cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuraxial anesthesia and postoperative opioid administration for cesarean delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract Background There is no consensus on optimal anesthetic and analgesic management of patients presenting for cesarean delivery with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred for uncomplicated procedures, but general anesthesia may be indicated for those at risk of hemorrhage and hysterectomy. We compared the effect of anesthesia techniques on postoperative maternal opioid administration and neonatal respiratory distress. Methods A single-center retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 using electronic records to identify singleton pregnancies with a high index of suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Patients were categorized by the anesthetic technique they received: general, neuraxial, or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia following delivery. Postoperative maternal opioid administration (oral morphine in mg equivalents) and risk of neonatal respiratory distress were compared using linear mixed models. Results Thirty-nine records were analyzed. Mean-adjusted oral morphine mg equivalents were 192 for patients receiving general anesthesia vs. 90 for neuraxial anesthesia only (P=0.009) and 104 for neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia (P=0.052). Neonates delivered under general anesthesia had a 3.5 times relative risk (95% CI 1.3 to 9.8, P=0.017) of respiratory distress compared with those exposed to neuraxial anesthesia alone. Conclusion Patients receiving general anesthesia alone were administered more opioids than those undergoing neuraxial anesthesia or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia. This finding was maintained when accounting for whether or not the patient underwent hysterectomy. Deciding on anesthetic management requires consideration of patient comorbidities, severity of placenta accreta spectrum pathology, and surgical requirements.
Using self-report RDoC measures to identify transdiagnostic translational targets for perinatal affective disorders.

Perinatal depression affects 6.5-12.9% of women, with high rates in women of color and comorbid perinatal anxiety in up to 50% of cases. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) provides a translational framework for identifying transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms, but its application in perinatal affective disorders (PNAD) is yet limited. Here, we identified RDoC-based transdiagnostic features of PNAD in 140 primarily low-income Black and Hispanic women at 272 total longitudinal visits across the perinatal period. Women completed RDoC self-report measures of potential threat and reward valuation-Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System scale (BIS/BAS) and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS)-and measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7). Longitudinal mixed effects models assessed associations of between-person ("trait-like") and within-person ("state-like") measures of potential threat (BIS/IUS) and reward valuation (BAS-Drive) with depression and anxiety symptoms. Higher "trait-like" BIS (standardized b = 2.33, p < .001) and IUS (b = 2.97, p < .001) scores, higher "state-like" BIS (b = .71, p < .001), and lower "state-like" BAS-Drive (b = - .58, p = .04) scores were associated with worse depressive symptoms. Higher "trait-like" BIS (b = 2.22, p < .001) and IUS (b = 2.73, p < .001) and higher "state-like" BIS scores (b = .92, p < .001) were associated with worse anxiety symptoms. Potential threat may be a prominent, transdiagnostic feature of perinatal anxiety and depression, whereas reward valuation may be a non-transdiagnostic, weaker feature of perinatal depression. Potential threat is important as both a "trait-like" feature that is sustained across the perinatal period and a "state-like" feature that varies within a woman across pregnancy. Grounded in RDoC, this work reveals neurobiological targets for translational research into PNAD.
Chimera in Health Education

(1958). Chimera in Health Education. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 29, No. 8, pp. 24-50.
Use of gradient gel filtration to simultaneously exchange buffer, purify and refold denatured proteins

Purification of recombinant proteins in denaturing conditions, 8 M urea or 6 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), has many practical advantages. Recombinant proteins can be solubilized from inclusion bodies in the presence of urea or GuHCl in buffers. Proteins purified in denaturing buffers generally contain fewer contaminants compared to their counterparts purified in native conditions; thus reducing the number of steps in the purification scheme. Denatured proteins can be stored for long time in buffers containing denaturants and then refolded as required. However, one major disadvantage of denaturing protein purification is the laborious refolding step, where the denaturant is carefully diluted out to allow the denatured protein to fold back into its native state. This step is not only time-consuming but can also result in significant loss of the protein through aggregation. Using a spectrum of proteins with measurable functional activities, we report the use of a modified gel filtration technique, gradi...
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Adaptive Optics: Imaging Photoreceptor Layer Morphology to Interpret Preclinical Phenotypes

Recent years have seen the emergence of advances in imaging technology that enable in vivo evaluation of the living retina. Two of the more promising techniques, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics (AO) fundus imaging provide complementary views of the retinal tissue. SD-OCT devices have high axial resolution, allowing assessment of retinal lamination, while the high lateral resolution of AO allows visualization of individual cells. The potential exists to use one modality to interpret results from the other. As a proof of concept, we examined the retina of a 32 year-old male, previously diagnosed with a red-green color vision defect. Previous AO imaging revealed numerous gaps throughout his cone mosaic, indicating that the structure of a subset of cones had been compromised. Whether the affected cells had completely degenerated or were simply morphologically deviant was not clear. Here an AO fundus camera was used to re-examine the retina (~6 years after initial exam) and SD-OCT to examine retinal lamination. The static nature of the cone mosaic disruption combined with the normal lamination on SD-OCT suggests that the affected cones are likely still present.
Evaluation of a base-loaded combined heating and power system with thermal storage for different small building applications

