cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological Responses of Chicken Gut Tissue to Coccidial Infection: Comparative Effects of Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria mitis on Mucosal Mass, Carotenoid Content, and Brush Border Enzyme Activity

Abstract Broiler chicks, 3 to 4 wk of age, were inoculated with either Eimeria acervulina or E. mitis, and mucosal dry weights, brush border enzyme activities, and carotenoid contents as well as plasma carotenoid levels were measured at 3, 5, and 7 days postinoculation (PI). At 5 and 7 days PI mucosal dry weights, brush border enzyme activities, and carotenoid contents were significantly decreased at primary sites of infection (duodenum, E. acervulina; lower small intestine, E. mitis). In contrast, at sites remote from infection, mucosal dry weights and brush border enzyme activities were significantly increased above control values. However, mucosal carotenoid contents were significantly decreased. Between 5 and 7 days PI mucosai renewal as signalled by increases in dry weight was accompanied by increases in brush border enzyme activities. However, mucosal carotenoid contents were further decreased. High correlations were found between plasma carotenoid levels and total mucosal carotenoids in control and coccidia-infected chicks, but not in 48-h-starved chicks. Infection with coccidia increased this correlation, and the increase with E. acervulina infection was significant. These data indicate that hyperplastic and renewing mucosal tissue is defective in absorbing carotenoids, and further, that there is no direct relationship between mucosal carotenoid content and brush border enzyme activities. Apparently carotenoids are not mobilized from body depots during the first week of coccidial infections as they are during 48-h starvation.
How multi-organ microdevices can help foster drug development.

Abstract Multi-organ microdevices can mimic tissue–tissue interactions that occur as a result of metabolite travel from one tissue to other tissues in vitro. These systems are capable of simulating human metabolism, including the conversion of a pro-drug to its effective metabolite as well as its subsequent therapeutic actions and toxic side effects. Since tissue–tissue interactions in the human body can play a significant role in determining the success of new pharmaceuticals, the development and use of multi-organ microdevices present an opportunity to improve the drug development process. The devices have the potential to predict potential toxic side effects with higher accuracy before a drug enters the expensive phase of clinical trials as well as to estimate efficacy and dose response. Multi-organ microdevices also have the potential to aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies by providing a platform for testing in the context of human metabolism (as opposed to animal models). Further, when operated with human biopsy samples, the devices could be a gateway for the development of individualized medicine. Here we review studies in which multi-organ microdevices have been developed and used in a ways that demonstrate how the devices' capabilities can present unique opportunities for the study of drug action. We will also discuss challenges that are inherent in the development of multi-organ microdevices. Among these are how to design the devices, and how to create devices that mimic the human metabolism with high authenticity. Since single organ devices are testing platforms for tissues that can later be combined with other tissues within multi-organ devices, we will also mention single organ devices where appropriate in the discussion.
Episodic accumulation and the origin of formation boundaries in the Helderberg Group of New York State

At any single locality in the Helderberg Group of New York State, most formation and member boundaries coincide with boundaries of punctuated aggradational cycles. In each case of coincidence, the boundary is a discontinuity that was produced by a rapid rise of relative base level, rather than a facies contact representing gradual migration of contiguous paleoenvironments. Apparently diachronous formation boundaries in the sequence are not single continuous surfaces; instead, each diachronous boundary is actually a stratigraphic series of isochronous surfaces that are separate punctuated aggradational cycles (PAC) boundaries produced by distinct geologically instantaneous base-level rises. These conclusions about the origin of formation boundaries suggest that the concept of the formation as a fundamental unit of stratigraphic description and interpretation may need revision if the stratigraphic record accumulated episodically on a small scale.
Cranioplasty: A review of 10 cases

Cranial defects can be the result of trauma or neoplasia. The need for repair of these defects has led to the development of many reconstructive techniques. Ten cases of cranial defects treated by various methods of cranioplasty are reported. Of the ten cases, four were treated by bone grafts, three by silastic plates, two by acrylic plates and one by a metal plate. The indications for and contra-indications to each technique are discussed.
Surprisingly Accurate Rational Approximations

(2002). Surprisingly Accurate Rational Approximations. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 75, No. 4, pp. 307-310.
Microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS): Interaction with ethanol, drugs and carcinogens☆

Several studies in our unit showed that in men, baboons, rats and deermice, blood ethanol clearance is significantly accelerated at ethanol concentrations higher than the levels needed to effectively saturate the low Km forms of ADH present in animals, thereby incriminating a high Km non-ADH system such as microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS). Furthermore, kinetics of blood ethanol clearance were consistent with the Km of MEOS. After chronic ethanol consumption, there was an increase in rates of ethanol elimination and in the activity of MEOS. There was an associated rise in microsomal cytochrome P-450, including a form (different from that of a non-ADH pathway of ethanol metabolism and its increase after chronic ethanol consumption was most conclusively shown in ADH-negative deermice. Microsomal induction was also associated with enhanced metabolism of other drugs, resulting in metabolic drug tolerance. In addition, there was increased activation of known hepatotoxic agents (such as CCl4 and acetaminophen) which may explain the enhanced susceptibility of alcoholics to the toxicity of solvents and commonly used drugs. There was enhanced activation of procarcinogens, sometimes at concentrations much lower than those required for other microsomal inducers. Moreover, catabolism of retinoic acid was accelerated possibly contributing to hepatic vitamin A depletion. In conclusion, after chronic ethanol consumption, enhanced MEOS activity and concomitant cytochrome P-450 changes may contribute to accelerated ethanol and drug metabolism and associated activation of hepatotoxic agents and carcinogens.
Hawks and baby chickens: cultivating the sources of indigenous science education

