cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chamberless Endodontic Access for Treatment of Calcified Anterior Central Incisors.

Abstract Introduction Modern techniques for treating maxillary anterior central incisors with calcified canals emphasize maintaining coronal dentin with small crown access. Alternatively, traditional retrograde surgical procedures are focused on creating an apical seal predominately limited to the remaining resected apical one third of the root canal space. A treatment option for calcified anterior teeth, with avoidance of traditional orthograde access, is presented. Chamberless endodontic access (CEA) to the canal is chosen in this case, leveraging a previous surgical treatment and osseous defect to create straight line canal access. Methods A tooth presenting with a chronic apical abscess and an apparent previous apical surgery was instrumented and obturated using a CEA avoiding the traditional orthograde approach to the root canal system. Straight line approach was achieved retrograde and canal instrumentation was performed using ultrasonic activated U-files. Canal obturation was accomplished with warm vertical condensation technique followed by placement of an apical retroseal. Results A successful 52-month outcome demonstrated the viability of CEA facilitating retrograde instrumentation and obturation. Conclusions Use of CEA simultaneously protected the clinical crown and provided a successful clinical outcome. A viable option for treatment of an anterior calcified canal and abscess due to dental trauma, CEA mitigates many of the risks associated with the treatment of calcified root anatomy.
Comparison of Surface- and Pore-Water Quality Between Two Maryland Streams with the Endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon)

Degraded water quality, particularly elevated concentrations of ammonia, chloride, and toxic metals, can be harmful to freshwater mussels. We investigated whether the contraction in Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) distribution that occurred between 2002 and 2012 within Browns Branch (BB), a stream within a predominantly agricultural watershed on the Coastal Plain of Maryland, was associated with these and other water-quality factors. We measured surface- and pore-water concentrations of different forms of nitrogen, orthophosphate, anions, and dissolved metals at two sites in BB for 7 mo in 2014. The upstream site (BBUP) represented the lower extent of the current Dwarf Wedgemussel population, and the downstream site (BBDO) represented the lower extent of the species' distribution observed in a 2002 survey. As a comparison, we also sampled one site in Nanjemoy Creek (NANJ), a largely forested Coastal Plain watershed where Dwarf Wedgemussel distribution exhibited no change over the same 10-yr period. We tested the hypothesis that concentrations of potentially toxic analytes were significantly higher at BBDO than at BBUP and NANJ. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was the only analyte consistent with this hypothesis in both surface and pore water. Concentrations of pore-water un-ionized ammonia (UIA-N) at BBDO were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Ambient Water Quality Criterion, but they frequently exceeded 0.2 µg/L, a concentration previously associated with a lack of mussel recruitment. We recommend conducting a new mussel survey of BB to assess current condition. If range contraction is still evident, more frequent and extended sampling should be performed, including capturing high-flow events to determine if pulses of ammonia and other pollutants occur.
The Future of USDA Forest Service Experimental Forests and Ranges

Forest Service Research and Development is working to enhance the value of its network of Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs) by equipping them with modern data collection infrastructure to encourage cross-site and continental-scale monitoring, research, synthesis, and assessment. We envision a network of EFRs that shares resources across research sites, with managers and with scientists in other organizations. We anticipate focusing research across this network on the most pressing natural resource policy and management challenges of our time: natural disturbances and their interaction with human communities, sustainable production of forest and range goods and services, understanding and managing the effects of invasive species, understanding and coping with a changing environment, monitoring the pulse of our forest and range conditions, anticipating and addressing current and future land and resource management challenges, fully integrating urban natural resource research into our network, and optimizing the hierarchy of scales at which current and future natural resource challenges are addressed. As this vision is realized, the legacy of EFRs will be fully honored by sustained contributions to the well-being of the American people.
The Uncertain Good of Overruling Employment Division v. Smith

In this Essay I express my misgivings about the possibility that the Supreme Court may decide this Term to overrule Employment Division v. Smith, a 1990 decision on the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. When Smith was handed down, it was enormously unpopular across the political spectrum and among legal scholars, including myself. I continue to believe that Smith’s interpretation of the Free Exercise Clause should be overruled, but I’m concerned that the Court is apt to replace it with an interpretation that is no better and perhaps even worse. In Smith a 5-4 majority of the Court held that, with limited exception, the Free Exercise Clause does not provide claimants with a means of securing court-ordered exemptions from generally applicable laws that substantially burden their religious liberty. For thirty years, if not longer, the Court had been interpreting the Clause as providing religious liberty claimants with just such a means. The broad disapproval that greeted Smith in 1990 culminated in 1993 with Congress’s virtually unanimous enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Act, which the Court struck down in 1997 as applied to state and local government, explicitly reinstated the pre-Smith approach. Drawing on opinions by the Justices in the past decade, I argue that a majority of the Court seems poised to overrule Smith and put in place a very different conception of religious liberty than the one reflected either in Smith or in the pre-Smith case law. I suggest that the conception reflected in the pre-Smith case law is one the Court would do well to reinstate. The conception that the Court seems ready to put in place, however, takes an overly expansive view of the Free Exercise Clause at the expense of the Establishment Clause and threatens to hobble the government’s ability to pursue effectively many important general welfare objectives. I note that although the Essay appears in a journal published by Emory University’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion, it is written in a way designed to be accessible not only to law and religion scholars. It doesn’t presuppose that readers are conversant with free exercise law.
The clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging as an adjunct to ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

