cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer of a beta-turn structure to a new protein context.

FOUR-RESIDUE β-turns and larger loop structures represent a significant fraction of globular protein surfaces and play an important role in determining the conformation and specificity of enzyme active sites and antibody-combining sites1,2. Turns are an attractive starting point to develop protein design methods, as they involve a small number of consecutive residues, adopt a limited number of defined conformations and are minimally constrained by packing interactions with the remainder of the protein. The ability to substitute oneβ-turn geometry for another will extend protein engineering beyond the redecoration of fixed backbone conformations to include local restructuring and the repositioning of surface side chains. To determine the feasibility and to examine the effect of such a structural modification on the fold and thermodynamic stability of a globular protein, we have substituted a five-residue turn sequence from concanavalin A for a type I' β-turn in staphylococcal nuclease. The resulting hybrid protein is folded and has full nuclease enzymatic activity but reduced thermodynamic stability. The crystal structure of the hybrid protein reveals that the guest turn sequence retains the conformation of the parent concanavalin A structure when substituted in the nuclease host.
Restoring p53-Dependent Tumor Suppression

p53 represents an ideal target for anti-cancer drug design, because p53 is mutated in more than half of human tumors. Most of the remaining tumors, although carrying wild-type p53, have defects in the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway. Activation of p53 activity by either chemotherapy or radiotherapy induces p53-dependent apoptosis in tumor cells with wild-type p53. Supplying exogenous wild-type p53 in cancer cells by gene delivery is effective in suppressing tumor growth of both mutant and wild-type p53-containing tumors. Blockage of p53 degradation pathways either by overexpression of ARF or interruption of MDM2:p53 interaction is effective in inducing p53 triggered tumor cell death. Since unlike most other tumor suppressor genes, mutant p53 is over expressed in tumor cells, a promising approach involves restoring tumor-suppressing function to mutant p53. The activity of the mutant p53 in tumor cells is restorable based on the fact that PAb241 antibody against the carboxy-terminus of p53 and peptides corresponding to the p53 carboxy-terminus can restore specific DNA-binding ability to some mutant p53 proteins. High throughout screening of chemical libraries has led to the identification of a group of small synthetic molecules such as CP-31398, which can restore p53 function to mutant p53 by stabilizing the active conformation of the protein that is destabilized in many mutants. Subsequent identification of PRIMA-1 provides further evidence to the possibility of developing anti-cancer drugs that may rescue mutant p53. Further understanding of the mechanisms by which CP-31398 and PRIMA-1 restore p53 activity may not only lead to discovery of more potent analogs but may also suggest new strategies for p53-targeting in tumor therapy.
Heme oxygenase type 2 participates in the development of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Abstract Abstract: Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the conversion of heme to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Recent studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of HO are analgesic in a number of different pain models. In these studies we attempted to define the role of HO type 2 (HO-2) in the development of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. To do this both wild type and C57Bl/6 HO-2 null mutant mice were either injected with complete Freund[apos ]s adjuvant in 1 hind paw or underwent unilateral partial sciatic nerve ligation. The resulting thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were monitored for up to 14 days afterward. In both models of chronic pain it was observed that the extent of hyperalgesia and allodynia was significantly less for the HO-2 null mutants than the wild type mice. Additional studies quantified spinal cord dorsal horn Fos expression after brushing of the affected hind paw for both complete Freund[apos ]s adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve ligation treated mice. These studies showed that HO-2 null mutants had less Fos expression after stimulation by brushing than did their wild type counterparts. Our results indicate that HO-2 participates in the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia that occur in 2 commonly used models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. [copy ] 2003 by the American Pain Society
On the method of lumens

Parent and Allen [(2007). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, 918–931] introduced the “method of lumens” to compute the plane-wave reflectance in a duct terminated with a nonuniform impedance. The method involves splitting the duct into multiple, fictitious subducts (lumens), solving for the reflectance in each subduct, and then combining the results. The method of lumens has considerable intuitive appeal and is easily implemented in the time domain. Previously applied only in a complex acoustical setting where proper evaluation is difficult (i.e., in a model of the ear canal and tympanic membrane), the method is tested here by using it to compute the reflectance from an area constriction in an infinite lossless duct considered in the long-wavelength limit. Neither the original formulation of the method—shown here to violate energy conservation except when the termination impedance is uniform—nor a reformulation consistent with basic physical constraints yields the correct solution to this textbook problem in acoustics. The results are generalized and the nature of the errors illuminated.
A meta-analysis and systematic review of the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants as cancer treatment: impact on survival and bleeding complications.