In this response to Hewson and Ogunniyi’s paper on indigenous knowledge (IK) and science teaching in South Africa, I seek to broaden the debate by setting the enterprise of integrating IK into science education in its cultural and socio-political context. I begin by exploring the multiple meanings of indigenous knowledge in Africa, next consider the sources available for accurately apprehending those different varieties of IK and then raise three issues of procedure that the Hewson and Ogunniyi approach seems largely to overlook: the varying meanings and styles of argumentation in African culture; the relevance of more participatory and discovery-based modes of inquiry to their topic; and the critical importance of grasping the socio-political terrain on which IK must operate. I conclude that, while their initiative opens valuable new paths of inquiry and practice, the proposed methodology would benefit from more solid grounding in discovery learning, African styles of debate and a clear mapping of stakes and stakeholders.
Medical care neglect

Abstract Discussed in sequence in this article are: the information which must pass from doctors to patients in the United States before a medical procedure is legally authorized, the necessity for comparable information to be provided to a judge who is being asked to order medical treatment for a child over objections by parents, the factors likely to influence a judge to order treatment over parental objections, and a process for deciding when the threshold for court intervention has been reached. While the general right of parents to be informed sufficiently and then to give consent for medical procedures, or to refuse to give consent, on behalf of their children is not in question, judges do override parental refusals to agree to care which is lifesaving or prevents severe impairment. An analysis of American law reveals that the factors likely to support court orders for treatment are: sufficient data has been provided for full, informed consent; a very severe prognosis exists if treatment is not provided, for example, death, retardation, paralysis, or blindness; delay is not a reasonable alternative: the medical procedure is not experimental and is likely to succeed; there are few contraindications; the quality of the child's life, given a successful intervention, will be at least of average “quality”; a child who is older consents to the procedure; and there is no strongly conflicting medical opinion. After a thorough discussion of medical factors with parents, court intervention should be considered if it is thought by those involved that no minimally reasonable parent would refuse to consent to treatment under the circumstances.
Effect of dietary menhaden oil and vitamin E on in vivo lipid peroxidation induced by iron.

Weanling rats were fed diets containing 10% menhaden oil (MO) or 10% corn oil-lard (1∶1, COL) with low (≤5 IU/kg) or supplementary (35 IU/kg) vitamin E for six weeks. The rats were killed 30 min after injection with 24 mg iron/kg as ferrous chloride because thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in liver homogenates were highest at 30 min after injection of iron into rats fed a standard diet. Tissue homogenates were used either without incubation (zero-time) or after incubation at 37°C for 1 hr. In addition to TBARS and conjugated dienes, headspace hexanal and total volatiles (TOV) determined by capillary gas chromatography were useful indices of lipid peroxidation since they were decreased by vitamin E supplementation and were increased with increasing iron dose. Regardless of the dietary lipid used, vitamin E supplementation decreased headspace hexanal, TOV, TBARS and conjugated dienes in both zero-time and incubated homogenates of liver and kidney. Dietary MO increased TBARS in both zero-time and incubated homogenates of tissue from rats injected with iron. In contrast, dietary MO decreased hexanal and TOV in incubated tissue homogenates. The study demonstrated the usefulness and limitations of using hexanal and TOV as indices of lipid peroxidation.
Effect of pentoxifylline on nitrogen balance and 3-methylhistidine excretion in parenterally fed endotoxemic rats.

Pentoxifylline interrupts early gene activation for tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 production and improves survival from experimental sepsis. These effects can alter nitrogen loss during critical illness. To determine the dose-dependent influence of pentoxifylline on nitrogen loss, 44 male Sprague-Dawley rats (220 to 265 g) were randomized to receive parenteral nutrition only (PN), PN plus continuous infusion of Escherichia coli 026:B6 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 9 mg · kg−1 · d−1, or PN plus LPS plus a continuous infusion of pentoxifylline at either 25 (PEN25) or 100 mg · kg−1 · d−1 (PEN100) for 48 h. Before randomization, all animals underwent intravenous cannulation and 40 h of PN adaptation. All animals received isocaloric, isonitrogenous PN (160 kcal · kg−1 · d−1 and 1.0 gN · kg−1 · d−1) and were kept nil per os except for water ad libitum. Administration of LPS significantly worsened nitrogen balance for all three groups compared with PN control; however, pentoxifylline only modestly improved nitrogen balance compared with LPS (206 ± 255, −497 ± 331, −332 ± 329, and −310 ± 383 mg/48hr for the PN, LPS, PEN25, and PEN100 groups, respectively; P < 0.001). Pentoxifylline did not significantly change 3-methylhistidine urinary excretion compared with LPS (573 ± 180, 705 ± 156, 780 ± 326, and 683 ± 266 μg/48 h for the PN, LPS, PEN25, and PEN100 groups, respectively, P not significant). Pentoxifylline, given in therapeutic doses after an endotoxin challenge, modestly, but not significantly, improved nitrogen balance. Urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion was not influenced by pentoxifylline. A dose-dependent effect by pentoxifylline on these markers was not evident.
A tool to generate models based on behavioral IBIS models