To determine if the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) made on prenatal ultrasound (US) leading to an improvement in clinical outcomes....
THE IMPACT OF ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINANTS ON STORM WATER QUALITY IN AN URBAN AREA

Summary Composite precipitation samples were collected by recording raingages at nine stations in the Virginia portion of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The samples were analyzed for COD, TOC, all nitrogen and phosphorus forms, and seven heavy metals; iron, zinc, lead, copper, cadmium, chromium and manganese. The results showed that wash out of the atmospheric contaminants occurred during the early stages of precipitation events, and that these contaminants are present in sufficient quantity to have a significant impact on surface water quality. Samples tended to contain similar amounts of pollutants after the same rainfall event regardless of land use location and distance from the center city up to 33 miles. Ranking techniques indicated, however, that precipitation in agricultural and land disturbance areas tends to contain more nutrients. Principal factors affecting the total quantity of pollutants in rainfall are atmospheric conditions (stagnant or turbulent) and antecedent conditions (time since previous precipitation event).
A transistorized overload-proof electronic regulator (TOPER)

With the appearance of transistorized plug-in circuits came the need for power supplies compatible in physical construction and reliability. A series-voltage regulator was reexamined with an open mind to see what a new approach would produce. The TOPER regulator presented here has a typical output characteristic. The heart of the TOPER regulator is a modified emitter-coupled difference amplifier. A short circuit out in the circuitry being powered would produce something like 0.5 ohm (line 2) which will draw about 100 ma; recovery is automatic. A complete loading cycle from no-load to short circuit and back to no-load will show a hysteresis in the output voltage.
Electron energy distribution function in a helicon discharge

Summary form only given. A miniature, fast time response, gridded energy analyzer (GEA) is designed and constructed to measure the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) in a helicon plasma and compare with density, wave magnetic field, and Ar II optical emission results. These plasmas demonstrate an ionization efficiency greater than would be expected for their typical 3 eV electron temperature. The enhanced ionization effects may be partially explained by elevated quantities of high temperature electrons in the 20-50 eV range. Energy analyzer measurements of the EEDF can provide a more complete picture of helicon plasma source properties in different regimes.
CRS-MIS in Candida glabrata: sphingolipids modulate echinocandin-Fks interaction.

Summary Infections with the azole-refractory yeast Candida glabrata are now commonly treated with the echinocandins caspofungin (CSF) or micafungin (MCF). True resistance (> 32-fold decreased susceptibility) to these lipopeptide inhibitors of cell wall synthesis is rare and strictly associated with mutations in integral membrane proteins Fks1 or Fks2. In contrast, mutants exhibiting 4- to 32-fold CSF reduced susceptibility (CRS) were readily selected in vitro, and surprisingly demonstrated 4- to 32-fold MCF increased susceptibility (MIS). Sequencing and gene deletion demonstrated that CRS–MIS is Fks-independent. To explore alternative mechanisms, we initially employed Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and observed that CRS was conferred by multiple mutations (fen1Δ, sur4Δ, cka2Δ and tsc10-ts) disrupting sphingolipid biosynthesis. Following this lead, C. glabrata fen1Δ and cka2Δ deletants were constructed, and shown to exhibit CRS–MIS. Sphingolipid analysis of CRS–MIS laboratory mutants and clinical isolates demonstrated elevated dihydrosphingosine (DHS) and phytosphingosine (PHS) levels, and consistent with this sequencing revealed fen1, sur4, ifa38 and sur2 mutations. Moreover, exogenous DHS or PHS conferred a CRS–MIS phenotype on wild-type C. glabrata. Exogenous PHS failed, however, to suppress CRS–MIS in a sur2 mutant blocked in conversion of DHS to PHS, implying that accumulation of these intermediates confers CRS–MIS. We conclude that membrane sphingolipids modulate echinocandin–Fks interaction.
The Chemistry of Seeds

A knowledge of the chemical composition of seeds is essential for several reasons: (1) seeds are a basic source of food for both people and animals, (2) they are an important source of medicine and drugs, (3) they contain various antimetabolites that adversely affect human and animal nutrition, (4) they are an important source of raw materials useful for various industrial purposes, and (5) they contain reserve food supplies and growth substances that influence seed germination and seedling vigor, seed storage, and longevity.
Genome-wide structural and evolutionary analysis of the P450 monooxygenase genes (P450ome) in the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium : Evidence for gene duplications and extensive gene clustering

