cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intensity of anxiety is modified via complex integrative stress circuitries

Escalation of anxious behavior while environmentally and socially relevant contextual events amplify the intensity of emotional response produces a testable gradient of anxiety shaped by integrative circuitries. Apprehension of the Stress-Alternatives Model apparatus (SAM) oval open field (OF) is measured by the active latency to escape, and is delayed by unfamiliarity with the passageway. Familiar OF escape is the least anxious behavior along the continuum, which can be reduced by anxiolytics such as icv neuropeptide S (NPS). Social aggression increases anxiousness in the SAM, reducing the number of mice willing to escape by 50%. The apprehension accompanying escape during social aggression is diminished by anxiolytics, such as exercise and corticotropin releasing-factor receptor 1 (CRF1) antagonism, but exacerbated by anxiogenic treatment, like antagonism of α2-adrenoreceptors. What is more, the anxiolytic CRF1 and anxiogenic α2-adrenoreceptor antagonists also modify behavioral phenotypes, with CRF1 antagonism allowing escape by previously submissive animals, and α2-adrenoreceptor antagonism hindering escape in mice that previously engaged in it. Gene expression of NPS and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the central amygdala (CeA), as well as corticosterone secretion, increased concomitantly with the escalating anxious content of the mouse-specific anxiety continuum. The general trend of CeA NPS and BDNF expression suggested that NPS production was promoted by increasing anxiousness, and that BDNF synthesis was associated with learning about ever-more anxious conditions. The intensity gradient for anxious behavior resulting from varying contextual conditions may yield an improved conceptualization of the complexity of mechanisms producing the natural continuum of human anxious conditions, and potential therapies that arise therefrom.
Computer-based reconstruction and temporal subtraction of radiographs.

The most important physical parameter limiting the diagnostic performance achieved with radiographic images is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In most dental applications, the normal anatomical structures contribute to a background pattern in the image that is limiting the SNR attainable. Hence, the projection direction of radiographs is a fundamental determinant of the SNR. The acquisition of a basis set of projection images obtained from a plurality of spatially registered sampling directions permits the reconstruction of any desired slice lying within a limited volume by tomosynthesis. Alternatively, the multi-projection strategy permits synthesis of any arbitrary radiographic image whose projection direction lies within the cone spanned by the basis projection directions. This feature can be used to synthesize a desired image at the proper projection angle required for meaningful subtraction from a previously obtained radiograph, and thus to suppress anatomy-related background variations.
Upper ocean nitrogen fluxes in the Polar Antarctic Zone: Constraints from the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate

[1] We report nitrate nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotope measurements from the seasonally sea ice covered Polar Antarctic Zone (PAZ) south of the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Front. The 15N/14N and 18O/16O ratios of nitrate both increase into the summertime surface mixed layer, in strong correlation with the upward decrease in nitrate concentration, the expected result of nitrate assimilation by phytoplankton. Culture studies indicate that algal assimilation of nitrate fractionates the nitrate N and O isotopes equally, while previous field studies suggest that nitrate N and O isotope behavior can be decoupled by euphotic zone nitrification. Our data for the PAZ show strong coupling of the dual isotopes of nitrate, and a numerical model of Antarctic summertime surface layer N cycling fits our observations (including isotopic compositions of both nitrate and suspended particulate N) if the nitrification rate is no more than 6% of the nitrate assimilation rate by phytoplankton. The model estimates that the N isotope effect of nitrate assimilation is 5.0 ± 0.7‰. This estimate lacks some of the uncertainties associated with previous studies within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and it is at the low end of most recent estimates from the Southern Ocean, the range of which we speculatively attribute to an effect of mixed layer depth on the amplitude of isotope discrimination.
Interpreting The Behaviors Of Children

Abstract Estimates indicate that large numbers of children (4-20%) experience developmental problems which affect their learning and/or behavior. Understanding and interpreting the behaviors such children present, is a challenging and difficult task. Our current unidisciplinary procedures for assessment and intervention frequently result in narrow or inaccurate explanations for the child's behavior. Comprehensive assessment procedures are needed which can uncover all of the complex factors (biological/physical, emotional, cognitive, and environmental) which contribute to the developmental problems of children. In this article the authors outline the philosophy and procedures for a comprehensive, transdisciplinary approach to interpreting the behaviors of children and intervening to resolve learning and behavior problems. This approach described is currently being used and researched at the Child Development Unit of Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mold appearance and modeling on selected corn stover components during moisture sorption.