Input/Output Buffer Information Specification (IBIS) behavioral models are widely used for circuit-level signal integrity (SI) analysis due to its fast simulation speed and good accuracy. This work presents a tool to generate models of circuits specified by IBIS models. The model generation tool estimates poles, rise time and fall time of a circuit specified by IBIS models. The method consists of two steps; first regression analysis is performed on IBIS data with Weibull distribution function (WCDF) as the regression function. Based on the estimated parameter values, rise time and fall time values are obtained. The second step involves matching moments of WCDF to circuit moments and obtaining the estimated poles of the system. The method is generic and is scalable in nanometer CMOS. CMOS inverters have been used to demonstrate the methodology.
The structure of the near-wall region of two-dimensional turbulent separated flow

The time-dependent structure of the wall region of separating, separated, and reattaching flows is considerably different than that of attached turbulent boundary layers. Large-scale structures, whose frequency of passage scales on the freestream velocity and shear layer thickness, produce large Reynolds shearing stresses and most of the turbulence kinetic energy in the outer region of the shear layer and transport it into the low velocity reversed flow next to the wall. This outer flow impresses a near wall streamwise streaky structure of spanwise spacing λ z simultaneously across the wall over a distance of the order of several λ z . The near wall structures produce negligible Reynolds shear stresses and turbulence kinetic energy.
The effects of lignocellulosic fiber surface area on the dynamics of lignin oxidation and diffusion

A novel preliminary experimental approach was developed to determine the effect of maximizing pulp fiber surface area for the regulation of the oxidation and diffusion of lignin through the carbohydrate matrix. The approach entailed liquid nitrogen freezing of mature black spruce kraft pulp fibers and subsequent mechanical grinding to a fine powder to test the effect of enhanced pulp fiber surface area on the efficiencies of lignin oxidation and lignin diffusion. It was found that the liquid nitrogen ground pulp samples provided higher optical reflectance (brightness) after both oxygen and hydrogen peroxide oxidation, which appears to be from chromophoric (chemical) differences and not light scattering differences as supported by UV/Vis spectroscopy. BET (absorption) experiments indicated a dramatic difference in the surface area of the pulp as a result of the grinding, although no differences existed among the pore sizes between the samples, as determined from SEM experiments. Lignin diffusion experiments demonstrated that differences did exist in the kinetics of lignin diffusion into a bulk solution between a control and liquid nitrogen ground samples. Lignin uptake into bulk solutions was enhanced by the liquid nitrogen/pulp-grinding technique albeit not from chemical changes in the lignin because the subsequent NMR spectra did not point to any major chemical differences as a result of liquid nitrogen freezing and grinding.
The 1-width of (0,1)-matrices having constant row sum 3

Abstract In this note we establish upper bounds for the 1-width of an m × n matrix of 0's and 1's having three 1's in every row and having a constant number, c, of 1's in every column. When c = 3, this upper bound is n 2 and when c = 4 this estimate is 5n 9 . In these cases the upper bound is best possible, in the sense that for every possible size there exist matrices with this maximal 1-width. The technique of proof is also used to improve the known bound for the 1-width of (0, 1)-matrices with constant line sum 4.
Through-the-Scope, Wire-Guided Esophageal Dilation for the Treatment of Food Impaction

Background Acute esophageal food impaction (EFI) may be treated by endoscopic extraction of the food bolus either en bloc or in a piecemeal fashion. We have found this endoscopic extraction technique to be unsatisfactory. Objective Our purpose was to demonstrate the use of through-the-scope (TTS), wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to treat EFI. Design Case reports defining the technique and results of esophageal balloon dilation to treat EFI. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Eleven patients presenting with EFI. Interventions Through-the-scope (TTS), wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to relieve EFI. Main outcome measurements Endoscopic resolution of EFI. Results TTS, wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation successfully dislodged the EFI in all 11 patients. The procedure took <5 minutes to complete in all cases. There were no major procedure-related complications. Limitations Small number of patients. Conclusions We have found TTS, wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to be a simple, quick, safe, and effective technique to treat EFI.
Development of intrinsic electrophysiological properties in neurons from the gustatory region of rat nucleus of solitary tract

