cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hu Antigen Specificities of ANNA-I Autoantibodies in Paraneoplastic Neurological Disease

Despite a broad clinical spectrum, paraneoplastic enecephalomyelitis/sensory neuronopathy (PEM/SSN) is characterized by the presence of a common autoantibody, referred to as anti-Hu or type I anti-neuronal nuclear antibody (ANNA-1). The target of these antibodies is a family of four Hu antigens: three (Hel-N1, HuC, HuD) are neural-specific, while the fourth (HuR) is ubiquitous. Here, we have analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the immunoreactivity of all four Hu antigens in serum from 75 patients with ANNA-1 autoantibodies and looked for clinical correlations. IgG in all the patients' sera bound to each of the four antigens, and the titers correlated with those of the ANNA-I immunofluorescence assay. Median titers for the neural-specific antigens (range: 56, 892-90,051) were significantly higher than for HuR (36,799). Patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility or subacute sensory neuronopathy had the highest median titers to all four antigens, while patients with sensorineural deafness had the lowest titers. The results indicate a heterogeneous immune response to individual Hu antigens in patients with PEM/SSN, and that the titers to these antigens as a group, rather than individually, correlate with clinical profile. Furthermore, these results suggest that ELISA analysis of a single neural-specific Hu antigen is sufficient for serological screening in PEM/SSN.
Tail flagging by adult California ground squirrels: a tonic signal that serves different functions for males and females

Abstract Abstract. This report describes a field study of naturally occurring tail flagging by adult California ground squirrels, Spermophilus beecheyi beecheyi. Squirrels invariably used this visual anti-snake signal when encountering a snake, but used it more often when there was no obvious elicitor. Focal and scan samples of individually marked animals were used to determine when and where squirrels tail flagged, and to establish the behavioural concomitants of flagging in the signaller and nearby potential perceivers. The results presented here indicate that tail flagging is a functionally and structurally diverse activity that is used in both tonic and phasic time scales. Tonic use of spontaneous tail flagging by maternal females covaried with the changing vulnerability of pups, but such tail flagging by males reflected their own vulnerability. Related to this functional difference is evidence that spontaneous tail flagging by 'selfish' males and 'nepotistic' mothers differed in its impact on perceivers. Male tail flagging appeared to have an effect on both pup and adult perceivers, whereas tail flagging by mothers seemed to affect only adults. (Insufficient data were available to judge the impact of a mother's flagging on her own pups.) When dealing directly with snakes, however, males and mothers may have converged upon similar phasic uses of tail flagging. In this context, distinctively high rates of tail flagging and calling may be used by both males and mothers to achieve the relatively immediate benefits associated with recruiting others to the vicinity of a snake.
Perturbations in S-adenosyl-homocysteine and S-adenosyl-methionine metabolism: Effects on transmethylation

Abstract Our studies have shown that in vivo transmethylation is sensitive to a number of agents which perturb AdoHcy and AdoMet metabolism, either by interfering with adenosine metabolism, by inactivating AdoHcy hydrolase or by acting as an efficient precursor of an AdoMet analogue. Loss of ADA activity, either in infants with heritable SCID or in patients treated with an ADA inhibitor, leads to severe lymphopenia. If a methylation defect contributes to this phenomenon, it could do so either through reversal of the AdoHcy hydrolase reaction by adenosine, by inactivation of this enzyme by 2′-deoxyadenosine, or both. The end result would be accumulation of the inhibitor AdoHcy. A fuller understanding of the biochemical events involved might lead to refinements in the therapy of heritable ADA deficiency and cancer. In the former, attempts to lower homocysteine concentrations might improve immune function, while in the latter, addition of small quantities of adenosine, 2′-deoxyadenosine or homocysteine might potentiate the effects of ADA inhibition. With respect to cordycepin, it has not been determined to what extent its cytotoxic properties are attributable to effects on transmethylation, since 3′-dATP is known to inhibit RNA polymerases and might be expected to interfere with a variety of ATP and 2′-dATP dependent processes. On the other hand, methylation might very well be the most sensitive target for cordycepin, particularly in lymphoid cells. In any event, the capacity of this compound to be converted to an AdoMet analogue is somewhat surprising, for the methionine adenosyltransferase reaction has been considered to be highly specific for ATP. Perhaps other adenosine analogues will prove to act in a similar manner.
The Administration of Textile and Apparel Quotas: A Case Study of Malaysian Policy and Its Implications for the U.S

