cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteus mirabilis urease : nucleotide sequence determination and comparison with jack bean urease

Proteus mirabilis, a common cause of urinary tract infection, produces a potent urease that hydrolyzes urea to NH3 and CO2, initiating kidney stone formation. Urease genes, which were localized to a 7.6-kilobase-pair region of DNA, were sequenced by using the dideoxy method. Six open reading frames were found within a region of 4,952 base pairs which were predicted to encode polypeptides of 31.0 (ureD), 11.0 (ureA), 12.2 (ureB), 61.0 (ureC), 17.9 (ureE), and 23.0 (ureF) kilodaltons (kDa). Each open reading frame was preceded by a ribosome-binding site, with the exception of ureE. Putative promoterlike sequences were identified upstream of ureD, ureA, and ureF. Possible termination sites were found downstream of ureD, ureC, and ureF. Structural subunits of the enzyme were encoded by ureA, ureB, and ureC and were translated from a single transcript in the order of 11.0, 12.2, and 61.0 kDa. When the deduced amino acid sequences of the P. mirabilis urease subunits were compared with the amino acid sequence of the jack bean urease, significant amino acid similarity was observed (58% exact matches; 73% exact plus conservative replacements). The 11.0-kDa polypeptide aligned with the N-terminal residues of the plant enzyme, the 12.2-kDa polypeptide lined up with internal residues, and the 61.0-kDa polypeptide matched with the C-terminal residues, suggesting an evolutionary relationship of the urease genes of jack bean and P. mirabilis.
Vegetation and microclimatic edge effects in two mixed-mesophytic forest fragments

Forest edges are known to consist of microenvironments that may provide habitat for a different suite of species than forest interiors. Several abiotic attributes of the microenvironment may contribute to this change across the edge to center gradient (e.g., light, air temperature, soil moisture, humidity). Biotic components, such as seed dispersal, may also give rise to changes in species composition from forest edge to interior. We predicted that abiotic and biotic measures would correlate with distance from forest edge and would differ among aspects. To test these predictions, we measured abiotic and biotic variables on twelve 175 m transects in each of two 24 ha forest fragments in east-central Illinois that have remained in continuous isolation for upwards of 100 years. Both univariate and multivariate techniques were used to best describe the complex relationships among abiotic factors and between abiotic and biotic factors. Results indicate that microclimatic variables differ in the degree to and distance over which they show an edge effect. Relative humidity shows the widest edge, while light and soil moisture have the steepest gradients. Aspect influences are evidenced by the existence of more pronounced edge effects on south and west edges, except when these edges are protected by adjacent habitat. Edges bordered by agricultural fields have more extreme changes in microclimate than those bordered by trees. According to PCA results, species richness correlates well with microclimatic variation, especially light and soil moisture; however, in many cases species richness had a different depth of edge influence than either of these variables. The herbaceous plant community is heavily dominated by three species. Distributions of individual species as well as changes in plant community composition, estimated with a similarity index, indicate that competition may be influencing the response of the vegetation to the edge to interior gradient. This study indicates that edge effects must be considered when the size and potential buffering habitat of forest preserves are planned.
Phenomenology of the Pyramid Scheme

We review the Pyramid Scheme, the only class of models known to be consistent with phenomenology, coupling unification, and the Cosmological SUSY Breaking (CSB) relation m3/2∼Λ1/4 between the gravitino mass and the cosmological constant (c.c.). These models are Terascale effective field theories, which have a super-Poincare invariant, discrete R symmetric limit. R breaking terms come from diagrams in which a gravitino is exchanged with the horizon, and satisfy peculiar selection rules, which solve the μ problem, the strong CP problem, and the problem of low dimension operators in the theory, which violate B and L. The model predicts large Dirac and Majorana masses for gauginos, which make these states heavier than corresponding squarks and sleptons by a factor of roughly 4παi. Gluinos are too heavy to be seen at the 14 TeV LHC, and the NLSP is a right handed slepton (the three sleptons are quite degenerate), which decays promptly into a gravitino and a lepton.
Orthogonal layered multicast: improving the multicast transmission of multimedia streams at multiple data rates

This paper discusses orthogonality in layered multicast schemes, and presents a general framework for the implementation of layered multicast. This framework can be applied to standard IP multicast or to any other multicast technology capable of transmitting a data stream to a group of subscriber nodes. The multirate transmission is accomplished by a multicast group management facility which maps the frames of the multimedia stream into a number of multicast groups according to different data resolutions. The subscriber nodes can then directly control the data rate of the stream that they receive by joining different multicast groups, thus eliminating the need for constant data rate negotiation with the sender node.
Navigation of robotic system using cricket motes