SUMMARY The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the advantages of using a combined heating and power (CHP) system operating at full load to satisfy a fraction of the facility electric load, that is, a base load. In addition, the effect of using thermal storage during the CHP system operation (CHP-TS) is evaluated. A small office building and a restaurant with the same floor area, in Chicago, IL, and Hartford, CT, were used to evaluate the base-loaded CHP and CHP-TS operation based on operational cost, primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon dioxide emissions (CDEs). Results indicate that, in general, the use of thermal storage is beneficial for the CHP system operation because it reduces cost, PEC, and CDEs compared with a CHP with no thermal storage. The CHP and CHP-TS operation is more beneficial for a restaurant than for a small office building for the evaluated cities, which clearly indicates the effect of the thermal load on the CHP system performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA of a Human Hepatitis B Virus Candidate

Particles containing DNA polymerase (Dane particles) were purified from the plasma of chronic carriers of hepatitis B antigen. After a DNA polymerase reaction with purified Dane particle preparations treated with Nonidet P-40 detergent, Dane particle core structures containing radioactive DNA product were isolated by sedimentation in a sucrose density gradient. The radioactive DNA was extracted with sodium dodecyl sulfate and isolated by band sedimentation in a preformed CsCl gradient. Examination of the radioactive DNA band by electron microscopy revealed exclusively circular double-stranded DNA molecules approximately 0.78 mum in length. Identical circular molecules were observed when DNA was isolated by a similar procedure from particles that had not undergone a DNA polymerase reaction. The molecules were completely degraded by DNase 1. When Dane particle core structures were treated with DNase 1 before DNA extraction, only 0.78-mum circular DNA molecules were detected. Without DNase treatment of core structures, linear molecules with lengths between 0.5 and 12 mum, in addition to the 0.78-mum circles were found. These results suggest that the 0.78-mum circular molecules were in a protected position within Dane particle cores and the linear molecules were not within core structures. Length measurements on 225 circular molecules revealed a mean length of 0.78 +/- 0.09 mum which would correspond to a molecular weight of around 1.6 x 10(6). The circular molecules probably serve as primer-template for the DNA polymerase reaction carried out by Dane particle cores. Thermal denaturation and buoyant density measurements on the Dane particle DNA polymerase reaction product revealed a guanosine plus cytosine content of 48 to 49%.
Resonances and Θ-production mechanisms

After explaining the necessity for exotic hadrons, we discuss mechanisms which could account for the production of the exotic $\ensuremath{\Theta}$-baryon. A possible important role of resonances (producing the $\ensuremath{\Theta}$ in real or virtual decays) is advanced and emphasized for selected processes. Promising experimental investigations of such resonances, and the $\ensuremath{\Theta}$ itself, are suggested. We also briefly discuss recent negative results regarding the $\ensuremath{\Theta}$-baryon.
Aging and Sex, DNA Repair in

A number of theories have been proposed to account for the biological phenomena of aging and sexual reproduction (sex). An emerging unified theory that accounts for a considerable amount of the data relating to both aging and sex is presented here. Aging appears to be a consequence of DNA damage, while sexual reproduction (sex) appears to be an adaptation for coping with both DNA damage and mutation. DNA, the genetic material of most organisms, is composed of molecular subunits that are not endowed with any peculiar chemical stability. Thus, DNA is subject to a wide variety of chemical reactions that might be expected of any such molecule in a warm aqueous medium. DNA damages are known to occur very frequently, and organisms have evolved enzyme-mediated repair processes to cope with them. In any cell, however, some DNA damage may remain unrepaired despite repair processes. Aging appears to be due to the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage in somatic cells, especially in nondividing cells such as those in mammalian brain and muscle. On the other hand, the primary function of sex appears to be the repair of damages in germ cell DNA through efficient recombinational repair when chromosomes pair during the sexual process. This allows a relatively undamaged genome to initiate the next generation. In addition, in diploid organisms, sex allows chromosomes from genetically unrelated individuals (parents) to come together in a common cytoplasm (that of progeny). Since genetically unrelated parents ordinarily would not have common mutations, the chromosomes present in the progeny should complement each other, masking expression of any deleterious mutations that might be present. Thus, aging and sex appear to be two sides of the same coin. Aging reflects the accumulation of DNA damage and sex reflects the removal of DNA damage, and in diploid organisms, the masking of mutations by complementation. Keywords: Aging; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Mutation; Sex; Complementation
Modified Agglutination Test for Pasteurella tularensis

Several modifications in technique were incorporated into the standard agglutination test for Pasteurella tularensis. Reciprocal shaking of all tubes in a Kahn shaker was introduced to increase the rate of agglutination and quantity of agglutinated cell mass, making it possible to report preliminary results within 4 hr. Increased incubation time at a higher temperature was used to favor the rate of agglutination. A serum control for each serum tested was necessary to detect false positive tests. Finally, a verification procedure with 5% NaCl used as the diluent was instituted to prevent these false positive reactions.
Long-acting beta 2-agonist salmeterol compared with albuterol in maintenance asthma therapy.