Abstract Occurrence of mold was visually monitored for 26 days on samples of major anatomical components of corn stover maintained at several storage temperatures (T) and water activities (aw). Glass desiccators with saturated salt solutions placed in temperature controlled chambers provided simulated storage conditions with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 40 °C and water activities ranging from 0.11 to 0.98. Mold affected leaf, stalk skin, and stalk pith equally at water activity greater than 0.9. As expected, a combination of increased water activity greater than 0.9 and temperatures greater than 30 °C was conducive to mold growth. Based on material moisture content during the initial mold growth, it was postulated that among the corn stover components the stalk pith was the least resistant to mold growth followed by stalk skin and leaf for the studied range of temperature and water activity. Mold growth models fitted well with the observation. A linear mold-free days predictions using a three-parameter regression model (T, aw, and T × aw) was superior (R2 = 0.99) to other models considered. The exponential spoilage model using two parameter T and aw also gave comparable performance (R2 = 0.95). Among the independent factors, T × aw product was the most significant (p = 0.0069) followed by T (p = 0.0114), and aw (p = 0.3140) in explaining the experimental data. The developed models can be applied to predict the safe storage period of corn stover components exposed to various temperature and moisture environmental conditions.
Induction of heat shock protein 70 inhibits NF-kappa-B in squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective To determine the relationship between heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the proinflammatory, anti-apoptosis mediator NF-kappa-B in squamous cell carcinoma. Study design and setting CA-9-22 cells were exposed to heat stress to induce the production of HSPs. Immunoblot and reporter gene experiments determined the inducibility of HSP production and the activation of cytokine-induced NF-kappa-B. Immunoblot experiments determined the presence of the inhibitor-κ-B-α (IκBα). Results CA-9-22 cells can be induced by heat stress to produce HSPs at 100-fold above baseline levels. The induction of HSPs prevents the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappa-B despite stimulation with IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusions Constitutive activation of NF-kappa-B is prevented by HSP induction through an increase in IκBα synthesis. Significance The induction of HSP70 alters the inflammatory milieu associated with squamous cell carcinoma progression through the inhibition of NF-kappa-B and may ultimately promote apoptosis in head and neck carcinoma.
Nitric oxide and liver injury in alcohol-fed rats after lipopolysaccharide administration.

Earlier studies showed that alcohol-fed animals were more susceptible than controls to injurious effects of endotoxin. Increased superoxide radical production by hepatocyte organelles, Kupffer cells, and neutrophils from alcohol-fed animals has been well documented. In this study, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to detect nitrosyl protein complexes indicating nitric oxide (.NO) production. We showed that the concentrations of nitrosyl complexes in whole blood and in liver tissues of alcohol-fed rats treated with lipopolysaccharide (alc + LPS), increased 3-fold, compared with those from rats on control diet treated with LPS (con+LPS). Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of whole blood and liver tissues from the alc + LPS-treated group exhibited features characteristic of hemoglobin nitrosyl complexes. Plasma levels of the hepatic ASTs and ALTs from the alc + LPS-treated group were increased 2- to 3-fold, compared with those from the con+LPS-treated group. Inhibition of .NO production of aminoguanidine treatment attenuated plasma hepatic enzyme levels in the alc + LPS-treated group. Thus, under the conditions of elevated inflammatory oxidative states caused by chronic alcohol feeding, endotoxin treatment enhanced liver injury as a result of the actions of .NO, and/or the cytotoxic species derived from .NO.
Electrooxidation of adsorbed CO on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 1 1)/Ru in alkaline media and comparison with results from acidic media

Abstract Oxidation of adsorbed CO on Pt(1 1 1) and Pt(1 1 1)/Ru electrodes was studied in 0.1 M NaOH by the use of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The data obtained in alkali are compared to those in 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 , and additional relevant information obtained with Pt(1 1 0) and Pt(1 0 0) surfaces is presented. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the voltammetric oxidation of CO on Pt(1 1 1)/Ru in alkali shows two clearly resolved CO stripping peaks, reminiscent of similar behavior in acids. On pure Pt(1 1 1), we confirm previous work that the voltammetric oxidation of a saturated CO adlayer in 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 and in 0.1 M NaOH yields a single and a split peak, respectively. Notably, we have found that while the CO oxidation on the Pt(1 1 1) electrode in acid occurs via a Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, the CO oxidation in alkali in the pre-peak region is controlled predominantly via an Eley–Rideal (E–R) mechanism. On Pt(1 1 1)/Ru, the low potential CO oxidation in alkali occurs simultaneously through the L–H mechanism and the E–R mechanism. The addition of Ru to clean Pt(1 1 1) further improves the CO tolerance by promoting the oxidation of a greater fraction of the CO adlayer at low potentials. Therefore, the use of Pt/Ru catalysts in acidic and alkaline media may substantially reduce the CO poisoning that has so far limited low temperature fuel cell electrocatalyst performance, thus contributing to the development of more efficient direct oxidation fuel cells.
Coronary atherosclerotic lesions in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: a histopathologic study.