Most international textile trade operates under the auspices of the Multifiber Arrangement (MFA), which allows protection through voluntary export restraints (VERs). The rights to agreed-upon quotas are given to the governments of importing countries. The importing country then allocates these rights to manufacturers within the country. This study examines the distinctive characteristics of VERs by means of a case study of Malaysia, Malaysia's trade relations with the U.S., and a political economy analysis. Standard economic models facilitate one dimension of analysis but neglect the political and social effects, knowledge of which yields increased understanding of the interests involved and the outcomes of the process. Conclusions of the analysis thus go beyond the finding that the economic benefits of VERs to Malaysia are moderately high while in the U.S. it is the costs that are high. The evidence also indicates that social costs in Malaysia are high but relatively low in the U.S. Politically there are...
Expression of Grb2 distinguishes classical Hodgkin lymphomas from primary mediastinal B-cell lymphomas and other diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 is an adaptor molecule that mediates B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways, but the expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 in lymphoma tissues has not been reported. We sought to characterize growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 protein expression in reactive tonsillar tissues and lymphoma tissues obtained from diagnostic biopsies of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and 20 low-grade B-cell lymphomas. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 expression was assessed in tissues by immunohistochemistry and in lymphoma cell lines by immunoblotting. In reactive lymphoid tissues, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 was expressed in the cytoplasm of B-cells and histiocytes but not T-cells. Strong, cytoplasmic growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 expression was seen in the neoplastic cells of follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. In contrast, only 10% of the classical Hodgkin lymphomas showed growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 expression in the neoplastic cells. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting in all lymphoma cell lines tested with higher levels in primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma compared with classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. These findings support a role for growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 in the diagnostically challenging workup of classical Hodgkin lymphoma versus primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and warrant further studies to evaluate the biologic significance of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 in the pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
Ocean thermal energy conversion—A significant solar resource

This paper presents the general concepts for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, a large-scale solar energy driven system, and summarizes the most recent systems design work on the subject. The systems and components of various investigators are compared, and the environmental and economic aspects of such power systems are discussed.
Estimation of haptoglobin using haemoglobin labelled with radioactive iron-59.

QUANTITATIVE estimation of haptoglobins, a group of serum alpha-2 mucoproteins capable of binding haemoglobin, is at present based either directly or indirectly on the peroxidase activity of the haemoglobin–haptoglobin complex1–3. Recent investigations in this laboratory into the characteristics and formation of this complex emphasized the need for a more direct analytical method. The most appropriate characteristic of haptoglobin, its ability to bind haemoglobin, was selected as the basis for an analytical procedure using haemoglobin labelled with radioactive iron-59.
Competitive strategy and performance in Southern Ghana

There is a dearth of academic work investigating the effectiveness of competitive strategies in retail organisations in emerging nations, particularly within sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the relationship between business strategy and performance in business enterprises in Southern Ghana. Data from 184 firms in Accra, Tema and Kumasi suggest that – in terms of both financial and operating performance – Ghanaian retailers employing a combination of cost leadership and differentiation strategies outperformed those adopting only one of the two pure strategies.
Initial results from a study of the effects of meditation on multitasking performance

This paper reports initial results from a study exploring whether training in meditation or relaxation can improve office workers' ability to multitask on a computer more effectively andor with less stress. Human resource (HR) personnel were given 8 weeks of training in either mindfulness meditation or body relaxation techniques, and were given a stressful multitasking test both before and after training. (A third group, a control group, received no intervention during the 8-week period but was tested both before and after this period.) Results indicate that overall task time and errors did not differ significantly among the three groups. However, the meditation group reported lower levels of stress and showed better memory for the tasks they had performed; they also switched tasks less often and remained focused on tasks longer.
In vitro cultivation of Amblosoma suwaense (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae) from the metacercaria to the ovigerous adult

Abstract A variety of media were used to study the in vitro cultivation of Amblosoma suwaense (Brachylaimidae). Of these media most rapid development was achieved in NCTC 135 supplemented with 20% hen's egg yolk (NCTC 135-20Y). In this medium ovigerous adults were obtained in 4 days at 37·5°C and with a gas phase of air, and the eggs contained developing embryos. The mean body area of 7-day-old worms cultivated in NCTC 135-20Y was 20% less than that of the metacercariae, whereas the mean area of the gonads and vitellaria was 53 % greater than that of the metacercariae. The black pigment in the gut of metacercariae was egested during cultivation. The tegument of metacercariae was rugose, whereas that of cultured worms was smooth.
Treatment Adherence in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: Challenges for Nursing

Abstract Supporting and encouraging patients to adhere to their chosen treatment protocol is a constant challenge for nurses and other healthcare providers. In order to achieve optimal adherence, nurses must be aware of the many challenges facing their patients. This article seeks to provide nurses in the radiation settings with a review of these challenges as they relate to head and neck cancer patients. It focuses on defining the treatment-related side effects and possible nursing interventions aimed at improving patient adherence and, therefore, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes. Adherence to treatment in the head and neck population has received little attention in the literature but the work that has been done identifies many challenges related to treatment and its side effects, the disease process, and individual patient-related challenges. This article reviews the importance of evaluating patient understanding of the importance of adherence, the physical and economic barriers to adherence and the need for effective symptom management in the successful, timely completion of treatment. It also stresses the pivotal role of nursing in the issue of adherence. By identifying these issues, nurses can better prepare patients for the treatment experience. Lastly, it stresses to need for a greater understanding of this phenomenon in order to improve adherence and future outcomes for this patient population.
Pharmacological Distinction between Soluble and Transmembrane Adenylyl Cyclases