Abstract There is no current understanding of the nature or time course of maturation of intrinsic electrophysiological properties for neurons in the gustatory region of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST). Therefore, we used whole cell recordings in an in vitro slice preparation of the rat brainstem to characterize development of resting membrane, action potential and repetitive discharge properties of cells in gustatory NST at postnatal days 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30, and adult ages. Neurons were filled with Biocytin to verify location and characterize morphology. Membranes from younger neurons demonstrated a steeper current-voltage relation or higher input resistance, and a longer time constant than mature cells. Action potentials in younger cells had a slower rate of rise and were longer in duration. The afterhyperpolarization that typically follows the spike discharge usually had one phase in younger neurons, but was characterized by two or more phases in an increasing proportion of older cells. The repetitive discharge frequency in response to a range of depolarizing current pulses increased during development, and frequency/current plots were steeper in older compared with younger neurons. However, in all age groups there was clear accomodation of the discharge frequency. The greatest changes in resting membrane, action potential, and discharge properties were observed between P5 and P15, and mature values were generally reached by P20. At each postnatal age, neurons could be categorized in four neuron groups, based on the discharge pattern in response to a hyperpolarizing/depolarizing current protocol. Anatomical reconstructions indicated that although cells increased in overall dendritic expanse during development, neurons became less complex as illustrated by decreases in number of dendritic branch points, and in number and density of spines. The timing of major developmental differences in intrinsic electrical characteristics observed here is associated with a period of previously reported maturational changes in extracellular taste responses to number and concentration of chemical stimuli. However, further alterations in extracellular taste responses proceed after apparent maturation of intrinsic neural properties.
Overexpression of Kinin B1 Receptors Induces Hypertensive Response to Des-Arg9-bradykinin and Susceptibility to Inflammation

We demonstrated that rat kinin B1 receptors displayed a ligand-independent constitutive activity, assessed through inositol phosphate production in transiently or stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293A cells. Substitution of Ala for Asn130 in the third transmembrane domain resulted in additional constitutive activation of the B1 receptor. The constitutively active mutant N130A receptor could be further activated by the B1 receptor agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin. To gain insights into the physiological function of the B1 receptor, we have generated transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type and constitutively active mutant receptors under the control of human cytomegalovirus immediately early gene enhancer/promoter. The rat B1receptor transgene expression was detected in the aorta, brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, uterus, and prostate of transgenic mice by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction/Southern blot analysis. Transgenic mice were fertile and normotensive. Overexpression of B1 receptors exacerbated paw edema induced by carrageenan and rendered transgenic mice more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock. Interestingly, the hemodynamic response to kinins was altered in transgenic mice, with des-Arg9-bradykinin inducing blood pressure increase when intravenously administered. Our study supports an important role for B1 receptors in modulating inflammatory responses and for the first time demonstrates that B1 receptors mediate a hypertensive response to des-Arg9-bradykinin.
927 ENDOCRINE STUDIES IN X-LINKED FAMILIAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY

The pathogenesis of this type of precocious puberty is not yet understood. Low urinary gonadotropins (Gn) have been reported but no RIA determinations are available. Serum FSH, LH, testosterone (T)and timed urinary Gn, during awake(A) and sleep(S) periods, and 2 LH-RH challenges within 9 months interval were performed in 2 cousins with precocious puberty; an 11 9/12 yr old male with pubertal stage(PS)V and a bone age(BA)of 17 yr and a 7 6/12 yr old male with PS IV and a BA of 15 6/12. Both had low or undetectable values of serum and urinary FSH at any time and low baseline values of serum LH. Their response to the first LH-RH challenge was immature(early pubertal and prepubertal)for their PS. The second LH-RH challenge showed an appropriate response in the older patient with still an immature response for PS in the other. At this time A and S levels of serum FSH in the older were low whereas, LH and T were appropriate for PS. In the younger, levels of FSH and LH remained low with T levels in the range of adult men. The latter had 1.6 million spermatozoa in the seminal fluid. Urinary 17-KS, 17-OH, DHEA and serum estrone, DHEA-S and androstenedione were appropriate for the CA in both patients. The study suggests that familial precocious puberty is the consequence of a premature increase of testicular sensitivity to FSH and LH. Hypothalamic maturation and adrenarche are more in concordance with CA than with PS. Similar findings were recently reported in male patients with idiopathic precocious puberty. Supported in part by John W. Champion Center.
Calcite crystal growth inhibition by humic substances with emphasis on hydrophobic acids from the Florida Everglades

The crystallization of calcium carbonate minerals plays an integral role in the water chemistry of terrestrial ecosystems. Humic substances, which are ubiquitous in natural waters, have been shown to reduce or inhibit calcite crystal growth in experiments. The purpose of this study is to quantify and understand the kinetic effects of hydrophobic organic acids isolated from the Florida Everglades and a fulvic acid from Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, on the crystal growth of calcite (CaCO3). Highly reproducible calcite growth experiments were performed in a sealed reactor at constant pH, temperature, supersaturation (Ω = 4.5), PCO2 (10−3.5atm), and ionic strength (0.1 M) with various concentrations of organic acids. Higher plant-derived aquatic hydrophobic acids from the Everglades were more effective growth inhibitors than microbially derived fulvic acid from Lake Fryxell. Organic acid aromaticity correlated strongly with growth inhibition. Molecular weight and heteroatom content correlated well with growth inhibition, whereas carboxyl content and aliphatic nature did not.
Long-term changes in Saturn's troposphere