Background : Salmeterol is the first long-acting inhaled bronchodilator available in the United States. This paper summarizes the combined results of the two pivotal US studies evaluating the efficacy of this β 2 -agonist in the maintenance treatment of asthma. Methods : Salmeterol (42 μg twice daily) was compared with the short-acting β 2 -agonist albuterol (180 μg four times daily) in two double-blind, randomized studies involving 556 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. All patients could use supplemental inhaled albuterol as needed for breakthrough symptoms, and patients were allowed to continue to use inhaled corticosteroids during the study. Results : Salmeterol, 42 μg bid, was more effective than albuterol, 180 μg qid, or placebo in maintaining bronchodilation, as measured by FEV 1 over 12-hour periods and morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates. Patients who received salmeterol also experienced significantly greater increases in the number of days without asthma symptoms and the percentage of nights without awakenings compared with either the albuterol or placebo group. There was no difference between patients who received concomitant inhaled corticosteroids and those who did not with respect to pulmonary-function measurements or improvements in symptoms. There was no loss of asthma control with salmeterol over the 12-week period. Conclusions : Salmeterol, 42 μg twice daily, was more effective than albuterol, 180 μg four times daily, or placebo (plus as-needed albuterol) in improving pulmonary function and controlling asthma symptoms.
The Worth of a Human Life

In The Worth of a Human Life, I aim to make three contributions. First, I argue that the current wrongful death law in a majority of states regarding how juries measure loss of society wrongful death damages creates an unjust and counterproductive system difficult for litigants to negotiate and confusing for jurors to understand. In particular, no practical rule exists that would ensure similar damage awards in like cases. Rather, the current system facilitates a wide variety of damage awards in cases with similar facts, a problem currently under a great deal of debate. In the article, I use California's wrongful death system as a proxy for my arguments about the wrongful death laws in a majority of states. The laws' likely practical effects have been largely ignored by the literature, which has focused almost exclusively on what types of wrongful death damages should be awarded based on policy rationales rather than the practical aspects of how to measure wrongful death damages. Second, I propose that the courts adopt a uniform and nuanced rule that admits all post-death evidence relevant to determining loss of society damages, subject to three exceptions: the collateral source exception, the speculation exception, and the grief and suffering exception. Each of the exceptions evolve from policy considerations that underlie the current wrongful death systems in a majority of states. Courts constantly deal with challenges to wrongful death awards and I hope that my proposal will help the courts reform the current law regarding loss of society damages. Third, I hope to engage in a broader discussion about tort reform - a hot subject in recent years - and I argue that the benefits of a more individuated tort system that takes subjectivity into account when dealing with litigants outweigh the costs of that system. Furthermore, I argue that an individuated tort system is preferable to a more uniform system that awards fixed-sum damage awards because such a context-specific system achieves optimal deterrence and full compensation in an already context-specific tort system using the most efficient means possible.
Mass Loss from Carbon Stars — Observations of the CO Millimeter Wavelength Rotational Lines

More than 100 evolved, mass losing cool giants have been detected in CO rotational line emission with single-dish telescopes. These observations give information about kinematics, mass loss rates and composition for the evolved stars and can be used to study the evolution to planetary nebulae.
Thyroid-specific T cells in the normal Wistar rat: I. Characterization of lymph node T cell reactivity to syngeneic thyroid cells and thyroglobulin☆

Wistar rats are susceptible to the induction of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) and recently a cloned Wistar thyroid epithelial cell line (WRT) has become available. In this study we have examined the in vitro proliferative response of Wistar rat lymphoid cells to the WRT cells as a model for better understanding thyroid cell-T cell interactions. Lymph node (LN) cells from normal Wistar rats showed an early and vigorous response to syngeneic thyroid cells (WRT). Further examination of the Wistar phenomenon revealed that unpurified lymphoid cells were also able to mount a proliferative response to rat thyroglobulin. The Wistar LN cell response to WRT cells consisted of T cell proliferation that was both MHC class I and class II restricted. There was a greater proliferation of CD8+ than CD4+ T cells, but WRT-stimulated lymphoblast cells were not cytotoxic to 51Cr-labeled WRT cell targets. These data suggest that normal Wistar rats have circulating thyroid-specific T cells that may be related to their known susceptibility to EAT. Furthermore, the interaction between such thyroid-specific T cells and cloned syngeneic thyroid cells offers a unique model for the further investigation of thyroid-immune interactions and the escape from tolerance induction.
Parasites help find universal ecological rules