This paper presents a novel algorithm for self-mapping of the cricket motes that can be used for indoor navigation of autonomous robotic systems. The cricket system is a wireless sensor network that can provide indoor localization service to its user via acoustic ranging techniques. The behavior of the ultrasonic transducer on the cricket mote is studied and the regions where satisfactorily distance measurements can be obtained are recorded. Placing the motes in these regions results fine-grain mapping of the cricket motes. Trilateration is used to obtain a rigid coordinate system, but is insufficient if the network is to be used for navigation. A modified SLAM algorithm is applied to overcome the shortcomings of trilateration. Finally, the self-mapped cricket motes can be used for navigation of autonomous robotic systems in an indoor location.
Continuous versus intermittent albuterol nebulization in the treatment of acute asthma

Study objectives: To compare bronchodilation, chronotropic effects, and side effects of the same dose of nebulized albuterol when given by either intermittent or continuous administration. Design: A randomized assignment of patients to one of the two methods of albuterol nebulization. Setting: Adult emergency department in an urban public hospital. Type of participants: Adult patients with acute exacerbations of asthma. Interventions: Administration of 30 mg albuterol given over 110 minutes by either continuous or intermittent aerosolization. Measurements: FEV 1 , forced vital capacity, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured immediately before treatment and then hourly for two hours. Side effects, symptoms, subsequent admission, and discharge also were noted. Main results: An overall significant decrease in heart rate was observed, indicating the lack of significant chronotropic effects with this dose of albuterol. Both treatments resulted in significant spirometric improvement without a significant treatment difference for the entire group. A difference, however, was found in the relative rates of FEV 1 improvement with the two treatments depending on whether patients had an initial FEV 1 less than or more than 50% predicted ( P = .05). A secondary analysis on patients with an initial FEV 1 less than percent predicted demonstrated a higher rate of percent predicted FEV 1 increase with the continuously nebulized albuterol group ( P = .03). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that albuterol can be given safely at this dose by either intermittent or continuous nebulization. Future studies should examine whether continuous nebulization has a reproducible advantage over intermittent nebulization in patients with more severe obstruction.
Reversible refolding of the diphtheria toxin T-domain on lipid membranes.

The catalytic domain of diphtheria toxin (DT) is translocated across endosomal membranes by the T-domain (DTT) in response to acidification. Understanding the energetics of translocation, besides clarifying the mechanism of translocation, should provide insights into general principles of membrane protein stability and assembly. As a first step, we have evaluated the energetics of DTT binding to lipid vesicles using three single-cysteine mutants (L350C, Q369C, and Y280C) labeled with a 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) fluorophore sensitive to polarity changes. Remarkably strong association with the vesicles was detected for all mutants, even at pH 7 at which DTT is believed to be in a fully folded membrane-incompetent state. Lowering the pH in the presence of anionic membranes resulted in a strong but reversible increase in emission of NBD-labeled mutants, consistent with reversible membrane insertion. This reversibility permitted free energies of DTT interactions with vesicles to be determined for...
Effects of Amplitude Compression upon Speech Perception: A Review of Research

This literature review focuses on two topics: First, the basic types of compression amplifiers are discussed with an emphasis on the primary features affecting the performance characteristics of compression amplitude controlling devices. Second, an historical review is presented of the application of amplitude compression for the hearing impaired with special emphasis on studies concerning the effects of compression amplifiers upon speech perception. Beginning in the 1940's, a few of the studies found substantial benefit to intelligibility with compression compared to no compression; others found only minimal or no improvement in speech perception with amplitude compression. Most of the investigations reported used limiter circuits; whereas, compression circuitry was employed in only two (recent) studies. Most research reported to date has been with prototype desk model units; few studies have actually used hearing aids. Almost all of the research has been with standard monosyllabic word lists with the li...
Taphonomic implications of orientation of plotted finds from Pinnacle Point 13B (Mossel Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa)

An understanding of site taphonomy is crucial to stratigraphic and artifact/ecofact interpretation. Numerous geogenic, biogenic, and anthropogenic activities have the potential to move artifacts after deposition and distort the patterning once present in hominid discarded debris. Taphonomy at a Middle Stone Age cave (Pinnacle Point 13B) near Mossel Bay, South Africa is investigated here using artifact orientation data collected during excavation. Two angle measurements (bearing and plunge) were taken for all artifacts with a distinct long axis. The data are analyzed here using both graphical and statistical approaches, and a new graphical approach is presented. Using these measurements it is possible to distinguish between layers and areas of the site that are minimally disturbed and those that have been reworked to varying degrees. Data of this type are still not usually presented in publications of stone age sites. Given the complexities of the taphonomic history of these ancient sites, such data and analyses should become standard practice.
Portal cirrhosis of the liver; case report with discussion of problems.

