cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of small bowel volvulus around feeding Roux-en-Y limbs

Patients’ inability to take oral nutrition calls for alternative feeding. In selected pediatric patients, traditional feeding tubes are not tolerated and jejunal feeding tubes can be obstructive. One option is a Roux-en-Y feeding limb. Our institution noted complications secondary to small bowel volvulus around this limb. Goals of this study were to review patients who experienced volvulus after Roux-en-Y creation, and to identify factors contributing to this complication. Institutional review board approval was obtained for a retrospective chart review. 25 patients were identified as having a Roux-en-Y jejunal feeding limb. Five developed volvulus. Factors documented included age, time to complication, revision, and outcome. Average age at limb creation was not statistically significant between those with or without volvulus. Mean time to obstruction was 228 ± 117 days post-limb creation. Average limb length was 18.7 ± 7 cm in patients with volvulus, 14 ± 2.3 cm in patients without. 3 of 5 patients presenting with volvulus were discharged home after revision; two patients died. There is no definitive way to prevent small bowel volvulus around Roux-en-Y feeding limbs. No predictors of volvulus were identified. Once revised, no recurrences were observed. While this complication is uncommon, it has potentially catastrophic outcomes requiring early intervention.
A massively parallel processor for level 2 muon triggers at D0

Abstract The level 2 muon trigger for the upgraded D0 detector is based on finding either a track segment directly outside the calorimeter or a full track that includes hits on either side of the magnetized iron toroid. The architecture for Level 2 includes the use of a preprocessor which will be used to find the segments. Queueing simulation of the Level 2 architecture shows a strong dependence between deadtime and large events in the preprocessors when a serial computation is performed. By using a parallel preprocessor architecture where each individual processor focuses on a narrow path through the detector, the effect of large events or slow calculations on deadtime is eliminated. The CNAPS commercial parallel processor board is considered for the muon preprocessor.
Differential effects of interleukin-2 blockade on apoptosis in naïve and activated human lymphocytes.

Background. Certain transplantation immunosuppressive strategies are primarily based on the interruption of interleukin (IL)-2 signaling by calcineurin inhibition or anti-IL-2 receptor-antibody blockade. However, recent evidence suggests that IL-2 is necessary for peripheral deletion of allograft-specific lymphocytes. Study Design. In this study, we examined the apoptotic effects of the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A, the chimeric anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, and the rabbit antihuman thymocyte preparation Thymoglobulin (rATG) on phytohemagglutinin-activated human lymphocyte models designed to simulate initial exposure to the graft or ongoing rejection of the graft. Results. We found that rATG increases Fas expression, decreases Bcl-2 expression, and induces early apoptosis in naive lymphocytes. However, rATG has more of a necrotic effect on activated lymphocytes. Basiliximab and cyclosporine had little effect on apoptosis, but did alter Bcl-2 and Fas expression. Conclusions. Compared with IL-2 pathway inhibitors, rATG increases lymphocyte apoptosis, probably via Bcl-2 pathway inhibition. Because apoptosis is required for the development of graft tolerance, induction strategies that use IL–2-independent pathways may be advantageous.
The dynamics of structural collapse

Abstract The complexities introduced during the collapse of structures, ranging from simple struts in compression to complex sheet-metal constructions, under dynamic conditions are described with emphasis upon the changes produced from the simple quasi-static collapse modes caused by phenomena such as wave propagation, inertia and material strain rate sensitivity effects. The changes are rendered more complex by the fact that failure modes can develop which would not be anticipated from the quasi-static response and that dynamic interactions are possible between the structure under test and its environment which may invalidate any conclusions established. Some techniques currently being employed to model, both theoretically and experimentally, the dynamic response of structures are then described.
Prevention of the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria by polyamines.

Abstract Since the inception of modern chemotherapy one of the chief barriers encountered has been the emergence of drug tolerant bacteria. The discovery and wide use of sulfonamides, various antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents, alone or in combination, has not eliminated this potential barrier. In this paper we report the prevention of the development of drug-resistant populations of bacteria from various drug-sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Aerobacter aerogenes. The emergence of resistant cells was prevented in growth systems containing the polyamines, spermine, or spermidine and any one of the following antibiotics namely, streptomycin, penicillin, erythromycin, and to a lesser extent, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Only the results with streptomycin and penicillin will be described here.
Characterizations of the light-scattering attributes of mineral particles in Lake Ontario and the effects of whiting

Abstract Light-scattering attributes of minerogenic particles from the upper waters of Lake Ontario, collected lake-wide from pelagic waters in late 2007 summer and early 2008 spring cruises and over the summer interval at a near-shore site in 2008, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and X-ray analyses (SAX). SAX results were used to estimate minerogenic scattering and backscattering coefficients ( b m and b b,m ) through Mie theory. Two minerogenic particle regimes with respect to light scattering were resolved: (1) clay mineral dominance and (2) dominance by ‘whiting’ (CaCO 3 precipitate) in late summer in portions of the lake. Clay minerals made noteworthy and important contributions to overall particulate scattering and backscattering coefficients ( b p and b bp , respectively) in spring and early summer. Dramatic increases in values of b p , and particularly b bp , as well as decreases in Secchi disk depth (SD), were observed during whiting from the associated large increases in b m and b b,m . Features of these events were the primary drivers of the spatial patterns in late summer and temporal differences observed for scattering and SD. Particles in the size range of 1–10 μm were responsible for minerogenic scattering during stratification, but those with sizes > 10 μm made noteworthy contributions at certain sites during spring turnover. The credibility of the SAX-Mie estimates of b m and b b,m was supported by the extent of optical closure obtained with paired bulk measurements of overall b p and b bp (2007 summer cruise), and independent estimates of organic particulate scattering and backscattering through empirical bio-optical models.
A simplified protocol for micropropagation of guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray).

A simple, efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of guayule is reported. Shoot cultures were maintained on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l−1 (4.4 μM) 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.025 mg l−1 (0.3 μM) α-naphthaleneacetic acid. Excised shoots were treated for 14–18 h with 100 mg l−1 (492.1 μM) indole-3-butyric acid in 0.5 x MS salts to induce rooting. The shoots were subsequently inserted into cellulose plugs which were packed in sterile, ventilated plastic culture vessels and moistened with 0.5 x MS medium without growth regulators. Use of cellulose plugs, liquid medium and ventilated culture vessels facilitated acclimation. Rooted shoots were transplanted into potting medium and acclimated to greenhouse conditions by covering with a cloche for 2 d, followed by daily watering for the first week.
Camptothecin inhibits macromolecular synthesis in mammalian cells but not in isolated mitochondria or lE. coli

Abstract Camptothecin at 1 mg per ml inhibited DNA synthesis in HeLa cells 60% and in L5178Y cells 47% but had no effect on rat liver or brain mitochondria or E. coli DNA synthesis. RNA synthesis in HeLa cells was inhibited 67% in HeLa cells and 73% in L5178Y cells by 1 mg camptothecin per ml, but no inhibition of mitochondrial or E. coli RNA synthesis occurred. Protein synthesis was slightly inhibited by camptothecin in the mammalian cells, but mitochondrial and E. coli protein synthesis was unaffected. Camptothecin at levels as high as 1 mg per ml had no effect on glycoprotein synthesis in mitochondria or the mammalian cells or on lipopolysaccharide synthesis in E. coli .
Inverse Conjugacies and Reversing Symmetry Groups

This paper arose from a course I gave on algebraic structures, where some of the results of Sections 1 and 2 and some examples from Section 4 were presented as exercises and then discussed in the classroom. In addition, the students were asked to calculate B(a) and C(a) for certain specific examples, sometimes with the aid of a software package. Generally B(a) is not a subgroup of G, and it may be empty. However, E(a) = B(a) U C(a) is a group, which is called the reversing symmetry group of a. In dynamical systems theory, the group element a represents the time evolution operator of a dynamical system. We present some results familiar to people working in time reversing dynamical systems, but our presentation is given in an
Integrating Information Literacy into the Science Curriculum

A science librarian and a microbiology professor collaborated to assess information-seeking, evaluating, and usage abilities before, during, and at the end of a senior-level geomicrobiology course. ACRL’s Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education was used as a guide in designing a survey and checklists to measure literacy levels. Following an initial survey of the students’ information literacy level, two instruction sessions were provided in the use of bibliographic finding tools available from the University of Oklahoma Libraries. During each subsequent class meeting, students presented, critiqued, and discussed a referred article. The cycle was repeated, and the survey was administered again at the end of the semester. The survey results indicated an 11 percent increase in information literacy, but no significant improvement in the students’ ability to present, critique, and discuss information. A model for incorporating information literacy into upper-level undergraduate science courses and an instrument for measuring information literacy are proposed.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES FOR EMPLOYERS OF SOCIAL SECURITY “PRIVATIZATION:” POLICY RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS

: While traditional fixes to restore Social Security to actuarial balance have known consequences for employers, opinion polls show strong public support for nontraditional approaches, e.g., the stock market investment of Social Security funds (privatization). The authors examine some of the complex assumptions which have been raised as the basis for determining if privitization would benefit employers and discuss the lack of research available to support or dispute the validity of some of these assumptions.
An Organizational Life Cycle Perspective on the Development of the Hispanic Health Council

In 1978, a small group of anthropologists teamed up with an equally small cadre of community health activists from the Puerto Rican community of Hartford, CT to embark on an challenging (and ongoing) experiment: the creation of a center for community-based applied anthropological research on the health of the inner-city poor. The product of the labors of this coalition now stands prominently in its own four story building at the intersection of Main St. and Park St. on the southern edge of downtown Hartford, in the heart of the city's large Puerto Rican community (the largest relative to the overall city size on the U.S. mainland). Like many community organizations, the HHC emerged as a response to pressing community issues, and, like organizations that begin in this fashion, the HHC has followed a particular developmental pathway, one marked by a number of significant tension points and transitions.
Living near a trail is associated with increased odds of walking among patients using community clinics

We tested the hypothesis that living near a walking or cycling trail was associated with greater odds of walking. This has been previously studied in healthy and unselected populations, but to our knowledge has not been studied in patients attending community clinics. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 1211 persons in five community clinics that serve poor populations. We performed univariate analysis and developed a multivariate logistic regression model for walking adjusting for 12 independent variables including self-rated health, frequent mental distress, lifestyle and demographic variables, and environmental characteristics of the neighborhood including perceived proximity to a walking or cycling trail. Compared to those who reported not living close to a trail, persons who reported living near a trail were more likely to meet recommended levels of walking of at least 30 minutes fives times per week (unadjusted odds ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence intervals = 1.04–2.13). In the multivariate model, male gender (unadjusted odds ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence intervals = 1.15–2.30), having three or more convenient destinations (unadjusted odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence intervals = 1.37–2.32), and living near a trail (unadjusted odds ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence intervals = 1.01–2.09) were positively associated with walking at statistically significant levels. The odds of walking were lower in non-Hispanic blacks (odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence intervals = 0.40–0.87) and current smokers (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence intervals = 0.57–0.76). For patients attending community clinics, environmental strategies to encourage walking may include mixed-land-use neighborhoods and construction of trails.
Observations on the portability of Ada I/O

I have been involved recently in developing reusable Ada components which are portable (in theory) across multiple systems using multiple compilers. One of the biggest problem areas in Ada portability aside from Chapter 13 issues is Chapter 14, Ada I/O. This paper represents an informal collection of my working notes on the portability problems of Chapter 14. These notes are based on my experience with a wide variety of compilers on an even larger set of hardware. I have purposefully not mentioned any compilers by name as I only wish to show the differences between implementations and do not wish to imply that any compiler is better than any other. While I/O is inherently non-portable, packages of common I/O functions such as those described in Chapter 14 can be specified in a manner which ensures maximum portability. There are too many loopholes and areas for implementor interpretation in current Ada 1.0; I hope to see more stringent I/0 specifications in 1988.
Natural occurrence and experimental study of pox and Haemoproteus infections in a mute swan (Cygnus olor).

Pox and Haemoproteus sp. infections in a mute swan are reported. Experimental study of the swan pox isolate indicated that geese were susceptible, but chickens, ducks, and pigeons were resistant to the virus. The distinctive feature of pox infection in the swan was the invasive proliferation deep into the subcutaneous tissues of the face and beak, producing facial deformity and swelling.
Interstitial condensation in building structures : Dynamic model for predicting the amount of condensation

The traditional approach to the calculation of condensation makes many assumptions and completely disregards certain physical properties. This note details a model which was developed for use on PC-type computers using finite element analysis, and a year's recorded weather data to predict the amount of condensation which will occur in the roofspace in a typical year. This model also incorporates the heating produced by the act of condensation, the effect of radiation to the atmosphere at night, and re-evaporation of any condensation.
Lateral jaw movements in mammalian dentitions

Abstract A study was made of the masticatory apparatus of two groups of mammals with very different dietary needs and chewing habits. Lateral chewing movements were considered in terms of their rotational and translatory components. Carnivores have a lateral jaw movement that has only a rotational component. Translatory movements seem to be associated with shearing action while rotational movements are associated with grinding. In all of the animals studied, some accommodation was observed to prevent so-called balanced occlusion in which tooth contacts occur on both sides of the mouth at the same time. Dentists who compare cuspless artificial teeth with those of herbivorous animals are probably unaware of the masticatory requirements of these animals.
A Phase-Field - Finite Element Model for Instabilities in Multilayer Thin Films

Cahn-Hilliard type of phase-field (PF) model coupled with elasticity equations is used to study the instabilities in multilayer thin films. The governing equations of the solid state phase transformation include a 4th order partial differential equation representing the evolution of the conserved PF variable (concentration) coupled to 2nd order partial differential equations representing the mechanical equilibrium. A mixed order Galerkin finite element (FE) model is used including C0 interpolation functions for the displacement, and C1 interpolation functions for the concentration. It is shown that quadratic convergence, expected for conforming elements, is achieved from this coupled mixed-order FE model. Using the PF – FE model, first, we studied the effect of compositional strain on the PF interface thickness and the results of simulations are compared with the analytical solutions of an infinite thin film diffusion couple with a flat interface. Morphological instabilities in binary multilayer thin films are investigated. The alloys with and without intermediate phase are considered, as well as the cases with stable and metastable intermediate phase. Maps of transformations in multilayer systems are carried out considering the effects of initial thickness of layers, compositional strain, and growth of a stable/unstable intermediate phase on the instability of the multilayer thin films. It is shown that at some cases phase transformation, intermediate phase nucleation and growth, or deformation of layers due to high compositional strain can lead to the coarsening of the layers which can result in different mechanical and materials behaviors of the original designed multilayer.
Self-assembly of nanoparticles: Toward to biological functions, inorganic viruses, and microscale electronic components

Self-organization phenomena at nanoscale bring out new experimental and theoretical results every day. This type of processes are important from both fundamental and practical perspectives because they (1) allow one to identify similarities between angstrom, nanometer, and micrometer scale building blocks of Nature and (2) can potentially simplify manufacturing process of nanodevices and nanomaterials with specialized optical/electronic properties. Over the period of last few years we demonstrated that complex 1D, 2D, and even 3D systems form from nanoparticles with strong anisotropy. The comparison of the processes in solution of CdTe and other nanocolloids reveals a number of surprising similarities with processes in proteins. While wide range of differences is also present in their properties, one can conclude that there is a fundamental analogy in the scales and surface chemistries of organic and inorganic compact nanocolloids, such as proteins and nanoparticles. This conclusion will be substantiated with data obtained for a variety of nanocrystals, such as CdTe, CdS, CdSe, Te, Se, and ZnO, prepared in the laboratory of the presenter and experimental and theoretical observations from our collaborators in China (Profs. TANG Zhiyong; XU Chuanlai), Korea (Prof. LEE Jaebeom), and the USA (Profs. Sharon Glotzer, Alexander Govorov).
Difficulties in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is now routine practice for management of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma. Compared with open radical nephrectomy, the laparoscopic approach is associated with comparable operative time, decreased blood loss, superior recovery, improved cosmesis, and equivalent cancer control over a long-term follow-up.1–3
Analysis by synthesis of pathological voices using the Klatt synthesizer

Abstract The ability to synthesize pathological voices may provide a tool for the development of a standard protocol for assessment of vocal quality. An analysis-by-synthesis approach using the Klatt formant synthesizer was applied to study 24 tokens of the vowel /a/ spoken by males and females with moderate-to-severe voice disorders. Both temporal and spectral features of the natural waveforms were analyzed and the results were used to guide synthesis. Perceptual evaluation indicated that about half the synthetic voices matched the natural waveforms they modeled in quality. The stimuli that received poor ratings reflected failures to model very unsteady or “gargled” voices or failures in synthesizing perfect copies of the natural spectra. Several modifications to the Klatt synthesizer may improve synthesis of pathological voices. These modifications include providing jitter and shimmer parameters; updating synthesis parameters as a function of period, rather than absolute time; modeling diplophonia with independent parameters for fundamental frequency and amplitude variations; providing a parameter to increase low-frequency energy; and adding more pole-zero pairs.
Survival of detached sporangia of Phytophthora infestans exposed to ambient, relatively dry atmospheric conditions

The effect of duration of exposure, daily weather conditions, and exposure to direct or indirect sunlight on survival of sporangia ofPhytophthora infestans under ambient, relatively dry atmospheric conditions was evaluated. Viability of sporangia was assessed by determining the proportion of potato tuber slices or leaflets that became infected after inoculation with exposed sporangia. The maximum survival time of sporangia was 24 h under moderately cool (mean of 15 C) and dry conditions (RH < 25%). Sky conditions were sunny during daylight hours during this exposure. Infection seldom occurred when sporangia were exposed directly to sunlight; only 25 of 566 (4.4%) groups of sporangia caused infection. Of these 25 groups, 23 (92%) had been exposed to mean temperatures below 33 C for 4 or fewer hours. Binary logistic regression analysis of the data showed that duration of exposure, direct sunlight, and type of day were all significant factors affecting survival of sporangia. Long exposure in direct sunlight limited survival. Survival of sporangia was more likely to occur on cool, cloudy days and cool, rainy days than on other day-types.
Synergistic storyscapes and constructionist cinematic sharing

This paper describes recent progress toward a framework and toolset for Very Distributed Storytelling. It focuses on three independent but interconnected axes of development: continuous story playout environments, story authoring systems, and scenarios for interaction, particularly those that operate in casual or formal architectural spaces. Aspects of these are explored in several systems currently under development at the Interactive Cinema Group of the MIT Media Laboratory. Agent Stories invites authors to develop story segments that know about their role in the story and agents that can use these role designations to orchestrate the playout of story parts. Happenstance, an ecologically based, context-sensitive "stage" for the performance of interactive narratives, provides an information landscape that is continuous in space and time, supports multiple viewpoints, and acts as a semiporous membrane to information and messages from the outside world. The CINEMAT and other large-scale interactive media pieces--situated in sensor-rich architectural spaces-- explore the relationships among immersion, interaction, narrative guidance, and public space.
Nonperturbative BRS invariance and the Gribov problem

Abstract The requirement of lattice BRS invariance is argued to successfully replace local gauge invariance to any order in a perturbative expansion. In a nonperturbative setting, however, one encounters an obstacle which, on a formal level, exists also in the continuum formulation. The origin of the problem and possible ways to avoid it are discussed.
On the node complexity of neural networks

Abstract New results are presented for the node complexity of threshold logic circuit implementations of n-input, m-output logic functions. When no restrictions are imposed on the network the node complexity is shown to be θ( m2 n (n− log m )) . One-hidden-layer networks are shown to have a node complexity of O(2n + m) and θ( m 2 n [ n ( n + m )]) . Networks with weights restricted to the set {−1, 0, 1} are shown to have a node complexity of θ( m2 n ) , and networks for which fan-in is restricted to 2 are shown to have a node complexity of θ( m 2 n ( n + log m )) .
The equilibrium between aluminum alkoxides and 1-(diphenylphosphinoyl)-2-(diphenylphosphino)ethane

Abstract The reaction of Ph 2 P(O)CH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 with several aluminum alkoxides was studied. No reaction was detected with [Al(OEt) 3 ] n or [Al(OPr i ) 3 ] 4 . In contrast, [Al(OBu t ) 3 ] 2 or [Al(OBu s ) 3 ] n in methylene chloride are in equilibrium with (RO) 3 AlOPPh 2 CH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 . In the case of [Al(OBu s ) 3 ] n equilibrium constants have been obtained and are consistent with: 1/2[Al(OBu s ) 3 ] 2 +Ph 2 P(O)CH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 ⇌(Bu s O) 3 AlOPPh 2 CH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 . Plots of − RT ln K eq versus 1/ T between −20 and 35 °C yield Δ H =10.5±0.5 kJ mol −1 and Δ S =38±2 J K −1 mol −1 .
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the emergency department: A case report

The Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of ovulation enhancing technologies that is becoming more prevalent with increasing use of these techniques in infertile women. In this report, we describe a 36-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with hemodynamic compromise secondary to OHSS. The OHSS is characterized by ovarian enlargement, ascites, electrolyte disturbances, hypotension, and thromboembolic events. This case illustrates a serious complication of techniques used to enhance fertility.
Optical Dispersion Measurements in Chalcogenide Glass Fibers and Tapers

Dispersion of chalcogenide (ChG) bulk samples, multiple-ChG fibers and tapers is measured. We demonstrate normal and anomalous waveguide dispersion in the tapers and support the results with finite-element simulations.
Magnetic properties of hydrides of YMn2−xFex

Abstract Hydrides of YMn2-xFex and related materials show a characteristic shift in the ordering temperatures when compared with the parent materials. This is in line with a predictive scheme based on a rigid band approach. The degree of amorphicity and amount of hydrogen uptake have pronounced effects on magnetic properties.
Microwave structure determination and quadrupole coupling measurements on acetylene-HCN and ethylene-HCN complexes

Abstract Microwave rotational spectra for the complexes HCCH-HCN, HCCH-DCN, DCCD-HCN, H 2 CCh 2 -HCN and H 2 CCH 2 -DCN were observed using a pulsed nozzle Fourier transform spectrometer. The distance from the HCN carbon atom the the center of mass is. 3.655(10) A for acetylene-HCN and 3.709(10) A for ethylene-HCN. Both complex are T-shaped with the HCN hydrogen atom closest to the CC bond. The HCN axis is perpendicular to the plane of ethylene for ethylene-HCN. Nitrogen and deuterium quadrupole coupling was measured.
Multicultural Education in Geography in the USA: An Introduction.

Abstract The increasing presence of students of diverse racial/ethnic and international origins in colleges and universities in the USA has prompted efforts to revise and create courses and curricula to respond to ‘diversity’ and introduce multicultural perspectives. In this Arena symposium we address current practices and the prospects for multicultural teaching in geography. Lee's introduction reviews the development of the diversity movement and the arguments advanced for and against multicultural education. She then focuses on the representation of minorities within geographic institutions in the USA. The papers that follow present the perspectives of both administrators and teaching faculty, recognising that change requires support and engagement across these levels. Corey examines how institutional priorities and programme developments in a large state university shape openings for interdisciplinary offerings to which geographers can contribute. McConnell reports the outcomes of his participation in...
Structure of Troponin Complex:FRET and Molecular Dynamic Simulations

Cardiac troponin regulates the functioning of the heart. Ca2+binding to cTnC and PKA-phosphorylation of the unique N-extension (Nxt) of cTnI play critical roles in regulation. However details of the Ca2+ and PKA phosphorylation signal transduction is still elusive. To acquire detailed structural information of troponin during activation/deactivation, we performed molecular dynamic simulations of the cardiac troponin complex combined with FRET distance measurements as restraints. Over one hundred inter-site distances were obtained from time-resolved FRET measurements at Ca2+-free and Ca2+-saturating conditions with/without PKA phosphorylation. These distance distributions were used as distance constraints during the simulations to resolve the detailed structure, particular the previously unresolved key functional regions of troponin. Results show that under Ca2+-free condition the Nxt of cTnI interacted with the Ca2+-binding sites on the N-domain of cTnC. The inhibitory region of cTnI and the D/E linker of cTnC were disordered. Upon Ca2+ binding in the absence of PKA phosphorylation, the Nxt of cTnI interacted with cTnC helix A and the cTnI mobile domain. The inhibitory region of cTnI and the D/E linker of cTnC become ordered. The results suggest that Ca2+-induced folding and unfolding of the D/E linker of troponin C, coupled with a change in orientation of the regulatory region of troponin I within the N-domain hydrophobic pocket of troponin C, regulates the dynamics of the inhibitory region of troponin I. When Ser23/24 was phosphorylated, the Nxt of cTnI moved away from the surface of the cTnC, perturbing the interaction between the Nxt and cTnC helix A, leading to significant unfolding of helices A and D of cTnC. The D/E linker of cTnC and the inhibitory region of cTnI became mobile. These finding shed new light onto the modulation role of PKA phosphorylation of cTnI on thin filament regulation.
In Vitro Fertilization Is Successful in Women With Ulcerative Colitis and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis

In Vitro Fertilization Is Successful in Women With Ulcerative Colitis and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis
Social and cognitive bases of early comprehension of object reference

In the present study, we investigated the performance patterns of 48 children between 6 and 17 months of age in order to explore the relationship between certain social and object-related skills and the early comprehension of linguistic object reference. All children were tested for (1) their understanding of another's gestural attempts to direct their visual attention to locations either to the child's right or left side, or to 180 ° behind the child (joint attention skills); (2) their spontaneous use of functional and socially influenced action patterns (schemes) with objects on themselves, a doll and another person; and (3) their comprehension of object labels in a forced-choice vocabulary testing situation designed to control for context and chance performance. Objects used in the vocabulary test were selected for each child based on maternal report. Based on Werner and Kaplan's (1963) framework for the development of linguistic object reference and published and unpublished reports, we predicted that all children credited with two or more words on the vocabulary test would follow another's gaze or point to either side as well as behind themselves and would spontaneously demonstrate social schemes with objects on both themselves and on others. The results very strongly supported the hypotheses for the relationship of both of the joint attention skills and the social schemes on self to object label comprehension. The hypothesized relationship of schemes on others to object label comprehension was not unequivocally supported. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed.
Is chemical neurotransmission altered specifically during methylmercury-induced cerebellar dysfunction?

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an important environmental neurotoxicant that is present in seafood and affects the developing and mature nervous system. The neurotoxicity induced by MeHg is a concern, particularly for fish-eating populations and pregnant or nursing women. During MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, degeneration of the granule cell layer in the cerebellum occurs, which leads to deficits in motor function. I suggest that the action of MeHg on specific neurotransmitter receptors contributes to the selective vulnerability of granule cells. MeHg appears to stimulate M 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and to inhibit GABA A receptor subtypes preferentially on cerebellar granule cells. This could lead to the loss of tonic inhibition of granule cells as a result of antagonism of GABA A receptors, and a M 3 -receptor-mediated increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca 2+ and block of a K + -dependent leak current. The net result would be increased spontaneous release of glutamate, which, coupled with a MeHg-induced impairment of glutamate uptake by astrocytes, could cause Ca 2+ -mediated cytotoxicity.
Relationship of prior hormonal therapy to subsequent estramustine phosphate treatment in advanced prostatic cancer

The relationship of prior hormonal therapy to subsequent response on estramustine phosphate (Estracyt) was examined in 107 patients with advanced prostatic cancer treated in two different Phase II chemotherapy trials. In both trials patients with the longest prior hormonal treatment were the least likely to respond to estramustine phosphate. Patients in the series from the National Prostatic Cancer Project with a response classification to prior hormonal therapy had only a 26 per cent response to subsequent estramustine phosphate therapy, whereas 40 per cent of those with no prior response to hormonal therapy responded to estramustine phosphate. This latter group had the shortest average disease duration from diagnosis. The sample of prostate cancers studied appeared to include groups that were sensitive to both hormones and cytotoxic activity as well as to either of these two alone. These data support the contention that estramustine phosphate may act both as an estrogenic and a cytotoxic agent.
Installation and Operation of the Model LM100 Turboshaft Engine Aboard the HS “Denison”

This paper reviews the modification, installation and utilization of an aircraft turboshaft engine in a hydrofoil ship. A detailed description of engine performance, maintenance, and corrosion protection is included.Copyright © 1964 by ASME
Urban/rural differences in health insurance coverage among people with multiple sclerosis

Purpose. To present urban/rural analyses of health insurance coverage among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This research also combined all survey respondents from each urban/rural area into one group of people with MS in health maintenance organizations (HMOs)/managed care and another group of people with MS who have other health insurance plans to compare any differences in coverage.Methods. We interviewed 1,518 people with MS living in all 50 states. Survey results were analyzed using SPSS.Results. Most people with MS in each urban/rural area had health insurance coverage (92 – 95%), with significant urban/rural differences observed in HMO/managed care enrollments. We found no urban/rural differences among people with MS in HMOs/managed care, or among people with MS with other health insurance plans, in satisfaction with coverage of routine care and MS-focused care, or with perceptions of how coverage enables utilization of health services. However, we found that people with MS in HMOs/managed car...
Intranasal deposition of nebulized saline: a radionuclide distribution study.

BackgroundDespite the popularity of various nasal sprays and nebulizers, there are limited data regarding the anatomic distribution of particles generated by these devices. This pilot study sought ...
The enzymic basis of plant litter decomposition: emergence of an ecological process

Abstract Plant litter decomposition is an integral process in the macronutrient cycles of ecosystems. The absence of fine-scale models for this process hampers attempts to simulate ecosystem responses to disturbance. Two recent studies have suggested that mass loss from decomposing plant litter can be directly related to the temporally-integrated activity of extracellular lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. To evaluate the generality and potential application of such relationships, we surveyed the literature and found eight studies that included mass loss data and some enzymic measure of lignocellulose degradation potential. Although the number of suitable studies was small, they encompassed a broad range of ecosystem and litter types. For all studies, there were strong linear relationships between temporally integrated enzyme activity, expressed as cumulative activity-days, and mass loss. No single enzyme gave the best fit in all cases; multiple linear regressions that included all enzymes measured within a particular study generally yielded better goodness of fit statistics than single enzyme models. Where methodological compatibility permitted, direct comparisons of apparent enzymatic efficiency (relative mass loss/activity-day) were made between studies; values for particular enzymes varied by a factor of ten and were strongly correlated with mean exposure temperature ( r 2 = 0.88). Activation energy for enzymatic decomposition was estimated at 58 kJ mol −1 . Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to generate a composite lignocellulase variable from each study, providing a common format for comparison. The results suggested that the three microcosm studies differed from the field investigations: enzymatic efficiency was approximately half that estimated for field studies and the data were more stochastic. We attributed these differences to disruptions in microbial succession caused by the lack of exogenous sources of colonists, nutrients and grazers. PCA also permitted the calculation of a global regression model for mass loss as a function of cumulative lignocellulase activity. For the five field studies, this model had an r 2 value of 0.73 in linear form and 0.76 in logarithmic form. Our analyses suggest that enzymatic decomposition models retain predictive value even when viewed from the ecosystem perspective. This hierarchal penetrance suggests useful applications: as a monitoring tool for the estimation of litter turnover in the field and as a basis for the simulation of decomposition processes at the microbial community level.
Role of the basolateral amygdala in memory consolidation.

: Memories of emotionally arousing events tend to be more vivid and to persist longer than do memories of neutral or trivial events. Moreover, memories of emotionally influenced information may endure after a single experience. Recent findings strongly suggest that the influence of emotional arousal on memory consolidation is mediated by the release of adrenal stress hormones (epinephrine and glucocorticoids) and neurotransmitters that converge in modulating the noradrenergic system within the amygdala. Considerable evidence also indicates that amygdala activation influences memory by regulating consolidation in other brain regions. The findings suggest further that this memory-modulatory system may be involved in the formation of traumatic memories and posttraumatic stress disorder in human subjects.
The international newsroom: A study of practices at the voice of America, BBC and Deutsche Welle

The newsrooms of the Western World's three largest international radio stations face several problems in common, particularly the relationship between themselves and the stations' many individual foreign language services.
Non-cyclic and Developmental Stage-Specific Expression of Circadian Clock Proteins During Murine Spermatogenesis

The central circadian clock in mammals is housed in the brain and is based on cyclic transcription and translation of clock proteins. How the central clock regulates peripheral organ function is unclear. However, cyclic expression of circadian genes in peripheral tissues is well established, suggesting that these tissues have their own endogenous oscillators. Reproduction is a process influenced by circadian rhythms in many organisms, thus making the testis an attractive model for studying clock function in peripheral organs. However, results addressing cyclic expression of clock genes in the mammalian testis are inconsistent. To resolve this issue, RNA was extracted from testes of mice at various times of day. Expression of the circadian clock genes mPer1, mPer2, Bmal1, Clock, mCry1, and Npas2 was constant at all times. Immunohistochemical localization of mPER1 and CLOCK proteins revealed restricted expression only in cells at specific developmental stages of spermatogenesis. For mPER1, these stages are the spermatogonia and the condensing spermatids. In contrast, CLOCK expression was restricted to round spermatids, specifically within the developing acrosome. Expression of mPER1 and CLOCK was constant at all times of day. These results suggest that clock proteins have noncircadian functions in spermatogenesis. Noncircadian expression of clock genes was also found in the thymus, which, like the testis, is composed primarily of differentiating cells. We propose that cyclic expression of clock genes is suspended during cellular differentiation.
Online Homework Put to the Test: A Report on the Impact of Two Online Learning Systems on Student Performance in General Chemistry.

Two different online homework systems were administered to students in a first-quarter general chemistry course. This study used a multiple regression model to control for the students’ academic and socioeconomic background, and it was found that students who completed the online homework activities performed significantly better on a common comprehensive final exam than students who did not participate. More specifically, it was found that students who completed a precourse assignment on an adaptive-responsive homework system (ALEKS; Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) could expect on average their final exam score to increase by over 13 points when compared to nonparticipating students. Students who completed a precourse assignment on a traditional responsive homework system (MasteringChemistry) also saw an average increase in their final exam score by roughly 8 points versus those who did not participate. Students who worked on the online homework for the entire quarter saw even greater gains ...
A model implicating altered macrophage function in H-2 linked nonresponsiveness to hen lysozyme.

Studies on the basis of differential responsiveness of H-2 mice to gallinaceous lysozymes suggest T cell involvement and active T cell suppression with those lysozymes not responded to. Results from other laboratories suggesting a directive role for macrophages through limited presentation are summarized. A model is presented proposing that suppressors (recognizing a determinant only on lysozymes not responded to) are present in all strains; that suppression requires antigen bridging between suppressor determinant and positive T determinant; that this bridge is disrupted in all strains but H-2b; and that this failure to disrupt the antigen bridge is a result of a genetically (la) controlled loss of a normal macrophage processing step.
Significance of Periprocedural Myonecrosis on Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention An Analysis of Preintervention and Postintervention Troponin T Levels in 5487 Patients

Background— Myonecrosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been correlated with a worse prognosis, but controversy exists about the clinical significance and potential mechanisms for the association. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of preprocedural and postprocedural cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels on survival rate after PCI. Methods and Results— We evaluated 5487 patients from the Mayo Clinic registry who required nonemergency PCI, and we examined the relationship between periprocedural cTnT levels, with the 99th percentile cutoff value used for normal (<0.01 ng/mL), and outcomes. The patients were divided into 3 groups: normal preprocedural and postprocedural cTnT levels (no myonecrosis), normal preprocedural but elevated postprocedural cTnT levels (PCI-related myonecrosis), and abnormal preprocedural cTnT. The 30-day death rates were 0.1%, 0.6%, and 2.3%, respectively, in the 3 groups. In a multivariable model, an abnormal pre-PCI cTnT level (hazard ratio 9.66...
An Overview of Epigenetic Assays

A significant portion of ongoing epigenetic research involves the investigation of DNA methylation and chromatin modification patterns seen throughout many biological processes. Over the last few years, epigenetic research has undergone a gradual shift and recent studies have been directed toward a genome-wide assessment. DNA methylation and chromatin modifications are essential components of the regulation of gene activity. DNA methylation effectively down-regulates gene activity by addition of a methyl group to the five-carbon of a cytosine base. Less specifically, modification of the chromatin structure can be carried out by multiple mechanisms leading to either the upregulation or down-regulation of the associated gene. Of the many assays used to assess the effects of epigenetic modifications, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), which serves to monitor changes in chromatin structure, and bisulfite modification, which tracks changes in DNA methylation, are the two most commonly used techniques.