cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of fetal microchimerism in autoimmune disease

Fetal microchimerism occurs in normal human reproduction and is a relatively new discovery in biology. Recent data in the scientific and medical literature indicates that some of the autoimmune diseases that show a predilection for women in their child-bearing years and beyond are linked to fetal microchimerism from previous pregnancies. The pathological role of fetal microchimeric progenitor immature T cells in autoimmune disease in women is explored. Fetal microchimerism is increased in women who had a termination of pregnancy and may be associated with the development of autoimmune disease later on in life. Furthermore, the consistently rising incidence of autoimmune diseases in women over the past four decades may be attributed to the increase in the utilization of abortion.
Surgical treatment of mitral insufficiency; direct vision correction with use of mechanical pump oxygenator and extracorporeal perfusion.

Abstract We have described our experiences during the past year with the direct vision surgical correction of mitral regurgitation in 30 patients operated on by the extracorporeal circulation technic with the heart beating. It is felt that with the use of a mechanical pump oxygenator, direct vision correction of mitral regurgitation will now be a realization in the majority of such patients. The valves in a few patients are so destroyed that nothing short of valve replacement will suffice. The operative mortality and morbidity during the developmental phase has been low. Some of the technical factors contributing to this mortality and morbidity are correctable. Others, such as extensively destroyed valves, pulmonary vascular changes, and poor myocardial reserve, may be largely avoided by earlier surgical intervention.
Health Risk Information to Reduce Water Pollution

A growing body of empirical studies indicate that farmers are concerned about how agricultural practices may affect health risks and environmental quality. These studies suggest that farmers are not simply profit maximizers. Instead, they have multiple objectives that include health and environmental concerns. As a result, their privately optimal behavior can result in less use of polluting inputs than would result from straight profit maximization. A recent survey of Michigan corn growers found that many do care about herbicide risks, but that growers often lack adequate information about associated health and environmental risks. Results on willingness to pay (WTP) for reduced risk from herbicide leaching, carcinogenicity and fish toxicity suggest that better information could induce crop farmers to reduce nonpoint-source pollution.
Poor Agreement on Classification and Treatment of Subscapularis Tendon Tears

Purpose To assess the inter- and intraobserver agreement for classification and management of subscapularis tendon pathology based on arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Twenty-two orthopaedic surgeons from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) shoulder group reviewed still arthroscopic and MRI images of the subscapularis tendon from patients with a random assortment of subscapularis morphology. The surgeons were asked to classify the pathology based on 2 systems (Lafosse and Lyons) and choose whether they would repair the tendon and, if so, the method of repair (open or arthroscopic). The survey was administered 3 times to each surgeon. Inter- and intraobserver reliability between testing rounds was determined by kappa analysis. Results Interobserver reliability on classification of tears was poor based on MRI ( k = 0.18 to 0.19) and fair based on arthroscopy ( k = 0.26 to 0.29). Interobserver agreement on whether surgical treatment was indicated was fair for both MRI ( k = 0.28) and arthroscopy ( k = 0.38), while the agreement for type of surgery was poor based on MRI ( k = 0.18) and fair based on arthroscopy ( k = 0.28). Interobserver agreement did not improve when both MRI and arthroscopy were provided simultaneously ( k = 0.24 to 0.30). Intraobserver reliability for classification and treatment was fair to moderate for both MRI ( k = 0.32 to 0.50) and arthroscopic imaging ( k = 0.39 to 0.56). When considering just those patients with normal tendons, surgeon agreement improved. For all questions, the arthroscopic images had a higher level of agreement among surgeons than the MRI ( P Conclusions Although surgeons tended to have higher reliability when presented with arthroscopic images compared with MRI, there was very little agreement on the classification and management of subscapularis tendon tears. Level of Evidence Diagnostic Level III.
Maxim Constitutionalism: Liberal Equality for the Common Good

This article argues that the central purpose of U.S. constitutional governance is the protection of individual rights for the common good. Members of all three branches of government must fulfill that public trust through just policies and actions. The maxim of constitutional governance establishes a stable foundation for the rule of law, requiring government to function in a nonarbitrary manner. It provides the people with consistency and predictability about the scope of governmental powers and responsibilities.The foundational dictate of governance is incorporated into the U.S. constitutional tradition through the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution. Those two documents reflect the national commitment to promulgating laws that are conducive to both the public good and the personal pursuit of happiness. The federal legal system must integrate protections of rights for the common good into statutes, regulations, and judicial opinions that address a plethora of social demands and problems.The project of maxim constitutionalism runs counter to positivist skepticism about the validity of fundamental constitutional principles. This article seeks to demonstrate that maxim constitutionalism reflects the normative underpinning of legal order that is compatible with pluralistic self-governance. The protection of rights for the common good facilitates the workings of a polity that tolerates debate and deliberation. The administration of laws for the public benefit enjoins tyrannical majoritarianism and abuse of state authority.Like originalism, maxim constitutionalism utilizes historical analysis. But it departs from originalism by denying that the original meaning of the Constitution’s text should be determinative. Maxim constitutionalism is a binding norm that is independent of any individual mind frame, whether past or present. In addition, though the forward progress of constitutionalism is informed by judicial opinions, it is not defined by them alone. Congress must also play a central role in identifying rights and promulgating statutes for their protection. Recognizing this bedrock purpose of governance distinguishes maxim constitutionalism from prominent strands of living constitutionalism by furnishing an objective and enduring standard for evaluating the legitimacy of governmental actions. The assessment of public conduct is not procedurally neutral but substantively rich in its account of how governmental actors should further the public good through a legal system designed to secure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for an equal citizenry.
Toward a Foucaultian Epistemology of Resistance: Counter-Memory, Epistemic Friction, and Guerrilla Pluralism

