cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and DNA sequence analysis of bmpC, a gene encoding a potential membrane lipoprotein of Borrelia burgdorferi

Immunoscreening of a λgt11 genomic library of Borrelia burgdorferi expressed in Escherichia coli permitted detection of a clone containing a partial sequence of a B. burgdorferi gene encoding a protein with significant homology to TmpC of Treponema pallidum. Subsequent cloning and DNA sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame encoding a protein with 353 amino acid residues. The open reading frame is preceded by putative promoter sequences and a ribosome binding site, and is initiated with a TTG. The putative protein shares 26% identity with TmpC, contains a signal peptidase II sequence, and is also homologous to the gene products of the recently described bmpA and bmpB of B. burgdorferi. This gene has been designated bmpC. Additional sequencing and restriction analysis indicate that it is located at approximately 400 kbp on the chromosomal map of B. burgdorferi, immediately upstream of bmpA and bmpB.
Exploring origins of interfacial yielding and wall slip in entangled linear melts during shear or after shear cessation

We study yielding at interface between a solid wall and entangled polymer melts. At a average rate higher than the terminal relaxation rate, a combination of rheometric and particle-tracking velocimetric (PTV) measurements reveals apparent wall slip (or interfacial yielding) at a strain γiy, just beyond the stress overshoot. PTV observations show that the interfacial yielding occurs at a higher strain in the presence of a faster rate of shear. Shear cessation at a strain lower than γiy is observed to also result in interfacial failure, suggesting that the finite adhesion can be overcome in quiescence by the residual elastic retraction force. These two kinds of interfacial failure can be theoretically understood in terms of the intrachain elastic retraction forces overcoming the melt adhesion arising from interchain entanglement interactions between adsorbed and bulk chains.
Effects of vitamin E and selenium deficiency on the fatty acid composition of rat retinal tissues.

Abstract The fatty acid composition of retinal tissues was measured in rats maintained for 26–32 weeks on each of the following diets: a purified basal diet deficient in α-tocopherol and selenium, an identical control diet supplemented with α-tocopherol and selenium, and a commercial laboratory rat chow. Dietary deficiencies of antioxidant nutrients were found to cause a large decrease in total polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retinal pigment epithelium, a small decrease in the retinal rod outer segments, but no change in the whole retina or liver when compared to tissues from animals fed the vitamin E- and selenium-supplemented control diet. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content which we have observed for the retinal pigment epithelium from rats fed commercial lab chow is similar to that which we observed for bovine retinal pigment epithelium. Our results indicate that changes in fatty acid composition are not generalized to all tissues in severely antioxidant-deficient animals, but that changes do occur in some tissues, such as the retinal pigment epithelium, which appears to be particularly sensitive to in vivo lipid peroxidation.
Digital Flickermeter design and implementation based on IEC Standard

The present work describes the design and implementation of a IEC 61000-4-15 digital Flickermeter on a National Instruments CompactRIO Controller; the Flickermeter is configured for use on 120 VAC, 60 Hz systems. The IEC Flickermeter Standard defines an instrument that quantifies human perception of the magnitude and frequency of voltage change supplied to a gas-filled filament lamp with a single ‘perceived flicker’ value. A physical instrument for use in measuring the level of flicker that might appear in real-world scenarios is described. The instrument is a faithful reproduction of the Flickermeter defined by the IEC Standard. The Flickermeter has been validated by importing calibration points through a file stored in the processor's memory. Additionally, a physical calibrator with the necessary accuracy was implemented on a separate CompactRIO Controller, allowing validation through the use of a physical signal. The digital Flickermeter, as tested, is in full compliance with the IEC 61000-4-15 Standard meeting mandated error rates at all test points.
Effects of Unilateral Acoustic Trauma on Tinnitus-Related Spontaneous Activity in the Inferior Colliculus

This study describes the long-term effects of sound-induced cochlear trauma on spontaneous discharge rates in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC). As in previous studies, single-unit recordings in Sprague–Dawley rats revealed pervasive increases in spontaneous discharge rates. Based on differences in their sources of input, it was hypothesized that physiologically defined neural populations of the auditory midbrain would reveal the brainstem sources that dictate ICC hyperactivity. Abnormal spontaneous activity was restricted to target neurons of the ventral cochlear nucleus. Nearly identical patterns of hyperactivity were observed in the contralateral and ipsilateral ICC. The elevation in spontaneous activity extended to frequencies well below and above the region of maximum threshold shift. This lack of frequency organization suggests that ICC hyperactivity may be influenced by regions of the brainstem that are not tonotopically organized. Sound-induced hyperactivity is often observed in animals with behavioral signs of tinnitus. Prior to electrophysiological recording, rats were screened for tinnitus by measuring gap pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (GPIASR). Rats with positive phenotypes did not exhibit unique patterns of ICC hyperactivity. This ambiguity raises concerns regarding animal behavioral models of tinnitus. If our screening procedures were valid, ICC hyperactivity is observed in animals without behavioral indications of the disorder. Alternatively, if the perception of tinnitus is strictly linked to ongoing ICC hyperactivity, our current behavioral approach failed to provide a reliable assessment of tinnitus state.
The Relation Between mLg And ML, for California Earthquakes: Observations and Modeling

