cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presynaptic Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are associated with abnormal neuronal aggregation of α-synuclein. However, the mechanisms of aggregation and their relationship to disease are poorly understood. We developed an in vivo multiphoton imaging paradigm to study α-synuclein aggregation in mouse cortex with subcellular resolution. We used a green fluorescent protein-tagged human α-synuclein mouse line that has moderate overexpression levels mimicking human disease. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of labeled protein demonstrated that somatic α-synuclein existed primarily in an unbound, soluble pool. In contrast, α-synuclein in presynaptic terminals was in at least three different pools: (1) as unbound, soluble protein; (2) bound to presynaptic vesicles; and (3) as microaggregates. Serial imaging of microaggregates over 1 week demonstrated a heterogeneous population with differing α-synuclein exchange rates. The microaggregate species were resistant to proteinase K, phosphorylated at serine-129, oxidized, and associated with a decrease in the presynaptic vesicle protein synapsin and glutamate immunogold labeling. Multiphoton FRAP provided the specific binding constants for α-synuclein's binding to synaptic vesicles and its effective diffusion coefficient in the soma and axon, setting the stage for future studies targeting synuclein modifications and their effects. Our in vivo results suggest that, under moderate overexpression conditions, α-synuclein aggregates are selectively found in presynaptic terminals.
Relation of internal rotational isomerism barriers to the flow activation energy of entangled polymer melts in the high‐temperature Arrhenius region

Correlation obtenue en utilisant le modele de couplage: cas du polyethylene et du polybutadiene hydrogene
Structural Genomics: Foundation for the Future of Biology?

INTRODUCTION. Structural genomics is the large-scale determination of protein structures. Along with DNA sequencing and functional genomics, structural genomics promises to provide a foundation for developing a fuller understanding of biology. In the short term, structural genomics is likely to be an effective means of obtaining structural information on proteins of high medical, biological, or biophysical interest, including proteins from pathogens or those involved in human disease. M. tuberculosis causes TB, a disease that continues to result in over 3 million deaths per year worldwide. Although anti-TB drugs exist, multidrug-resistant strains are becoming increasingly common and the long course of drug therapy discourages proper treatment. Structural genomics provides a promising approach to drug development against this important pathogen. METHOD. The TB Structural Genomics Consortium was formed to target and determine structures of proteins from M. tuberculosis on a genomic scale. The Consortium is international in scope and has over 230 members around the world and includes crystallographers, biochemists, geneticists, and TB biologists. The Consortium has targeted over 1000 of the 4000 TB genes and is in the process of carrying out structure determination on those that are amenable to rapid expression, purification, and crystallization or NMR spectroscopy. Those proteins that are more difficult to work with are to be engineered to increase their solubility and expression. The Consortium has policies encouraging collaboration and sharing of data among its members and with the scientific community. The public web site of the Consortium can be viewed at http://www.doe-mbi.ucla.edu/TB. RESULTS. The TB Structural Genomics Consortium has developed technologies for engineering proteins to increase their solubility and for automated structure solution and is applying them to structure determination of TB proteins. The Consortium has a centralized database that is accessible to the public and which shows the targeting and status of structure determinations of proteins from TB. The TB Structural Genomics Consortium welcomes collaborations between its members and any TB biologists interested in structural information. The consortium approach to large-scale structure determination has been effective during the first year of the TB Structural Genomics Consortium, with the structures of 22 proteins from M. tuberculosis determined so far by Consortium members.
PPG, APG, duplex: which noninvasive tests are most appropriate for the management of patients with chronic venous insufficiency?

Numerous noninvasive tests have been described for assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These tests include venous duplex ultrasound examination in the supine and standing positions, photoplethysmography (PPG), and air plethysmography (APG). The goal of these studies is to provide accurate information describing the anatomic or the hemodynamic characteristics of the patient with CVI, precluding the need for invasive studies. These tests will be reviewed including the typical information obtained, the usefulness of this information, and the relevance for clinical management of patients with CVI. Based on the clinical class, recommendations for a noninvasive testing protocol are outlined.
Current status of and threats to some parrots of the Lesser Antilles

Abstract Four species of parrots of the genus Amazona persist in the Lesser Antillean Islands of St Lucia, St Vincent, and Dominica. The universal threat of habitat destruction, particularly severe on small islands, jeopardizes the continued existence of these species. If adequate habitat can be preserved and hunting restricted or eliminated, it is likely that these parrots will survive. The imperial parrot, although the least numerous of all, seems likely to endure as the mountain forests of Dominica are at least temporarily secure. On St Vincent the wild population of Amazona parrots is probably substantial and habitat destruction is proceeding relatively slowly; yet at least two hotels are keeping these and other parrots in captivity—in numbers exceeding a dozen in one case. Proprietors may become interested in selling these birds to foreign zoos or dealers, and the capture of birds for a commercial market will be a threat to the wild populations. The hazards of this practice and possible alternatives are discussed.
The dramatic change in the epidemiology of pediatric epiglottitis.