In this paper I argue that Foucaultian genealogy offers a critical approach to practices of remembering and forgetting which is crucial for resisting oppression and dominant ideologies. For this argument I focus on the concepts of counter-history and counter-memory that Foucault developed in the 1970’s. In the first section I analyze how the Foucaultian approach puts practices of remembering and forgetting in the context of power relations, focusing not only on what is remembered and forgotten, but how , by whom, and with what effects. I highlight the critical possibilities for resistance that this approach opens up, and I illustrate them with Ladelle McWhorter’s genealogy of racism in Anglo-America. In the second section I put the Foucaultian approach in conversation with contemporary work in pragmatism and critical theory on the social epistemology of memory. In the third and final section, I explore some of the implications of the Foucaultian notion of resistance and what I term guerrilla pluralism for contemporary epistemological discussions of ignorance in standpoint theory and race theory
Unsaturated sugars I. Decarboxylative elimination of methyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-α-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid to methyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-4-deoxy-β-L-threo-Pent-4-enopyranoside☆

Abstract Decarboxylative elimination of methyl 2,3-di- O -benzyl-α- D -glucopyranosiduronic acid ( 1 ) with N,N -dimethylformamide dineopentyl acetal in N,N -dimethylformamide gave methyl 2,3-di- O -benzyl-4-deoxy-β- L - threo -pent-4-enopyranoside ( 3 ). Debenzylation of 3 was effected with sodium in liquid ammonia to give methyl 4-deoxy-β- L - threo -pent-4-enopyranoside ( 4 ). Hydrogenation of 3 catalyzed by palladium-on-barium sulfate afforded methyl 2,3-di- O -benzyl-4-deoxy-β- L - threo -pentopyranoside ( 5 ), whereas hydrogenation of 3 over palladium-on-carbon gave methyl 4-deoxy-β- L - threo -pentopyranoside ( 6 ). An improved preparation of methyl 4,6- O -benzylidene-α- D -glucopyranoside is also described.
Stealth Rare Earth Oxide Nanodiscs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Configuring RE(2) O(3) nanocrystals with pseudo-2D morphologies confers substantive gains in relaxivities over equivalent spherical counterparts. The most promising arises from Gd(2) O(3) whose ionic transverse and longitudinal relaxivities were as high as r(1) = 12.7 mM(-1) s(-1) and r(2) = 17.2 mM(-1) s(-1) (dispersed in H(2) O, T = 37 °C & B(0) = 1.41 T), pointing to new opportunities to achieve high contrast MRI while concomitantly affording longer half-life potential in vivo.
Applications and architectures [microprocessor chips]

Chips are getting more expensive both to design and to manufacture. That makes it tempting for semiconductor companies to push more functions onto a single chip, using software to customize it for specific applications. Using software to customize a few platforms for a variety of applications spreads the mask costs over more chips. It also saves the time of switching from one mask set to another. Time is money, so reducing the variety of parts that require fabrication helps reduce costs in other ways as well. As a result, chip manufacturers try to design platforms that can support a range of products. Customers who buy the chips to build systems use software to customize the functionality.
The formation of the indolizino[1,2‐c]quinolinium system by a novel nucleophilic reaction

2-Methyl-3-(2-pyridyl)quinoline (1) with a bromomethyl ketone or ethyl bromoacetate yields 6-methyl-12-acylindolizino[1,2-c]quinolinium bromides (5–9). The acyl derivatives can be deacylated in acid yielding 6-methyl indolizino[1,2-c]quinolinium salts (4). Benzoylation of 4 yields the 12-benzoyl derivative (6). The deacylation product (4) has been synthesized from 2-acetamidophenacyl bromide (10) and 2-pyridylacetone (12).
Dehydrogenative oligomerization reactivity of transition metal sulfides derived from their tris or bis(o-aminobenzenethiolato)metal complexes

Several tris or bis(o-aminobenzenethiolato)metal complexes, where metals include ruthenium, rhodium, rhenium, molybdenum, platinum, and palladium, were synthesized. They were used as precursors to active metal sulfide catalysts for dehydrogenative oligomerization of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ). The conversion of metal complex precursors to the corresponding metal sulfides was carried outin situ in the THQ solution at 210–270 °C. These metal sulfides polymerized THQ to quinoline oligomers in 71–95% yield. We also observed a periodic trend on the activity of these catalysts showing a maximum oligomer yield with ruthenium sulfide.
A genome-wide linkage analysis of alcoholism on microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism data, using alcohol dependence phenotypes and electroencephalogram measures

