cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sources of information about MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): perceived accuracy, importance, and implications for prevention among young adult users

The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the perceived accuracy and the importance of various sources of information about MDMA/ecstasy among young adult users. A respondent driven sampling plan was used to recruit a community sample of recent ecstasy users (n = 304), aged 18-30, in Ohio, who responded to structured interviews. Friends, drug abuse treatment programs, and physicians were perceived to be the most accurate sources of information about ecstasy by 45.7, 37.2, and 30.3% of the sample, respectively. Friends were considered the most important source of information about ecstasy (40.2%), followed by web sites like DanceSafe (16.2%), and MTV/VH1 television specials (6.9%). About half the sample used the Internet to obtain information about ecstasy, with younger and more educated participants significantly more likely to do so. Educated users were also significantly more likely to consider the Internet to be an important source of information. Web sites like DanceSafe were visited by four times as many users as government-sponsored web sites. Findings support the development of peer-oriented, network strategies to reach ecstasy users with prevention messages. Efforts to make prevention web sites more attractive should be considered.
The ultrastructure of "pinealoma". (Seminoma-like tumor of the pineal region).

The ultrastructure of a “seminoma-like tumor” of the pineal region (atypical teratoma of the pineal) was described. The tumor was composed of large clear polygonal cells and small lymphocyte-like cells. The origin of the large cells was not clearly established. Although some ultrastructural similarities were found between pineal parenchymal cells and tumor cells, the similarities between germinal and seminoma cells were even more striking. Most of the small cells were identical to lymphocytes; some were leukocytes and some were phagocytes. It was thought that the lymphocytic infiltration could represent an immunological response of the host against possible tumor antigen(s). Intact phagocytes were found within the cytoplasm of some of the large tumor cells. This was thought possibly to represent immunologically mediated destruction of tumor by activated phagocytes. Whether or not the tumor arose in gonadal elements (germinal cells) could not be established.
High precision electron beam positioning using computer image analysis for electron beam testing

High precision electron beam positioning has been implemented in an electron beam tester using a relatively inaccurate mechanical positioner, the xy electron column field shift coils, and an image analysis computer to control the system. This system compares the observed circuit area with a reference circuit layout and determines positioning error values which it then corrects. Positioning precisions of +/-0.1 micrometers are easily achieved.
Natural Selection against Protein Aggregation on Self-Interacting and Essential Proteins in Yeast, Fly, and Worm

Protein aggregation is the phenomenon of protein self-association potentially leading to detrimental effects on physiology, which is closely related to numerous human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Despite progress in understanding the mechanism of protein aggregation, how natural selection against protein aggregation acts on subunits of protein complexes and on proteins with different contributions to organism fitness remains largely unknown. Here, we perform a proteome-wide analysis by using an experimentally validated algorithm TANGO and utilizing sequence, interactomic and phenotype-based functional genomic data from yeast, fly, and nematode. We find that proteins that are capable of forming homooligomeric complex have lower aggregation propensity compared with proteins that do not function as homooligomer. Further, proteins that are essential to the fitness of an organism have lower aggregation propensity compared with nonessential ones. Our finding suggests that the selection force against protein aggregation acts across different hierarchies of biological system.
NTS adenosine A2a receptors inhibit the cardiopulmonary chemoreflex control of regional sympathetic outputs via a GABAergic mechanism.

Adenosine is a powerful central neuromodulator acting via opposing A1 (inhibitor) and A2a (activator) receptors. However, in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), both adenosine receptor subtype...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Practical Approach

Irritable bowel syndrome accounts for approximately 2.7 million physician office visits yearly, although only 10%-30% of affected patients seek treatment. The disease is predominantly found in women 20-50 years of age. The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome is likely multifactorial: environmental factors, genetics, gut flora alterations, nervous system alterations (visceral hypersensitivity and motility abnormalities), and psychosocial stressors are thought to contribute. Treatment options are also quite diverse, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities. This article summarizes the proposed pathophysiology of and treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.
Activation of the yeast SSK2 MAP kinase kinase kinase by the SSK1 two-component response regulator.

Exposure of yeast cells to increased extracellular osmolarity induces the HOG1 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, which is composed of SSK2, SSK22 and STE11 MAPKKKs, PBS2 MAPKK and HOG1 MAPK. The SSK2/SSK22 MAPKKKs are activated by a ‘two‐component’ osmosensor composed of SLN1, YPD1 and SSK1. The SSK1 C‐terminal receiver domain interacts with an N‐terminal segment of SSK2. Upon hyperosmotic treatment, SSK2 is autophosphorylated rapidly, and this reaction requires the interaction of SSK1 with SSK2. Autophosphorylation of SSK2 is an intramolecular reaction, suggesting similarity to the mammalian MEKK1 kinase. Dephosphorylation of SSK2 renders the kinase inactive, but it can be re‐activated by addition of SSK1 in vitro . A conserved threonine residue (Thr1460) in the activation loop of SSK2 is important for kinase activity. Based on these observations, we propose the following two‐step activation mechanism of SSK2 MAPKKK. In the first step, the binding of SSK1 to the SSK1‐binding site in the N‐terminal domain of SSK2 causes a conformational change in SSK2 and induces its latent kinase activity. In the second step, autophosphorylation of SSK2 renders its activity independent of the presence of SSK1. A similar mechanism might be applicable to other MAPKKKs from both yeast and higher eukaryotes.
Tbl3 regulates cell cycle length during zebrafish development

