cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-step Purification of Macromolecular Complexes Using RNA Attached to Biotin and a Photo-cleavable Linker

For many years, the exceptionally strong and rapidly formed interaction between biotin and streptavidin has been successfully utilized for partial purification of biologically important RNA/protein complexes. However, this strategy suffers from one major disadvantage that limits its broader utilization: the biotin/streptavidin interaction can be broken only under denaturing conditions that also disrupt the integrity of the eluted complexes, hence precluding their subsequent functional analysis and/or further purification by other methods. In addition, the eluted samples are frequently contaminated with the background proteins that nonspecifically associate with streptavidin beads, complicating the analysis of the purified complexes by silver staining and mass spectrometry. To overcome these limitations, we developed a variant of the biotin/streptavidin strategy in which biotin is attached to an RNA substrate via a photo-cleavable linker and the complexes immobilized on streptavidin beads are selectively eluted to solution in a native form by long wave UV, leaving the background proteins on the beads. Shorter RNA binding substrates can be synthesized chemically with biotin and the photo-cleavable linker covalently attached to the 5' end of the RNA, whereas longer RNA substrates can be provided with the two groups by a complementary oligonucleotide. These two variants of the UV-elution method were tested for purification of the U7 snRNP-dependent processing complexes that cleave histone pre-mRNAs at the 3' end and they both proved to compare favorably to other previously developed purification methods. The UV-eluted samples contained readily detectable amounts of the U7 snRNP that was free of major protein contaminants and suitable for direct analysis by mass spectrometry and functional assays. The described method can be readily adapted for purification of other RNA binding complexes and used in conjunction with single- and double-stranded DNA binding sites to purify DNA-specific proteins and macromolecular complexes.
Fundamental mechanical properties of ground switchgrass for quality assessment of pellets

Abstract Pelletization is one of the promising technologies for biomass densification. Many studies have been conducted to determine the optimum conditions for pelletizing. However, no relationship between the mechanical properties of the ground biomass and pellet quality has been published. The goal of this research was to develop and validate a predictive relationship between mechanical properties of the ground biomass in early stages of densification ( 2 value higher than 0.80 were selected for prediction. The validation against quality of pellets, which were formed at an alternate condition, confirms that the strength quality metrics of switchgrass pellets can be predicted using size reduced materials' bulk modulus and spring-back index.
Mechanisms, Predictors, and Challenges in Assessing and Managing Painful Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the known predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors and the challenges in assessing and managing it. Data Sources PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Conclusion The research on chronic painful CIPN is limited. Additional research is needed to identify the predictors and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic painful CIPN to inform the development of assessment tools and management options for this painful and possibly debilitating condition. Implications for Nursing Practice Recognition of the predictors of chronic painful CIPN and proactive CIPN assessment and palliative management are important steps in reducing its impact on physical function and quality of life.
Clinical presentation and approach to dietary management of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a group of disorders that are characterized by chronic eosinophilic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to organ dysfunction and clinical symptoms. The disorders are considered immune-mediated and inflammatory, with strong associations to food allergy triggers. The most common eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which usually presents with dysphagia and food impaction in adults and with heartburn, abdominal pain, and vomiting in children. Treatment strategies consist of medical and dietary therapies. In addition to the clinical presentation of EoE, this article focuses on dietary management, which includes controlling symptoms and bowel inflammation as well as identifying potential food triggers to help tailor a diet for long-term disease management.
Abstract #905: The small molecule Tetradrine (NSC77037), identified in a high-throughput cell-based screen, reverses multidrug resistance in cancer cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major factors which contributes to the failure of cancer chemotherapy treatment, and because of MDR, numerous efforts have been made to overcome it in the recent years. To identify novel MDR inhibitors, we developed a 96-well plate high-throughput cell-based screening assay. Using this assay on the National Cancer Institute Diversity Set Library, we identified tetradrine (NSC77037), a small molecular compound that, reverses MDR1 (Pgp) but not MRP or BCRP-mediated MDR in multidrug resistant cell lines derived from human tumors. The ability to reverse MDR is comparable to that of frequently used reversal agents such as verapamil and CsA. Cytotoxic activity of tetradrine was evaluated in vitro using human sarcoma and ovarian, breast, and colon cancer cell lines expressing various levels of Pgp, as well as using a lung cancer cell line expressing MRP and a breast cancer cell line expressing BCRP. From these results, we found that tetradrine itself at concentration >10µM moderately inhibits the proliferation of both sensitive and resistant cells with almost equal activity, but its inhibitory effect is not altered by co-incubation with verapamil, suggesting that tetradrine may not be a substrate of Pgp. Additionally, tetradrine increases the intracellular accumulation of Pgp substrates: Calcein AM, Rhodamine-123, paclitaxel, mitoxantrone, and doxorubicin, by enhancing the uptake and/or decreasing the efflux of these compounds in resistant cells. Finally, we are also able to show that tetradrine directly inhibiting the function of Pgp in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, tetradrine does not inhibit the total expression level of Pgp. These results indicate that tetradrine is capable of reversing MDR in many cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by directly inhibiting the function of Pgp. The ability of tetradrine to restore sensitivity to drug therapy or to prevent resistance could potentially benefit a large number of cancer patients. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 905.
Quality Measure Development and Associated Spending by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