Abstract Background Studies suggest human immunodeficiency virus–positive (HIV+) patients have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), yet little is known about the histopathology, severity, or distribution of lesions. Methods The coronary arteries of 66 deceased AIDS patients and 19 HIV controls (age Results HIV+ patients were older than controls ( P =.06), and more were male ( P =.02). Thirty-five percent of HIV+ patients had stenosis ≥75% of at least one artery. Compared to controls, HIV+ patients had three times greater odds of stenosis ≥75%, controlling for age and sex (one-sided P =.03). Older age and male sex were also risk factors (one-sided P P =.02) and calcification (one-sided P =.08). Duration of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, and immune status did not predict severe disease in multivariate analyses. Previously unreported patterns of dystrophic calcification were observed in HIV+ patients and older controls. Conclusions Young to middle-aged patients dying from advanced AIDS have atherosclerotic CAD that may result in luminal narrowing, heavy calcification, and high plaque lipid content. The pattern of disease, location of lesions, and plaque composition are typical of atherosclerosis in HIV-negative patients. No relationship between antiretroviral therapies and atherosclerosis was seen in this small study of heavily treated patients.
Direct determination of the primary binding site of cisplatin on cytochrome C by mass spectrometry.

Protein—cisplatin interactions lie at the heart of both the effectiveness of cisplatin as a therapeutic agent and side effects associated with cisplatin treatment. Because a greater understanding of the protein—cisplatin interactions at the molecular level can inform the design of cisplatin-like agents for future use, mass spectrometric determination of the binding site of cisplatin on a model protein, cytochrome c, was undertaken in this paper. The monoadduct cytochrome c—Pt(NH3)2(H2O) is found to be the primary adduct produced by the cytochrome c—cisplatin interactions under native conditions. To locate the primary binding site of cisplatin, both free cytochrome c and the cytochrome c adducts underwent trypsin digestion, followed by Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS) to identify unique fragments in the adduct digest. Four such fragments were found in the adduct digest. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS and MS3 indicates that two fragments are Pt(NH3)2(H2O) bound peptides (Gly56-Glu104 and Asn54-Glu104) with one water associated at the peptide bond Lys79∼Met80, and the other two fragments are heme containing peptides (acety1-Gly1-Lys53 and acety1-Gly1-Lys55). The product-ion spectra of the four fragments reveal that Met65 is the primary binding site of cisplatin on cytochrome c.
Minimizing makespan in parallel flowshops

In this study, a new class of proportional parallel flow shop problems with the objective of minimizing the makespan has been addressed. A special case for this problem in which jobs are processed on only one machine as opposed to two or more machines in a flow shop, is the well-known multiple processor problem which is NP-complete. The parallel processor problem is a restricted version of the problems addressed in this paper and hence are NP-complete. We develop and test heuristic and simulation approaches to solve large scale problems, while using exact procedures for smaller problems. The performance of the heuristics relative to the LP lower bound as well as a comparison with the truncated integer programming solution are reported. The performance of the heuristics and the simulation results were encouraging.
Video shot boundary detection using region growing based watershed method

In this paper, a novel shot boundary detection approach is presented, based on the popular region growing segmentation method - Watershed segmentation. In image processing, gray-scale pictures could be considered as topographic reliefs, in which the numerical value of each pixel of a given image represents the elevation at that point. Watershed method segments images by filling up basins with water starting at local minima, and at points where water coming from different basins meet, dams are built. In our method, each frame in the video sequences is first transformed from the feature space into the topographic space based on a density function. Low-level features are extracted from frame to frame. Each frame is then treated as a point in the feature space. The density of each point is defined as the sum of the influence functions of all neighboring data points. The height function that is originally used in Watershed segmentation is then replaced by inverting the density at the point. Thus, all the highest density values are transformed into local minima. Subsequently, Watershed segmentation is performed in the topographic space. The intuitive idea under our method is that frames within a shot are highly agglomerative in the feature space and have higher possibilities to be merged together, while those frames between shots representing the shot changes are not, hence they have less density values and are less likely to be clustered by carefully extracting the markers and choosing the stopping criterion.
Toward genomic identification of β-barrel membrane proteins: Composition and architecture of known structures

The amino acid composition and architecture of all β-barrel membrane proteins of known three-dimensional structure have been examined to generate information that will be useful in identifying β-barrels in genome databases. The database consists of 15 nonredundant structures, including several novel, recent structures. Known structures include monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric β-barrels with between 8 and 22 membrane-spanning β-strands each. For this analysis the membrane-interacting surfaces of the β-barrels were identified with an experimentally derived, whole-residue hydrophobicity scale, and then the barrels were aligned normal to the bilayer and the position of the bilayer midplane was determined for each protein from the hydrophobicity profile. The abundance of each amino acid, relative to the genomic abundance, was calculated for the barrel exterior and interior. The architecture and diversity of known β-barrels was also examined. For example, the distribution of rise-per-residue values perpendicular to the bilayer plane was found to be 2.7 ± 0.25 A per residue, or about 10 ± 1 residues across the membrane. Also, as noted by other authors, nearly every known membrane-spanning β-barrel strand was found to have a short loop of seven residues or less connecting it to at least one adjacent strand. Using this information we have begun to generate rapid screening algorithms for the identification of β-barrel membrane proteins in genomic databases. Application of one algorithm to the genomes of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa confirms its ability to identify β-barrels, and reveals dozens of unidentified open reading frames that potentially code for β-barrel outer membrane proteins.
IDENTIFICATION OF INSOLUBLE TRANSPARENT CRYSTALS ISOLATED FROM HOME‐CANNED BEEF1