Objective:To review the epidemiology of epiglottitis in a large children's hospital from 1995-2003 and to compare the findings with a previous report published 27 years previously from the same hospital.Methods:Chart review.Results:Two cases identified. Both children were 18 years old. Group F and g
Improving Outcomes in Congestive Heart Failure: Val-HeFT

The aims of the treatment of heart failure are to improve the quality of life and slow the progression of cardiac disease. Improvement of quality of life is best assessed by questionnaire; progression of the disease is assessed by measuring mortality and morbidity. The agenda for the future is to establish intermediate markers for progression of cardiac disease that can be substituted for morbidity and mortality, and thus improve the efficiency and shorten the follow-up of clinical trials. At present, polypharmacy is required to achieve optimal improvements in quality and duration of life. Furthermore, some drugs may favorably affect one end point and adversely affect the other; for example, beta-blockers may exert adverse short-term effects on quality of life but may slow progression of the disease. Certain inotropic drugs may reduce symptoms but shorten life expectancy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have exerted favorable effects on both quality of life and mortality, but the magnitude of these benefits has been disappointingly small. Persistent angiotensin-induced vasoconstriction and endocrine effects, despite ACE inhibition, is one possible explanation. The Valsartan in Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT) has been designed to test the efficacy and safety of the AT(1) receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan in combination with ACE inhibitors and all other prescribed therapies in patients with heart failure. The study is powered to detect a mortality benefit and should therefore establish the role of ARBs in this patient group. When this trial and other ongoing studies are completed, we will be more able to define the role of ARBs in the treatment of heart failure.
Variation in risk for falls by clinical department: implications for prevention.

To examine rates of falls and injuries by clinical department, a retrospective analysis was performed of 874 inpatient falls during a one-year period in a 1,000-bed acute-care hospital. Incident reports were reviewed, and for those patients injured, medical records were abstracted. Fall rates were calculated by age, sex and service using total patient days as the denominator. During 1983, 874 falls occurred during 282,713 adult patient days (31/10(4) days). Fall rates were significantly higher (odds ratio = 2.12; 95% confidence interval CI.: 1.84, 2.45) in the neuroscience and psychiatry departments (53/10(4) days) compared with other adult services combined (25/10(4) days); this difference persisted after direct adjustment for age. Differences by clinical department persisted throughout four additional years of surveillance, although fall rates for the oncology service increased. Injuries following falls occurred among 200 (22.8%) patients. These data indicate that falls are not random events, and that falls and injury prevention programs can be more appropriately focused by consideration of clinical department. Language: en
Milatuzumab: a promising new agent for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies

Background: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma are often incurable and respond to a limited set of treatment options. The selective expression of CD74, the invariant chain of the MHC class II molecule, in these malignancies provides an attractive target for antibody-based therapy. Objective: This review evaluates the preclinical data for milatuzumab, a humanized antibody targeting CD74, as a treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out using PubMed. Current Phase I protocols using milatuzumab are summarized. Results/conclusion: Milatuzumab is cytotoxic to lymphoma and multiple myeloma cell lines and mouse–human xenografts. The efficacy dramatically increases when milatuzumab is attached to a toxin or a radioactive agent. Phase I trials of milatuzumab are now underway in human subjects with lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Ecology of a population of Lissocrangon stylirostris (Caridea: Crangonidae), with notes on the occurrence and biology of its parasite, Argeia pugettensis (Isopoda: Bopyridae)

Abstract The smooth bay shrimp, Lissocrangon stylirostris, was sampled using a beach seine and a hyperbenthic sledge in the summer of 2006 at a dissipative sandy beach in southern Oregon. We investigated possible variations in the population structure due to environmental variables, preferred prey, sexual system employed, impacts due to parasitism by the bopyrid isopod Argeia pugettensis, and possible predators. The population was 63% female, and females were generally larger than males. The density of L. stylirostris varied significantly with the time of day. A cohort of small shrimp was observed from July to September while large adult shrimps were rare during the same months. The net effect was that shrimp densities were stable over the summer. The shrimps fed mostly at night on the mysid Archaeomysis grebnitzkii. The differences in female to male ratio, the larger size of females relative to males, and the relatively little overlap in size frequency distribution between males and females could be beca...
Draft Genome Sequence of Gephyronic Acid Producer Cystobacter violaceus Strain Cb vi76

ABSTRACT A draft genome sequence of Cystobacter violaceus strain Cb vi76, which produces the eukaryotic protein synthesis inhibitor gephyronic acid, has been obtained. The genome contains numerous predicted secondary metabolite clusters, including the gephyronic acid biosynthetic pathway. This genome will contribute to the investigation of secondary metabolism in other Cystobacter strains.
Low noise broadband modulated preamplifiers for a variety of transducers