Phanerochaete chrysosporium, the model white rot basidiomycetous fungus, has the extraordinary ability to mineralize (to CO2) lignin and detoxify a variety of chemical pollutants. Its cytochrome P450 monooxygenases have recently been implied in several of these biotransformations. Our initial P450 cloning efforts in P. chrysosporium and its subsequent whole genome sequencing have revealed an extraordinary P450 repertoire ("P450ome") containing at least 150 P450 genes with yet unknown function. In order to understand the functional diversity and the evolutionary mechanisms and significance of these hemeproteins, here we report a genome-wide structural and evolutionary analysis of the P450ome of this fungus. Our analysis showed that P. chrysosporium P450ome could be classified into 12 families and 23 sub-families and is characterized by the presence of multigene families. A genome-level structural analysis revealed 16 organizationally homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters of tandem P450 genes. Analysis of our cloned cDNAs revealed structurally conserved characteristics (intron numbers and locations, and functional domains) among members of the two representative multigene P450 families CYP63 and CYP505 (P450foxy). Considering the unusually complex structural features of the P450 genes in this genome, including microexons (2–10 aa) and frequent small introns (45–55 bp), alternative splicing, as experimentally observed for CYP63, may be a more widespread event in the P450ome of this fungus. Clan-level phylogenetic comparison revealed that P. chrysosporium P450 families fall under 11 fungal clans and the majority of these multigene families appear to have evolved locally in this genome from their respective progenitor genes, as a result of extensive gene duplications and rearrangements. P. chrysosporium P450ome, the largest known todate among fungi, is characterized by tandem gene clusters and multigene families. This enormous P450 gene diversity has evolved by extensive gene duplications and intragenomic recombinations of the progenitor genes presumably to meet the exceptionally high metabolic demand of this biodegradative group of basidiomycetous fungi in ecological niches. In this context, alternative splicing appears to further contribute to the evolution of functional diversity of the P450ome in this fungus. The evolved P450 diversity is consistent with the known vast biotransformation potential of P. chrysosporium. The presented analysis will help design future P450 functional studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of secondary metabolism and oxidative biotransformation pathways in this model white rot fungus.
Effect of somatostatin on the plasma amino acid response to ingested protein in man.

To evaluate the effect of somatostatin on the plasma amino acid response to ingested protein and amino acids, normal subjects received a 6-hr intravenous infusion of somatostatin or saline initiated 2 hr before consuming a lean beef meal (3 g/kg) or oral leucine (5 g). The effect of somatostatin on intravenous leucine disposal was also examined. In the saline control study, the branched-chain amino acids exhibited the largest elevations in plasma concentration after protein ingestion. Somatostatin markedly reduced the protein-induced increments in plasma branched-chain amino acids by 50%–75% (p < 0.001) throughout the study period. This effect was not attributable to augmented systemic disposal of these amino acids since somatostatin exaggerated by 70%–75% the rise in plasma leucine produced by intravenous leucine (p < 0.05). Somato-statin also blunted by 40%–80% the elevations in most other amino acids after protein feeding. When leucine alone was ingested, somatostatin delayed the peak rise in plasma leucine by 1 hr, but did not alter the total area under the plasma leucine response curve. We conclude that somatostatin causes a sustained reduction in the systemic availability of amino acids contained in ingested protein, while availability of free leucine is only transiently delayed. These findings raise the possibility that somatostatin reduces systemic availability of protein-derived amino acids primarily by interfering with the digestive process.
Terrorism and military theory: An historical perspective

Late twentieth‐century terrorism should be viewed as a form of war and falls within the framework of military theory. Terrorism, like guerrilla warfare a form of unconventional warfare, represents a revival of primitive (or pre‐state) warfare. Distinctions of terrorism from guerrilla warfare are formalistic and ignore options to conduct and actual practice. The historical roots of contemporary terrorism are examined. Besides Classical doctrine on tyrannicide and terrorism in Jewish and Islamic traditions, modern terrorist and guerrilla theory also derives from the Graeco‐Roman military doctrine of stratagem, which influenced the Islamic idea of jihad and has a demonstrable record in Western military thought from antiquity to modern guerrilla theorists. Terrorism as an offshoot of stratagem stresses psychological warfare, avoidance of direct confrontation, and a test of moral endurance. Terrorism is a strategy prone to appear under favorable conditions, not a societal problem with a definite solution.
Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): An interview with Richard Legro