An extension of the study of Herrmann and Nuttli (1982) on the relation between the m Lg and M L magnitude scales is made using the California strong motion data base. The technique of Kanamori and Jennings (1978) for synthesizing Wood-Anderson seismograms from acceleration time histories was easily extended to synthesize equivalent WWSSN short period seismograms. The m Lg and M L magnitudes so obtained are highly correlated, with the m Lg value being at least 0.30 magnitude units larger than the corresponding M L value. Using the parameters available in random vibration theory simulation, observed magnitudes and peak velocities and accelerations can be easily modeled as a function of distance.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation during prostaglandin biosynthesis

Polycyclic hydrocarbons and other xenobiotics are cooxygenated during the oxidative metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The products of polycyclic hydrocarbon cooxygenation depend upon the hydrocarbon but they appear to be formed by radical (or electron transfer) mechanisms. The cooxygenations are hydroperoxide-dependent oxidations catalyzed by peroxidases and may be triggered by enzymes which biosynthesize fatty acid hydroperoxides. Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase is the principal hydroperoxide-generating system which has been studied to date. The extent to which polyunsaturated fatty acid-dependent cooxygenation operates in vivo is uncertain but preliminary studies suggest it does occur.
Avoiding the theory trap when discussing evolution

Public opinion polls tell us that we are losing the battle to explain the nature of evolution and its central role in science. One problem, I believe, is letting the opponents of evolution frame the discussion to our disadvantage. Framing involves the selective use of language or context to trigger responses, either support or opposition. As a prime example, we undercut our communications efforts with many nonscientists by defending the ‘theory of evolution.’ Theory is the wrong word to use in addressing the public. In the contemporary U.S., theory means a hunch or idea that has not been established by evidence. It is thus no surprise that polls show that nearly three-quarters of U.S. people think that “evolution is commonly referred to as the theory of evolution because it has not yet been proven scientifically.” Those who advocate adding “only a theory” disclaimers in textbooks know that to call evolution a theory is sufficient to undermine its acceptance.
g R and g K factors in deformed nuclei

The static and dynamic magnetic dipole moments of odd-mass and even-mass nuclei with 150<A<190 have been compiled and analyzed in a systematic way, in order to extract the best set of collective rotational g-factors gR and intrinsic g-factors gK.
Bounds for frequencies of rib reinforced plates

Abstract Rigorous upper and lower bounds are presented for the frequencies of vibration of a thin elastic plate reinforced by an elastically attached rib. This study has two purposes: the first is to indicate how a method for lower bounds can be applied to simple built-up structures and the second is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in a relatively easy but useful application.
Use of BIM for Effective Visualization Teaching Approach in Construction Education

AbstractThis paper presents the effectiveness of building information modeling (BIM) as an integrated learning tool in construction education. A BIM-based teaching approach was designed and used to teach a construction management course offered at California State University, Long Beach, CA. The approach first begins with an understanding of the physical models for residential buildings. Two-dimensional (2D) drawings are then generated on the basis of the physical models using traditional computer-aided design (CAD) programs. A three-dimensional (3D) BIM model is finally developed to better understand the buildings in detail and to accurately take off the material quantities. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated by using an assessment rubric for both the understanding of construction details and the ability to take off the material quantities. The evaluation results indicate that the approach helps students to effectively learn the construction details and material quantity take-offs.
Method for detection and isolation of cholesteryl ester-containing "foam" cells using flow cytometry.

Accumulation of cholesteryl ester within vascular cells is a defining characteristic of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, it is of interest to be able to monitor this critical event in the development of atherosclerosis. With this objective in mind, we have developed a method for the detection of cholesteryl ester-containing cells (i.e., foam cells) in cell suspensions prepared from enzymatically dissociated aortas. Cholesteryl ester in aortic cells was selectively stained with the fluorescent dye filipin. Because filipin binds to unesterified cholesterol but not to esterified cholesterol, it was necessary first to remove unesterified cholesterol from cells by ethanol extraction so that its presence would not interfere with the specific detection of cholesteryl ester. Then unesterified cholesterol made available by enzymatic hydrolysis of cellular cholesteryl ester could be specifically stained with filipin. The filipin-stained cell suspensions were analyzed using flow cytometry. With a flow cytometer it was possible to detect and sort cholesteryl ester-containing cells onto glass slides for microscopic analysis. Cell suspensions prepared from either grossly normal or atherosclerotic swine aortas contained cells with cholesteryl ester inclusions. As expected, these cells were more numerous in the atherosclerotic aortas. Cells with higher levels of fluorescence contained more numerous cholesteryl ester inclusions. Flow cytometric detection of cholesteryl ester-containing cells should be generally useful in studies of cellular cholesterol metabolism as well as in specific studies of cellular cholesterol accumulation in atherosclerotic vessels.
A physiological signal that prevents motor skill improvements during consolidation