Investigation of a problem involving hard, transparent crystals in home-canned beef showed these crystals to be insoluble in water and variable in size, with some as large as 1 mm × 1 mm × 5 mm. X-ray diffraction analysis and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to identify the crystals as ammonium magnesium phosphate hydrate or struvite. The meat pH was determined to be 7.1, indicating that a very limited postmortem glycolysis occurred. Crystals were reproduced in the laboratory in beef with pH above 6.5 and magnesium levels above 100 mg/L.
Pathologic features of vascular endothelial growth factor-induced retinopathy in the nonhuman primate

Abstract PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent ischemia-upregulated angiogenic protein that has been implicated in diabetic retinopathy. Intravitreal VEGF injections have not previously been shown to produce preretinal neovascularization. The purpose of this study was to further characterize the angiopathic changes that occur after intravitreal injections in a nonhuman primate and determine if preretinal neovascularization develops. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. METHODS: Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 was injected into the eyes of normal cynomolgus monkeys at regular intervals. As a control, normal eyes were injected with phosphate buffered saline. Color photography and fluorescein angiography were performed at regular intervals. The retinas were incubated for adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase) activity to visualize retinal vessels. The retinas were flat-embedded and areas of potential preretinal neovascularization were identified en bloc and serially sectioned. RESULTS: Areas of capillary nonperfusion and vessel dilation and tortuousity were seen by angiography. In serial sections, the nonperfused areas were found to be associated with endothelial cell hyperplasia in vessel lumens. Preretinal neovascularization originating only from superficial veins and venules was observed throughout peripheral retina, but was not seen in the posterior pole. Lacunae-like veins were subdivided by the process of intussusception and endothelial cell bridging. Arterioles demonstrated endothelial cell hyperplasia and microaneurysms. CONCLUSION: Intraocular injections of VEGF were sufficient to produce preretinal neovascularization in the nonhuman primate. Most vasculopathic structures were associated with endothelial cell hyperplasia. These results demonstrate that VEGF alone can produce many features of both nonproliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy including the previously undescribed development of preretinal neovascularization. This well-characterized VEGF-induced primate model of retinal neovascularization may be useful as a means of testing new treatments for retinal neovascularization.
Understanding negative thermal expansion and ‘trap door’ cation relocations in zeolite rho

In situ time-resolved synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction studies indicate that the negative thermal expansion and ‘trap door’ cation relocations observed in zeolite rho result from water-mediated chemical changes that occur during dehydration.
The Effects of Multiple Divorces on Person Perception

While multiple divorces have become more comrnonplace in our society, the perception of persons who have been divorced more than once has not been studied. Half of each of 40 male and 40 female college students were randomly assigned to rate either four male or four femalc stimulus persons each briefly described as either married, divorced once, twice, or threc times. Subjects rated each stimulus person on 3 1 7-point bipolar itcms which were each vart of one of four differcnt scales derived from the divorce and related pcrson pcrception litcraturcs: Prol'essional Competence, Intemersonal Adiustment, Psvcholor?ical Deviancc, and Morality. Divoiced womenland mcn were more negatively evaluated than married women and men, with negative ratings incrcasing with number of divorces on all four scales.
A model for sustainability education in support of the PRME

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present innovative strategies to promote sustainability‐focused education, in a case study of a multi‐institutional program designed to prepare students for management positions in global apparel and footwear companies. The program is unique in focusing upon management education occurring outside the business school, extension of faculty resources through inter‐institutional collaborations, and use of the internet for course delivery.Design/methodology/approach – Faculty from three institutions collaborated to develop ten 1‐credit web‐based graduate courses and delivered them inter‐institutionally. Through collaboration with global companies and other stakeholders and through field research, the faculty built a shared vision of sustainability education, identified learning outcomes, developed practical and applied learning experiences and created tools to assess learning.Findings – Industry experts agreed that the courses and learning outcomes were important and a...
The DNA sequence of the human beta-globin region is strongly biased in favor of long strings of contiguous purine or pyrimidine residues.