Abstract Often, increases in signal-to-noise ratio and basic sensitivity are gained by the use of carrier modulation. Further advantage can be taken of this process by the use of varactors. These are suitably biased solid-state diodes and transistors, usually used to provide capacitance reactances. Their capacitance is changed by applying a voltage. The change in capacitance available by applying to their terminals the electrical output of a transducer—such as many of the sensors for light, heat, sound, mechanical stress and deformation—can be used in suitable modulating circuits. The magnitudes of reactance available from varactors fall conveniently into the range of values suitable for the carrier frequencies now accessible by means of another stable, mass produced solid-state device, the crystal clock oscillator. In general, the complexity of the carrier circuit to be chosen depends upon the sensitivity and noise floor requirements. This paper describes circuits for applying the modulation process, and discusses the hierarchy of choices for the methods used. The authors have built circuits with an input noise level equivalent to 0·3 μV for signals over the entire audiofrequency range, having a gain in excess of 50 dB.
OVERREPORTING AND UNDERREPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE: TEACHERS USE OF PROFESSIONAL DISCRETION

OBJECTIVE: According to mandatory reporting laws for professionals, the relationship between initial recognition that a child may have been abused and the subsequent reporting of that suspected case of child abuse to the responsible agency would, at first glance, appear to be clear. However, this relationship has developed into one of the major social policy controversies of the recent past. Our major goal is to present research findings that address this social policy debate concerning the problems of underreporting and overreporting, focusing specifically on teachers. METHOD: A factorial survey design, that combines the advantages of the factorial experiment with those of surveys, was employed in a probability sample of teachers (N=480) who responded to vignettes in which case characteristics were systematically manipulated. Teachers responded with judgments about whether the vignette was child abuse and the likelihood that they would report this suspected case. Characteristics of the teachers and their work setting (school) were also measured. RESULTS: When comparing the teachers' recognition and reporting scores, we found that they gave the same score for 63% of the vignettes they judged, gave higher reporting than recognition scores (overreporting) for 4% of the vignettes, and gave higher recognition than reporting scores (underreporting) for 33% of the vignettes. Discrepancies between recognition and reporting (over and under reporting) were related to characteristics of the case, teacher, and school where the teacher was employed. CONCLUSIONS: Teachers in our Ohio sample evidence the use of professional discretion in making judgments about the recognition and reporting of child abuse and do not appear to make these judgments with equal certainty. Their use of discretion is more likely to result in underreporting than overreporting. Language: en
Magnetic Properties of the Gd-La and Gd-Y Alloys

Magnetic properties of Gd-La and Gd-Y alloys are presented. For alloys of high Gd content, paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transitions are observed with decreasing temperature. As the Gd content is decreased, ferromagnetic ordering is replaced by antiferromagnetic ordering. In the Gd-La alloys, a crystal structure change affects the magnetic properties.
Dispersion games: general definitions and some specific learning results

Dispersion games are the generalization of the anticoordination game to arbitrary numbers of agents and actions. In these games agents prefer outcomes in which the agents are maximally dispersed over the set of possible actions. This class of games models a large number of natural problems, including load balancing in computer science, niche selection in economics, and division of roles within a team in robotics. Our work consists of two main contributions. First, we formally define and characterize some interesting classes of dispersion games. Second, we present several learning strategies that agents can use in these games, including traditional learning rules from game theory and artificial intelligence, as well as some special purpose strategies. We then evaluate analytically and empirically the performance of each of these strategies.
The use of DNA:DNA colony hybridization in the rapid isolation of 4-chlorobiphenyl degradative bacterial phenotypes

Abstract DNA:DNA colony hybridization techniques were used to select isolates from freshwater sediment samples that contain genes homologous to plasmid pSS50, coding for 4-chlorobiphenyl biodegradation. A high degree of resolution was achieved in which target organisms representing 0.3% of the total population were discerned. Initially, eight positive cultures were obtained, these were found to exist as consortia populations. Pure cultures, from the consortia, were then isolated and screened for 4-chlorobiphenyl degradative genes by DNA:DNA colony hybridization. Each strain demonstrating positive hybridization was subsequently shown to biodegrade 4-chlorobiphenyl to 4-chlorobenzoate. Following phenotypic characterization of the pure cultures it was found that three different organisms were repeatedly isolated from the various consortia populations. Field sampling to isolation of positive strains was accomplished within one week and completely avoided primary enrichment cultivation.
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF SPIN--PHONON RELAXATION TIME IN HOLMIUM.

