activate transcription. We strive to organize ChromDB data in a straightforward and comparative manner to help users understand the complement of proteins involved in packaging DNA into chromatin.
Effects of Multiple Scattering on the Implementation of an Underwater Wireless Optical Communications Link

Recent interest in ocean exploration has brought about a desire for developing wireless communication techniques in this challenging environment. Due to its high attenuation in water, a radio frequency (RF) carrier is not the optimum choice. Acoustic techniques have made tremendous progress in establishing wireless underwater links, but they are ultimately limited in bandwidth. A third option is optical radiation, which is discussed in this paper. One drawback of underwater wireless optical communications is that the transmission of the optical carrier is highly dependent on water type. This study examines some of the challenges in implementing an optical link in turbid water environments and attempts to answer how water clarity affects the overall link.
Chimeric prion protein expression in cultured cells and transgenic mice

The efficient expression of exogenous prion protein (PrP) molecules in mouse neuroblastoma cells that are chronically infected with murine scrapie prions (ScN2a cells; Butler, D.A., et al., 1988, J. Virol. 62, 1558-1564) and in transgenic mice is described. This technology allows investigation of the PrP molecule for structural regions involved in determining species specificity, as well as ablation experiments designed to address the functionality of particular regions of the PrP molecule. Previous reports demonstrated that the PrP gene specifies the host range for susceptibility of transgenic animals to prions (Scott, M., et al., 1989, Cell 59, 847-857; Prusiner, S.B., et al., 1990, Cell 63, 673-686). Consistent with these results, we showed that Syrian hamster (SHa) PrP is ineligible for efficient conversion to PrPSc in ScN2a cells. By constructing a series of chimeric mouse (Mo)/SHaPrP genes, we developed an epitopically tagged functional variant of the MoPrP gene, which can efficiently form protease-resistant PrP molecules upon expression in ScN2a cells. The presence of a defined epitope for an SHa-specific monoclonal antibody allows the products of this chimeric gene to be discriminated from endogenous MoPrP and creates a useful reagent for exploring structure/function relationships via targeted mutagenesis. In addition, we developed a transgenic mouse expression vector by manipulation of an SHaPrP cosmid clone. This vector permits the efficient expression of foreign PrP genes in the brains of transgenic animals, enabling pathological consequences of in vitro mutagenesis to be studied.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Presenting With Hydrocephalus

Spinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors are exceedingly rare. Herewith, we present the first case of an intramedullary spinal cord tumor associated with hydrocephalus in a 2-month-old boy that presented with left hemiparesis. The patient had been diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound with enlarged ventricular system. At his current admission, a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hydrocephalus and an intramedullary lesion extending from the second cervical to the first thoracic vertebrae. Dissemination of the tumor was revealed intracranially and in the spinal canal. After a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement a radical resection of the tumor was performed, however some small tumor remnants could not be safely removed. Postoperative there was no neurologic deterioration. The tumor was diagnosed as a central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor (World Health Organization grade IV). Spinal intramedullary primitive neuroectodermal tumors are extremely rare. In such rare tumors, multiinstitutional studies are needed for treatment guidelines to be established.
Relationship of testicular weight to age and scrotal circumference of Holstein bulls.

Testicular weights were recorded for 250 Holstein bulls ranging in age from 19 to 189 mo. The multiple regression equation that best described the relationship between paired-testes weight and age of bull was Y = -368.8 + 952.2 LOG X - 180.3 (log X)2, where Y is paired-testes weight in g and X is bull age in mo. Correlations between these two variables were .86 for 24 bulls less than or equal to 60 mo of age and .60 for 23 greater than 60 mo of age. A linear regression equation for 47 bulls was Y = -645.5 + 34.0 X, where Y is paired-testes weight in g and X is scrotal circumference in cm measured within 1 mo of slaughter. The correlation coefficient was .79. Differences in testicular weights of bulls of similar ages were large. These should be taken into account by measuring scrotal circumference and selecting young bulls with larger testes and superior spermatozoal producing capabilities.
Effervescent Solid Dispersions of Prednisone,Griseofulvin and Primidone