The DNA sequence of the human ..beta..-globin region, comprising over 67 kilobase pairs, has been analyzed for the occurrence of strings of contiguous purine or pyrimidine residues. Tracts of 10 or more contiguous resides are found 4 times more frequently than would be expected with a random distribution of bases, so that a long string occurs at an average of every 250 base pairs. A survey of six other human gene sequences, totaling 86 kilobase pairs, shown a remarkably similar result. No such overrepresentation of contiguous purine or pyrimidine residues is found in the bacteriophages lambda or T7.
Symmetry building Monte Carlo-based crystal structure prediction

Abstract Methods are presented that allow for the automatic increase and preservation of symmetry during global optimization of crystal structures. This systematic building of symmetry allows for its incorporation into structure prediction simulations even when the space group information is not known a priori. It is shown that simulations that build and maintain symmetry converge much more rapidly to ground state crystal structures than when symmetry is ignored, allowing for the treatment of unit cells much larger than would otherwise be possible, especially when beginning from the P1 space group.
Hematopoietic progenitor cells of transgenic mice with increased copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase activity are resistant to tumor necrosis factor

The mechanism of growth inhibition mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is unclear. Since recent data strongly suggested that generation of superoxide is a key step in cytotoxicity of TNF, we reasoned that cells expressing high levels of enzymes that degrade superoxide radicals would be resistant to TNF. Therefore, we examined the TNF-sensitivity of bone marrow progenitor cells of transgenic mice that expressed the gene for human copper zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD). The CuZn-SOD is a key enzyme in the metabolism of superoxide radicals. Heterozygous and homozygous transgenic mice had 3- and 5-fold increased levels of CuZn-SOD activity, respectively. Bone marrow cells of transgenic and nontransgenic mice were plated in soft gel culture with TNF (0.01–100 ng/ml). TNF inhibited myeloid colony formation supported by either granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or G-CSF from nontransgenic mice in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the myeloid clonal growth of homozygote transgenic mice was not inhibited by TNF at concentrations up to 100 ng/ml. As expected, the effects of TNF on erythroid clonogenic cells, which do not produce superoxide, and the action of transforming growth factor-β on myeloid progenitor cells, were similar in both transgenic and nontransgenic mice. These results suggest that the mechanism of TNF-mediated growth inhibition of hematopoietic cells occurs through production of superoxide. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Isolation and measurement of urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

8-iso-Prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) is a product of free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid. Measurement of its urinary excretion has been proposed as an index of oxidative status in vivo. A stable isotope dilution method for its quantification by gas chromatography–electron capture chemical ionization mass spectrometry is described. Sample cleanup required the combined use of high-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. The inter-assay R.S.D. in two separate determinations was 1.6 (n=4) and 2.3% (n=4). The accuracy of the assay was evaluated through recovery experiments. The equation of the regression plot correlating the amounts added and recovered was y=0.91x−0.31, r=0.9916 (n=12). The pair of fragment ions ([M−181]−) at m/z 569 and m/z 573 was monitored for quantification. The mean 8-iso-PGF2α excretion rate was 528±127 (S.D.) ng per day in five male volunteers and 730±305 ng per day in six females. Intake of 80 mg of lycopene per day by eleven volunteers for four weeks resulted in a non-significant reduction of 8-iso-PGF2α excretion.
Apparatus for Optical Studies to Very High Pressures

An apparatus has been developed in two stages which permits optical studies to 200 000 atmospheres pressure. The use of NaCl windows permits studies in the near ultraviolet and in the infrared as well as in the visible. The design of the pressure cells and of a press suitable to fit in a spectrometer are described with essential dimensions. A calibration tested against Bridgman’s data to 87 000 atmospheres is given.
Effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on serum lipoprotein response to saturated fatty acids.

This report summarizes two studies which investigated the effects of apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism on the serum total cholesterol (TC) and lipoprotein cholesterol responses to 8∶0+10∶0 and 12∶0 diets (Study I) and 14∶0, 16∶0, and 18∶0 diets (Study II). Eighteen healthy premenopausal women (3 apoE 3/2, 12 apoE 3/3, 3 apoE 4/3) in study I and another 18 healthy premenopausal women (4 apoE 3/2, 10 apoE 3/3, 3 apoE 4/3, 1 apoE 4/2) in study II consumed a baseline diet providing 40 en% total fat, 11 en % 18∶2, 15 en% 18∶1, 11.5 en% saturated fat for the first week of each 5-wk period. The experimental diets for both studies provided 40 3n% total fat, 13–14 en% as one of five test saturated fatty acids (SFA), 14–16 en% 18∶1, and 3–4 en% 18∶2. Analysis by apoE phenotypes showed that both the 8∶0+10∶0 diet and the 12∶0 diet in Study Linduced significant increases in serum TC in subjects with different apoE phenotypes with the exception of apoE 3/2 in the medium-chain triglyceride group. In contrast, in Study II, individuals with apoE 4/3 consuming the 14∶0 diet showed significant increases in serum TC, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and HDL2-C, but the same subjects consuming the 16∶0 diet showed significant increases in serum TC and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The findings from both studies indicated serum lipoprotein responses to SFA were different and the variation of responsiveness may be regulated, at least in part, by apoE polymorphism, especially when 14∶0, 16∶0, or 18∶0 was consumed.
Comparison of high-dose inhaled flunisolide to systemic corticosteroids in severe adult asthma.