This study uses data from the publicly available Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Inventory Tool to determine the proportion of CMS quality measures that are used or finalized for use in a CMS program, under development or consideration for use, or not in use.
Theoretical Modeling of Chemical Equilibrium in Weak Polyelectrolyte Layers on Curved Nanosystems

Surface functionalization with end-tethered weak polyelectrolytes (PE) is a versatile way to modify and control surface properties, given their ability to alter their degree of charge depending on external cues like pH and salt concentration. Weak PEs find usage in a wide range of applications, from colloidal stabilization, lubrication, adhesion, wetting to biomedical applications such as drug delivery and theranostics applications. They are also ubiquitous in many biological systems. Here, we present an overview of some of the main theoretical methods that we consider key in the field of weak PE at interfaces. Several applications involving engineered nanoparticles, synthetic and biological nanopores, as well as biological macromolecules are discussed to illustrate the salient features of systems involving weak PE near an interface or under (nano)confinement. The key feature is that by confining weak PEs near an interface the degree of charge is different from what would be expected in solution. This is the result of the strong coupling between structural organization of weak PE and its chemical state. The responsiveness of engineered and biological nanomaterials comprising weak PE combined with an adequate level of modeling can provide the keys to a rational design of smart nanosystems.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FLIPPED CLASSROOM TEACHING IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSE: A CASE STUDY OF AUSTRALIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

This paper is a pedagogical experimental study which describes a trial of a flipped-classroom approach of teaching within the context of project management education to a cohort of international students. Project management being an applied course cannot be learned entirely thorough a textbook under traditional teaching setting. Therefore, a flipped-classroom approach has been introduced to address the need to transform the traditional teaching pedagogy to foster active learning in project management education. The flipped classroom model adopted in the present paper has three important components: offloaded content made available through an online learning management system, student-centred in-class activities and three major assessments. The result of factor analysis revealed that pre-class activity has a greater role to play in the success of a flipped class. The result of the study further shows that the flipped-classroom approach is effective in enhancing student’s performance in terms of the final grade and overall student learning experience. Also, the results show that flipped classroom approach led to a significant increase in student performance on average as compared to the traditional lecture-based approach suggesting that the flipped classroom approach is a good substitute to traditional lecture-based teaching for an applied course such as project management. More importantly, flipped classroom teaching could serve as a good tool for Emergency Remote Learning (ERL) to substitute Face-to-Face teaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Transcriptomic Landscape of Mismatch Repair-Deficient Intestinal Stem Cells

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer and is secondary to germline alterations in one of four DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Here we aimed to provide novel insights into the initiation of MMR-deficient (MMRd) colorectal carcinogenesis by characterizing the expression profile of MMRd intestinal stem cells (ISC). A tissue-specific MMRd mouse model (Villin-Cre;Msh2 LoxP/LoxP ) was crossed with a reporter mouse (Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-creERT2) to trace and isolate ISCs (Lgr5+) using flow cytometry. Three different ISC genotypes (Msh2-KO, Msh2-HET, and Msh2-WT) were isolated and processed for mRNA-seq and mass spectrometry, followed by bioinformatic analyses to identify expression signatures of complete MMRd and haplo-insufficiency. These findings were validated using qRT-PCR, IHC, and whole transcriptomic sequencing in mouse tissues, organoids, and a cohort of human samples, including normal colorectal mucosa, premalignant lesions, and early-stage colorectal cancers from patients with Lynch syndrome and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) as controls. Msh2-KO ISCs clustered together with differentiated intestinal epithelial cells from all genotypes. Gene-set enrichment analysis indicated inhibition of replication, cell-cycle progression, and the Wnt pathway and activation of epithelial signaling and immune reaction. An expression signature derived from MMRd ISCs successfully distinguished MMRd neoplastic lesions of patients with Lynch syndrome from FAP controls. SPP1 was specifically upregulated in MMRd ISCs and colocalized with LGR5 in Lynch syndrome colorectal premalignant lesions and tumors. These results show that expression signatures of MMRd ISC recapitulate the initial steps of Lynch syndrome carcinogenesis and have the potential to unveil novel biomarkers of early cancer initiation. SIGNIFICANCE: The transcriptomic and proteomic profile of MMR-deficient intestinal stem cells displays a unique set of genes with potential roles as biomarkers of cancer initiation and early progression.
Poncelet Coefficients of Granular Media