Approximately half of all species are parasites. Further, parasites can strongly influence individuals, populations, and even communities. It should therefore be axiomatic to consider parasites in efforts to develop ecological principles meant to characterize all species (1, 2). However, all too often, our general empirical and theoretical work neglects parasites. Although my colleagues and I might bemoan this neglect, as evidenced in PNAS by Lagrue et al. (3), it does give us something to do.
Enrichment and characterization of MTBE-degrading cultures under iron and sulfate reducing conditions

The aim of this study was to enrich cultures capable of anaerobic methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) biodegradation and to determine their compositions using biomolecular tools. MTBE biodegradation as ...
Research Note: Gender and Salary: A Comparative Study of Accountants in the US and Australia:

The existence of a salary differential between men and women who are accountants has been noted in many countries. This study focused on the salary of accountants in the US and Australia. For both countries, the results support the existence of a gap in salary between male and female accountants. Job responsibility was significantly related to salary whereas gender was not. Men who were accountants in Australia were likely to have a higher level of education and more experience than women. In the US, female accountants were marginally less satisfied with their salary than male accountants. This was not true for Australia. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Non-wetting of electroless nickel plating layer after reflow soldering process

Non-wetting of component with electroless nickel plating layer after reflow soldering process was analyzed. Components were observed to be skewed or dropped off from the solder pad of a board after soldering process. Failure mode was observed to be poor wetting and reaction between electroless nickel plating layer and solder pad. EDX and XPS analyses indicates that non-wetting of the components could be due to oxidation of the electroless nickel plating layer. Experiments carried shows that aging or oxidation of electroless plating layer play more significant role as compared to the thickness of electroless plating layer.
C-h functionalization.

C–H Functionalization has the potential to become a paradigm-shifting strategy for organic synthesis. Over the last decade, the field has experienced explosive growth and a large variety of new C–H functionalization methodologies have been developed. In particular, regioselective functionalization of sp2 C–H bonds has become a broadly flexible approach for the synthesis of complex aromatic carbocycles and heterocycles. In several instances the substrates have a natural preference for functionalization at specific C–H bonds. Alternatively, selective functionalization is achieved by using a directing group to orient the catalyst in a defined position. These types of synthetic strategies are already having a significant impact on the streamlined synthesis of important compounds for the pharmaceutical industry and materials science. The selective functionalization of sp3 C–H bonds is a more challenging proposition, but in recent years significant advances have been made to suggest that even these types of transformations can become broadly applicable. Metal-bound carbenes, nitrenes and oxo species have been particularly effective at stereoselective sp3 C–H functionalization. However, considerable advances still need to be made to enhance the selectivity and to increase the range of functionality that can be introduced in these types of reactions. The fundamental principles of a number of C–H functionalization transformations have been established but, in many regards, the field is still in its infancy. The ultimate goal would be to have generally programmable and controllable methods for the highly selective C–H functionalization of complex systems at will. To achieve this, it will be necessary to have an extensive toolbox of catalysts and reagents to override the natural site selectivity of any given substrate. Therefore, a greater range of reaction types need to be developed and a better mechanistic understanding of the controlling elements of the various methods has to be obtained. This Thematic Series highlights some of the novel approaches that are applied to the field of C–H functionalization and I thank all the authors for their exciting contributions. The series covers topics that range from novel catalyst design, new synthetic methods, and cascade sequences that incorporate C–H functionalization. The articles illustrate the exciting opportunities for innovation that exist in C–H functionalization research, and hopefully, will inspire others to explore new research directions in this area. Huw M. L. Davies Atlanta, September 2012
Brāhmī-derived orthographies are typologically Āksharik but functionally predominantly alphabetic

We claim that the orthographies of South and Southeast Asia, which are derived from the Brāhmī writing system, are best described by the typological term “āksharik” (/ɑ:kʃərik/), and that they are functionally predominantly alphabetic. We derive these descriptions from the encoding units that went into the design of the orthographies and the decoding units that are likely to be relevant for reading text in them. More commonly used terms, such as “alphasyllabary” or “abugida”, used to describe these orthographies, are not appropriate. Our focus is on Hindī, an Indo-Āryan language and its orthography, Devnāgrī. Our arguments are based on structural-descriptive, historical-linguistic and theoretical accounts as well as some psycholinguistic evidence. We also support claims that the universal and language-specific features of any writing system should be studied in the context of its associated spoken language or languages.
Anisometropia in children from infancy to 15 years.