Objective To investigate whether, after 48 h of IV treatment with corticosteroids, the use of high-dose inhaled flunisolide is as effective as systemic corticosteroids in adults hospitalized for a severe asthma exacerbation. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting Inpatient, an urban teaching hospital medical ward; outpatient, asthma clinic affiliated with the hospital. Participants Forty patients aged 18 to 55 years with asthma exacerbation requiring hospitalization. Interventions Inhaled flunisolide via metered-dose inhaler (250 μg per activation) eight puffs bid compared to systemic corticosteroids alone, following eight doses of IV corticosteroids. Measurements and results Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), FEV 1 , and symptom scores were recorded on day 1 (at presentation to the emergency department) and day 7, at an outpatient follow-up visit. From day 1 to day 7, mean PEFR increased from 190 to 379 L/min in the flunisolide group, and from 207 to 347 L/min in the systemic corticosteroids group (p = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], − 66.3, ∞). Mean FEV 1 increased from 1.6 to 2.3 L in the flunisolide group, and from 1.4 to 2.1 L in the systemic corticosteroids group (p = 0.33; 95% CI, − 21.7, ∞). Changes in symptom scores were − 0.7 in the flunisolide group and − 0.9 in the systemic corticosteroids group (p = 0.39; 95% CI, − 0.4, ∞). Hospital readmission rates on day 7 were zero for both groups. Conclusions High-dose inhaled corticosteroids are as effective as systemic corticosteroids during a 7-day period following admission to the hospital for severe asthma.
Health Information Outreach: A Survey of U.S. Academic Libraries, Highlighting a Midwestern University's Experience

Background and objectives As a result of their involvement in a campus health fair, the authors of this paper became interested in the extent to which other academic libraries were engaged in health information outreach (HIO). The authors present the results of a nationwide survey they conducted in 2010 and share a specific example of HIO at their own institution. Methods The authors conducted an online survey of approximately 1700 U.S. general academic and academic health science libraries with the objective to create a broad picture of HIO activity and its context within patron information-seeking behavior. Results The survey yielded a 21% response rate. Nearly 55% of all respondents indicated that their libraries did not participate in HIO, while 37% indicated that they did. Other responses yielded information on patron usage patterns concerning health information, specific types of HIO that libraries are involved in, and barriers to library involvement in HIO. Conclusions As libraries' traditional roles and information delivery methods evolve, librarians must do more to provide services that are relevant and accessible to users. Even as virtual services become more commonplace, librarians involved in HIO should consider also increasing their visibility by collaborating with others on campus.
Two-dimensional versus three-dimensional cell counting : a practical perspective

In recent years, it has been argued by some neuroanatomists that three-dimensional (3-D) counting approaches must be used in studies of neural systems, so that 'unbiased' counts of neurons can be obtained. By contrast, two-dimensional (2-D) cell-counting methods are said to be 'assumption-based' and to yield inaccurate results. Working from the premise that all scientific methodologies are assumption-based and suffer from inherent biases, the current review considers the relative strengths and weaknesses of 2-D versus 3-D counting approaches. This comparison is from the standpoint of predictive performance with respect to bias, variance and fidelity to the actual spatial arrangements of cells in the tissue under study. When these considerations are taken, together with the human resources that are required in using either methodology, 2-D methods offer more practical alternatives that might even provide more scientifically accurate estimates compared with their 3-D counterparts.
The effects of multiple mild traumatic brain injuries on acute injury presentation and neuropsychological recovery in children.

BACKGROUND:: Although research focused on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has proliferated in recent years, few studies have examined the significance of a previous history of mTBI in children. OBJECTIVE:: This retrospective case series compares the acute injury presentation and neuropsychological recovery in a pediatric sample following mTBI. METHODS:: Participants aged 8- to 16-years-old were divided into four groups: no previous injury history, history of one mTBI, history of two mTBIs, and history of three or more mTBIs. Participants were evaluated within three months of the most recent injury by clinical interview and an abbreviated neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS:: After the index mTBI, the groups did not differ in their likelihood to display a loss of consciousness, nor did they differ on neuropsychological test performance. CONCLUSION:: Overall, contrary to our hypotheses, we found no demonstrable difference between those children with a self-reported mTBI history and those without after an index mTBI. Language: en
Are child anxiety and somatization associated with pain in pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders?