We have developed a new technique for precise measurement of deceleration of projectiles in sand. It uses a PDV to observe the back of a sphere. Impacts were conducted up to 300 m/s, and trajectories were observed for more than 10 projectile diameters. The precise measurements allow us to calculate Poncelet parameters for spheres in dry and saturated sand and fused quartz. We find that the coefficients needed to describe the data change at about 100 m/s, and Poncelet values that give accurate estimates of deceleration will usually fail to predict ultimate penetration depth. For comparing materials, we find sand is harder to penetrate than fused quartz. Dense materials are harder to penetrate than less dense materials. Dry materials are harder to penetrate than saturated materials.
Potential Further U.S. Liberalization: Domestic Impacts and Implications for the Pacific Basin

Further U.S. trade liberalization will lead to both internal U.S. adjustments and external adjustments in the rest of the world economy. Most of the potential future liberalization relates to textiles and apparel. While the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing and China's WTO accession influence the path of future liberalization significantly, the timing and extent of future liberalization is unknown. With these observations in hand, a dynamic model of sequential trade negotiations is sketched out, in which countries valuing market access may participate in regional and/or multilateral negotiations simultaneously, and in which countries may seek to accelerate or delay the conclusion of negotiations in order to increase or decrease the present value of trade diversion. If access to U.S. textile and apparel markets is important for U.S. trading partners, inferences can be made about the incentives of various partners for acceleration or delay in particular negotiations, based on a combination of historical data and simulation results. In particular, the difference in incentives facing China and other Asian countries vis-a-vis Latin America is discussed.
Mutational Change in Evolution

Evolution is the process of change in the genetic make-up of populations. Two evolutionary forces are known to cause changes in gene frequencies with time: selection and random genetic drift. Keywords: mutation; selection; drift; population; substitution
Using spatial features to review application, effectiveness, and compliance of forestry best management practices in West Virginia

Abstract The application, effectiveness, and compliance of forestry best management practices (BMPs) were assessed based on 33 randomly selected sites with streamside management zones (SMZs) in West Virginia. Application of BMPs was assessed based upon the methods and techniques of applying the BMP, while compliance was assessed based on the presence of required BMPs. Effectiveness was determined based upon the durability and longevity of an applied BMP. A series of 12 checklists were used to examine 29 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in SMZs. Spatial data, soil, stream type, and population density were also collected for the sites to identify how these spatial attributes affect BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance. Results indicated that higher levels of application, effectiveness, and compliance were found on sites with either intermittent or ephemeral streams, wider SMZs, or low soil moisture index; no significant differences were presented in BMP application, effectiveness, an...
Pattern Formation in the Fungi

In Chapter 12 we dwelt on a biochemical clock in an ascomycete, the yeast cell. The familiar bread molds and their relatives are also ascomycetes. They are called colonial ascomycetes because of their habits of growth. Like plants, they grow where the seed falls and feed through roots. An ascomycete colony starts when a spore falls on a food surface. It germinates and extends a fine web of hair-like filaments, called hyphae, across the food as an expandinh disk. This two-dimensional disk of hyphae is called a mycelium. It is not really a cellular organism since the septa dividing hyphae onto tiny compartments typically have holes in them, so that cytoplasm flows freely between the compartments.
Biodegradability of dissolved organic carbon in the Yukon River and its tributaries: Seasonality and importance of inorganic nitrogen

[1] Northern high-latitude rivers transport large amounts of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) from boreal and arctic ecosystems to coastal areas and oceans. Current knowledge of the biodegradability of DOM in these rivers is limited, particularly for large rivers discharging to the Arctic Ocean. We conducted a seasonally comprehensive study of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) dynamics in the Yukon River and two of its tributaries in Alaska, USA. Distinct seasonal patterns of BDOC, consistent across a wide range of watershed size, indicate BDOC is transported year-round. Relative biodegradability (%BDOC) was greatest during winter, and decreased into spring and summer. Due to large seasonal differences in DOC concentration, the greatest concentrations of BDOC (mg C L−1) occurred during spring freshet, followed by winter and summer. While chemical composition of DOM was an important driver of BDOC, the overriding control of BDOC was mineral nutrient availability due to wide shifts in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry across seasons. We calculated seasonal and annual loads of BDOC exported by the Yukon River by applying measured BDOC concentrations to daily water discharge values, and also by applying an empirical correlation between %BDOC and the ratio of DOC to dissolved inorganic N (DIN) to total DOC loads. The Yukon River exports ∼0.2 Tg C yr−1 as BDOC that is decomposable within 28 days. This corresponds to 12–18% of the total annual DOC export. Furthermore, we calculate that the six largest arctic rivers, including the Yukon River, collectively export ∼2.3 Tg C yr−1 as BDOC to the Arctic Ocean.
Delivery of social support: the social inoculation