Abstract A phenomenological calculation is given for the temperature dependence of the spin-phonon relaxation time in the spin-spiral phase of the heavy rare earth metals. It is found that, for a single crystal of holmium, the relaxation time decreases as T −3 when the temperature is increased.
HAP/UHMWPE-Coated Titanium Preparation of Biological Materials

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is known as a kind of bioactive and biocompatible material, HAP coatings are used to improve the biocompatibility of substrate by some researchers. In this paper, homogenous precipitation of hydroxyapatite was formed in the system of CaNa2EDTA -(NH4)2HPO4-NH4OH-H2O, and HAP powder was obtained after calcinations at 800 and grinding. Add HAP in UHMWPE o-xylene solution to get dipping solution and prepare HAP/UHMWPE-coated titanium by dipping coating process. Scratch test demonstrated that Ti-HAP/UHMWPE material started to shine metallic luster under 1.03 N, and adhesive strength is 32MPa. UHMWPE not only simplified the process of preparing HAP-coated material, but also enhanced the adhesive strength, which shows great potential in biomedical areas.
A computational study of tetrahedrene: strained alkene or dicarbene?

A computational study of tetrahedrene at the RCCD/cc-pVDZ level led to a singlet-state structure with a lowest energy vibrational mode of 660 cm-1. The corresponding triplet state was found to be ca. 37 kcal/mol lower in energy than the singlet state. The heat of formation of the singlet state was estimated to be 270 kcal/mol. An isomeric singlet bicyclic dicarbene bis-bicyclo[1.1.0]cyclobutylidene was found to be ∼94 kcal/mol lower in energy than tetrahedrene.
Enhanced detection of circulating melanoma cells using gold nanoparticles as photoacoustic contrasting agents

Nanotechnology and the various properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are quickly changing the field of cancer detection and treatment. Photoacoustic detection methods show an increase in sensitivity using gold nanoparticle antibody conjugation, which selectively targets melanoma cancer cells. Instead of targeting melanoma tumors, we tag single cells, analogous to circulating metastatic melanoma cells. Using an in vitro, stationary cell system and planar samples, we demonstrate an average of 24% improved optical detectability of melanoma cells tagged with AuNPs over unprocessed melanoma cells. Tagged cells showed a raised plateau of absorbance from 470nm to 550nm. Untagged cells showed a general decline in absorption as wavelength increased. The results of our study have the potential to not only better develop photoacoustic detection of melanoma, but also extend the viability and use of photoacoustics into detection of otherwise unpigmented cancers.
miR-141 modulates androgen receptor transcriptional activity in human prostate cancer cells through targeting the small heterodimer partner protein

BACKGROUND Aberrant expressions of microRNAs, including upregulation of miR-141, are closely associated with the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). The orphan receptor small heterodimer partner (Shp) is a co-repressor to androgen receptor (AR) and represses AR-regulated transcriptional activity. METHODS Here, we investigated the correlation of Shp expression with the cellular level of miR-141 and its effects on AR transcriptional activity in non-malignant and malignant human prostate epithelial cell lines. RESULTS We found that Shp was downregulated in multiple PCa cell lines. The mature form of miR-141 was upregulated in PCa cells. miR-141 could target 3′-untranslated region of Shp mRNA resulting in translational suppression and RNA degradation. Moreover, enforced expression of Shp or inhibition of miR-141 function by anti-miR-141 attenuated AR-regulated transcriptional activity in AR-responsive LNCaP cells. Phenethyl isothiocyanate, a natural constituent of many edible cruciferous vegetables, increased Shp expression, downregulated miR-141, and inhibited AR transcriptional activity in LNCaP cells. CONCLUSIONS Shp is a target for miR-141 and it is downregulated in cultured human PCa cells with the involvement of upregulation of miR-141, which promotes AR transcriptional activity. Moreover, Shp and miR-141 could be targets for chemoprevention for PCa. Prostate 72:1514–1522, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Several new numerical methods for compressible shear-layer simulations