AbstractVarious prednisone (Pd), griseofulvin (Gr), and primidone (Pr) solid dispersions mady by the fusion method utilizing diffent carriers and drug: carrier ratios were evaluated. Citric acid (CA), succinic acid (SA) and tartaric acid (TA) were employed in various ratios with sodium bicarbonate (SB) as carriers for the respective drugs.CA:SB was the most effective carrier for releasing Pd and Pr, and SA:SB was found to be the best carrier for Gr. Results showed that there was an increase in in dissolution rate as the proportion of SB increased in the carrier system.
Using Individual-Oriented Relationship Education to Prevent Family Violence

Relationship aggression has negative effects on adults, children, and on our society that cannot be overstated. In this paper, we first outline the benefits of using relationship education programs that are delivered to individuals (rather than couples) in preventing relationship aggression and co-occurring relationship aggression toward children. Next, we briefly review one such program, Within My Reach, and related research on its effectiveness in preventing relationship aggression. Implications of this research for future research, clinical practice, and policy are also discussed.
Locally finite generalized quadrangles with at most five points per line

A locally finite thick generalized quadrangle with at most five points on each line is finite.
A peroxidase-active aptazyme as an isothermally amplifiable label in an aptazyme-linked oligonucleotide assay for low-picomolar IgE detection

A peroxidase-active hemin-aptamer was clicked onto an immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding aptamer. The resulting bifunctional aptamer was successfully used in a highly sensitive aptazyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ALONA) for the detection of IgE. The sensitivity of the assay is enhanced by isothermal amplification of the aptazyme followed by colorimetric detection of the aptazyme's peroxidase activity, which can easily be evaluated even without advanced lab instruments.
Interaction of sulfur dioxide with active carbon

Abstract The interaction of SO2 with a well-outgassed active carbon surface has been studied over the temperature range 50–650°C. SO2 (0.5 volume %) in He was passed through a packed bed of carbon, the outlet gas stream being monitored by a thermal conductivity cell and a mass spectrometer. Chemisorption of SO2, and/or its dissociation products, between 50 and 300°C was small, amounting to about 1% of the total surface area. Essentially complete regeneration of the carbon could be achieved by heating at 950°C in flowing He. At 650°C, SO2 reacted with the carbon rapidly forming CO, CO2, and elemental sulfur. Significant amounts of the sulfur left the bed and deposited in cooler parts of the reactor. Under these conditions, active carbon is most efficient at removing SO2.
Increased SIAH expression predicts ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) progression to invasive carcinoma

Hyperactivated HER2/Neu/EGFR/RAS signaling is a major growth-promoting pathway known to drive cellular transformation and oncogenesis in breast cancers. HER2 amplification is detected in ~20% of all human breast cancer and is quite prevalent (up to 49%) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The E3 ubiquitin ligase SIAH is considered a key downstream “gatekeeper” required for proper HER2/EGFR/RAS signal transduction. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded resection specimens from 65 patients with DCIS treated with wide excision only were stained with an anti-SIAH antibody, and the percentage of tumor and normal adjacent tissue cells positive for SIAH nuclear staining were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed comparing SIAH staining in tumor cells to disease recurrence, histologic type, necrosis, hormone receptor status, and Her2/neu status, as well as nuclear grade. Correlation of SIAH expression in tumor cells with SIAH expression in normal adjacent tissue and age was also examined. Expression levels of SIAH in tumor cells was significantly higher in specimens from patients with recurrence (median = 19%) as compared to patients without recurrence (7%) (P < 0.001). There was also significantly increased SIAH expression in tumors with more aggressive features including comedo morphology (13.5% in comedo vs. 7% in other histologic types, P = 0.014). No significant association was observed between SIAH expression and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her2/neu status. There was a significant correlation between SIAH expression in tumors and normal adjacent tissue (Spearman correlation = 0.58, P < 0.001) as well as between SIAH expression in normal adjacent tissue and patient age (Spearman correlation = −0.59, P < 0.001). No significant correlation was identified between patient age and SIAH expression in tumors (Spearman correlation = −0.23, P = 0.067). In conclusion, SIAH may represent a useful prognostic biomarker that predicts DCIS progression to invasive breast cancer.
Problems of allergy encountered in dentistry