The second messenger cAMP is involved in a number of cellular signaling pathways. In mammals, cAMP is produced by either the hormonally responsive, G protein–regulated transmembrane adenylyl cyclases (tmACs) or by the bicarbonate- and calcium-regulated soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). To develop tools to differentiate tmAC and sAC signaling, we determined the specificity and potency of commercially available adenylyl cyclase inhibitors. In cellular systems, two inhibitors, KH7 and catechol estrogens, proved specific for sAC, and 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine proved specific for tmACs. These tools provide a means to define the specific contributions of the different families of adenylyl cyclases in cells and tissues, which will further our understanding of cell signaling.
Carbonaceous matter in mantle xenoliths: Composition and relevance to the isotopes

Abstract Carbonaceous matter in xenoliths from alkalic basalts is present as particles in prominent cracks and as a semicontinuous film on microcracks. The particles are partially chlorinated, contain detectable amounts of Si and K, are thought to be the host phase for Rb, La and other minor and trace elements known from leaching experiments to be concentrated in microcracks and are believed to consist dominantly of graphite intercalation compounds. The carbonaceous films have been characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The films consist of complex mixtures of organic and possibly graphitic compounds and may include alcohols, organic acids, or other compounds unstable at elevated temperature. Nitrogen is frequently observed in photoelectron spectra of the films. Most cracks in xenoliths are likely to have developed during quenching, resulting in the exposure of chemically active surfaces. The carbonaceous films formed on them abiotically by condensation from hot volcanic gas and the low-temperature compounds formed by evolution from simpler high-temperature condensates during cooling. Such a process may have represented one step in the chemical evolution of life. The bulk of the C and other elements on crack surfaces should be regarded as contaminants from the host lava. Therefore, stepped heating procedures are necessary for the generation of meaningful isotopic data for C, N and H in xenoliths.
Isolation of a monocot 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene that is elicitor-inducible

The rice (Oryza sativa) phytoalexins, momilactones and oryzalexins, are synthesized by the isoprenoid pathway. An early step in this pathway, one that is rate-limiting in mammalian systems, is catalyzed by the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). A gene that encodes this enzyme has been isolated from rice, and found to contain an open reading frame of 1527 bases. The encoded protein sequence of the rice HMGR appears to be conserved with respect to other HMGR proteins, and 1 or 2 membrane-spanning domains characteristic of plant HMGRs are predicted by a hydropathy plot of the amino acid sequence. The protein is truncated at its 5′ end, and shows reduced sequence conservation in this region as compared to other plant sequences. The rice genome contains a small family of HMGR genes. The isolated gene, HMGR I, is expressed at low levels in both vegetative and floral organs of rice plants. It is not induced in plants by wounding, but is strongly and rapidly induced in suspension cells by a fungal cell wall elicitor from the pathogenMagnaporthe grisea, causal agent of rice blast disease. This suggests that HMGR I may be important in the induction of rice phytoalexin biosynthesis in response to pathogen attack, and therefore may play a key role as a component of the inducible defense mechanism in rice.
Adverse Outcomes Among Asian Indian Singleton Births in New Jersey, 2008–2011

The study determined the incidence of low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, and perinatal morbidity among Asian Indians (AI) in New Jersey (NJ), as well as identified predictors of SGA. We analyzed birth records for singletons born to mothers identified as AI and non-Hispanic white from 2008 to 2011, obtained from the NJ Department of Health. For AI, rates of LBW and SGA were elevated, rates of preterm birth were similar, and neonatal intensive care unit admission was lower, compared to whites. Factors associated with SGA in AI included nulliparity, anemia, hypertension, placental abruption, and lack of prenatal care. Maternal education, marital status, substance abuse, and timing of prenatal care were associated with SGA in whites, but not in AI. SGA incidence was higher among AI despite preterm rates similar to whites. Anemia was associated with SGA uniquely among AI.
Implications of T-cell P-glycoprotein activity during HIV-1 infection and its therapy

Objectives: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) may reduce antiretroviral efficacy by decreasing disposition of HIV-1 protease inhibitors into tissues and cells. In contrast, P-gp overexpression in vitro can inhibit HIV-1 replication, and some drugs induce P-gp expression. To explore which of these mechanisms predominate in vivo, this study characterized relationships between T-cell P-gp activity and clinical parameters in HIV-infected adults. Methods: P-gp activity was quantified in total and naive cD4 + and cD8 + T cells of HIV-infected adults by flow cytometry using the substrate dye DiOC 2 (3). Demographic, virologic, immunologic, and treatment factors were obtained from medical records. Factors associated with P-gp activity were identified using multivariate linear regression. Results: A total of 185 subjects (22% female; 34% African American) were studied, of whom 131 (71%) were receiving antiretroviral treatment. There was marked interindividual variability in P-gp activity. By multivariate analysis, higher CD4 + T-cell P-gp activity was associated with lower log 10 HIV-1 RNA (P = 0.005), but not treatment or demographic factors. P-gp activity was correlated across T-cell subsets. Conclusions: The inverse relationship between P-gp activity and plasma HIV-1 RNA is most consistent with an inhibitory effect on viral replication rather than drug disposition. Antiretroviral drug class did not independently predict P-gp activity.
Identification of two molecular species of rat brain phosphatidylcholine that rapidly incorporate and turn over arachidonic acid in vivo.