In this podcast, we talk to Professor Richard Legro about the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) based on clinical practice guidelines and discuss the challenges of diagnosis PCOS at specific age groups. The controversies associated with treatment of PCOS, including therapies for infertility as this is a problem commonly observed in PCOS subjects, are highlighted together with future directions on the topic.
Ultrafast electronic and structural processes in highly excited crystalline and noncrystalline silicon

The carrier dynamics of highly excited (N > 1020 cm-3) crystal-line and amorphous silicon have been studied by picosecond and femto-second pump and probe measurements. The Auger coefficient, trapping time, and other parameters relevant for transport have been obtained. At still higher excitation, melting occurs. The optical constants of liquid Si have been measured, and evidence for superheating of the liquid phase above the boiling temperature is presented.
Growth and characterization of shaped GaSb crystals

Shaped GaSb crystals (ribbons and rods) were grown by pulling from the melt using a non-wetted floating shaper to control the crystal cross-section shape and size. Graphite, which does not react chemically with molten gallium antimonide, has been chosen as shaper and crucible material. Etch pit density and electrical properties of the ribbons were determined.
Trapping and Fock state generation in a two-photon micromaser

Abstract We present a detailed theory of a two-photon micromaser and study the properties of the photon field in this system. The Hamiltonian of twophoton processes is obtained by an exact unitary transformation from that of a three-level atom interacting with a single-mode field. We discuss trapping states and the realization of a photon number state.
An evaluation of the impact of end-of-course exams and ACT-QualityCore on U.S. history instruction in a Kentucky high school

Abstract The growth of high-stakes testing in state accountability systems necessitates further examination of their impact on stakeholders. Prompted by broader state-level reform in Kentucky, this evaluation aims to provide insight into a new accountability system’s effect on social studies teachers. Using a goal-free evaluation model and case study design, the researchers examined the content and instructional decisions made by a group of U.S. history teachers in response to a new end-of-course exam designed by ACT-QualityCore. The evaluation incorporated a content analysis of teacher materials, observation of a professional learning community meeting, and teacher interviews. The results of this evaluation indicate that teachers generally support the changes in the new assessment system but find specific elements frustrating and hesitate to completely revamp their instructional practices. Considering these assessment system changes occurred to advance Kentucky׳s goal of college and career readiness for all, this evaluation provides insight into what is actually happening in classrooms and should assist teachers and administrators as they assess the impact of these reforms on classroom practice.
Mechanistic origin of the stereodivergence in decarboxylative allylation

A stereochemical test has been used to probe the mechanism of decarboxylative allylation. This probe suggests that the mechanism of DcA reactions can change based on the substitution pattern at the alpha-carbon of the nucleophile; however, reaction via stabilized malonate nucleophiles is the lower energy pathway. Lastly, this mechanistic proposal has predictive power and can be used to explain chemoselectivities in decarboxylative reactions that were previously confounding.
Effects of the Single European Act on EEC Diversification

The 1987 Single European Act's intended goal is to unify European member nations. The Act provides a series of steps over time that dismantles the various trade barriers between the European Economic Community (EEC) members. The main economic reforms, reduced trade and increased capital flows, combine disparate goals and government policies to enhance the economic efficiency of EEC members. The EEC economic system is therefore changing to create a globally competitive community of nations with efficient internal trade and capital markets.
MutS recognition of exocyclic DNA adducts that are endogenous products of lipid oxidation.

Abstract The ability of the methyl-directed mismatch repair system to recognize and repair the exocyclic adducts propanodeoxyguanosine (PdG) and pyrimido[1,2-α]purin-10(3H)-one (M1G), the major adduct derived from the endogenous mutagen malondialdehyde, has been assessed both in vivo andin vitro. Both adducts were site-specifically incorporated into M13MB102 DNA, and the adducted genomes were electroporated into wild-type or mutS-deficient Escherichia colistrains. A decrease in mutations caused by both adducts was observed inmutS-deficient strains, suggesting that MutS was binding to the adducts and blocking repair by nucleotide excision repair. This hypothesis was supported by the differences in mutation frequency observed when hemimethylated genomes containing PdG on the (−)-strand were electroporated into a uvrA − strain. The ability of purified MutS to bind to PdG- or M1G-containing 31-mer duplexes in vitro was assessed using both surface plasmon resonance and gel shift assays. MutS bound to M1G:T-containing duplexes with similar affinity to a G:T mismatch but less strongly to M1G:C- and PdG-containing duplexes. Dissociation from each of the adduct-containing duplexes occurred at a faster rate than from a G:T mismatch. The present results indicate that MutS can bind to exocyclic adducts resulting from endogenous DNA damage and trigger their removal by mismatch repair or protect them from removal by nucleotide excision repair.
Abnormal Cardiac Structure and Function in the Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE To measure the association between cardiac structure and function abnormalities and isolated metabolic syndrome (metabolic syndrome excluding established hypertension or diabetes mellitus). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS We collected data prospectively on a population-based random sample of 2042 Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged 45 years or older who underwent echocardiography between January 1, 1997, and September 30, 2000. Metabolic syndrome was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. RESULTS The prevalence of isolated metabolic syndrome was 21.7% (214/984) in men and 16.7% (177/1058) in women. Left ventricular (LV) mass index was greater (91.7 vs 87.9 g/m 2 ; P =.04) and LV diastolic dysfunction more prevalent (28.2% [50/177] vs 14.9% [81/544]; P CONCLUSION Isolated metabolic syndrome, which is associated with increased LV mass index and LV diastolic dysfunction in women, identifies women with evidence of early ventricular dysfunction.
Modeling of anisotropic metamaterials as an effective medium