The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) is a large-scale family study designed to identify genes that affect the risk for alcoholism and alcohol-related phenotypes. We performed genome-wide linkage analyses on the COGA data made available to participants in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 (GAW 14). The dataset comprised 1,350 participants from 143 families. The samples were analyzed on three technologies: microsatellites spaced at 10 cM, Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Mapping 10 K Array (HMA10K) and Illumina SNP-based Linkage III Panel. We used ALDX1 and ALDX2, the COGA definitions of alcohol dependence, as well as electrophysiological measures TTTH1 and ECB21 to detect alcoholism susceptibility loci. Many chromosomal regions were found to be significant for each of the phenotypes at a p-value of 0.05. The most significant region for ALDX1 is on chromosome 7, with a maximum LOD score of 2.25 for Affymetrix SNPs, 1.97 for Illumina SNPs, and 1.72 for microsatellites. The same regions on chromosome 7 (96–106 cM) and 10 (149–176 cM) were found to be significant for both ALDX1 and ALDX2. A region on chromosome 7 (112–153 cM) and a region on chromosome 6 (169–185 cM) were identified as the most significant regions for TTTH1 and ECB21, respectively. We also performed linkage analysis on denser maps of markers by combining the SNPs datasets from Affymetrix and Illumina. Adding the microsatellite data to the combined SNP dataset improved the results only marginally. The results indicated that SNPs outperform microsatellites with the densest marker sets performing the best.
Multidrug-resistant Pathogens: Mechanisms of Resistance and Epidemiology.

Resistance to antimicrobial agents among bacteria and fungi is a persistent problem complicating the management of critically ill patients. To understand the issues involved in resistance in critical care, it is essential to understand the epidemiology and mechanisms of resistance. β-lactam resistance in pneumococci, and penicillin and chloramphenicol resistance in Neisseria meningitidis, have complicated the management of meningitis. Vancomycin resistance in enterococci and methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus have disseminated among hospitals, nursing homes and, in some cases, community patients. Glycopeptide resistance in S. aureus has recently been described in clinical isolates; the potential for spread of this resistance trait is concerning. Resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins is a persistent challenge in the management of infections caused by Pseudomonas areuginosa, and Enterobacter species, as well as other Enterobacteriaceae. Azole resistance in Candida species. has also complicated the treatment of nosocomial infections. Resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a persistent and emerging problem and presents major therapeutic challenges.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defects in RP Patients

PURPOSE To determine, with the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT), the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness among patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) of different degrees of disease severity. METHODS One eye in each of 25 RP patients was included. All patients underwent complete ocular examination, including the measurement of intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and detailed fundus examination. Visual fields were evaluated by Goldmann perimetry. An RNFL thickness protocol was used to acquire circular scans of 3.46 mm in diameter around the optic nerve. For each eye, RNFL thickness was studied in the temporal (316 degrees -45 degrees ), superior (46 degrees -135 degrees ), nasal (136 degrees -225 degrees ), and inferior (226 degrees -315 degrees ) quadrants. Three smaller segments were also measured within each quadrant, all automatically calculated by the existing OCT software. The severity of damage to the peripapillary nerve fiber layer was compared with the clinical appearance of the optic disc, severity of field loss, and mode of inheritance for RP. RESULTS The mean age of patients included in the study was 48.6 years (range, 23-73 years). Of the 25 patients examined, 10 had abnormal thinning of the peripapillary RNFL in 2 or more segments, and 7 of those had abnormal thinning in at least 1 quadrant. The number of patients with abnormal thinning of the RNFL was considerably greater in those with clinically observed moderately severe or severe pallor of the optic disc than in those with normal appearance or mild pallor of the optic disc. No consistent association was noted between the remaining visual field and the presence of a RNFL defect (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with retinitis pigmentosa may have a measurable degree of RNFL thinning as determined by OCT. These observations could have an impact on future treatment strategies and imply that patients considered for various treatment options would benefit by an evaluation of nerve fiber layer thickness.
A universal parametrization in B-spline curve and surface interpolation

Abstract We propose here a new universal parametrization for B-spline interpolation. The new parametrization is based on the values ti where B-splines Ni,k(t) are maximum in case of order k. The resulting interpolation curve X(t) is transformation invariant and more natural looking, in general, than those obtained by other methods. Using a fixed knot vector, ti's are independent of interpolating points {Pi}, and hence the computation of X(t) can be done more efficiently. In addition, the new method works well in any order k.
Quick methods for evaluating closed-loop poles

IT IS GENERALLY necessary to know the closed-loop poles of a feedback control system in order to determine completely its time response. Although the peak overshoot and rise time for a step input can be estimated readily from the closed-loop frequency response of the system, such low-frequency effects as tails in the step response, the settling time of the ramp response, and so on, can be determined best from the values of the closed-loop poles.
Group B Streptococcus prophylaxis in patients who report a penicillin allergy: a follow-up study