Abstract In cases of atopic dermatitis the inherent tendency to develop allergies must be recognized. The history of the case reported here revealed sensitivity to Novocain and penicillin, which was verified with skin tests. Additional skin tests showed an allergic response to Xylocaine but no reaction to Unicaine. The difference in the chemical structure of these local anesthetics is discussed.
Ovarian follicular cysts: A potential source of false positive diagnoses in ovarian cytology

The cytology samples of 22 benign ovarian cysts aspirated during laparoscopy (16) or laparotomy (6) were evaluated for clinicopathologic correlations. Clinically, most patients were evaluated for chronic pelvic pain. The cysts ranged in size from 1 to 5 cm (average 2.4 cm), and were described as having benign appearance. Cytologically, small granulosa cells arranged in clusters or isolated had granular cytoplasm with occasional microvacuoles. The nuclei were round to oval, uniform, and eccentrically placed. They had granular chromatin with chromocenters and one to two micronucleoli. Relative nuclear area averaged 50%. Mitoses were present in all but two cases, ranging from 0 to 38 mitoses per 10 high power fields (average 7.2 mitoses per 10 high power fields). Present in some cases were mesothelial cells and histiocytes. Three cases with follow-up histopathology specimens revealed two follicular cysts and a collapsed cyst without discernible lining. The immature appearance of the granulosa cells, the granular chromatin, and the presence of mitoses often suggested cytologically the possibility of a neoplastic process. Recognition of the cytopathology features, knowledge of the clinical history, and the laparoscopic findings may reassure the pathologist about the benign nature of the cysts.
Oxygen isotope fractionation in quartz, albite, anorthite and calcite

Laboratory measurements of equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionation in quartz, albite, anorthite, and calcite have been carried out by anhydrous exchange between silicates and calcite at temperatures of 600°C and above. Exchange in these systems is as rapid as exchange between silicates and water. Fractionation factors can be summarized in the following equations: °qc = 0.38·106T−2ΔAbc = −0.57·106T−2ΔAnc = −1.59·106T−2 from which the silicate-pair fractionations are readily obtained. These results are compared with published theoretical estimates as well as data derived from hydrothermal experiments. Some significant differences are found. In particular, it is difficult to reconcile all of the hydrothermal data either with theoretical calculations or with the present experimental data. The new experiments provide an internally consistent set of fractionation factors suitable for isotopic thermometry and for test of disequilibrium in natural systems.
The temperature dependence of collision-induced state changes

Abstract A theory describing the relative magnitudes of cross sections for state changes A* + M → A + M′ that occur with the dominance of attractive intermolecular forces is applied to the temperature dependence of four near resonant vibration—vibration or vibration—rotation energy transfers. The dependence follows approximately the relationship ln σ M = ln C + 1.6 e A*M / kT , where σ M is the relative cross section, C is a constant and e A*M is the intermolecular potential well depth between A* and M. Because of the theoretical generality, this temperature dependence is expected to hold for many other types of state changes induced by attractive forces.
Conceptual response distance and intervening keys distinguish action goals in the Stroop color-identification task