With the development of high index and low loss metamaterials, great interest has been demonstrated in developing low profile ultra-high frequency (UHF) antennas with wide bandwidths for both defense and commercial applications. Meeting both requirements at the long wavelengths involved poses special difficulties.
Thermoluminescent Determination of Prehistoric Heat Treatment of Chert Artifacts

In recent years archeologists have become interested in the extent to which prehistoric peoples heat-treated chert prior to shaping it into tools. Thermoluminescent determination of the radiation dose accumulated by an artifact since it was formed or last heated provides a simple, reliable test for such heat treatment. This test can be applied to single artifacts without the need for raw source material for comparison. Results on 25 artifacts from four sites indicate that, for many chert sources, color and luster are not useful indicators of heat treatment by prehistoric peoples.
In vivo characterization of cytokine profiles and viral load during murine cytomegalovirus-induced acute myocarditis

Abstract Background Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is an etiologic agent of acute and chronic myocarditis in BALB/c mice. Immunologic host responses appear to play a key role in pathogenesis but have been incompletely defined. Methods BALB/c mice were infected with a sublethal dose of MCMV. Cytokine transcription and viral load (measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and histopathological analyses were performed at specified time points. Results Increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as IL-10 mRNA transcripts, were detected in the hearts of infected mice starting at Day 1 post-infection (p.i.), with peak levels occurring at Day 8 p.i. (7-fold, 14-fold, 41-fold, and 16-fold higher than background, respectively). Peak cytokine transcription significantly correlated with a 10-fold increase in viral load ( P P + T cells. Cardiac calcification was observed in most infected mice predominantly over the right ventricle. Histological analysis of heart sections from mice infected with recombinant enhanced green fluorescence protein-MCMV revealed a localized and sporadic pattern of virus throughout all heart layers. Conclusions MCMV-induced myocarditis in BALB/c mice is characterized by in vivo production of proinflammatory cytokines in a pattern correlating with MCMV viral load. The infection pattern and inflammatory response is highly localized, sporadic, and involves endocardium, epicardium, as well as the myocardium, with greatest amounts of virus detected in areas of pathologic calcification.
Quantitative Relationship of Grouting to the Reduction of Groundwater Flow through Rock Foundations

A unique and extensive test grout program, with both stage and stop-grouted holes on 5-ft centers, was conducted in fractured and solutioned dolomite at the Meramec Park Lake damsite, Sullivan, Missouri. Pre-grouting and postgrouting pumping tests from water wells completely surrounded by a 50-ft square grout curtain provided quantitative data on the amount of seepage actually occurring through a completed grout curtain. A 97 percent reduction in the specific capacity of the test well after grouting showed that grouting is a positive method of reducing groundwater flow. Optimum grout take was achieved using thin mixes of neat cement with a small amount of bentonite injected at a total pressure of 1f times foot of depth. Grout take was not influenced by hole diameter. Grout movement was joint controlled, and most grout injected did not spread more than 5 ft. Overcoring showed grout was penetrating all openings around hole perimeters. Test results showed that criteria developed to indicate the relative effectiveness of grouting do provide a real method to assess the quality of grouting.
Buddhist constructs and psychotherapy.

Seen as a conceptual model of psychotherapy, and stripped of surface rites, rituals and icons, which tend to confound and repel the unitiated, Buddhism - an outstanding representative of 'Eastern traditions/consciousness disciplines' may have much to offer the serious student of psychotherapeutic theory and practice. Key Buddhist constructs are presented and their potential relevance to psychotherapy, explored
Urea synthesis in the living rat brain.