This study investigated individual and incremental contributions of somatization and trait anxiety to pain report in children with pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders. Eighty children (7–10 years) with pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, the Children’s Somatization Inventory, and 2-week pain diaries (assessing pain frequency and maximum pain). Hierarchical regressions indicated that both trait anxiety and somatization were significantly related to maximum pain and pain frequency, with somatization explaining more variance. Trait anxiety did not significantly add to prediction above somatization. Assessment of somatization may assist with treatment planning for children with functional abdominal pain.
Quantitative Measurement of Zinc Secretion from Pancreatic Islets with High Temporal Resolution Using Droplet-Based Microfluidics

We assayed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from live, murine islets of Langerhans in microfluidic devices by the downstream formation of aqueous droplets. Zinc ions, which are cosecreted with insulin from β-cells, were quantitatively measured from single islets with high temporal resolution using a fluorescent indicator, FluoZin-3. Real-time storage of secretions into droplets (volume of 0.470 ± 0.009 nL) effectively preserves the temporal chemical information, allowing reconstruction of the secretory time record. The use of passive flow control within the device removes the need for syringe pumps, requiring only a single hand-held syringe. Under stimulatory glucose levels (11 mM), bursts of zinc as high as ∼800 fg islet−1 min−1 were measured. Treatment with diazoxide effectively blocked zinc secretion, as expected. High temporal resolution reveals two major classes of oscillations in secreted zinc, with predominate periods at ∼20−40 s and ∼5−10 min. The more rapid oscillation periods match cl...
The extreme ultraviolet explorer

Abstract The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) Mission is described. The purpose of this mission is to search the celestial sphere for astronomical sources of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation (100–1000A). The search will be accomplished with the use of three EUV telescopes, each sensitive to different bands within the EUV band. A fourth telescope will perform a high sensitivity search of a limited sample of the sky in a single EUV band. In six months, the entire sky will be scanned at a sensitivity level comparable to existing surveys in other more traditional astronomical bandpasses. A substantial number of EUV sources such as hot white dwarfs and stellar coronae are certain to be discovered given our current knowledge. More uncertain is what entirely new classes of objects will be discovered as EUV sources. A moderate resolution (∼ 5A) spectroscopy option is being considered which would cover the band from 80 to 600A. This instrument would be capable of providing spectra of at least the 100 brightest EUV sources and would be utilized entirely on a Guest Investigator basis.
Analysis of the multiphase region in the three-state chiral clock model

Abstract The phase diagram of the axial three-state chiral (or asymmetric) clock model on a d- dimensional lattice is analyzed near its multiphase point for d > 2 by using systematic low- temperature expansions carried to all orders where necessary. A matrix method simplifies the configurational analysis. Two infinitely long sequences of commensurate phases appear, each terminating in a triple point at T > 0 and having (mean) wavevectors q = 2πj 3(2j ± 1)a with j = 2, 3, …, jmax where, at fixed T, j max ≈ √2 ln(1 + √2)exp( 3J 2k B T) so that jmax → ∞ as T → 0.
The effects of diisopropylfluorophosphate on spatial frequency responsivity in the cat visual system

Visual-evoked responses to counterphased gratings were recorded from area 17 of cat visual cortex before and after diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) administration. DFP produced effects similar to those obtained following physostigmine sulfate administration, in that responses to low spatial frequencies were preferentially reduced. The time course of the effects was quite different for the two types of drugs, and for high doses of DFP responses to all spatial frequencies were approximately uniformly depressed or abolished.
The 28 S genomic RNA of avian sarcoma virus PRCII codes for the transformation-specific polyprotein P105.

We have characterized the genomic RNA of the defective avian sarcoma virus PRCII. Replicating virus which consists of transforming PRCII and a nontransforming but replication-competent helper, PRCII-AV, contains two RNA species. One is identical in size to the 35 S genome of avian leukosis helper viruses. The second component migrates slightly faster than 28 S ribosomal RNA in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis but co-sediments with this RNA in sucrose gradients. In vitro translation across a gradient of velocity-sedimented poly(A)-containing PRCII virion RNA yielded three major proteins. The virion protein precursors Pr76gag and Pr180gag-pol were translated from 35 S RNA, while the transformation-specific polyprotein P105 was translated from 28 S RNA. P105 may be the only protein coded for by the PRCII genome, although this product would not exhaust the coding capacity of 28 S RNA. Whether translated in vitro or immunoprecipitated from transformed cells, P105 was essentially identical as demonstrated by comparative peptide maps.
On the use of the numerical range for the robust stability problem

Abstract Process control in the presence of modeling uncertainty depends critically on the manner in which this uncertainty is characterized. Depending on the information about the parameter variations and the modelling simplifications, the space spanned by the process transfer function can take various shapes. Representing this space solely by its maximim radius can lead to significant overestimation of the possible model—plant mismatch and can restrict the performance of the closed-loop process. In this paper, the numerical-range approach is studied to address the issue of uncertainty characterization and the robust stability problem for multivariable process control systems. Our results indicate that the additional phase information provide by the numerical range can reduce the conservatism associated with singular value based approaches in estimating the process uncertainty.
Assessment of saltwater intrusion impact on gas exchange behavior of Louisiana Gulf Coast wetland species

A review of gas exchange responses of wetland plants to salinity is presented for several species representative of different wetland habitats extending along water level and salinity gradients in the Louisiana Gulf Coast, U.S.A. The information was synthesized from earlier plant physiological response studies. Vegetation examined represent a broad range of sensitivity to salt, including brackish marsh, freshwater marsh, and bottomland tree species. Changes in stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation rates are common responses of wetland plants to short-term and long-term exposure to salinity. The combination of anaerobiosis and salinity apparently causes substantial reductions in stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation. Exposure to salt concentrations greater than 170 mol m−3 (10 ppt) caused leaf death in plants representing freshwater habitats. Data presented suggest that saltwater intrusion and/or brine discharges into wetland areas, a common problem facing the Louisiana Gulf Coast, can adversely affect a host of wetland species. The impact will likely lead to weaker plants with reduced survival rates and decreased productivity, thus creating the potential for long-term habitat changes.
Polyacrylamide gel interference of the Lowry method for protein determination.