BACKGROUND. Preclinical evidence suggests that anticoagulants, in particular the low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), exert an antitumor effect, whereas clinical trials have reported conflicting results. The authors conducted a comprehensive, systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to evaluate the impact of anticoagulants on survival and safety in cancer patients without venous thromboembolism. METHODS. A comprehensive systematic literature review of RCTs was performed without language restrictions through May 2006 with subsequent updates to the end of 2006, including an exhaustive search of electronic databases, major conference proceedings, article references, and content experts. Two reviewers extracted data independently. Primary study outcomes were 1-year overall mortality and all bleeding complications. Major and fatal bleeding complications were secondary outcomes. RESULTS. Across all 11 studies that were identified, anticoagulation significantly decreased 1-year overall mortality with a relative risk (RR) of 0.905 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.847–0.967; P = .003). The RR for mortality was 0.877 (95% CI, 0.789–0.975; P = .015) for LMWH, compared with an RR of 0.942 (95% CI, 0.854–1.040; P = .239) for warfarin, resulting in an absolute risk difference (ARD) of 8% for LMWH and an ARD of 3% for warfarin. Improved survival with anticoagulation may be dependent on tumor type. Major bleeding episodes occurred less frequently in patients who received LMWH (ARD, 1%) compared with patients who received warfarin (ARD, 11.5%; P < .0001). Overall, fatal bleeding occurred rarely (ARD, 0.32%; P = .542). CONCLUSIONS. Anticoagulants, particularly LMWH, significantly improved overall survival in cancer patients without venous thrombosis while increasing the risk for bleeding complications. However, given the limitations of available data, the use of anticoagulants as antineoplastic therapy cannot be recommended until additional RCTs confirm these results. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Adsorption of Myrj 45 on copper phthalocyanine pigment nanoparticles and effect on their dispersion stability in aqueous solution

Abstract The composition of a commercial nonionic surfactant, Myrj 45, was analyzed with mass spectrometry (MS). Six classes of components, which are polyglycols, monoesters (monostearates and monopalmitates), and diesters (distearates, dipalmitates, and mixed diesters which are the diesters with stearoyl residues at one end and palmitoyl residues at the other) were detected. Each class of components shows a wide distribution of homologues. The monoesters are the dominant components in Myrj 45. The adsorption isotherm of each class of components was obtained using HPLC with a MS detector. The adsorption densities increase with increasing concentrations of each class of components up to a plateau. The monoesters adsorb the most at the same total surfactant concentration. The diesters and polyglycols also adsorb, but to a minor extent. The overall adsorption densities of Myrj 45 by taking into account the contributions from these six classes of components, are much lower than those of Triton X-100 at the same total molar concentration. The effect of Myrj 45 on the dispersion stability of the CuPc particles in pure water was studied and compared to that of Triton X-100. Upon adsorption of Myrj 45, the CuPc particles become quite hydrophilic, dispersible, and colloidally stable. Freezing/thawing and heating/cooling cycles tests suggest that the dispersions of CuPc particles with adsorbed Myrj 45 are not as stable as those with adsorbed Triton X-100. Particle aggregation primarily occurred during the freezing/thawing process. The experimental Fuchs–Smoluchowski dispersion stability ratios W exp of CuPc particles in surfactant solutions were determined from dynamic light scattering (DLS) data, for the Rayleigh–Debye–Gans (RDG) light scattering regime. The W exp -values with Myrj 45 are found to be about one order of magnitude smaller than those with Triton X-100. The zeta potentials are substantial, in the range of −16 to −46 mV, while the resulting surface charge densities and the total particle charges are quite low. Hence, electrostatic interactions are unlikely to contribute to the dispersion stabilization mechanism, which appears to be primarily steric.
Control of defect structure in compound semiconductors with stoichiometry: Oxygen in CdTe