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare adherence to the 2002 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for the prevention of perinatal group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease in patients who are allergic to penicillin during the years 2004-2006 and 2008. Study Design Previous data from our institution revealed suboptimal adherence to the 2002 CDC guidelines for GBS prophylaxis among women who are allergic to penicillin. These data caused the hospital to implement a series of interventions. The original cohort (2004-2006) was compared with a cohort of women who delivered between April 2008 and January 2009 (n = 74) to determine whether the proportion of women who had antimicrobial sensitivity testing and who had received an appropriate antibiotic had improved. Results In 2008, 76% (95% confidence interval, 66–84%) of GBS-positive women who are allergic to penicillin received an appropriate antibiotic (compared with 16.2% in 2004-2006; P P Conclusion With directed intervention, adherence to the 2002 CDC guidelines for GBS prophylaxis in women who are allergic to penicillin improved dramatically.
VIBRATION OF CAVITATING ELASTIC WING IN A PERIODICALLY PERTURBED FLOW: EXCITATION OF SUBHARMONICS

Abstract The vibration of an elastic wing with an attached cavity in periodically perturbed flows is analyzed. Because the cavity thickness and length L also are perturbed, an excitation with a fixed frequency ω leads to a parametric vibration of the wing, and the amplitudes and spectra of its vibration have nonlinear dependencies on the amplitude of the perturbation. Numerical analysis was carried out for a two-dimensional flow of ideal fluid. Wing vibration was described by means of the beam equation. As a result, two frequency bands of a significant vibration increase were found. A high-frequency band is associated mainly with an elastic resonance of the wing, and a cavity can add a certain damping. A low-frequency band is associated with cavity-volume oscillations. The governing parameter for the low-frequency vibration is the cavity length-based Strouhal number St C = ωL / U , where U is the free-stream speed. The most significant vibration in the low-frequency band corresponds to approximately constant values of Sh C and has the most extensive subharmonics.
Influence of position on knee flexor peak torque.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of position on knee flexor peak torque production. Gravity effect torque and knee flexor peak torque were measured in both supine and prone positions for 20 male and female volunteers between the ages of 22 and 35 years with no history of left lower extremity pathology. Knee flexor peak torques were corrected for gravitational error. No significant difference between the supine and prone gravity effect torque values was noted. This finding supports the validity of the gravity correction method used. The uncorrected supine knee flexor peak torque was significantly higher than the prone, a result which demonstrates the influence of gravity upon torque production. The corrected supine knee flexor peak torque was significantly lower than the prone. This result suggests that maximum knee flexor peak torque is generated prone rather than supine. Therefore, position should be considered in studies which compare knee extensor and flexor torque.
Measuring intertidal wave forces

Abstract Wave force is regarded widely to be an important determinant of distribution and abundance of shallow water, marine organisms, but is seldom measured in ecological studies. Here I describe a small, inexpensive device that measures forces due to wave action in the range of 2 to 20 N allowing quantification of most accessible intertidal exposures. Measurements using this technique agree well with subjective rankings of wave action among six intertidal sites in Washington State, and with wave forces measured at these sites by other methods.
G. Ledyard Stebbins (1906–2000): An appreciation

Ledyard Stebbins, born January 6, 1906, was deeply fond of nature all his life, starting with his experiences around Seal Harbor, Maine, when he was 4 years old. While he was still young, his mother contracted tuberculosis, and the family moved west to find a more healthy climate for her, first in Pasadena, then in Colorado Springs. An important formative period of Ledyard's life was spent at Cate School, in Santa Barbara, where he studied for 4 years. During those years, he was, by his own account, shy and relatively unpopular. There he learned to ride horseback, explored the Santa Ynez Mountains, and fell under the influence of botanist Ralph Hoffmann, who taught him much about the plants and natural history of that lovely area.
Evacuation of Calcific Valvular Debris Using a Standard Ellik Evacuator

Abstract A simple but effective technique is described for removing calcific and other debris following aortic and mitral valve replacement. This technique uses an Ellik evacuator, which is readily available in most operating rooms. An 11-year experience is presented, documenting the efficacy of this method in several hospitals.
Bridging the Border between Work and Family: The Effects of Supervisor‐Employee Similarity*

We examine the relationship between supervisor-employee race/ethnicity, gender, and caregiving similarity and employees' perceptions that supervisors provide support for bridging the border between work and family life. Employees report greater net perceived supervisor interactional support, but not instrumental support, when the immediate supervisor is the same race/ethnicity or the same gender as the employee, but not when they have similar caregiving responsibilities. Having a supervisor of the same gender is more salient for women and race/ethnic similarity is more salient for men. We also find patterns of difference in the relative salience of gender and race/ethnic similarity within race/ ethnic/gender groups.
Primary hepatic angiosarcoma: multi-institutional comprehensive cancer centre review of multiphasic CT and MR imaging in 35 patients.

