cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Antigenic Specificity of Mycobacterium leprae I. Isoelectric and Chromatofocusing Separation

Abstract Cell sonicates of Mycobacterium leprae and other mycobacteria were subjected to isoelectric focusing and chromatofocusing to evaluate their protein antigens and to determine if the patterns were significantly different. Isoelectric focusing showed that the proteins of all mycobacteria focused within the pH range of 3.5 to 5.5, except those of M. leprae which extended beyond 5.5 to 6.5. These studies have indicated for the first time that the protein antigens of mycobacteria are acidic in nature. Comparison between the proteins of untreated and autoclaved M. leprae showed distinct differences between the two preparations, in respect of loss of some antigens in the autoclaved M. leprae sonicate. This indicates that the bands that were not visible in the autoclaved M. leprae were those of heat-labile proteins. It is possible, however, that the absent bands could have been of a low order of intensity and hence were not discernible. On the other hand, the proteins could have coagulated due to the heat treatment, thus causing confirmational changes or ionic interactions with membrane components, due to their acidic nature. It is possible that the proteins in the autoclaved M. leprae are the ones that posses immunogenic properties since the protective ability of heat-killed M. leprae has already been established. Chromatofocusing studies have confirmed the isoelectric focusing data in respect of the number of antigens and their respective protein content, besides permitting the availability of the various fractions for further biological characterization.
Construction Pathology in the United States

In the United States, several engineering organizations are currently working to enhance the open discussion of failures in the professional literature with the aim that lessons be more quickly inc...
Extremophile DNA Photolyases: DNA Repair under Extreme Conditions

Adaptation to extreme environments is a seminal characteristic of life on Earth. Nowhere is this property more strongly evident than in single-celled organisms. Bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes all have representatives that thrive in cold or hot environments. Many of these extremophile enzymes share significant amino acid sequence homology in spite of very different optimal growth temperatures (TG). Based on a simple amino acid sequence analysis it is unclear what adaptive changes are required to tailor homologous enzymes to function in extreme environments.A case in point is DNA photolyase (PL), a monomeric flavoprotein that binds UV-damaged DNA and repairs it by blue light activated picosecond electron transfer from a conserved flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor (FADH¯) to the tightly bound cyclobutylpyrimidine dimer DNA lesion. These enzymes also include a second light-harvesting cofactor. Here we present a comparative analysis of three recombinant CPD photolyases, hyperthermophilic Sulfolobus solfataricus (TG=353K, rSsPL), mesophilic E. coli (TG=310K, rEcPL), and psychrophilic Colwellia psychrerythraea (TG=281K, rCpPL).All PLs utilize FADH¯ bound in a highly conserved site for repair. In addition, each PL demonstrates different properties for its 2nd cofactor. We used a variety of biochemical, physical, and molecular biological tools to compare these extremophile proteins with regard to repair yield, cofactor reduction potential and excited state properties. The difference in the stability of the redox state of the purified protein suggests different structural adaptations of each PL to their respective thermal environments. Denaturation studies reveal that rSsPL has a very stable structure, whereas rCpPL is extremely sensitive to its thermal and aqueous environments. A comparison of cofactor absorption and emission spectra reveal significant differences in how the flavin cofactor is bound in the binding pocket, in spite of significant amino acid sequence homology for this cavity across all proteins.
Melvin Pollner and the Passing of an American Sociologist

Melvin Pollner was a teacher, scholar, and astute academician. He was also a seeker regarding the nature of humanity. As a seeker, he saw past the relative certainty demanded of academic publishing, a point reflected in his final deliberations published for the first time in this volume, where he interrogates Harold Garfinkel, ethnomethodology, and Formal Analysis.
Reaction of dimethylethylamine alane and ammonia on Si(100) during the atomic layer growth of AlN: static SIMS, TPSIMS, and TPD

Abstract Dimethylethylamine alane [DMEAA; AlH 3 :N(CH 3 ) 2 (CH 2 CH 3 )] has been used as an Al source in the chemical vapor deposition of AlN. In the atomic layer growth mode, ammonia and DMEAA interact selectively by nucleophilic displacement. In the first part of this study, the surface adsorption and reaction processes are characterized with static secondary-ion mass spectrometry and temperature-programmed secondary-ion mass spectrometry. The secondary ion emission from DMEAA-covered Si surface shares similar general characteristics with the gas phase cracking pattern. The secondary ion emission spectrum is interpreted according to a unimolecular ion decomposition mechanism and is used as the fingerprint for the presence of molecular DMEAA. During the surface reaction between DMEAA and ammonia, the intensity of the fingerprint peaks diminish, representing the departure of the amine ligand. The thermal stability of DMEAA and its decomposition behavior on Si are also examined.
Gulf stream and wind-induced current variability on the northeastern Florida continental shelf

Abstract Subtidal current fluctuations on the continental shelf off northern Florida and their relationship with local wind and Gulf Stream forcing were examined for a 3-month period from February to May 1980. The depth of the main thermocline, determined by acoustic travel time and bottom pressure measurements on the upper slope, was used as an indicator of Gulf Stream displacement. At mid-shelf stations (28 and 40 m isobaths), along-shelf wind stress influenced along-shelf current at all frequencies. With increasing depth in the water column, there was increasing partial coherence and time lag (up to 10 h) between wind and current. At the outer-shelf (75 m) station, significant partial coherence was limited to the 4- to 6-day band with a similar time lag observed towards the bottom. Throughout the water column, at the outer-shelf and, to a lesser extent, the mid-shelf stations, Gulf Stream influences on along- and across-shelf currents, and across-shelf wind influences on along-shelf currents, were strong at∼4-day periods. Compared with results from an earlier study off northern Georgia, these data show greater influence of the Gulf Stream at the 40 m isobath, and a shorter period (4 days instead of 12 days) associated with this influence. Baroclinic instability calculations suggest that the shorter period may be associated with stronger vertical shear.
Fast CSAR algorithm

Fourier analysis based focusing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected during circular flight path is a recent advancement in SAR signal processing. Fast CSAR algorithm uses the Householder transform to obtain a ground plane circular SAR (CSAR) signal phase history from the slant plane CSAR phase history by inverting the linear shift-varying system model, thereby circumventing the need for explicitly computing a pseudo-inverse. The Householder transform has recently been shown to have improved error bounds and stability as an underdetermined and ill-conditioned system solver, and the Householder transform is computationally efficient.
What Happens to Mental Health Treatment During Pregnancy? Women’s Experience with Prescribing Providers

This exploratory study completed interviews with 25 depressed pregnant women who had prior depression, and when becoming pregnant, were receiving depression medication or tried to get mental health care. Seventy one percent of women were more than 25 weeks gestation at the time of the interview. Thirty-five percent of women were not receiving treatment. While 94 % told their provider of their pregnancy, 36 % had no opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of continued pharmacotherapy; 42 % had no opportunity to continue pharmacotherapy. Some providers may be reluctant to treat depressed pregnant women, creating a potential barrier to their receipt of needed care.
Potentiometric microdetermination of potassium, rubidium, and cesium with tetraphenylborate without separation of precipitate

Abstract T. S. Prokopov's method (Anal. Chem., 1971, 43, 793–794) for the determination of potassium has been critically examined. It has the advantage of not requiring separation of the precipitate of potassium tetraphenylborate prior to back-titration of the excess tetraphenyl-borate. Contrary to Prokopov's claim, however, we did not find the method workable in the presence of halide. In the absence of halide, it can also be used for the determination of rubidium and cesium.
TRAIL Receptor Signaling Regulation of Chemosensitivity In Vivo but Not In Vitro

Background Signaling by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) and Fas ligand (FasL) has been proposed to contribute to the chemosensitivity of tumor cells treated with various other anti-cancer agents. However, the importance of these effects and whether there are differences in vitro and in vivo is unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings To assess the relative contribution of death receptor pathways to this sensitivity and to determine whether these effects are intrinsic to the tumor cells, we compared the chemosensitivity of isogenic BJAB human lymphoma cells where Fas and TRAIL receptors or just TRAIL receptors were inhibited using mutants of the adaptor protein FADD or by altering the expression of the homeobox transcription factor Six1. Inhibition of TRAIL receptors did not affect in vitro tumor cell killing by various anti-cancer agents indicating that chemosensitivity is not significantly affected by the tumor cell-intrinsic activation of death receptor signaling. However, selective inhibition of TRAIL receptor signaling caused reduced tumor regression and clearance in vivo when tested in a NOD/SCID mouse model. Conclusions These data show that TRAIL receptor signaling in tumor cells can determine chemosensitivity in vivo but not in vitro and thus imply that TRAIL resistance makes tumors less susceptible to conventional cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs as well as drugs that directly target the TRAIL receptors.
Epidemiology of coronary heart disease.

Abstract A review of the current status of the epidemiology of heart disease has delineated the great prevalence (i.e., morbidity force) of atherosclerotic heart disease in the population of the United States. A few of the many investigations completed have been cited to indicate the multivariate etiologic relation between atherosclerosis and the way of life and diet of the susceptible individual. The susceptible individual is characterized by his family history, psychologic traits, diet, pattern of living, associated diseases, body-build, electrocardiographic patterns and blood chemistry functions. Formulation of a more precise statement of etiologic mechanism can be aided by intensive investigation of a very large, population for a short period of time by utilizing appropriate technics for multivariate analyses which are illustrated.
Cardiac tamponade as a complication of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair: Case report and literature review

We report the case of a 61-year old female with history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia who developed hemopericardium and tamponade one day after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair and Toupe fundoplication. The patient underwent emergent pericardiocentesis and subsequent surgical pericardial window. During surgery, a tack that had been used to secure mesh to the inferior aspect of the diaphragm was found to have penetrated the pericardium near the right ventricle. The offending foreign body was trimmed and reduced into the abdomen, and the patient recovered without further complication. A review of the literature reveals that, although rare, tamponade following diaphragmatic hernia repair and fundoplication surgery often results in fatal outcome. Tamponade must be considered in any patient who develops signs of hemodynamic instability following diaphragmatic hernia repair or fundoplication surgery, as rapid diagnosis and definitive intervention can decrease fatality from such an injury.
Aegean bird notes including two breeding records new to Europe

Es werden einige wichtige faunistische Feststellungen bekanntgegeben, die dem Verf. wahrend dreier Reisen im Bereich der Aegaeis (1954, 1959, 1960) gelungen sind.
Regulation of lipoprotein receptors on a rat hepatoma cell line.

Abstract The rat H-35 cultured hepatoma cell line expresses receptors for homologous lipoproteins. In previously reported experiments distinct receptors were identified for chylomicron remanants, HDL and LDL, by direct binding studies that yielded distinctive binding constants, cross competition assays, and by differential inhibitory effects of EDTA and suramin. In the present experiments, the regulation of expression of these receptors was assessed by growing cells either in the presence or absence of lipoproteins in the media and by growing cells to different densities (50–800 μg cell protein/dish). LDL binding to cells was increased by lipoprotein deprivation at all cell densities. LDL binding was inversely related to cell density when cells were grown in lipoprotein deficient serum (LPDS) but cell density did not affect LDL binding by cells grown in newborn calf serum (NBCS). By contrast HDL binding was not appreciably different whether cells were grown in NBCS or in LPDS. However, HDL binding was inversely related to cell density by cells grown either in LPDS or in NBCS. Binding of chylomicron remnants was increased by growth in LPDS at all densities, but altering growth density in either culture medium had little effect on the cellular binding of chylomicron remnants. The distinctive effects of these experimental perturbations on the binding of the 3 lipoprotein classes tend to confirm the presence of 3 separate receptor activities. The experiments also demonstrate that the responses at least of some of the receptors of the hepatoma cells in culture resemble those of hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, the H-35 hepatoma cell line could be a useful model in which to study receptor biosynthesis, structure, regulation and function.
Understanding ethnicity, identity formation, and risk behavior among adolescents of Mexican descent.

: The population of adolescents of Mexican descent is growing rapidly in the United States. However, the health needs of this group are not being adequately addressed by the health care system. Understanding the factors contributing to risk behavior in adolescents of Mexican descent may help improve service delivery and use. This article presents a sociodemographic profile of this group as well as a description of how one's degree of ethnic identification, acculturation, and other risk factors may contribute to problem behavior. Recommendations are provided to increase culturally appropriate prevention programs for youth of Mexican descent.
Major World Equity Market Interdependence a Decade After the 1987 Crash: Evidence From Cross Spectral Analysis

Several studies have focused on the pre- post-October 1987 crash. Results indicate that major market equity correlations rose during the crash period. Cross spectral analysis is applied to six of the G-7 markets to determine whether frequency domain correlations have increased post-crash relative to the pre-crash period. The results indicate that correlations have increased for most of the markets studied. Most striking are the increased post-crash correlations among the three European markets, in light of the European Union. Additional evidence shows mixed results regarding frequency domain phase leads among the markets.
Mining newsgroups using networks arising from social behavior

Recent advances in information retrieval over hyperlinked corpora have convincingly demonstrated that links carry less noisy information than text. We investigate the feasibility of applying link-based methods in new applications domains. The specific application we consider is to partition authors into opposite camps within a given topic in the context of newsgroups. A typical newsgroup posting consists of one or more quoted lines from another posting followed by the opinion of the author. This social behavior gives rise to a network in which the vertices are individuals and the links represent "responded-to" relationships. An interesting characteristic of many newsgroups is that people more frequently respond to a message when they disagree than when they agree. This behavior is in sharp contrast to the WWW link graph, where linkage is an indicator of agreement or common interest. By analyzing the graph structure of the responses, we are able to effectively classify people into opposite camps. In contrast, methods based on statistical analysis of text yield low accuracy on such datasets because the vocabulary used by the two sides tends to be largely identical, and many newsgroup postings consist of relatively few words of text.
Leg muscle activity during walking with assistive devices at varying levels of weight bearing.

Abstract Clark BC, Manini TM, Ordway NR, Ploutz-Snyder LL. Leg muscle activity during walking with assistive devices at varying levels of weight bearing. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1555–60. Objective To evaluate the muscle activation patterns at varying levels of weight-bearing forces during assisted walking with an axillary crutch and a recently designed device that allows weight transfer through the pelvic girdle (ED Walker). Design Descriptive, repeated measures. Setting University-based research laboratory. Participants Twelve healthy volunteers (age, 39.6±13.6y). Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Electromyographic activity was recorded from the anterior tibialis, soleus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis muscles on a test leg during assisted axillary crutch and ED Walker ambulation. Force platform readings measured weight-bearing load (non, light, heavy). These values were normalized to normal walking gait. Results In the vastus lateralis and soleus muscles, both devices allowed for approximately 50% and 65% reductions in electromyographic activity during the non-weight-bearing condition. During crutch ambulation, electromyographic activity of the soleus was significantly reduced compared with that required for normal walking at all levels of weight-bearing load. In the vastus lateralis for the weight-bearing conditions, the ED Walker required significantly higher electromyographic activity than crutch ambulation (light: 105.0%±12.3% vs 72.7%±10.1%; heavy: 144.8%±23.5% vs 100.0%±13.5%). Both devices required similar peak vertical ground reaction forces during the heavy weight-bearing conditions (crutch: 75%±1.6%; ED Walker: 73%±1.8%), whereas axillary crutch gait produced less force than the ED Walker in the light condition (32%±2.0% vs 48%±1.6%). Conclusions During walking with assistive devices, muscle activation patterns varied with weight-bearing load. The leg extensor muscles appeared to incur a greater reduction in muscle activity when compared with their flexor counterparts. Additionally, the ED Walker and axillary crutch differed with respect to their muscle activity levels and weight-bearing characteristics. Clinically, knowledge of these muscle activity and force characteristics may aid in the decision-making process of prescribing a device type and timeline to follow in restoring weight-bearing loads.
Binding of aminoalkylphosphorothioate radioprotective drugs to rodent tissue proteins

Abstract The formation of protein mixed disulfides which influences the pharmacodynamics of the phosphorothioate radioprotective drugs WR2721 [ S -2-(3-aminopropyl)aminoethylphosphorothioic acid, Ethiofos] and WR3689 [ S -2-(3-methylaminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid] and their metabolites was investigated. WR3689-derived thiols and disulfides bound to rat serum protein to about 45 and 40% of the total drug in the incubation when present at a 400 μM concentration. Metabolites of WR2721 were nearly indistinguishable from the corresponding metabolites of WR3689 in their mixed disulfide binding propensity. Mixed disulfide formation was saturable; binding sites on bovine albumin or rat serum protein amounted to 0.15 and 2.4 μmol/mg protein respectively. The sum of all WR3689 metabolites (when measured by NMR spectroscopy) was reduced to the same degree as drug binding, suggesting that a portion of the bound drug was not NMR observable. Approximately 2–4 nmol WR3689-thiol/mg protein was bound to homogenates of mouse tissues (liver, kidney, lung, brain, and serum) when incubated in vitro , whereas after in vivo injection drug binding appeared to be limited more by drug distribution than by the capacity for mixed disulfide formation.
Fidelity of targeted recombination in human fibroblasts and murine embryonic stem cells

Abstract Targeted recombination in murine embryonic stem cells promises to be a powerful tool for introducing specific mutations into target genes to study development in mice and to create animal models of human disease. Gene targeting also holds potential for correcting genetic defects as an approach to human gene therapy. To precisely modify target genes, homologous recombination must proceed with high fidelity. However, several results have suggested that targeted recombination may be highly mutagenic. To test the accuracy of gene targeting we analyzed 44 independent targeted recombinants at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus in a human fibroblast cell line and in mouse embryonic stem cells. We surveyed 80 kilobases around the sites of recombination by using chemical cleavage of mismatches. Only two mutations were found: a T----G transversion and a thymidine deletion. Thus, gene targeting in mammalian cells can be extremely accurate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of generating precise modifications of mammalian genomes by gene targeting.
A New Color Morph of the Southern Purple-faced Langur (Semnopithecus vetulus vetulus) from the Rainforests of Southwestern Sri Lanka

The southern purple-faced langur (Semnopithecus vetulus vetulus) is endemic to Sri Lanka and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Following several decades of widespread deforestation in the country, viable habitat has been severely reduced for these arboreal, folivorous primates. Living close to densely populated human settlements has lead to further conservation difficulties. They have adapted to exploiting cultivated fruits in home gardens resulting in human-primate conflict, besides confronting electrocution hazards when crossing roads using power lines. The opening of the Colombo-Matara Expressway has also posed a threat, with the possibility of troops from either side becoming genetically isolated. Twenty-six troops were studied from 2007 to 2011 in the southwestern districts of Galle and Matara; of these, 14 contained one or more individuals with an atypical pelage coloration, which we call here a white color morph Two white alpha males were documented, along with adults, juveniles, and young of both sexes, totaling 30 individuals. The troops around Deniyaya and Getabarawa villages contained members that showed a distinct pelage, and all of the members of these troops had dissimilar cranial features and body size compared to other S. v. vetulus. Molecular analysis is now required to discover the genetic basis for this variation and any possible competitive advantages associated with its spread, with the possibility that this may originate a new subspecies. The discovery of a new color morph may provide an additional opportunity to promote primate conservation; greater national support is urgently needed considering the perilous future facing S. vetulus. Further research prospects and conservation recommendations are discussed in this paper.
Succinoxidase activity of the flight muscles of the wasp, Sceliphron cementarium.

IN insects, succinoxidase activity has been studied in the milkweed bug1, in the embryonic cells of the grasshopper Melanoplus differentialis 2, in the thoracic muscles of the American cockroach Periplaneta americana 3, and in the thoracic muscles of the wood-roach Leucophaea maderae 4. Harvey and Beck3 reported a sex difference in the thoracic muscles of the American cockroach, the males showing three times as much activity as the females. This difference was confirmed by McShan et al. 4, who also showed that in the woodroach the male and female thoracic muscles have approximately equivalent succinoxidase activity (see Table 1).
Enhanced diffusion from interstitial trapping during solid-phase-epitaxial growth of silicon alloys

Abstract During the recrystallization by solid-phase-epitaxial (SPE) growth of supersaturated silicon alloys, a high concentration of interstitials is trapped. These are released by subsequent heating causing a transient (greatly enhanced) diffusion of the substitutional dopant by an interstitialcy mechanism. The enhancement may be as much as five orders of magnitude over tracer values, and shows an activation energy of only 1.8±0.2eV. Following the transient, the interstitials condense into loops, allowing an independent estimate to be made of their concentration. From these observations, we propose that during ion implanted dopants can acquire their natural valency, and retain it as the crystallization interface passes. For group V dopants this creates the trapped interstitials, giving transient enhanced diffusion when they are released by subsequent annealing.
Predictors and outcomes of ad hoc versus non-ad hoc percutaneous coronary interventions.

Objectives Our aim was to compare longer-term outcomes for ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and non-ad hoc PCI. Background Ad hoc PCIs, whereby PCI is performed immediately after cardiac catheterization, has become the most common way of performing PCI. However, no studies have compared longer-term outcomes for ad hoc and non-ad hoc PCIs. Methods A total of 46,565 New York State patients who underwent PCI in nonfederal New York State hospitals between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2005 were followed through December 31, 2005, and in-hospital and longer-term outcomes were compared for ad hoc and non-ad hoc PCI patients after adjusting for differences in pre-procedural risk factors. Results There was no difference in risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality (adjusted ad hoc/non-ad hoc odds ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55 to 1.22). Ad hoc PCI patients had significantly lower 36-month mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.85, p Conclusions On average, lower-risk patients undergo ad hoc PCI, and after risk-adjustment for differences in patient mix, ad hoc PCI patients have lower 3-year mortality rates.
Epitaxial decagonal thin films on crystalline substrates

Al-Cu-Fe-Cr quasicrystalline thin films were grown on atomically flat Al 2 O 3 sapphire (0001) substrates by single-target magnetron sputtering followed by annealing. A decagonal phase with the tenfold axis A 10 parallel to the substrate surface normal was observed. The epitaxial decagonal film had two different unique orientations: a twofold P axis A 2P and a twofold D axis A 2D parallel to of the substrate. These two configurations were explained using a coincidence reciprocal lattice planes model for the interface energy. We show that this classic approach for crystal-crystal epitaxy can be applied to quasicrystal-crystal systems.
The resistance of epicuticular components of an insect to extraction with lipid solvents.

Abstract The cuticle of the Calpodes caterpillar has been treated with lipid solvents and acids prior to examination in the electron microscope. The ‘oriented lipid layer’, the ‘cuticulin layer’ and the ‘wax canal filaments’ are resistant to the action of lipid solvents. The ‘cuticulin layer’ and the ‘oriented lipid layer’ are resistant to acids. Terminology of epicuticular structures is discussed and two changes are suggested firstly, to provide a nomenclature that can be applied to homologous structures in the cuticles of other insect species and secondly, to remove ambiguities arising from the results of this investigation.
Adjustment costs and optimal waste treatment

Consideration is given to various reasons for changing standards on emissions, effluents, and ambient air and water quality. It is proposed that adjustment costs may be of significant practical importance in determining the optimal time path of waste treatment (at least currently). The problem of minimizing the present value of the sum of treatment plus damage plus adjustment costs is placed in a calculus of variations framework and the optimal time path of waste treatment is characterized as well as the corresponding optimal tax. An example is used to illustrate some features of the solution.
Current source density analysis of frequency coding in the inferior colliculus.

Abstract Current source density (CSD) analysis is a technique that provides information about the time course and spatial location of transmembrane currents derived from a laminar collection of evoked potentials. Restrictive conditions for acquisition of evoked potentials are required in order to yield a one-dimensional CSD analysis that is an accurate estimate of synaptic activity. Satisfaction of these conditions was assumed in recordings of tone-burst-evoked potentials along the axis of symmetry (tonotopic) in the inferior colliculus of adult mongolian gerbils. Off-line these data were converted into distance/voltage functions. The second spatial derivatives of these functions gave a family of profiles of the spatial distribution of current source and sink densities at discrete latencies relative to the stimulus. Results indicate a frequency-dependent spatial shift in the evoked current sink of about 280 μm octave. This sink, indicative of local excitatory synaptic drive, is surrounded, both spatially and temporally, by current sources. The spatial extent of excitation as estimated from CSD analysis, compares well quantitatively with predictions from an across-neuron model that is based on single unit data.
Dye-coupling in taste buds in the Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus

Electrical coupling in taste buds and in non-taste lingual epithelium in the mudpuppy was examined by injecting cells with a fluorescent dye, Lucifer yellow. Lucifer yellow coupling has been shown to indicate the presence of electrical junctions between cells. Lucifer yellow-filled taste cells usually have an elongate shape. Cells were an average of 111 microns long and were 13 microns in diameter at the widest region (nucleus). In taste buds, from a sample of 105 impalements we detected Lucifer yellow coupling in 21 cases: dye-coupled pairs of cells were observed in 17 cases, and trios of cells in 4 cases. Larger subsets of coupled cells (greater than 3) were not observed. Dye-coupled cells were usually equally intensely stained. In non-taste epithelium, we examined dye-coupling in the superficial and basal layers. Extensive Lucifer yellow coupling was found in the basal layer (15/15 cases). The number of cells coupled to the dye-injected cell varied from 3 to 5. In the superficial epithelium, dye-coupling was rare (1/45 cases). No dye- coupling was observed between epithelial cells and taste cells at the taste pore region. We conclude that strong electrical coupling in groups of 2–3 cells occurs in the mudpuppy taste buds. Coupling may occur selectively between identical types of taste cells (dark, light, etc.), but this remains to be determined. Electrical coupling also exists among basal epithelial cells but not in the superficial epithelial layers.
Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor

Proliferating trichilemmal tumors are uncommon neoplasms that are usually benign, but characterized by frequent local recurrence. In this report, we describe a patient who sought treatment at our clinic for a right occiput scalp nodule measuring 1 cm in diameter. The subcutaneous lesion was mobile and without overlying skin ulceration. Excisional biopsy of the mass was performed and the pathologic diagnosis returned as malignant, proliferating trichilemmal (pilar) tumor. Resection margins were free of tumor. On further examination the patient had no evidence of metastatic disease. A schedule of routine follow-up visits was arranged to monitor the site for recurrent disease.
Mineralogy of Meteorite Groups: An Update

Twenty minerals that were not included in the most recent list of meteoritic minerals have been reported as occurring in meteorites. Extraterrestrial anhydrous Ca phosphate should be called menillite, not whitlockite.
The Limits of Logocentrism (On the Way to Grammatology)

In the discourse of the history of metaphysics, Logos occupies a variety of contexts. In order to demonstrate where the thesis of the prevalence of Logos reaches its limits an articulation of the operations of deconstruction is needed. In this way, logocentrism can be situated along with the other principal centrisms, that is, phonocentrism. ethocentrism, phallocentrism and egocentrisim. The examination of logocentrism departs from the instance of Heidegger’s “Logos” essay. By juxtaposing Heraclitus’ account with that of Heidegger, it becomes evident that Heidegger has transposed the place of Logos. Logos is no longer the universal structure of what is said apart from we who listen to it. With Heidegger, I show that we are situated alongside Logos in the ontological difference. In the process, it becomes clear that Logos qua language is both the house and the name of the Being of beings. On this basis, Logos is taken to its limits where language itself occupies the place of the indecidable or hinge at the edge of the discourse of metaphysics.
Clinical presentations of naturally occurring canine seizures: similarities to human seizures

The clinical presentations of 119 canine seizures from 41 Standard Poodles and 11 Dalmatians were classified according to a modified version of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) seizure classification system. Standardized use of the ILAE system with dogs not only should facilitate research in veterinary medicine, which has no standard criteria for seizure classification, but also should facilitate comparisons between canine and human seizures. We found that for more than 80% of both breeds, at least some of their seizures had partial onsets. However, because it was common for partial seizures to secondarily generalize, the majority of Poodles (81%) and Dalmatians (91%) experienced at least some generalized seizures. Among partial seizures, complex partial were more frequent than simple partial. For both breeds, two thirds of those with partial onset seizures had exclusively complex partial. Among dogs with primary or secondarily generalized seizures, 80% of both breeds had tonic-clonic seizures.
Nitrosylation of Manganese(II) Tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin: A Simple and Sensitive Spectrophotometric Assay for Nitric Oxide

Reaction between NO• and manganese tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnIIITE-2-PyP5+) was investigated at 25°C. At high excess of NO• (1.5 mM) the reaction with the oxidized, air-stable form MnIIITE-2-PyP5+ (5 μM), proceeds very slowly (t1/2 ≅ 60 min). The presence of excess ascorbate (1 mM) produces the reduced form, MnIITE-2-PyP4+, which reacts with NO• stoichiometrically and in the time of mixing (k ≅ 1 × 106 M−1 s−1). The high rate of formation and the stability of the product, MnIITE-2-PyP(NO)4+ ({Mn(NO)}6), make the reaction outcompete the reaction of NO• with O2. Our in vitro measurements show a linear absorbance response upon addition of NO to a PBS, pH 7.4, solution containing an excess of ascorbate over MnIIITE-2-PyP5+. Thus, the observed interactions can be the basis of a convenient and sensitive spectrophotometric assay for NO•. Also, it may have important implications for the in vivo behavior of MnIIITE-2-PyP5+ which is currently exploited as a possible therapeutic agent for various oxygen-radical related disorders.
Examining Emergency Department Communication Through a Staff-Based Participatory Research Method: Identifying Barriers and Solutions to Meaningful Change

Study objective We test an initiative with the staff-based participatory research (SBPR) method to elicit communication barriers and engage staff in identifying strategies to improve communication within our emergency department (ED). Methods ED staff at an urban hospital with 85,000 ED visits per year participated in a 3.5-hour multidisciplinary workshop. The workshop was offered 6 times and involved: (1) large group discussion to review the importance of communication within the ED and discuss findings from a recent survey of patient perceptions of ED-team communication; (2) small group discussions eliciting staff perceptions of communication barriers and best practices/strategies to address these challenges; and (3) large group discussions sharing and refining emergent themes and suggested strategies. Three coders analyzed summaries from group discussions by using latent content and constant comparative analysis to identify focal themes. Results A total of 127 staff members, including attending physicians, residents, nurses, ED assistants, and secretaries, participated in the workshop (overall participation rate 59.6%; range 46.7% to 73.3% by staff type). Coders identified a framework of 4 themes describing barriers and proposed interventions: (1) greeting and initial interaction, (2) setting realistic expectations, (3) team communication and respect, and (4) information provision and delivery. The majority of participants (81.4%) reported that their participation would cause them to make changes in their clinical practice. Conclusion Involving staff in discussing barriers and facilitators to communication within the ED can result in a meaningful process of empowerment, as well as the identification of feasible strategies and solutions at both the individual and system levels.
Toward an objective interpretation of surface EMG patterns: a voluntary response index (VRI)

Abstract Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) retain varying degrees of voluntary motor control. The complexity of the motor control system and the nature of the recording biophysics have inhibited efforts to develop objective measures of voluntary motor control. This paper proposes the definition and use of a voluntary response index (VRI) calculated from quantitative analysis of surface electromyographic (sEMG) data recorded during defined voluntary movement as a sensitive measure of voluntary motor control in such individuals. The VRI is comprised of two numeric values, one derived from the total muscle activity recorded for the voluntary motor task (magnitude), and the other from the sEMG distribution across the recorded muscles (similarity index (SI)). Calculated as a vector, the distribution of sEMG from the test subject is compared to the average vector calculated from sEMG recordings of the same motor task from 10 neurologically intact subjects in a protocol called brain motor control assessment (BMCA). To evaluate the stability of the VRI, a group of five healthy subjects were individually compared to the prototype, average healthy-subject vectors for all of the maneuvers. To evaluate the sensitivity of this method, the VRI was obtained from two SCI subjects participating in other research studies. One was undergoing supported treadmill ambulation training, and the other a controlled withdrawal of anti-spasticity medications. The supported treadmill training patient’s VRI, calculated from pre- and post-training BMCA recordings, reflected the qualitative changes in sEMG patterns and functional improvement of motor control. The VRI of the patient followed by serial BMCA during medication withdrawal also reflected changes in the motor control as a result of changes in anti-spasticity medication. To validate this index for clinical use, serial studies using larger numbers of subjects with compromised motor control should be performed.
In Vitro 3D Model for Human Vascularized Adipose Tissue

The clinical need for both three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue replacements and in vitro adipose tissue models continues to grow. In this study, we evaluated structural and functional characteristics of an in vitro 3D coculture model of vascularized adipose tissue. Tomato red-infected human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) and green fluorescence protein-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cocultured on 3D aqueous-derived silk scaffolds for 2 weeks. Confocal microscopy images demonstrated viability of cocultures and organization of both cell types over time. Endothelial cells aligned with time, and further histological analyses revealed continuous endothelial lumen formation in both differentiated and undifferentiated cocultures. Differentiated adipose cocultures secreted significantly higher levels of leptin than undifferentiated cocultures at 1 and 2 weeks. Additionally, lipid accumulation was demonstrated with Oil Red O staining, where positive staining was higher in the differentiated cocultures. A promising in vitro approach for the vascularization of tissue-engineered adipose tissue, and the ability to vascularize a construct containing hASCs was demonstrated. The strategy outlined provides a basis for the formation of other in vitro vascularized tissues as well as a path forward for the sustainable formation of soft tissue due to the use of slowly degrading silk scaffolds.
Ovarian cancer in older women: Clinical presentation and inpatient mortality

In older adults with breast and colorectal cancer, multimorbidity, but not age, is associated with hospital admissions for chemotherapy-related adverse events S.M. Koroukian, P.M. Bakaki, P.T. Htoo, M. Schluchter, C. Owusu, N.A. Berger. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
Metabolism of 3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole by Microsomal Fractions and Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

3- tert -Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole is oxidatively metabolized in the presence of rat liver microsomes, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and oxygen to yield tert -butylhydroquinone, tert -butylquinone, and a polar metabolite(s). In the presence of human and rat liver microsomes or eight purified cytochrome P-450 isozymes reconstituted with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, this phenolic antioxidant is converted to the oxidoreduction-active metabolite, tert -butylquinone, that can stimulate the NADPH oxidase activities of these preparations by 2- to 7-fold. The rate of formation of each of the metabolites of 3- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole was increased by pretreatment of rats with either 5,6-benzoflavone or phenobarbital. In addition the tert -butylhydroquinone and tert -butylquinone concentrations in solution reached apparent steady-state levels during metabolism; the steady-state concentrations were also increased by various animal pretreatment regimens. Furthermore it was shown that the metabolism of 3- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole yielded material which was covalently bound to protein. In the presence of glutathione the rates of formation of the polar metabolite(s) were enhanced 3- to 4-fold, while covalently bound products were nearly stoichiometrically decreased. The increase in the amount of polar metabolite was due to the formation of a 3- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole-glutathione conjugate. 3- tert -Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole was also oxidatively metabolized by rat lung microsomes to yield the polar metabolite(s) and tert -butylhydroquinone. The polar metabolite(s), tert -butylquinone, and tert -butylhydroquinone were also shown to be formed in isolated hepatocyte suspensions. They could be found as either the free hydroquinone, the sulfate conjugate, the glucuronide conjugate, and polar metabolites, presumedly the 3- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole-glutathione conjugate. The total tert -butylhydroquinone concentration attained a steady-state level in a manner similar to that seen with the microsomal suspensions. In addition 3- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole itself formed sulfate and glucuronide conjugates, the glucuronide being the major product.
Hydrodynamic pressures on sloping dams during earthquakes. Part 2. Exact theory

The equations for the earthquake forces on a rigid dam with an inclined upstream face of constant slope are solved exactly by two-dimensional potential-flow theory. The distribution of the hydrodynamic pressure along the upstream face and the total horizontal, vertical and normal loads on the dam are computed from the integral solutions. The results obtained from the exact theory are compared with those derived from the momentum-balance method and there is reasonable agreement.
Components of short-horizon individual security returns

Abstract In this paper, we present a simple model which relates security returns to three components: an expected return, a bid-ask error, and white noise. The relative importance of the various components is empirically assessed, and the model's ability to explain the various time-series properties of individual security and portfolio returns is tested. Time-varying expected returns and bid-ask errors are found to explain substantial proportions (up to 24%) of the variance of security returns. We also reconcile the typically negative autocorrelation in security returns with the strong positive autocorrelation in portfolio returns.
Improvement and deterioration of seizure control during the postsurgical course of epilepsy surgery patients.

Summary: Purpose: To determine the factors associated with changes in seizure control during the postsurgical course of epilepsy surgery patients. Methods: Evaluation of patients after consecutive temporal and frontal resection whose seizure frequency was scored for each year of postsurgical follow-up. In each cohort, patients with a change in their seizure control after the first postsurgical year were compared with control subjects to determine factors that may be responsible for the change. Results: Thirty-three (15%) of 214 temporal lobectomy versus 12 (20%) of 59 frontal resection patients experienced a change in seizure control (p < 0.05). Ten (5%) of 214 temporal lobectomy versus nine (15%) of 59 frontal resection patients experienced an improvement in seizure control (p = 0.009), but 23 (11%) of 214 temporal lobectomy versus three (5%) of 59 frontal resection patients had a worsening in seizure control (p < 0.05). In temporal lobectomy patients, preoperative unilateral temporal epileptiform discharges were associated with improvement (p = 0.03), whereas older age at surgery was associated with worsening of seizure control (p = 0.007). In frontal resection patients, presence of a congenital central nervous system (CNS) anomaly was associated with late improvement in seizure control (p = 0.006). Conclusion: During the postsurgical course, an improvement in seizure control is more common after frontal resection than after temporal lobectomy. Factors associated with improvement are the presence of a congenital CNS abnormality in frontal resection patients, and the occurrence of preoperative unilateral epileptiform discharges in temporal lobectomy patients. Older age at temporal lobectomy may be associated with greater risk of worsening seizure control.