Attention is given to the results of a long term monitoring study of Saturn's H2 quadrupole and CH4 band absorptions outside the equatorial zone, over an interval of half a Saturn year that covers most of the perihelion half of Saturn's elliptical orbit (which is approximately bounded by the equinoxes). Marked long term changes are noted in the CH4 absorption, accompanied by weakly opposite changes in the H2 absorption. Seasonal changes are inferred on the basis of temporal variations in absorption. Spatial measurements have also been made in the 6450 A NH3 band since the 1980 equinox.
Impeded cerebellar development and reduced serum thyroxine levels associated with fetal alcohol intoxication.

Abstract Pregnant albino rats were placed on a complete liquid diet (Ensure) containing either 9% ethanol or an isocaloric amount of sucrose between the third and twentieth day of gestation. The pups born to these rats were sacrificed either day 11 or day 14 postnatum and morphometrical, histological and biochemical analyses were done on their cerebellums and cerebrums. Pups that were exposed to ethanol in utero had significantly smaller body weights, cerebrums and cerebellums than pair-fed controls. The cerebellar mass was reduced by 10% and the cerebral weight by 3% in the pups exposed to alcohol when body weights were normalized to that of pair-fed controls. Cerebellar aspartyl aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1) activity was reduced at day 11 and 14 in ethanol treated pups compared with controls. Serum T 4 levels were also reduced in the ethanol treated group. Histological analyses revealed that the external granule cell (EGC) layer of ethanol treated pups was significantly thicker at 11 and 14 days postnatum than that of pair-fed control pups. Cerebellar ornithine decar☐ylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17) activity was higher at day 11 in the ethanol treated pups than in controls. The reduced mass, AAT activity, T 4 serum levels and the increased thickness of the EGC layer indicate a delayed or impeded maturation of cerebellum in ethanol treated pups. These data are considered from the viewpoint that ethanol, other drugs such as methadone and prenatal stress (malnutrition) may cause delayed cerebellar maturation by reducing serum T 4 levels in the early postnatal period (day 5–14).
The fungibility of U.S. military and non-military assistance and the impacts on expenditures of major aid recipients

Abstract This paper examines the impact of U.S. military and non-military assistance on the allocation of public and private sector spending for eight major recipients over the 1972–1987 period. The model assumes that an aid recipient's effective post-assistance budget constraint is a priori unknown and must be estimated. Two versions of the model are tested. In version (A), the data is converted into real U.S. dollars using official exchange rates; in version (B), the data is converted using purchasing power parity exchange rates provided by Summers and Heston (1991). Major findings are the same for both versions. U.S. aid is highly fungible with a significant portion channeled to the private sector where it finances current consumption relatively more than investment.
Mechanism-based inactivation of a yeast methylamine oxidase mutant: implications for the functional role of the consensus sequence surrounding topaquinone.

The copper-containing yeast methylamine oxidase E406N mutant has an altered consensus sequence surrounding the topaquinone cofactor (residue 405). The mutation has no effect on the final yield of the active-site topaquinone cofactor during biogenesis but causes the enzyme to be inactivated by substrate methylamine [Cai, D., and Klinman, J. P. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 7674−7653]. In this study we show that the inactivation leads to the formation of a covalent adduct, which has a UV/vis spectrum very similar to that of a product Schiff base, an intermediate of topaquinone-catalyzed amine oxidation reactions. The kinetic isotope effects on the second-order rate constant for the inactivation and catalytic turnover are identical, indicating that the two processes share a common intermediate that follows C_H bond cleavage. Resonance Raman spectroscopy provides direct evidence for the accumulation of a neutral product Schiff base species. Removal of excess methylamine leads to recovery of both activity and the na...
Cocaine-induced kindling is associated with elevated NMDA receptor binding in discrete mouse brain regions

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptors in the induction and maintenance of kindling generated by daily cocaine (35 mg/kg) injections to Swiss Webster mice. In addition, the regulation of NMDA receptor binding following the development of sensitization to horizontal locomotor activity produced by daily injections of a low dose of cocaine (15 mg/kg for 5 days) was investigated. Three days following the administration of the high dose of cocaine (35 mg/kg) a marked augmentation in cocaine-induced horizontal and vertical activities was observed (induction phase). Subsequently, after 10 days of cocaine administration, mice developed stage 5 seizures (Racine scale). Binding of [ 3 H]CGP 39653 to the NMDA receptors revealed a marked increase in receptor densities in the striatum, amygdala and hippocampus associated with the induction phase. The elevation of NMDA receptor binding in the striatum and amygdala was sustained for 10 days following the induction phase. The pattern of altered NMDA receptor binding following the expression of cocaine kindled seizures was different. One day after the expression of kindled seizures NMDA receptor binding was elevated in striatum, amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex. However, only the elevation of NMDA receptor binding in the amygdala and hippocampus was sustained for 10 days following the expression of cocaine kindled seizures. In the brains of mice sensitized to the low dose of cocaine (15 mg/kg) no change in NMDA receptor binding was observed compared with control values. The present findings suggest the following: (a) The induction of cocaine kindling is associated with increased NMDA receptor binding activity in the striatum, amygdala and hippocampus; (b) the maintenance of cocaine kindling depends on increased NMDA receptor binding in the amygdala and hippocampus; (c) sensitization to cocaine-induced horizontal locomotor activity may be independent of elevation in NMDA receptor binding.
A density-dependent interaction in the folding model for heavy-ion potentials

