cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Enhancing Research and Research Training Programs for African Americans: Viewing Barriers as Opportunities

Minorities have long been excluded from biomedical research programs, both as researchers and as study participants. One reason for the dearth of minority researchers is their lack of awareness that federal and private financial assistance programs exist on their behalf. To provide opportunities for minorities in biomedical research, minority institutions must be given expanded opportunities to participate in federally sponsored biomedical research programs. Thus both governmental and private agencies need to appraise minority research institutions of the kinds of assistance available and how to access funds. One means of disseminating such information would be to post it on the Internet. Minority institutions, for their part, must make basic research a priority and engage in mentorship programs that encourage minority precollege students to pursue careers in the sciences. Researchers can gain the trust of African Americans through outreach programs, which may lead to the greater inclusion of this population in clinical trials.
Vive La Différence: An Interview with Catherine Dulac

One of the joyful aspects of a life in science is listening to the rare seminar that simply knocks your socks off. Two such memorable moments for me came in the form of job seminars by a pair of Richard Axel's post-docs: first, Linda Buck, who described olfactory receptors and later shared the Nobel Prize with Axel for this work, and then, Catherine Dulac, who identified pheromone receptors in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in mice. These two sensory systems elicit very different responses: while the main olfactory system senses hundreds of thousands of different odorants, by binding volatile compounds to olfactory receptors within the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and projecting them onto the olfactory cortex, the VNO detects a limited repertoire of species-specific pheromones that trigger sex-specific behaviors without any cortical output whatsoever.
Quantifying the effect of hand preference on upper limb bone mineral and soft tissue composition in young and elderly women by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect that hand preference has on upper limb bone mineral and soft tissue composition in healthy young and elderly women. Bone mineral content (BMC) in grams, bone mineral density (BMD) in g cm-2, fat-free soft tissue (FFST) in grams, fat tissue (g), and percent fat were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for dominant and non-dominant upper limbs as well as total body fat (%) in 25 young (26.6 +/- 4.3 years, mean +/- SD) and 35 elderly women (68.4 +/- 2.9 years). For both groups, the dominant upper limb had a greater BMC (P < 0.001), BMD (young, P < 0.001; elderly, P < 0.05), and FFST mass (P < 0.001), and a lower percent fat (young, P < 0.01; elderly, P < 0.05) than the non-dominant limb; however, there was no difference between limbs for total fat mass. BMC, BMD, and FFST in the dominant limb of young women were 7.1%, 1.8%, and 5.1% greater than the non-dominant limb, while for older women the differences were 5.3%, 1.0%, and 4.2%. Relative fat of the dominant limb was 3.0% and 1.3% less than the non-dominant limb for young and older women, respectively. Age did not affect the percent bone mineral or soft tissue difference. A higher bone mineral and FFST mass in the dominant limb is expected due to the greater activity demands placed upon these tissues. However, a larger bone and FFST mass increases the total mass of the dominant limb, resulting in a dilution of the fat tissue mass and hence a reduced fat percent for the limb. This study indicates that hand preference affects the tissue composition of the upper limb in both young and elderly women, resulting in an increased bone mineral and FFST mass with no change in absolute fat mass. Hand preference should be taken into account when upper limb bone mineral and/or soft tissue composition is assessed.
Applications of object relations theory and self-psychology in current group therapy

In an effort to explore how group therapists can apply psychoanalytic theory in the group modality to advantage, two major developments in analytic theory are examined. 1) Kernberg stresses the neutral interpretive stance and utilizes concepts of “protective identification” and “splitting” in dealing with borderline pathology. This paper illustrates concretely how such theory can be used by the group therapist to encourage working through in the group situation. 2) Kohut's work stresses the empathic, nurturant analytic stance and focuses upon “idealization,” “the grandiose self” and the “self-object.” An understanding of these concepts helps the group therapist avoid obstacles in the treatment of narcissistic patients and can enrich the therapeutic work. The paper concludes that treatment of the difficult patient may be enhanced by the group situation in combination with specific psychoanalytic concepts.
Technique for rapid determination of relative ages of lunar areas from orbital photography

Development of a technique for determining relative ages of regions of the lunar surface from orbital photography using a model of small-impact erosion. The erosion model relates the shape of a crater to the integrated flux of debris that has impacted the surface since that crater was fresh. The shape of the most modified crater of a particular diameter is thereby related to the relative age of the surface. Application of this analysis to orbital photography reveals that the major mare units vary in the accumulation of impacts by more than a factor of 3. Comparison of these data with crystallization ages determined from samples collected during the Apollo 11 and 12 missions indicates that the impact fluxes were decreasing during the stages of mare formation. An exponentially decaying flux for the last 3.5 b.y. with a half-life of 0.6 to 1.4 b.y. is compatible with the data.
Cardiac and somatic response patterns during a reaction time task in children and adults.

