cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posterior atlantoaxial 'facetal' instability associated with cervical spondylotic disease

Aim: The association of single or multiple level cervical spondylotic disease with atlantoaxial instability is assessed. The implications of identifying and treating atlantoaxial instability in such an association are highlighted. Materials and Methods: The analysis is based on an experience with 11 patients treated during the period June 2013-June 2014. All patients had single or multilevel cervical spondylotic disease. The spinal canal compromise and evidence of cord compression was evident on imaging in the cervical subaxial spine and was related to disc bulges and osteophytic bars. There was no or relatively insignificant compression of the cervicomedullary cord by the odontoid process. There was no evidence of odontoid process-related instability on dynamic imaging. Apart from presence of features of cervical spondylosis, investigations and surgical exploration and direct manual handling of the facets revealed evidence of Type B (posterior) atlantoaxial'facetal' instability in all patients. Our 5-point clinical grading system and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to monitor the patients both before and after surgery and at follow-up. Surgery involved both at lantoaxial and subaxial cervical fixation. During the average period of follow-up of 9 months (5-17 months), all patients showed remarkable and gratifying neurological recovery. Conclusion: We conclude that atlantoaxial facetal instability can be 'frequently' associated with cervical spondylosis and needs surgical stabilization. Our surgical outcome analysis suggests that missing or ignoring the presence of atlantoaxial facetal instability can be an important cause of suboptimal result or failure of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Three-Dimensional Photonic Band Gaps in Modified Simple Cubic Lattices

Complete three-dimensional photonic band gaps are found in simple cubic dielectric structures consisting of spheres or cubes on the lattice sites, interconnected with thin rods. The full higher gap, between bands 5 and 6, has a maximum value of 12% for a refractive index contrast of $n=3.6,$ and is considerably larger than in the skeletal structure of simple cubic rods. This gap is about 70% of that in the widely fabricated layer-by-layer structure. In addition, there are large stop bands along the cubic axes. Such structures are candidates for recently emerging advanced semiconductor-processing methods.
Health‐Related Quality of Life Outcome in Medically Refractory Epilepsy Treated with Anterior Temporal Lobectomy

Summary: Purpose: A prospective study to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcome in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy treated with anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL). Methods: The majority of the patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy had Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 (QOLIE-89) assessment at the time of prolonged video/EEG monitoring as part of their presurgical evaluation. Thirty-seven patients who were not treated surgically constituted the control group, and 53 patients who underwent ATL made up the surgery group. Both control and surgery groups had HRQOL assessment repeated at ∼1- and 2-year intervals. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences between the two groups. Results: For the overall score and almost every scale, the surgery group had a higher baseline mean than the control group. Because of this baseline difference, change scores were used in further analysis. The overall score and 10 of 17 scales in QOLIE-89 showed significant HRQOL improvement after ATL, and the improvement was significant relative to score changes of the nonsurgical comparison group. Scores improved in overall QOL, emotional well-being, attention/concentration, language, social isolation, health perception, role limitations-physical, work/drive/social, health discouragement, and seizure worry. For the first five scales, there was group-time interaction; the improvement was significantly more on the 2-year than on the 1-year follow-up. When the surgery patients were divided into four categories (class IA-, completely seizure free; class IA+, seizure free with aura; class II, rare seizures; class III, worthwhile improvement in seizure control; and class IV, no improvement), the improved HRQOL in the surgery group was almost entirely contributed by the class IA- outcome patients who were totally seizure free. The class IA+ patients with continuing aurae and class II/III/IV patients had no significant improvement in their overall HRQOL scores at 1- or 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: Overall score and 10 of the 17 scales of QOLIE-89 significantly improved in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy after ATL. For some scales, there was delay in the improvement to manifest. The HRQOL improvement was related to achieving an entirely seizure-free status (i.e., no seizures or aurae postoperatively).
Incidence and strong edge colorings of graphs

Abstract We define the incidence coloring number of a graph and bound it in terms of the maximum degree. The incidence coloring number turns out to be the strong chromatic index of an associated bipartite graph. We improve a bound for the strong chromatic index of bipartite graphs all of whose cycle lengths are divisible by 4.
Resonance Raman Studies of Photoinduced Decomposition of Nylon-6,6: Product Identification and Mechanistic Determination