An investigation is conducted of several numerical schemes for use in the computation of two-dimensional, spatially evolving, laminar, variable-density compressible shear layers. Schemes with various temporal accuracies and arbitrary spatial accuracy for both inviscid and viscous terms are presented and analyzed. All integration schemes make use of explicit or compact finite-difference derivative operators. Three classes of schemes are considered: an extension of MacCormack's original second-order temporally accurate method,a new third-order temporally accurate variant of the coupled space–time schemes proposed by Rusanov and by Kutler et al. (RKLW), and third- and fourth-order Runge–Kutta schemes. The RKLW scheme offers the simplicity and robustness of the MacCormack schemes and gives the stability domain and the nonlinear third-order temporal accuracy of the Runge–Kutta method. In each of the schemes, stability and formal accuracy are considered for the interior operators on the convection–diffusion equation Ut+aUx=avUxx, for which a and αv are constant. Both spatial and temporal accuracies are verified on the equation Ut=[b(x)Ux]x, as well as on Ut+Fx=0. Numerical boundary treat ments of various orders of accuracy are chosen and evaluated for asymptotic stability. Formally accurate boundary conditions are derived for explicit sixth-order, pentadiagonal sixth-order, and explicit, tridiagonal, and pentadiagonal eighth-order central-difference operators when used in conjunction with Runge–Kutta integrators. Damping of high wavenumber, nonphysical information is accomplished for all schemes with the use of explicit filters, derived up to sixth order on the boundaries and twelfth order in the interior. Several schemes are used to compute variable-density compressible shear layers, where regions of large gradients of flowfield variables arise near and away from the shear-layer centerline. Results indicate that in the present simulations, the effects of differences in temporal and spatial accuracy between the schemes were less important than the filtering effects. Extended MacCormack schemes were very robust, but were inefficient because of restrictive CFL limits. The third-order temporally accurate RKLW schemes were less dissipative, but had shorter run times. Runge–Kutta integrators did not possess sufficient dissipation to be useful candidates for the computation of variable-density compressible shear layers at the levels of resolution used in the current work.
Improved Estimators in Nonparametric Regression Problems

Abstract Linear estimators of multivariate means are considered. Generalizations of some well-known theorems about admissibility of linear estimators are given. The results then are applied to show that commonly used kernel-type estimators in nonparametric regression problems can be constructively improved in a simple way. An asymptotic result is described that gives a quantitative measure of the maximum improvement to be gained in certain situations. A theoretical bound shows that gains are achievable in the relative risk of up to 58.6% (rectangular kernel) or 29.2% (Epanechnikov kernel). Some examples of smaller sample size are also investigated, and these show relative risk gains ranging up to 18% in realistic settings.
Teaching NMR Using Online Textbooks

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has almost become an essential analytical tool for the chemist. High-resolution one- and multi-dimensional NMR, timedomain NMR, and NMR microscopy are but a few of the NMR techniques at a chemist's disposal to determine chemical structure and dynamics. Consequently, even small chemistry departments are finding it necessary to provide students with NMR training and experience in at least some of these techniques. The hands-on experience is readily provided with access to state-of-the-art commercial spectrometers. Instruction in the principles of NMR is more difficult to achieve as most instructors try to teach NMR using single organic or analytical chemistry book chapters with static figures. This paper describes an online textbook on NMR spectroscopy called The Basics of NMR (http://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/nmr/) suitable for use in teaching the principles of NMR spectroscopy. The book utilizes hypertext and animations to present the principles of NMR spectroscopy. The book can be used as a textbook associated with a lecture or as a stand-alone teaching tool. Conference participants are encouraged to review the textbook and evaluate its suitability for us in teaching NMR spectroscopy to undergraduate chemistry majors.
Has the role of calcium channel blockers in treating hypertension finally been defined

Several large, prospective, randomized, clinical outcome trials have shown that calcium channel blockers are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs compared with placebo and reduce the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of treated patients. In other studies, when compared with conventional antihypertensive drugs, they demonstrated similar blood pressure-lowering effects and similar reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with the exception of a higher incidence of heart failure and fatal myocardial infarction in some studies. However, considering all the evidence available today, these drugs should be considered safe for the treatment of the uncomplicated hypertensive patient in combination with other drugs. They can also be used as first-line therapy for older, strokeprone hypertensive patients. In addition, when a calcium channel blocker is indicated for better blood pressure control, its use should not be withheld for safety concerns.
Host Preferences of Trichogramma pretiosum and the Influence of Prior Ovipositional Experience on the Parasitism of Plutella xylostella and Pseudoplusia includens Eggs

Trichogramma wasps are generalist egg parasitoids used in biological control efforts. In a multi host situation they may preferentially parasitize a non-target host species to the detriment of the control program. Plutella xylostella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a very serious pest of cabbage, but is only one in a number of species in the ‘cabbageworm’ complex. We investigated the host preferences of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) when offered the eggs of Plutella xylostella and the eggs of Pseudoplusia includens Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), another species in the ‘cabbageworm’ complex. Trichogramma pretiosum reared on the eggs of the factitious host Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) parasitized both Plutella xylostella and Pseudoplusia includens eggs under laboratory conditions. For both choice and no-choice experiments, T. pretiosum parasitized significantly more P. xylostella eggs than P. includens eggs. Prior ovipositional experience with one or other of the two host species had no effect on the subsequent parasitism levels of the two host species. The preference for P. xylostella eggs was also not affected by this prior ovipositional experience.
Tyrosine fluorescence as a measure of denaturation in thermolysin.