Two types of localized vibrational modes of oxygen substituting for Te in $\mathrm{CdTe}$, i.e., ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}$, are reported. In one, ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}$ is associated with a nearest neighbor (NN) vacancy as a $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ center and hence with ${C}_{3v}$ symmetry, with its uniaxial axis along $⟨111⟩$, whereas in the other, ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}$ is surrounded by all the four NN Cd's and thus possesses ${T}_{d}$ site symmetry. By an appropriate control of stoichiometry it is possible to reproducibly generate the formation of either $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ or ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}$ centers. These configurations are deduced from their ultrahigh resolution infrared signatures. For the $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ centers, consistent with their uniaxial symmetry, a pair of sharp local vibrational modes (LVM) are observed at ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{1}=1096.78\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}=1108.35\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, the latter nearly twice as intense as the former. In the LVM spectrum of ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}$ centers with the full complement of NN Cd's, consistent with its ${T}_{d}$ symmetry, only one LVM signature appears at ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{0}=349.79\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. With the increasing temperature, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}$ approach each other and coalesce into a single triply degenerate line at ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{0}^{*}$ for temperature $T\ensuremath{\ge}{T}^{*}\ensuremath{\sim}300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$; the uniaxial $({C}_{3v})$ symmetry of $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ transforms to ${T}_{d}$ symmetry at ${T}^{*}$ and above, acquired by the $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ centers due to the increasing rate of bond switching among the four possible ${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}}$ $⟨111⟩$ directions as $T$ approaches ${T}^{*}$. The $({\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{Te}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{Cd}})$ centers also display a fascinating pair of second harmonics including a coalescence at ${T}^{*}$ and beyond.
Evaluation of the Health Utilities Index Mark-3 in heart failure.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change of the Health Utilities Index Mark-3 (HUI-3) in heart failure (HF) for use in cost-effectiveness studies. Methods and Results Two hundred eleven patients with HF recruited from outpatient clinics were enrolled; 165 completed the 26-week study. Patients completed 4 health-related quality of life questionnaires (baseline and 4, 8, and 26 weeks), including the HUI-3, the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 12 (SF-12), the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (LHFQ), and the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHQ). The HUI-3 indicated moderate or fair health-related quality of life overall; the attributes most impaired were pain, ambulation, cognition, and emotion. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.51) was low and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.68) was adequate. The HUI-3 total score was significantly associated with the SF-12, LHFQ, and CHQ total scores. It discriminated among patients with varying New York Heart Association class ( P P Conclusions The HUI-3 demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity in this sample supporting its use in cost-effectiveness studies.
A graph-theoretic analysis of metabolic regulation in linear pathways with multiple feedback loops and branched pathways

With the aid of signal flow graphs, we have analyzed the flux-control distribution in linear metabolic pathways with multiple feedback loops and branched pathways. It is shown that the flux control coefficients of the enzymes in a linear pathway with multiple feedback loops can be evaluated by modifying the signal flow graph of the unregulated pathway in a step-by-step fashion. On the basis of the results obtained with the signal flow graphs, a principle of superposition is suggested for calculating the flux control coefficients of a linear pathway with a general pattern of feedback inhibition. Using this superposition principle, it is possible to determine the flux control coefficients directly from an examination of the topology of the feedback loops in the metabolic pathway, without drawing a signal flow graph. In a branched pathway the control coefficients of the enzymes depend on the fluxes through the various branches in addition to the enzyme elasticities. We show how these fluxes can be incorporated into a signal flow graph from which the flux control coefficients are found. We also describe a systematic procedure for converting a signal flow graph to a simpler form which may significantly reduce the effort necessary for calculating the flux control coefficients. Modifications of a signal flow graph for assessing the relative importance of the enzymes in flux control are also discussed. Based on our findings from the signal flow graphs, we have presented a heuristic method for determining the flux control coefficients directly from the reaction sequence of the pathway, without drawing a signal flow graph. The present analysis applies to metabolic pathways in a steady state.
Meeting Report: Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiometry

As part of the 2006 NSLS/CFN Users' Meeting, an all-day workshop on the topic of Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Radiometry was held at Brookhaven National Laboratory on May 17 to address NSLS users with an interest in absolute photon rate measurements. For the purposes of this workshop, the VUV range was defined broadly as the range of photon energies requiring ring-contiguous vacuum (5–5000 eV). Also, both absolute (i.e. radiometry) and relative (e.g. reflectometry) instrumentation and results were discussed. The workshop included presenters from some of the world's most capable synchrotron-based radiometry facilities, including PTB at BESSY-2, ALS / CXRO, SURF-III at NIST, and both facility and Participating Research Team beamlines at NSLS. There were 8 speakers and roughly 45 total attendees. Speakers included Franz Weber (Livermore), Rob Vest (NIST), John Seely (NRL), Frank Scholze (PTB), Steve Hulbert (NSLS), Eric Gullikson (ALS), Tony Kuczewski (NSLS) and Jeff Keister (NSLS).
Service Learning and Social Action: Feeding Preservice Teachers' Souls

AbstractPreservice teacher education candidates identified personal and professional benefits of participating in a service-learning project helping a food pantry, culminating in a 48-hour fast. At the end of the project, student reflections revealed that the service-learning component influenced participants' preconceptions about hunger.
Frustration, drift, and antiphase coupling in a neural array