Summary 1. A case of portal cirrhosis in an 11-year-old boy is presented, together with the pathologic findings observed during necropsy. 2. The terminology and pathogenesis are reviewed, as well as the differentialdiagnosis, especially in regard to “splenomegalic anemia”. 3. The thought is advanced that infectious hepatitis may terminate incirrhosis.
Synthesis and structures of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol derivatives of Rh(I), Ir(I), Pd(II) and Pt(II)

Abstract The reaction of 3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 PzLi with [Rh(COD)Cl] 2 , IrCl(CO) 3 , [PdCl(η 3 -C 3 H 5 )] 2 and PtCl 2 (COD) in diethylether solution at 0 °C results in the formation of [Rh(COD)(μ-3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz)] 2 ( 1 ), [Ir(CO) 2 (μ-3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz)] 2 ( 2 ), [Pd(η 3 -C 3 H 5 )(μ-3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz)] 2 ( 3 ), and Pt(COD)(η 1 -3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz) 2 ( 4 ), respectively (3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz=3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 pyrazolate; COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene). Compounds 1 – 3 are dimeric with bridging 3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz ligands while 4 is monomeric and features two η 1 -3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz groups. All compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and their X-ray crystal structures have also been determined.
Improved electrode geometry for electrooptic frequency translation in a channel waveguide

The technique of optical frequency translation by a rotating electric field in a trigonal electrooptic crystal has been adapted to a buried channel waveguide structure. To implement the field rotation under the constraints of a planar geometry, an electrode configuration was adopted consisting of three coplanar, collinear metal strips driven in phase quadrature, with the light guide under the central strip. Elimination of a cyclic modulation of field amplitude, characterizing the results of a previous study by the author, was achieved by appropriately widening the outer electrodes relative to the central one and by choosing a suitable channel depth. Spurious sidebands previously generated by an effective counter-rotating field component are thus removed. It is shown that with a residual modal birefringence equivalent to \lambda/20 -differential phase retardation, the device here described can achieve 98 percent translation into the single first-order sideband with less than 0.5 percent combined spurious carrier and second-order upper sideband.
Influence of Glycine on Depleted Creatine Reserves of Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle in Experimental Hyperthyroidism.

ConclusionThe results of these experiments offer no evidence of the conversion of glycine into creatine. That this amino acid is not a precursor of creatine is indicated by some of the data, but admittedly more conclusive evidence is needed to establish this view. Difficulty in the interpretation of the results is due partly to the fact that the fate of creatine is not limited to storage, excretion, and conversion into creatinine. A large part is used up in other ways. Moreover, in hyperthyroidism, as in certain muscle diseases,1 the capacity of muscle to take up and retain creatine is deficient, even though the concentration may be considerably below normal.
Noninvasive Imaging of the Heart and Coronary Arteries

There are multiple imaging modalities currently available to noninvasively evaluate the heart and coronary arteries. Choosing the most appropriate modality depends on the pertinent clinical question and the underlying patient characteristics. This article provides an overview of the fields of echocardiography, myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, with particular attention to specific clinical applications for cardiac surgery patients.
Hadron structure and interaction from lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations

We report the results of the U.S. Department of Energy "Grand Challenge" project on the ab initio calculations of hadron structure proton, neutron, and other strongly interacting particles and interaction in the framework of lattice gauge quantum chromodynamics. The electric and magnetic form factors which are deduced from the elastic scattering of electrons off the proton and neutron targets are simulated on a quenched 163 x 24 lattice. The masses of the exotic four-quark mesoniums, the molecules of the strongly interacting mesons, are calcu lated on a 24 x 12 ?? 12 x 24 lattice. Stable and meta stable configurations are found in certain quantum states. This finding agrees with the observed experi mental trend.
Is the Only Form of ʻReasonable Regulationʼ Self Regulation?: Lessons from Lin Ostrom on Regulating the Commons and Cultivating Citizens

Elinor Ostrom, the 2009 Nobel Prize winner in economic science, has made significant contributions throughout her career to the disciplines of political economy and public choice. This article focuses on her contributions to our understanding of how rules of self governance can produce cooperation out of situations of conflict over resource use. Through the use of a multiple-methods approach to political economy, Ostrom has demonstrated in a variety of historical circumstances and within a diversity of institutional environments how individuals can craft rules so that they can live better together in their communities and realize the gains from social cooperation under the division of labor.
Set Covering by an All Integer Algorithm: Computational Experience

Computational experience with a modified linear programming method for the inequality or equality set covering problem (i.e. minimize cx subject to Ex ≥ e or Ex = e, xi = 0 or 1, where E is a zero-one matrix, e is a column of ones, and c is a nonnegative integral row) is presented. The zero-one composition of the constraint matrix and the right-hand side of ones suggested an algorithm in which dual simplex iterations are performed whenever unit pivots are available and Gomory all integer cuts are adjoined when they are not. Applications to enumerative and heuristic schemes are also discussed.
Carbon stable isotopes as indicators of coastal eutrophication.