Abstract The heat and guanidine hydrochloride denaturation of thermolysin has been followed by fluorescence techniques. The native enzyme has a single emission peak which is decreased in intensity and which splits into two clearly resolved peaks upon denaturation. These data are interpreted to indicate that energy transfer from tyrosine to tryptophan occurs in the native enzyme which is lost upon denaturation. Even though zinc is fully bound to thermolysin at 90°C or in the presence of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride, removal of zinc from the denatured enzyme has no effect on the emission spectrum. Removal of Ca2+ from the denatured enzyme also is without effect on the emission spectrum of the denatured enzyme. These data indicate that even though the metal ions are bound to the denatured protein, they provide little structural integrity to the protein as measured by energy transfer between tyrosine and tryptophan.
BehaviorSim: towards an educational tool for behavior-based agent

A major paradigm of modeling the decision making of autonomous agents is through behavior-based network models. The network consists of distributed behaviors that compete (or cooperate) according to certain relations for governing the agent's behavior in a dynamic environment. This paper presents an effort to develop BehaviorSim that is an educational tool oriented to beginners and/or non-computer scientists to allow them to learn and play with the behavior-based paradigm without involving complex programming skills. The system design of BehaviorSim is presented, followed by a description of its major functions. An illustrative example of a crayfish agent is provided to demonstrate the functionality of this environment.
Kinetics of the hydrolysis of guanosine 5'-phospho-2-methylimidazolide.

We have studied the hydrolysis of guanosine 5′-phospho-2-methylimidazolide, 2-MeImpG, in aqueous buffered solutions of various pH's at 75°C and 37°C. At 75°C and pH≤1.0, two kinetic processes were observed spectrophotometrically: the first and more rapid one is attributed to the hydrolysis of the phosphoimidazolide P-N bond; the second and much slower one, to the cleavage of the glycosidic bond. At 37°C, pH 2.0, the spectrophotometrically determined rate constant of P–N bond hydrolysis was confirmed by using high pressure liquid chromatography, HPLC. With the latter technique it was possible to separate reactants and products and also to extend the pH-rate profile into the neutral region where rates are slower and, therefore, difficult to measure spectrophotometrically. The pH-rate profiles at both temperatures exhibit similar behavior. At pH 7. These data are consistent with a reactivity order zwitterion>anion for P–N bond hydrolysis. It is noteworthy that P–N bond hydrolysis in phosphoimidazolides is very slow compared to other phosphoramidates. This may be one of the reasons why this compound showed extraordinary ability in forming long oligomers under template-directed conditions.
The Consequences of Divorce for Adults and Children: An Update

The divorce rate has increased in the United States and most European countries since the 1960s. Public and scientific concern about the consequences of divorce for adults and children has generated a large research literature. Most studies find that divorced adults experience more mental and physical health problems than do married adults. Similarly, most studies find that children with divorced parents experience more mental and physical health problems than do children with continuously married parents. Available research suggests that these associations are partly spurious (due to selection effects) and partly due to the stress associated with marital disruption. People's reactions to divorce are highly variable, with the speed and degree of adjustment depending on a variety of resources and post-divorce circumstances. In the United States, several types of court- and community-based programs appear to facilitate parents' and children's adjustment to divorce.
MECHANICAL COMPLICATIONS OF ROBOTIC MITRAL VALVE REPAIR: VIRTUOUS INTENTIONS, MALIGN CONSEQUENCES?

The use of robotic valve surgery for mitral valve repair is steadily increasing. The complication rate is 1-2% in experienced centers, and much higher in less experienced centers. 73 year old Caucasian woman with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and severe mitral regurgitation underwent, what
Evaluation of equivalent spheres for use in modeling nonspherical aerosol modulation transfer functions

This paper evaluates equivalent sphere approaches for modeling nonspherical aerosols in MTFs calculations. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to calculate the image of point source in a scattering medium. The MTF is then found using a 2-D FFT on the resulting image (power distribution). The aerosol phase functions are computed using Mie theory for spherical particles and the Method of Extended Boundary Conditions for nonspherical particles. Spheres with radii determined by the nonspherical aerosol volume, surface area, orientation averaged radius, semi-minor axis length, and semi-major axis length are considered. Sample MTF results are presented for a 2:1 axial ratio prolate spheroid at a wavelength of 9.2 micrometers .
The Impact of Interstate Banking Legislation on Target and Buyer Bank Stock Returns

There has been a loosening of the regulation governing the market for corporate control in the banking industry. Nearly every state in the U.S. has passed some form of interstate banking legislation that allows out‐of‐state banks to acquire local banks. Previous research has shown that the market reaction to this state legislation is both positive and significant for affected bank stocks. What is not clear from prior research is whether all banks are positively affected by the legislation or just banks that are likely acquisition targets. This study measures the impact on both subsequent buyer and target banks. Results indicate that the reaction is a general effect reflecting positive expectations for the industry. The buyer group sustains a significant five percent increase during the event window and the target group increase is over seven percent. The higher return for the target group may reflect an additional acquisition premium. However, the difference between the two groups is not significant. Tests utilizing market value as a proxy for acquisition attractiveness demonstrate that size does not impact the results.
Male mating experience and competitive courtship success in Drosophila melanogaster