PURPOSE To investigate anisometropia in children from age 6 months to 15 years. METHODS Children with refractions at 6 months (n = 1120), 5 years (n = 395), and 12 to 15 years (n = 312) were included in this study. All children were refracted in the laboratory by noncycloplegic retinoscopy. Myopes had spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of the less ametropic eye of less than -0.50 D, hyperopes had SER of the less ametropic eye greater than or equal to 1.00 D, and emmetropes had SER of the less ametropic eye from -0.50 to +1.00 D. RESULTS The mean difference in refraction between the two eyes was similar at 6 months (0.11 D) and 5 years (0.15 D), increasing to 0.28 D at 12 to 15 years. Using a cutoff of 1.00 D SER for anisometropia, the prevalence was 1.96%, 1.27%, and 5.77% at 6 months, 5 years, and 12 to 15 years, respectively. At 12 to 15 years, the prevalence of anisometropia in the myopes was 9.64% and in the hyperopes was 13.64%, both significantly higher than that in the emmetropes (3.38%, P < 0.05). The degree of anisometropia at 12 to 15 years was significantly associated with the refractive error of the less ametropic eye at 12 to 15 years, with and without adjustment for relevant covariates (P < 0.05). Infants with significant astigmatism (cylinder power ≥ 1.00 D in one or both eyes) have an increased risk of anisometropia (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of anisometropia increases between 5 and 15 years, when some children's eyes grow longer and become myopic. However, anisometropia was found to accompany both myopia and hyperopia, suggesting that other mechanisms in addition to excessive eye growth may exist for anisometropia development, especially in hyperopia.
Raman, i.r. reflection, and emission spectra of sodium β-alumina☆

Abstract The Raman, i.r. reflection, and emission spectra of single crystal sodium β-alumina were measured over a wide range of temperatures. Symmetry assignments of the normal modes based on the stoichiometric crystal structure are proposed. The vibrational dynamics are analysed in terms of a model invoking a vibrationally decoupled single spinel block, and similarities in the distribution of normal mode frequencies in MgAl2O4 and Naβ-Al2O3 are discussed. Temperature dependent effects on the spectra are also presented.
Relationship between Polycythemia and Surgical Mortality in Patients Undergoing Total Correction for Tetralogy of Fallot

"Complete" surgical correction of Fallot's tetralogy carries a much higher risk in patients with a hemoglobin concentration greater than 18 Gm. per cent (31 per cent mortality) than in those whose hemoglobin concentration is less than 18 Gm. per cent (10 per cent mortality). The successful reduction of hemoglobin concentration from greater than 18 Gm. per cent to less than 18 Gm. per cent through systemic-pulmonary anastomosis greatly reduces the surgical risk associated with "complete correction." The mechanism by which this reduces surgical mortality is not known but may be related to (1) decreasing the hemorrhagic tendency associated with polycythemia and (2) conditioning of the pulmonary vascular bed and "left heart" in preparation for their new role when definitive repair has been accomplished. The hemoglobin concentration can be used to grade the severity of Fallot's tetralogy. Such grading would provide a basis for valid appraisal of surgical mortality rates among otherwise comparable series of cases.
Cyclazocine and norepinephrine uptake, metabolism, and turnover in the rat brain

The effects of cyclazocine, a narcotic agonist/antagonist, on the uptake, metabolism, and turnover of norepinephrine in rat brains were studied. Cyclazocine significantly depressed the accumulation of intracisternally administered [3H]norepinephrine and the formation of 3,4-[3H]dihydroxymandelic acid but did not alter the formation of [3H]-normetanephrine. Comparatively, imipramine reduced the uptake of [3H]norepinephrine, decreased the formation of 3,4-[3H]dihydroxymandelic acid, and increased the formation of [3H]normetanephrine. Moreover, cyclazocine increased the formation of endogenous 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol and produced a fall in endogenous norepinephrine. It is suggested that cyclazocine reduces the accumulation of [3H]norepinephrine, decreases endogenous norepinephrine levels, and increases the formation of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol by interacting with brain adrenergic nerves, presumably by inhibiting neuronal uptake and facilitating norepinephrine turnover.
Expression of a Phanerochaete chrysosporium Manganese Peroxidase Gene in the Yeast Pichia pastoris

A gene encoding manganese peroxidase (mnp1) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium was cloned downstream of a constitutive glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Three different expression vectors were constructed: pZBMNP contains the native P. chrysosporium fungal secretion signal, palphaAMNP contains an alpha-factor secretion signal derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and pZBIMNP has no secretion signal and was used for intracellular expression. Both the native fungal secretion signal sequence and alpha-factor secretion signal sequence directed the secretion of active recombinant manganese peroxidase (rMnP) from P. pastoris transformants. The majority of the rMnP produced by P. pastoris exhibited a molecular mass (55-100 kDa) considerably larger than that of the wild-type manganese peroxidase (wtMnP, 46 kDa). Deletion of the native fungal secretion signal yielded a molecular mass of 39 kDa for intracellular rMnP in P. pastoris. Treatment of the secreted rMnP with endoglycosidase H (Endo H) resulted in a considerable decrease in the mass of rMnP, indicating N-linked hyperglycosylation. Partially purified rMnP showed kinetic characteristics similar to those of wtMnP. Both enzymes also had similar pH stability profiles. Addition of exogenous Mn(II), Ca(II), and Fe(III) conferred additional thermal stability to both enzymes. However, rMnP was slightly less thermostable than wtMnP, which demonstrated an extended half-life at 55 degrees C.
Die Bestimmung von Kobalt in Kobaltamminen