In vivo rates of arachidonic acid incorporation and turnover were determined for molecular species of rat brain phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylinositol (Ptdlns). [ 3 H]Arachidonic acid was infused intravenously in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats at a programmed rate to maintain constant plasma specific activity for 2-10 min. At the end of infusion, animals were killed by microwave irradiation, and brain phospholipids were isolated, converted to diacylglycerobenzoates, and resolved as molecular species by reversed-phase HPLC. Most [ 3 H]arachidonate (>87%) was incorporated into PtdCho and Ptdlns, with arachidonic acid at the sn-2 position and with oleic acid (18 :1), palmitic acid (16 :0), or stearic acid (18 :0) at the sn-1 position. However, 10-15% of labeled brain PtdCho eluted in a small peak containing two molecular species with arachidonic acid at the sn-2 position and palmitoleic acid (16 :1) or linoleic acid (18 :2) at the sn-1 position. Analysis demonstrated that tracer was present in both the 16 :1-20 :4 and 18 :2-20:4 PtdCho species at specific activities 10-40 times that of the other phospholipids. Based on the measured mass of arachidonate in each phospholipid molecular species, half-lives were calculated for arachidonate of <10 min in 16 :1-20 :4 and 18 :2-20 :4 PtdCho and 1-3 h in 16 :0-20 :4, 18 :0-20 :4, and 18 :1-20 :4 PtdCho and Ptdlns. The very short half-lives for arachidonate in the 16 :1-20 :4 and 18 :2-20 :4 PtdCho molecular species suggest important roles for these molecules in brain phospholipid metabolism and signal transduction.
Do Protected Areas Reduce Forest Fragmentation? A Microlandscapes Approach

Conservation policies influence both the amount of habitat loss and patterns of habitat fragmentation. This paper develops a “microlandscapes” approach that combines fragmentation measures with quasi-experimental evaluation methods in order to assess the effects of policy on habitat fragmentation. As an application, the paper estimates whether and to what extent wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Thailand prevented forest loss and fragmentation. I find that both types of protected areas significantly increased forest cover, average forest patch size and maximum forest patch size. Comparisons between the two types indicate that wildlife sanctuaries were more effective than national parks in terms of protecting forest in the interior versus exterior areas of parks and preventing fragmentation conditional on the level of forest cover. The differences are consistent with predicted differences resulting from spatial patterns of enforcement that are uniform or core-focused in the wildlife sanctuaries versus boundary-focused or include agglomeration penalties in the national parks. Given the greater effectiveness of wildlife sanctuaries in preventing fragmentation and the suggestive link to enforcement types, these results reinforce existing theoretical work urging conservation managers to consider how the spatial distribution of enforcement may affect patterns of resource use.
Computer System Measurability

Measurement is a fundamental technique of any discipline or science. In computer engineering, measurement needs can be divided into three categories:
Molybdenum phosphide-graphite nanomaterials for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract Clean hydrogen energy technology is an alternative to a fossil fuel-based energy economy. Efficient and economical catalysts are necessary for large-scale hydrogen generation. We report MoP and MoP-graphite nanosheets prepared by ball milling commercial compounds as efficient electrocatalytic materials for hydrogen generation via the hydrogen reduction mechanism. The hydrogen generated through electrochemical catalysis was evaluated using gas chromatography. The effects of ball milling time and proportions of MoP-graphite nanosheets on electrocatalytic activity were investigated. The new nanomaterials were characterized using powder XRD, SEM and BET surface area measurements. The results suggest superior electrocatalytic performance with a balance of ball-milled MoP and graphite. A Tafel slope of 63 mV/dec was obtained for this new material.
THE EIGHTH COMPONENT OF HUMAN COMPLEMENT (C8): ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND HEMOLYTIC EFFICIENCY

A method was described allowing the isolation of the eighth component of complement, C8, from human serum. C8 is an immunochemically definable, heretofore unrecognized serum protein with a molecular weight of approximately 150,000 and an electrophoretic mobility of a γ1-globulin. It may be obtained with 5% yield as a 5000-fold purified, physicochemically and immunochemically homogeneous protein. Under optimal experimental conditions, a few molecules of C8 were found sufficient for lysis of a cell.
Monoclonal antibody to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 reduces cardiac contractile dysfunction after burn injury in rabbits