Coastal ecologists and managers have frequently used nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) to trace and monitor sources of anthropogenic nitrogen (N) in coastal ecosystems. However, the interpretation of δ15N data can often be challenging, as the isotope values fractionate substantially due to preferential retention and uptake by biota. There is a growing body of evidence that carbon isotopes may be a useful alternative indicator for eutrophication, as they may be sensitive to changes in primary production that result from anthropogenic nutrient inputs. We provide three examples of systems where δ13C values sensitively track phytoplankton production. First, earlier (1980s) mesocosm work established positive relationships between δ13C and dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved silica concentrations. Consistent with these findings, a contemporary mesocosm experiment designed to replicate a temperate intertidal salt marsh environment also demonstrated that the system receiving supplementary nutrient additions ...
Robust Pricing of Transportation Networks Under Uncertain Demand

Traditionally, tolls on transportation networks are determined on the basis of a single value of travel demand, deterministic elastic demand relationships, or informal scenario analysis. However, since the demand on the network cannot be forecast perfectly, pricing may prove to be suboptimal when the realized value of demand deviates significantly from the planned value. Therefore, there is a need for a robust pricing scheme that accounts for demand uncertainty. Optimal pricing is examined through marginal costs in which origin-destination travel demand is a random variable to understand better the direct impact and sensitivity of the uncertainty. Three methods are evaluated for determining robust prices: inflation or deflation of the planning demand, averaging tolls from various planning demands, and genetic algorithms. The performance of these three methods is evaluated by analyzing user equilibrium for various future travel demand scenarios. From the results of the analysis, a more robust pricing schem...
A low-pressure beenakker-type microwave-induced helium plasma source as a simultaneous multi-element gas chromatographic detector

Abstract A low-pressure version of a Beenakker-type microwave-induced helium plasma optical emission spectroscopy detector for gas chromatographic effluents is described. The plasma is sustained in a 1.3-rum i.d. quartz tube and is viewed axially through a quartz window. Operating characteristics of the source were studied for power levels of 15–115 W, for carrier-gas flows of 20–1000 mi min−1, and for pressures of 2–700 torr. A gas chromatographic system involving a fused-silica capillary column is used as the sample introduction system for compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine. Elemental response factors and the precision of elemental response ratios were studied. The use of this detector in evaluating empirical formulae is also discussed. Empirical formulae for a number of hydrocarbons and sulfur-containing aliphatic and heterocyclic compounds are presented, together with a discussion of the factors that affect accuracy and precision. It is concluded that this type of detector combines some of the best fearutes of the atmospheric-pressure Beenakker and the Evenson-type sources.
Topical indomethacin therapy before argon laser trabeculoplasty.

Fifty treatment sessions for 43 eyes (35 patients) receiving argon laser trabeculoplasty to one-half the angle were randomly assigned in a double-masked fashion to pretreatment with either topical indomethacin 1% or placebo. In 25 treatments intraocular pressure increased 3 mm Hg or more within four hours. Topical indomethacin pretreatment had no effect on the incidence, magnitude, or time course of this acute increase. It also did not alter the long-term effectiveness of the laser treatment (–3.8 mm Hg in the indomethacin-treated group vs −4.3 mm Hg in the placebo-treated group). The overall incidence of new peripheral anterior synechiae found on gonioscopy at one month was 32% (16 of 50 treatments). Synechiae formation was much higher in blacks (ten of 11 eyes or 91%) than in whites (five of 38 eyes or 13%). Although there was an association between acute anterior chamber inflammation after laser treatment and ultimate synechia formation (P
The influence of electrochemical potential on wear

Abstract Electrochemical potentials between −1.4 and +1.2 V (saturated calomel electrode) applied to Ni(200) in the nominally inert electrolyte 1 M NaClO 4 resulted in an observed order of magnitude variation in the wear rate of the nickel under fretting and sliding conditions. The pin-on-disc experiments were carried out with a fused Al 2 O 3 pin loaded at 9.8 and 19.6 MPa sliding on discs at 10 m min −1 , and fretting wear was simulated by a high frequency (10 5 –10 7 cm −2 s −1 ) low amplitude impact of a vibrating Al 2 O 3 pin on the disc. These results suggest that it is possible to control wear in ionically conducting fluids through the application of appropriate electrochemical potentials.
The phenocopy concept: illusion or reality?

Verfasser bespricht den Begriff Phanokopie und dessen Grenzen. Er kommt zum Schluss, dieser Begriff sei nutzlich, sofern er sich auf experimentell produzierte Phanokopien bezieht, die mit den Erbphanotypen identisch oder ihnen sehr ahnlich sind und deren Entwicklungsgang zum mindesten teilweise mit demjenigen homologer Mutanten ubereinstimmt.
Tai Chi and Parkinsonism

Background and Purpose. To describe the effects of an eight-week Tai Chi class on two patients: one with Parkinson's disease, the other with multiple system atrophy. Method and Results. Both patients demonstrated improved scores on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Functional Reach Test. One subject also demonstrated improved scores for the Timed Up and Go test. Both subjects reported subjective improvements in balance and balance awareness. Conclusions. Tai Chi may be a viable option for improving balance in patients with mild Parkinsonism. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Multiscale Nonlinear Framework for the Long-Term Behavior of Layered Composite Structures

