cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Third-Year Oncology Elective Rotation on Decisions to Pursue Oncologic Careers and Oncology Exposure.

Purpose The majority of oncologic care is provided in the outpatient setting, yet at many medical schools, the dominant means of exposure to oncology occurs during inpatient rotations. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the specialty, radiation oncology departments are well positioned to lead outpatient oncology rotations within medical schools. Since 1992, the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Radiation Oncology has administered a 2-week, third-year clinical oncology elective. This report characterizes the rotation and evaluates the impact of the rotation on students’ oncology exposure and career choices over the past 10 years. Methods and Materials A list of medical students who participated in the MS3 clinical oncology elective rotation from 2008 to 2018 was reviewed. A search engine was used to locate the physicians and identify their specialty choices. A survey of 7 questions was distributed to the oncologists to evaluate how the rotation influenced their oncology exposure and career choice. Results Two hundred sixty-eight medical students participated in the MS3 Clinical Oncology Specialty Clerkship from 2008 to 2018. Thirty-nine students (15%) ultimately pursued a career in oncology. Seventy-four percent of the oncologists are radiation oncologists. Eighty-eight percent of the physicians surveyed had a positive to very positive experience with the rotation. The rotation was the first clinical exposure to the field of oncology for 48% of the respondents and the first exposure to the field of radiation oncology for 69% of the physicians. Seventy-two percent of the oncologists attributed the MS3 rotation as providing a moderate or great deal of early exposure to the field of oncology. Conclusions Radiation oncology departments are well positioned to lead multidisciplinary, ambulatory oncology electives within US medical schools. A majority of participating oncologists viewed the rotation positively and attributed the rotation with their entrance into oncology.
Experimental demonstration of acoustic wave induced magnetization switching in dipole coupled magnetostrictive nanomagnets for ultralow power computing

Dipole-coupled cobalt nanomagnet pairs of elliptical shape (with their major axes parallel) are delineated on 128° Y-cut lithium niobate. Each pair is initially magnetized along the major axis with a magnetic field forming the (↑↑) state. When an acoustic wave (AW) is launched in the substrate from interdigitated electrodes, the softer nanomagnet in the pair flips to produce the (↑↓) state since the AW modulates the stress anisotropy. This executes the logical NOT operation because the output bit encoded in the magnetization state of the softer nanomagnet becomes the logic complement of the input bit encoded in the magnetization of the harder one. The AW acts as a clock to trigger the NOT operation and the energy dissipated is a few tens of aJ. Such AW clocking can be utilized to flip nanomagnets in a chain sequentially to steer logic bits unidirectionally along a nanomagnetic logic wire with miniscule energy dissipation.
Non-invasive brain stimulation to assess neurophysiologic underpinnings of lower limb motor impairment in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease resulting in axonal demyelination and an amalgamation of symptoms which commonly result in decreased quality of life due to mobility dysfunction and limited participation in meaningful activities. New method The use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic and transcranial direct current stimulation, have been essential in understanding the pathophysiological decrements related to disease progression, particularly with regard to motor impairments. Although the research in this area has primarily focused on the upper extremities, new interest has arisen in understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of lower limb impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to: first, provide an overview of common NIBS techniques used to explore sensorimotor neurophysiology; second, summarize lower limb neuromuscular and mobility impairments typically observed in PwMS; third, review the current knowledge regarding interactions between TMS-assessed neurophysiology and lower limb impairments in PwMS; and fourth, provide recommendations for future NIBS studies based on current gaps in the literature. Results PwMS exhibit reduced excitability and increased inhibitory neurophysiologic function which has been related to disease severity and lower limb motor impairments. Comparison with existing methods: Moreover, promising results indicate that the use of repetitive stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation may prime neural adaptability and prove useful as a therapeutic tool in ameliorating lower limb impairments. Conclusions While these studies are both informative and promising, additional studies are necessary to be conclusive. As such, studies assessing objective measures of lower limb impairments associated with neurophysiological adaptations need further evaluation.
Validation of a 5-Item Tool to Measure Patient Assessment of Clinician Compassion in Hospitals.

We previously validated a 5-item compassion measure to assess patient experience of clinician compassion in the outpatient setting. However, currently, there is no validated and feasible method for health care systems to measure patient experience of clinician compassion in the inpatient setting across multiple hospitals. To test if the 5-item compassion measure can validly and distinctly measure patient assessment of physician and nurse compassion in the inpatient setting. Cross-sectional study between July 1 and July 31, 2020, in a US health care network of 91 community hospitals across 16 states consisting of approximately 15,000 beds. Adult patients who had an inpatient hospital stay and completed the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. We adapted the original 5-item compassion measure to be specific for physicians, as well as for nurses. We disseminated both measures with the HCAHPS survey and used confirmatory factor analysis for validity testing. We tested reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, as well as convergent validity with patient assessment of physician and nursing communication and overall hospital rating questions from HCAHPS. We analyzed 4756 patient responses. Confirmatory factor analysis found good fit for two distinct constructs (i.e., physician and nurse compassion). Both measures demonstrated good internal consistency (alpha > 0.90) and good convergent validity but reflected a construct (compassionate care) distinct from what is currently captured in HCAHPS. We validated two 5-item tools that can distinctly measure patient experience of physician and nurse compassion for use in the inpatient hospital setting in conjunction with HCAHPS.
Bidirectional Relationships among Children's Perceived Competence, Motor Skill Competence, Physical Activity, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness across One School Year.

Purpose The bidirectional associations among children's motor skill competence (MSC), perceived competence (PC), physical activity (PA), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) over time remain unanswered. This study is aimed at discerning the bidirectional relationships among elementary school children's MSC, PC, PA and, CRF over the course of one school year. Methods A total of 261 second and third grade children (127 boys, 134 girls; meanage = 8.27 years; BMI = 18.22 ± 3.71) were recruited from two Texas elementary schools. Approximately 73.56% of participants were White American. Children's baseline data were assessed in September/October in 2012 (Time1), and identical assessments were conducted in April/May in 2013 (Time2). MSC was assessed using product-oriented skill tests (e.g., throw, kick, and jump). PC was assessed via the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence for Children. Minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers for five days, and CRF was assessed by the PACER test. Six age- and body mass index-adjusted cross-lagged panel models were used to test the relationships between the variables. Results We observed that T1 MSC significantly predicted T2 MSC (β = 0.59; p < 0.01), T2 CRF (β = 0.28; p < 0.01), and T2 MVPA (β = 0.18; p < 0.01). Children's CRF was a positive predictor for T2 CRF (β = 0.56; p < 0.01) and T2 MSC (β = 0.13; p < 0.05) Additionally, T1 MVPA significantly predicted T2 MVPA (β = 0.30; p < 0.01) and T2 PC (β = -0.14; p < 0.05). Conclusion Findings suggested a fully bidirectional relationship between elementary children's MSC and CRF. Other bidirectional relationships among the variables were only partially supported. Educators and health professionals need to emphasize the importance of developing both MSC and CRF to maintain physical health over time.
Type 1 Cytotoxic T Cells Increase in Placenta after Intrauterine Inflammation.

CD8+ T cells recognize non-self antigen by MHC class I molecules and kill the target cells by the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Our group previously reported an increase of CD8+ T-cell trafficking in the placenta with exposure to Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). CD8+ cytotoxic T cells have been classified into distinct subsets based upon cytokine production: Tc1 cells produce IFN-γ, Tc2 cells produce interleukin 4 (IL-4). Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to analyze the subsets of placenta CD8+ T cells. We hypothesized that LPS injection would induce a change of properties of CD8+ T cell and Tc1/Tc2 ratio. We investigated the subsets of CD8+ T cell infiltration to placenta and their specific function in response to LPS-induced inflammation in a mouse model. At embryonic (E) day 17, pregnant CD-1 dams received an intrauterine injection of 25 µg LPS in100 μl PBS or 100 μl of PBS only. Flow cytometry was used to quantify CD8+ T cells, evaluate the phenotype and subtypes, and detect markers of Tc1 and Tc2 cells in placenta, at 6 hours and 24 hours post injection (hpi). Intracellular staining and flow cytometry were performed to characterize cytokines produced by CD8+ T cells. Standard statistical analysis were employed. After 6 and 24 hours of LPS injection, total CD8 T cells increased (P<0.05). Tc1 cells expanded (P<0.05) in LPS-treated dams compared with the PBS group. The Tc1/Tc2 ratio was significantly higher in the LPS group than the PBS group (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ were increased in LPS group both at 6hpi and 24 hpi (P<0.05). We identified functional placental CD8+ T cell subtypes and found a significant increase ratio of Tc1/Tc2. Following IUI, CD8+ T cells induced inflammatory response in the placenta primarily via the production of Type 1 cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α. We have provided evidence of a Tc1-bias response and cytokines in the mouse model of IUI.
Direct non-Born-Oppenheimer variational calculations of all bound vibrational states corresponding to the first rotational excitation of D2 performed with explicitly correlated all-particle Gaussian functions

Direct variational calculations where the Born-Oppenheimer approximation is not assumed are done for all rovibrational states of the D2 molecule corresponding to first excited rotational level (the N = 1 states). All-particle explicitly correlated Gaussian basis functions are used in the calculations. The exponential parameters of the Gaussians are optimized with the aid of analytically calculated energy gradient determined with respect to these parameters. The results allow to determine the ortho-para spin isomerization energies as a function of the vibrational quantum number.
Managing open source contributions for software project sustainability

The use of open source software has become a part of accepted business strategies. A primary strength of open source software is its leverage of outside innovation. All are free to take open source software and use it, evaluate it, repair it, and add new capabilities. One perceived risk of using open source software components in commercial systems is open source project sustainability. It would be expensive for the project supporting a critical open source component to fail midway through the life cycle of a commercial product. Many commercial organizations reduce this risk by contributing to the open source projects that they use. However, the "contribution barrier" for successful open source software projects is high, especially for commercial contributors. This barrier has technical and social components, both of which are exacerbated by minimal attention paid to good management practices. This paper proposes a process for managing open source software "patch" (source code and documentation change) contributions. By observation and by examination of current literature we identify key practices for patch creation, publication, discovery, review, and, application. An improved patch contribution process will lower the contribution barrier, helping to improve the sustainability of critical open source projects.
Control of Arginine Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: Inhibition of Arginyl-Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase Activity

In this study, we have extended our earlier observations indicating in vitro inhibition of arginyl-transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase (EC 6.1.13, arginine: soluble ribonucleic acid ligase, adenosine monophosphate) activity by the arginine biosynthetic precursors ornithine, citrulline, and argininosuccinate. Furthermore, we report evidence which suggest that this enzyme activity is inhibited by these arginine precursors in vivo and that this inhibition of activity results in a derepression of arginine biosynthesis.
The Effect of Formal Feedback Sessions on Test Security for a Clinical Practice Examination Using Standardized Patients

A seven case clinical performance examination was administered ten times throughout an academic year in a required Ambulatory Care Clerkship. Three of the cases were developed at Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU); four of the cases were developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Immediately following each examination, the examinees participated in a feedback session where checklists for the three SLU cases were displayed, and details of the cases were discussed. No feedback on the four NBME cases was provided. Student performance on cases in which students were given detailed feedback by the faculty was compared with performance on cases in which no feedback was given. Data were collected from 119 students.
The time complexity of A * with approximate heuristics on multiple-solution search spaces

We study the behavior of the We then experimentally explore to what extent our rigorous upper bounds predict the behavior of
Participation of NMDA‐mediated phosphorylation and oxidation of neurogranin in the regulation of Ca2+‐ and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent neuronal signaling in the hippocampus

Neurogranin/RC3 (Ng) is a postsynaptic protein kinase C (PKC) substrate and calmodulin (CaM)-binding protein whose CaM-binding affinity is modulated by Ca2+, phosphorylation and oxidation. Ng has been implicated in the modulation of postsynaptic signal transduction pathways and synaptic plasticity. Previously, we showed a severe deficit of spatial memory in Ng knockout (KO) mice. Activation of the NMDA receptor and its downstream signaling molecules are known to be involved in long-term memory formation. In the present study, using mouse hippocampal slices, we demonstrated that NMDA induced a rapid and transient phosphorylation and oxidation of Ng. NMDA also caused activation of PKC as evidenced by their phosphorylations, whereas, such activations were greatly reduced in the KO mice. A higher degree of phosphorylation of Ca2+/CaM-dependent kinase II and activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase were also evident in the WT compared to those of the KO mice. Phosphorylation of downstream targets, including mitogen-activated protein kinases and cAMP response element-binding protein, were significantly attenuated in the KO mice. These results suggest that by its Ca2+-sensitive CaM-binding feature, and through its phosphorylation and oxidation, Ng regulates the Ca2+- and Ca2+/CaM-dependent signaling pathways subsequent to the stimulation of NMDA receptor. These findings support the hypothesis that the derangement of hippocampal signal transduction cascades in Ng KO mice causes the deficits in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory that occur in these mice.
Nutritional and Metabolic Response to Plant Inhibitors of Digestive Enzymes

Men’s food source derives predominantly from plants, from which only a relatively small proportion can be utilized nutritionally. Of these plants, many must be treated or processed in some way to improve the digestibility or remove naturally occurring toxicants. Considerable effort has been put forth in elucidating these factors in food that may constitute a hazard to man or his domesticated animals when consumed. One group of compounds that has received much attention are the digestive enzyme inhibitors. The distribution of these inhibitors among plants is widespread, and includes most agronomic crops (Liener and Kakade, 1980). The inhibitor is most often found within the edible portion. By far the most prominent of these enzyme inhibitors are the inhibitors of the proteolytic enzymes, particularly trypsin and chymotrypsin. Examples of amylase inhibitors are few, but potentially important. Although no inhibitors of pancreatic lipase have been definitely established, a compound to be discussed may fit this role. Finally, there are certain substances that inhibit all the digestive enzymes in a relatively nonspecific manner. Most notable among these are the tannins (Griffith and Mosley, 1980). The discussion to follow will consider only the more specific types of inhibitors.
Preliminary Phytochemical Studies on Some Ethnobotanically Important Medicinal Plants Used by Thottianaickans of Semmalai

Objective : Plants play a vital role in human and domestic animals health care practices. Curing diseases using plants was practiced from ancient and primitive times and continued even now among the tribal’s in various countries. It is widely confirmed that curative property of medicinal plant is mainly related to the presence of secondary metabolites in the plants. Hence, four ethnobotanically important plants were screened for their phytoconstituents. Methods : Presence of Steroids, Glycosides, Cardiac glycosides, Steroids, Anthraquinones glycosides, Saponins glycosides, Alkaloids, Tannins, Phenolic compound, Flavonoids, Saponins and Terpenoids were screened following standard qualitative methods. Results : All the selected medicinal plants were found to consist of Flavonoids, Steroids, Cardiac glycosides, Alkaloids, Tannins, and Terpenoids. And glycosides and phenolic compounds were absent in all plants. Anthraquinones glycosides are present only in Curcuma longa. Conclusion : At the point of culmination, it is started that, Justicia tranquebariensis, Curcuma longa, Tribulus terrestris and Aloe vera are holding a vital therapeutically important compounds such as Alkaloids, Tannins, and Terpenoids.
Diffusion MRI and its Role in Neuropsychology

Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) is a popular method used by neuroscientists to uncover unique information about the structural connections within the brain. dMRI is a non-invasive imaging methodology in which image contrast is based on the diffusion of water molecules in tissue. While applicable to many tissues in the body, this review focuses exclusively on the use of dMRI to examine white matter in the brain. In this review, we begin with a definition of diffusion and how diffusion is measured with MRI. Next we introduce the diffusion tensor model, the predominant model used in dMRI. We then describe acquisition issues related to acquisition parameters and scanner hardware and software. Sources of artifacts are then discussed, followed by a brief review of analysis approaches. We provide an overview of the limitations of the traditional diffusion tensor model, and highlight several more sophisticated non-tensor models that better describe the complex architecture of the brain's white matter. We then touch on reliability and validity issues of diffusion measurements. Finally, we describe examples of ways in which dMRI has been applied to studies of brain disorders and how identified alterations relate to symptomatology and cognition.
Large Signal Dynamics of Load-Frequency Control Systems and Their Optimization Using Nonlinear Programming: II

The first part of this paper deals with the response of a large load-frequency control system (power system) when subjected to a major disturbance. If the system becomes unstable, upon the occurrence of a disturbance, incidents like the great blackout of 1965 in the Eastern United States and Canada can occur. This paper differs from much previous work in the respect that the assumption that the system be linear is not made. A numerical method is presented to solve for the nonlinear system. The linear case can be treated as a degenerate case of the more difficult problem. Since it is possible to find an exact solution for a linear system, examples are presented to show good agreement between the exact solution and the solution obtained by the numerical method.
Systematically Tabulated Outcomes Research Matrix (STORM): a methodology to generate research hypotheses.

BACKGROUND: Here we describe the Systematically Tabulated Outcomes Research Matrix (STORM) method to generate research questions from pre-existing databases with the aim of improving patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: STORM can be applied to a database by tabulating its variables into a matrix of independent variables (y-axis) and dependent variables (x-axis) and then applying each unique pairing of an independent and dependent variable to a patient population to generate potentially meaningful research questions. RESULTS: To demonstrate this methodology and establish proof-of-principle, STORM was applied on a small scale to the National Trauma Data Bank and generated at least seven clinically meaningful research questions. CONCLUSION: When coupled with rigorous clinical judgment, the STORM approach complements the traditional method of hypothesis formation and can be generalized to outcomes research using registry databases across different medical specialties. Language: en
A quasiclassical trajectory study of collisional excitation in Li++CO2

We present quasiclassical trajectory calculations of the state‐to‐state differential cross sections for vibrational excitation in Li++CO2 collisions and compare our results with analogous results of molecular beam experiments. In the trajectory calculations, the initial and final semiclassical eigenstates of CO2 are numerically determined before and after each collision by using a classical perturbation theory calculation of the good action‐angle variables associated with molecular vibrational motion. Two approximations are used to simplify this action‐angle analysis. First, an angular motion sudden approximation is introduced into the dynamics to separate angular from vibrational motion in solving the molecular Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Second, the off‐diagonal parts of the intramolecular potential are neglected to eliminate Fermi resonant coupling between the bending and symmetric stretch modes. This latter approximation precludes the accurate determination of state‐to‐state cross sections to certain nearly degenerate states such as (020) and (100), but should still enable the accurate determination of the sums of the cross sections to those states (which is all that is available from experiment). The intramolecular potential is approximated in two different ways, both using pairwise additive potentials. In Surface I, the usual ion‐induced dipole long range interaction is added to a sum of He–Ne pair potentials which simulate the short range Li+–C and Li+–O potentials. In Surface II, the sizes of the radius parameters in the short range part of Surface I are changed to correctly reproduce the anisotropy present in the experimentally derived He–CO2 interaction potential. The resulting ratios of inelastic to elastic differential cross sections (for the states (010), (020)+(100) and (030)+(110)) are in reasonable quantitative agreement with the experimental measurements, with errors typically smaller than a factor of two using Surface II at 4.72 eV translational energy and a factor of three at 6.87 eV. Some qualitative features of the angular distributions are actually quite accurately described, including the crossing of the (010) and (020)+(100) ratios near 24° at 4.72 eV and 18° at 6.87 eV, and the similar angular dependence of the (020)+(100) and (030)+(110) cross sections. In addition, a detailed interpretation of many features of the distributions of final vibrational states is developed, including relative propensities for certain types of overtone and combination mode excitation, and the variation in angular distributions as a function of final vibrational state.
A comparison study of textural features between FFDM and film mammogram images

In this work, we conducted an imaging study to make a direct, quantitative comparison of image features measured by film and full-field digital mammography (FFDM). We acquired images of cadaver breast specimens containing simulated microcalcifications using both a GE digital mammography system and a screen-film system. To quantify the image features, we calculated and compared a set of 12 texture features derived from spatial gray-level dependence matrices. Our results demonstrate that there is a great degree of agreement between film and FFDM, with the correlation coefficient of the feature vector (formed by the 12 textural features) being 0.9569 between the two; in addition, a paired sign test reveals no significant difference between film and FFDM features. These results indicate that textural features may be interchangeable between film and FFDM for CAD algorithms.
Temporary and permanent threshold shifts produced by nine-day exposures to noise.

Four groups of monaural chinchillas, trained in behavioral audiometry, were exposed for nine days in a diffuse sound field to an octave-band noise centered at 4.0 k Hz. Each group (N = 4) was expos...
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF UNIVERSAL OR GENOTYPE DRIVEN USE OF AVAILABLE DUAL ANTIPLATELET STRATEGIES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Adding a second antiplatelet agent to aspirin is more effective than aspirin alone in preventing repeat vascular events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We sought to determine the cost effectiveness of universal or genotype driven use of dual antiplatelet strategies in ACS. A hybrid
The nuclear-mitotic apparatus protein is important in the establishment and maintenance of the bipolar mitotic spindle apparatus.

Abstract The formation and maintenance of the bipolar mitotic spindle apparatus require a complex and balanced interplay of several mechanisms, including the stabilization and separation of polar microtubules and the action of various microtubule motors. Nonmicrotubule elements are also present throughout the spindle apparatus and have been proposed to provide a structural support for the spindle. The Nuclear-Mitotic Apparatus protein (NuMA) is an abundant 240 kD protein that is present in the nucleus of interphase cells and concentrates in the polar regions of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. Sequence analysis indicates that NuMA possesses an unusually long alpha-helical central region characteristic of many filament forming proteins. In this report we demonstrate that microinjection of anti-NuMA antibodies into interphase and prophase cells results in a failure to form a mitotic spindle apparatus. Furthermore, injection of metaphase cells results in the collapse of the spindle apparatus into a monopolar microtubule array. These results identify for the first time a nontubulin component important for both the establishment and stabilization of the mitotic spindle apparatus in multicellular organisms. We suggest that nonmicrotubule structural components may be important for these processes.
The impact of limb velocity on the coactivation pattern of the elbow and knee antagonists

A study was made of the coactivation patterns of the knee and elbow antagonistic muscle pair during maximal effort flexion and extension at various isokinetic speeds. The data are that the antagonist muscle tends to reduce its coactivation level at the initial phase of limb motion, and to increase its activity level during the terminal phase of the movement as the limb velocity is increased. Such coactivation patterns are apparently intended to facilitate the initial acceleration of the limb and to provide dynamic braking at the termination of the movement so that accuracy and prevention of overshoot are manifested. This is an important contribution towards the implementation of a push-pull, synergistic FES (functional electrical stimulation) system described previously. >
Climatization of Animal Capsules During Upper Stratosphere Balloon Flights

Experiments requiring exposure of animals to primary cosmic radiation at altitudes above 90,000 ft on 24-hr balloon flights have led to the development of environmental control techniques. Simple methods for supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide were developed. Internal capsule temperatures have been maintained at very nearly room temperature on 24-hr flights by providing adequate insulation to use animal heat at night, and by cooling the capsule with a water-can cooler during the daytime.
Conformational flexibility of a model protein upon immobilization on self-assembled monolayers.

The present study reports on the retention of conformational flexibility of a model allosteric protein upon immobilization on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Organothiolated SAMs of different compositions were utilized for adsorptive and covalent attachment of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), a well-characterized allosteric enzyme. Sensitive fluorimetric assays were developed to determine immobilization capacity, specific activity, and allosteric properties of the immobilized preparations as well as the potential for repeated use and continuous catalytic transformations. The allosteric response of the free and immobilized forms towards ADP, L-leucine and high concentrations of NAD+, some of the well-known activators for this enzyme, were determined and compared. The enzyme immobilized by adsorption or chemical binding responded similarly to the activators with a greater degree of activation, as compared to the free form. Also loss of activity involving the two immobilization procedures were similar, suggesting that residues essential for catalytic activity or allosteric properties of GDH remained unchanged in the course of chemical modification. A recently established method was used to predict GDH orientation upon immobilization, which was found to explain some of the experimental results presented. The general significance of these observations in connection with retention of native properties of protein structures upon immobilization on SAMs is discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 19–27. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neonatal Escherichia coli infection alters glial, cytokine, and neuronal gene expression in response to acute amphetamine in adolescent rats.

Neonatal bacterial infection in rats alters the responses to a variety of subsequent challenges later in life. Here we explored the effects of neonatal bacterial infection on a subsequent drug challenge during adolescence, using administration of the psychostimulant amphetamine. Male rat pups were injected on postnatal day 4 (P4) with live Escherichia coli (E. coli) or PBS vehicle, and then received amphetamine (15 mg/kg) or saline on P40. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed on micropunches taken from medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. mRNA for glial and neuronal activation markers as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Amphetamine produced brain region specific increases in many of these genes in PBS controls, while these effects were blunted or absent in neonatal E. coli treated rats. In contrast to the potentiating effect of neonatal E. coli on glial and cytokine responses to an immune challenge previously observed, neonatal E. coli infection attenuates glial and cytokine responses to an amphetamine challenge.
Effects of band-pass sampling on joint transform correlation

Joint transform correlation involves the recording and display of the joint power spectrum by sampling devices. The Nyquist condition for sampling a joint power spectrum depends on the distance between the input subimages, the size of the subimages, the focal length of the Fourier lens, and the light wavelength. Since the joint power spectrum is equivalent to a bandpass function, an undersampled joint power spectrum will lead to multiple interlaced outputs and the correlation spots and DC terms could either overlap or remain separate. The specifications pertaining to the sampling device are identified so as to be able to distinguish the correlation spots of interest in the interlaced output.
A new approach to calibrating time-dependent origin-destination departure profile for traffic simulation models

This paper presents a new method that is capable of calibrating time-dependent origin-destination matrices in order to generate a temporal profile such that the congestion pattern at the bottleneck of interest is properly depicted. The method is based on understanding the demand supply relationship at the bottleneck and the utilization of shockwave and travel time propagation between origin and bottleneck. The numerical results presented in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method under situations in which initial demand matrices deviate from the true matrices with varying degrees of deviations.
Large cross-phase modulation and four wave mixing in tellurite EDFAs

Models are presented which show that, for WDM systems, XPM and FWM in EDFAs can be far larger for tellurite than for silica (tens of dB larger for RWM), because tellurite is highly nonlinear. Experimental results for XPM are presented.
Effect of Calcium Antagonists on RNA Synthesis of NIH 3T3 Cells

Calcium antagonists have been shown to induce a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance as well as a decrease in synthesis of vascular-wall matrix proteins. It has been shown previously that calcium antagonists decrease RNA synthesis of cultured, vascular, smooth-muscle cells. Here, these findings are extended to the investigation of whether calcium antagonists produce their vascular effects through their action on vascular, smooth-muscle cells only or whether they regulate fibroblast cells as well. It is demonstrated that in a concentration-dependent manner verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine each induced a decrease in RNA synthesis of quiescent and serum-stimulated NIH 3 T3 cells, a fibroblast cell line shown to express voltage-dependent Ca2 + channels. Verapamil and nifedipine (10− 5M) and diltiazem (10− 4M) caused a marked decrease of basal and serum-induced increase in [3H]uridine uptake of NIH 3 T3 cells. This is the first report to demonstrate that calcium antagonists have a direct effect on a fibroblast cell line leading to a decrease of RNA synthesis. Such findings suggest that calcium-antagonist vascular effects extend beyond vascular smooth muscle cells to connective tissues associated with extracellular-matrix protein production.
Crystal Structure Basis for the Absence of Thermal Mesomorphism in p-Hydroxy-trans-cinnamic Acid

Abstract The molecular packing in p-hydroxy-cinnamic acid has been determined by single-crystal x-ray analysis in order to establish the role played by hydrogen bonding in inhibiting mesophase formation. The molecules exist in the crystal as centrosymmetric hydrogen-bonded dimers whose long axes are inclined at ± 84.7° to the crystal b-axis and lie almost in the (104) crystal planes. Rows of dimers lying parallel to b are linked into infinite sheets coincident with the (104) planes by head-to-tail hydrogen bonds involving the phenolic –OH groups. These sheets are interlocked by the alternating ring orientations of neighboring molecules in adjacent sheets. Crystals belong to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with a = 8.707(3), b = 5.256(2), c = 17.207(6) A, β = 99.67(2)°, and Z = 4. The structure was solved by direct methods, and least-squares refinement gave R = 0.057 for 800 independent reflections whose intensities were measured by counter diffractometry.
Speckle imaging of volcanic hotspots on Io with the Keck telescope

Abstract Using speckle imaging techniques on the 10-m W.M. Keck I telescope, we observed near-infrared emission at 2.2 μm from volcanic hotspots on Io in July–August 1998. Using several hundreds of short-exposure images we reconstructed diffraction-limited images of Io on each of three nights. We measured the positions of individual hotspots to ±0.004″ or better, corresponding to a relative positional error of ∼20 km on Io's surface. The sensitivity of normal ground-based images of Io is limited by confusion between overlapping sources; by resolving these multiple points we detected up to 17 distinct hotspots, the largest number ever seen in a single image. During the month-long span of our 1998 observations, several events occurred. Loki was at the end of a long brightening, and we observed it to fade in flux by a factor of 2.8 over the course of one month. At the 3-sigma level we see evidence that Loki's position shifts by ∼100 km. This suggests that the brightening may not have been located at the “primary” Loki emission center but at a different source within the Loki caldera. We also see a bright transient source near Loki. Among many other sources we detect a dim source on the limb of Io at the latitude of Pele; this source is consistent with 2.7% of the thermal emission from the Pele volcano complex being scattered by the Pele plume, which would be the first detection of a plume through scattered infrared hotspot emission.
Lidocaine metabolism in human liver microsomes by cytochrome P450IIIA4

The metabolism of lidocaine to its major metabolite monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) was studied in human liver microsomes of 13 kidney transplant donors and of one patient with liver cirrhosis. Interindividual variation in metabolite formation was considerable. Biphasic kinetics indicated the involvement of at least two distinct enzymatic activities. With use of a series of antisera that recognize different human cytochrome P450 isozymes, we were able to identify an enzyme of the P450III gene family as one of two enzymes. By expressing human P450IIIA4 complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) in HepG2 cells, we directly demonstrated lidocaine-deethylase activity for this P450 isozyme. These data suggest that P450IIIA4 is at least in part responsible for microsomal MEGX formation.
Morningstar Investment Research Center

In 1984, 27-year-old Joe Mansueto founded Mutual Fund Sourcebook Incorporated. Its product, The Mutual Fund Sourcebook, reviewed 400 mutual funds and sold for $32.50. Sales in 1984 reached $100,000...
Stochastic Models for the Duration and Magnitude of a “Deadly Quarrel”

Once a war has been initiated, its continuation or termination may be considered to be determined by two transition probabilities---one describing the probability that in a small interval of time an additional death occurs, and the other describing the probability that in the same small interval of time the war is terminated. Given forms for these transition probabilities, one may obtain distribution functions for the duration and magnitude of a war, given that it has begun. The inverse problem of determining the form of the transition probabilities, given the distribution of war durations and magnitudes, is more difficult. However, functions are developed in this paper that will generate distributions corresponding to those presented in the tabulation of 315 wars prepared by L. F. Richardson. The expressions for the transition probabilities are derived based on the assumption that they depend at each instant only as the cumulative number of deaths to that point and the time over which the deaths have been incurred. Some of the implications of the expressions and the possibility of their use to categorize classes of wars are discussed.
Tanoak Target: The Rise and Fall of Herbicide Use on a Common Native Tree

AbstractDespite over a century of conservation efforts and scientific forest management, a keystone nut tree common to California and southwestern Oregon is threatened by the 1995 introduction of a...
The effort and risk-taking effects of budget-based contracts ☆

Abstract We investigate how the budget levels embedded in budget-based contracts affect individual effort and risk-taking. We show that, from a wealth maximization perspective, a tradeoff exists between motivating effort and encouraging risk-taking. We illustrate an inverted-U relation between budget levels and effort. Budget levels and effort are positively correlated until budgets become very difficult, at which point individuals “give up.” We illustrate an opposing, U-shaped, relation between budget levels and risk-taking. Low budgets provide the flexibility to take greater risks, whereas high budgets induce individuals to “play it safe” to ensure budget attainment. Risky projects provide the greatest probability of reaching very high (stretch) budgets. We conduct a laboratory experiment to empirically test this economic proposition vis-a-vis extant psychology research. Consistent with security-potential/aspiration theory, we find that individuals are willing to sacrifice expected wealth to either meet the budget or increase their potential payoffs. Our results suggest that the effort-risk tradeoff is mitigated at low budget levels, thereby increasing firm welfare, but is exacerbated at high budget levels, reducing firm welfare. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of understanding how managerial accounting practices such as budgets affect the various determinants of performance and not just performance per se. Our results also help reconcile conflicting evidence regarding where budget difficulty levels should be set.
A DUAL PERTURBATION VIEW OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING.

Solving standard-form linear prograrns via perturbation of the primal objective function has received much attention recently. In this paper, we investigate a new perturbation scheme which obtains a dual optimal solution by perturbing the dual feasible domain under different norms. A dual-to-primal conversion formula is also provided. We show that this new perturbation scheme actually generalizes the primal entropic perturbation approach to linear programming.
Receptor-specific mechanisms of desensitization of β-adrenergic receptor function

Abstract β-Adrenergic receptor (βAR)-specific, agonist-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase can be shown in most mammalian cells examined to involve at least three reactions. An initial ‘uncoupling’ reaction leads to a 40–60% loss of catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity at a time when no detectable loss of βAR has occurred. This process precedes by 45–90 sec the appearance of βAR in cytoplasmic vesicles. Such βAR exhibit ligand binding properties consistent with their existence on the inside of membrane vesicles; thus, they appear to be formed by a process of agonist-induced βAR internalization (endocytosis). A third process results in the loss of βAR, at least in some cases due to receptor degradation. In general, agonist-induced desensitization or down-regulation reactions do not require protein synthesis. Recovery from the desensitized states does not require protein synthesis, whereas recovery from βAR down-regulation (degraded receptors) requires new receptor synthesis. Agonist-induced βAR desensitization and down-regulation reactions appear to have much in common with the process of polypeptide hormone-induced receptor down-regulation. The availability of a large number of ligands (agonists, partial agonists and antagonists) for the βAR should allow the use of this receptor system to gain unique insights into the general processes of ligand-induced, cell surface receptor endocytosis.
Toxicity evaluation of single and chemical mixtures of roundup, Garlon-3A, 2,4-D, and syndets surfactant to channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis microchirus), and crawfish (Procambarus spp.)

The acute toxicity of individual and mixtures of three herbicides (2,4-D, Garlon-3A, and Roundup) and a chemical additive (Syndets surfactant) was evaluated using three species of freshwater organisms (channel catfish, bluegill sunfish, and crawfish). Among the three herbicides, Roundup was more toxic to catfish and bluegill than Garlon-3A and 2,4-D. The order of toxicity in fish (Roundup > Garlon-3A > 2,4-D) was reversed in bioassays with crawfish, indicating a significant difference in interspecies (vertebrate vs invertebrate) biological variability. Adjusted 96 h LC50's were 14.5, 13.0, and 21,632.8 mg/L for Roundup, 109.5, 91.0, and 6,397.5 mg/L for Garlon-3A, and 181.2, 266.3, and 750.1 mg/L for 2,4-D, for catfish, bluegill, and crawfish, respectively. For Syndets surfactant, LC50 values of 1.9 mg/L (bluegill), 2.3 mg/L (catfish), and 15.2 mg/L (crawfish) were recorded, indicating that this chemical additive was much more toxic than the three herbicides. Bioassays with herbicide mixtures resulted in combined toxic effects that were slightly antagonistic and/or additive. Lethal concentrations of herbicide mixtures were found to be lower than recommended field formulations, but it was anticipated that such hazardous amounts would be rarely reached in roadside ditches where the presence of large volumes of water is likely to provide dilutions to levels that may not pose a threat to aquatic life. ©1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol Water Qual 12: 237–243, 1997
IMMUNE INVOLVEMENT IN AUTISM & SCHIZOPHRENIA: ETIOLOGY AND AN ANIMALMODEL

Introduction: Maternal infection is associated with increased schizophrenia in the offspring. In a mouse model of this risk factor, infection with influenza virus at mid-gestation leads to post-pubertal onset of behavioral abnormalities in the offspring that are consistent with abnormalities seen in schizophrenia, and which are corrected by anti-psychotic drugs. There is also neuropathology that is consistent with that seen in schizophrenia and autism. The cause of these abnormalities is maternal immune activation (MIA), as treatment of uninfected, pregnant mice with the dsRNA, polyI:C, which evokes an anti-viral-like immune response, mimics the effects of infection on the offspring. Since infection and polyI:C induce cytokines, we asked whether these proteins mediate the effects of MIA on the fetal brain. Methods: Pregnant mice were injected with either interleukin-6 (IL-6), or with polyI:C +/- anti-cytokine antibodies. Pregnant IL-6 knockoutmice were also injected with polyI:C. The adult offspring were behaviorally tested, and their gene expression in the frontal cortex analyzed by microarray. Results: After testing a variety of cytokines, we found that injection of IL-6 in normal pregnant mice causes behavioral deficits in the offspring similar to those caused by MIA. In the converse experiment, co-injection of anti-IL-6 antibody (but not anti-IFN) with polyI:C in pregnant mice strongly attenuates the effects of MIA on the behavior of the offspring. Moreover, maternal anti-IL-6 blocks the changes in gene expression in the brains of adult offspring that are caused by maternal polyI:C treatment. Finally, the offspring of polyI:C-treated IL-6 knockout mice do not display behavioral abnormalities. Conclusions: Thus, the cytokine IL-6 is a key mediator of the effects of MIA on fetal brain development. Our new findings with the adult offspring of MIA mothers that are relevant for schizophrenia include abnormalities in eyeblink conditioning and water maze performance, hippocampal CA1 neuron responses to dopamine, and a delay in the migration of late-born cortical neurons.