Synchronization among neurons is critical for many processes in the nervous system, ranging from the processing of sensory information to the onset of pathological conditions such as epilepsy. Here, we study synchronization in an array of neurons, each modeled by a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. We find that an array of 20x20 coupled neurons undergoes a series of alternating low and high synchronization states, as measured by phase-locking and frequency entrainment, as the coupling constant is tuned. The role of long-range connections in inducing "small-world networks" has recently been of great interest in many physical and biological problems. Since long-range connections do exist in the brain, we investigated the role of such connections in our neural array. Introducing a biologically realistic percentage of long-range connections has no significant effect on synchronization. We find that it is rather the type of coupling and the total number of connections that determine the synchronization state of the array. We also show that some coupling conditions can lead to frustration in the system, resulting from an inability to simultaneously satisfy conflicting phase requirements. This frustration leads to a drift in the overall behavior of the network, which may offer an explanation for transitions between different types of neural oscillations observed experimentally.
A design for testability of non-volatile memory reliability test for automotive embedded processor

The reliability of non-volatile memory is a very important and critical issue for automotive embedded processors. In addition to the reliable cell as well as read and write circuitry design, the testing of endurance, burn-in, and run time safety design are all required in order to provide a reliable embedded non-volatile memory. In this paper, a novel architecture for the reliability test of non-volatile memory in embedded processor is proposed. The proposed approach especially meets the requirement for the reliability test of automotive electronics. Moreover, the extra hardware cost is minimized in the proposed methodology to cover all the testing requirements. By applying the proposed approach, the safety and memory space usage can be further optimized.
Mouse Bladder Wall Injection

Mouse bladder wall injection is a useful technique to orthotopically study bladder phenomena, including stem cell, smooth muscle, and cancer biology. Before starting injections, the surgical area must be cleaned with soap and water and antiseptic solution. Surgical equipment must be sterilized before use and between each animal. Each mouse is placed under inhaled isoflurane anesthesia (2-5% for induction, 1-3% for maintenance) and its bladder exposed by making a midline abdominal incision with scissors. If the bladder is full, it is partially decompressed by gentle squeezing between two fingers. The cell suspension of interest is intramurally injected into the wall of the bladder dome using a 29 or 30 gauge needle and 1 cc or smaller syringe. The wound is then closed using wound clips and the mouse allowed to recover on a warming pad. Bladder wall injection is a delicate microsurgical technique that can be mastered with practice.
Family Governance in 2004: Parallels from World Politics and Corporate Boardrooms

This article addresses three questions, all of which are highly relevant to the broader issue of family governance. The author first asks who are the families for whom governance is an issue and who “counts” as members of those families. Second, she turns to defining what “governance” means in the family context. Finally, she discusses how a family can deliberately establish an internal governance structure to achieve its goals. The author concludes that family governance works in the same way as does any other form of governance. A good governance system is one that provides fairly for its members and adapts well to changing circumstances. Each member feels consulted, respected, and treated fairly. The pride in the family can then be passed on to future generations, who will be able to participate in the same flexible process. The shade from the trees that were planted long ago will protect the future generations.
Effects of endothelial growth media on proepicardial cell gene expression and morphogenesis in 3D collagen matrices.

Proepicardial cells (PE) contribute to embryonic coronary vessel and epicardial development. Cells from the PE region can differentiate into coronary vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts in vitro, but the endothelial specification capability of these cells is controversial. We sought to examine the effects of endothelial cell growth media on gene expression and the morphogenic properties of proepicardial cells in three-dimensional (3D) matrices. A primary culture of avian PE cells was subjected to molecular characterization with selected endothelial specific markers. Morphogenic properties of PE cells were assessed by in vitro assays of coronary vasculogenesis and invasion, which utilized highly defined, serum free, three-dimensional matrix conditions. PE cells maintained mixed cell population properties in the culture based on morphogenic features, immunohistochemistry, and the gene expression data. When suspended in a 3D vasculogenesis in vitro assay, PE cells formed intracellular vacuoles and assembled into multicellular tubes. Further, ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of pinocytic vacuoles, intercellular junctions, and endothelial specific Weibel Palade bodies. In the invasion assay, PE cells spontaneously invaded control matrices. This invasion was markedly enhanced by lysophosphatidic acid (94 ± 9.6 vs. 285.6 ± 54.9, p < 0.05) and was completely blocked with synthetic broad-spectrum metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001. Isolated PE cells grown in endothelial cell media represent mixed-cell population, characterized by both smooth muscle and endothelial gene expression. When placed in 3D in vitro assays, PE cells manifest morphogenic properties, including multicellular tube assembly and invasion.
Imaging of cytoskeletal elements by low‐temperature high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy

SUMMARY Actin filaments and microtubules, both in situ and in vitro, were imaged using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) at low temperature. For visualization of cytoskeletal elements in situ, fibroblasts were first extracted and fixed; for cytoskeletal elements in vitro, purified proteins were polymerized and fixed. Both types of specimen were then subjected to plunge freezing, controlled freeze-drying, cryo-sputter coating with a thin chromium layer, cryo- transferring and cryo-observation in an FESEM. The three-dimensional architecture of the cytoskeleton was well preserved, permitting examination of the structural relationships among cytoskeletal elements. Actin filaments and microtubules were identified by their characteristic helical features. Two periodicities of actin filaments, the short pitch of the left-handed helix measured at 5·5 nm and the 37-nm-long pitch helix, were revealed. Individual protofilaments were seen in microtubules as well as the characteristic 4-nm repeat of tubulin subunits along the protofilament. Clathrin cages were also observed. This technique provides a powerful approach for direct imaging of macromolecular structures with high contrast and high signal-to-noise ratio at a resolution of 2–3 nm.
Release of the excitotoxic amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, from the isolated ischemic/anoxic rat heart

An isolated rat Langendorff heart preparation has been developed as a model in which to study the release of glutamate, aspartate and other amino acids during ischemia, anoxia and hypoglycemia. 15 min periods of ischemia resulted in large increases in perfusate levels of glutamate, aspartate, glycine, phosphoethanolamine, serine, alanine, taurine and glutamine. Amino acid levels returned towards pre-ischemic levels in subsequent perfusate collections. Anoxia (15 min duration) increased perfusate levels of most of the measured amino acids, with glutamate and aspartate being particularly affected. In contrast to ischemia, glutamate and aspartate levels declined slowly following reoxygenation. Hypoglycemia (15 min) resulted in small but significantly elevated levels of glutamate and glycine in heart perfusates. As the effects of ischemia or anoxia on glutamate and aspartate release from the heart appear to be comparable to those observed in the brain, it is proposed that the heart preparation may be a suitable model in which to study the ischemia-evoked release of these amino acids in the absence of complications arising from their depolarizing and excitotoxic actions on central neurons.
Levels of Control and Closure in Complex Semiotic Systems

It is natural to advance closures as “atomic” processes of universal evolution, and to analyze this concept specifically. While real complex systems like organisms and complex mechanisms cannot exist at either extreme of complete closure or lack of closure, nevertheless we should consider the properties of closures in general: the introduction of boundaries; a corresponding stability; the establishment of system autonomy and identity; and thereby the introduction of emergent new systems of potentially new types. Our focus should move from simple physical closure of common objects and classical self-organizing systems to semiotically closed systems which maintain cyclic relations of perception, interpretation, decision, and action with their environments. Thus issues arise concerning the use and interpretation of symbols, representations, and/or internal models (whether explicit or implicit) by the system; and the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic relations among the sign tokens, their interpretations, and their use or function for the systems in question. Primitive semiotic closures are hypothesized as equivalent to simple control systems, and in turn equivalent to simple organisms. This leads us directly to the grand hierarchical control theories of Turchin, Powers, and Albus, which provide an explicit mechanism for the formation of new levels within complex semiotically closed systems.
Detection of minisatellite sequences inPhaseolus vulgaris

An improved procedure for detecting minisatellite sequences inPhaseolus vulgaris is described. Both M13 protein III tandem repeat and the 33.15 human mini-satellite sequences revealed polymorphisms with a high number of sharp bands after digestion of genomic DNA withHae III,Hinf I, orTaq I. Improved resolution of the numerous restriction fragments detected by these probes is accomplished by one or more of the following: varying agarose concentration, using high SDS hybridization buffer, exposure of the autoradiograph without intensifying screens, and transfer of the autoradiograph to electrophoresis paper. Increased stability of the DNA-DNA hybridizations with these heterologous probes is obtained by reducing hybridization temperature. Labeling probes with the polymerase chain reaction can accentuate some restriction fragments depending upon the radiolabeled nucleotide used.
Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges in critically ill children: Clinical features, and outcome

Summary Purpose Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges (GPDs) are a specific periodic EEG pattern, reported as having a poor clinical outcome. The incidence and clinical implications of this EEG pattern in children are not known. In this study, we examined the clinical features of children with GPDs. Methods EEG-video monitoring reports of children with critical illness in the intensive care unit were retrospectively reviewed to detect GPDs. The clinical history, hospital course and seizure characteristics were reviewed and outcome was based on the clinical findings at hospital discharge. Results Twenty one children (age 2–18 years) were identified with GPDs. The most common underlying etiology was encephalitis ( N = 11). At the time of EEG, a continuous intravenous infusion (cIV) of an anticonvulsant drug was used to treat refractory status epilepticus (RSE). Non-convulsive seizures (NCS) were identified in 15, and clinical seizures in 13 children after GPDs were detected. GPDs occurred after a dose reduction in the cIV in 43%. Neuroimaging done in 16 children showed an acute change in 13/16 (81%) and chronic changes in 2/16 (13%). Five children (23%) died. Seven (33%) children had a favorable outcome, whereas the remaining children had a moderate to severe disability at the time of hospital discharge. Conclusion GPDs are seen during the course of RSE in critically ill children and are associated with seizure recurrence. A lower mortality rate occurs in children with GPDs compared to adult counterparts, likely related to different etiologies. Although the significance of GPDs must be determined within the context of the clinical situation, GPDs suggest a still active epileptic process.
Nitric Oxide–Releasing Nanoparticles Accelerate Wound Healing by Promoting Fibroblast Migration and Collagen Deposition