A review of the literature on health breakdown and susceptibility to mental and physical illness points to a pervasive relationship between health status and the insufficiency or disruption of interpersonal ties. Social marginality and loss are commonly associated with high incidence of breakdown in diverse forms. The mechanism by which social relationships may affect the immunological system, and the social mechanisms that promote continued social ties are examined. The emergence of supportive networks and the preventive role of mental health workers are considered.
Thin QFP design and development

The challenges presented by the low profile thin quad flat packages (TQFPs) are the design of the mold, control of the assembly operations of wire bonding and molding, moisture performance characteristics, and thermal and mechanical performance. The authors describe the design, modeling for manufacturability, and characterization of a TQFP. The design issues of the TQFP include package symmetry, die thickness, and wire bond loop height. Thermal, mechanical, and electrical modeling results are presented. The assembly process characterization and material selection are discussed. The package performance testing includes moisture weight gain studies, moist package cracking (popcorn) and delamination evaluation, temperature cycle, thermal shock, and autoclave. It is apparent from the moisture preconditioning data that care must be taken to keep the packages in a humidity-controlled environment. A preconditioning bake of 125 degrees C for 8 h hours should be mandatory if packages are exposed to a high humidity environment for a long time period. However, it is clear that when preconditioned appropriately, the TQFP package should have a reliability performance comparable to that of a standard QFP package. >
Trajectory tracking in aircraft landing operations management using the adaptive neural fuzzy inference system

The adaptive neural fuzzy inference system is used to simulate trajectory tracking in aircraft landing operations management. The advantage of the approach is that by using the linguistic representation ability of fuzzy sets and the learning ability of neural networks, the approximate linguistic representations can be improved or updated as more data become available. This approach is illustrated by the use of both zero and first order Takagi-Sugeno inference systems [T. Takagi, M. Sugeno, Fuzzy identification of systems and its application to modeling and control, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics 15 (1) (1985) 116-132] with auto-landing flight path data.
Understanding Abscisic Acid

The name ‘‘abscisic acid’’ (ABA) was proposed in 1968 for the sesquiterpenoid hormone previously known as ‘‘dormin’’ or ‘‘abscisin II,’’ which had been isolated from several higher plants (Addicott and others 1968). In early studies its functions appeared mostly negative inasmuch as ABA treatments reduced growth and inhibited germination. However, it became clear that ABA was essential for normal growth and development, and we now know that ABA produces a huge range of both shortterm and long-term changes in cellular metabolism and processes. It has been estimated that 8–10% of Arabidopsis genes are ABA-responsive (Finkelstein and others 2002). As analytical methods improved, ABA was detected in algae, fungi, and liverworts in addition to higher plants (Hartung and Gimmler 1994). In this special issue, our progress toward understanding how ABA functions in higher plants is presented via reviews of selected topics. For many years the biosynthetic origin of ABA in higher plants was obscure. Although fungal pathways to ABA via farnesyl diphosphate were identified, these pathways could not be convincingly demonstrated in higher plants. Traditional tracer experiments to identify pathway intermediates were plagued by low incorporation rates. It became apparent that the biosynthetic route in fungi was quite different from that in higher plants. It is now accepted that ABA is produced by an ‘‘indirect’’
Computer graphics analysis of stresses in blood flow through a prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract Fluid dynamics principles and numerical analysis techniques are applied to the study of stress distribution in blood caused by the motion of the occluder in a prosthetic heart valve. An interactive computer graphics program is developed for the simulation of the flow process and the pictoral presentation of the solution for analysis. Resulting graphics displays show the stress distribution and other flow parameters which describe the movement of a disc occluder from fullclosed position to an almost full-open position. The possible contributions of this study to the understanding of hemolysis and thrombosis associated with prosthetic heart valves are discussed.
EXAFS spectroscopy, from one perspective

Extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy has been demonstrated to be a most useful probe of short-range interatomic correlations in a wide variety of materials. The theory of the EXAFS is presented in its simplest form so as to provide the basis for a discussion about the kind and quality of the structural information which can be extracted from EXAFS data. The adequacy of several of the approximations commonly incorporated in this theory is examined with emphasis on those areas of the theory which bear most directly on the analysis of EXAFS data.
Characterization of the sulfur fluoride radical in the ground electronic state

The 2 P ground electronic state of the sulfur fluoride radical has been characterized by high-level ab initio methods, employing the CCSD(T) method with large, augmented correlation-consistent basis sets including aug-cc-pVTZ, augcc-pwCVTZ, and aug-cc-pVQZ. Anharmonic vibrational wave functions have been computed, and previously unavailable transition moments and infrared intensities have been obtained along with dipole moments for the lower vibrational states. A refined theoretical prediction is made for the dipole moment le, and the performance of the CCSD(T) method with the above basis sets is investigated for several other molecular constants for which experimental values are available. 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
An online calculator to compute phonotactic probability and neighborhood density on the basis of child corpora of spoken American English.

An online calculator was developed (www.bncdnet.ku.edu/cml/info_ccc.vi) to compute phonotactic probability—the likelihood of occurrence of a sound sequence—and neighborhood density—the number of phonologically similar words—on the basis of child corpora of American English (Kolson, 1960; Moe, Hopkins, & Rush, 1982) and to compare its results to those of an adult calculator. Phonotactic probability and neighborhood density were computed for a set of 380 nouns (Fenson et al., 1993) using both the child and adult corpora. The child and adult raw values were significantly correlated. However, significant differences were detected. Specifically, child phonotactic probability was higher than adult phonotactic probability, especially for highprobability words, and child neighborhood density was lower than adult neighborhood density, especially for words with high-density neighborhoods. These differences were reduced or eliminated when relative measures (i.e., z scores) were used. Suggestions are offered regarding which values to use in future research.
Absolute spectral radiance of 27 MHz inductively coupled argon plasma background emission

Abstract The spectral radiance of the plasma continuum of a 27 MHz argon ICP has been measured for two sets of operating conditions in the wavelength range from 192 to 600 nm. At an rf forward power of 1250 W and a viewing height of 15 mm above the load coil, a maximum spectral radiance of (1.5±0.3) × 1012 photons s−1 mm−2 sr−1 nm−1 was observed, at a wavelength of approximately 450 nm. At 200 nm, the spectral radiance is 60 times lower. For wavelengths below 400 nm, the absolute plasma emission spectrum is well represented by a graybody function with a temperature of 5480 K and an emissivity of 4 × 10−5.
The Quality of Life in China

The Asia Barometer Survey of 2,000 respondents reveals that substantial majorities of the Chinese people experience feelings of happiness, enjoyment, and accomplishment. In fact, the proportion experiencing these indicators of a high quality of life are larger in China than in some more prosperous countries. Favorable historical comparison, sustained high economic growth, satisfaction with interpersonal life, and a high percentage of married people are among the explanations for China’s prevalence of subjective well-being. The Chinese people’s high levels of satisfaction with their interpersonal, material, and nonmaterial life domains, their positive assessments of their relative living standards, and their high rate of marriage are three direct positive influences on subjective well-being. Value priorities and other demographic characteristics also have indirect bearings on subjective well-being in China.
Ecotonal shifts in diversity and functional traits in zoobenthic communities of karst springs

We examined the potential importance of distance from the spring source (reach), season, and physicochemical variability on zoobenthic biodiversity, biomass, and trait-based metrics [functional feeding groups (FFG) and habit traits] in three karst spring systems in the Ozarks region of Missouri, USA. Density and biomass were measured during summer and winter in each spring source and three downstream reaches of each springbrook. Nearly 20,000 invertebrates in total were collected, identified, and counted. We measured biomass directly or by length–weight relationships. Overall downstream and seasonal patterns of diversity, biomass, and traits were similar among springs, but species dominance and composition varied significantly. Taxonomic richness increased downstream in all springs, but evenness decreased. Amphipods and isopods were the most abundant taxa at the spring source but were progressively replaced downstream by insects (with dominance varying among springs and seasons). Density and biomass for flatworms, snails, and insects increased downstream, while crustacean numbers diminished along this ecotone. FFG increased from 3 at the spring source (mostly shredders) to 4–7 downstream where scrapers, collectors, and/or predators predominated. Physicochemical factors proved minor at best as mechanistic explanations for ecotonal changes. We conclude that structural and functional community changes could be attributed to a matrix of interrelated factors including organic substrate, food availability, and biotic interactions.
Strategic alliances: a substitute for strategic trade policy?

Abstract In this paper loose competition policy towards strategic alliances is examined as an alternative to strategic trade policy. Alliances are assumed to design a strategic contract which changes incentives in the output market. Permitting strategic alliances and using strategic trade policy yield exactly the same outcome if the good is not consumed domestically and all firms of a country form a single alliance. The performance of the policy options in a more general setting depends on a number of interacting factors including (i) the share of domestic consumption, (ii) the nature of product market competition, (iii) the initial number of firms in the industry, and (iv) the feasibility of international alliances. Irrespective of the nature of product market competition, the alliance solution performs particularly well for low to medium shares of domestic consumption and, if international alliances are feasible, in small number oligopolies.
The bowler hat: a valid sign of colonic polyps?

This report briefly describes several cases of diverticula simulating colonic mucosal lesions. We have found that the bowler hat configuration, in particular, frequently occurs in the presence of diverticular disease. In our series, no polyp was found to exhibit the bowler hat sign, while 12 cases of diverticular disease displayed 1 or more “bowler hats.” Differentiation between polyps and diverticula displaying the bowler hat sign may be possible, but we conclude that the bowler hat sign per se is a nonspecific finding and that additional views may be necessary to confirm the presence of polyps.
Statistics and replication experiments: Comparing interaction effects

A method is presented that allows the comparison and combination of interaction effects obtained in two or more experiments. Using an analysis of variance model, we first evaluated the interaction effects found in experiments conducted by Alloy and Abramson (1979, Experiment 2) and Bryson, Doan, and Pasquali (1984). Both experiments examined the same independent (level of depression and outcome frequency) and dependent (judgment of control) variables. Whereas Alloy and Abramson reported a significant depression ×outcome frequency interaction for female subjects, Bryson et al. failed to find any significant interaction effects. The latter authors challenged the replicability of the Alloy and Abramson results. Our reanalyses of the results from these two studies indicated that, for females, Bryson et al. produced an interaction effect not different from that of Alloy and Abramson. Our next task was to compare the conclusions reached from our analytical approach with those based on standard meta-analytic methods (Rosenthal, 1984). Finally, we evaluated the general utility of the two analytical approaches and made some general comments about replication experiments.
A study of the control of disc movement within the temporomandibular joint using the finite element technique

Abstract Purpose: A two-dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate and study the in vivo biomechanics and mechanisms of the human temperomandibular joint (TMJ) over the range of normal motion. Materials and Methods: A nonlinear model was developed and run using the commercially available ABAQUS software with slide line elements that allowed large displacements and arbitrary contact of surfaces. The three main components of the model were the mandibular condyle, articular disc, and glenoid fossa region of the temporal bone, which were all modeled as deformable bodies. Continuous motion was simulated by doing a static analysis for each of many small steps. A parametric study was performed by determining the maximum stress in each of the three main components as a function of the elasticity of the articular disc. Results: The articular disc was found to move along with condyle in a lifelike manner, even when there were no attachments to the disc. Stress distribution plots showed relatively high stresses deep in the glenoid fossa for most steps. There was a direct, although nonlinear, relationship between maximum stress for all three components and the stiffness of the disc. Conclusions: This model suggests that muscle contraction is not required to maintain proper disc position. Normal motion results in relatively high stresses deep in the glenoid fossa. The elasticity of the in vivo articular disc may be closer to the lower end of the reported values.
Does nitric oxide mediate the increases in cerebral blood flow elicited by hypercapnia

Abstract The endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), probably nitric oxide (NO) or a closely related compound (EDRF/NO), is a potent vasodilator that appears to regulate vascular tone in several vascular beds. I have investigated whether EDRF/NO is also involved in the regulation of the cerebral circulation--in particular, whether EDRF/NO participates in the increases in cerebral blood flow elicited by hypercapnia. Rats were anesthetized with halothane, 1-2% (vol/vol), paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. Arterial pressure was monitored and blood gases were controlled. Cerebral blood flow was continuously monitored through a cranial window over the sensory cortex by a laser-Doppler probe. The window was superfused with Ringer's solution (pH 7.3-7.4 at 37 degrees C). During superfusion with Ringer's solution, hypercapnia (PCO2 = 55.8 +/- 0.8 mmHg) increased cerebral blood flow by 121 +/- 6% (n = 27; P less than 0.001; analysis of variance). Topical superfusion with the NO synthase inhibitors N omega-nitro-L-arginine (1 mM) attenuated the cerebrovasodilation by 93 +/- 6% (n = 8). In contrast, the vasodilation elicited by topical papaverine (1 mM) was not affected by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (n = 10). Application of N omega-nitro-D-arginine (1 mM) did not affect the cerebrovasodilation elicited by hypercapnia (P greater than 0.05; n = 8). N omega-Methyl-L-arginine (1 mM) attenuated the cerebrovasodilation elicited by hypercapnia by 44 +/- 4% (n = 8; P less than 0.001), an effect completely reversed by coapplication of L-arginine (10 mM; P greater than 0.05; n = 13). These findings indicate that the powerful effects of CO2 on the cerebral circulation are mediated by arginine-derived EDRF/NO. EDRF/NO is an important molecular signal whose actions may also include the regulation cerebral circulation.
EFFECTS OF SURFACE BAND BENDING ON LOW-ENERGY PHOTON-INDUCED OXIDATION OF GAAS(110)

Studies of photoinduced oxidation of physisorbed ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ on GaAs(110) at 25 K show that the surface reaction rate is strongly dependent on photon energy and substrate doping type. With 1.7-eV photon irradiation, the reaction cross section is 6.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}20}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for n-type GaAs and \ensuremath{\sim}7 times higher for p-type GaAs. With 1.97-eV photon irradiation, the reaction cross section is 1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for n-type GaAs and \ensuremath{\sim}8 times higher for p-type GaAs. We show that the energy distribution of the photoexcited electrons in the conduction band relative to the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ electron-affinity level is the critical parameter in determining reaction with the substrate. Differences in the reaction rate reflect the energy dependence of the resonance coupling of excited substrate electrons to physisorbed ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. Surface band bending and the photon excitation energy control the matching of these electrons with the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ electron-affinity level.
Thermal Fatigue Reliability of SMT Packages and Interconnections

The analytic description of thermal stresses and strains in surface mount chip carrier assemblies have been studied by a nonlinear finite element method. Emphasis is placed on the effects of packaging material and package size on interconnection and package reliability. In parallel, test boards with 68-Pin plastic leaded chip carriers (PLCC) have also been made and subjected to temperature cycling. The observed failure mechanism of the solder joints agreed with the finite element results.
Effect of sample size and reduced number of principle components on the Gillette Gait Index

The Gillette Gait Index uses principle components analysis of 16 variables to determine the deviation of an individual's gait compared to a normal control set. Previous literature has not reported on the effects of altering the size of the control set used to create the principle components, or described the effects of using less than the maximum number of principle components, 16, to calculate the Gillette Gait Index (GGI). Calculations of the GGI were determined for a group of 24 able-bodied normal subjects and 24 cerebral palsy subjects using 128 control subjects allotted into 15 subsets of varying sizes, from N=16-128. A minimum of 40 controls were needed for GGI estimates to achieve less than approximately 20% error, and 96 controls were needed for less than 10% error, if all 16 principle components were used. With smaller control sets, an alternative method to increase the accuracy would be to use only those principle components that represent 95% of the variance. Caution must still be used when describing differences in GGI among groups, or changes in an individual's GGI over time. In addition, absolute changes in GGI should always be reported, as differences as great as 150 were seen in cerebral palsy patients across control groups, even when greater than 40 controls are used to create the principle components.
Clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with C4A deficiency.

We studied 121 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), of whom 119 were complement typed. Both black and white patients with SLE were more likely than racially matched controls to have a C4A null allotype. Patients with homozygous C4A deficiency had less proteinuria than other patients (p = 0.02) and both homozygous and heterozygous C4A-deficient patients (p = 0.05) had fewer seizures than other patients. Anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anticardiolipin antibodies were less common in patients with homozygous C4A deficiency, with heterozygous C4A-deficient patients intermediate in frequency between homozygous C4A-deficient and normal patients with SLE. Both homozygous and heterozygous C4A-deficient patients (p < 0.005) had higher C3 levels than other patients, and heterozygous C4A-deficient patients had higher, not lower, C4 levels (p < 0.002), compared with non-C4A-deficient patients. C4A gene deletion was found in 23.4% of patients. C4A gene deletion was associated with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (p = 0.04) and Sjogren syndrome (p = 0.02) in patients with SLE. Both anti-dsDNA (p = 0.04) and anticardiolipin (p = 0.04) were found less frequently in patients with C4A gene deletion. Patients with C4A gene deletion had lower C4 levels than patients with C4A deficiency from other mechanisms. We conclude that the presence of 1 or 2 C4A null allotypes and the presence of a C4A gene deletion identify subgroups of patients with SLE that differ in clinical, laboratory, and autoantibody characteristics from other patients with SLE.
Environmental monitoring of chemical species

Design, development, and application of novel all-solid- state spectroscopic gas sensors is reported. These compact instruments employ mid-infrared difference-frequency generation in a nonlinear optical medium pumped by room- temperature semiconductor lasers, and are capable of real- time selective measurement of trace gases in ambient air with better than 1 ppb precision (part per billion, by mole fraction).
Cyclic nucleotide−dependent protein kinases. VII. Comparison of various histones as substrates for adenosine 3′,5′−monophosphate−dependent and guanosine 3′,5′−monophosphate−dependent protein kinases

Abstract A study was made of the ability of purified histones Ib, IIb and IV to serve as phosphate acceptors in reactions catalyzed by adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP)-dependent protein kinases. All three histones were able to serve as phosphate acceptors for all of the protein kinases tested. The relative reactivity of the histones was similar in the case of each of twenty-six cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases obtained from deverse tissues; for all of these cyclic AMP-dependent enzymes, the reactivity of the histones decreased in the order IV>IIb>Ib . The relative reactivity of the histones exhibited a much different and more complex pattern when a cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase was used. It is suggested that cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases possess specificityk for endogenous proteins different from that of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases. This different may account for the separate and independent physiological roles believed to be mediated by cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.
CONCENTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACIDS AND TRANS‐FATTY ACIDS IN SMALL RUMINANT MILK AND MEAT LIPIDS

Proximate composition and fatty-acid profile including conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) were determined in milk and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of small ruminants. Milk from crossbred (Dorset × Suffolk) ewes contained significantly higher levels of protein, fat and ash than those from Nubian goats. In LD muscles, the ash content in Boer goats was significantly higher than in crossbred lambs. Levels of vaccenic acid were not different in the LD muscles from the two different species or in the milk samples .The CLA cis-9, trans-11 was not different in milk from the two species, whereas it was higher (P < 0.05) in the LD muscles from goats compared with those from lambs. CLA trans-10, cis-12 in caprine milk was lower (P < 0.05) than that in ovine milk, but no differences were found in the LD muscles from the two species. Findings indicated that goat meat might provide healthier fatty-acid profiles than lamb.
Medial synovial shelf plica syndrome Treatment by intraplical steroid injection

Medial synovial shelf plica syndrome is caused by acquired thickening and inflammation of a commonly present residual embryonic synovial fold. Treatment with a local injection into the plica and surrounding synovium of a steroid and a long-acting local anesthetic was tested in a series of 30 patients to see if more involved and expensive treatment could be avoided. Thirty-one knees were studied and treated prospectively; rigid criteria for making the diagnosis were maintained. Twenty-two (73%) patients had complete relief of pain and full return to activity; five patients had some amelioration of their symptoms and partial return to activity; and three patients had poor results. Two of the poor results were secondary to errors in diagnosis, and one was secondary to the presence of mature fibrosis confirmed during subsequent arthroscopic resection. As a control, ten patients were injected with long-acting local anesthetic alone. In all ten, symptoms were relieved only for the duration of the anesthetic. Intraplical steroid injection appears to be a reasonable, prudent, initial step in the treatment of medial synovial shelf plica syndrome. For competitive athletes, it provides very short morbidity and the ability to return to full practice and participation in a very short period of time.
241 HUMAN FETAL UMBILICAL BLOOD FLOW ESTIMATION BY APPLICATION OF THE BOHR PRINCIPLE

Fetal (F) and placental (P) oxygen consumption (VO2) were calculated using continuous indirect calorimetry in 6 awake gravidas not in labor at 38 wks gestation with 6 AGA fetuses undergoing elective cesarean section utilizing complete lumbar epidural analgesia. Maternal (M) steady state was judged by stability of minute ventilation, MVO2, and percent carbon dioxide in expired air. Readings were obtained 10 min before delivery, 5–10 min after cord clamping, and 10–20 min after placental removal. Blood samples were obtained from umbilical vein (γ) and artery (α) for oxygen content (O2). A trimmed, drained P weight was obtained within 30 min of delivery. MVO2 decreased after cord clamping (FVO2), and still further after placental removal (PVO2). Fetal umbilical blood flow (f) was calculated from the Fick equation by solving for f=FVO2/([O2]γ – [O2]α). These data agree favorably with measurements of FVO2, PVO2, and f in other mammalian species. Some of the variability in f is accounted for by one baby whose f=338 ml/min/kg, FVO2 = 13.0 ml/min/kg, and whose F/P=11.0. We speculate that babies attached to small placentas relative to their body size may have a higher metabolic rate during cesarean section than babies attached to large placentas relative to their body size.
Characterization of striatal activity in conscious rats: Contribution of NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors to both spontaneous and glutamate-driven firing

Single-unit activity in the striatum of unrestrained, conscious rats was characterized by extracellular recording in combination with iontophoresis. To avoid the confounding effect of motor-related changes in firing rate, measurements were restricted to periods when animals were at quiet rest. Recording electrodes were lowered stepwise through 4.0 mm of anterior striatum in 36 equal ventral movements of 111 μm to assess the ratio of spontaneously active vs. silent neurons. Spontaneous activity was assessed at each step followed by iontophoretic glutamate (GLU) application to expose silent neurons. Eleven such experimental sessions resulted in a total of 100 spontaneously active and 264 silent neurons, indicating that without overt movement the large majority (72.7%) of striatal cells are silent. Spontaneously active neurons, moreover, discharged at low rates (4.85 ± 0.85 spikes/s). In separate experiments, both the AMPA/kainate (CNQX: 6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitro-quinoxaline disodium salt) and NMDA (AP5: D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid) GLU-receptor antagonists blocked the activity of most spontaneously active (83% CNQX, 69% AP5), and GLU-stimulated silent (68% CNQX, 98% AP5) units. Collectively, our results are consistent with an overall low level of striatal activity in the absence of strong excitatory input. When neuronal activity is initiated, however, it appears that both NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors are critical for maintaining continuous impulse activity. Synapse 47:91–100, 2003. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Isocratic High-Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Naproxen and Desmethylnaproxen in Human Plasma

An isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the determination of naproxen and its desmethyl metabolite in human plasma is presented. A reversed-phase octadecylsilane column was utilized with a mobile phase consisting of 55% methanol and 45% 0.10 M acetate buffer, pH 5.0. A spectrofluorometric detector with an excitation wavelength of 253 nm and a band pass filter provided high sensitivity with no interference from normal plasma constituents. The reproducibility and precision of the method were shown by analysis of spiked samples containing 2.5-70 micrograms/ml of plasma.