In previous studies, a physical response-distance effect was found in the two-choice Stroop color-identification task, with the Stroop effect being larger when the two response keys were physically close together than when they were far apart. In the present study, we found a conceptual response-distance effect, with the Stroop effect being larger when the response keys were conceptually close (labeled as “5” and “6”) than when they were conceptually far (labeled as “1” and “9”). Moreover, a response-distance effect due to pure physical distance was not evident; rather, the effect was found only when additional keys were placed between the two far response keys. These results are in agreement with a view that response keys are coded as action goals, with farther conceptual distance and additional keys helping distinguish the action goals. The results are difficult to reconcile with accounts that place emphasis on the physical separation of the effectors or their inanimate extensions.
DISTURBED PERSONALITY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT IN MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY: RELATIONSHIP TO INTELLECTUAL/COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND UNDERLYING AFFECTIVE DISORDER (DEPRESSION)

Summary.-Recent investigations of cognitive and behavioral function in myotonic dystrophy appear to counter a number of the prevailing notions regarding this disorder. Myotonic dystrophy is characterized neither by intellect outside the range of normal (except in those infrequent cases of neonatal myotonic dystrophy) nor by intellectual deterioration. Apparent cognitive deficits more likely result from reversible neuroamine dysfunction associated with a biological depressive illness that may be an intrinsic part of the disorder of myotonic dystrophy. Much of the purported emotional problems, "personalicy disturbances and social deterioration", represent symptomatology of this biological depressive illness. This depressive component seems to be responsive to tricyclic antidepressant treatment; such pharrnacotherapg also provides additional benefit to other symptoms including gastrointestinal dysfunction, hypersomnia, myotonia, and m-~scular weakness. It seems probable that the basic genetic defecr (possibly involving membrane structure) in myotonic dystrophy results in abnormal aminergic and peptidergic receptors and that dysfunction of the limbic system of the brain is only one of many disturbances caused by the receptor abnormalities.
Antiemetic therapy in adults with terminal disease: A brief review:

Although nausea and vomiting (NV) are common complaints among individuals with terminal illness, there are few studies evaluating the magnitude of this disabling syndrome. Most research has emphasized chemotherapy-induced emesis, however, Reuben and Mor analyzed National Hospice Study data and noted NV in 62 percent of patients with advanced malignancy during the last two months of life. In addition, NV was observed more frequently in women, persons younger than 65 years of age, and patients with stomach and breast cancer. Lamentably, physicians were less likely to prescribe antiemetics in the elderly and in patients with an impaired level of awareness. With such a paucity of studies on NV in terminally-ill patients, there is frequent confusion regarding the etiology of emesis and the selection of appropriate antiemetics. This article will review the syndrome of NV, and discuss available drug regimens.
Comparative cure behavior of DGEBA and DGEBP with 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and advanced isoconversional kinetic analysis were used to study the curing reaction of diglycidyl ether of 4,4′-bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy monomer with an aromatic amine, 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine (4-NPDA). The first DSC exothermic peak was assigned to the curing process of DGEBA with 4-NPDA. Kinetic analysis suggested that the effective activation energy for the cure process decreases from ≈120 to a practically constant value ≈60 kJ mol−1. This system was compared with diglycidyl ether of 4,4′-bisphenol (DGEBP)/4-NPDA. DGEBA/4-NPDA system shows higher reaction temperature, lower reaction rate and lower glass transition temperature under the same cure condition. This can be explained by stereochemical structure of epoxy monomer and the effect of conjugation.
Towards an expert/novice learning system with application to infectious disease

The threat of AIDS is widely recognized as an important educational problem, particularly in the college age population. To date, intelligent software has not been developed and employed to effectively disseminate the critical knowledge relevant to this epidemic. Since sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a group are a personal problem which few people feel comfortable discussing, the computer can provide an opportunity for learning about these diseases while insuring anonymity.
Spray Drying, Freeze Drying, or Freezing of Three Different Lactic Acid Bacteria Species

Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris D11, Lactobacillus casei ssp. pseudoplantarum UL137, and Streptococcus thermophilus CH3TH, were separately frozen, freeze dried or spray dried, and tested for survival and lactic acid production before and after processing. Virtually all cells survived freezing. Of the survivors, 60 to 70% survived the dehydration step of freeze drying. In contrast to freezing and freeze drying, spray drying caused considerable delay in lactic acid production and reduction in survival. After spray drying, survival was greatest for S. thermophilus and lowest for Lc. cremoris.
Are different methotrexate regimens as first line therapy for low risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia more cost effective than the dactinomycin regimen used in GOG 0174

Abstract Objectives Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 0174 compared weekly intramuscular methotrexate (MTX) with biweekly pulsed intravenous dactinomycin (Act-D) as single-agent chemotherapy for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Act-D had a higher rate of initial complete response (CR) (70% vs. 53%, p=0.01), but multi-day regimens of MTX have higher historic success rates. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of Act-D vs. MTX per GOG 0174 and explored multi-day MTX regimens. Methods A cost effectiveness decision model was constructed with data from GOG 0174. Outcome was cost per first-line treatment success expressed in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Front-line failures were assumed to receive cross-over single agent therapy, second line failures; multi-agent chemotherapy. GOG 0174 had no quality of life (QOL) evaluation, so equal QOL (utility 1.0) was assumed but varied in sensitivity analysis. A second exploratory model included 5-day and 8-day MTX regimens. Results Act-D ($18,505) was more expensive compared to weekly MTX ($8950) with an ICER of $56,215 per first-line treatment success compared to weekly MTX. Small decreases in QOL dramatically increased the ICER during sensitivity analysis. Models with multi-day MTX regimens were also more cost-effective than Act-D. If effectiveness was redefined as avoidance of multi-agent chemotherapy, weekly MTX was more effective. Conclusions With a complete cure rate for low-risk GTN regardless of initial agent, our model supports provider hesitation toward first line Act-D for low risk GTN. While Act-D is more effective for first line treatment success, it is more costly, and does not decrease rate of multi-agent chemotherapy use.
Micro/Nanomechanical Characterization of Ceramic Films for Microdevices

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are currently fabricated using single-crystal silicon, various polysilicon films and other ceramic materials. Silicon carbide (SiC) film has recently been pursued as a material for use in MEMS devices owing to its excellent mechanical properties and high-temperature capabilities. Since physical and chemical properties, friction and wear are important issues in such small-scale devices, it is essential that the materials used in MEMS have good micro/nanomechanical and tribological properties. Micro/nanomechanical characterization of single-crystal 3C-SiC (cubic or β-SiC) films, undoped and doped (n+-type) polysilicon films have been carried out. For comparision, measurements on undoped single-crystal Si(100) have also been made. Hardness, elastic modulus and scratch resistance of these materials were measured by nanoindentation and microscratching using a nanoindenter. Fracture toughness was measured by microindentation using a microindenter. Friction and wear properties were measured using an accelerated ball-on-flat tribometer. It is found that the 3C-SiC film exhibits higher hardness, elastic modulus and scratch resistance as well as lower friction compared to other materials. These results show that the 3C-SiC film possesses desirable micro/nanomechanical properties that make it an ideal material for use in MEMS devices.
The undergraduate biomedical engineering curriculum: devices and instruments.

In this document, we look at how the study of devices and instruments fits into the undergraduate biomedical engineering (BME) curriculum. Our goal is to review the current state of BME curricula in this area and to delineate the core topics that all biomedical engineering students should understand. These include how modern biology and clinical medicine can be integrated in this aspect of biomedical engineering; how biomedical engineering science topics underpin this area of specialization, and what critical skills in this area should be gained by all undergraduate biomedical engineering students. To fully understand this area we must begin with a definition of what is included when we consider devices and instrumentation. Medical devices refer to hardware, and in the broadest sense refer to that hardware that is used in understanding, assessing, manipulating, and treating living things. Medical devices can cover a very broad range such as from tongue depressors and cotton tipped applicators through heart valves and complex machinery such as cardiopulmonary bypass systems or MRI imagers. Needless to say this is a very expansive definition and could cover most of the BME field. For the purpose of this document we will limit our definition of devices to be those components that are covered by the FDA Medical Devices Act of 1976 and are applied in some direct way to living organisms. The biomedical instrument is a special subclass of device that is used to make measurements of biologic or medical quantities and give quantitative (or sometimes qualitative) results of this measurement. In considering the devices and instruments aspects of the BME curriculum, we will not cover those areas that are major subcategories of biomedical engineering themselves such as medical imaging devices, artificial organs, and signal processors since these are covered elsewhere.
Synthesis and characterization of a photoactive monolayer