Wound healing is a complex process that involves coordinated interactions between diverse immunological and biological systems. Long-term wounds remain a challenging clinical problem, affecting approximately 6 million patients per year, with a high economic impact. To exacerbate the problem, these wounds render the individual susceptible to life-threatening microbial infections. Because current therapeutic strategies have proved suboptimal, it is imperative to focus on new therapeutic approaches and the development of technologies for both short- and long-term wound management. In recent years, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a critical molecule in wound healing, with NO levels increasing rapidly after skin damage and gradually decreasing as the healing process progresses. In this study, we examined the effects of a novel NO-releasing nanoparticle technology on wound healing in mice. The results show that the NO nanoparticles (NO-np) significantly accelerated wound healing. NO-np modified leukocyte migration and increased tumor growth factor-β production in the wound area, which subsequently promoted angiogenesis to enhance the healing process. By using human dermal fibroblasts, we demonstrate that NO-np increased fibroblast migration and collagen deposition in wounded tissue. Together, these data show that NO-releasing nanoparticles have the ability to modulate and accelerate wound healing in a pleiotropic manner.
THE DELAY IN OVULATION PRODUCED BY pp'-DDT AND ITS POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE IN THE FIELD

Summary A significant correlation between pp'-DDT intake by the female Bengalese Finch Lonchuro striata and delay in ovulation is reported. Linked with earlier work showing that pp'-DDT can cause inhibition of the testicular growth and secondary sexual characters of cockerels, it is deduced that in this context the site of action of the pp'-DDT is probably the pituitary or hypothalamus. Inhibition of the secretion of the pituitary hormones could explain the reported recent increase in egg breakages by predatory birds. It is also probable that organochlorine pesticides are responsible for the late breeding of several species of birds reported in the early nineteen-sixties. This could affect a population in that large sublethal doses which double the time for egg laying could cause a double-brooded bird to be out of phase with the food supply for the late broods.
Postburn suppression of murine lymphocyte and neutrophil functions is not reversed by prostaglandin blockade.

Abstract Certain arachidonic acid metabolites, including prostaglandins (PGs) E1 and E2, have been shown to exert marked immunosuppressive effects on T-cell and macrophage functions. Cyclooxygenase blockade with indomethacin or ibuprofen may ameloriate these effects. In the current study we measured lymphocyte proliferation by thymidine incorporation, the presence of T-cell activation antigens with monoclonal antibodies and two color flow cytometry, and neutrophil (PMN) oxidative burst using a fluorescent marker, in control mice and in burned mice treated with indomethacin for 10 days after injury. One-half of the cell cultures were treated with indomethacin in vitro to ensure its continued presence during stimulation. Separate groups of mice were fed a fish oil-based diet which leads to the production of PGE3 rather than PGE2, versus standard mouse chow, a soybean oil-based diet which leads to PGE2 production. Lymphocyte proliferation, expression of T-cell activation antigens, and PMN oxidative burst remained depressed in burned mice treated with indomethacin in vivo (plus in vitro) and in those which received the fish oil-based diet, compared to control. Blockade of PG synthesis after murine burn injury by cyclooxygenase inhibition or alterations in the diet failed to restore T-lymphocyte activation or proliferation or to improve PMN oxidative burst. These data suggest that PGE2 alone does not explain the immunosuppression noted after burn injury.
Additive pulse mode-locking using a birefringent optical fiber

Abstract A powerful and increasingly common method to mode-lock a variety of lasers is additive pulse mode-locking (APM). In this technique, a nonlinear medium is placed in an external cavity which is coupled to the main laser cavity. As a result of interference at the common mirror between the pulses returning from each cavity, significant pulse shortening may be obtained. Optical fiber is often used as the nonlinear medium, and polarization effects and fiber birefringence are generally neglected. A computer model has been developed in order to simulate the effect of using a birefringent fiber. The simulations indicate that although the birefringence often has little qualitative effect on the system, in certain cases the birefringence may be exploited for enhanced mode-locking.
Thermal dissociation of condensed complexes of cholesterol and phospholipid