Cardiac dysfunction occurs after thermal injury but the pathogenesis is nuclear; leukocytes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiorgan dysfunction after burn injury. White blood cell activation and entry into tissue involve the use of a number of adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, CD54. We asked the question: will administration of the monoclonal antibody (R6.5) directed against ICAM-1 alter the cardiac dysfunction which we have previously shown to occur after thermal injury? Previously instrumented New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized and given a full-thickness burn over 30% of the total body surface area by applying brass probes heated to 100 degrees C to the animals' backs for 15 sec. Animals were monitored for 24 hr and given lactated Ringer's (LR) solution (4 cc/kg/% burn, Parkland formula) with additional LR given to maintain cardiac output and urine output. Three experimental groups were studied: sham burn controls had catheters placed and were monitored for 24 hr (N = 8); burn rabbits were divided into vehicle treated (saline, 1 ml/kg, N = 6) or R6.5 treated (2 mg/kg, N = 6). Vehicle or antibody was administered 30 min postburn and every 8 hr until 24 hr postburn; at this time, rabbits were sacrificed and hearts were harvested for in vitro assessment of contractile performance (Langendorff). Compared to values measured in sham burn controls, burn injury caused cardiac contractile depression as indicated by a fall in left ventricular pressure (LVP) (77 +/- 2 vs 56 +/- 3 mm Hg, P = 0.01), +dP/dt (1223 +/- 64 vs 842 +/- 64 mm Hg/sec, P = 0.001), and -dP/dt (973 +/- 63 vs 666 +/- 42 mm Hg/sec, P = 0.01). Administration of R6.5 significantly improved cardiac contractile function compared to the vehicle-treated burns as indicated by higher LVP (67 +/- 2 mm Hg, P > 0.05), +dP/dt (1017 +/- 33 mm Hg/sec, P > 0.05), and -dP/dt (858 +/- 40 mm Hg/ sec, P > 0.05) than values measured in vehicle-treated burns. These results suggest that ICAM-1-mediated WBC activation and/or tissue entry are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction following thermal injury.
Nb3Al formation in sputter-deposited Nb/Al multilayer samples

Abstract The critical current density of powder metallurgy processed (PM) wires is determined in part by the extent of the A15 phase formation in the vicinity of the Nb/Al interface. A series of multilayered samples was made to simulate the reactions in the PM wires. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the reactions between the multilayers. The results indicate that the reactions at the Nb/Al interface depend strongly on the niobium and aluminum layer thickness and distribution. No evidence of the metastable Nb(Al) solid solution formation was found. It is concluded that the Nb 2 Al and the residual niobium present in the reacted PM wires can be avoided if the niobium and aluminum layers are sufficiently thin and uniformly distributed with the proper stoichiometry.
Economic development and population

Neo-Malthusian analysis that high and increasing population density hinders economic development and results in poverty has been demonstrated to be false. The two major structural variables negatively associated with rate of population increase are wealth and socialism, and the major determinants of economic growth are level of economic development and economic organization.
Studies on the origin of the methyl groups of choline in Ochromonas malhamensis.

SYNOPSIS. Five- to 6-day-old resting cells of Ochromonas malhamensis were incubated at pH 6.5 with glucose and appropriate C14 precursors of the methyl groups of phospholipid-choline. Under the experimental conditions L-methionine-C14H3 was the most efficient source of choline-methyl groups, followed by formate-C14, formaldehyde-C14 and DL-serine-3-C14, respectively. Glycine-2-C14 was not incorporated into choline. Both L-methionine-C14H3 and formate-C14 served as precursors for the methyl groups of monomethylethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine and choline. Addition of non-radio-active L-methionine depressed the incorporation of formate-C14 into choline-methyl groups by 50%. The results support the hypothesis that methionine can be the source of all 3 methyl groups of choline, and that formate is probably converted to the methyl group of methionine before transmethylation to choline. However, an alternate pathway from single-carbon sources cannot be excluded.
Dietary Carnitine and Lysine Affect Channel Catfish Lipid and Protein Composition

The effects of carnitine (L-carnitine) at 0.1% were tested at three levels of dietary lysine (L-lysine-HCl), 1.1, 1.4 or 1.7%, with fingerling channel caffish. Semipurified diets containing 30% protein and 3.44 kcal digestible energy/g were fed for 8 wk in flow-through water at 26.5 ± 0.5 C. Carnitine did not significantly (P > 0.71) affect channel catflsh weight gain over this time interval. Weight gain was less when 1.1% dietary lysine was fed without supplemented carnitine than when diets contained 1.4 or 1.7% lysine. Carnitine reduced muscle lipid (P < 0.0003) and liver lipid (P < 0.0001) significantly. Percentage visceral fat was reduced with added dietary carnitine (P < 0.0001) but not with dietary lysine although there was a combined effect of carnitine and lysine (P < 0.0008). Channel catfish wholebody lipid content was reduced by supplemented dietary carnitine, lysine, or both. Protein content of channel catfish wholebody increased with added carnitine, lysine, and their interaction (P < 0.19, P < 0.003 and P < 0.001). Under these conditions, dietary carnitine improves caffish tissue characteristics by reducing fat content and increasing protein content.
ZnE (E = S, Se, Te) Nanowires Grown by the Solution−Liquid−Solid Mechanism: Importance of Reactant Decomposition Kinetics and the Solvent