Abstract The real parts of the optical potentials for heavy-ion scattering were calculated in a folding model using a density- and energy-dependent generalization of the M3Y interaction that was calibrated against a realistic reaction matrix. The resulting potentials must be reduced by factor of N D ≈ 0.8 to fit “low” -energy data, and N D ≈ 0.6 to fit 40 Ar data at 44 MeV per nucleon. This is inconsistent with the renormalization of N D = 1.3 required for the same interaction when applied to α-particle scattering over the same energy range. The effects of the density dependence on the shape of the potential are discussed.
Detecting bacterial vaginosis using machine learning

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common of vaginal infections diagnosed among women during the years where they can bear children. Yet, there is very little insight as to how it occurs. There are a vast number of criteria that can be taken into consideration to determine the presence of BV. The purpose of this paper is two-fold; first to discover the most significant features necessary to diagnose the infection, second is to apply various classification algorithms on the selected features. It is observed that certain feature selection algorithms provide only a few features; however, the classification results are as good as using a large number of features.
The Meaning of Health to 9-, 10-, and 11-Year-Old Quicken with Chronic Asthma

Although many studies explore the meaning of illness and symptoms to children who have chronic illnesses, few examine the meaning of health. An analysis of interviews with 71 children, aged 9–11 years, with mild to severe asthma revealed that the most common criterion they used to judge their healthiness was the ability to be active. Activity and other physical/functional abilities accounted for 46% of all responses. Other positive affective qualities, such as being happy or joyful, accounted for another 27%. The absence of asthma-specific symptoms accounted for only 9% and of general illness symptoms 5% of the total responses.
EVIDENCE FOR RECENT DUPLICATIONS AMONG CERTAIN GAMMA GLOBULIN HEAVY CHAIN GENES

A survey of a large number of human sera with the heavy chain genetic markers of the gamma-globulin system has revealed an unusual gene complex which is inherited as a unit through two different families. The gene complex involves two pairs of gammaG1 genetic markers which ordinarily behave as homoalleles, Gm(z) and Gm(f) for the Fd part of gammaG1 molecules, and Gm(a) and non-a for the Fc part. Isolation of the gammaG1 fraction from the unusual sera demonstrated the presence of the important non-a antigen in the gammaG1 fraction. Through the use of immunoadsorbents it was shown that these antigens were not part of a single molecule but that separate molecules were involved. The accumulated evidence indicated that the appearance of such homoalleles on the same chromosome probably resulted from a recent gene duplication, giving rise to two gammaG1 cistrons on one chromosome.
Binding of Thyroid Hormone Receptors to the Rat Thyrotropin-β Gene

Negative regulation of rat TSH beta gene expression by thyroid hormone is mediated largely by decreased transcription of the gene. This is apparently mediated by a cis-acting element which has been localized to a 57-basepair fragment spanning the second transcriptional start site of the rat TSH beta gene. We have investigated whether thyroid hormone receptors bind specifically to DNA sequences in this region of the gene. We compared binding of native T3 receptor to the TSH beta gene sequences and to the rat GH (rGH) gene T3 response element (TRE), and examined the ability of two different forms of in vitro synthesized T3 receptor to bind to the TSH beta gene. The avidin-biotin complex DNA binding assay was used to examine sequence-specific binding of the receptor. [125I]T3-labeled receptor in GH3 cell nuclear extracts bound to a site within the first exon of TSH beta and also to a region immediately upstream of the second transcriptional start site of the gene. In addition, the Hc-erbA beta and r-erbA alpha-1 forms of the T3 receptor each bound to TSH beta and rGH sequences, demonstrating that both alpha- and beta-forms of T3 receptor can bind to TREs exerting either positive or negative transcriptional regulation. Competition experiments showed that both native and in vitro synthesized T3 receptor bound to the first exon of TSH beta with an affinity slightly less than that for the rGH TRE. The two receptor-binding sites of the rTSH beta gene show sequence similarity to adjacent regions of the rGH TRE. These data indicate that negative regulation of rat TSH beta gene transcription may be effected by direct binding of the T3-receptor complex to one or both of the binding sites flanking the second transcriptional start site.
Many or most genes in Arabidopsis transposed after the origin of the order Brassicales

Previous to this work, typical genes were thought to move from one position to another infrequently. On the contrary, we now estimate that between one-fourth and three-fourths of the genes in Arabidopsis transposed in the Brassicales. We used the CoGe comparative genomics system to perform and visualize multiple orthologous chromosomal alignments. Using this tool, we found large differences between different categories of genes. Ten of the gene families examined, including genes in most transcription factor families, exhibited a median frequency of 5% transposed genes. In contrast, other gene families were composed largely of transposed genes: NB-LRR disease-resistance genes, genes encoding MADS-box and B3 transcription factors, and genes encoding F-box proteins. A unique method involving transposition-rich regions of genome allowed us to obtain an indirect estimate of the positional stability of the average gene. The observed differences between gene families raise important questions concerning the causes and consequences of gene transposition.
Public education on sources and effects of radioactive waste disposal

A six-day workshop, developed for providing information on sources and effects of radioactive waste disposal to the general public, is described. The materials were used successfully with a group representing the general public. An extension of the workshop for high school and junior high school science teachers is discussed. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A0653119 00009
Dramatic effects of the electrolyte cation on the selectivity of electroreductive cycloaddition reactions of bis(enones)

Abstract The nature of the electrolyte cation (Li, Na, K, Ag, Mg, Ba) exerts a dramatic effect upon the diastereoselectivity of the intramolecular cyclobutanation reactions of several bis(enones). The formation of cis as against trans cyclobutanes is strongly favored by magnesium ions, presumably via a chelation effect, and becomes exclusive in the case of barium. The latter ion has the additional surprising effect of enhancing the amount of Diels–Alder cycloaddition as opposed to cyclobutanation.
Symmetries and learning in neural network models.

I consider learning in neural network models and demonstrate how global properties can be derived from the characteristics of the local synaptic modification rules. I examine, in detail, the case of the Hopfield model of associative memory with Hebbian learning and show how the configuration space is partitioned into orbits of points of equal behavior, yielding a description of the structure of all the stable points. Calculations for a small-sized example are given.
Effects of Video Playback of a Person on His Self-Concept

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of a video playback of a person on his self-concept. Ss in teams of 3 were randomly assigned to a video playback condition (VP) or a no video playback condition (NVP). Each team had both VP and NVP Ss. All Ss taught a 7-min. lesson which was video recorded. The VP Ss saw a video playback of their presentation, and both VP and NVP Ss completed measures of Body-cathexis, Self-cathexis, Self-concept, Public-self, Teacher-self, Self-acceptance, Self-criticality, Dominance and Self-assurance, and Flexibility. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference between the VP and NVP Ss on each of the self-concept variables measured. Although no significant differences were found, the direction of difference was significantly consistent. Following a video playback Ss tended to perceive themselves more favorably.
Resilience in children: the nature and the importance of the concept

Considers the meaning of the term childhood resilience and the importance ofits place in the fields of developmental psychopathology and wellness enhancement. Reviews several major longitudinal research projects on childhood resilience that have contributed significantly to the field's emergence and presents more detailed information on the Rochester Child Resilience Project (RCRP). A final section summarizes accomplishments in resilience research to date, and identifies needed foci for future work in this area.
Agent-Based Modeling for the Theoretical Biologist

Herein is provided a brief overview of agent-based modeling (ABM), with a particular slant toward its potential as a tool for the theoretical biologist. Of course, its use for experimentalists is obvious; they are, as a group, already using agent-based models (ABMs) to examine contemporary biological questions ranging from molecular processes (e.g., stem cell and totipotency) to evolving ecological landscapes (Grimm and Railsback 2005). For the modeler-theoretician, ABMs offer a new tool for thinking about the structure of biological processes, thus creating a conduit for integrative perspective taking between the experimentalist and the theoretician.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Clinical, Morphologic, and Molecular Characterization

PURPOSE: To define multimolecular phenotypes of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and to correlate outcome with morphologic and molecular parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data were analyzed ...
Representative Studies of Alcoholism and Personality: III. Psychometric Studies

(1951). Representative Studies of Alcoholism and Personality: III. Psychometric Studies. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 223-233.
Inhibition of human term placental and fetal liver glutathione-S-transferases by fatty acids and fatty acid esters.

Abstract Glutathione- S -transferase (GST) activity from human term placenta and human fetal liver towards 1 -chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as the second substrate was significantly inhibited by the saturated fatty acids, stearic (SA) and palmitic (PA) acids and fatty acid esters, ascorbyl stearate (Asc-S) and ascorbyl palmitate (Asc-P). The nature of inhibition of human placental GST was competitive towards CDNB with K i values of 3.1, 10.0, 13.5 and 18.5 μM for Asc-S, Asc-P, PA and SA, respectively. The inhibitory effect of Asc-S on human term placental GST was reversible. I 50 values for Asc-S, Asc-P, SA and PA were 15, 45, 83 and 78 μM, respectively, for partially purified human fetal liver GSTs and 21, 6, 88 and 117 μM. respectively, for partially pure rat liver GSTs. The evidence suggests that Asc-S, Asc-P, SA and PA are potent inhibitors especially of the pi-class of GST.
Merleau-Ponty's Reform of Saussure: Linguistic Innovation and the Practice of Phenomenology

L'A. etudie le probleme de l'innovation linguistique issu du structuralisme de Saussure, d'une part, et mesure la contribution de Merleau-Ponty au developpement de la notion sausurienne de diachronie en relation avec la parole, d'autre part.
The relationship between 19th century BMIs and family size: Economies of scale and positive externalities

The use of body mass index values (BMI) to measure living standards is now a well-accepted method in economics. Nevertheless, a neglected area in historical studies is the relationship between 19th century BMI and family size, and this relationship is documented here to be positive. Material inequality and BMI are the subject of considerable debate, and there was a positive relationship between BMI and wealth and an inverse relationship with inequality. After controlling for family size and wealth, BMI values were related with occupations, and farmers and laborers had greater BMI values than workers in other occupations.
Ten Simple Rules for Writing Research Papers

The importance of writing well can never be overstated for a successful professional career, and the ability to write solid papers is an essential trait of a productive researcher. Writing and publishing a paper has its own life cycle; properly following a course of action and avoiding missteps can be vital to the overall success not only of a paper but of the underlying research as well. Here, we offer ten simple rules for writing and publishing research papers. As a caveat, this essay is not about the mechanics of composing a paper, much of which has been covered elsewhere, e.g., [1], [2]. Rather, it is about the principles and attitude that can help guide the process of writing in particular and research in general. In this regard, some of the discussion will complement, extend, and refine some advice given in early articles of this Ten Simple Rules series of PLOS Computational Biology [3]–[8].
Influence of etiology on ventilatory expired gas and prognosis in heart failure.

Abstract Background: Mechanisms leading to heart failure (HF) are numerous. Etiology-based differences are, however, frequently not taken into account when assessing results of an exercise test. The purpose of this investigation is to: (1) compare subject characteristics and ventilatory expired gas measures demonstrating clinical value between subjects with ischemic and non-ischemic HF. (2) Examine the prognostic value of HF etiology. Methods: 71 subjects (44 male/27 female) diagnosed with compensated HF underwent exercise testing with ventilatory expired gas analysis. Mean age and ejection fraction (EF) were 51.3% (±12.8) and 27.0% (±12.5%) for the entire group. HF etiology was ischemic in 30 subjects (16 male/14 female) and non-ischemic in 41 (28 male/13 female). Results: Age (57.5±10.7 vs. 46.7±12.5, p 2 ) slope (39.5±9.1 vs. 32.6±7.7, p =0.001), and duration of phase 1 kinetics in seconds (46.0±23.0 vs. 30.0±15.6, p =0.001) were significantly higher while peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) in ml O 2 kg −1 min −1 (12.5±4.7 vs. 16.0±5.2, p =0.006) and partial pressure of end-tidal CO 2 ( P ET CO 2 ) in mm Hg at rest (32.1±4.8 vs. 36.1±8.0, p =0.02) and peak exercise (31.7±4.3 vs. 36.2±5.9, p =0.001) were significantly lower in the ischemic group. Difference in EF did not reach statistical significance (28.4% ±12.5%—ischemic vs. 26.1%±12.5%—non-ischemic, p =0.44). Ischemic etiology was additionally a significant predictor of cardiac-related events ( p =0.04). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate noninvasive indicators of cardiac function and prognosis is poorer in subjects with ischemic HF etiology. Consideration of HF etiology may therefore be prudent, particularly when considering prognosis.
Toward Patient-Centered Drug Development in Oncology

Regulators and industry continue to prioritize survival-based end points rather than patient-experience end points in cancer-drug development. Yet as patients live longer with cancer, they must increasingly choose among agents with varying efficacy–toxicity balances.
Molecular modeling of binary mixtures of amphiphiles in a lattice solution

Abstract We examine the behavior of binary surfactant mixtures using Monte Carlo simulations with a three-dimensional lattice model of a binary surfactant mixture, in which the surfactants are represented by a series of connected beads. The range of amphiphile concentrations used is around the critical micelle concentration. The quasichemical approximation, a mean-field lattice theory, has also been used to determine the phase equilibrium for these types of solutions. The simulations allow direct determination of micellar properties such as the composition of the aggregates and dispersed phase as well as the individual size distribution of the amphiphiles in the aggregates. Properties of the aggregates such as their shapes, sizes, and volume fraction profiles have also been calculated. The simulation results are analyzed in light of the phase separation model, which considers the micelles as a separate bulk pseudo-phase. The Monte Carlo calculations show that even though the thermodynamic assumptions behind the regular solution theory are not correct, it can be very useful in approximating the prediction of the monomer-micelle compositions and the amphiphile activity coefficients in micelles for mixed amphiphile systems. The results of the simulations do not satisfy fully a thermodynamic consistency test based on the Gibbs–Duhem relationship. This raises questions about the application of the pseudo-phase model to mixed surfactant systems at the concentrations investigated in this work. One potential reason for the noncompliance of this test is that the aggregates might be too small to be considered a pseudo-phase.