Many saturated phospholipids and mixtures of saturated phospholipids have been found to form complexes with cholesterol in monolayers in the liquid state at the air−water interface. However, in these monolayers, one saturated phospholipid, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, shows no evidence for complex formation in mixtures with cholesterol (or dihydrocholesterol) at room temperature. Here we report clear evidence for the formation of complexes in these mixtures at 13 °C. At this temperature, the liquid−liquid immiscibility phase diagrams show two upper miscibility critical points with an intervening cusp at a putative stoichiometric composition. Furthermore, the chemical activity of cholesterol shows a large change at this same composition. Neither of these signatures of complex formation is observed at room temperature. The phase diagrams at the two temperatures can be modeled semiquantitatively in terms of the formation of a 3:2 phospholipid/cholesterol complex, with an exothermic heat of formation of 9 ...
Water taste in man

Taste quality and intensity shifts following adaptation to NaCl, quinine hydrochloride, sucrose and HCl were investigated in 10 Ss. In each of four sessions, Ss were adapted to water and two concentrations of one taste solution and gave magnitude estimates and quality judgments for a series of concentrations of that solution. Adapting to water produced magnitude estimates which increased with increasing concentration. Quality judgments were typical, e.g., “salty” for NaCl. Adapting to moderate concentrations of taste solutions generally produced magnitude estimates of zero at the adapting concentrations and increasing values for higher and lower (sub-adapting) concentrations. Sub-adapting tastes were atypical. Adaptation to NaCl and sucrose produced bitter sub-adapting tastes and adaptation to HCl and quinine hydrochloride produced sweet sub-adapting tastes. Water, as the lowest sub-adapting “concentration”, produced the largest sub-adapting tastes.
CD5-mediated inhibition of TCR signaling during intrathymic selection and development does not require the CD5 extracellular domain

CD5 functions as a negative regulator of TCR signaling during intrathymic T cell development, but it is not known if this negative regulatory function requires CD5 engagement of an extracellular ligand. The present study has specifically examined the role of the CD5 extracellular domain in T cell development by introducing into CD5–/– mice a chimeric CD5 molecule in which the extracellular domain of CD5 is replaced with the extracellular domain of human IL-2R p55 (Tac) for which no ligand exists in the mouse. We now report that CD5 mediated down-regulation of TCR signalingduring thymocyte development does not require the CD5 extracellular domain and, consequently, does not involve CD5 binding of an extracellular ligand in the thymus.
Fraction collection from capillary liquid chromatography and off-line electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using oil segmented flow.

Off-line analysis and characterization of samples separated by capillary liquid chromatography (LC) has been problematic using conventional approaches to fraction collection. We demonstrate collection of nanoliter fractions by forming plugs of effluent from a 75 μm inner diameter LC column segmented by an immiscible oil such as perfluorodecalin. The plugs are stored in tubing that can then be used to manipulate the samples. Off-line electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to characterize the samples. ESI-MS was performed by directly pumping the segmented plugs into a nanospray emitter tip. Critical parameters including the choice of oils, ESI voltage, and flow rates that allow successful direct infusion analysis were investigated. Best signals were obtained under conditions in which the oil did not form an electrospray but was siphoned away from the tip. Off-line analysis showed preservation of the chromatogram with no loss of resolution. The method was demonstrated to allow changes in...
Genetic and shared environmental contributions to the relationship between the HOME environment and child and adolescent achievement

Abstract The present study used prospective data to examine the relationship between the family environment (as measured by the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment-Short Form [HOME-SF]) and child and adolescent achievement, and to determine the genetic and environmental contributions to this relationship. Data are from 2108 full- and half-sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth Child data set (NLSY-Child). The average age of participants was 11.9 for older siblings (SD=3.0) and 8.2 for younger siblings (SD=2.8). The structural equation modeling program, Mx , was used to obtain the most precise estimates of genetic and environmental contributions to variation in the HOME-SF, variation in achievement, and to the covariation between the HOME-SF and achievement. According to the best-fitting, most parsimonious model, common genetic factors explained approximately one-quarter of the correlation between the HOME-SF and achievement, whereas common shared environmental factors explained the majority (75%) of this relationship. Genetic influences also accounted for over one-third of the variation in both the HOME-SF and achievement. Shared environmental influences explained 35% and 50% of the variation in achievement and the HOME-SF, respectively. The discussion mentions possible mechanisms by which genetic and environmental factors exert their influence on the relationship between the HOME-SF and achievement.
Binary Fluid Convection and Double-Diffusive Convection in a Porous Medium

Analyse numerique du transfert de chaleur et de masse par convection dans une couche horizontale d'un milieu poreux sature par un melange binaire
Roles, work, health perceptions and health resources of women: A study in an Egyptian delta hamlet☆