The synthesis of ZnE (E = S, Se, Te) nanowires in solution via the solution−liquid−solid (SLS) mechanism is reported. Relatively low nanowire growth temperatures, between 340 and 350 °C, were made possible by using bismuth nanocrystals as seeds. Diethyl zinc and zinc(oleate)2 were studied as Zn reactants, and TOP:E complexes were explored as the chalcogen source. The influence of the solvent on the quality and yield of the nanowires was studied with reactions carried out in either the noncoordinating solvent squalane or the coordinating solvents, trioctylamine (TOA) or trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO). The solvent and reactant chemistry dramatically affect the yield and quality of the nanowires, with Et2Zn being more reactive than Zn(oleate)2. The use of coordinating solvents provides a means to optimize nanowire growth.
Record linkage applications in health services research: opportunities and challenges

When aggregating medical data for research, it is necessary to link data on the same person, but from different sources. Linking enables a researcher to conduct longitudinal studies. Typically such linking can be accomplished by using personal identifying information, such as names, birthdates, addresses, and national or local identifying codes, though occasionally this method does not work because of incompleteness or inaccuracies in the data. For research, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rules severely restrict researcher access to identifiers. Therefore, an important research problem is how to link data from a geographic region whose data sources have significant overlap in the actual patients included. In this talk, I describe various challenges and opportunities that exist while tackling this problem.
Detection of spatiotemporal phase patterns in ECoG using adaptive mixture models

Propagating phase patterns of neural activity in the cortex have been found to serve as useful markers for the identification of neural correlates of cognition. In this work we develop an automatic method to detect phase propagation in the form of cones using adaptive mixture models. The present work is the first demonstration of this methodology in actual Electrocorticogram (ECoG) data. The paper discusses results obtained with this novel method.
Body mass index growth in a sample of U.S. children: Repeated measures data analysis of the minneapolis children's blood pressure study

Longitudinal assessments of the body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents are limited. The purpose of the study was to describe the growth patterns of the BMI in children and young adults. Black and White children of Minneapolis Children's Blood Pressure Study (MCBPS) were 6 to 9 years old at entry and were followed for 12 years at 19 separate visits. Those with at least five visits (n = 1,302) were included for analysis, using non-linear mixed effects models in conjunction with the Gompertz curve. The growth patterns of four sex-ethnic groups were different at three levels: starting level (SL) (kg/m2), asymptote level (AL) (kg/m2), and peak growth age (PGA) (in years). In this context, SL is the average BMI level at age 6, AL is the average BMI level when growth diminishes, and PGA is the average age at which the rate of growth in the BMI peaks. The SL (16.3 ± 0.1) for White males was significantly greater than SL in the other three sex-ethnic groups, among which there were no significant differences. There was a significant ethnic difference in AL between Black females (25.5 ± 0.3) and White females (24.4 ± 0.2) and a marginally significant difference in AL between Black females and Black males (24.4 ± 0.3). For PGA, only sex differences were significant: Black females reached the peak at the earliest age at (11.5 ± 0.1) years, followed by White females (11.7 ± 0.1), Black males (12.6 ± 0.1), and White males (12.8 ± 0.1). Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:821–831, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PDT induced changes assessed by time-gated fluorescence tomography

We report 3D reconstruction of fluorescence yield and lifetime of a photosensitizer before and after PDT. The results demonstrate both yield and lifetime contrasts may be useful for PDT monitoring.
The effects of hypophysectomy and of growth hormone on the uptake of radioactive phosphorus by tissues.

Abstract Normal and hypophysectomized animals, fed ad lib., both with and without growth hormone treatment, were injected with 4 microcuries of P32/100 g. body weight, and then autopsied at varying time intervals following the injection. The plasma of hypophysectomized animals possesses a greater P32 activity than normal plasma at all intervals from 0.5 to 24 hr. after P32 injection. Maintenance of hypophysectomized animals with growth hormone results in a plasma P32-activity level much smaller than that found in the plasma of hypophysectomized controls, yet greater than that found in the plasma of normal animals. The normal liver uptake of P32 shows a maximum between 0.5 and 1 hr. after intraperitoneal injection. Kidney shows a maximum in less than 0.5 hour, and thymus attains a maximum activity level in 2 hr. Hypophysectomy results in an increased liver, kidney, and thymus P32 uptake when compared to the normal. After hypophysectomy the time of maximal P32 activity in liver is shifted to 4 hr. after injection. Growth hormone therapy in the hypophysectomized animal lowers the P32-uptake levels of kidney and liver toward normal, and brings down the P32 level in thymus to normal. Hypophysectomy with or without growth hormone therapy, results in a muscle P32 accumulation which is less than normal. Growth hormone administration to the normal animal causes an increased P32 accumulation by muscle. The P32 uptake by the tibia of the hypophysectomized rat is less than normal. Maintenance of the hypophysectomized rat with growth hormone prevents the decrease in bone P32 uptake due to hypophysectomy.
Large-scale purification of hepatitis B surface antigen using affinity chromatography.