Different memories follow different processing pathways. For example, some motor skill memories are enhanced over wakefulness, whereas others are instead enhanced over sleep. The processing pathway that a motor skill memory follows may be determined by functional changes within motor circuits. We tested this idea using transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure corticospinal excitability at 6, 21, 36, 96, and 126 min after participants learnt tasks that either were or were not enhanced over wakefulness. There was no change in corticospinal excitability after learning a motor skill that was subsequently enhanced; whereas, there was a substantial transient decrease in corticospinal excitability after learning a motor skill that was not enhanced. In subsequent experiments, we abolished the decrease in corticospinal excitability by applying theta burst stimulation to either the dorsolateral prefrontal or primary motor cortex, and induced motor skill improvements during consolidation. The motor skill improvements in each experiment were correlated with the corticospinal excitability after learning. Together, these experiments suggest that corticospinal excitability changes act as a physiological signal, which prevents improvements from developing over wakefulness, and so when this signal is abolished improvements are induced. Our observations show that the human brain can actively prevent the processing of memories, and provides insights into the mechanisms that control the fate of memories.
Genetic Modification of T Cells with IL-21 Enhances Antigen Presentation and Generation of Central Memory Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

An optimized antigen-presenting cell (APC) for tumor immunotherapy should produce a robust antigen specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response to tumor-associated antigens, which can persist in vivo and expand on antigen re-encounter. IL-21 synergizes with other γ-chain cytokines to enhance the frequency and cytotoxicity of antigen-specific CTL. Since T cells themselves may serve as effective APCs (TAPC) and may be useful in vivo as cellular vaccines, we examined whether CD8+ T cells genetically modified to produce IL-21 could induce immune responses to tumor associated antigen peptides in healthy HLA-A2+ donors. We found that IL-21 modified TAPC enhanced both the proliferation and survival of MART-1 specific CD8+ T cells, which were enriched by >8-fold over cultures with control non-transgenic TAPC. MART-1-specific CTL produced IFN-γ in response to cognate peptide antigen, and killed primary tumor cells expressing MART-1 in an MHC restricted manner. IL-21 modified TAPC similarly enhanced generation of functional CTL against melanoma antigen gp100 and the B-CLL associated RHAMM antigen. Antigen-specific CTL generated using IL-21 gene-modified TAPC had a central memory phenotype characterized by CD45RA−, CD44high, CD27high, CD28high, CD62Lhigh and IL-7 receptor-αhigh, contrasting with the terminal effector phenotype of CTL generated in the absence of IL-21. Thus, TAPC stimulation in the presences of IL-21 enhances proliferation of tumor antigen-specific T cells and favors induction of a central memory phenotype, which may improve proliferation, survival and efficacy of T cell based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Changes in Intracellular K Activities after Stimulation of Cl Secretion in Canine Tracheal Epitheium

I ntracellular K activities ( a ) were measured in canine tracheal epithelial cells using conventional and K-selective microelectrodes. In tissues treated with indomethacin ( 10-6 M ) to reduce the basal Cl secretory rate, a averaged 63 ± 3 mM (n 6) . Subsequent stimulation with epinephrine ( 106 M ) increased shortcircuit current from 76 ± 12 to 126 ± 12 zA.cm2 and decreased transepithelial resistance from 218 ± 39 to 149 ± 26 Ohm.cm2 indicating that electrogenic Cl secretion increased ( n = 3 ) . In these tissues, a decreased from 65.8 ± 0.3 mM under baseline conditions to 51.7 ± 0.6 mM after stimulation with epinephnne. The Nernst equation was used to calculate the K equilibrium potential across the basolateral membrane ( E ) from these data. E decreased from 73 ± 0.2 to 67 ± 1.3 mV. This change in E is in good agreement with the change in Eb (75 + 3 to 66 ± 3 mV) calculated from equivalent electrical circuit analysis ( Welsh et al, these proceedings ) . The electrochemical driving force for K ( jmK/F ) across the basolateral membrane prior to and after stimulation of Cl secretion was obtained from the difference between E and the electrical potential difference across this barrier. . uK/F was 14.4 ± 1.3 mV under basal conditions and 14.8 ± 1.4 mV after stimulation with epinephrine. The effect of changing mucosal or serosal [K] on apical and basolateral membrane potentials revealed that the basolateral membrane is characterized by a significant K conductance whereas the apical membrane is not. Since the basolateral membrane shows no significant Cl conductance (Welsh et al, J Con Phys 1980; 76:27a) under basal or stimulated conditions, the major if not the sole conductance across this barrier is to K. The finding that stimulation of Cl secretion is accompanied by an increase in basolateral membrane conductance with no change in iK/F suggests parallel increases in basolateral membrane K permeability and Na-K-pump activity.
Enthalpies of formation of magnesium compounds from first-principles calculations