We report observation of an enal product of the decomposition of both nylon-6,6 and a nylon-6,6 model compound, N,N-hexamethylenebis(hexamide), upon 266 nm pulsed UV laser irradiation of these amides. The product is identified by UV resonance Raman spectroscopy, which shows characteristic band frequencies and intensities of the CC and CO stretches of the enal. The vibrational assignment and product identification are supported by experiments with 15N-labeled nylon-6,6. Degradation and spectroscopic characterization under 16O2, 18O2, and N2 show that the degradation channel leading to the enal requires molecular oxygen and thereby indicate an oxidative mechanism. The product resonance Raman intensities are directly proportional to the number of photons incident on the sample, consistent with a direct photooxidative process, rather than a thermal−oxidative one with the laser serving as a heat source. We do not observe the enal product when the nylon-6,6 or model compound are simply heated in oxygen-containi...
The Kleisin Subunit of Cohesin Dictates Damage-Induced Cohesion

Cohesin, the protein complex that mediates sister chromatid cohesion, is required for faithful chromosome segregation and efficient repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Cohesion generation is normally restricted to S phase. However, in G2/M, a DSB activates cohesion generation near the DSB and genome-wide. Here, using budding yeast, we show that DSB-induced cohesion occurs when cohesin contains the kleisin subunit, Mcd1 (Scc1), but not when Mcd1 is replaced by its meiotic isoform, Rec8. We exploit this divergence to demonstrate that serine 83 of Mcd1 and the Chk1 kinase are critical determinants for DSB-induced cohesion. We propose that a DSB in G2/M activates Mec1 (ATR), which in turn stimulates Chk1-dependent phosphorylation of Mcd1 at serine 83. Serine 83 phosphorylation promotes chromatin-bound cohesin to become cohesive.
Using instrumented paper diaries to document self-monitoring patterns in weight loss

Self-monitoring of eating is associated with successful weight loss, but adherence is imperfect and deteriorates over time. Moreover, intentionally or not, many individuals have difficulty keeping faithful records. We used instrumented paper diaries (IPDs) to study self-monitoring in randomly chosen participants in the PREFER trial, a behavioral treatment for weight-loss study. The diaries they used to self-report eating were periodically replaced with IPDs at various times during an 18-month weight-loss program, consisting of three successive phases: intense treatment (n=35), less-intense treatment (n=13), and maintenance (n=16). We compared electronically documented self-monitoring data, showing when and how often IPDs were used, with self-reported data, then compared the electronically validated adherence and weight loss. Self-reported diary usage exceeded IPD-documented usage while the electronic data demonstrated a significant decline in self-monitoring over time. Diary recording often was not timely. Percentage weight lost correlated significantly with frequency of IPD use (p=.001) and the number of diary entries made within 15 min of opening the IPD (p=.002). This is the first study to document patterns of self-monitoring among participants in a weight-loss program, which demonstrated that individuals may falsify the times and frequency of self-monitoring. Furthermore, our results showed that adherence to self-monitoring and the timeliness of recording significantly correlate with improved weight loss.
Ventilation of the Subtropical North Pacific: The Shallow Salinity Minimum

Abstract The shallow salinity minimum of the subtropical North Pacific is shown to be a feature of the ventilated, wind-driven circulation. Subduction of low salinity surface water in the northeastern subtropical gyre beneath higher salinity water to the south causes the salinity minimum. Variation of salinity along surface isopycnals causes variations in density and salinity at the minimum. A model of ventilated flow is used to demonstrate how the shallow salinity minimum can arise. The model is modified to account for nonzonal, realistic winds; it is also extended to examine the three-dimensional structure of the western shadow zone. The boundary between the subtropical and subpolar gyres is given by the zero of the zonal integral of Ekman pumping. The western shadow zone fills the subtropical gyre at the base of the ventilated layers and decreases in extent with decreasing density. For parameters appropriate to the North Pacific, the eastern shadow zone is of very limited extent. Observations of salini...
Expression of D1 receptor, D2 receptor, substance P and enkephalin messenger RNAs in the neurons projecting from the nucleus accumbens.