The synthesis and characterization of photoactive monolayers is described. Monolayers containing azobenzene were prepared either by direct chemisorption of a trichlorosilane or by covalent attachment to a functionalized self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Preliminary photoisomerization studies show a decrease in wettability upon exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition, a new experimental methodology for measuring protein adsorption to SAMs was developed. Neutron reflectometry measurements show that the protein, Human Serum Albumin (HSA), adsorbs onto both methyl- and ammonium-terminated SAMs. However, more protein was found in the interphase next to the methyl-terminated SAM.
Electrical stimulation of hindlimb increases neuronal cell death in chick embryo.

The daily treatment of chick embryos with neuromuscular blocking agents during the period of massive naturally occurring death of spinal motoneurones (days 5–10) reduces the normal loss of these cells1,2. Because both pre- and postsynaptic blocking agents have this effect3, the cause seems to be related to a reduction in synaptic and/or muscular activity. If this interpretation is correct, an experimentally induced increase in nerve or muscle activity (and/or an increased activation of acetylcholine receptors, AChR), during the normal cell death period should accelerate or enhance the loss of motoneurones. Consistent with this prediction, we have found that daily treatment with the nicotinic receptor agonist, carbachol, or with the anti-cholinesterase (anti-ChE) agent, eserine, leads to a significant enhancement of cell death of spinal motoneurones3. However, because in the same study other related agents (for example nicotine) failed to alter normal cell death, we believed that a different approach might provide a better test of our prediction. We now report that short-term continuous electrical stimulation of the hindlimb (the musculature and nerve trunks) initiated at any time between stages 31 (day 7) and stage 34 (day 8) results in a significant reduction in the number of healthy motoneurones and an increase in the number of pyknotic (degenerating) motoneurones in the lumbar lateral motor column (LMC). As the number of pyknotic cells in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is unaltered, this effect seems to be specific to motoneurones.
Self-Focused Attention and the Recognition of Psychological Implications

Resume d'une etude sur l'influence de la concentration sur soi-meme dans une tâche qui requiert la reconnaissance des implications psychologiques de ce que disent les autres, but de la presente etude: distinguer les effets «auto-concentrateurs» d'une glace sans teint et d'une camera, eliminer l'influence potentielle d'une audience soi-disant d'experts
Stenopsyche kodaikanalensis: A new species of Stenopsyche from South India (Trichoptera: Stenopsychidae)

Abstract Stenopsyche kodaikanalensis sp. n. is described from a small stream in the Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu, South India. All life stages and both sexes of adults are described and illustrated. The larva and pupa aresimilar to S. griseipennis and the adult male demonstrates a close relationship to S. splendida of the simplex group.
Equilibrium of a Radially Symmetric Inhomogeneous Plate Under Tension and Load

This paper studies a mathematical model for small deflections of a radially symmetric strongly inhomogeneous elastic plate under a normal load and tension in the center plane. The type of inhomogeneity studied occurs in injection molded plastics. The model consists of a Dirichlet boundary value problem for a linear fourth-order ordinary differential equation. A general expression is derived for physically reasonable solutions under relatively broad restrictions on the inhomogeneity and load. The solutions are analyzed and interpreted in terms of their physical significance.
Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with blush in peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]