Large-scale purification of hepatitis B surface antigen, applicable to the preparation of potential vaccines for prevention of hepatitis B, is described. The method involves the following steps: precipitation of serum with polyethylene glycol 6000, affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose and on ω-aminononyl-Sepharose, and isopycnic centrifugation.
Efficacy and Safety of Budesonide Inhalation Suspension(Pulmicort Respules) in Young Children With Inhaled Steroid-Dependent,Persistent Asthma

1. Shapiro G, 2. Mendelson L, 3. Kraemer M, 4. et al. (1998) J Allergy Clin Immunol. 102:789–796. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] #### Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different twice-daily doses of budesonide inhalation suspension in inhaled steroid-dependent asthmatic children. ##### Study Population There was a placebo group of 44 children, average age 80 months; the three dosing schedules for the budesonide included 0.25 mg bid, 47 children with an average age of 78 months; 0.50 mg bid, 42 children, average age 82 months; and 1.0 mg bid, 45 children, average age 81 months. The study was performed in 17 centers in the United States and represented administration of either placebo or specified dose of budesonide via jet nebulizer. The patients … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2BAllergy%2Band%2BClinical%2BImmunology%26rft.stitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2BAllergy%2Band%2BClinical%2BImmunology%26rft.aulast%253DShapiro%26rft.auinit1%253DG.%26rft.volume%253D102%26rft.issue%253D5%26rft.spage%253D789%26rft.epage%253D796%26rft.atitle%253DEfficacy%2Band%2Bsafety%2Bof%2Bbudesonide%2Binhalation%2Bsuspension%2B%2528Pulmicort%2BRespules%2529%2Bin%2Byoung%2Bchildren%2Bwith%2Binhaled%2Bsteroid-dependent%252C%2Bpersistent%2Basthma.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0091-6749%252898%252970019-3%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F9819296%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70019-3&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=9819296&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fpediatrics%2F104%2FSupplement_2%2F386.2.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000077033400013&link_type=ISI
CHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS AND 17-KETOSTEROIDS IN URINE FOLLOWING HYDROLYSIS WITH β-GLUCURONIDASE*

METHODS for the estimation of metabolites of the adrenocortical steroids thus far published have given only partially satisfactory estimates of adrenocortical function. A method has been developed which gives reproducible determinations of 17,21-dihydroxy-20-ketones and 17-ketosteroids present in urine, either in the free form or conjugated as glucuronides. The acid hydrolysis of urinary adrenal steroid metabolites has been accomplished with varying degrees of success by a number of investigators (1–4), but there is considerable evidence suggesting loss or alteration of steroids during the hydrolytic process (5, 6). It has been shown that a large part of the adrenocortical steroids in urine are conjugated as glucuronides (7–10). In the present method hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase was employed and consistent levels of adrenocortical steroid metabolites were found after chromatography on a Florisil column.
Pyruvate carboxylase is involved in metabolism of mimosine by Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145

The objective of this study was to determine the role of midK, which encodes a protein similar to pyruvate carboxylase, in mimosine degradation by Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145. The midK gene is located downstream of midR in the cluster of genes for mimosine degradation in Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145. The midK mutants of TAL1145 degraded mimosine slower than the wild-type. These mutants could utilize pyruvate as a source of carbon, indicating that there is another pyruvate carboxylase (pyc) gene in TAL1145. Two classes of clones were isolated from the library of TAL1145 by complementing a pyc mutant of Rhizobium etli, one class contained midK, while the other carried pyc. Both midK and pyc of TAL1145 complemented the midK mutant for mimosine degradation, and also the R. etli pyc mutant for pyruvate utilization. The midK-encoded pyruvate carboxylase was required for an efficient conversion of mimosine into 3-hydroxy-4-pyridone (HP).
Synthesis, structural characterization, and properties of polyurethane elastomers containing various degrees of unsaturation in the chain extenders

We prepared polyurethane block copolymers with both 50 and 70% soft segment concentrations, using 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate–poly(propylene glycol) prepolymer and 1,4-butanediol, cis-2-butene-1,4-diol, and 2-butyne-1,4-diol as chain extenders. The effects of the different chain extenders were observed during synthesis and in the final products. A comparison of spectroscopic, mechanical, and thermal data reveals that polymer properties can be significantly altered by differences in chemical bonding within the chain extender backbone. Although all data support the expected differences in phase morphology between the two series of samples, they also suggest that increasing chain extender unsaturation reduced reactivity with isocyanate, adversely affected hydrogen bonding, lowered the degree of crystallinity of the hard segments, and decreased phase separation. The tensile strength, elongation, modulus, and elastic recovery decreased and the electrical conductivity of iodine-doped samples increased with increasing chain extender unsaturation. The thermal stability of the urethane group was also lower in samples with increased unsaturation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1316–1333, 2002
Intellectually gifted and nongifted children’s inference from partial knowledge