The regulation of cell cycle rate is essential for the correct timing of proliferation and differentiation during development. Changes to cell cycle rate can have profound effects on the size, shape and cell types of a developing organ. We previously identified a zebrafish mutant ceylon (cey) that has a severe reduction in T cells and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here we find that the cey phenotype is due to absence of the gene transducin (beta)-like 3 (tbl3). The tbl3 homolog in yeast regulates the cell cycle by maintaining rRNA levels and preventing p53-induced cell death. Zebrafish tbl3 is maternally expressed, but later in development its expression is restricted to specific tissues. Tissues expressing tbl3 are severely reduced in cey mutants, including HSPCs, the retina, exocrine pancreas, intestine, and jaw cartilage. Specification of these tissues is normal, suggesting the reduced size is due to a reduced number of differentiated cells. Tbl3 MO injection into either wild-type or p53−/− mutant embryos phenocopies cey, indicating that loss of tbl3 causes specific defects in cey. Progression of both hematopoietic and retinal development is delayed beginning at 3 day post fertilization due to a slowing of the cell cycle. In contrast to yeast, reduction of Tbl3 causes a slowing of the cell cycle without a corresponding increase in p53 induced cell death. These data suggest that tbl3 plays a tissue-specific role regulating cell cycle rate during development.
Working Through the Trauma of Sexual Assault in an Undergraduate Class

Processing the trauma of sexual assault is a complicated and often prolonged process that may occur both within and outside a formal psychotherapeutic context. The second author describes an undergraduate class that explores various aspects of sexual assault, followed by a paper written by a female student in which she describes how the class impacted her intellectual understanding of and emotional reactions to her own sexual victimization as a high school student. Finally, the authors discuss the concept of “working through” as it applies to recovery from sexual assault, and they propose that a didactic course experience, even if not designed as a therapeutic enterprise, may nonetheless serve such a function.
Sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

The therapy of pulmonary hypertension has evolved rapidly in the last 10 years from the use of non-selective vasodilators to drugs that specifically target pulmonary vasodilation, endothelial function, and vascular remodeling. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that has an expanding role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Case series and small studies, as well as the first large randomized controlled trial, have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of sildenafil in improving mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac index, and exercise tolerance in pulmonary arterial hypertension. It may be useful in adults, children, and neonates after cardiac surgery, with left heart failure, in fibrotic pulmonary disease, high altitude exposure, and thromboembolic disease, and in combination with other therapies for pulmonary hypertension, such as inhaled iloprost. The oral formulation and favorable adverse effect profile make sildenafil an attractive alternative in the treatment of selected patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Computational modeling of chemical reactions and interstitial growth and remodeling involving charged solutes and solid-bound molecules

Mechanobiological processes are rooted in mechanics and chemistry, and such processes may be modeled in a framework that couples their governing equations starting from fundamental principles. In many biological applications, the reactants and products of chemical reactions may be electrically charged, and these charge effects may produce driving forces and constraints that significantly influence outcomes. In this study, a novel formulation and computational implementation are presented for modeling chemical reactions in biological tissues that involve charged solutes and solid-bound molecules within a deformable porous hydrated solid matrix, coupling mechanics with chemistry while accounting for electric charges. The deposition or removal of solid-bound molecules contributes to the growth and remodeling of the solid matrix; in particular, volumetric growth may be driven by Donnan osmotic swelling, resulting from charged molecular species fixed to the solid matrix. This formulation incorporates the state of strain as a state variable in the production rate of chemical reactions, explicitly tying chemistry with mechanics for the purpose of modeling mechanobiology. To achieve these objectives, this treatment identifies the specific theoretical and computational challenges faced in modeling complex systems of interacting neutral and charged constituents while accommodating any number of simultaneous reactions where reactants and products may be modeled explicitly or implicitly. Several finite element verification problems are shown to agree with closed-form analytical solutions. An illustrative tissue engineering analysis demonstrates tissue growth and swelling resulting from the deposition of chondroitin sulfate, a charged solid-bound molecular species. This implementation is released in the open-source program FEBio (www.febio.org). The availability of this framework may be particularly beneficial to optimizing tissue engineering culture systems by examining the influence of nutrient availability on the evolution of inhomogeneous tissue composition and mechanical properties, the evolution of construct dimensions with growth, the influence of solute and solid matrix electric charge on the transport of cytokines, the influence of binding kinetics on transport, the influence of loading on binding kinetics, and the differential growth response to dynamically loaded versus free-swelling culture conditions.
Seasonal geochemistry of an arctic tundra drainage basin

The snow melt food at Imnavait Creek takes place sometime between 12 May and 2 June and constitutes the single most important hydrological and geochemical event. Three years of study indicate this event spans 7 to 10 days and that peak discharge can be expected to be between 0.6 and 0.9 cu. mes. Ion concentrations peak during the first 15% of the event while pH is at a minimum. In all cases, ion concentrations in the spring runoff are 4 to 9 times those of the snow pack, Precipitaion, including dryfall, contributes significant amounts of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl and SO4. Postassium is present in surface waters only during melt-off and for a short time after. Calcium. Mg. suspended solids and electrical conductivity all reach broad, poorly defined peaks in mid-summer. Only pH shows a significant relationship to discharge. On a seasonal basis a substantial charge imbalance favoring cations occurs. It seems probable that the, as yet, unmeasured negative charge is associated with organic anions. No seasonal trends were recorded for Mg, K or Mn in subsurface flow in the surrounding slopes. Calcium. Fe and Al showed a late season peak, and the concentration of Na and Si decreased as the melt season progressed.
Psychosocial Well-Being and Quality of Life Among Women Newly Diagnosed With Genital Herpes

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the psychosocial well-being and quality of life among women with a new genital herpes simplex virus diagnosis. Design Data were collected by a cross-sectional survey. Participants Eighty-three women diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus by culture, visual exam and/or a description of symptoms within the last 3 months were recruited from primary health care clinics by their provider. Measures Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Recurrent Genital Herpes Quality of Life scale. Results Thirty-four percent of the women qualified as "clinical cases" for depression, and 64% were designated as "anxiety cases" based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scoring methods. A majority of participants reported feeling ashamed about having herpes and worried about having an outbreak or giving herpes to someone else. Conclusions Despite substantial progress toward understanding genital herpes simplex virus epidemiology and transmission, a diagnosis of genital herpes continues to cause considerable psychosocial morbidity and to impact quality of life. There is a dearth of good evidence on how best to intervene to minimize the psychological impact of a diagnosis. Experts recommend addressing both the medical and psychological aspects of infection by providing antiviral therapy, written material, and resources.
Exploring both sequence detection and restriction endonuclease cleavage kinetics by recognition site via single-molecule microfluidic trapping

We demonstrate the feasibility of a single-molecule microfluidic approach to both sequence detection and obtaining kinetic information for restriction endonucleases on dsDNA. In this method, a microfluidic stagnation point flow is designed to trap, hold, and linearize double-stranded (ds) genomic DNA to which a restriction endonuclease has been pre-bound sequence-specifically. By introducing the cofactor magnesium, we determine the binding location of the enzyme by the cleavage process of dsDNA as in optical restriction mapping, however here the DNA need not be immobilized on a surface. We note that no special labeling of the enzyme is required, which makes it simpler than our previous scheme using stagnation point flows for sequence detection. Our accuracy in determining the location of the recognition site is comparable to or better than other single molecule techniques due to the fidelity with which we can control the linearization of the DNA molecules. In addition, since the cleavage process can be followed in real time, information about the cleavage kinetics, and subtle differences in binding and cleavage frequencies among the recognition sites, may also be obtained. Data for the five recognition sites for the type II restriction endonuclease EcoRI on λ-DNA are presented as a model system. While the roles of the varying fluid velocity and tension along the chain backbone on the measured kinetics remain to be determined, we believe this new method holds promise for a broad range of studies of DNA–protein interactions, including the kinetics of other DNA cleavage processes, the dissociation of a restriction enzyme from the cleaved substrate, and other macromolecular cleavage processes.
Learning of relative and absolute size concepts in preschool children

Abstract Two studies investigated the learning of relative and absolute size concepts as a function of age in children ranging from 2 to 4 1 2 years . The first study used a two-pair problem with three stimuli varying in size; and the second study, a four-pair problem with five stimuli varying in size. In each study, one group of Ss was rewarded for choosing the common absolute stimulus in each pair and a second group was rewarded for choosing stimuli with a common size relation. The relative problem was significantly easier than the absolute problem and the relative-smaller problem was easier than the relative-larger problem. There was a systematic, and largely linear, improvement with age.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with a single specific primer

A method is described for amplification of DNA fragments flanking a single known sequence that is sufficiently long to enable synthesis of a functional primer in polymerase chain reactions.
Effect of Dietary Aflatoxin on Vitamin D3 Metabolism in Chicks

Abstract Male broiler chicks were fed diets containing either 0 (control) or 2.5 p.p.m. aflatoxin (toxin) for four weeks. A group of eight birds fed each diet was injected intravenously with radioactive vitamin D3 (D3) and a second group with radioactive 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-OH D3). Plasma was obtained 24 hr. after dosing with D3 and 6 hr. after dosing with 25-OH D3. The vitamin D metabolites were extracted from the plasma and chromatographed on Sephadex LH-20 for separation. The four peaks of radioactivity separated corresponded to D3, 25-OH D3, 24,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (24,25-(OH)2D3) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3). Percentages of radiation in each peak were (1) controls given D3 – 6.55, 64.30, 5.94 and 4.04; (2) toxin given D3 – 10.05, 56.96, 8.95 and 4.68; (3) control given 25-OH D3 – 2.16, 85.80, 4.11 and 2.04; and (4) toxin given 25-OH D3 – 1.53, 79.84, 5.56 and 2.14. The only significant differences between the control and toxin groups were in D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 in chicks given D3. Even these changes were small and the data would suggest that feeding 2.5 p.p.m. aflatoxin for four weeks does not greatly alter vitamin D metabolism.
Expression of estrogen receptor-beta protein and mRNA in the cerebellum of the rat.

Abstract Estrogen has been shown to play a modulatory role in cerebellar neuronal signaling. Recent reports have also shown that estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) mRNA is expressed in cerebellum. The purpose of the present study was to identify and map ER-β protein expression, and to determine the identity of the major splice variants of ER-β mRNA in the cerebellum. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the NH3- and COOH-termini of rat ER-β were used for immunohistochemistry. Mapping of ER-β immunoreactivity was compared with the distribution of ER-β mRNA using in situ hybridization. We also determined, using RT-PCR, whether the ER-β mRNA was variably spliced in cerebellum. Our results show that in all cases the distribution of ER-β protein was identical to the distribution of ER-β mRNA. Both Purkinje cells and scattered cells in the granule cell layer, perhaps golgi cells, robustly expressed ER-β. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that three splice variants in addition to wild type ER-β are expressed in rat cerebellum. However, wild type ER-β was the predominant form. These observations provide anatomical evidence that neurons in the cerebellum express ER-β and thus may be targets of estrogen action.
Discrete nonlinear Schrödinger breathers in a phonon bath

We study the dynamics of the discrete nonlinear Schrodinger lattice initialized such that a very long transitory period of time in which standard Boltzmann statistics is insufficient is reached. Our study of the nonlinear system locked in this non-Gibbsian state focuses on the dynamics of discrete breathers (also called intrinsic localized modes). It is found that part of the energy spontaneously condenses into several discrete breathers. Although these discrete breathers are extremely long lived, their total number is found to decrease as the evolution progresses. Even though the total number of discrete breathers decreases we report the surprising observation that the energy content in the discrete breather population increases. We interpret these observations in the perspective of discrete breather creation and annihilation and find that the death of a discrete breather cause effective energy transfer to a spatially nearby discrete breather. It is found that the concepts of a multi-frequency discrete breather and of internal modes is crucial for this process. Finally, we find that the existence of a discrete breather tends to soften the lattice in its immediate neighborhood, resulting in high amplitude thermal fluctuation close to an existing discrete breather. This in turn nucleates discrete breather creation close to a already existing discrete breather.
Non-IgE-Mediated Food Allergy: FPIES

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity with usual onset in infancy. The most common FPIES triggers are cow milk, soy and rice; in addition, oats, vegetables, egg, poultry and seafood have been reported. In the acute form, when food is ingested on an intermittent basis or following a period of avoidance, FPIES presents with profuse vomiting within 1–3 h after ingestion, occasionally accompanied by diarrhea and dehydration. In the chronic form, when food is ingested on a regular basis, FPIES presents with intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and failure to thrive. FPIES is diagnosed based on history and typical symptoms, which improve with food avoidance, and exclusion of other etiologies. Oral food challenge remains the gold standard for FPIES diagnosis. Most CM or soy FPIESs resolve within the first 3–5 years; solid food FPIES or FPIES associated with positive food-specific IgE may have a more protracted course. The prevalence of FPIES is unknown.
Monitoring bending fatigue in carbon-fibre/epoxy composite strands: a comparison between mechanical and resistance techniques

The bending fatigue behaviour of unidirectional carbon-fibre/epoxy composite strands was monitored by the changes in resistivity and in bending modulus. The fibres were PAN-based carbon fibres and the matrix was a bisphenol-A-based epoxy resin. A load cell connected to one jaw of the test assembly was used to monitor the resulting bending moment. Simultaneously the voltage, at constant current, along the longitudinal axis of the strand was measured, and a correlation between the increase in resistivity and the decrease in bending modulus was seen.
Sonographic Evaluation of an Abnormal Location of an Intrauterine Device

Ultrasound has been used to locate intrauterine devices for many years and continues to be considered one of the best ways to visualize the presence and location of an intrauterine device. Using a transvaginal approach ultrasound can be used to identify intauterine device expulsion and translocation, organ perforation, and incorectly placed devices. Although no longer a popular method of birth control in the United States, the intrauterine device remains the most common reversible form of contraception used worldwide. The intrauterine device is the most cost effective method of birth control if used more than 2 years. One rare complication of intrauterine device use is translocation of the device. An intrauterine device that has moved from the fundus of the uterus can become imbedded in the myometrium and can even perforate the uterus and move into the abdomen or pelvis. Intrauterine devices have been reported to perforate the intestine and the bladder. This case illustrates the ultrasound appearance of a...
Ketanserin alters [3H]serotonin uptake and release in rat hypothalamus

Abstract Ketanserin, a serotonin2 receptor antagonist, evoked a dose-related non-calcium dependent release of tritium from slices of rat hypothalamus preloaded with [3H]serotonin. Concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 μM ketanserin caused a 0.5%, 64% and 110% increase, respectively, in tritium release. Chlorimipramine, a potent inhibitor of the serotonin uptake mechanism, did not alter the spontaneous release of tritium. In addition, 5 μM ketanserin reduced high affinity uptake of 0.1 μM [3H]serotonin into rat hypothalamus slices by 36%. These data suggest ketanserin possesses ‘amphetamine-like’ releasing activity and an uptake inhibitory action on serotonin nerve terminals. Both of these properties could mask 5-HT receptor antagonism in vitro and in vivo.
Neuroticism and depression in alcoholics.

Background: To examine neuroticism as a possible determinant of depression in alcoholics. Method: 24 euthymic depressed alcoholics and 18 never-depressed alcoholic controls completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Result: Euthymic depressed alcoholics had significantly higher neuroticism scores than alcoholic controls. Limitation: No women alcoholics were studied. Conclusion: Neuroticism may be a risk factor for depression in alcoholics.
Racial Diversity in Higher Education: Ingredients for Success and Failure

Many colleges and universities purport to desire racial diversity, yet few make considerable progress in this regard. Why are some schools much more successful than others? This author compared col...
Dynamics of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations in a small bulk of stored corn.

The dynamics of Angoumois grain moth,Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), and maize weevil,Sitophilus zeamaisMotschulsky, populations breeding in a small bulk (initially 5.36 t) of shelled corn were studied over an 8-year period by monthly sampling. The weevil population showed wide fluctuations in density superimposed on a general decline with time. The moth population showed no upward or downward trend for the first 60 months, although it fluctuated widely. Following a decline that occurred between 56 and 60 months, the moth population fluctuated within a much narrower range, and there was a general decrease in density with time. The decline of the weevil population paralleled deterioration of the corn as did that of the moth population after ca 60 months, and the decline of both species probably resulted from increasing scarcity of suitable breeding sites. Both populations exhibited seasonal variation in density with minima in late summer and early fall, following periods of adversely high temperatures in the storage shed. The populations increased during the fall, leveled off or declined slightly during the winter months, and then increased to maximum levels in late spring or early summer. It thus appears that high temperatures had a greater adverse effect on the populations than low temperatures. The grain moth and the maize weevil both tended to be randomly dispersed at low population levels and moderately aggregated at intermediate and high levels, although the degree of aggregation was not correlated with population density when low population levels were considered separately, and the maize weevil showed a greater tendency for aggregation than did the grain moth. Analysis of individual samples at fixed points in time showed a conspicuous bias for negative correlation between numbers of the two species within sampling quadrats, suggesting a tendency for the two species to segregate within the grain mass. This process could have resulted from behavioral differences or from the destruction of one species by the other. Competitive displacement of the grain moth by the maize weevil has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments but has rarely been observed under natural conditions, and in our study the two species coexisted for 8 years in a relatively small grain bulk.
Differential contribution of lipoxygenase isozymes to nigrostriatal vulnerability

The 5- and 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) isozymes have been implicated to contribute to disease development in CNS disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. These LOX isozymes are distinct in function, with differential effects on neuroinflammation, and the impact of the distinct isozymes in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease has not as yet been evaluated. To determine whether the isozymes contribute differently to nigrostriatal vulnerability, the effects of 5- and 12/15-LOX deficiency on dopaminergic tone under naive and toxicant-challenged conditions were tested. In naive mice deficient in 5-LOX expression, a modest but significant reduction (18.0% reduction vs. wildtype (WT)) in striatal dopamine (DA) was detected (n=6-8 per genotype). A concomitant decline in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) enzyme was also revealed in null 5-LOX vs. WT mice (26.2%); however, no changes in levels of DA or TH immunoreactivity were observed in null 12/15-LOX vs. WT mice. When challenged with the selective dopaminergic toxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), WT mice showed a marked reduction in DA (31.9%) and robust astrocytic and microglial activation as compared to saline-treated animals. In contrast, null 5-LOX littermates demonstrated no significant striatal DA depletion or astrogliosis (as noted by Western blot analyses for glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity). In naive null 12/15-LOX mice, no significant change in striatal DA values was observed compared to WT, and following MPTP treatment, the transgenics revealed striatal DA reduction similar to the challenged WT mice. Taken together, these data provide the first evidence that: (i) LOX isozymes are involved in the maintenance of normal dopaminergic function in the striatum and (ii) the 5- and 12/15-LOX isozymes contribute differentially to striatal vulnerability in response to neurotoxicant challenge.
Simulation of southern corn rust damage in maize

Predictions of the extent of reduction in yield of maize, Zea mays L., by diseases are extremely useful in determining such matters as whether a crop will be an economic failure, the advisability of fungicide application, and so forth. This researcher's effort is an attempt to provide such a predictive mechanism, first by modeling non-diseased development and then by incorporating disease damage into the model.Using measures of kernel dry weight on various days after silking, a generalized formula was determined which describes daily increases in kernel weight through the development of the maize kernel until maximum dry weight occurs fifty-one days after silking. Utilization of this formula allows description of the distribution of the photosynthate (above maintenance requirements) produced daily. Assuming that during early kernel development excess photosynthate is temporarily stored in the plant for later transport into the kernel, a model has been developed for healthy kernel development on the plant.Southern corn rust, caused by Puccinia polysora, prematurely kills the leaf tissue of the maize plant. Based upon the healthy photosynthate distribution model, an analysis was made of the effects of southern corn rust upon kernel development. A routine was designed to show that the reduced photosynthate due to the disease, including premature killing of the leaves, reflects the reduction in yield caused by this disease.The project includes routines developed in SPSS and FORTRAN IV and processed on an UNIVAC 1106.Southern corn rust prematurely kills the leaf tissue of the maize plant. It has not yet been determined if the leaves are killed by a toxic chemical or merely by the large numbers of pustules which cover the leaves. These nearly round, orange-red pustules erupt, releasing the wind-borne spores of the fungus. Although Southern corn rust can be evidenced at almost every stage of maize development, it is believed that the plants become progressively more susceptible after silking (4).Due to the increasing prevelance of Southern corn rust, it is essential that some predictive mechanism be provided via which visual estimates of the amount of pustules may be used to determine damage to corn populations. This author's effort is an attempt to provide such a predictive mechanism, first by modeling non-diseased development and then by incorporating disease damage into the model.
Airway remodelling in asthma: models and supermodels?

Although currently anti-inflammatory treatments are effective for most of the 5 million patients treated in the UK they do not completely control symptoms, and a minority of asthmatics continue to experience severe debilitating disease [1]. Of note, although inhaled corticosteroids reduce the Th2type eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) that characterize asthma, they do not restore either variable to normal [2]. For this reason attention has been focused on structural changes in the asthmatic airway termed airway remodelling. These changes include epithelial damage and goblet cell hyperplasia [3], increased airway smooth muscle [4] and recruitment and activation of myofibroblasts [5]. Increased deposition of collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins such as tenascin and fibronectin occurs both in the reticular basement membrane (RBM) [6] and throughout the bronchial mucosa and this structural remodelling is accompanied by new blood vessel formation [7]. The clinical consequences of airway remodelling in asthma remain uncertain but contributions to AHR and fixed airflow obstruction have been suggested. Mathematical modelling predicts that airways with increased smooth muscle narrow to a much greater extent than airways with less smooth muscle volume for a given degree of circumferential smooth muscle shortening [8]. Asthmatic subjects show accelerated decline in lung function over time compared with non-asthmatic subjects, and this loss of lung function is more marked in asthmatic smokers [9, 10]. Although duration and severity of asthma are the most important risk factors for development of fixed obstruction the highest rate of loss of lung function is seen during the early course of the illness. Interestingly, remodelling changes are seen early in childhood and may even pre-date the onset of symptoms [11]. The impact of current anti-inflammatory treatment on remodelling is controversial. Although partial reversal of remodelling has been reported with inhaled corticosteroid treatment, responses are seen after prolonged therapy [12] and are not confirmed in all studies. The initial rapid improvement in AHR in asthma with inhaled corticosteroid treatment may be explained by reduction in airway inflammation [13], but additional improvements over many months may reflect changes in remodelling. Important questions about airway remodelling in asthma remain unanswered (see Fig. 1). These include:
Intracellular processing of riboflavin in human breast cancer cells.

A variety of polarized epithelial cells, such as human breast cancer (MCF-7), have mechanistically evolved the ability to adapt to the dynamic cellular environment and maintain homeostasis of an array of micronutrients which display conditional requirements. Active absorption mechanisms, including endocytosis, are able to control cell surface recognition and protein expression which are associated with a substanceʼs intracellular processing and kinetics. Riboflavin (RF), or vitamin B2, has been recognized as an important factor in a multitude of terminal disease states, most notably in breast cancer, where its cellular absorption is significantly enhanced. In order to delineate the regulatory mechanisms and kinetics associated with RF control in human breast cancer tissue, this study aimed to model its absorption profile and identify its intracellular regulatory components. Using both the Michaelis−Menten equation and a modified version of it, incorporating both active internalization and passive diffusio...
Magnetic reconnection in the two-dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.

Magnetic reconnection in the two-dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is studied. The flow is modeled by the reduced MHD equations with constant resistivity and viscosity. For super-Alfvenic flow, localized transient reconnection is observed on the Kelvin-Helmholtz time scale (this is not new). We study this transient reconnection and consider the peak reconnection rate which occurs with the initial vortex formation. Over the range of resistivities considered, it is shown that this peak reconnection rate is not a function of resistivity, and is a function of the initial flow shear. Additionally, it is demonstrated that there is a fundamental difference between the evolution of a problem at S = 200 and S = 10,000.
Comparison of ion composition from the goddard comprehensive ionosphere database with the international reference ionosphere model

Abstract We compared the IRI values of Te, Ne, Ti, O+, H+, He+, O2+, and NO+ with AE-C values, obtained from the Goddard Comprehensive Ionosphere Database (GCID), composed of data from the satellites, AE-B, OGO-6, ISIS-2, AE-C, AE-D, and AE-E. O+ - H+ transition levels were derived from the IRI and AE-C altitude profiles. Some discrepancies were found between IRI and the AE-C data. The IRI electron density was found to be about a factor of 2 higher than the data. The H+ composition agreed best among the IRI ions, with an average AE-C/IRI ratio of 1.05. The temperatures of both electrons and ions agreed quite well: the average ratios of AE-C/IRI was found to be .99 for electrons and 1.17 for ions.
Application of body surface mapping to exercise testing: S-T80 isoarea maps in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract Body surface electrocardiographic maps were recorded before and after exercise in 25 men with angiographically documented coronary disease. Torso potential distributions at 192 locations were derived from a 32 lead electrode array using methods previously described in our laboratory. The S-T segment was characterized by the spatial distribution of the integral of S-T segment voltage over 80 ms (S-T 80 ). Body surface regions where the S-T 80 areas were —8 mV·ms or greater were identified in 18 of 25 patients. The most negative S-T 80 site on the map was called the "S-T 80 minimum." The S-T 80 minima were located 1 or 2 electrode rows away from the standard V 4 –V 6 electrode positions in 6 of 10 patients who developed S-T 80 areas of —8 mV·ms or greater. Our data suggest that standard electrocardiographic leads may not be optimal for identifying S-T segment depression in all patients with coronary disease. Furthermore, body surface mapping during exercise provides a more quantitative and qualitative method for characterizing the ischemic response to exercise.
Real power loss minimization using interior point method

Abstract An efficient predictor–corrector primal–dual interior point method (IPM) is applied to reactive power optimization. A linear model is introduced in which control variables and voltage increments are linked by a modified Jacobian matrix, and transmission losses are represented as a function of voltage increments. Since this method does not calculate any matrix inversion or second-order derivatives of Hessian matrix at each iteration for solving the linear program, its solution will save computation time and memory space. Numerical results show that this technique is very effective and fast for large reactive power optimization.
De-alloying at elevated temperatures and at 298 k-similarities and differences

Abstract When a component is selectively removed from an alloy at elevated temperature, the surface often becomes unstable, and corrosion rates are high. This is in accord with a constant and relatively short interdiffusion distance in the alloy which is on the order of the spacing between neighboring penetrations. For volatile reaction products, surface roughening produces a porous alloy network which is enriched in the more noble component(s). The porous structure is interconnecting and open to the gas phase. Wagner's geometrical consideration appears to be important for the onset of the surface instability and the development of the porous layer. Pore size and pore-to-pore spacing decrease with temperature. The temperature dependence extends down to 298 K based on data for other alloys corroded in aqueous electrolytes. Other similarities, as well as differences, with selective corrosion processes at ambient temperatures are discussed based on data obtained over a broad range of temperature.
Prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia disease.

Purpose: We reviewed the evidence that benign prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive condition and men at risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia disease can be identified, treated and protected to a meaningful extent regardless of symptom status.Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE database was searched in 4 areas of interest relating to benign prostatic hyperplasia, including 1) progression of clinical manifestations with age, especially in regard to baseline symptom status, 2) the incidence of complications due to disease progression, 3) the use of predictive factors that may help identify men at risk for disease progression and 4) the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia disease with medical therapy.Results: Tissue changes in the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) are inevitable consequences of aging. However, benign prostatic hyperplasia disease, which we define as a life altering urinary condition requiring medical intervention, is predictable and preventable. Benign prostatic hyperplasia dis...
Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on bone turnover in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men with fat accumulation.

GHRH is a potentially appealing strategy to simultaneously improve fat distribution and increase bone turnover in HIV-infected patients. We investigated the effects of GHRH (1 mg sc twice a day over 12 wk) in 31 HIV-infected men with abdominal fat accumulation (age 46 ± 1 yr, body mass index 26.2 ± 0.6 kg/m2) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We previously reported significant effects of GHRH on IGF-I and truncal fat. In this study, we assessed whether GHRH increased markers of bone turnover. At baseline, 32% of our subjects (n = 10) demonstrated a bone density Z score less than −1.0 sd and greater than or equal to −2.5 sd, and 3% (n = 1) demonstrated a Z score of less than −2.5 sd. IGF-I correlated with N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) (r = 0.49, P = 0.005) and tended to correlate with C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) (r = 0.35, P = 0.06) at baseline. Of the bone resorption markers, CTx increased significantly (0.16 ± 0.07 vs. −0.03 ± 0.03 ng/ml, GHRH vs. placebo, P = 0.02), and NTx tended...
Cardiovascular outcomes in new users of coxibs and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: high-risk subgroups and time course of risk.

Objective Controversy persists regarding the cardiovascular risks of treatment with selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (coxibs) and nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study was undertaken to examine, in a large group of new users of coxibs and NSAIDs, the rate of cardiovascular events, their time course, and whether baseline cardiovascular risk modified the rate ratios (RRs) for future events. Methods This cohort study included Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in a state-run prescription drug plan that fully covered NSAIDs and coxibs without restriction. All study patients started use of a coxib or NSAID after January 1, 1999. The primary composite end point was a hospital admission for either myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Predefined exposure groups included the 3 coxibs available in the US during the study period (celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib), as well as oral formulations of diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, and a composite of all other NSAIDs. We compared the rate of cardiovascular events associated with each of these agents with that in a reference group of patients who did not use NSAIDs or coxibs, but started other medications unrelated to cardiovascular risk. Daily exposure to all study drugs was assessed based on filled prescription data. A Cox proportional hazards model stratified on calendar year that included other baseline cardiovascular risk factors constituted the primary analysis. Results We identified 74,838 users of NSAIDs or coxibs, and 23,532 comparable users of other drugs comprised the reference group. Adjusted models demonstrated a significant elevation in the event rate for rofecoxib (RR 1.15, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06–1.25) and a significant reduction in the rate for naproxen (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.92). No other coxib or NSAID was associated with a significant increase or decrease in cardiovascular event rate. The increased rate associated with rofecoxib was seen in the first 60 days of use (adjusted RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29) and thereafter (adjusted RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28). Kaplan-Meier event curves showed a similar pattern of risk (early and persistent separation of the event curves) among long-term rofecoxib users at low or high baseline cardiovascular risk. Conclusion We found an increased cardiovascular event rate among users of rofecoxib, and a decreased rate with naproxen use. Other coxibs and NSAIDs did not appear to be associated with a difference in event rate compared with users of other drugs. The increase in rate associated with rofecoxib was seen within the first 60 days and persisted. There was no important modification of the event rate based on the patient's baseline cardiovascular risk.
Movement to the Xylem Exudate of 86Rubidium Accumulated in the Apex of Corn Roots

Apical segments of roots of corn ( Zea mays , L.) were excised and mounted in experimental salt solutions containing 86 RbCl and CaCl 2 . Xylem exudates were collected hourly beginning at the 21st hour. At the 24th hour, experimental solutions were replaced with solutions of other chlorides (nonlabeled) of Ca 2+ ± some monovalent cation. Following replacement of the labeled solutions, the rate of 86 Rb + release to the exudates from root segments declined by about the same proportional amount regardless of the initial steady-state output rate or the kinds of salts used to replace the RbCl. The content of 86 Rb + in the roots also declined with time, but to a relatively less degree. Loss of accumulated 86 Rb + to the various external solutions following replacement was less than 6% in 6 hours. It is concluded that movement of accumulated Rb + to the exudate is dependent on the concentration of Rb + in the root but is largely independent of exchange between accumulated ions and other ions in transit across the root.
Notes on the Psychologist Expert Witness

The psychologist who takes the witness stand to testify concerning the reliability of an eyewitness's testimony should assume the role of a watchdog, not a lapdog for the prosecution or an attack dog for the defense. The watchdog role is illustrated by a discussion of the decisions made by the author before accepting an invitation to testify as an expert.