MULTIPLE copulations by Drosophila melanogaster males reduce their fertility1, even though these males will continue to court and mate after four or five successive matings. This sterility involves depletion of the accessory glands and not of sperm supply2 and is only temporary, for when these males are mated 2 or 3 h after the onset of sterility, they once again transfer sperm. A female Drosophila would maximise her reproductive fitness by mating with a male which transfers the most sperm; however, virgin females will copulate with temporarily sterile males when placed in a single-pair situation. Although female Drosophila are capable of discriminating mates on the basis of genotype differences3, it is not known whether they will selectively copulate with fertile males in competition with temporarily sterile males of the same strain. In the experiments reported here, we have examined the relative mating success of experienced males with temporarily reduced fertility and virgin males from the Canton-S strain of D. melanogaster. The data show that when a virgin female is placed with a virgin and an experienced male, she tends to mate with the virgin male. Examination of some possible factors for increased virgin male success, such as time until initiation of courtship, amount of time spent courting, and overall mating speed, showed that for the courtship parameters measured, virgin and experienced males are equal.
In-home palliative care increased patient satisfaction and reduced use and costs of medical services.

Source Citation Brumley R, Enguidanos S, Jamison P, et al. Increased satisfaction with care and lower costs: results of a randomized trial of in-home palliative care. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007;55:993-...
Technical note: using the San Francisco frameworks with visualage for Java

This technical note describes the advantages of using the VisualAgeTM for JavaTM (VAJ) integrated development environment when working with the IBM San FranciscoTM frameworks. It also discusses minimum system requirements, how to get started, and tips for using VAJ to exploit the frameworks. To fully utilize the material, the reader should be familiar with Java programming and with the basic concepts of integrated development environments.
Magnetic moment distribution in Fe0·8Cr0·2

Abstract The magnetic moment distribution in the disordered alloy Fe0·8Cr0·2 has been determined from single crystals by using polarized neutrons. As derived from the diffuse scattering cross sections, the localized moments on the iron and chromium atoms are 2·36±0·05 μB and −0·46±0·11 μB, respectively. Atomic clustering is present in this alloy, but the short-range magnetic correlations are small. The spin density in the alloy has been determined by measuring the polarization dependence of the Bragg reflections, and is very similar to that found in pure iron. A negative magnetization of −0·16±0·04 μB is found in the outer regions of the unit cell. When compared with pure chromium, the magnetic moment associated with the chromium atoms in the alloy is contracted spatially.
Technology and the constructivist learning environment: Implications for teaching information literacy skills

Abstract The appropriate use of technology affords opportunities to create information-rich environments and to change how people interact with information and with each other in those settings. This article discusses general issues related to technology-rich learning environments and the roles for technology in creating a community of learners, suggesting that instruction for information literacy “takes a virtual village.” This article also examines the crucial relationship between information literacy, discovery learning, and constructivist pedagogy, arguing that technology serves as a catalyst for qualitatively different teaching and learning processes and roles for educators.
Toxicological and Pharmacological Studies on Dihydrorotenone

Data are given on the acute and chronic toxicity of dihydrorotenone to rats. Single oral doses of 1.5 Gm./Kg. were nontoxic. Continued oral ingestion of dihydrorotenone by the drug diet method for approximately 400 days produced significant growth retardation of rats on diets containing 0.004 per cent (40 p.p.m.) or more. On diets containing 0.004 through 0.032 per cent (40 through 320 p.p.m.), a progressive loss of liver cell basophilia and dispersal of liver cell granules were observed. On the lower dietary levels (0.001 and 0.002 per cent; 10 and 20 p. p. m.), no significant histological changes were observed in the liver or other organs.
Civil Liberties in Wartime

I have a simple thesis: In time of war—or, more precisely, in time of national crisis—we respond too harshly in our restriction of civil liberties, and then later regret our behavior. To explore this thesis, I will briefly review our experience in 1798, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. I will then offer some observations.
A picture archiving and communications system featuring multiple monitors using Windows98.