To assess the imaging features of primary hepatic angiosarcoma on multiphasic CT and MR. Multi-institutional review identified 35 adults (mean age, 57.1 years; 22M/13F) with pathologically proven hepatic angiosarcoma and pretreatment multiphasic CT (n = 33) and/or MR (n = 7). Multifocal hepatic involvement was seen in all 35 cases, with at least 10 lesions in 74.3 % (26/35). Mean size of the dominant mass was 8.9 ± 4.7 cm (range, 2.6–20 cm). Individual nodules were typically circumscribed. Arterial-phase foci of hypervascular enhancement without washout were seen in 89.7 % (26/29). Heterogeneously expanding foci of enhancement generally followed blood pool in 88.6 % (31/35). Progressive centripetal (n = 16) or diffuse “flash-fill” (n = 4) enhancement pattern resembling cavernous haemangiomas predominated in 20 cases, whereas a “reverse haemangioma” centrifugal pattern predominated in 11 cases. Rapid interval growth was seen in 24 (96.0 %) of 25 cases with serial imaging. Vascular invasion was not seen in any case. Underlying cirrhotic morphology was seen in 42.3 % (15/35). Primary hepatic angiosarcomas typically manifest as aggressive multifocal tumors containing small heterogeneous hypervascular foci that progressively expand and follow blood pool. The appearance can mimic cavernous haemangiomas, but distinction is generally possible. In the setting of cirrhosis, lack of tumour washout and vascular invasion argue against multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma. • Hepatic angiosarcoma manifests on CT and MR as rapidly progressive multifocal tumours • Multiphasic imaging demonstrates hypervascular foci that progressively expand and follow blood pool • Enhancement pattern can resemble cavernous haemangiomas or show a “reverse” centrifugal pattern • Lack of tumour washout of hypervascular lesions argues against multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma • Careful assessment of the cross-sectional imaging findings may suggest the diagnosis
Experience in the commercial operation of the pilot asynchronized turbogenerator T3FA-110 at cogeneration plant-22 (TÉTs-22) of the Mosénergo Company

Results of commercial operation of a world pioneer asynchronized turbogenerator T3FA-110 with a capacity of 11 MW and full air cooling at a cogeneration plant are presented. The turbogenerator developed jointly by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Elektrosila Company differs from traditional synchronous generators by the presence on the rotor of two mutually orthogonal windings, a two-channel reverse thyristor excitation system, and a special control system. The special features of design and control allow such generators to operate in the modes of both production and high consumption of reactive power at normal static and dynamic stability. This widens the range of regulation of the voltage level in the connected electric network and makes it possible to bring parallel-connected synchronous generators to optimum operation conditions. The generator can work without excitation for a long time at 70% load. Commercial operation of the pilot T3FA-110 turbogenerator started in December 2003 at TETs-22 of the Mosenergo Company and has proved its full correspondence to the design engineering parameters. A program of wide use of such turbogenerators in the United Power System of Russia (RAO “EES Rossii” Co.) has been developed.
Use of pulsed energy delivery to minimize tissue injury resulting from carbon dioxide laser irradiation of cardiovascular tissues

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been utilized for preliminary intraoperative cardiovascular applicatioris, including coronary endarterectomy and ventricular eitdocardiectomy. CO2lasers used for these applications have been operated in the continuous wave, chopped or pulsed mode at low peak powers. To evaluate the extent of boundary tissue injury, continuous, chopped and pulsed energy delivery of CO2laser emission was used to bore through 192 5 mm thick myocardial slices in air. Continuous, chopped and pulsed delivery at a peak power of 500 W or less failed to eliminate light microscopic or ultrastructural signs of thermal injury. Only when a high energy CO2 laser (pulse energy 80 to 300 mJ, pulse duration 1 μs) was used at a peak power greater than 80 kW were all signs of thermal injury eliminated; furthermore, high peak power prevented thermal injury only when the beam was focused to achieve a peak power density greater than 60 kW/mm2Under these conditions, pathologic findings were identical to those observed using excimer wavelengths. The results of these experiments indicate that: 1) conventional CO2lasers fail to minimize boundary tissue injury, 2) elimination of thermal injury during intraoperative laser ablation requires that CO2laser energy be focused to achieve a peak power density greater than 60 kW/mm2, and 3) elimination of thermal injury can be achieved at a variety of wavelengths, provided that an appropriate energy profile is employed.
Elongation Factor 1A Family Regulates the Recycling of the M4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the elongation 1A (eEF1A) family regulates the cell surface density of the M4 subtype of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) following agonist-induced internalization. Here, we show that mouse brains lacking eEF1A2 have no detectable changes in M4 expression or localization. We, however, did discover that eEF1A1, the other eEF1A isoform, is expressed in adult neurons contrary to previous reports. This novel finding suggested that the lack of change in M4 expression and distribution in brains lacking eEF1A2 might be due to compensatory effects of eEF1A1. Supporting this theory, we demonstrate that the overexpression of either eEF1A1 or eEF1A2 inhibits M4 recovery to the cell surface after agonist-induced internalization in PC12 cells. Furthermore, eEF1A1 or eEF1A2 had no effect on the recovery of the M1 subtype in PC12 cells. These results demonstrate the novel ability of the eEF1A family to specifically regulate the M4 mAChR.
A versatile restraining device for the unanesthetized cat.