An energetics database of binary magnesium compounds has been developed from first-principles calculations. The systems investigated include Mg–X (X ¼ As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Dy, Ga, Ge, La, Lu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sn and Y). The calculated lattice parameters and enthalpies of formation of binary compounds in these systems are compared with both experimental data and thermodynamic databases.
A sequential stochastic tree problem

Abstract We consider here the owner of a plot of land upon which he sequentially plants and harvests trees. The trees' growth paths follow a stochastic process, and the owner must decide when to harvest and replant, given knowledge of the process and each tree's growth history. The results of this analysis are compared with the non-repeated case derived by Brock, Rothschild and Stiglitz (1979) (hereafter B.R.S.) and found to be qualitatively similar.
Degradation of cholesterol to propionic acid by rat liver peroxisomes

Abstract Under standard assay conditions peroxisomes were found to contain less than 5% of the liver's cholesterol degradation activity. The remainder of the activity was localized in the mitochondria. When CaCl 2 was added to the standard assay mixture, peroxisomal cholesterol degradation activity increased to 34%. These results suggest that peroxisomes are capable of cholesterol catabolism, with the assay conditions used in vitro determining the relative organelle contribution.
The expected value of information and the probability of surprise

Risk assessors attempting to use probabilistic approaches to describe uncertainty often find themselves in a data-sparse situation: available data are only partially relevant to the parameter of interest, so one needs to adjust empirical distributions, use explicit judgmental distributions, or collect new data. In determining whether or not to collect additional data, whether by measurement or by elicitation of experts, it is useful to consider the expected value of the additional information. The expected value of information depends on the prior distribution used to represent current information; if the prior distribution is too narrow, in many risk-analytic cases the calculated expected value of information will be biased downward. The well-documented tendency toward overconfidence, including the neglect of potential surprise, suggests this bias may be substantial. We examine the expected value of information, including the role of surprise, test for bias in estimating the expected value of information, and suggest procedures to guard against overconfidence and underestimation of the expected value of information when developing prior distributions and when combining distributions obtained from multiple experts. The methods are illustrated with applications to potential carcinogens in food, commercial energy demand, and global climate change.
Cellular Adhesion and Spreading of Endothelial Cells Monitored in Real Time Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance

We have applied the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technique to continuously record the processes of endothelial cell (EC) adhesion, spreading and cellular mass distribution changes during initial cell to surface contact and homeostatic attachment. ECs (50,000) were layered onto a set volume of media in the QCM device and simultaneously in a mock cell used for photomicroscopy. As cells were observed in the mock cell device to contact and attach to the surface over 45-55 min, we measured in the QCM device a continuous decrease in frequency and continuous increase in resistance, achieving a maximum at about one hr (1400 Ω frequency change and 1400 Ω motional resistance change). These frequency and resistance values stabilized over the next 24 hrs and were unchanged out to 72 hr by QCM measurement (to ~700 Hz, ~700 Ω), as the cells were observed to spread in the mock device. Both bovine aortic (BAE) and bovine capillary (BCE) endothelial cells were studied and found to exhibit similar behavior. These studies demonstrate that QCM can be used to detect continuous changes in cell mass and viscoelastic behavior.
Rethinking normative literacy practices, behaviors, and interactions: Learning from young immigrant boys

In light of the historical failure of boys of color in US schools, this article sheds light onto the ways in which normative discourses of literacy and learning shape the experiences of immigrant boys and how they are perceived and defined as un/successful students. Findings indicate that although these boys—deemed to be “at-risk” or “struggling readers”—were not knowledgeable of prevalent school discourses and interactional sequences, they had sophisticated linguistic understandings and knowledgeable communicative practices. Yet, “good” and “successful” literate subjects were defined according to how well a child’s literacy behaviors aligned with school norms and expectations. Implications highlight the need to recognize and challenge gender-specific and behavioral norms that continue to disadvantage boys whose literacy practices do not mirror normative expectations.
American Indians/Alaska Natives and Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes: Positive Signs and Continuing Challenges

Limited information is known with regard to substance abuse treatment outcomes among AI/ANs. Data retrieved from the Treatment System Impact (TSI) project and Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP) were used to compare treatment measures between a sample of AI/ANs and a matched comparison group. Our results revealed no significant differences between AI/ANs and the matched comparison group in treatment outcomes at 12-months post-treatment based on legal, employment, medical, and psychiatric measures. AI/ANs also received more family-related services (29.9% vs. 17.1%) and abuse-related services (21.3% vs. 7.6%). Addressing barriers to receiving substance abuse treatment and enhancing screening methods for AI/ANs are suggested.
Selenoprotein deficiency and high levels of selenium compounds can effectively inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice

The micronutrient element selenium (Se) has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of cancer in animal models and human clinical trials. Selenoproteins and low molecular weight Se compounds were implicated in the chemopreventive effect, but specific mechanisms are not clear. We examined the role of Se and selenoproteins in liver tumor formation in TGFα/c-Myc transgenic mice, which are characterized by disrupted redox homeostasis and develop liver cancer by 6 months of age. In these mice, both Se deficiency and high levels of Se compounds suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, both treatments induced expression of detoxification genes, increased apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. Within low-to-optimal levels of dietary Se, tumor formation correlated with expression of most selenoproteins. These data suggest that changes in selenoprotein expression may either suppress or promote tumorigenesis depending on cell type and genotype. Since dietary Se may have opposing effects on cancer, it is important to identify the subjects who will benefit from Se supplementation as well as those who will not.
Axion Couplings to Matter. 1. CP Conserving Parts

Abstract The CP-conserving couplings of axions to photons, electrons, and nucleons are derived for an arbitrary axion model. The relevance of the results to proposed axion search experiments is briefly discussed.
Analysis Of 12-700 µm Reflectance Spectra Of Three Optical Black Samples

Normal incidence, specular reflectance spectra of three samples of optical black coatings have been measured in 10 filter passbands at effective wavelengths between 12 and 700 μm. Strong absorption, due to amorphous silicate material in the coatings, is found in the 15-50 μm region of each spectrum. Reflecting-layer model calculations are fitted by a non-linear least-squares routine to the spectra at wavelengths beyond the absorption band to determine far-infrared optical parameters. It is found that, with a similar wavelength dependence, the absorption coefficient of a new black coating (ECP 2200) made by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) is less than 1/10 that of the discontinued coating, 3M Black Velvet Nextel. It is also shown that the extinction effect of a very rough substrate is negligible compared with the effects of increased upper surface roughness and coating thickness attendant upon fully covering a very rough substrate.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chromatin Methylation: Who's on First?

Two recent studies have exploited Arabidopsis mutants and chromatin immunoprecipitation to reveal the complexity of the interaction between histone H3 methyl K9 and cytosine methylation, two epigenetic marks that characterize silent chromatin.
Activated notch causes deafness by promoting a supporting cell phenotype in developing auditory hair cells.

Purpose To determine whether activated Notch can promote a supporting cell fate during sensory cell differentiation in the inner ear. Methods An activated form of the Notch1 receptor (NICD) was expressed in early differentiating hair cells using a Gfi1-Cre mouse allele. To determine the effects of activated Notch on developing hair cells, Gfi1-NICD animals and their littermate controls were assessed at 5 weeks for hearing by measuring auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The differentiation of NICD-expressing hair cells was assessed at postnatal day (P) 6, 11 and 20, using histological and molecular markers for hair cells, as well as supporting cells/progenitor cells. We also examined whether the effects of Notch were mediated by SOX2, a gene expressed in supporting cells and a likely downstream target of Notch, by crossing an inducible form of SOX2 to the Gfi1-Cre. Results Activation of Notch1 in developing auditory hair cells causes profound deafness. The NICD-expressing hair cells switch off a number of hair cell markers and lose their characteristic morphology. Instead, NICD-expressing hair cells adopt a morphology resembling supporting cells and upregulate a number of supporting cell markers. These effects do not appear to be mediated by SOX2, because although expression of SOX2 caused some hearing impairment, the SOX2-expressing hair cells did not downregulate hair cell markers nor exhibit a supporting cell-like phenotype. Conclusions Our data show that Notch signaling inhibits hair cell differentiation and promotes a supporting cell-like phenotype, and that these effects are unlikely to be mediated by SOX2.
The role of solid surface structure on dropwise phase change processes

Abstract We compared the phase change behavior of a partially wetting fluid, nonane, on various SiO2 surfaces that had been modified to alter their roughness at the nanoscale. We compared a total of four surfaces: an as-received, smooth surface; a surface roughened by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of SiO2; and two surfaces where SiO2 nanorods had been deposited using glancing angle deposition (GLAD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the surfaces. The topography of the rough surface controlled the wetting characteristics of the fluid that in turn, controlled the change-of-phase heat transfer rate. The measured apparent contact angle characterized the wetting property during the phase change process. Surface roughness promoted wetting in this system, but the direction of heat transfer controlled the topographic design required for enhanced performance. A comparison between two nanorod coatings of differing heights shows that the longer nanorod coating (30 nm high) acted somewhat like a porous surface promoting condensation heat transfer while the shorter nanorod coating (10 nm high) was much more effective at promoting evaporative heat transfer. Surface alteration at the scale over which intermolecular forces dominates the fluid-solid interaction provides a convenient means for probing those interactions.
Decisions about amniocentesis by advanced maternal age patients following maternal serum screening may not always correlate clinically with screening results: need for improvement in informed consent process.

We evaluated the prenatal diagnosis utilization patterns of advanced maternal age (AMA) patients who underwent serum screening to assess how screening results correlated with their decisions regarding amniocentesis. A 6-year review (1994-1999) of laboratory records identified 2,456 AMA patients who underwent multiple-marker serum screening. The relationship between screening results and patients' decisions on whether or not to undergo amniocentesis was assessed. Among the 841 AMA patients with positive screens, more than half (52%) declined amniocentesis. Of the 1,615 patients with negative serum screening results, 208 (13%) opted for amniocentesis. We concluded that decisions by AMA patients regarding amniocentesis may not always correlate clinically with maternal serum screening results. Possible explanations, including how the state of informed consent may or may not contribute to these decisions, are discussed. It is suggested that understanding the reasons for these decisions may identify opportunities for improving service delivery to all pregnant patients considering prenatal testing. Use of a questionnaire is proposed as one mechanism for gaining a clearer understanding of the possible factors contributing to AMA patient decisions.
5X reticle fabrication using MEBES multiphase virtual address and AZ5206 resist

An alternative exposure strategy has been developed for the MEBES electron beam exposure system that enhances throughput and improves registration accuracy of 5X reticles. The Multi-Phase Virtual Address (MPVA) exposure strategy utilizes a voting technique to minimize scan related distortions while increasing writing address size thus decreasing the write time significantly over present methods. The resist chosen to evaluate this writing strategy was Hoechst AZ5206. The technique was evaluated to determine performance capabilities for mask registration, linewidth tolerance and uniformity, scan related error reduction and throughput improvements.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Death to a blood vessel, death to a tumor.

Suppression of endothelial cell αVβ3 activity by TNF and IFN-γ disrupts angiogenesis and promotes the demise of malignant melanoma (pages 408–414).
Ultrasonic propagation-time measurements in Zn1-xMnxSe down to low temperatures: Shear-wave anomalies and the spin-glass transition.

Ultrasonic transit-time measurements have been made down to 1.5 K on hexagonal, wurtzite-structured ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Se, with x=0.37 and 0.53. The velocities of longitudinal waves increased monotonically with decreasing temperature, as expected from the anharmonicity of crystal bonding forces. However, the shear-wave velocities fell below that expected from ordinary anharmonic effects starting at about 150 K and went through a broad, shallow minimum with its lowest point near the spin-glass transition temperature, ${T}_{\mathrm{sg}}$. The depression was smaller at x=0.37 than at x=0.53 and smaller at 145 MHz than at 30 MHz. We attribute it to ultrasonic strain-induced modulation of the Mn-Mn superexchange interaction and the concomitant changes in Mn spin-spin correlations involving some kind of anisotropy. Comparison with results on ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te indicates anion dependence. An analysis is given of our results which employs an empirical expression involving the magnetic susceptibility. The expression was constructed by combining theoretical relations developed by others for ordinary antiferromagnetic materials and for spin glasses. It is inferred that some type of ordering begins near 160 K (associated with isolated spin clusters) in addition to the ordering which begins at the much lower spin-glass temperature.
Research article introductions in English for specific purposes: A comparison between Brazilian Portuguese and English

Abstract This paper compares the rhetorical organization of research article introductions in Brazilian Portuguese and in English within a subfield of Applied Linguistics. Using Swales’ (1990) CARS model as an analytical tool, this exploratory study investigated 20 research articles. The findings indicate that introductions in Brazilian Portuguese tend to follow a different pattern from that of the model, whereas the introductions in English follow it closely. Different explanations are offered to account for the cross-cultural differences.
A Novel Frameshift Mutation in Exon 23 of ATP7A (MNK) Results in Occipital Horn Syndrome and Not in Menkes Disease

Menkes disease and occipital horn syndrome (OHS) are allelic, X-linked recessive copper-deficiency disorders resulting from mutations in ATP7A, or MNK. Classic Menkes disease has a severe phenotype, with death in early childhood, whereas OHS has a milder phenotype, with, mainly, connective-tissue abnormalities. Data suggest that steady-state localization of ATP7A to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) is necessary for proper activity of lysyl oxidase, which is the predominant cuproenzyme whose activity is deficient in OHS and which is essential for maintenance of connective-tissue integrity. Recently, it was reported that ATP7A-transcript levels as low as 2%–5% of normal are sufficient to result in the milder phenotype, OHS, rather than the phenotype of Menkes disease. In contrast to previously reported cases of OHS, we describe a case of OHS in which, because of a frameshift mutation, no normal ATP7A is produced. Although abundant levels of mutant transcript are present, there are substantially reduced levels of the truncated protein, which lacks the key dileucine motif L1487L1488. It has been demonstrated that the dileucine motif L1487L1488 functions as an endocytic signal for ATP7A cycling between the TGN and the plasma membrane. The present report is the first to describe an ATP7A truncation that results in OHS rather than in Menkes disease. The data from the present report support the concepts that (1) OHS results from lower levels of functional ATP7A and (2) ATP7A does not require the dileucine motif to function in copper efflux.
Old Wine in New Bottles? What is the Tea Party and Where Did it Come From?

On February 17, 2009, less than two months after his inauguration, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or “the stimulus package,” as it is commonly known. Th...
Comparison of a traditional questionnaire with an icon/calendar-based questionnaire to assess occupational history.

Background Self-reported work histories are an essential tool for estimating exposure in many occupational epidemiologic studies. However, the transience of some occupations such as farm work can hamper recall, resulting in inaccurate reporting. To address this problem, we have developed an icon/calendar-based questionnaire. This study compares work histories collected via this questionnaire to those collected via a traditional questionnaire. Methods Eighty-nine farmworkers and non-farmworkers were interviewed twice, 8–10 months apart, about their lifetime employment. In the first interview, subjects were asked to recount their entire work history, starting from the interview date and moving backwards in time (“traditional questionnaire”). In the second interview, subjects were first asked about important life events, which were recorded with icons on a calendar. They were then asked to recount their work history, which was recorded, job-by-job, on the calendar with icons (“icon-calendar questionnaire”). Results Number of jobs and amount of work time accounted for since first employment were significantly greater using the icon-calendar questionnaire than the traditional questionnaire, the disparity increasing with time from the date of interview. The ratio of number of jobs in the traditional questionnaire to number of jobs in the icon-calendar questionnaire decreased from 100.0% in the most recent time period to 0.0% in the earliest time period. While the percentage of time explained by employment remained relatively constant across time periods in the icon-calendar questionnaire, ranging from 86.3 to 98.9%, it rapidly decreased with time in the traditional questionnaire, from 77.9% in the most recent time period to 0.0% in the earliest time period. Conclusions The icon-calendar questionnaire was more effective than the traditional questionnaire for obtaining complex work histories during interviews, producing a more complete picture of a person's work history. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:502–511, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
What makes a good flap go bad?: A critical analysis of the literature of intraoperative factors related to free flap failure

Objectives/Hypothesis: The purpose of this article is to discuss the various factors related to poor outcome in free flap reconstructions of the head and neck (H&N). Free tissue transfer has become the standard reconstruction technique for complex H&N defects. With the evolution of free flap use in H&N surgery, numerous factors have been proposed that adversely affect flap outcome, many with the support of only anecdotal experience. We seek to critically review the literature to assess what evidence exists for the relation of various intraoperative factors to free flap complications. Study Design: Literature review. Methods: A review of the contemporary literature (1995 to present) on free flap reconstruction of the H&N was undertaken. A PubMed search using the terms head and neck, reconstruction, free flap, microvascular, failure, complications, fluids, intraoperative, hypertension, hypotension, nitrous oxide, temperature, and morbidity in various combinations was completed. Appropriate articles were selected and analyzed. Results: Studies report various factors thought to influence flap outcomes, often with divergent conclusions. Nonetheless, the body of evidence implicates several intraoperative factors to contribute to free flap complications including: >7 L intraoperative fluid administration, significant medical comorbidity, and prolonged operative time. There is no evidence supporting hypotension, pressors, colloids, and nitrous use in free flap failure. Conclusions: Although various dogmas related to the intraoperative care of free flap patients exist, including avoidance of hypotension and pressor use, there is no available clinical evidence to support these practices. Although free flap failure is uncommon, a better understanding of its causes is necessary to avoid this disastrous complication.
P53 expression in altered limbal basal cells of pingueculae, pterygia, and limbal tumors

PURPOSE. We previously discovered that the pathogenesis of pterygia was due to a vimentin-expressing, altered limbal epithelial basal cell, the pterygium cell. Since UV radiation epidemiologically ...
Public access success at PubMed.

In their letter “Public access failure at PubMed” (7 July, p. [43][1]), M. Stebbins et al. chronicled the failure of the voluntary NIH policy to provide open access copies of primary research articles at PubMed Central (PMC). The value of open access publishing has been touted as providing access to articles for the general public, whose tax dollars often pay much of the cost of the research. Stebbins et al. suggest that there has been a “lack [of] a demonstrated desire by the general public for access to primary research papers.” If this is correct, one might ask from where the “push” for open access is coming. In my opinion, this conflict has largely been between scientists and librarians, who feel that publishers are reaping large, unjustified profits from publicly funded research, and publishers (both for-profit and not-for-profit), who argue that the “value added” by the peer review system justifies their charges. Largely overlooked in this conflict is the longstanding success and enduring value of PubMed. Distinct from PMC, PubMed ( ) is a database of the abstracts of millions of scientific publications. Abstracts are posted at the time of publication. Virtually all biomedical research, whether publicly or privately funded, is included. Members of the general public who have an interest in a disease or any other biomedical issue can easily search PubMed to read synopses of cutting-edge research. I suggest that one reason for the public's “lack of demonstrated desire” for primary research articles is their ready access to research information at PubMed and other authoritative sources on the Internet. Before mandating a costly and confusing parallel publication system at PMC, we should be sure that the resource already provided by U.S. taxpayer dollars at PubMed is not meeting the public's need for information. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.313.5783.43b
FLOOD PEAKS AS MODIFIED BY DAM SIZE AND LOCATION

. The ability to replicate storms on a rainfall simulator over an iconic watershed model permits the study of the effectiveness of dams of different sizes and locations in reducing flood peaks. This study empirically confirms that, when storms uniformly and completely cover the watershed, large dams are nearly twice as effective as a network of small and medium dams in reducing the flood.
Effects of CaO, High-Temperature Treatment, Carbon Structure, and Coal Rank on Intrinsic Char Oxidation Rates

The low-temperature kinetics of oxidation of Dietz sub-bituminous coal char prepared in a methane flat-flame burner (4% post-flame oxygen) was studied by TGA both in the presence and in the absence of calcium minerals. The reactivities of untreated and calcium-reloaded chars at 600 K are 5 and 2 times higher than acid-washed char, indicating a significant catalytic effect for CaO. The intrinsic reactivities of these chars after oxidation in a drop-tube reactor at a particle temperature of about 1900 K and 5% O2 also show a similar trend, although the reactivity of each char is lowered by about a factor of 10 due to this high-temperature oxidation. The physical properties of these chars are also significantly altered due to high-temperature oxidation treatment. Comparison of intrinsic oxidation rates of unloaded Spherocarb and demineralized (acid-washed) chars of Zap and Dietz coals based on available carbon mass shows a trend of increasing intrinsic rate with decreasing skeletal density suggesting that th...
SU‐FF‐J‐70: An Investigation of Interference Between Electromagnetic Transponders and Wireless MOSFET Dosimeters

Purpose: A phantom study to systematically investigate potential interferences between Calypso® Medical electromagnetic transponder and Sicel® DVS wireless MOSFET dosimeter when used in same patient. Method and Materials: A 30×30×5cm3 (Virtual Water®) phantom has a center hole for two separate 8cm diameter inserts with grooves for three pairs of transponders and dosimeters on each insert, respectively. The grooves of orthogonal and parallel orientations between transponders and dosimeters (long axes) were machined on the two inserts, respectively, with transponder‐dosimeter distance at 0, 1 and 2cm. In the transponder‐localization test (test1), transponder locations were obtained without and with dosimeters at different distances. Multivariate analysis tested the null hypothesis: the localized transponder coordinates are the same among datasets of control and various dosimeter locations. The 95% confidence‐intervals were also determined for the localization difference between control and test groups. In the dose‐measurement test (test2), 7 fractions of 1Gy were administrated to the dosimeters inside the phantom in an alternating fashion of without (fraction♯ 1, 3, 5, 7) and with transponders. Readings from fractions of no transponders were fit using a 2nd order polynomial. The dose differences between fit‐interpolated and corresponding measured values of fraction 2, 4, 6 were calculated. Results: For test1, multivariate analysis indicated that transponder localization accuracy was affected by the dosimeter. However, the 95% confidence‐intervals of the localized positional differences between control and test groups were less than 0.1mm, which is less than Calypso clinical display increment, 0.5mm. For test2, the maximum deviation of polynomial fitted dose values from measurements are within 1.5% and 0.8% for orthogonal and parallel configurations, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed no clinically significant interference between the transponder and dosimeter systems and demonstrated feasibility of combined use of transponders and dosimeters in the same patient. Research sponsored by Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc. and Sicel Technologies, Inc.
Early proteins are required for the formation of frog virus 3 assembly sites

The formation of frog virus 3 virions takes place within morphologically distinct regions of the cytoplasm termed assembly sites. These sites are formed within infected BHK cells by 6-7 hr after infection, a time when viral DNA and both early and late proteins are present. To identify macromolecules involved in assembly site formation, a temperature-sensitive mutant ( ts9467 ) was used which is not only defective in the synthesis of late RNA and proteins (D.B. Willis, R. Goorha , and A. Granoff , 1979, Virology 98, 328-335), but, as reported here, also does not form assembly sites at nonpermissive temperatures. When ts9467 -infected cells were shifted from the nonpermissive to permissive temperature, assembly sites were observed within 1 hr even when late protein synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide. Monoclonal antibodies specific for early and late viral proteins were used to show that assembly sites formed under these conditions contained at least one early protein, but lacked four representative late proteins. These results indicate that assembly site formation involves interaction between one or more early proteins and viral DNA, and that late proteins do not play a role in this process.