Abstract In situ hybridization was combined with FluoroGold retrograde labelling to determine the distribution of messenger RNAs for the D1 dopamine receptor, D2 dopamine receptor, β-preprotachykinin or preproenkephalin in the neurons projecting from the nucleus accumbens to the ventral pallidum and the ventral tegmental area. Neurons were quantified in both the core and the shell of the nucleus accumbens to estimate the proportion of neurons projecting to the ventral pallidum or ventral tegmental area that contain transcripts for D1 receptors, D2 receptors, β-preprotachykinin or preproenkephalin. Following the deposition of FluoroGold into the central ventral pallidum, both the core and the shell of the nucleus accumbens were retrogradely labelled, while deposits into the ventral tegmental area selectively labelled cells in the shell. A high percentage of nucleus accumbens neurons innervating the ventral tegmental area expressed messenger RNAs for D1 receptors (72%) and β-preprotachykinin (62%), while less than 3% of the neurons contained messenger RNAs for preproenkephalin or D2 receptors. The neurons projecting to the ventral pallidum did not show the discrete distribution of transcripts as was observed in the accumbens-ventral tegmental area projection. Preproenkephalin messenger RNA was identified in 46% of the neurons innervating the ventral pallidum, and D2 receptor messenger RNA was found in approximately 40% of the cells. A large minority of neurons projecting from the nucleus accumbens to the ventral pallidum also expressed messenger RNAs for D1 receptors (37%) and β-preprotachykinin (35%). While a higher percentage of D1 receptor, and β-preprotachykinin messenger RNA expressing cells were located in the shell than in the core of the nucleus accumbens, the percentage tended to be higher in the core for cells expressing D2 receptors or preproenkephalin messenger RNA. These data indicate that messenger RNAs for D2 receptors and enkephalin are selectively expressed in the accumbens-pallidal projection while transcripts encoding D1 receptors and substance P are contained in the efferent projections to both the ventral pallidum and ventral tegmental area. The presence of D1 receptors and β-preprotachykinin messenger RNA in both mesencephalic and pallidal projections contrasts output from the striatum where the expression of D1 receptors and β-preprotachykinin messenger RNA is primarily restricted to the mesencephalic projection.
Biopsy Techniques and Diagnoses & Treatment of Mucocutaneous Lesions

Oral mucosal lesions are commonly encountered in clinical practice. One study reported that they occurred in approximately 27.9% of patients aged 17 years and older and in 10.3% of children aged 2 to 17 years. The diagnosis and treatment of mucosal diseases should be an integral part of the general practitioner's practice. According to an American Dental Association survey conducted in 2007, 44% of biopsies were performed by a general practictioner. Understanding of the fundamentals of diagnosing mucocutaneous lesions requires a sound knowledge of their origin and clinical course, and of biopsy methods using contemporary diagnostic tools and techniques.
Prospects for district heating in the United States.

Large-scale district heating, using waste heat rejected by electric power plants and other sources, is presented as a means of reducing significantly the amount of fossil fuel consumed for residential and commercial space and water heating in the United States. Analysis of the technical and economic aspects of model district heating systems for nine U.S. urban areas shows that district heat service to residential and commercial consumers would be economically attractive. Projections of national service levels show that up to half of the U.S. population could be served by district heating at costs that are competitive with the present costs of imported oil and also with projected costs of new energy forms. An advantage of district heat over the latter is that it is a proved, simple technology.
Zonal winds between 25 and 120 km obtained from solar occultation spectra

Atmospheric winds at heights between 25 and 120 km have been retrieved with precisions of 5/ms from the Doppler shifts of atmospheric absorption lines measured from a satellite-borne instrument. Lines of the upsilon 3 CO2 and upsilon 2 H2O rotation-vibration bands caused by gases in the instrument allowed the instrumental frequency scale to be absolutely calibrated so that accurate relative speeds could be obtained. By comparing the positions of both sets of instrumental lines the calibration of the frequency scale was determined to be stable to a precision of less than 2 x 10(-5) cm during the course of each occultation. It was found that the instrumental resolution of 0.015 cm after apodization, the signal to noise ratio of about 100 and stable calibration allowed relative speeds to be determined to a precision of 5 ms or better by using small numbers of absorption lines between 1600 and 3200 cm. Absolute absorption line positions were simultaneously recovered to precisions of 5 x 10(-5) cm or better. The wind speed profiles determined from four sunset occultations and one sunrise occultation show remarkable similarities in the magnitudes and directions of the zonal wind velocities as functions of height. These wind profiles appear to be manifestations of atmospheric tides.
Rotavirus-specific proteins are detected in murine macrophages in both intestinal and extraintestinal lymphoid tissues

Rotaviruses replicate in mature, villous epithelial cells of the mammalian small intestine. Although rotavirus has not been detected in plasma of infants with rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis, rotavirus particles and rotavirus genomic RNA have been detected in extraintestinal sites (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid). Using a murine rotavirus strain well adapted to growth in the small intestines of suckling mice, we found that macrophages (and to a lesser extent B cells) in gut-associated lymphoid tissue contained rotavirus-specific proteins, and that these antigen-containing cells travelled to sites distant to the intestine.
Thermal degradation/hydrogenation of commodity plastics and characterization of their liquefaction products

The aim of this work is to establish thermal degradation behavior of polymers and polymer mixtures and non-catalytic liquefaction of low density polyethylene (LDPE) under different conditions followed by characterization of the products. The polymers investigated for thermal degradation studies are poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and LDPE. TGA data was used to select liquefaction temperature for LDPE and other polymer(s). Thermal degradation rates were measured using weight loss during isothermal thermogravimetry experiments. Apparent first-order degradation constants were used to compare the results. The thermal degradation of single polymers were different from that of the mixture of polymers. Two different homopolymer samples showed different patterns of thermal degradation. The presence of a swelling agent (such as tetralin) affected the degradation rate and the product distribution. LDPE was liquefied at various temperatures and hydrogen pressures and the liquid products were characterized in terms of hydrocarbon fractions. Increasing the liquefaction temperature from 420 to 440 °C, increased the oil yield from 10 to 59% (60 min, 800 psig H2, tetralin). Increasing H2 pressure lowered the viscosity of the oils by increasing the < C14 fraction but did not affect the oil yield. The recovered solid polymer fraction showed significant reduction in molecular weight and polydispersity, and increases in crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm). All these variations were due to the direct result of liquefaction and subsequent extraction of the products by different solvents.
Evaluation of suicide intervention effectiveness

Considering the prevalence of suicide and other forms of self-injurious behavior, it is ironic that relatively little attention has been paid to the training of mental health workers in suicide intervention. Still less effort has been spent in evaluating the effectiveness of such workers or the agencies in which they serve. We review the evaluation strategies that have been used to assess the process and outcome of suicide intervention, ranging from macroanalyses of the impact of crisis services on suicide rates in the community to microanalyses of the competence of individual suicide interventionists. Particular attention is paid to the Suicide Intervention Response Inventory, a self-administered test of suicide counseling skills whose validity, reliability, and practical utility suggest the benefit of its use in a broader range of research and applied settings. The advantages and disadvantages of each evaluation strategy are discussed, and guidelines are offered for the sophistication of future research and program evaluation efforts.
Comment on “Wave model of the cat tympanic membrane” [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122(2), 918–931 (2007)]

The tympanic membrane model as developed by Parent and Allen [(2007). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122(2), 918–931] is shown to have active, lossy, and non-reciprocal properties despite being described as lossless. These properties are traced back to its scattering junction formulations. Some impedance parameters are shown to have ambiguous values which complicate interpreting the physics of the model's internal wave propagation. Certain model parameters omitted from the original paper have been derived from the original computer simulation source code used by Parent and Allen.
The supraoptic nucleus and the supraopticohypophysial tract in the monkey (Macaca mulatta)

The observations here on Golgi material are based on the study of fortunate impregnations in one horizontally sectioned and one frontally sectioned series found in the collection of Golgi preparations of the adult monkey brains (Macaca mulatta) available in this laboratory. The soma of the large supraoptic neurons have jagged protrusions and irregular crevices which give their surfaces a craggy appearance. Also they have a few somatic spines. Their dendrites, which usually arise from two or three dendritic trunks, emerging from the cell body, are moderately branched and have occasional dendritic spines. The axon emerges from a conical elevation either on the soma or a dendrite and is directed towards the supraopticohypophysical tract. In the present material there are a few neurons of the supraoptic nucleus impregnated that are definitely smaller than the larger neurons. They have short beaded axons, ending in the supraoptic nucleus a short distance from their point of origin. In the horizontal sections the supraopticohypophysial tract fibers can be seen passing over the posterior aspect of the optic tract. In the frontal sections, this fan-shaped tract, wide above and constricted below, can be followed into the median eminence. Some of these axons in their intrahypothalamic course have short beaded collaterals. Electron micrographs reveal: (1) endings with spherical synaptic vesicles and endings with flattened synaptic vesicles synapsing on neurosecretory axons in the supraoptic nucleus; (2) a few myelinated fibers containing neurosecretory granules in the intrahypothalamic portion of the supraopticohypophysial tract. As can be seen in both Golgi and electron microscopic preparations the presence of fibrous astrocytes in the supraoptic nucleus and their abundance in the hypothalamic portion of the supraopticohypophysial tract is characteristic of this neurosecretory system. In the nucleus and in the tract processes of the fibrous astrocytes are intimately associated with neurosecretory fibers.
Model-based likelihood ratio confidence intervals for survival functions