The present study explored the notion that children of different intellectual abilities vary in their metajudgment when they have partial knowledge. Gifted and average childen rated the likelihood that a protagonist who had knowledge or lack of knowledge about a category of items would remember a particular item of high or low salience. The protagonist was further portrayed as an expert or novice who had previously remembered a large or small set of items. The results show that average children are more likely than gifted children to rate the lack-of-knowledge protagonist as remembering an item. This was especially true when the protagonist was portrayed as an expert who previously had remembered a large number set, and the item to be remembered was highly salient. In contrast, gifted children are less sensitive than average children to the extremity factors of expertise, large set size, and high item salience.
Effects of optical layer impairments on 2.5 Gb/s optical CDMA transmission.

We conducted a computer simulation study to assess the effects of optical layer impairments on optical CDMA (O-CDMA) transmission of 8 asynchronous users at 2.5 Gb/s each user over a 214-km link. It was found that with group velocity dispersion compensation, two other residual effects, namely, the nonzero chromatic dispersion slope of the single mode fiber (which causes skew) and the non-uniform EDFA gain (which causes interference power level to exceed signal power level of some codes) degrade the signal to multi-access interference (MAI) ratio. In contrast, four wave mixing and modulation due to the Kerr and Raman contributions to the fiber nonlinear refractive index are less important. Current wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technologies, including dispersion management, EDFA gain flattening, and 3rd order dispersion compensation, are sufficient to overcome the impairments to the O-CDMA transmission system that we considered.
Binding of metal ions to apoalkaline phosphatase from E. coli: effect of ionic radius.

Abstract Binding of metal ions to E. Coli apoalkaline phosphatase causes 1) chromophoric changes in tyrosine absorption, 2) changes in enzymatic activity and 3) the release of protons from the enzyme. Investigation of these effects for a selection of metal ions from the Group 11A, Group 11B and transition series revealed that only those ions having crystal ionic radii in the range of 0.72 – 0.99A are able to produce changes in these three properties. The hydrated ionic radii, which are in the range of 4.0 – 4.5A for the ions examined do not correlate well with the ability of the ion to affect the three properties studied here. The size requirement therefore would seem not to apply to the initial binding step which undoubtedly involves the hydrated ion. Rather, the size requirement reflects the size range of a binding site generated by the folding of the protein around the metal ion with concomitant displacement of water molecules from the coordination sphere of the metal.
Linking Electronic Health Record-Extracted Psychosocial Data in Real-Time to Risk of Readmission for Heart Failure

Background Knowledge of psychosocial characteristics that helps to identify patients at increased risk for readmission for heart failure (HF) may facilitate timely and targeted care. Objective We hypothesized that certain psychosocial characteristics extracted from the electronic health record (EHR) would be associated with an increased risk for hospital readmission within the next 30 days. Methods We identified 15 psychosocial predictors of readmission. Eleven of these were extracted from the EHR (six from structured data sources and five from unstructured clinical notes). We then analyzed their association with the likelihood of hospital readmission within the next 30 days among 729 patients admitted for HF. Finally, we developed a multivariable predictive model to recognize individuals at high risk for readmission. Results We found five characteristics—dementia, depression, adherence, declining/refusal of services, and missed clinical appointments—that were associated with an increased risk for hospital readmission: the first four features were captured from unstructured clinical notes, while the last item was captured from a structured data source. Conclusions Unstructured clinical notes contain important knowledge on the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and an increased risk of readmission for HF that would otherwise have been missed if only structured data were considered. Gathering this EHR-based knowledge can be automated, thus enabling timely and targeted care.
Strategies for bit allocation reuse in audio transcoding

We study the reuse of the bit allocation information in audio transcoding by exploiting the similarity in subband audio coding schemes. We show that important information can be deduced to reduce the encoder complexity even if the two coders employ different psychoacoustic model. We give a case study on MPEG AAC/Dolby AC-3 transcoding. The proposed algorithms can be extended to other audio transcoding schemes.
Wiki Use in the 21st Century Literacy Classroom: A Framework for Evaluation

In today’s Web 2.0 world, teachers are perpetually struggling with how to incorporate technology into the classroom effectively in order to meet the diverse literacy needs of 21st-century learners. Utilizing the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE, 2008) Position Statement addressing these needs, the theoretical framework of Lankshear and Knobel (2006), and work by Cummins, Brown, and Sayers (2007) emphasizing the possibilities of technology in achieving literacy goals, a framework by which to assess the incorporation of technologies in classrooms as a means to build students’ new literacies was created. Finally, as a specific example, the framework was applied to the use of wikis to illustrate the literacy learning potential of both wikis and other new technologies.