Abstract A versatile and easily constructed device for restraining the unanesthetized cat is described. The device prevents the animal from reaching the head and neck regions with its paws and restrains the body in a relatively fixed position. It is readily accepted by most cats and requires only a short adaptation period. Free air flow to most of the animal's body is maintained, and the animal is able to assume normal feline postures, to perform operant responses with its forepaws and to eat and drink while in the restraining device. The device should prove particularly useful in those studies requiring chemical or electrical stimulation of the brain in the awake cat.
Use of the SEPHIS-MOD4 Program for Modeling the Purex and Thorex Solvent Extraction Processes

Abstract The SEPHIS-MOD4 computer program simulates solvent extraction in the Purex and Thorex processes. The program employs simple mass balance equations to describe the movement of solutes through the idealized mixer-settler stages which are used in the model. These differential mass-balance equations are integrated by an iterative scheme that allows the user to observe transient changes and the resulting steady state profile in the mixer-settler system. Correlations describe the equilibrium concentrations in the aqueous and organic phases. Kinetic rate equations are used to simulate the reduction of plutonium by hydroxylamine nitrate and uranium(IV). The value of the SEPHIS-MOD4 program lies primarily in its application to the design and testing of solvent extraction flowsheets. Given a set of operating conditions, the program can predict the solute concentration profile at steady state and during the approach to steady state. Changes in the operating conditions can be used to determine the influence ...
STUDIES OF THE MOTILE CELLS OF CHYTRIDS. II. INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE BODY OBSERVED WITH LIGHT MICROSCOPY

ALTHOUGH SPECIAL attention has been directed to flagellar structure and action in motile cells of Phycomycetes (Couch, 1941; Manton et al., 1951, 1952; and Koch, 1956), little work has been done on the internal structure of these cells. The purpose of the present paper is to help remedy this situation in the Chytridiales. A survey of the literature reveals that considerable variation has been found inchytrid zoospores, especially in their size and shape and in the size and number of their lipoid globules. As well, blepharoplasts, rhizoplasts, nuclei with nuclear caps, vacuoles and unidentified granules have been found in the zoospores of certain species, but so little attention has been directed toward the zoospore, even in cytological papers, that there is no clear picture of its structure for any species. The observations presented in this paper offer a somewhat new picture of body structure in the chytrid motile cell. Enough variability and complexity in structure and organization is shown to indicate that the internal structure of zoospores may serve as a basis for a critical comparison of chytrid taxa. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-The fungi studied and their sources are: Catenochytridium carolinianum Berdan, collected by M. B. Huneycutt on boiled paspalum leaf bait in soil from the University of North Carolina greenhouse. Chytridium sp., an undescribed species (Koch, 1957b)-, collected on paspalum leaf and sweet gum pollen bait in soil from North Carolina and Alabama. Entophlyctis sp., an undescribed species, morphologically somewhat like E. bulligera (Zopf) Fischer, collected on sweet gum pollen and boiled paspalum leaf bait in soil from North Carolina and Louisiana. Nowakowskiella ramosa E. J. Butler, collected on boiled naspalum leaf bait in soil sent from Texas by R. M. Tohns. Nowakowskiella sp., collected by E. K. Goldie-Smith on boiled paspalum leaf bait in soil from England. Phlyctochytrium punctatum Koch, collected on boiled paspalum leaf and sweet gum pollen bait in soil from North Carolina and Louisiana, and collected by G. B. Lucas and L. H. Person on the resting spores of Peronospora tabacina. Phlyctochytrium irregulare Koch, collected on sweet gum pollen and boiled paspalum leaf bait in soil from the Universitv of North Carolina greenhouse. Rhizophydium spiherotheca Zopf, collected on sweet gum pollen and boiled paspalum leaf bait in soil from North Carolina. Rozella allomycis Foust, collected on the sporophyte of Allomyces sp. growing on hemp seed bait in soil from North Carolina. Septochytrium variabile Berdan, of questionable
Fetal Wound Repair: Where Do We Go From Here?

In contrast to adult wound healing, early-gestation fetal skin wound healing occurs rapidly, in a regenerative fashion, and without scar formation. The accelerated rate of healing, relative lack of an acute inflammatory response, and an absence of neovascularization distinguishes fetal from adult wound healing. However, this remarkable ability of the fetus to heal without scarring still remains poorly understood. The uncertainties include the role of cytokines, extracellular matrix components, homeobox genes, and certain cell types in the scarless wound repair process. Nevertheless, some strides have been made within the last two decades. This report, discusses the current knowledge of the mechanisms and characteristics of scarless fetal wound healing. Furthermore, to shy away from being just another all inclusive review, the authors point out deficiencies in the knowledge base on this important topic. Last, the future direction of research is discussed that may elucidate the mechanisms regulating the scarless repair phenomena.
Increased Cimetidine Clearance in Burn Patients

To determine the etiology of the decreased efficacy of cimetidine in burned and critically ill surgical patients, we studied the kinetics and dynamics of the drug in eight burned patients at a mean of 12 days after the burn. The kinetics were compared with those of nine healthy controls. The elimination half-life of cimetidine in burned patients was significantly reduced (2.2 v 1.5 hours), and total clearance significantly increased (8.2 v 13.3 mL/min/kg). Creatinine and total cimetidine clearance were highly correlated with size of the burn. In the patients studied, 63% of the dose was excreted in eight hours, compared with 45% after 24 hours in controls. Gastric pH was maintained at 4 or higher as long as plasma levels of cimetidine were held above 0.5 μg/mL. Thus, the increased clearance of cimetidine might explain the decreased effectiveness of this drug in burned and possibly other surgical patients. Dose schedules may need to be altered to compensate for the enhanced clearance of this drug. ( JAMA 1985;253:1288-1291)
Dobrava virus as a new hantavirus : evidenced by comparative sequence analysis

Dobrava virus, recently isolated from a yellow-neck mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), captured in a northern Slovenian village where severe cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome were recognized, was shown by serology and restriction enzyme digestion of PCR-amplified gene segments to be related to previously recognized hantaviruses. To investigate further the relationship of this new isolate to other hantaviruses, a portion of the medium (M) genome segment of Dobrava virus was amplified by PCR and the nucleotide sequence determined. Comparing the nucleotide sequence with the same gene region of other hantaviruses revealed an overall homology of 41.7%. A phylogenetic tree based on pairwise sequence similarity clearly showed that Dobrava virus is genetically distinct, and probably represents a new virus in the genus Hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae.
Stochastic models of pull-based data replication in P2P systems

We consider pull-based data synchronization issues between a source and its replicas in P2P networks. Under continuous information change and lazy synchronization, these systems are highly susceptible to serving outdated content, which negatively affects their performance and user satisfaction. To understand these scenarios, we first introduce a novel model of interaction between two stochastic point processes — updates at the source and downloads at the replica — and derive the probability that a random query against the replica retrieves fresh content. Unlike prior work, we assume non-Poisson dynamics and determine statistical properties of the replication process that make it perform better for a given download rate. The second half of the paper applies these results to several more difficult algorithms — cascaded replication, cooperative caching, and redundant querying from the clients. Surprisingly, we discover that optimal cooperation involves just a single peer and that redundant querying can hurt the ability of the system to handle load (i.e., may lead to lower scalability).
Are non-profit internet publishers the future of legal information?

Summary The author discusses some of the issues involved with publishing legal material on the Internet in a non-profit setting. He describes how these problems are being addressed at Rutgers School of Law-Camden in its New Jersey Courts Publishing Project. Suggestions for cooperation among non-profit legal publishers are made.
Collective Effects in Interband Optical Absorption

Determination of the Fermi-surface anisotropy of alkali metals by the de Haas-van Alphen effect has provided reliable numerical values for electronic energy gaps at Brillouin-zone boundaries. These determinations allow a quantitative comparison of interband optical absorption power with theory. Serious discrepancies with standard theory are found. For Na, the theoretical absorption is too small by a factor of 4, whereas for Rb and Cs it is too large by a factor greater than 3. We observe that interband matrix elements must include not only the direct interaction with the photon field, but also the Hartree-Fock potential arising from collective motions of all electrons responding to that field. The interband matrix elements are calculated using time-dependent, self-consistent perturbation theory. If only the Hartree term arising from collective motion is added, matrix elements are reduced by a few percent. However, inclusion of the exchange potential profoundly alters the magnitude of the matrix element. For Na the theoretical absorption power is enhanced by a factor of 4, and for Rb and Cs it is suppressed by a factor of 6 or more. This apparent success of the time-dependent, Hartree-Fock method indicates that exchange interactions can contribute unexpectedly to electronic processes in solids.
Product rule wins a competitive game

We consider a game that can be viewed as a random graph process. The game has two players and begins with the empty graph on vertex set [n]. During each turn a pair of random edges is generated and one of the players chooses one of these edges to be an edge in the graph. Thus the players guide the evolution of the graph as the game is played. One player controls the even rounds with the goal of creating a so-called giant component as quickly as possible. The other player controls the odd rounds and has the goal of keeping the giant from forming for as long as possible. We show that the product rule is an asymptotically optimal strategy for both players.
Nucleotide Excision Repair of Chemically Stabilized Analogues of DNA Interstrand Cross-Links Produced from Oxidized Abasic Sites

Nucleotide excision repair is a primary pathway in cells for coping with DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs). Recently, C4′-oxidized (C4-AP) and C5′-oxidized abasic sites (DOB) that are produced following hydrogen atom abstraction from the DNA backbone were found to produce ICLs. Because some of the ICLs derived from C4-AP and DOB are too unstable to characterize in biochemical processes, chemically stable analogues were synthesized [Ghosh, S., and Greenberg, M. M. (2014) J. Org. Chem. 79, 5948–5957]. UvrABC incision of DNA substrates containing stabilized analogues of the ICLs derived from C4-AP and DOB was examined. The incision pattern for the ICL related to the C4′-oxidized abasic site was typical for UvrABC substrates. UvrABC cleaved both strands of the substrate containing the C4-AP ICL analogue, but it was a poor substrate. UvrABC incised <30% of the C4-AP ICL analogue over an 8 h period, raising the possibility that this cross-link will be inefficiently repaired in cells. Furthermore, double-strand...
When Academicians Collaborate With Community Agencies in Effectiveness Research

The conflicts and challenges that confront academic researchers who seek to collaborate with community agencies have many sources. First among these is academe, itself, which is not geared to accommodate faculty who are community collaborators; academic institutions are likely to undervalue the contribution such collaborators make to science and society. The community agencies that collaborate with academic scientists are dynamic, complex, and changing organizations that require much time and commitment from the academic researcher for which there is remuneration in terms of salary or released time from academic responsibilities only if the investigator is able to secure funding. The grant writing and funding process, per se, is also poorly attuned to the conditions under which the academic researcher works with an agency. In contrast, however, collaboration with community agencies typically means that the academician and the agency work hand in hand to assess problems and evaluate solutions, learning from one another over time. Productive collaboration requires long-term commitment by the academic researcher despite all the conditions that make this difficult.
The significance of human–animal relationships as modulators of trauma effects in children: a developmental neurobiological perspective

Emotional stress and trauma impacts the neurobiology of children. They are especially vulnerable given the developmental plasticity of the brain. The neural synaptic circular processes between the anterior cingulated cortex, prefrontal cortex, amygdala and the hypothalamus are altered. Trauma results in the release of the peptide glucocortisoid, or cortisol leading to an ongoing over‐arousal of the anatomic nervous system. Kindling (sensitivity) of the brain, a result of stress, ironically makes the brain more receptive to attunement and enriched environments. Attunement with others as well as enriched environments is prophylactic, contributing to resilience and normal brain development. Animals are often attachment objects for children. Touch, proximity and mind–body interaction with animals have been found to contribute to stress reduction and trauma recovery. Future interdisciplinary exploration of the use of equine–human relationships as a preferred way of treating traumatised children should consider...
A parametric study of the copper chloride laser

A parametric study of the double‐pulsed copper chloride laser is reported here. The effects of a wide range of variables on the laser energy density and on three characteristic time intervals (the minimum, maximum, and optimum delay time) between the two electrical discharge pulses were studied. The geometric variables investigated included the tube diameter from 2.3 to 40 mm and the tube length from 3 to 60 cm. Three buffer gases, helium, neon, and argon, were studied over the pressure range 0.5–50 Torr and the tube temperature was varied from 270 to 500 °C. The energy density and voltage of both the dissociation and pumping pulse were varied independently from less than 1 mJ/cm3 at 8.5 kV to over 500 mJ/cm3 at 20 kV. The optimum conditions for maximum laser energy density were found to be with 20 Torr neon in a 10‐mm by 30‐cm tube at 400 °C. The maximum energy density obtained was 22 μJ/cm3.
Processing of Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O glasses using platinum and alumina crucibles

Reactions with alumina and platinum crucibles were studied during the preparation of Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2Oy “2212” glasses. In particular, reactions with Al2O3 are of interest since alumina is a potential substrate material in applications of this superconductor. Glasses processed using alumina crucibles were completely homogeneous and free of secondary phases although the material contained 2.26 at. % Al in solution. After heat treatments, Al was found in the form of SrCaAlOy particles located primarily along grain boundaries of the 2212 superconducting phase. Platinum contamination was minimal (<0.02 at. %) and no Pt-containing secondary phases were found in amorphous or annealed samples. Glasses made with Pt crucibles were found to contain small amounts of CaO, Sr14−xCaxCu24O41, and 2201 as second phases. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) suggested that the crystallization processes were essentially the same for all samples although the small amount of Al seemed to slow the kinetics leading to the formation of 2212. Neither Al nor Pt was detected within the 2212 phase. The measured superconducting compositions in each annealed sample were nearly the same with identical transition temperatures of 88 K. Overall differences in stoichiometry were accommodated by changes in the number and composition of the secondary phases present.
Concept, operation and performance of the veeco VHC-120 high current ion implanter

Abstract Veeco has developed, and is manufacturing, a new 120 keV high current ion implanter. The VHC-120 is characterized by a high degree of automation, including total computer control. A new, fixed focused beamline technology permits a small physical size. Improved vacuum systems and a unique dosimetry/scanning technique extend process control. This paper includes a system overview and a description of each of the basic system elements. Process data regarding implant performance with photoresist are also presented.