Blush is an important trait for marketing peaches. The red skin pigmentation develops through the flavonoid and anthocyanin pathways, and both genetic and environmental stimuli, and their interaction, control the regulation of these pathways. The molecular basis of blush development in peach is yet to be understood. An F2 blush population (ZC2) derived from a cross between two peach cultivars with contrasting phenotypes for blush, “Zin Dai” (∼30 % red) and “Crimson Lady” (∼100 % red), was used for linkage map construction and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping. The segregating population was phenotyped for blush for 4 years using a visual rating scale and quantified using a colorimeter (L*, a*, and b*) 1 year. The ZC2 population was genotyped with the IPSC 9 K peach single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array v1, and a high-density ZC2 genetic linkage map was constructed. The map covers genetic a distance of ∼452.51 cM with an average marker spacing of 2.38 cM/marker. Four QTLs were detected: one major QTL on LG3 (Blush.Pp.ZC-3.1) and three minor QTLs on LG 4 and 7 (Blush.Pp.ZC-4.1; Blush.Pp.ZC-4.2; Blush.Pp.ZC-7.1), indicating the presence of major and minor genes involved in blush development. Candidate genes involved in skin and flesh coloration of peach (PprMYB10), cherry (PavMYB10), and apple (MdMYB1/MdMYBA/MdMYB10) are located within the interval of the major QTL on LG3, suggesting the same genetic control for color development in the Rosaceae family. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for blush is discussed.
Exploring success factors of video game communities in hierarchical linear modeling: The perspectives of members and leaders

Video games are enjoying fast-growing popularity, becoming a major component of young people's social lives and leisure activities. Many players share information and conduct social interactions in virtual communities (VC). The current study sought to examine the relationships between members and leaders in such video game communities using a number of variables to describe the member (i.e., knowledge sharing, usefulness, enjoyability, off-site interaction, satisfaction, loyalty, and intention to use) and the leader (i.e., leader involvement). Based on a sample of 2227 members and 41 leaders in 30 video game communities, the research demonstrated the use of a two-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to examine the relationships of VC leaders and members, appropriately adjusted for a nested structure. The results indicated that leaders who engage in higher levels of involvement in VC are more likely to have members who agree with and respond to the community. Furthermore, member- and leader-level factors were significantly associated with member satisfaction: knowledge sharing, usefulness, and enjoyability explained within-VC variance while leader involvement explained between-VC variance. Finally, member satisfaction demonstrated positive effects on both member loyalty and intention to use. The study further discussed the implications of these findings, offering direction for future research.
Symmetry-Based Design and Structure of Self-Assembling Protein Cages and Nanomaterials

Nature is replete with self-assembling molecular structures having diverse cellular functions. The largest and most sophisticated types are built from many copies of one protein molecule (or a few distinct protein molecules) arranged following principles of symmetry. Well-studied viral capsids and lesser-known bacterial microcompartments provide examples of natural closed shell architectures. A long-standing engineering goal has been to design novel protein molecules to self-assemble into geometrically specific structures similar to the extraordinary structures evolved in Nature. Practical routes to this goal have been developed by using ideas in symmetry to articulate the minimum design requirements for achieving various types of symmetric architectures, including cages, extended two-dimensional layers, and three-dimensional crystalline materials. The key requirement is generally that two distinct self-associating interfaces have to be built into the designed protein molecule, following specific geometric specifications. Recent experiments have demonstrated success using two alternate strategies, one based on fusing together two simple oligomers (e.g. a dimer and a trimer) in a geometrically specific orientation, and one based on designing one new interface into a natural oligomer (which already bears one interface). The success of these strategies has been proven by determining crystal structures of several giant, self-assembling protein cages (100-200 A in diameter), created by design. The ability to create sophisticated supramolecular structures from designed protein subunits opens the way to broad applications in synthetic biology. Design principles and strategies will be discussed, along with current successes.