This paper presents an integrated micromechanical–structural framework for local–global nonlinear and time-dependent analysis of fiber reinforced polymer (FPR)composite materials and structures. The proposed modeling approach involves nested multiscale micromodels for unidirectional and continuous filament mat (CFM) layers. In addition, a sublaminate model is used to provide a 3-D effective anisotropic and continuum response to represent the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of a through-thickness periodical multilayered material system. The 3-D multiscale material framework is integrated with a displacement-based finite-element code to perform structural analyses. The time-dependent responses in the unidirectional and CFM layers are exclusively attributed to their matrix constituents. The Schapery nonlinear viscoelastic model is used with a newly developed recursive–iterative integration method applied for the polymeric matrix. The fiber medium is linear and transversely isotropic. The in situ long-term response of the matrix constituents is calibrated and verified using long-term creep coupon tests. Good prediction ability is shown by the proposed framework for the overall viscoelastic behavior of the layered material. Material and geometric nonlinearities of I-shape thick composite columns, having vinylester resin reinforced with E-glass unidirectional (roving) and CFM layers, are studied to illustrate the capability of the multiscale material-structural framework. Nonlinear elastic behavior and creep collapse analyses of the I-shaped column are performed. The recursive–iterative and stress correction algorithms, which are implemented and executed simultaneously at each material scale, enhance equilibrium and avoid misleading convergent states.
A parametric model of muscle moment arm as a function of joint angle: Application to the dorsiflexor muscle group in mice

Abstract A parametric model was developed to describe the relationship between muscle moment arm and joint angle. The model was applied to the dorsiflexor muscle group in mice, for which the moment arm was determined as a function of ankle angle. The moment arm was calculated from the torque measured about the ankle upon application of a known force along the line of action of the dorsiflexor muscle group. The dependence of the dorsiflexor moment arm on ankle angle was modeled as r=R sin( a +Δ), where r is the moment arm calculated from the measured torque and a is the joint angle. A least-squares curve fit yielded values for R , the maximum moment arm, and Δ, the angle at which the maximum moment arm occurs as offset from 90°. Parametric models were developed for two strains of mice, and no differences were found between the moment arms determined for each strain. Values for the maximum moment arm, R , for the two different strains were 0.99 and 1.14 mm, in agreement with the limited data available from the literature. While in some cases moment arm data may be better fitted by a polynomial, use of the parametric model provides a moment arm relationship with meaningful anatomical constants, allowing for the direct comparison of moment arm characteristics between different strains and species.
SU-E-T-246: On Augmented DVH Analysis

Purpose: The process of IMRT planning is an iterative inverse process, where a planner seeks to attain a desired dose distribution, specified for tumors and OARs, hence creating a plethora of competing objectives. However, the final product is rather the unpredictable outcome of a series of trial‐and‐error attempts at meeting these objectives. A key tool to inspect the quality of plans is the DVH. This inspection, however, is primarily conducted visually, hence, the chosen treatment plan is ultimately clinician dependent. In this study, we propose a quantitative method for DVH comparison based on historical data. Methods: The treatment of one prostate case was planned by seven planners, while imposing the same clinical objectives for PTV and OARs. The resulting seven test DVHs were compared based on their deviation of from the ideal coverage, namely 100% of PTV receiving 100% of the dose. A deviation function L is proposed to measure the weighted area between the ideal and realized DVH. The weights are formed based on the distribution of past data of 100 comparable prostate cases. The frequencies were interpolated to form a continuous surface using tensor product piecewise cubic hermite interpolation. While only the dose distribution to PTV was subject to this study, the proposed method is universal and applies to other organs and/or combinations of criteria as well. Result: Even though none of the seven test DVHs appeared visually preferable, we measured significantly different L values: Planner 2 exhibited the lowest deviation, while the deviations of Planners 1 and 7 were far higher. Conclusion: The proposed method of quantitative DVH comparison can distinguish DVHs that might otherwise visually appear similar in a clinical setting. Furthermore, the outcomes from our method are independent of planning personnel biases, providing a quantitative way of evaluating DVHs and augmenting decisions in IMRT. Joint Purdue‐IU Seed Grant
Intrauterine lidocaine for pain control during laminaria insertion: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Objective To determine if intrauterine administration of 5 cc of 2% lidocaine in addition to paracervical block reduces pain during laminaria insertion, when compared with paracervical block and saline placebo. Study Design This was a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial. Women presenting for abortion by dilation and evacuation (DE 0–100 mm in laminaria–D&E interval). Mean pain scores were not different between treatment groups at laminaria insertion, (33 vs. 32, p=.8) or in the laminaria – D&E interval (43 vs. 44, p=.9). Conclusion Intrauterine administration of 5 cc of 2% lidocaine in addition to paracervical block did not reduce pain with laminaria insertion when compared to paracervical block with saline placebo. Implications Intrauterine lidocaine combined with paracervical block does not improve pain control at laminaria insertion when compared with paracervical block and saline placebo. Wide variation in pain scores and persistent pain after laminaria insertion suggests patient would benefit from more effective methods of pain control at laminaria insertion and during the post-laminaria interval.
Analgesic Effects of a Soy-Containing Diet in Three Murine Bone Cancer Pain Models

Abstract Bone is a common metastatic site for prostate and breast cancer, and bone cancer is usually associated with severe pain. Traditional treatments for cancer pain can sometimes be ineffective or associated with side effects. Thus an increasing number of patients seek alternative therapies. In this study we investigated the analgesic effects of a soy diet on 3 experimental models of bone cancer pain. Mice were fed a diet in which the protein source was either soy or casein. After 1 week on the diet, sarcoma cells (NCTC 2472) were injected into the medullary cavity of the humeri, femur, or calcaneus. Experimenters blinded to diet of the animal assessed the pain behavior in these animals, forelimb grip force in the humerus model and paw withdrawal frequency to mechanical stimuli in the calcaneus and femur models. The effect of morphine on cancer-induced pain behavior was investigated in calcaneus and femur models. In addition, in the femur model, the effects of soy on tumor size and bone destruction were studied. The soy diet reduced secondary mechanical hyperalgesia in the femur model but had no effect on primary mechanical hyperalgesia in the calcaneus model or on movement-related hyperalgesia in the humerus model. No dietary impact was discerned in measurements of tumor size, bone destruction, and body weight in the femur model, suggesting that the soy diet had no effect on cancer growth. Morphine dose-dependently reduced hyperalgesia with no diet-based difference. These results suggest that a soy diet might provide analgesia in certain forms of hyperalgesia associated with bone cancer. Perspective The study raises the possibility of dietary supplements influencing aspects of cancer pain. Further research will help determine if use of nutritional supplements, such as soy proteins, can reduce opioid analgesic use in chronic pain states and help minimize the side effects associated with long term use of opioids.
Traces in the Landscape: Hunters, Herders and Farmers on the Cedarberg Frontier, South Africa, 1725-95

Land tenure was at the center of the struggle between settlers and Khoisan on the colonial frontier during the eighteenth century. Different perceptions of land claims and differing patterns of land use prevented the possibility of mutual accommodation. Although pre-colonial hunters and herders co-existed in the Cedarberg region, the introduction of competition from settler pastoralism challenged the survival of both San and Khoikhoi patterns of subsistence. The fight for territory was rooted in competition over specific locations - sites endowed with resources such as permanent water, defensible shelter and ritual significance for the San. Colonial social structure supported settler land claims, eventually enabling successful occupation of a rugged region relatively isolated from the rest of the colony. In the last quarter of the century some Khoisan individuals worked within this system to make land claims of their own. Superior technology and a tightly woven social structure did not alter the basic features of the landscape, so colonists continued to subsist from transhumant pastoralism throughout the century.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION

Environmental analysis of transportation systems is a comprehensive and demanding task. The environmental planner is required to carefully and objectively examine project data provided by transportation planners and designers, review existing environmental laws and regulations that may affect the project, make appropriate calculations of impact, compare impact values against acceptable criteria, and recommend mitigation where needed. An outline of the procedures followed and the issues addressed during such an analysis are presented in this paper, which is one in a series by members of the Urban Transportation Division's Committee on Transportation Planning. The series of articles is designed to provide guidance on a variety of planning concerns. Discussion in this article is limited to the transportation modes of highways and airports. The impact areas of noise analysis, air quality, and water resources are covered, reflecting the engineering-related issues of the environmental questions that generally concern civil engineers. The paper is not intended to discuss the integrated process for environmental consideration in a manner that would be found in a policy white paper; rather, it presents an overview of appropriate laws, regulations, and prediction models.
Blood donor development: Effects of personality, motivational and situational variables

Abstract The present study examined the relative importance of the aversiveness of the donation procedure, donor motives and donor personality characteristics in the blood donors' decision to donate. One hundred and eighty-six blood donors and 106 nondonors took part in this retrospective study. Participants were asked to complete a number of personality measures, and two questionnaires assessing their motives for donating and the aversiveness of their most recent donation experience. Results indicated that both the aversiveness of the donation procedure and the donor's motivation exert considerable influence upon the donors' decision to return and donate again. Additionally, the donors' experience of physical discomfort and fearfulness about the donation procedure made the major contributions to the donation's aversiveness. The results also revealed that significant differences exist among nondonor, ex-donor, irregular and regular donor groups on several personality characteristics, on their motives for donating, and on the components comprising the aversiveness of the donation procedure. A blood donor decision model is presented incorporating the influence of motivational, situational and dispositional factors in the individual's development into a regular donor.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of cubic FeCo nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia

Magnetic nanoparticles have great potential as heating elements for use in magnetic hyperthermia for cancer therapy and drug release. A problem with widely used magnetite and mag-hematite nanoparticles is the relatively low magnetization, which results in low heating efficiency. Here high-magnetic-moment Fe70Co30 nanoparticles with a cubic shape were synthesized using a gas condensation sputtering technique for potential magnetic hyperthermia application. The mean size of nanoparticles was 12 nm with 13.6% standard deviation. Micromagnetic simulation of particles’ experimental hysteresis loop suggests that their behavior is dominated by a uniaxial anisotropy.
Significance for fetal outcome of poor prognostic features in fetal heart rate traces with variable decelerations.