We present an effective approach to manage, review, and distribute Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images with multiple monitors using Windows98 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA) that can be implemented in an office-based setting. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiographic DICOM images were collected, compressed, and stored using Medweb (Medweb, Inc, San Francisco, CA) software. The Medweb server used the Linux/UNIX operating system on a Pentium 333-MHz processor with 128 MB of RAM. Short-term storage capacity was about 2 weeks with routine usage of an 11-GB hard drive. Images were presented for reading on a dual-monitor Windows98 Pentium display station with 160 MB of RAM using a Medweb/Netscape (Netscape Communications Corp, Mountain View, CA) viewer. There was no significant discrepancy in diagnosis between electronic and conventional film images. Mean reading time for 32 cases was 118 seconds. The Medweb JAVA plug-in viewer loaded the first image within 30 seconds of selecting the case for review. Full uncompressed 16-bit images allowed different window setting to better assess for pathology. Multiple monitors allowed viewing various hanging protocols. Cine viewing was also possible. Key diagnostic images were electronically transmitted to referring physicians. On-call radiologists were able to access images through the Internet. By combining Medweb, DICOM, and web-browser software using desktop personal computers (PCs), an easily accessible picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is available to radiologists and referring physicians. Multiple monitors are easily configured and managed using Windows98. This system can sustain changes and can be extended to provide variable functions using inexpensive PCs.
Invasive fusariosis in patients with hematologic malignancies at a cancer center: 1998–2009

Summary Background Fusarium species cause severe infections in patients with hematologic malignancies. Few data are available concerning the outcome of fusariosis in the era of the expanding antifungal armamentarium. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with hematologic malignancy and positive cultures for Fusarium species at the MDACC (1998–2009). The diagnosis of proven or probable fusariosis was made according to modified EORTC/MSG criteria. Results Forty-four cases (75% proven) were identified over study period. Most (71%) patients had uncontrolled hematological malignancy and 21 patients (47%) received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (85% allogeneic). Most patients (82%) were neutropenic at diagnosis (75% 3 ). Patients had overlapping clinical syndromes: sinus 27%, pulmonary 75%, skin 68%, fungemia 36% and disseminated infection 70%. Bacterial (54%), fungal (36%) and viral (27%) co-infections were common. Most patients (84%) received combination therapy (typically a lipid formulation of amphotericin B and a triazole) with a mean duration of 28 days. Mortality at 12 weeks was 66%; 50% of deaths were attributable to Fusarium . Factors associated with increased likelihood of death at 12 weeks, included albumin P Fusarium spp (OR 15.9; 1.1–231; P = 0.042) was the only risk factor independently associated with 12-week mortality with only 1/17 (6%) of patients still alive at 12 weeks. Conclusions Fusariosis, although uncommon, continues to have poor prognosis in neutropenic leukemic patients who present with fungemia.
Caffeine modulates TNF-α production by cord blood monocytes: the role of adenosine receptors.

Caffeine, a nonspecific adenosine receptor (AR) antagonist is widely used to treat apnea of prematurity. Because adenosine modulates multiple biologic processes including inflammation, we hypothesized that AR blockade by caffeine would increase cytokine release from neonatal monocytes. Using cord blood monocytes (CBM), we investigated 1) the changes in AR mRNA profile by real time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (qRT-PCR) and protein expression (western blot) after in vitro culture, caffeine or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, and 2) the modulation of cytokine release and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) induced by caffeine and specific AR antagonists: DPCPX(A1R), ZM241385(A2aR), MRS1754(A2bR), and MRS1220(A3R). After 48 h in culture, A2aR and A2bR gene expression increased 1.9 (p = 0.04) and 2.5-fold (p = 0.003), respectively. A1R protein expression directly correlated with increasing LPS concentrations (p = 0.01), with minimal expression preexposure. Only caffeine (50 microM) and DPCPX (10 nM) decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release from LPS activated-CBM by 20 and 25% (p = 0.01) and TNF-alpha gene expression by 30 and 50%, respectively, in conjunction with a > or =2-fold increase in cAMP (p < 0.05). AR blockade did not modulate other measured cytokines. The induction of A1R after LPS exposure suggests an important role of this receptor in the control of inflammation in neonates. Our findings also suggest that caffeine, via A1R blockade, increases cAMP production and inhibits pretranscriptional TNF-alpha production by CBM.
Antecedents of perceived support: is perceived family environment generalized to new social relationships?

Cognitive models of social support hypothesize that relatively enduring expectancies about social support influence ongoing social information processing. Drawing from research that suggests that perceived support cognitions are generalized to novel social stimuli, we hypothesized that negative perceptions of the family environment would be generalized to perceptions of new social relations. Incoming freshmen who had moved away to college were assessed in the first week of their first semester on perceived family environment, psychological distress, and a variety of interpersonal person variables (i.e., social skills, agreeableness, and extraversion). Followup measures of perceived support at college were obtained at the end of their first semester. Controlling for social desirability, persons with negative perceptions of their family environments, higher distress, and lower levels of social competence, agreeableness, and extraversion developed lower levels of perceived support than their more fortunate counterparts. In addition, the relation between perceived family environment and developed perceived support did not appear to be mediated by psychological distress or the interpersonal person variables. Implications for understanding the processes by which perceived support is developed in new social settings were discussed.