Die Abanderung einer Methode zur Bestimmung des Kobalts in Stahl wurde auf gewisse Kobaltammine angewendet. Zweiwertiges Kobalt wird durch Erhitzen mit Natronlauge und Wasserstoffsuperoxyd zu Kobaltihydroxyd oxydiert. Nach raschem Filtrieren und Auswaschen mit heissem Wasser zur Entfernung storender Ionen wird das den Niederschlag enthaltende Filter wieder in das Becherglas zuruckgegeben. Der Niederschlag wird bei Gegenwart von Kaliumjodid in Schwefelsaure gelost; das freigemachte Jod wird mit Thiosulfat titriert.
High purity niobium for superconducting accelerator cavities

Abstract Superconducting niobium microwave cavities are becoming increasingly important for particle accelerators in a variety of applications: electronpositron machines for high energy particle physics, continuous beam heavyion and electron accelerators for nuclear physics and for free electron lasers. Critical to the performance of r.f. superconducting accelerator devices is the quality of industrially produced sheet niobium, both in terms of low interstitial content as well as freedom from harmful inclusions. This review will discuss progress in producing large quantities of high purity niobium to fulfill this need and summarize the state of the art of r.f. superconductivity in the context of applications to accelerators under construction or under contemplation. Achievement of the full potential of r.f. superconductivity is closely tied to further advances in niobium quality. By realization of this potential, this technology may eventually play a parallel role for electron accelerators as that of superconducting magnets in today's proton accelerators.
Four-Coordinate AsIII-N,S Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and Biological Relevance

Air-stable four-coordinate As(III) complexes, [As(L4)Cl] (1) and [As(L4)I] (2), were prepared using a rearranged form of the deprotonated benzothiazoline ligand, 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole. Complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR, UV-vis, and elemental microanalysis. The solid-state structure of 2 was also solved. The unusual and rare four-coordinate geometry of 2 elucidates possible binding modes and properties of N,S-ligated As(III) that may be encountered in biology.
Metalloproteinase-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth within a Synthetic Extracellular Matrix Is Induced by Nerve Growth Factor

In order to assess the requirement for matrix metalloproteinases in neuronal regeneration, in vitro neurite outgrowth by chick dorsal root ganglionic neurons (DRGn) was examined within a reconstituted extracellular matrix. For these studies, cultured neurons were treated with a synthetic peptide inhibitor of metalloproteinases (spIMP), LMHKPRCGVPDVGG. spIMP inhibited all neuronal metalloproteinase activities in zymography and substrate-release assays and was used to examine the role of metalloproteinases in neurite outgrowth by DRGn. Cultures of dissociated DRGn rapidly extended neurites on planar extracellular matrix substrates and this rate of outgrowth was not affected by adding NGF or spIMP. In contrast, neurite extension within a three-dimensional gel of extracellular matrix increased nearly threefold after adding NGF. The NGF-induced neurite penetration was negated in the presence of spIMP but not by control peptide. Similar results were obtained using explanted dorsal root ganglia. These findings suggested that NGF-induced neurite outgrowth within an extracellular matrix involves metalloproteinase activity. Zymographic analysis of media conditioned by NGF-treated DRGn revealed a pair of gelatinolytic bands with apparent molecular masses 72 and 66 kDa, which comigrated as a single 66-kDa band after activation with an organomercurial agent. The gelatinase activities were calcium- and zinc-dependent and were absent from zymograms developed in the presence of spIMP, indicating that NGF-treated DRGn release and activate a 72-kDa metalloproteinase. Samples from DRGn cultures treated with low levels of NGF contained similar amounts of latent and activated metalloproteinase, while high levels of NGF induced an apparent increase in total metalloproteinase secretion and a substantially greater proportion of activated enzyme. Western blot analysis showed this metalloproteinase was immunologically similar to 72-kDa type IV collagenase and immunoassays revealed that this matrix metalloproteinase was increased threefold by high NGF. Furthermore, after high NGF treatment, DRGn media contained sixfold more metalloproteinase activity in assays of matrix degradation. In summary, these results indicate that NGF enhanced metalloproteinase-dependent neurite outgrowth of DRGn within a reconstituted extracellular matrix. Also, NGF increased the expression and activation of 72-kDa type IV collagenase, suggesting a role for this matrix-degrading metalloproteinase in neuronal regeneration.
On the Measurement of Metropolitan Decentralization of Blacks and Whites

Three alternative methods of measuring metropolitan decentralization are compared with particular attention to their effectiveness in measuring the movement of blacks and whites in the United States. The author concludes that the relative decentralization index developed by R. Redick is conceptually superior to the other methods considered and that it does not create untoward computational difficulties. (ANNOTATION)
Treatment techniques in the conservative management of breast cancer

Abstract Treatment of the intact breast is an interesting and challenging problem for the radiation oncologist. This problem becomes even more complex when it is desirable to treat the regional lymph nodes as well. After several decades of interest and attention, a number of techniques are available that offer excellent geometrical solutions to this problem. In general these techniques involve treating the supine patient with isocentric breast fields that avoid as much as possible dose to underlying lung, mediastinum, and contralateral breast. Immobilization devices and other aids, such as the protractor, make daily set-up of fields easily reproducible and reliable. Boost treatment is almost universally used to raise the dose to the tumor bed between 60 and 65 Gy. Careful design of these boost fields, especially using surgical clips to aid in localization, may increase the precision of treatment. Further studies are needed to determine whether there are any clinical advantages (improved local control or reduced complication rates) to the use of more sophisticated but costly dosimetry techniques, such as individualized three-dimensional compensation and the use of CT scans to correct for lung inhomogeneity.
PIN REDISTRIBUTION PROBLEM FOR MULTI-CHIP MODULES: ALGORITHMS AND COMPLEXITY

We investigate the pin redistribution problem (PRP) for multi-chip modules. We transform the PRP to the max-flow problem and obtain an efficient algorithm for finding a 2-layer solution, whenever one exists. A greedy heuristic to find a k-layer solution is described. Our approach can also construct a minimum layer solution for two variants; nets can be routed on more than one layer, and terminals (source and target) are drilled through all layers. Our algorithms take O(min{|S|, mk1/2}m2k) time, except for the heuristic procedure which takes O(km4log2 m) time, where S is the set of source terminals, m is the number of rows and columns in the grid, and k is the number of layers required. Several variations of the PRP when generalized to graphs can also be solved efficiently by our algorithms, whereas other variations are shown to be NP-complete.
Fatigue crack growth theory and experiment: A comparative analysis

A number of theoretical models have been proposed in the literature which explain the second or the fourth power dependence of fatigue crack growth rate on ..delta..K, the stress intensity factor range in the Paris-Erdogan relation da/dN = C ..delta..K /SUP m/ . All of these models pertain to the intermediate range of crack growth rates where the m values are relatively low in the range of 2 to 4. The values of m for many metals and alloys can be much larger than 4 at near threshold crack growth rates or at stress intensities close to the fast fracture, and in some cases throughout the range of ..delta..K when the faceted mode of crack growth occurs. For such cases, the models appear to have no relevance. In this report predictions of different theoretical models are critically examined in comparison to experimentally determined crack growth rates in a MA 956, oxide dispersion strengthened alloy. Cumulative damage models predict crack growth rates reasonably well except in the range where ductile striations are observed. Lack of agreement with any particular model in this range is related to the fact that at different regions across the specimen thickness different mechanisms, either plastic bluntingmore » or cumulative damage, control the crack growth.« less
Chemical analyses of meteorites at the Smithsonian Institution: An update

— Thirteen new meteorites and three meteorite inclusions have been analyzed. Their results have been incorporated into earlier published data for a comprehensive reference to all analyzed meteorites at the Smithsonian Institution. The six tables facilitate a convenient overlook of meteorite data. Table 1 presents an alphabetical list of analyzed meteorites, Table 2 chemical analyses of stony meteorites, Table 3 chemical analyses of iron meteorites, Table 4 elemental composition of stony meteorites, Table 5 average composition of carbonaceous chondrites and achondrites (falls and finds), and Table 6 presents average composition of H, L, LL, and Antarctic chondrites (falls and finds). The tables are available online at the journal's Web site http:meteoritics.org.
The pulmonologist's diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in lung cancer

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer have improved with advancing technology and the acquisition of the necessary skills by bronchoscopists to fully use these advanced techniques. The diagnostic yield for lung cancer has significantly increased with the advent of technologies such as endobronchial ultrasound, navigational systems, and improved imaging modalities. Similarly, the therapeutic benefit of bronchoscopy in advanced lung cancer has begun to be understood for its impact on quality and quantity of life. This article highlights the pulmonologists' diagnostic advances and therapeutic options, with an emphasis on outcomes.
Why Public Managers Should Not Be Afraid to Enter the "Gray Zone": Strategic Management and Public Law

Public managers must understand that there are legal "gray zones "-areas where the law is ambiguous or silent on the actions they can take. Unfortunately, many public managers view the ambiguity and silence as a constraint, and thereby immediately foreclose many of the strategic options available to them. Instead, we argue that public managers should embrace the gray zone and explore its strategic possibilities by using some of the legal tools at their disposal. We offer a model of how managers can view and use the gray zone in crafting their strategies. Case study examples support and illustrate our prescriptions. This article begins our work of identifying some of the strategies involving legal tools and their relative advantages. These strategies move managers from the traditional static view of the legal environment toward a more powerful and effective action-dynamic view.
Toxicity and adaptive immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent vs. first generation adenoviral vectors.

Abstract The host immune response to intracellular transgenes delivered by helper-dependent (HDV) vs. first generation (FGV) adenoviral vectors has been relatively unstudied. Previous studies showed short-term correction of bovine and murine argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) deficiency after first generation adenoviral-mediated liver gene therapy. To determine whether the host adaptive immune response against the intracellular transgene human ASS (hASS) contributed to loss of gene expression in this setting, the same vector (FGV-CAG-hASS) was injected into Rag −/− (immunodeficient) mice. As in wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice, Rag −/− mice also showed significant loss of hASS expression and vector by week 4 post-injection, with concomitant elevation of liver enzymes and disruption of liver architecture. Therefore, direct toxicity due to vector rather than adaptive immune response against hASS primarily accounted for loss of expression with FGVs. In contrast to hASS, β-galactosidase is strongly immunogenic and activates the host adaptive immune response. Loss of transgene expression was observed in B6 mice with either a FGV or a HDV expressing β-galactosidase. However, the drop in gene expression observed with the HDV was primarily due to the adaptive immune response, since both β-galactosidase expression and vector genome were sustained in immunodeficient mice treated with HDV. As expected, with weakly immunogenic hASS, vector genome and hASS expression were sustained with a HDV in spite of ubiquitous expression of the transgene. Therefore, viral gene expression is a primary determinant of intermediate and chronic toxicities at day 3 and week 4 post-injection. However, even in the absence of viral gene expression, strongly immunogenic intracellular transgenes can stimulate clearance of transduced hepatocytes.
Cancer communication patterns and the influence of patient characteristics: disparities in information-giving and affective behaviors.

Abstract Objective To examine whether patient characteristics are associated with communication patterns between oncologists and breast cancer patients. Methods The study was conducted at 14 practices with 58 oncologists with 405 newly diagnosed patients with no prior history of breast cancer. The initial consultation between oncologist and patient was audiotaped and a detailed communication analysis performed. Interviews were conducted with patients and physicians immediately before and after consultations. Results Disparities were found across all patient demographics. Younger patients asked more questions as did those who were white had more than a high school education and when they reported an income that was high or medium income, compared to low ( p p p Conclusion This study indicates that patient demographic factors, such as race, income level, education and age seem to influence the amount of time physicians spend in almost all communication categories with patients. One recurring difference across most communication categories was race. Racial differences occurred in almost every one of the communication categories examined. White patients had many more utterances in almost every communication category than their non-white counterparts. These differences may mean a less adequate decision-making process for patients who are members of racial or ethnic minorities, patients who are less affluent, older, and have less education. Practice implications This study found that providers communicate differently with patients by age, race, education and income. These differences in communication may lead to disparities in patient outcomes. Communication skills training should explicitly train clinicians to recognize these tendencies. Patients with different demographics characteristics may also required education that is tailored to them.
Recalling Toyota’s Crisis: Utilizing the Discourse of Renewal

This case study applies the theoretical framework of the discourse of renewal to Toyota’s lingering crisis (safety recalls) in order to understand how this approach is utilized as well as to demonstrate the appropriateness of the response. The discourse of renewal is a rhetorical crisis communication strategy that attempts to frame a crisis event as an organizational opportunity and tends to focus on the future rather than the past. In this case study, six commercials produced by Toyota were analyzed using these overarching principles associated with the discourse of renewal. Results indicate that this approach was utilized in Toyota’s crisis communication and appear to have been an appropriate response to the crisis. Further analysis also reveals that the overarching themes associated with the discourse of renewal (opportunities and the future) need to be expanded in order to account for the historical elements that contextualize the crisis and the existing image of the organization. ©Journal of Professional Communication, all rights reserved.
Steps within the Assembly of HIV Gag Virus Like Particles

HIV gag assembles at the plasma membrane and results of budding of HIV particles. We have monitored assembly of fluorescently labeled Gag molecules at the bottom surface of cells using TIRF microscopy with variable penetration depths. In this work we present quantitative analysis of intensity of vesicle like particles (VLPs) which form with fluorescently-tagged Gag on the cell membrane. To verify that these vesicles actually represent fully coated VLPs that separate from the host cell we have monitored the recruitment of VPS4-mCherry which is a critical member of the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT) and its recruitment indicates fission from the host cell. Since the polymerization of Gag is a constant process, we expect the fluorescence intensities to increase continuously over time until it reaches a maximum, which signifies that the VLP is complete. However, we have found that the intensities of these VLPs increase in discrete steps. In order to further investigate the frequency and distribution of these pauses we have developed a mathematical model of Gag polymerization during virus assembly. This model is based on the spherical geometry of a VLP and how the total number of Gag proteins changes as the sphere forms. We have used least squares regression to determine the best fit of the model to the data, which we have then used to consider how these pauses have affected the total assembly time of the VLPs.