Women's health needs can only be described and programs to address them implemented with an understanding of women's multiple roles and responsibilities. A life-cycle approach to examining women's roles and responsibilities provides a useful framework to achieve such understanding. This paper describes the results of a study conducted in a rural village in Egypt that examines the daily life experiences of women, their work, their family responsibilities, their health perceptions and their health resources. We argue that programs designed to address women's health needs must consider these critical aspects of their lives. This argument is based on the premise that women's health needs have been neglected and efforts to ameliorate this situation should be a top priority in the international health care agenda of the 1990s.
Seismogenesis of the 1985 Great (Ms=8.1) Michoacan, Mexico Earthquake

The size and source complexity of the great (Ms = 8.1) Michoacan, Mexico earthquake can be attributed to both a restriction of the downdip width of the seismic interface between the overriding and downgoing plates, and a uniform distribution of asperities. The seismogenic evidence of strain accumulation during the 20 years prior to the 19 September, 1985 mainshock closely resembles that observed prior to the smaller MW = 7.6 earthquakes in the adjacent Colima (1973) and Petatlan (1979) regions: the subsequent rupture zones are seismically quiescent (mb ≥4.0) for ∼ 2.5 - 4 years prior to the mainshocks; the locked thrust interface is loaded by aseismic slip and normal faulting within the downgoing plate below 25-30 km. There is evidence that the 1981 Playa Azul earthquake (MW = 7.3) is an integral stage of the evolutionary process of strain accumulation and release in the Michoacan area and could thus be considered a foreshock to the great 1985 earthquake.
The TableSat Platform and its Verifiable Control Software

The TableSat single degree-of-freedom tabletop satellite platform was developed to support education and research activities in embedded software and control systems. This paper describes the TableSat system, actuated by a pair of computer fans as thrusters, and then focuses on the evolution of its software for sensor calibration and fault-tolerant control. Sensor systems include a three-axis magnetometer, core sun sensor suite, and single-axis rate gyro. The sun sensor and magnetometer together provide redundancy in pointing direction measurement, supporting limited sensor fusion and enabling the system to continue operation given redundant sensor failure situations. Baseline software was developed to support rate control and pointing control based either on magnetometer or sun sensor data. This software was encapsulated within the ObjectBench code generation system to support formal software specification. Guarantees of execution properties such as sequencing and timing constraints were established with the ObjectCheck model checking system. Design choices, evaluation processes, and results from all phases of software development, testing and verification are presented. Use of the TableSat system as an interdisciplinary research and education tool is also discussed.
The ecology of listening while looking in the cinema: Reflective audioviewing in gus van sant's elephant

This article argues that the state of spatial awareness engendered by the art of soundscape composition can be productively extended to the act of listening while looking in the cinema. Central to my argument is how Katharine Norman's concept of reflective listening in soundscape composition can be adapted to reflective audioviewing in the audiovisual context of film. Norman begins the process of intersecting film theory and the discourse of soundscape composition by appealing to famed Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein's theories of montage to illustrate how soundscape composition enables active listener engagement. I extend her discussion of Eisenstein to demonstrate how this filmmaker's thinking about sound/image synchronisation in the cinema-and R. Murray Schafer's own predilection for Eisensteinian dialectics-can be understood as a means towards the practice of reflective audioviewing. I illustrate my argument with an analysis of how the soundscape compositions of Hildegard Westerkamp have been incorporated into Gus Van Sant's film Elephant. Attention to the reflective qualities of Westerkamp's work open up new dimensions in our experience of the audiovisual construction of space in the film. Ultimately I argue that the reflective audioviewing prompted by Elephant can be carried into considerations of all films that make use of sound design for spatial representation.
Accuracy of 2-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of congenitally bicuspid aortic valve: Echocardiographic-anatomic correlation in 115 patients

The preoperative 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiograms of all patients <50 years of age in whom the aortic valve had been directly inspected by the surgeon or the pathologist or both were reviewed. From June 1977 to June 1981, 283 patients aged ≤50 years had aortic valve surgery at the Mayo Clinic: 115 (aged 1 to 50 years [mean 32]) had 2-D examinations preoperatively. The echocardiograms were reviewed blindly, and the aortic valve structure was categorized as bicuspid, tricuspid, or indeterminate. On the basis of combined surgical and pathologic inspection, 50 aortic valves were con genitally bicuspid, 60 were tricuspid, 4 were unicommissural, and 1 was quadricuspid. By 2-D echocardiography, the number of cusps was indeterminate in 29 patients (25%). When these patients were excluded, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 2-D echocardiography for bicuspid aortic valve were 78, 96, and 93%, respectively. Thus, with adequate 2-D images, echocardiography is a sensitive and highly specific technique for the diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve.