cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prehealth Summer Programs

Tougaloo College has, for the past four years, been engaged in a special project to increase the number of minority students from Mississippi who enter the health professions and return to the state to practice. Tougaloo is a small, predominantly black liberal-arts college with an average enrollment of 720 students. The college draws 90% of its students from Mississippi.
Mechanism and Site of Small Intestinal Absorption of α-Tocopherol in the Rat

Abstract The site and mechanism of α-[5- methyl - 3 H]tocopherol absorption was investigated using everted rat small bowel sacs incubated in a micellar medium. Mean ± se absorption rates of the vitamin at 300 μm incubation solution concentration by proximal, medial, and distal small bowel segments were 2.2 ± 0.17, 3.4 ± 0.21, and 2.0 ± 0.04 nmoles per min per 100 mg, respectively. Addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol, sodium azide, or potassium cyanide to the incubation medium in separate experiments did not change the rate of absorption ( P > 0.10). Stepwise increase in incubation solution tocopherol concentration up to 1200 μm resulted in a linear increase in the absorption rate. In all of the above described experiments the rate of absorption of the vitamin by the medial portion of the small bowel was significantly ( P
Edward S. Curtis: An Old Picture in a New Frame

Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians. 2000. Directed by Anne Makepeace. co-produced by Anne Makepeace and WNET. Distributed by Bullfrog Films. P.O. Box 149, Oley, PA 19547. 84 minutes (also available in an abridged 56 minute version).
Vitamin A deficient mice have a decreased ability to clear the enteric pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium and increased mortality during infection (MUC4P.851)

Vitamin A is essential for normal immune function and vitamin A supplementation has been shown to decrease childhood mortality from infectious respiratory and diarrheal diseases. In this study, we determined that vitamin A sufficient (A+) mice were able to clear a Citrobacter rodentium infection while vitamin A deficient (A-) mice shed over 10,000 C. rodentium/g feces up to 37 d following infection. A- mice also had increased crypt hyperplasia compared to A- mice indicating that C. rodentium is a chronic infection in A- mice. Supplementation of A- mice with retinoic acid (RA) at d 0 or 14 post-infection resulted in the clearance of C. rodentium. A- mice had decreased frequencies of colonic CD8αα+ Tcrβ+ T cells and an increased frequency of CD4+ Tcrβ+ T cells. A- mice had reduced survival rates (58%) following C. rodentium infection while 100% of A+ mice survived. RA supplementation beginning on the day of infection resulted in 100% survival of the A- mice. The increased lethality of the C. rodentium infection in A- mice corresponded with the systemic spread of C. rodentium. T cells are critical for the prevention of the systemic spread and increased lethality of C. rodentium infection since mice without T cells are unable to clear an infection. The data suggest that vitamin A regulation of mucosal and systemic T cells is critical for survival and clearance of a C. rodentium infection.
Brain mechanisms and feeding behavior in the pigeon (Columba livia) I. Quinto‐frontal structures

Lesions were placed stereotaxically in the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (PrV), the quinto-frontal tract (QFT) and the nucleus basalis (NB) of the pigeon and their effects upon food and water intake were studied. Bilateral lesions of these three “quinto-frontal” structures are followed by periods of aphagia and by a hypophagia whose persistence and severity are approximately proportional to the bilateral extent of the lesion. Such lesions also disrupt the neurosensory control of the consummatory response of feeding. No effects upon food or water were seen following control lesions placed in a wide variety of regions at several levels of the brain, including the hypothalamus. Moreover, despite their marked effects upon feeding behavior, lesions of quinto-frontal structures do not impair drinking. The results have helped clarify previous studies of forebrain mechanisms in feeding behavior and they suggest that PrV, QFT and NB are afferent components of a network of structures controlling feeding behavior in the pigeon.
Ammonium perchlorate effects on thyroid function and growth in bobwhite quail chicks

Bobwhite quail chicks were used to investigate ammonium perchlorate (AP; NH 4 ClO 4 ) effects on thyroid function and growth. Beginning at 3 to 4 d posthatch, we evaluated organismal thyroid status (circulating hormones), activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (thyroid wt) and thyroidal hormone content over a wide range of AP concentrations (50 μg/L -4,000 mg/L) in drinking water, for relatively short (2-week) and longer (8-week) exposures. Thyroidal thyroxine (T 4 ) content, the most sensitive index of decreased thyroid function, decreased markedly in response to increasing perchlorate exposure. Thyroid weight and plasma T 4 were less sensitive indicators and similar in their ability to detect thyroid changes. Growth measurements (body wt and skeletal growth) were very insensitive indices. Because thyroids contain large hormone stores, with low exposures or short time periods, these stores can be used to maintain circulating hormones, at least temporarily. Most depletion of thyroidal T 4 occurred during the first two weeks of AP exposure. Subsequent decreases were at a slower rate presumably because thyrotropin stimulation of the thyroids at least partially compensated for some of the perchlorate effect. Additional studies of the interactions between AP concentration and exposure time are needed for understanding the complex nature of thyroid responses to perchlorate.
Crospovidone interactions with water. II. Dynamic vapor sorption analysis of the effect of Polyplasdone particle size on its uptake and distribution of water

Polyplasdone of different particle size was used to study the sorption, desorption, and distribution of water, and to seek evidence that larger particles can internalize water. The three samples were Polyplasdone® XL, XL-10, and INF-10. Moisture sorption and desorption isotherms at 25 °C at 5% intervals from 0 to 95% relative humidity (RH) were generated by dynamic vapor sorption analysis. The three products provided similar data, judged to be Type III with a small hysteresis that appears when RH is below 65%. An absent rounded knee in the sorption curve suggests that multilayers form before the monolayer is completed. The hysteresis indicates that internally absorbed moisture is trapped as the water is desorbed and the polymer sample shrinks, thus requiring a lower level of RH to continue desorption. The fit of the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) and the Young and Nelson equations was accomplished in the data analysis. The W(m), C(G), and K values from GAB analysis are similar across the three samples, revealing 0.962 water molecules per repeating unit in the monolayer. A small amount of absorbed water is identified, but this is consistent across the three particle sizes.
Cooperative work in the Andrew message system

The Andrew Message System, a distributed system for multi-media electronic communication, has a number of special features that support cooperative work. After a brief discussion of the system itself, these features are described and discussed in more detail. Examples of how organizations actually use these features are then presented and discussed, with particular attention paid to the “Advisor” system for electronic consulting.
5,8-dimethoxynaphthalene-1,6-dicarboxylic acid.

The title compound, C 14 H 12 O 6 , crystallized in the centrosymmetric space group Pbca but does not exhibit hydrogen bonding of the usual cyclic dimer type about a center of symmetry or otherwise. Each molecule is linked to six neighbors by eight hydrogen bonds, which leads, in this structure, to a rich pattern of chains. Of the nine patterns of chains described, six propagate along the a direction, while three propagate along the c direction. The O donor ... O acceptor distances in these hydrogen bonds are 2.683(2), 2.706(2), 3.011(2) and 3.218(3)A. In addition, each C-H group in the molecule is involved in one or more significantly attractive C-H...O interactions, while every O atom is involve in two or more. The two carboxylic H atoms are ordered as are the carboxylic O atoms.
Lymph node biopsy for diagnosis: A statistical study

This is a retrospective and all inclusive study of 925 patients who had isolated lymph node biopsies for diagnosis from 1973 to 1977. Overall, 60% of the nodes had benign lesions, 28% carcinoma, and 12% lymphoma. The comparable figures for abdominal nodal biopsies were 63%, 33% and 4%; for intrathoracic nodes, 73%, 26% and 1%; for peripheral nodes, 56%, 29% and 15%. Detailed distribution according to specific site of nodal biopsy, histological subtypes, age, and sex of patients are presented. Statistically, age is the most important factor useful in estimating the probability of whether the lymphadenopathy is due to a benign or malignant process.
Volatile Emissions from an Odorous Plant in Response to Herbivory and Methyl Jasmonate Exposure

Induced volatile terpenes have been commonly reported among diverse agricultural plant species, but less commonly investigated in odorous plant species. Odorous plants synthesize and constitutively store relatively large amounts of volatiles, and these may play a role in defense against herbivores. We examined the effect of herbivory and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) exposure on the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the marsh elder, Iva frutescens, which contains numerous constitutive VOCs, mainly mono- and sesquiterpenes. Our specific goal was to test for the presence of inducible VOCs in a naturally occurring plant already armed with VOCs. The abundant, native specialist leaf beetle Paria aterrima was used in herbivore induction trials. VOCs were sampled from herbivore wounded and unwounded, and from MeJA treated and untreated I. frutescens. Total VOC emissions were significantly greater in response to herbivory and MeJA treatment compared to unwounded controls. Herbivore wounding caused a substantial shift in the emission profile (42 VOCs from wounded, compared to 8 VOCs from unwounded I. frutescens), and MeJA had a similar yet less substantial influence on the emission pattern (28 VOCs from MeJA treated compared to 8 VOCs from untreated I. frutescens). Constitutive VOC emissions predominated, but some VOCs were detected only in response to herbivory and MeJA treatment, suggesting de novo synthesis. Several VOCs exhibited a delayed emission profile in contrast to the rapid release of constitutive VOCs, and principal components analysis revealed they were not associated with constitutive emissions. While I. frutescens contains many constitutive VOCs that are released immediately in response to herbivory, it also produces novel VOCs in response to feeding by the specialist P. aterrima and MeJA treatment.
Long-lasting memory from evanescent networks

Current models of memory typically require a protein synthetic step leading to a more or less permanent structural change in synapses of the network that represent the stored information. This instructive role of protein synthesis has recently been called into question [Routtenberg, A., Rekart, J.L. 2005. Post-translational modification of synaptic proteins as the substrate for long-lasting memory. Trends Neurosci. 28, 12-19]. In its place a new theory is proposed in which post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins already synthesized and present within the synapse calibrate synaptic strength. PTM is thus the only mechanism required to sustain long-lasting memories. Activity-induced, PTM-dependent structural modifications within brain synapses then define network formation which is thus a product of the concatenation of cascaded PTMs. This leads to a formulation different from current protein synthesis models in which neural networks initially formed from these individual synaptic PTM-dependent changes is maintained by regulated positive feedback maintains. One such positive feedback mechanism is 'cryptic rehearsal' typically referred to as 'noise' or 'spontaneous' activity. This activity is in fact not random or spontaneous but determined in a stochastic sense by the past history of activation of the nerve cell. To prevent promiscuous network formation, the regulated positive feedback maintains the altered state given specific decay kinetics for the PTM. The up or down state of individual synapses actually exists in an infinite number of intermediate states, never fully 'up', nor fully 'down.' The networks formed from these uncertain synapses are therefore metastable. A particular memory is also multiply represented by a 'degenerate code' so that should loss of a subset of representations occur, erasure can be protected against. This mechanism also solves the flexibility-stability problem by positing that the brain eschews synaptic stability having its own uncertainty principle that allows retrieval from a probabilistic network, so that a retrieved memory can be represented by a selection of components from an essentially infinite number of networks. The network so formed, that is the retrieval, thus emerges from a hierarchy of connectionistic probabilities. The relation of this new theory of memory network formation to current and potential computational implementations will benefit by its unusual point of initiation: deep concerns about the molecular substrates of information storage.
Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a Renal Transplant Patient: A Cause of Renal Failure Several Years Following Transplantation

A 49-year-old man developed disseminated histoplasmosis 6 1/2 years after transplantation. The organism was initially present in the urine and in a tongue lesion. Treatment with itraconazole was instituted. However, there was further dissemination of the disease and worsening of renal function. Allograft biopsy showed extensive involvement with the organism. Amphotericin B was started, resulting in a rapid resolution of the disease. However, renal function deteriorated, leading to permanent hemodialysis.
Learning and Exposure Affect Environmental Perception Less than Evolutionary Navigation Costs

Most behaviors are conditional upon successful navigation of the environment, which depends upon distance perception learned over repeated trials. Unfortunately, we understand little about how learning affects distance perception–especially in the most common human navigational scenario, that of adult navigation in familiar environments. Further, dominant theories predict mutually exclusive effects of learning on distance perception, especially when the risks or costs of navigation differ. We tested these competing predictions in four experiments in which we also presented evolutionarily relevant navigation costs. Methods included within- and between-subjects comparisons and longitudinal designs in laboratory and real-world settings. Data suggested that adult distance estimation rapidly reflects evolutionarily relevant navigation costs and repeated exposure does little to change this. Human distance perception may have evolved to reflect navigation costs quickly and reliably in order to provide a stable signal to other behaviors and with little regard for objective accuracy.
Do Davydov solitons exist at 300 K

The Davydov model for a one-dimensional protein, coupling the high-frequency amide-I vibration to longitudinal-acoustic phonons, is investigated by use of finite-temperature molecular dynamics. Soliton dynamics is studied in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium situations. The random thermal motions prevent self-trapping from occurring at temperatures of interest for transport in real proteins. 9 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Sudden cardiac death following acute myocardial infarction.

Each year in the United States, approximately 500,000 patients are hospitalized with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Over 80% of the patients will survive to be discharged from the hospital.’ During the first year after discharge, between 10% and 20% of this patient population will die,2-4 with the period of greatest risk of death being the initial 6 months after the index infarction.2-g Of those who die, approximately 50% 4,5.E. 1o*11 will be classified as having suffered sudden death. This review will attempt to summarize the pathophysiology of sudden cardiac death after AM1 and will discuss the prognostic factors which have been found to identify patients at risk for sudden cardiac death during the posthospital phase of AMI.
Use of tincture of opium compared to oral morphine for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the difference in time until medical clearance when comparing tincture of opium (TO) to oral morphine (OM) in the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Design: Retrospective chart review conducted from May 2007 to July 2011. Setting: Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, New Jersey. Patients, Participants: Clinical Drug Utilization reports identified 26 neonates who were treated with TO and 25 neonates who were treated with OM for NAS. No patients were excluded. Interventions: Patients were treated with either TO or OM for the indication of NAS. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome is to compare the time it takes for a baby being treated with TO versus OM for NAS to be medically cleared for discharge. Results: The median time until medical clearance for those treated with TO was 29.5 days compared to 37 days for those treated with OM (p = 0.14). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in the time it takes for a baby being treated with TO versus OM for NAS to be medically cleared for discharge. There are a number of safety benefits in using OM compared to TO. Until further data are collected, it is appropriate to continue treatment of neonates with NAS with OM. Keywords: opium, morphine, neonatal, abstinence DOI:10.5055/jom.2013.0148
Discrete semi-stable distributions

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and study the concepts of discrete semi-stability and geometric semi-stability for distributions with support inZ+. We offer several properties, including characterizations, of discrete semi-stable distributions. We establish that these distributions posses the property of infinite divisibility and that their probability generating functions admit canonical representations that are analogous to those of their continuous counterparts. Properties of discrete geometric semi-stable distributions are deduced from the results obtained for discrete semi-stability. Several limit theorems are established and some examples are constructed.
Comparison of 3D vs. 2D fast spin echo imaging for evaluation of articular cartilage in the knee on a 3T system scientific research.

Abstract Purpose We sought to retrospectively compare the accuracy of a three-dimensional fat-suppressed, fast spin-echo sequences acquired in the sagittal plane, with multiplanar reconstructions to that of two-dimensional fat-suppressed, fast spin echo sequences acquired in three planes on a 3 T MR system for the evaluation of articular cartilage in the knee. Materials and methods Our study group consisted of all patients ( N = 34) that underwent 3 T MR imaging of the knee at our institution with subsequent arthroscopy over an 18-month period. There were 21 males and 13 females with an average age of 36 years. MR images were reviewed by 3 musculoskeletal radiologists, blinded to operative results. 3D and 2D sequences were reviewed at different sittings separated by 4 weeks to prevent bias. Six cartilage surfaces were evaluated both with MR imaging and arthroscopically with a modified Noyes scoring system and arthroscopic results were used as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each reader along with Fleiss Kappa assessment agreement between the readers. Accuracies for each articular surface were compared using a difference in proportions test with a 95% confidence interval and statistical significance was calculated using a Fisher's Exact Test. Results Two hundred and four articular surfaces were evaluated and 49 articular cartilage lesions were present at arthroscopy. For the patellofemoral surfaces, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 76.5%, 83%, and 78.2% for the 3D sequences and were 82.3%, 76%, and 82% respectively for the 2D sequences. For the medial compartment surfaces, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 81.1%, 65.1%, and 78.5% for the 3D sequences and were 82.5%, 48%, and 76.7% respectively for the 2D sequences. For the lateral compartment surfaces, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 89.3%, 39%, and 79.5% for the 3D sequences and were 94.7%, 18.8%, and 79.5% respectively for the 2D sequences. The accuracies were not significantly different between 3D and 2D sequences. Fleiss Kappa agreement values for the assessment of inter-observer agreement ranged from substantial for the patella and medial femur to moderate for the trochlea and fair for the medial tibia and lateral compartment. Conclusion There was no significant difference in accuracy for the evaluation of articular cartilage of a single three-dimensional, fast spin echo sequence with multi-planar reformatted images vs. two-dimensional, fast spin echo sequences acquired in all three imaging planes in the knee.
Leukocyte Activity Is Altered in a Ground Based Murine Model of Microgravity and Proton Radiation Exposure

Immune system adaptation during spaceflight is a concern in space medicine. Decreased circulating leukocytes observed during and after space flight infer suppressed immune responses and susceptibility to infection. The microgravity aspect of the space environment has been simulated on Earth to study adverse biological effects in astronauts. In this report, the hindlimb unloading (HU) model was employed to investigate the combined effects of solar particle event-like proton radiation and simulated microgravity on immune cell parameters including lymphocyte subtype populations and activity. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell critical for adaptive immune responses and T lymphocytes are regulators of cell-mediated immunity, controlling the entire immune response. Mice were suspended prior to and after proton radiation exposure (2 Gy dose) and total leukocyte numbers and splenic lymphocyte functionality were evaluated on days 4 or 21 after combined HU and radiation exposure. Total white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts are reduced by approximately 65%, 70%, 55%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the non-treated control group at 4 days after combined exposure. Splenic lymphocyte subpopulations are altered at both time points investigated. At 21 days post-exposure to combined HU and proton radiation, T cell activation and proliferation were assessed in isolated lymphocytes. Cell surface expression of the Early Activation Marker, CD69, is decreased by 30% in the combined treatment group, compared to the non-treated control group and cell proliferation was suppressed by approximately 50%, compared to the non-treated control group. These findings reveal that the combined stressors (HU and proton radiation exposure) result in decreased leukocyte numbers and function, which could contribute to immune system dysfunction in crew members. This investigation is one of the first to report on combined proton radiation and simulated microgravity effects on hematopoietic, specifically immune cells.
A photovoltaic detection system for flow injection and liquid chromatography.

A photoionization system has been developed for flow injection and liquid chromatographic applications that employs photovoltaic rather than traditional photoconductive detection. This detection system utilizes an excimer laser at 248 nm (5.0 eV) to achieve one-photon excitation in alcoholic, aqueous, and ionic solutions. The photovoltaic response is reported for a variety of solutes including aliphatic and aromatic amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and halogenated compounds. The photovoltaic method is characterized with respect to solute concentration and flow rate. The detection limit is 5 × 10-6 M (2.3 ng) for aniline in methanol with a linear dynamic range greater than 2 orders of magnitude, which compares favorably to UV−visible absorbance detection. Photovoltaic detection is demonstrated for a series of substituted anilines and aldehydes separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography.
Heterogeneity in the prevalence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms in women of different ethnic groups

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms in women of different ethnic groups and to relate these common mutations to plasma homocysteine, red cell folate, and serum folate. Design A one-time fasting blood sample was obtained for MTHFR genotype (C677T and A1298C) determinations (n=433). Serum folate, red cell folate, and homocysteine analyses were performed in nonfolic acid supplement users (n=215). Subjects/setting This study involved 433 women from four ethnic groups, including 193 Hispanic women of Mexican descent, 139 white women, 53 Asian women of mixed descent, and 48 African American women. Statistical Analyses Performed χ 2 , t Test, and analysis of variance were used. Results Mexican women (18.1%) had a higher frequency of the 677 TT genotype compared with white (7.2%), Asian (3.8%), and African American (0%) women. White women (7.9%) had a higher frequency of the 1298 CC genotype than the other ethnic groups (range=1.9% to 2.6%). The frequency of compound heterozygosity (677 CT + 1298 AC) was higher in Mexican (17.6%) and white (15.1%) women than Asian and African American (∼4% to 6%) women. In the era of folic acid fortification, neither genotype, independently or together, was associated with homocysteine or blood folate concentrations when ethnic groups were combined. In Mexican women, however, a linear trend (P≤.05) was detected for the C677T variants with the lowest red cell folate in the TT genotype. Applications/conclusions These data demonstrate ethnic differences in genetic polymorphisms that are diet responsive and may be useful when investigating ethnic variations in chronic disease, developmental anomalies, and folate requirements. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:200-207.
The coefficient of rolling resistance (CoRR) of some pharmaceutical tablets

Experiments have been conducted to measure the coefficient of rolling resistance (CoRR) of some pharmaceutical tablets and several common materials, such as glass beads and steel ball bearings. CoRR values are required as inputs for discrete element method (DEM) models which can be used to model particulate flows and solid dosage form manufacturing processes. Until now there have been no CoRR data reported for pharmaceutical materials, and thus these new data will help to facilitate more accurate modeling of pharmaceutical systems.
Authority and Orality in the Mahāyāna

The Mahāyāna sūtras, acknowledged by scholars to have been composed centuries after the death of the Buddha, almost invariably begin with the stock phrase, “thus did I hear,” thereby maintaining the conceit of orality. The paper explores the role of this orality as it figures in strategies of authority for the Mahāyāna sūtras in Indian Buddhism. The paper considers at some length recent scholarship (notably that of Richard Gombrich) on the question of when Buddhist texts were first written down, in light of the widely read but highly problematic theories of orality put forth by Walter Ong and Jack Goody. The paper next compares the positions on speech (and by extension, orality) in the Mīmāmsaka view of the Vedas and in the Buddhist view of the word of the Buddha. Although Buddhist scholastics devoted a great deal of energy to attacking the Mīmāmsaka position of the eternal nature of the Vedas as sound and although scholars have tended to regard the Hindu and Buddhist positions as antithetical, there are significant unacknowledged affinities between the Mīmāmsaka and Buddhist positions which help explain why the Mahāyāna sūtras begin, “thus did I hear.” The paper concludes with a discussion of the possible significance of writing in the rise of the diverse association of cults of the book which we have come to call the Mahāyāna.
Cytomegalovirus pp71 Protein Is Expressed in Human Glioblastoma and Promotes Pro-Angiogenic Signaling by Activation of Stem Cell Factor

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant primary central nervous system neoplasm characterized by tumor cell invasion, robust angiogenesis, and a mean survival of 15 months. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is present in >90% of GBMs, although the role the virus plays in GBM pathogenesis is unclear. We report here that HCMV pp71, a viral protein previously shown to promote cell cycle progression, is present in a majority of human GBMs and is preferentially expressed in the CD133+, cancer stem-like cell population. Overexpression of pp71 in adult neural precursor cells resulted in potent induction of stem cell factor (SCF), an important pro-angiogenic factor in GBM. Using double immunofluorescence, we demonstrate in situ co-localization of pp71 and SCF in clinical GBM specimens. pp71 overexpression in both normal and transformed glial cells increased SCF secretion and this effect was specific, since siRNA mediated knockdown of pp71 or treatment with the antiviral drug cidofovir resulted in decreased expression and secretion of SCF by HCMV-infected cells. pp71- induced upregulation of SCF resulted in downstream activation of its putative endothelial cell receptor, c-kit, and angiogenesis as measured by increased capillary tube formation in vitro. We demonstrate that pp71 induces a pro-inflammatory response via activation of NFΚB signaling which drives SCF expression. Furthermore, we show that pp71 levels and NFKB activation are selectively augmented in the mesenchymal subtype of human GBMs, characterized by worst patient outcome, suggesting that HCMV pp71-induced paracrine signaling may contribute to the aggressive phenotype of this human malignancy.
The sequence specificity of homeodomain-DNA interaction

The Drosophila developmental gene, engrailed, encodes a sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Using deletion constructs expressed as fusion proteins in E. coli, we localized this activity to the conserved homeodomain (HD). The binding site consensus, TCAATTAAAT, is found in clusters in the engrailed regulatory region. Weak binding of the En HD to one copy of a synthetic consensus is enhanced by adjacent copies. The distantly related HD encoded by fushi tarazu binds to the same sites as the En HD, but differs in its preference for related sites. Both HDs bind a second type of sequence, a repeat of TAA. The similarity in sequence specificity of En and Ftz HDs suggests that, within families of DNA binding proteins, close relatives will exhibit similar specificities. Competition among related regulatory proteins might govern which protein occupies a given binding site and consequently determine the ultimate effect of cis-acting regulatory sites.
THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN GEOGRAPHERS: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Current long-range planning activities affect future characteristics and functions of the Association of American Geographers. This commentary addresses the need for such planning, describes planning issues that should be faced by the membership, and suggests some themes for future action. Several problem areas are discussed. The key debate is seen between proponents of a scholarly society and advocates of a professional association. This, in turn, raises a variety of lesser related issues, such as the program for the Annual Meeting, the role of regional divisions, academic and non-academic constituencies, and the benefits and dangers involved in Association grantsmanship. This statement by President Marcus is the first of a series to appear in THE PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER on the subject of the Association's long-range planning efforts.
Correcting Dependency Annotation Errors

Building on work detecting errors in dependency annotation, we set out to correct local dependency errors. To do this, we outline the properties of annotation errors that make the task challenging and their existence problematic for learning. For the task, we define a feature-based model that explicitly accounts for non-relations between words, and then use ambiguities from one model to constrain a second, more relaxed model. In this way, we are successfully able to correct many errors, in a way which is potentially applicable to dependency parsing more generally.
Bone Health and Nutrition Education for Fifth Graders

Abstract Using space research as a springboard, the purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge of fifth-grade students, comparing the level of nutrition knowledge of NASA space camp participants with non-space camp participants. Of the fifth grade participants (n=73), 42 had participated in NASA space camp. The project included apre-test concerning nutrition knowledge and bone health, followed by a nutrition education presentation including classroom activities. A post-test was conducted in order to determine knowledge gained. The program emphasized the similarity of bone loss in space travel to that of aging. The purpose of the program was to illustrate the importance of building dense bone mass early in life. While both NASA space camp participants and non-space camp participants showed a gain of nutrition knowledge after intervention (t=13.1, p
CURRENT STATUS OF THE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE PLASMA SEX STEROID-BINDING PROTEIN (SBP)*

Abstract Purification and characterization of the sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) from human, macaque, baboon, and rabbit sera indicate that the protein is composed of two polypeptide chains which associate noncovalently to yield a native structure having molecular weight distributions of about 88,000 for primate SBPs, and 80,000 for rabbit SBP. The subunit molecular weight distributions are 44,000 for human SBP, 47,000 for macaque and baboon SBPs, and 40,000 for rabbit SBP. Isoelectric focusing show extensive microheterogeneity for all four SBPs. The patterns appear to be unique for each species and reveal the presence of at least twelve bands of different colour intensity reflecting a specific spectrum of active SBP molecules. The existence of the large number of dimeric forms of SBP arises through the combination of many variants of the same two subunits containing different amounts and types of carbohydrate sidechains. Physiological studies on the intravenous infusion of pure rhesus SBP, human SBP, and purified monospecific SBP-antibodies into the rhesus reveal an inverse relationship between SBP and the metabolic clearance rate of testosterone. The effect is complex and depends on the concentration of SBP, albumin, and testosterone which in turn influences the distribution of testosterone between albumin and SBP.
Neurologic prognosis of cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelopathy in AIDS

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) polyradiculomyelopathy is an uncommon but distinctive clinical syndrome in HIV-infected patients in which ascending motor weakness, areflexia, loss of sphincter control, paresthesias, and varying sensory impairment develop subacutely in association with a polymorphonuclear pleocytosis, increased protein, and hypoglycorrhachia in CSF. Responses to treatment with ganciclovir have varied in reported cases. We report three additional cases: two of these patients responded to treatment and the third was demonstrated to have CMV resistant to ganciclovir. We review other reported cases and identify factors predictive of ganciclovir resistance, which include persistent polymorphonuclear pleocytosis and hypoglycorrhachia on serial CSF studies, and positive CMV cultures from CSF or blood after induction therapy. We conclude that ganciclovir may be an effective therapy for CMV polyradiculomyelopathy, but the presence of these factors, or the development of the syndrome in a patient already being treated with ganciclovir, should prompt consideration of alternative antiviral therapy.
Diauxic lag from changing electron acceptors in activated sludge treatment

Abstract We have shown experimentally that a diauxic lag can be exhibited when activated sludge bacteria switch from oxygen to nitrate as electron acceptors. This behavior was successfully modeled using a cybernetic modification of the “industry standard” IAWQ Activated Sludge Model 1. The new model accurately predicts oxygen and nitrate uptake, and portrays the growth pattern and diauxie. The model shows that diauxie occurs when the specific level of denitrifying enzyme is low at the outset of the anoxic phase, but does not occur if the specific level is initially high. The present work suggests that caution is needed in the application of conventional models for optimizing periodic processes for nitrogen removal, especially when the phase lengths considered are either much shorter or much longer than those tested under experimental conditions.
Superconducting critical temperatures of nonstoichiometric transition metal carbides and nitrides

Abstract Superconducting critical temperatures have been studied in the TiN 1−x , VN 1−x , YN, VC 1−x and Ta-W-C systems. The present data are reviewed together with other superconducting measurements for monocarbides and mononitrides of transition metals from the III to VI groups of the Periodic Table. Data for both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric phases are correlated with the electron concentration. This correlation is found to be consistent with theoretical band structures and experimental data on magnetic susceptibilities, Hall coefficients and thermoelectric powers. The interesting variation of the T c 's of nonstoichiometric phases is discussed in terms of Denker's (1) theoretical model.
Measurements of Hydrogen Spillover in Platinum Doped Superactivated Carbon

Hydrogen uptake was measured for platinum doped superactivated carbon at 296 K where hydrogen spillover was expected to occur. High pressure adsorption measurements using a Sieverts apparatus did not show an increase in gravimetric storage capacity over the unmodified superactivated carbon. Measurements of small samples (~0.2 g) over long equilibration times, consistent with the reported procedure, showed significant scatter and were not well above instrument background. In larger samples (~3 g), the hydrogen uptake was significantly above background but did not show enhancement due to spillover; total uptake scaled with the available surface area of the superactivated carbon. Any hydrogen spillover sorption was thus below the detection limit of standard volumetric gas adsorption measurements. Due to the additional mass of the catalyst nanoparticles and decreased surface area in the platinum doped system, the net effect of spillover sorption is detrimental for gravimetric density of hydrogen.
Heart Trouble and Racial Group Identity: Exploring Ethnic Heterogeneity Among Black Americans

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, and compared to other racial and ethnic groups, Blacks between the ages of 45 and 65 have the highest likelihood of dying from heart disease. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about intragroup variation among the US Black population. In this study, utilizing a nationally representative sample of Black Americans, we examine the relationship between heart trouble and racial group identity for two groups of Blacks: African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. We include two measures of racial group identity: closeness to other Blacks and Black group evaluation. Our results reveal three important patterns. First, closeness to other Blacks is suppressed by Black group evaluation. Second, at low levels of closeness to other Blacks, there is little difference between African Americans and Caribbean Blacks in the probability of heart trouble. However, as closeness to other Blacks increases, the probability of heart trouble increases for African Americans, but decreases for Caribbean Blacks. Finally, with respect to positive Black group evaluation, both African Americans and Caribbean Blacks benefit and experience a lower probability of heart trouble.
Zeeman Effect of the Forbidden Lines of Pb I II. An Interference Effect in the Mixed Line, λ 7330

The transverse Zeeman effect of this line, which contains mixed magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole radiation, is investigated with a Fabry-Perot interferometer, and with magnetic fields up to 4000 gauss. The pattern obtained, -2.68, -2.42, (-1.49), (-1.215), (-0.945), -0.255, 0, 0.255, (0.945), (1.215), (1.47), 2.42, 2.68, is in substantial agreement with expectations. Quantitative intensity measurements of all components are reported. In the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ pattern, the sum of the intensities of the four outer electric quadrupole components is found to be 0.02 of the three central magnetic dipole components. The relative intensities of the latter, 28, 45 and 27, and of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ components, agree with the theory developed in the following article by E. Gerjuoy, provided that the intensities contributed by the Zeeman components of the hyperfine structure are taken into account. These components are investigated at various magnetic fields, and the development of the Back-Goudsmit effect is verified. For the six $\ensuremath{\pi}$ components, in the above order, the measured intensities at 3880 gauss are 22, 23, 7, 7, 18 and 23. Comparison with theory indicates 2.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 percent of quadrupole radiation, and proves that interference exists between the two types of radiation.
Efecto de tratamiento pregerminativo sobre la germinación de semillas de Eucryphia glutinosa (Poepp. et Endl.) Baillon

El proposito de este trabajo fue determinar los efectos de tratamiento pregerminativo con frio y tiempo de aplicacion sobre la capacidad germinativa y la velocidad de germinacion de semillas de Eucryphia glutinosa (Poepp. et Endl.) Baillon. Las semillas se mantuvieron a 3-4°C en arena seca y humeda (enfriamiento seco y estratificacion, respectivamente) durante 30, 60 y 90 dias. Un control fue evaluado a intervalos de 30 dias junto con las semillas tratadas. La germinacion se llevo a cabo en una camara a 23°C. En promedio el porcentaje de germinacion fue 77,0 ± 6,8%. La capacidad germinativa de las semillas no se vio afectada por los tratamientos pregerminativos ni por los tiempos de aplicacion. Los tratamientos tuvieron efecto sobre la velocidad de germinacion, siendo estratificacion por 60 y 90 dias los que mostraron las mayores tasas de germinacion. Las semillas almacenadas a temperatura ambiente no mostraron cambios en su capacidad germinativa ni en la velocidad de germinacion hasta seis meses desde cosechadas.
Potent peptide agonists for human melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors derived from enzymatic cleavages of human β-MSH(5–22) by dipeptidyl peptidase I and dipeptidyl peptidase IV

Abstract Human β-MSH(1–22) was first isolated from human pituitary as a 22-amino acid (aa) peptide derived from a precursor protein, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). However, Bertagna et al. demonstrated that a shorter human β-MSH(5–22), (DEGPYRMEHFRWGSPPKD), is a true endogenous peptide produced in human hypothalamus. In this report, we demonstrated that in vitro enzymatic cleavage of native human β-MSH(5–22) with two ubiquitous dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP), DPP-I and DPP-IV, generated two potent MC3/4R peptide analogues, β-MSH(7–22) (GPYRMEHFRWGSPPKD) and β-MSH(9–22) (YRMEHFRWGSPPKD). In fact, the MC4R binding affinity and functional potency of β-MSH(7–22) (Ki = 4.6 nM, EC50 = 0.6 nM) and β-MSH(9–22) (Ki = 5.7 nM, EC50 = 0.6 nM) are almost an order of magnitude greater than those of their parent peptide, β-MSH(5–22) (MC4R, Ki = 23 nM, EC50 = 3 nM). Furthermore, the DPP-I/DPP-IV cleaved peptide, β-MSH(9–22), when administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) at a dose of 3 nmol/rat, potently induced an acute negative energy balance in a diet-induced obese rat model, while its parent molecule, β-MSH(5–22), administered at the same dose did not have any effect. These data suggest that DPP-I and DPP-IV may play a role in converting the endogenous β-MSH(5–22) to more potent peptides that regulate energy homeostasis in the hypothalamus.
Fsh‐induced gonadal development in juvenile lizards, Eumeces obsoletus

Juvenile lizards (Eumeces obsoletus) treated with FSH exhibited germ cell proliferation. However, only the first stages of oogenesis or spermatogenesis were elicited. No difference in spermatogenic stage was observed between treatment groups. Vitellogenesis was not observed in treated females although the primary (largest) follicles exhibited a granulosa composed of a single cell type indicative of a follicle just prior to yolking. In addition to gonadal effects, accessory structures which are steroid dependent exhibited changes. Oviductal weight increased significantly with FSH treatment. Histological examination revealed that both oviductal glands and oviductal epithelium increased in size as did epididymal cell heights in males. These structures are steroid dependent in adults. These data suggest that juvenile gonads respond to gonadotropin although not in a typical adult manner. Sexual maturation is not only dependent on gonadal responsiveness but on the maturation of the hypothalamohypophysial axis and thus, on gonadotropin secretion as well. In addition, a critical amount of lipid storage may be required for vitellogenesis and gonadal function.
Advances in statistical methodology and their application in critical care.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review some of the major advances in statistical methodology of the past two decades and their application to investigations in critical care. RECENT FINDINGS The introduction of new technologies and the ready availability of advanced computer resources have led to significant developments in statistical methodology. These include the development of computationally intensive methods, improved methods for modeling correlated outcome data, and new methods for handling missing data. Although many of these tools are available in standard statistical software, they remain underutilized in the medical literature. SUMMARY By becoming familiar with advances in statistical methodology, researchers and clinicians can enhance collaboration with their statistical colleagues, toward the goal of better study design and analysis.
Feminist Policy Analysis: Expanding Traditional Social Work Methods

In an effort to move the methodology of policy analysis beyond the traditional and artificial position of being objective and value-free, this article is a call to those working and teaching in social work to consider a feminist policy analysis lens. A review of standard policy analysis models is presented alongside feminist models. Such a comparison should help practitioners and educators work and train students to advance understandings of society beyond the androcentric norms. Of significance is how the inclusion of feminist policy analysis in social work curricula can assist with program accreditation.