Objective: To determine the clinical significance of the existence of poor prognostic features in fetal heart rate (FHR) traces with variable decelerations. Study design: This study was prospectively performed on 167 randomly selected women with a singleton pregnancy at term. Ninety-one patients had an FHR trace without pathological features. The remaining 76 women had variable decelerations and their FHR traces were analyzed carefully for the existence of poor prognostic features. Fetal and neonatal outcomes were compared in the normal and variable deceleration groups. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores, fetal heart rate (FHR), umbilical artery blood pH, pCO2; whereas no significant differences were found in the levels of umbilical artery HCO3, pO2. Conclusion: Prolonged deceleration had the highest specificity for 1 minute Apgar score <7,5 minute Apgar score <7 and umbilical artery blood pH<7.20 (95.0%, 96.3%, 97.5%, respectively). Loss of variability during deceleration showed the highest specificity for the same fetal features (66.7%, 72.3%, 63.9%, respectively). All other poor prognostic features had high specificities but low sensitivities.
Neutron and light scattering studies of light-harvesting photosynthetic antenna complexes

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) have been employed in studying the structural information of various biological systems, particularly in systems without high-resolution structural information available. In this report, we briefly present some principles and biological applications of neutron scattering and DLS, compare the differences in information that can be obtained with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and then report recent studies of SANS and DLS, together with other biophysical approaches, for light-harvesting antenna complexes and reaction centers of purple and green phototrophic bacteria.
A comparison between oxazoline-imidazolinylidene, -imidazolylidine, -benzimidazolylidene hydrogenation catalysts.

Imidazolinylidene, imidazolylidine, benzimidazolylidene complexes 1a–c were prepared and tested in asymmetric hydrogenations of a series of largely unfunctionalized alkenes. Similarities and differences in the catalytic performance of these complexes were rationalized in terms of the predicted mechanisms of these reactions, and their relative tendencies to generate protons under the hydrogenation conditions.
Surface film softening of iron single crystals oriented for single slip

The surface film softening phenomena are investigated in nickel-plated iron single crystals oriented for single slip at 77 K. The surface film reduces the yield stress and the initial part of the stress-strain curve becomes serrated. The softening effect is greater in those specimens having a greater surface area on which the primary slip vector has a large normal component. The lowest yield stress is achieved by a combination of prestraining at 300 K and surface coating. Studies of the surface of deformed specimens indicate that cracks in the surface film promote dislocation generation and that it is the edge component of these generated dislocations which produces the observed plastic deformation. Entfestigungsphanomene von Oberflachenschichten werden an nickelplattierten Eiseneinkristallen, die fur Einfachgleitung orientiert wurden, bei 77 K untersucht. Die Oberflachenschicht reduziert die Streckgrenze und der Anfangsteil der Spannungs–Dehnungskurve wird sagezahn-formig. Der Entfestigungseffekt ist in solchen Proben groser, die eine grosere Oberflache haben, auf der der Anfangsgleitvektor eine grose Normalkomponente besitzt. Die niedrigste Streckgrenze wird durch eine Kombination von Vordehnung bei 300 K und Oberflachenbedeckung erhalten. Untersuchungen der Oberflache von deformierten Proben zeigt, das Risse in der Oberflachenschicht die Versetzungserzeugung erhoht und das es die Stufenkomponente dieser erzeugten Versetzungen ist, die die beobachtete plastische Deformation hervorruft.
On the ductility of Ni3Al: Effects of strain rate, environment and boron

Tensile experiments have established that polycrystals of stoichiometric Ni{sub 3}Al are brittle in air over the range of strain rate from 10{sup {minus}4} to 7 s{sup {minus}1}. Ni-rich polycrystals and boron-doped stoichiometric alloys undergo a brittle-to-ductile transition upon increasing strain rate. The transition correlates with the enrichment of nickel on the grain boundaries. The strain rate and (presumably) environmental effect appear to be caused by the embrittlement not of the Ni{sub 3}Al per se, but of the intergranular Ni-enriched region.
NORMAL CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE FELINE THORAX AND ABDOMEN: COMPARISON OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND CADAVER ANATOMY

Computed tomographic images of two adult domestic short-haired cats were obtained with a whole body scanner. Images of the thorax and abdomen were compared with cross-sectional anatomy cadaver specimens from the same two cats. Anatomic structures were first identified on the cadaver specimens with the aid of numerous anatomy texts and references and were then identified and labeled on the computed tomographic images. Results from this project provide an atlas of normal cross-sectional gross and CT anatomy of the feline thorax and abdomen that can be used in the interpretation of any cross-sectional imaging modality.
Lipopolysaccharide causes Sp1 protein degradation by inducing a unique trypsin-like serine protease in rat lungs

We have previously demonstrated that challenge of rat or mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo promotes Sp1 protein degradation. The protease responsible for the LPS-induced Sp1 degradation has not been identified. In this study, we have identified, characterized and partially purified an LPS-inducible Sp1-degrading enzyme (LISPDE) activity from rat lungs. LISPDE activity selectively degraded Sp1, but not nuclear protein, C-fos, p65, I-κBα and protein actin. Nuclear extract contains approximately 14-fold of the LISPDE activity as that detected in cytoplasmic extract, suggesting that LISPDE is predominantly a nuclear protease. Using biochemical reagents, protease inhibitors and peptide substrates, we have characterized the LISPDE activity. Based on biochemical characteristics, inhibitor profile, and substrate specificity, we have shown that LISPDE activity is not 26S proteasome, caspase or cathepsin-like activity, but is a trypsin-like serine protease activity. Using soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI)–sepharose affinity column, we have partially purified the LISPDE protein, which has an estimated molecular mass of 33 kDa and selectively degrades native Sp1 protein. We mapped the initial site for proteolytic cleavage of Sp1 by LISPDE to be located within the region between amino acids 181–328. We conclude that LPS causes Sp1 degradation by inducing a unique trypsin-like serine protease, LISPDE.
A 4D analogue of KPZ (I)

Abstract A four-dimensional analogue of residual η- and ϵ-symmetries in the light-cone gauge formulation of 2D gravity a la Knizhnik- Polyakov-Zamolodchikov is considered. We argue that residual symmetries in the metric for self-dual gravity by Plebanski et al. precisely correspond to this. We also show that the η-symmetry is nothing but a Kahler gauge symmetry in the gauge used by Alekseev and Shatashvili for the derivation of the induced 2D gravity action.
Brief paper: Why are some hysteresis loops shaped like a butterfly?

The contribution of this paper is a framework for relating butterfly-shaped hysteresis maps to simple (single-loop) hysteresis maps, which are typically easier to model and more amenable to control design. In particular, a unimodal mapping is used to transform simple loops to butterfly loops. For the practically important class of piecewise monotone hysteresis maps, we provide conditions for producing butterfly-shaped maps and examine the properties of the resulting butterflies. Conversely, we present conditions under which butterfly-shaped maps can be converted to simple piecewise monotone hysteresis maps to facilitate hysteresis compensation and control design. Examples of a preloaded two-bar linkage mechanism and a magnetostrictive actuator illustrate the theory and its utility for understanding, modeling, and controlling systems with butterfly-shaped hysteresis.
Improved Coarse-Grained Modeling of Cholesterol Activation in Lipid Bilayers

Cholesterol (Chol) concentration is highly regulated in mammalian cells, which in turn is coupled to LDL levels in blood plasma and cardiovascular health. In one regulatory mechanism, Chol exchange between the plasma and endoplasmic reticulum membranes is regulated by sterol- and sterol derivative-induced changes in membrane structure. Experiments and united atom (UA) simulations show that binary Chol-phospholipid bilayers thin significantly, and Chol accessibility increases, at Chol concentrations of 40 % and higher, which is about the level at which Chol becomes accessible to external acceptors. Here, to reduce computational cost so that larger and more complex systems involved in Chol regulation (i.e. with proteins, ER membranes) can be simulated, we modify the published MARTINI coarse-grained force field to improve its predictions of sterol-induced membrane restructuring, by comparison to united atom simulations. We adjust key bonded parameters and forcefield terms for phospholipid and cholesterol to more accurately reflect the conformational distributions observed in UA simulations, and we further adjust the interaction energies among lipid and sterol beads to reproduce membraneradial distribution functions and the Chol tilt distribution. With these corrections, we are able to reproduce both the area condensation/membrane thickening seen at less than 30% Chol and the thinning seen at above 40%. Furthermore, a “coarse-grained oxysterol” variant of our refined model captures the broad tilt distribution previously seen in UA simulations of bilayers containing 10-18% 25-hydroxycholesterol (oxysterol). Finally, addition of coarse-grained oxysterol to Chol/phospholipid bilayer simulations distinctly shifts the membrane thickness curve to lower concentrations, as seen in experiments. Thus, we have substantially improved the accuracy of MARTINI so that insights can be learned about lipid/sterol systems themselves, and so that large and complex systems also containing proteins can be investigated in the future.