IN previous communications from this laboratory, the synthesis of urea-14C from arginine-14C was reported to occur in the living rat brain1,2. In these experiments only the rat brains were analysed for their radioactive urea content, and the objection was raised that perhaps these levels did not indicate endogenous brain urea synthesis, but were merely a reflexion of blood 14C-urea levels, especially since it is known that urea readily diffuses across the blood brain barrier. Experiments were therefore designed to show that the brain 14C-urea levels were independent of blood 14C-urea levels and that the brain had the capacity to synthesize urea from arginine. This communication describes such experiments.
Amatoxins bearing amino and carboxyl groups prepared by selective alteration of the aldehyde generated by periodate oxidation of methylated α‐amanitin1

Amatoxins are cyclic peptides which can be purified from the carpophores of various mushroom species. Since they were first recognized as potent inhibitors of the nuclear RNA polymerases of most eukaryotes these peptides have served as important tools in the study of transcription. The presence of unusual amino acid residues in these peptides has provided opportunities to attempt a variety of semisynthetic modifications. We describe several new amatoxin derivatives that were prepared by selective modification of an aldehyde group which can be generated by periodate oxidation of 6'-O-methyl-alpha-amanitin. The derivatives which resulted from sodium cyanoborohydride-mediated coupling to the toxin of ammonia, glycine, and L-proline exhibited Ki values for calf thymus RNA polymerase II of 1.7 x 10(-7) M, 2.5 x 10(-7) M and 7.0 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Treatment of the aldehyde with sodium chlorite or hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid converted the amanitin aldehyde to the corresponding carboxyl or nitrile compounds with Ki values of 1.0 x 10(-7) M and 3.0 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Difficulties which were encountered in the preparation of these derivatives are discussed relative to peculiarities in the chemical behavior of the amanitin aldehyde.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships of body mass index with glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Aims Weight gain is an oft-cited outcome of improved glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes, though few studies have investigated this in youth. The purpose of this paper was to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ) with glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes ( n =340, 12.5±1.7year, 49% female, duration ≥1year) participating in a 2-year multi-center intervention study targeting family diabetes management. Methods BMI was calculated from height and weight measured at clinic visits. Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) at each visit was assayed centrally. Cross-sectional associations of baseline BMI with glycemic control, and of change in BMI and HbA1c with baseline values, were examined. Longitudinal associations of time-varying BMI and HbA1c were examined using a multilevel linear mixed effects model controlling for time-varying time (months), insulin dose (units/kg/day), regimen, Tanner stage, and time invariant baseline diabetes duration, BMI, treatment group and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Baseline HbA1c was unrelated to baseline BMI, but was related positively to subsequent BMI change ( p =0.04) and inversely to HbA1c change ( p =0.002). Baseline BMI was inversely related to BMI change ( p =0.01) and unrelated to HbA1c change. In multilevel regression, BMI was related inversely to HbA1c (%) ( β ±SE=−0.11±0.02, p p =0.001). In the treatment group only, BMI was positively related to pump regimen (0.18±0.08, p =0.02). Conclusions Increased insulin administered to improve glycemic control may contribute to increased BMI in youth with type 1 diabetes, indicating the importance of determining ways to minimize weight gain while optimizing glycemic control.
Intra-nuclear trafficking of the BLM helicase to DNA damage-induced foci is regulated by SUMO modification

The Bloom syndrome gene, BLM, encodes a RecQ DNA helicase that when absent from the cell results in genomic instability and cancer predisposition. We show here that BLM is a substrate for small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification, with lysines at K317, K331, K334 and K347 being preferred sites of modification. Unlike normal BLM, a double mutant BLM protein with lysine to arginine substitutions at residues 317 and 331 was not modified by SUMO, and it failed to localize efficiently to the PML nuclear bodies. Rather, double mutant BLM protein induced the formation of DNA damage-induced foci (DDI) that contained BRCA1 protein and phosphorylated histone H2AX. Double mutant BLM only partially complemented the genomic instability phenotypes of Bloom syndrome cells as assessed by sister-chromatid exchange and micronuclei formation assays. These results constitute evidence that BLM is a DNA damage sensor that signals the formation of DDI, and they establish SUMO modification as a negative regulator of BLM's signaling function.
Kinetics of progesterone binding to the chick oviduct receptor protein.

Abstract Kinetic parameters have been determined for the binding of progesterone to receptor proteins of the chick oviduct. Association and dissociation rate constants and the equilibrium constant have been determined as a function of temperature and ionic strength. Both the association and dissociation rate constants vary with temperature by about 2 orders of magnitude. However the equilibrium constant for the binding reaction does not change substantially over the temperature interval from 0 to 24°. The half-life of the complex under pseudo first-order conditions decreases from about 10 h at 0° to about 3 min at body temperature of the animal (42°). Arrhenius plots of the dissociation rate constant information show a linear plot over the temperature range studied indicating that the aggregation and the conformational changes accompanying this temperature range do not cause any apparent change in the hormone binding site. On the other hand glycerol has a considerable stabilizing effect on the receptors increasing the half-life at 24° from about 24 min to a matter of about 100 min as the glycerol concentration is increased to 40%. The hormone binding site can be disrupted irreversibly by high salt or urea concentrations in excess of one molar. Ionic strength over the range from 0–0.5 M has essentially no effect on any of the parameters measured. The half-life of the complexes decreases by only about 10–15% over this interval. The possible perturbation of the hormone binding sites accompanying binding of the proteins to ion exchange resins was studied. There is no detectable change in any of the kinetic parameters when the receptor protein is adsorbed to either DEAE cellulose or phosphocellulose. The hormone binding characteristics of the protein remain the same for up to 100 hours; only a single class of hormone binding site could be detected. Variations in half-life accompanying dissociation of hormone off the receptors was shown to be due merely to the presence of non specific binding in the preparation. The study concludes that the conformation of the hormone binding site is not strongly perturbed by the environment of the protein.
Complex classical paths and the one-dimensional sine-Gordon system

Abstract The semiclassical limit of the Green function for a particle in the one-dimensional sine-Gordon potential is obtained by summing over complex classical paths. The results are the same as those obtained in the less physically intuitive WKB approach. In addition to being of practical utility for solving quantum mechanical problems involving tunnelling, the classical path method may show how to deal with dense configurations of instantons.
Early Eocene biotic and climatic change in interior western North America

Imprecise correlation of the marine and terrestrial fossil records has been a major obstacle to understanding migration and extinction of continental biotas and early Cenozoic climate change. New {sup 40}Ar/{sup 39}Ar data from the Willwood Formation in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming establish an age of 52.8 {plus minus} 0.3 Ma for earliest Lostcabinian (late Wasatchian) faunas and coeval early Eocene floras. Strata just beneath earliest Wasatchian faunas can be correlated with the NP9/NP10 boundary in marine sedimentary units, which has an interpolated age of {approximately}55.7 Ma. This new information allows the authors to estimate the durations of the Wasatchian ({approximately}5 m.y.) and the Lostcabinian ({approximately}2 m.y.) and shows that the continental biotas are coeval with the acme of Cenozoic warmth inferred from {delta}{sup 18}O measurements of foraminifera. From 58 to 50 Ma, paleoclimate in the continental interior at about 45{degree}N was warm and equable, but patterns of temperature change inferred from continental floras do not track precisely the marine {delta}{sup 18}O record.
Analysis of Cu(InGa)Se2 Alloy Film Optical Properties and the Effect of Cu Off-Stoichiometry

Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to characterize Cu(InGa)Se2 thin films as a function of relative Ga content and to study the effects of Cu off-stoichiometry. Uniform Cu(InGa)Se2 films were deposited on Mo-coated soda lime glass substrates by elemental evaporation with a wide range of relative Cu and Ga concentrations. Optical constants of Cu(InGa)Se2 were determined over the energy range of 0.75–C4.6 eV for films with 0 ≤ Ga/(In+Ga) ≤ 1 and used to determine electronic transition energies. Further, the changes in the optical constants and electronic transitions as a function of Cu off-stoichiometry were determined in Cu-In-Ga-Se films with Cu atomic concentration varying from 10 to 25 % and Ga/(In+Ga) = 0.3. Films with Cu in the range 16–24 % are expected to contain 2 phases so an effective medium approximation is used to model the data. This enables the relative volume fractions of the two phases, and hence composition, to be determined. Two distinctive features are observed in the optical spectra as the Cu concentration decreases. First, the fundamental bandgaps are shifted to higher energies. Second, the critical point features at higher energies become broader suggesting degradation of the crystalline quality of the material.
Three Dimensional Velocity Measurements in an Automotive-Size Evaporator Using Particle Image Velocimetry

The flow distribution inside of an evaporator is important to fully understand in order to optimize the design of the evaporator. A stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was used to measure single-phase water flow in a Plexiglas model of an automotive-sized evaporator. The evaporator is a “U-shape” type. Flow enters the inlet header and travels through a series of 26 parallel rectangular tubes. The tubes have a width of 15.5-mm, a flow gap (thickness) of 0.9-mm, and a length of 231-mm. The flow then enters the upper header and flows through another series of 26 parallel tubes to the outlet header. PIV measurements were only made within the headers due to the small size of the tubes, however detailed results were observed. In addition to the single-phase experimental results, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using the commercially available software Fluent, and the results compare well to the experimental results. Further work was conducted by injecting nitrogen into the flow to obtain two-phase flow under adiabatic conditions. Due to high vapor volume fractions, PIV could not be used for flow measurement, but a volume collection method was used to measure the flow of water through each tube. Significantly different flow distributions were observed at different inlet volume fractions of nitrogen and further investigation is underway.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The charge and mass dependence of nuclear interaction cross sections

Abstract The Thomas-Fermi model of Seyler and Blanchard is employed for the purpose of calculating the interaction cross sections of nuclei as a function of charge and mass. Comparison is made with the Bevalac experiments of Tanihata et al .
Transanal irrigation in myelomeningocele children: an alternative, safe and valid approach for neurogenic constipation.

A total of 60 children with myelomeningocele referred to Spina Bifida Center of Rome (31 boys and 29 girls; aged 8–17 years) were treated with transanal irrigation for three months. To investigate whether transanal irrigation is a valid and alternative approach for neurogenic constipation in children with myelomeningocele. A questionnaire on bowel disturbances, quality of life and side effects was completed before the beginning and at the termination of the study. Italy About 60% (36/60) of patients reported relief from constipation and 75% (12/16) for fecal incontinence. Wheelchair-bound and walking patients showed same high improvement of bowel habit. Mean (s.d.) scores before and after the study were: neurogenic bowel dysfunction total score: 17.5 (5.2) versus 8.5 (4.3) (P<0.001); digital stimulation of anorectum: 4.2 (2.8) versus 1.3 (2.5) (P<0.01); frequency of fecal incontinence: 5.5 (1.2) versus 1.3 (1.7) (P<0.01) and degree of general satisfaction: 3.0 (2.4) versus 7.7 (1.5) (P<0.001).We observed a reduction of urinary tract infections during the course of treatment: 14 total urinary tract infections (9 caused by Escherichia coli) before versus 6 (3) during treatment (P<0.01) Transanal irrigation in children with myelomeningocele is an alternative and relatively safe approach for managing neurogenic constipation; in fact, it improves bowel disturbances, quality of life and seems to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
2007 San Diego wildfires and asthmatics.

Context. This case series reports the changes in the respiratory health of eight asthmatic subjects and the relationship with air quality associated with the October 2007 firestorm in San Diego County of California. Case presentation. Participants were eight subjects with asthma enrolled in Asthma Clinical Research Network (ACRN) (NIH# U10-HL074218) studies at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine, who had study data collected immediately prior, during and 1 month after the 5-day firestorm in San Diego County. Air quality deteriorated to an extreme average of 71.5 mg/m3 small particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) during the firestorm. Respiratory health data included morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR), morning and evening Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), rescue medication usage, and sputum eosinophils. Morning and evening PEFR and FEV1 rates remained stable. The two subjects tested during the fires had elevated eosinophil counts and rescue...
A descriptive framework for the field of data mining and knowledge discovery

As our abilities to collect and store various types of datasets are continually increasing, the demands for advanced techniques and tools to understand and make use of these large data keep growing. No single existing field is capable of satisfying the needs. Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery (DMKD), which utilizes methods, techniques, and tools from diverse disciplines, emerged in last decade to solve this problem. It brings knowledge and theories from several fields including databases, machine learning, optimization, statistics, and data visualization and has been applied to various real-life applications. Even though data mining has made significant progress during the past fifteen years, most research effort is devoted to developing effective and efficient algorithms that can extract knowledge from data and not enough attention has been paid to the philosophical foundations of data mining. The objective of this research is to provide a conceptual framework that identifies major research areas of data mining and knowledge discovery (DMKD) for students and beginners and describe the longitudinal changes of DMKD research activities. Using the textual documents collected from premier DMKD journals, conference proceedings, syllabi, and dissertations, this study is intended to address the following issues: What are the major subjects of this field? What is the central theme? What are the connections among these subjects? What are the longitudinal changes of DMKD research? To answer these questions, this research uses a combination of grounded theory and document clustering. The result will represent previous and current DMKD research activities in the form of a framework. The resulting framework should allow people to comprehend the entire domain of DMKD research and assist identification of areas in need of more research efforts.
Paxillin: a focal adhesion-associated adaptor protein

Paxillin is a focal adhesion-associated, phosphotyrosine-containing protein that may play a role in several signaling pathways. Paxillin contains a number of motifs that mediate protein-protein interactions, including LD motifs, LIM domains, an SH3 domain-binding site and SH2 domain-binding sites. These motifs serve as docking sites for cytoskeletal proteins, tyrosine kinases, serine/threonine kinases, GTPase activating proteins and other adaptor proteins that recruit additional enzymes into complex with paxillin. Thus paxillin itself serves as a docking protein to recruit signaling molecules to a specific cellular compartment, the focal adhesions, and/or to recruit specific combinations of signaling molecules into a complex to coordinate downstream signaling. The biological function of paxillin coordinated signaling is likely to regulate cell spreading and motility.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activation in Adipocyte Mitochondria by an Insulin-Generated Mediator from Muscle

Material in a chromatographic fraction from an extract of insulin-treated muscle stimulated pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in addipocyte mitochondria. This action was similar to insulin's activation of the enzyme in a plasma membrane-mitochondria mixture. Neither the chromatographic fraction nor insulin required adenosine triphosphate or magnesium ion (Mg2+), suggesting that both agents acted through a calcium-sensitive phosphatase. This fraction may contain a chemical mediator of insulin action.