Psychophysiological responses were studied in 25 fifth grade boys and 25 male college students during a choice reaction lime task. Attention to the task was manipulated through changes in two variables: uncertainly and motivation. Heart rate responses reflected changes in uncertainty for both groups. Heart rate, forearm EMG, eye blinks and movements, and general body movement differentiated between two levels of motivation. These results indicated that children and adults responded similarly, and that heart rate and forearm EMG were the most sensitive indices of changes in stimulus variables. Further examination of cardiac and somatic responses revealed an association between cardiac and task-relevant somatic activity. A study of response patterns over trials confirmed (his relationship, which was discussed in terms of a two-process model.
A rapid purification of T4 polynucleotide kinase using Blue Dextran-Sepharose chromatography.

Abstract A rapid batch procedure is described for purification of T4 polynucleotide kinase (ATP:5′-dephosphopolynucleotide 5′-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.78) to near homogeneity using Blue Dextran-Sepharose chromatography. The enzyme preparation is sufficiently free of contaminating endonuclease and alkaline phosphatase activities to be suitable for radioactivity labeling nucleic acids in vitro. Kinetic measurements indicate that the chromophore of Blue Dextran, Cibacron Blue F3GA, inhibits the activity of T4 polynucleotide kinase competitively with respect to single stranded DNA substrate and non-competitively with respect to the rATP substrate.
Mental health disorders influence admission rates for pain in children with sickle cell disease

Background Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience a broad range of mental health disorders placing them at risk for more complicated hospitalizations for pain. The current study examined the impact of mental health disorders on admission rates and hospital length of stay (LOS) for vaso-occlusive pain events (VOE) in pediatric patients with SCD. Procedure Patients (5–18 years old) with a primary discharge diagnosis of SCD with crisis were acquired through the Pediatric Health Information System and categorized by history of mental health disorders (mood disorder, anxiety disorder, disruptive behavior disorder, and substance use disorder). Using a retrospective cohort design, hospital admission rates for VOE were examined as the primary outcome and LOS as a secondary outcome. Results A total of 5,825 patients accounted for 23,561 admissions for SCD with crisis with approximately 8% of the patients having a mental health diagnosis. Longer LOS was found among patients with a history of any mental health diagnosis (P < 0.0001) and within the mood disorder (P < 0.0001), anxiety disorder (P < 0.0001), and substance use disorder (P = 0.01) subtypes. Hospital admissions rates for VOE were higher among patients with a history of any mental health diagnosis (P < 0.0001) and within the mood disorder (P < 0.0001), anxiety disorder (P < 0.0001), disruptive behavior disorder (P = 0.002), and substance use disorder (P < 0.0001) subtypes. Conclusions Pediatric patients with SCD and a history of a mental health diagnosis have longer LOS and higher admission rates for management of VOE. Ultimately, these findings suggest that mental health pose a challenge to the management of sickle cell pain. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1211–1214. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the relationship between diffraction patterns and motions in macromolecular crystals.

Summary The quality of many macromolecular crystal structures published recently has been enhanced through the use of new methods for treating the effects of molecular motion and disorder on diffraction patterns, among them a technique called translation, libration, screw-axis (TLS) parameterization. TLS parameterization rationalizes those effects in terms of domain-scale, rigid-body motions and, interestingly, the models for molecular motion that emerge when macromolecular diffraction data are analyzed this way often make sense biochemically. Here it is pointed out that all such models should be treated with caution until it is shown that they are consistent with the diffuse scatter produced by the crystals that provided the diffraction data from which they derive.
Augmentation of EB-directed hepatocyte-specific function via collagen sandwich and SNAP

The development of implantable engineered liver tissue constructs and ex vivo hepatocyte-based therapeutic devices are limited by an inadequate hepatocyte cell source. In our previous studies, embryoid body (EB)-mediated stem cell differentiation spontaneously yielded populations of hepatocyte lineage cells expressing mature hepatocyte markers such as albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin-18 (CK18). However, these cultures neither yielded a homogenous hepatocyte lineage population nor exhibited detoxification function typical of a more mature hepatocyte lineage cell. In this study, secondary culture configurations were used to study the effects of collagen sandwich culture and oncostatin-M (OSM) or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) supplementation of EB-derived hepatocyte-lineage cell function. Quantitative immunofluorescence and secreted protein analyses were used to provide insights into the long-term maintenance and augmentation of existing functions. The results of these studies suggest that SNAP, independent of the collagen supplementation, maintained the highest levels of ALB expression, however, mature liver-specific CK18 was only expressed in the presence of gel sandwich culture supplemented with SNAP. In addition, albumin secretion and cytochrome P450 detoxification studies indicated that this condition was the best for the augmentation of hepatocyte-like function. Maintenance and augmentation of hepatocyte-like cells isolated from heterogeneous EB cell populations will be a critical step in generating large numbers of functional differentiated cells for therapeutic use.
Containing Costs And Improving Care For Children In Medicaid And CHIP

The current health reform debate is greatly concerned with “bending the curve” of cost growth and containing costs, particularly in public programs. Our research demonstrates that spending in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is highly concentrated, particularly among children with chronic health problems. Ten percent of enrollees (two-thirds of whom have a chronic condition) account for 72 percent of the spending; 30 percent of enrolled children receive little or no care. These results highlight the importance of cost containment strategies that reduce avoidable hospitalizations among children with chronic problems and policies that increase preventive care, particularly among African American children.
The nature of FSH induction by GnRH.

Abstract Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a major regulator of mammalian gonadal function, is induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), but it is unclear how much induction is direct or indirect and what relevance each has in vivo . Two advances now make it possible to address these issues, which are central to understanding FSH regulation. The first is the use of transformed LβT2 gonadotropes to define key promoter sequences of FSHB (the gene encoding the FSH-β subunit) that are needed for induction by GnRH and/or other factors; and the second is the ability to express FSHB promoter–reporter constructs in transgenic mouse gonadotropes to test the physiological relevance of promoter elements identified by using LβT2 cells. Here, we summarize past studies on GnRH induction of FSH, and propose questions and approaches for the future.
Numerical simulation of geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls under seismic shaking

Abstract This paper presents the results of numerical simulation of three full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls that were seismically loaded by a shaking table. Material model parameters were determined from the available laboratory data. In particular, the backfill was simulated with a cap model with parameters dependent of stress level. Hardening parameters of cap model were determined from hyperbolic relation derived from the relevant hydrostatic compression tests. A discussion on the calibration of modeling parameters is presented. Responses compared include (a) maximum wall displacement, (b) maximum backfill settlement, (c) maximum lateral earth pressure, (d) maximum bearing pressure, (e) maximum reinforcement tensile load, (f) absolute maximum acceleration in reinforced soil zone, and (g) absolute maximum acceleration in retained soil zone. Qualities of simulations were evaluated and are discussed. It was found that not all the calculated results agree well with the measured data. However, strong inference or high confidence is anticipated for the closely matched responses such as lateral earth pressure and horizontal displacement utilizing the calibrated model described herein. As indicated by the calculated results, seismic wall displacement decreases with decreasing reinforcement spacing. Factors responsible for comparison discrepancy are discussed. Variability within the measured data is thought to have contributed to some of the comparison discrepancies.
Three-dimensional structure of human tryptophan hydroxylase and its implications for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin.

Tryptophan hydroxylase oxidizes l-tryptophan to 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan in the rate-determining step of serotonin biosynthesis. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure (1.7 A) of a truncated ...
A mild procedure for the conversion of 1,2-diols to olefins

Abstract An improved procedure for the stereospecific synthesis of olefins from 1,2-diols via the corresponding thionocarbonate is described.
Derivation of soliton quantization in two gauge models

Abstract Feynman rules are derived by a path-integral method for gauge theory solitons using as particular examples the Nielsen-Olesen vortex and the 't Hooft-Polyakov-Julia-Zee monopole-dyon. The masses of these solitons are proven to be manifestly renormalizable to one-loop order in the absence of knowledge of exact solitary solutions. This is done using a technique similar to 't Hooft's “background field method”.
Making faces : Portraiture as a negotiated worker-client relationship

In occupations that are premised on satisfying clients, competent workers need more than technical training. They must be able to both interpret (“read”) people and interact with them deftly. Throu...
Use of tertiarybutylphosphine for OMVPE growth of (Al x Ga 1-x ) 0.51 In 0.49 P

This paper reports the results of atmospheric pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of (AlxGa1-x)0.510.49P thin films using tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP) as the phosphorus source. The trimethylalkyls were used as group III sources. The growth temperature was 680° C. It was observed that V/III ratio dramatically affected the surface morphology and photoluminescence (PL). The epilayers grown at a V/III ratio lower than 60 had rough surfaces and weak PL emission. An input V/III ratio larger than 70 was required to obtain good surfaces and strong PL emission. Good quality (AlxGa1-x)0.510.49P epilayers forx ≤ 0.62 were obtained at a V/III ratio of 85. The surface morphologies were smooth except for the occurrence of dense oval-shaped hillocks forx > 0.42. The Al distribution coefficient using TBP is the same as for phosphine (PH3), which was used as the phosphorus source in previous AlGalnP growth. No parasitic reactions between TBP and trimethylalkyls were observed. 10 and 300 K PL emission was observed for all epilayers withx ≤ 0.62. However, the PL peak energy did not follow the band gap, as obtained for (AlxGa1-x)0.510.49P epilayers grown using PH3. The PL peak energy at both 10 and 300 K increased with increasingx forx ≤ 0.35, and then became nearly constant with further increases inx. In this region the PL is believed to be from a process involving a deep energy level, induced by an impurity from the TBP, bound to theX conduction band minimum. It was concluded that TBP has the potential to replace PH3 for OMVPE growth of Al-containing compounds, although the purity needs to be improved.
Internationalization of the postdoctorate in the United States: analyzing the demand for international postdoc labor

The American academic research enterprise relies heavily on contributions made by foreign nationals. Of particular note is the large number of international postdocs employed at universities in the United States (US). Postdocs are among the fastest growing group of academic staff in the US, and over 50 % of all postdocs in the US are temporary visa holders. While academic mobility is sometimes understood using a ‘push–pull’ model, we argue that demand for educational migrants must be considered. Drawing from Marginson’s (Handbook on globalization and higher education. Edward Elger, Northampton, 2011; Marginson and Rhoades in High Educ 43:281–309, 2002) work, we develop a model for assessing local, national, and institutional (or local) variables that may shape the employment of international postdocs at universities in the United States, and we operationalize the model through a panel regression analysis using data covering the period 1989–2009. We find that the passage of time and federally supported research and development expenditures are strong predictors of postdoc employment. Institutional characteristics predict changes only in the subsample of private universities.
Experienced control and participation in treatment of obesity.

Results of three studies are presented which explore the relation of experienced control to participation in treatment for obesity. Subjects in all studies were adult females participating in an outpatient, behaviorally-oriented obesity program. Experienced control was measured using the Experienced Control Scale (Tiffany, 1967). Study 1 was a naturally occurring experiment which compared two groups (ns = 7 and 8) that differed in extent of self-directed efforts to begin treatment. Study 2 compared 32 persons who completed the program and 18 persons who did not complete it. High levels of experienced control over internal forces were associated with increased efforts to initiate treatment and with completion of treatment. Study 3 assessed the temporal stability of the Experienced Control Scale with obese females tested at the beginning and end of the 12-wk. treatment program. Test-retest reliability coefficients were .64 (p < .01) for the internal control subscale and .29 (P < .10) for the external contro...
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering at colloidal silver oxide surfaces

A colloidal silver oxide hydrosol was prepared for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Its performance as a SERS-active substrate was tested using benzoic acid and 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′cyanine iodide as analytes. SERS and surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering were observed for the adsorbed samples. In the preparation of the sol, the relative amounts of reagents should be an important factor in affecting the surface enhancement of the substrate. The surface enhancement activity of the colloidal hydrosol might indicate that silver oxide films generated in the electrochemical oxidation of a silver electrode could enhance the Raman spectra of adsorbed molecules and/or passivated films.
Specification of the surface figure and finish of optical elements in terms of system performance

This paper describes methods of predicting the degradation of the performance of a simple imaging system in terms of the statistics of the shape errors of the focussing element, and conversely, of specifying those statistics in terms of requirements on image quality. Results are illustrated for normal-incidence x-ray mirrors having figure errors plus conventional and/or fractal finish errors.
Melatonin Administration Attenuates Depressed Immune Functions after Trauma-Hemorrhage

Abstract The pineal hormone melatonin has been used in clinical trials in patients suffering from AIDS and also as an adjuvant for cancer therapy. Although melatonin has been reported to have beneficial effects in some animal models of immune dysfunction, it remains unknown whether this hormone has any salutary effects on immunity following soft-tissue trauma and/or major blood loss. To study this, soft-tissue trauma (2.5-cm midline laparotomy) and hemorrhagic shock (arterial BP 35 ± 5 mm Hg) were induced in C3H/HeN mice. The mice were resuscitated after 90 min of hypotension with the shed blood and lactated Ringer's solution. Treatment with saline, vehicle, or melatonin (10 mg/kg BW) subcutaneously was administered in the evening of the day of surgery and again on the following evening. All animals were sacrificed at 48 hr follow- ing trauma-hemorrhage and resuscitation to obtain plasma, splenocytes, as well as splenic and peritoneal macrophages (Mo). The results indicate that melatonin administration after trauma-hemorrhage significantly improved the depressed immune functions, as evidenced by the restoration of Mo IL-1 and IL-6 release, as well as significantly improved splenocyte IL-2 and IL-3 release and splenocyte proliferative capacity. No differences in circulating corticosterone levels between vehicle- and melatonin-treated animals were observed. This is the first study to show that melatonin, which is reported to be free of adverse side effects, can be considered a safe and effective therapeutic agent for restoring the depressed immunological function after soft-tissue trauma and hemorrhagic shock.
Selective Formation of Triplet Alkyl Nitrenes from Photolysis of β-Azido-Propiophenone and Their Reactivity

Photolysis of β-azido propiophenone derivatives, 1, with built-in sensitizer units, leads to selective formation of triplet alkyl nitrenes 2 that were detected directly with laser flash photolysis (λmax = 325 nm, τ = 27 ms) and ESR spectroscopy (|D/hc| = 1.64 cm-1, |E/hc| = 0.004 cm-1). Nitrenes 2 were further characterized with argon matrix isolation, isotope labeling, and molecular modeling. The triplet alkyl nitrenes are persistent intermediates that do not abstract H-atoms from the solvent but do decay by dimerizing with another triplet nitrene to form azo products, rather than reacting with an azide precursor. The azo dimer tautomerizes and rearranges to form heterocyclic compound 3. Nitrene 2a, with an n,π* configuration as the lowest triplet excited state of the its ketone sensitizer moiety, undergoes intramolecular 1,4-H-atom abstraction to form biradical 6, which was identified by argon matrix isolation, isotope labeling, and molecular modeling. β-Azido-p-methoxy-propiophenone, with a π,π* lowest...
A new method of extracting the channel length from the gate current of p-channel MOSFETs

Abstract A new method for determining the channel length of p -channel MOSFETs is proposed and experimentally tested. The method is based on the relationship between the channel area and the body-to-gate current in the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling regime. The new method provides an alternative to conventionally used techniques, namely, the channel-conductance and the gate-capacitance methods, since it circumvents measurement interferences due to the parasitics encountered in these methods.
The kinetics of imino acid accumulation in the D-amino acid oxidase reaction.

When the oxidation of D-phenylalanine by D-amino acid oxidase is measured in stopped-flow turnover experiments there is a lag in the formation of keto-phenylpyruvate which becomes progressively greater as the pH is raised from 6.5. Borohydride trapping experiments show that the transient accumulation of free imino acid largely accounts for the lag at pH 8.7. These results are consistent with the known hydrolytic behavior of imines.
Phases of Listening to Authentic Input in Spanish: A Descriptive Study

The study reported here is a descriptive analysis of an experiment in which learners listened to two radio broadcasts in Spanish, then reported on their strategies, comprehension, learning, level of confidence, and affective response to this input. Statistical analyses provided evidence of significant differences first, between male and female listeners in strategies, confidence, and affective response (Bacon, 4); and second, between effective and less effective listeners in both their level of comprehension and learning (Bacon, 3). The present paper describes in detail elements learners had in common, as well as some that seemed idiosyncratic, as they attempted to make sense of what they heard. The resulting description provides flesh and color to strategies and learning that have been previously categorized in a generic manner. Moreover, this qualitative analysis sheds additional light on listening process and effective listening strategies when dealing with authentic input.
Monolithically Integrated III-Sb Superluminescent Light Emitting Diodes on Si (100) Substrates

We report on recent monolithically integrated III-V on Si device developments including a room-temperature, superluminescent light emitting diode. The integration scheme is enabled by spontaneously-formed, interfacial misfit arrays (IMF).
Spontaneous vesicle formation at lipid bilayer membranes

Unilamellar vesicles are observed to form spontaneously at planar lipid bilayers agitated by exothermic chemical reactions. The membrane-binding reaction between biotin and streptavidin, two strong transmembrane neutralization reactions, and a weak neutralization reaction involving an "antacid" buffer, all lead to spontaneous vesicle formation. This formation is most dramatic when a viscosity differential exists between the two phases bounding the membrane, in which case vesicles appear exclusively in the more viscous phase. A hydrodynamic analysis explains the phenomenon in terms of a membrane flow driven by liberated reaction energy, leading to vesicle formation. These results suggest that energy liberated by intra- and extracellular chemical reactions near or at cell and internal organelle membranes can play an important role in vesicle formation, membrane agitation, or enhanced transmembrane mass transfer.
Effects of notch radius and anisotropy on the crack tip plastic zone

Abstract Factors which influence the shape and size of the plastic zone in the immediate vicinity of a crack tip in isotropic materials at small loads are investigated. The plastic zone dimensions for the opening mode (Mode I) have been calculated over a range of values for the crack tip radius. An increase in tip radius results in an increase in the plastic zone dimension. In anisotropic materials, the orientation of crack slit and the anisotropic yield constants are other factors that affect the plastic zone size and shape. In this paper, typical curves for the shape and size of plastic zone are given to illustrate the influence of normal or shear anisotropic yield constants. For sheet metals the effects of anisotropy on the plastic zone dimensions can be evaluated in terms of R values. Suggested values of constant b for isotropic materials are given if the “radius” approximation is employed for small applied stresses.
Determining the expected value of information for new product introduction

Abstract Bayesian analysis is an important technique for marketing decision-making. To this point, however, these procedures have been used infrequently by practicing managers. Two major obstacles to the application of Bayesian analysis are the difficulties associated with generating input values and with performing the necessary calculations. In this paper a procedure is presented which, in most cases, removes both of these obstacles. The procedure has assessment needs with which the practicing manager may be more familiar. Tables are developed to alleviate computational difficulties.
Effects of anti-glaucoma medications on gangion cell survival: the DBA/2J mouse model

We studied whether several agents, approved or undergoing trials in human glaucoma, were effective in preventing ganglion cell loss in the DBA/2J mouse. Adult DBA/2J mice were treated with timolol, pilocarpine, brimonidine, dorzolamide, or NMDA-receptor antagonist memantine. Surviving retinal ganglion cells of treated and control mice were retrogradely labeled with fluorogold and counted after whole mount preparation. In treated mice, only memantine and timolol had significant effects on retinal ganglion cell survival (P<0.0001, analysis of variance). Brimonidine was lethal to these mice, and these retinae were not analyzed further. The DBA/2J mouse represents a promising candidate for further experimentation in ocular hypertension.
Detection of bacteria aided by immuno‐nanoparticles

Magnetic immuno-nanorice particles were used for the capture and detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The selectivity of the method was attained by attaching a specific anti-E. coli antibody on the surface of the nanorice, binding exclusively to E. coli. The antibody attachment to the nanorice (60% sorption efficiency) took place through protein-A molecules (82% uptake). Once E. coli was captured, the immuno-nanorice-bacteria complex was separated from the solution using the magnetic property of the nanorice. The detection of bacteria sorbed onto the immuno-nanorice was accomplished using the ultra-violet resonance Raman (UVRR) method, detecting single bacterial cells. Specific information concerning the aromatic residues tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe) and tryptophan (Trp) was derived. The discriminant function and cluster hierarchical analysis confirmed the specific and reliable bacteria-detection capabilities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leiomyosarcoma of penile prepuce with ultrastructural study

A case of a leiomyosarcoma developing in a penile prepuce of a young patient is presented with ultrastructural studies. The firm, well-circumscribed nodule was present for several years. Histologically and ultrastructurally the excised nodule showed features of a leiomyosarcoma. The incidence and morphology of this rare tumor is discussed.
A comparison study of extreme precipitation from six different regional climate models via spatial hierarchical modeling

We analyze output from six regional climate models (RCMs) via a spatial Bayesian hierarchical model. The primary advantage of this approach is that the statistical model naturally borrows strength across locations via a spatial model on the parameters of the generalized extreme value distribution. This is especially important in this application as the RCM output we analyze have extensive spatial coverage, but have a relatively short temporal record for characterizing extreme behavior. The hierarchical model we employ is also designed to be computationally efficient as we analyze RCM output for nearly 12000 locations. The aim of this analysis is to compare the extreme precipitation as generated by these RCMs. Our results show that, although the RCMs produce similar spatial patterns for the 100-year return level, their characterizations of extreme precipitation are quite different. Additionally, we examine the spatial behavior of the extreme value index and find differing spatial patterns for the point estimates for the RCMs. However, these differences may not be significant given the uncertainty associated with estimating this parameter.
Magnetic rotation observation of the C2 b3Σg− ← a3Πu transition using a color center laser

Abstract The magnetic rotation observation of the C2 b3Σg− ← a3Πu Ballik-Ramsay system using a color center laser is reported. This is the first detection of this system in absorption. Three bands, 0 ← 1, 1 ← 2, and 2 ← 3, were identified in the spectral range 3650–4030 cm−1. The last two bands were observed for the first time. In magnetic rotation many satellite lines (ΔN ≠ ΔJ) which would be very weak in normal absorption have been observed with intensity comparable to the main branch lines. This permits a slight improvement in the accuracy of some of the fine structure constants. A variety of lineshapes are observed for the various branches by magnetic rotation. Because the b3Σg− fine structure is small, giving a partial overlap, the peak frequency of a magnetic rotation signal usually does not correspond to the center frequency of the normal absorption signal of that transition. A computer program has been written to predict magnetic rotation lineshapes and obtain the peak frequency displacements. Various observed and calculated lineshapes are displayed and compared.
The Role of Daily Activities in Youths' Stress Physiology

Abstract Purpose This study examined links between diurnal patterns of the stress hormone cortisol and time spent by adolescents in nine common daily activities. Methods During eight consecutive nightly telephone interviews, 28 youths (n = 12 girls), 10–18 years of age, reported their daily activities. On 4 days, four saliva samples were also collected and assayed for cortisol. Multilevel models assessed within- and between-person associations between time in each activity and cortisol area under the curve (AUC), cortisol awakening response (CAR), morning peak (30 minutes after wake up), and daily decline (morning peak to bedtime). Results Links with AUC were found for most activities; significant associations with cortisol rhythms suggested that most effects were due to anticipation of the day's activities. Specifically, on days when youths spent more time than usual on video games and television, they had lower AUCs, with lower morning peaks. Youths who spent more time reading (within-person) and in computer-related activities (between-person) had higher AUCs, with stronger CARs (within-person). Youths who slept more had lower AUCs, with lower morning peaks on both the between- and within-person levels. Amounts of time spent in clubs, and for older adolescents in sports, were also linked to lower AUCs. Finally, youths who spent more time in school/schoolwork had lower average AUCs, but on days when youths spent more time than usual in school, they had higher AUCs, stronger CARs, and steeper daily declines. Conclusion Beyond their known implications for psychological adjustment, youths' everyday activities are linked to stress physiology.
CBF/NF-Y activates transcription of the human tryptophan hydroxylase gene through an inverted CCAAT box

Abstract The human tryptophan hydroxylase gene (hTPH) encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which has been implicated in a number of psychiatric illnesses. This enzyme is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. We examined the transcriptional activity of a series of 5′ deletion promoter–reporter constructs extending from nucleotide (nt) −1954 to +40 and found that the region between nt −163 and +40 contains a regulatory element important for efficient transcription of the gene. DNase I footprint analyses, using P815-HTR and HeLa nuclear protein extracts, revealed a single prominent footprint between nt −78 and −44. A cis-acting element in the footprint region was identified as an inverted CCAAT box (−67 ATTGG −63) by gel shift assays. Two base pair (bp) mutations in the core CCAAT sequence eliminated protein binding in gel shift assays and reduced transcriptional activity approximately 50% in transient transfection assays. Competitive gel shift assays showed that the protein binding to the hTPH CCAAT box was effectively competed by an oligonucleotide (oligo) harboring a binding site for CCAAT box binding factor (CBF)/nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y). A selective antibody against the B subunit of CBF/NF-Y supershifted the protein-DNA complex formed between the −90/−50 oligo probe and nuclear protein extracts. Our results indicate that the binding of CBF/NF-Y to the inverted CCAAT box is responsible for transcriptional activation of the hTPH gene.
Abnormal excitability and episodic low-frequency oscillations in the cerebral cortex of the tottering mouse

The Ca2+ channelopathies caused by mutations of the CACNA1A gene that encodes the pore-forming subunit of the human Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) voltage-gated Ca2+ channel include episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). Although, in EA2 the emphasis has been on cerebellar dysfunction, patients also exhibit episodic, nonmotoric abnormalities involving the cerebral cortex. This study demonstrates episodic, low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) throughout the cerebral cortex of tottering (tg/tg) mice, a widely used model of EA2. Ranging between 0.035 and 0.11 Hz, the LFOs in tg/tg mice can spontaneously develop very high power, referred to as a high-power state. The LFOs in tg/tg mice are mediated in part by neuronal activity as tetrodotoxin decreases the oscillations and cortical neuron discharge contain the same low frequencies. The high-power state involves compensatory mechanisms because acutely decreasing P/Q-type Ca2+ channel function in either wild-type (WT) or tg/tg mice does not induce the high-power state. In contrast, blocking l-type Ca2+ channels, known to be upregulated in tg/tg mice, reduces the high-power state. Intriguingly, basal excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission constrains the high-power state because blocking ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors results in high-power LFOs in tg/tg but not WT mice. The high-power LFOs are decreased markedly by acetazolamide and 4-aminopyridine, the primary treatments for EA2, suggesting disease relevance. Together, these results demonstrate that the high-power LFOs in the tg/tg cerebral cortex represent a highly abnormal excitability state that may underlie noncerebellar symptoms that characterize CACNA1A mutations.
Shelf life extension of peeled oranges by citric acid treatment

The microbial spoilage of peeled oranges was caused predominantly by Gram negative bacteriaEnterobacter agglomerans, andPseudomonasspp., and yeastsCryptococcus albidus, Rhodotorula glutinis, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Infusion of fruits with citric acid solution (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% w/v) during the peeling process reduced the surface pH of peeled fruits (from 6.0 to <4.6) and extended their shelf life in comparison with fruits infused with water only. Regardless of treatment method (dipping or infusion), maximal shelf life extension was attained with 0.5% w/v citric acid for 4°C storage or 1.0% w/v citric acid for 8 and 21°C storage. Infusion of 0.5% w/v citric acid extended shelf life of both peeled whole and chunked fruits. The extension of shelf life resulted primarily from the inhibition of spoilage bacteria.
The ear of the chameleon: Chamaeleo senegalensis and Chamaeleo quilensis.

The chameleon ear presents special problems because of variations of structure from the usual lizard pattern: there is no external ear opening and no visible tympanic membrane, and the round window of the cochlea is usually said to be lacking. Measurements of auditory sensitivity in terms of the electrical potentials of the cochlea were carried out in two species, Chamaeleo senegalensis and Chamaeleo quilensis. The results indicated poor sensitivity in comparison with lizards in general, yet the performance was not far below that found in many species with conventional sound-conducting systems. The frequency range extended from 100 to 10,000 cps, with the best sensitivity in the region of 200 to 600 cps. Experiments were carried out to investigate the operation of these ears in response to aerial sounds and mechanical vibrations. The observations indicated that aerial sounds are received by a special surface, the pterygoid plate, embedded in the tissues at the side of the head. This system resembles that of snakes, in which a detached quadrate bone serves as a receptive surface. The round window problem is not yet solved, but the suggestion is made that there is a path of pressure discharge from the scala tympani to the air of the middle ear cavity by a circuitous route, through the tympanic recess and a series of small spaces and blood vessels traversing the glossopharyngeal foramen. The frictional resistance of such a hindered pathway of discharge could account for the poor sensitivity of these chameleon ears.
DIFFERENTIATING SEMIARID ENVIRONMENTS USING LANDSAT REFLECTANCE INDEXES

Relationships between Landsat reflectance indexes that extract the individual component contributions of vegetation and the soil background and the composition of a semiarid grassland-shrub environment are examined. The results indicate that two reflectance indexes, the Transformed Vegetation Index (TVI) and the ratio of Landsat MSS6/MSS5, exhibit the highest correlation with vegetation density. The ratio of MSS6/MSS4, the ratio of MSS5/MSS4, and the MSS6 soil background reflectance component (Rgg6) emerge as the best indexes to discriminate between semiarid landscape units. The relationships between reflectance and land cover composition suggest that Landsat reflectance may be useful to monitor temporal and spatial changes in the condition of semiarid vegetation.
Time management 101.

Academic radiology is a challenging field. Success requires strong effort in three major, somewhat disparate, areas: patient care, teaching, and research. Some academic radiologists also have administrative duties. Many young faculty members feel overwhelmed with their responsibilities at the time in their careers when they are seeking tenure and promotion. Often these crucial years in terms of faculty development coincide with increased responsibilities at home, since many faculty members are also starting families and raising children during their 30s and 40s. These demands can lead to stress and burnout, and promising junior faculty members often choose to leave the academic fold (1), usually for more lucrative private practice jobs in which the only duties are clinical. As an academic radiologist with four children and a husband who has his own busy private ophthalmology practice, I am sometimes asked by residents and junior faculty for my “secrets of success”— how do I juggle my family responsibilities with the administration of the breast imaging section in my department and the management of several large funded research projects? To share what I have learned, I give a workshop on time management as part of the Marconi Faculty Development Course at the annual meeting of the Association of University Radiologists. My secrets are not all that secret, of course,
Kelly's Thought At Age 33: Suggestions For Conceptual And Methodological Refinements

Abstract This paper argues that Neimeyer's (1985) crisis in methodology might not actually imply an overuse of grid techniques. Instead, the problem might consist of a serious underutilization of slightly different (but nonetheless constructivist) conceptual schemes and alternative methodologies derived from these conceptual schemes. In taking needed research risks we might hasten the next steps in the evolution of personal construct theory.
Improved Loss Estimation for the Lasso: A Variable Selection Tool

Estimation of the unknown parameter 𝜃 using an estimation rule d(X) is often accompanied by a loss function L(d(X),𝜃). In practice, there are situations when the estimation rule is accompanied by an estimate of its loss, which is unobservable since 𝜃 is unknown. We consider the problem of estimating the loss when the Lasso is used to estimate the parameters in a linear model in the p < n setting. We derive unbiased estimators of the loss when the estimation rule is the Lasso, suggest estimators that improve upon the unbiased estimators of loss and further establish sufficient conditions for domination of the improved estimators of loss. We supplement the theoretical results by an example and a detailed simulation study that shows significant risk gains with the improved estimator of loss when the Lasso is used. Such an improved estimate of loss could be used as a tool that provides an assessment of the estimation inaccuracy for any model selected by the Lasso.
Use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate addiction. I. Physiologic and behavioral effects during a rapid dose induction

A new, rapid dose-induction procedure was used in the evaluation of buprenorphine hydrochloride (buprenorphine) as a treatment for opiate dependence. Nineteen heroin-dependent men were given buprenorphine sublingually in ascending daily doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg and then maintained on 8 mg daily. The observations of the transition from heroin to buprenorphine for the first 4 days are described. During this period, subjects reported significantly elevated ratings of “good effects” and feelings of “overall well-being” and decreased ratings of “overall sickness.” Data from subscales of the Addiction Research Center Inventory indicated increasing euphoria and decreasing dysphoria and sedation after buprenorphine administration. Subjects and observers consistently identified buprenorphine as an opiate and not as an opiate antagonist. These findings indicate that a rapid dose induction with buprenorphine is acceptable to heroin-dependent persons and that it causes minimal withdrawal symptoms. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1989) 46, 335–342; doi:10.1038/clpt.1989.147
Robot-assisted gait training might be beneficial for more severely affected children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can complement conventional therapies in children with cerebral palsy. We investigated changes in walking-related outcomes between children with differe...