Abstract Certain reagents utilized in the formation of polyacrylamide gels are shown to interfere in the Lowry assay for protein. Acrylamide (3–30%) and potassium ferrocyanide (0.0015–0.0105%) produced a linear response in color formation. Both compounds are capable of reducing the phenol reagent in the absence of copper and the interference can be compensated for by employing the appropriate blank. An extract of polymerized and electrophoresed gels also interferes in the Lowry assay, however, this increased color formation cannot be corrected by using a gel extract blank. Under the conditions studied, filtration, centrifugation, and dialysis did not sufficiently remove the acrylamide fines responsible for the interference.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Disease Management: How Screening May Have an Unintended Effect on Survival and Mortality—The Camel’s Nose Effect

Purpose: Evidence suggests that men diagnosed with prostate cancer live as long as or longer than those without a diagnosis. We postulate that a reason for this paradox is increased preventive and therapeutic health care interventions following a prostate cancer diagnosis. We explored this phenomenon in patients surgically treated for prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: We examined the records of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital between 2001 and 2004, focusing on cancer related and comorbidity data including new diagnoses, interventions and medications.Results: A total of 174 subjects had complete data for review. Of these men 72% had a change in medical regimen after diagnosis, 61% had a change in medication and 29% received a new medical diagnosis. Three men underwent cardiac catheterization and 1 had coronary bypass surgery.Conclusions: These data highlight the extent of evaluation and subsequent changes in medical treatment regimens that occur after ...
It's a wonderful job: women at work in the cinema of communist Albania

In light of the official state policies of egalitarianism, the films of communist Albania frequently foregrounded the woman worker. Although the Albanian Film Archives have categorised only 20 films made between 1958 and the fall of communism under the rubric of ‘people working’, the theme of work was considerably more widespread. This article explores the representation of women at work in three films from distinct decades – Horizonte te hapura/Clear Horizons (Viktor Gjika 1968), Kapedani/The Captain (Fejmi Hoshafi and Muhharem Feizo 1972) and Kur po xhirohej nje film/While Shooting a Film (Xhanfise Keko 1981) – to reveal how the theme of women at work gradually converged with that of the nuclear family. The depiction of a working woman integrating marriage, motherhood and career within the confines of the home ultimately served as a metaphor for the self-containment of Albania itself.
A study of the He λ 10830 line emission from quiescent prominences

Observations of the He 10,830-A line emission in a number of quiescent prominences are presented. The line shapes are analyzed to obtain values for the Doppler widths and optical thicknesses, leading to a determination of the 2(3)P-2(3)S excitation temperature as 4020 K. The results are compared with those of previous observational and theoretical research.
Reconciling Voters’ Behavior with Legislative Term Limits

A puzzle exists over why voters continually re-elect their congressional and state representatives although these same voters often support initiatives to limit the number of terms that their legislators may serve. Residents of California, Colorado and Oklahoma voted in 1990 to limit the terms of their state legislators to tenures ranging from six to twelve years.1 In California these same voters, however, re-elected 87 of 91 (or 96 percent) of all incumbent state representatives and senators whose terms they sought to limit.2 Among re-elected incumbents, 67 (or 77 percent) had served as long as or longer than the maximum term prescribed under their state’s term limit initiative. Voters defeated only two incumbents who would have been removed under the terms of California’s tenure restrictions had they been in effect. Similar voter behavior characterized recent state elections in Colorado and Oklahoma.3 More generally, these seemingly contradictory voter preferences also are apparent in public opinion polls. At the Federal level, while 62 percent of voters immediately prior to the 1990 general elections indicated their intentions to reelect their congressman, that same poll showed that only 24 percent said they “approve of the way Congress is handling its job” (Gallup and Newport, 1990, pp. 36–37). Support for term limit initiatives and the low public esteem of legislators as a group both appear to be inconsistent with voters’ strong preferences for their own representative and the regular reelection of incumbents.
Calorimetric measurements during long-term electrolysis of some LiOD solutions

Abstract Long-term calorimetric measurements of energy production during the electrolysis of LiOD solutions with palladium or titanium electrodes were carried out using an automated diathermal calorimeter. No excess energy attributable to “cold fusion” was detected.