Abstract We introduce an adjusted likelihood ratio procedure for computing pointwise confidence intervals for survival functions from censored data. The test statistic, scaled by a ratio of two variance quantities, is shown to converge to a chi-squared distribution with one degree of freedom. The confidence intervals are seen to be a neighborhood of a semiparametric survival function estimator and are shown to have correct empirical coverage. Numerical studies also indicate that the proposed intervals have smaller estimated mean lengths in comparison to the ones that are produced as a neighborhood of the Kaplan–Meier estimator. We illustrate our method using a lung cancer data set.
Differential capacitance study on the edge orientation of pyrolytic graphite and glassy carbon electrodes

Summary The differential electrode capacitance of the edge orientation (plane perpendicular to the basal one) of stress-annealed pyrolytic graphite and glassy carbon have been studied in concentrated aqueous solutions using an a.c. impedance bridge. The salient features are as follows: o (1) The apparent differential capacity for the edge orientation of stress-annealed pyrolytic graphite is much higher than on the basal plane because of higher surface roughness and capacitive contribution of the surface groups. The capacity strongly depends on the electrolyte, pH and potential scan range and exhibits a complex potential dependence, probably as a result of the specific chemical groups on the surface. A model is proposed to explain the behavior of the edge orientation. (2) The capacity minimum for the glassy carbon is sufficiently low so as to suggest a space charge contribution from within the electrode phase. (3) The similarities between the potential dependence of the capacity for the edge orientation of pyrolytic graphite and glassy carbon indicate similarity in the surface groups although the particular groups cannot be specifically identified from the electrochemical measurements.
Some characteristics of an adenyl cyclase preparation from rabbit ciliary process tissue.

Abstract A particulate adenyl cyclase preparation from quick-frozen rabbit ciliary process tissue has been shown to be activated by 50 m m KCl, 10 m m NaF, catecholamines and prostaglandin E 1 . Catecholamine activation appears to be of the β-adrenergic type. Prostaglandin E 1 and β-adrenergic activation seem to be additive. Prostaglandin E 1 and α-adrenergic effects appear to be antagonistic.
Multiple actin genes encoding the same α-muscle isoform are expressed during ascidian development

Ascidian embryos develop rapidly into tadpole larvae containing striated tail muscle cells. We have isolated and characterized five actin cDNA clones from a Styela clava tailbud-stage library. The nucleotide sequences of these clones and genomic Southern blot analysis indicate that they represent at least four different muscle actin genes, which are designated ScTb1, ScTb24, ScTb30, and ScTb12/34. The derived protein sequences of these genes indicate that they encode the same alpha-muscle actin which has features related to each of the three different classes of vertebrate alpha-muscle actins. Northern and in situ hybridization with probes prepared from the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of several of the ScTb clones showed that these muscle actin genes are expressed in different temporal and spatial patterns during development. ScTb1 was detected in eggs, embryos, and adults, ScTb24 and ScTb12/34 were detected in embryos and adults, and ScTb30 was detected only in embryos. The maternal transcripts disappeared shortly after fertilization and zygotic mRNAs were first detected during gastrulation and continued to accumulate during subsequent tail muscle differentiation. ScTb30 mRNA, which is expressed in the embryo, peaks during the tailbud stage and is present at low levels in the tadpole larva. In contrast, ScTb1, ScTb24, and ScTb12/34 mRNAs, which are expressed in embryos and adults, peak during the late tailbud stage and are present in substantial quantities in the larva. The ScTb24 gene was detected only in tail muscle cells, whereas the ScTb30 gene was detected in embryonic tail muscle, mesenchyme, epidermal, and neural cells. The ScTb24 mRNA also accumulates primarily in vascular tissue in the branchial sac and mantle of adults. The existence of a gene family encoding the same alpha-muscle actin isoform is unique among the chordates and may function to maximize muscle actin production during the rapid differentiation phase of ascidian larval muscle cells.
Ethnic attitudes in Pakistan

Abstract We tested if Punjabi students in Pakistan share, as a group, an ethnic hierarchy and exhibit the same types of prejudice found in the West. The sample is 192 students at the Punjab College of Business Administration in Lahore in 1996. The students responded to a questionnaire in English, with questions nearly identical to those previously used by American and Dutch researchers. Principle component analysis revealed that respondents shared an ethnic hierarchy of out-groups in social distance, with Pathans at the least and Muhajirs at the most social distance. Factor analysis showed that these students distinguished among aversive, symbolic, and biological prejudice parallel to American and Dutch results. There were two subtypes of symbolic prejudice, one in reference to the Pakistani quota system (affirmative action) and another to its uneven regional and ethnic development. Discussion centers on reasons that a shared ethnic hierarchy and types of prejudice found in Western countries appear in this Islamic country as well.
Analysis of Electrostatic Charge on Small-Arms Projectiles

Triboelectric (frictional) and combustion processes impart electrostatic charge on projectiles as they are fired. Additional charging and discharging processes alter the magnitude of charge in-flight and are complex functions of a plethora of environmental conditions. There is an interest in using electric-field sensors to help detect and track projectiles in counter-sniper and projectile ranging systems. These applications require knowledge of the quantity of charge, as well as the sensitivity of electric-field sensors. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) took part in multiple experiments at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) to simulate a battlefield-like environment. Sensors were placed in strategic locations along the bullets' paths and recorded the electric-field signatures of charged small-arms bullets. The focus of this effort was to analyze the electric-field signatures collected during the APG experiment in order to estimate electrostatic charge on the bullets. Algorithms were written to extract electric-field bullet signatures from raw data; these signatures were further processed to estimate the miss distance, velocity and charge. The estimates of range and velocity were compared to similar estimates from acoustic signatures for verification. Ground-truth Global Positioning System (GPS) data were used to independently calculate ranges, azimuths, and miss distances. Signatures were filtered to remove clutter signals from power lines and other unwanted field sources. Closed-form equations were then fitted to the collected signatures to retrieve estimates for the magnitude of charge on the bullets. Test data, collected with sensors placed on a wall, showed enhanced E-field intensity. A Method of Moments (MoM) model of the wall was created to improve signature simulation. Detectable charges on bullets were found to exist in the 1 pC to 1 nC (10 -12 - 10 -9 C) range. Relationships between estimated charge, gun type, bullet caliber, noise thresholds and number of shots in sequence are presented and statistically analyzed.
π−π Stacking Interactions in the Peridinin−Chlorophyll−Protein of Amphidinium carterae

Carotenoids play an important role of light harvesting, photoprotection and structural stabilization in the photosynthetic organisms. Despite their functional importance, the molecular basis for binding of carotenoids in the photosynthetic pigment−protein complexes is poorly understood. On the basis of a recent discovery that carotenoids are surrounded either by aromatic residues or by chlorophylls in all known crystal structures of the photosynthetic pigment−protein complexes (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 8445), it is hypothesized that π−π stacking interactions are the molecular forces that bind carotenoids in the photosynthetic pigment−protein complexes. In this article, the π−π stacking interactions between the carotenoid molecule peridinins and their surrounding aromatic groups (aromatic residues and chlorophyll-a) in the peridine−chlorophyll−protein complex of Amphidinium carterae are characterized by means of the supermolecular approach with the second-order Moller−Plesset perturbation method (MP2)....
Hypopharyngeal perforation: A complication of endotracheal intubation

A case of hypopharyngeal perforation secondary to traumatic endotracheal intubation is described. Clinical presentation and surgical treatment are discussed. Early diagnosis is emphasized. Tracheotomy, laryngoscopy and prompt neck exploration are advocated.
Colliot-Thelene’s conjecture and finiteness of u-invariants

Let k be a number field and F a function field in one variable over k. We prove that the ramification of a \(p\)-torsion element in \(Br\)(\(F\)) on a regular proper model over the ring of integers in \(k\) can be split in an extension of degree \(p^3\). Using this result, we show that Colliot-Thelene’s conjecture on 0-cycles of degree 1 implies finiteness for the \(u\)-invariant of the function field of a curve over a totally imaginary number field and period-index bounds for the Brauer groups of arbitrary fields of transcendence degree 1 over the rational numbers.
Cytochrome P-450 in insects. 7. Age dependency and phenobarbital induction of cytochrome P-450, P-450 reductase, and monooxygenase activities in the black blow fly (Phormia regina, Meigen)

Abstract Development and phenobarbital (PB) induction of microsomal cytochrome P -450, NADPH-cytochrome c ( P -450) reductase, two epoxidation, and two O -demethylation activities were examined in chronologically timed populations of female black blow flies ( Phormia regina , Meigen). Measurements of these enzymes started with the pharate adult stage and ended 5 days following eclosion. Induction occurred in all enzymes, even at 0.005% PB, and was maximum at 0.15%. Dramatic induction of the O -demethylation of 7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin was observed in flies dosed with the maximum concentration of the drug. This monooxygenase activity increased to nearly 1400 times the level in control flies, whereas the other O -demethylation (methoxyresorufin) and the two epoxidation reactions exhibited considerably less change. Induction of the structural enzymes of this enzyme system were 10-fold for cytochrome P -450 and 5-fold for NADPH-cytochrome c ( P -450) reductase. These data suggest that PB induces several P -450's in the blow fly, particularly one bearing a high degree of specificity for 7-methoxy-4-methycoumarin.
Relationship between steady-state activation and availability of cardiac sodium channel: evidence of uncoupling

The coupling between steady-state activation and availability from inactivation was characterized for the cardiac Na+ channel. To evaluate this coupling, we plotted the relationship between the conductance and availability curve midpoint potentials measured in 92 rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and applied a correlation analysis. We found a high correlation between the midpoints (correlation coefficient = 0.86, slope = 0.95) within the availability midpoint potential range positive to -100 mV. In contrast, the midpoints were not correlated in the myocytes (37 of 92 cells) having midpoint potential negative to -100 mV, indicating an uncoupling between activation and availability.
Non-operative treatment of anastomotic leaks: Current and investigational therapies

Abstract The treatment of anastomotic leaks remains primarily operative; however, recent advances in technology are changing the scope of non-operative interventions for managing this difficult complication. The authors sought to provide an evidence-based review of the non-operative treatment options for anastomotic leaks using both current guidelines and investigational modalities on the horizon. A search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of relevant scientific papers and reviews was performed. Abstracts were reviewed to determine their scientific merit and relevance to non-operative treatment of anastomotic leaks. Recommendations and treatment algorithms were based on consensus conclusions of the data. A total of 87 articles were reviewed and analyzed for this article. Reoperation is the first-line therapy for many anastomotic leaks, but non-operative techniques are appropriate and effective for a subset of this population. Image-guided percutaneous drainage has changed the treatment paradigm for many patients with anastomotic leaks. Endoscopic drainage and stenting are in their infancy, and controlled trials are needed to prove their efficacy; however, the future of non-operative treatment appears promising.
The 2.0 å structure of a cross-linked complex between snowdrop lectin and a branched mannopentaose: evidence for two unique binding modes

Abstract Background Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), a mannose-specific lectin from snowdrop bulbs, is a tetrameric member of the family of Amaryllidaceae lectins that exhibit antiviral activity towards HIV. Its subunits are composed of three pseudo-symmetrically related β sheet domains, each with a conserved mannose-binding site. Crystal structures of monosaccharide and disaccharide complexes of GNA have revealed that all 12 binding sites of the tetramer are functional, and that the degree of occupancy is dependent on the availability of subsidiary interactions from neighboring subunits. The complex of GNA with a branched mannopentaose ((Man α 1,6-( α 1,3-Man)Man- α 1,6-( α 1,3-Man)Man) described here simulates a more biologically relevant complex. Results Two unique mannopentaose binding modes co-exist in the tetragonal structure (1 subunit/asymmetric unit) of the complex. In one, the conserved monosaccharide-binding pocket in domain 1 (CRD 1) is utilized for cross-linkage of twofold related GNA dimers by the outer 3,6 tri-Man arm, which alternates between two orientations consistent with crystal symmetry. Inter-linked dimers assemble helically along the 4 1 crystal axis forming a pore-like structure. In the second binding mode, the complete 3,6 tri-Man arm binds to an extended binding region in domain 3 (CRD 3) with subsites for each terminal Man and the internal Man positioned in the conserved monosaccharide pocket. The two remaining mannose residues are not visible in either binding mode. Conclusions This structure provides insights into possible mechanisms of the cross-linkage that is known to occur when lectins interact with specific multivalent cell surface receptors during events such as agglutination and mitogenic stimulation. By virtue of the large number of sites available for mannose binding, GNA has multiple possibilities of forming unique lattice structures. The two distinctly different binding modes observed in this study confirm that high affinity mannose binding occurs only at the two domain sites located near dimer interfaces.
Transformation toughening of glass ceramics

The utilization of transformation toughening has hitherto been restricted to increasing the fracture resistance of polycrystalline ceramic materials. Although a number of investigators have attempted to extend the concept to toughening glasses and glass ceramics with tetragonal zirconia, no successful reports have been published. It is argued that the approaches employed are inevitably limited primarily because they do not take into account the necessity of nucleating the tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation away from the crack tip itself. By concentrating on the nucleation event and using standard ceramic processing techniques, it has been demonstated that transformation toughening can be used to increase the toughness of glass-ceramic materials, and this approach is illustrated by increasing the fracture toughness of a cordierite glass ceramic.
Host immune rejection of TA3 ascites carcinoma cells following administration of a water soluble carbodiimide.

Regression of TA3 ascites carcinoma tumors occurred following i.p. injection of 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide\HCl. An immunological mechanism of drug action was indicated by the fact that no significant antitumor activity was demonstrable in mice that had previously received an immunosuppressive 700 rad dose of60Co radiation.
Role of phagocyte oxidase in UVA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in keratinocytes.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation including ultraviolet A (315–400 nm) (UVA) may cause photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. The UVA-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the resultant oxidative stress exposure play an important role in these biological processes. Here we have investigated the role of phagocyte oxidase (PHOX, gp91phox) in the production of ROS, redox status change, and apoptosis after UVA exposure by using gp91phox-deficient (gp91 phox-/- ) primary keratinocytes. UVA radiation resulted in increased ROS production and oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) to its oxidized form (GSSG). The presence of diphenylene iodonium (DPI) inhibited ROS production by UVA. In comparison with wild-type cells, gp91 phox-/- cells produced slightly less ROS and GSH oxidation. UVA radiation induced apoptosis in wild-type keratinocytes as detected by phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation, caspase activation, and DNA fragmentation. As compared with wild-type cells, UVA induced less PS translocation in gp91phox-deficient cells. No difference, however, was observed in caspase activation and DNA fragmentation after UVA exposure in wild-type and gp91 phox-/- cells. These findings suggest that gp91phox plays a limited role in the UVA-induced ROS production, oxidative stress, and therefore the PS translocation, but has no effect on UVA-induced caspase activation and DNA fragmentation during apoptosis.
Educational reform and the focus on gifted African‐American students

As early as the last century, incipient education reform reports attacked the inadequacies of American education and called for a restructuring of schools. Much more recently, America 2000 called for a renaissance in education. Such reports, although well‐intentioned, have yet to address directly the needs of gifted students; they give gifted education little attention and allow it little influence in the education reform reports and movements. Nevertheless, these education reform movements carry important implications for improving the educational well‐being of gifted students in general, and gifted African‐American students in particular. This article describes these promising practices and includes recommendations for increased attention to the needs of gifted African‐American students in the education reform movement.
Real-time, three-dimensional echocardiography: feasibility and initial use.

The purpose of this article is to review new approaches to three-dimensional acquisition and presentation ofechocardiographic data. New three-dimensional phased-array devices hold great promise for the development and application of new descriptors for left ventricular performance, myocardial perfusion, and other important indices of cardiac function. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, January 1991)
Thermal Inactivation of Clostridium perfringens After Growth at Several Constant and Linearly Rising Temperatures

Inactivation kinetics of Clostridium perfringens strains NCTC 8238 and NCTC 8798 vegetative cells were evaluated in autoclaved ground beef after growth at constant (37, 41, 45, or 49°C) or linearly rising temperatures (4.0, 6.0, or 7.5 C°/hr) representative of long-time, low-temperature (LTLT) cooking. Inactivation temperatures of 55, 57, 59, 60, and 61°C were used. D values and z values were determined. For strain NCTC 8798 cells grown at 45°C, the average D59°C was 7.2 min and the zD was 3.8 C°. Both strains exhibited greater heat resistance after growth at higher constant temperatures. Also, NCTC 8798 was more heat resistant than NCTC 8238. With linearly rising temperature, terminal growth temperatures appeared dominant in resistance to inactivation. These data will permit predictions of growth and survival of C. perfringens during LTLT cooking of beef roasts.
The Theory of Inquiry: Dewey's Legacy to Education

(1992). The Theory of Inquiry: Dewey's Legacy to Education. Curriculum Inquiry: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 119-139.
In vivo biodistribution and toxicity depends on nanomaterial composition, size, surface functionalisation and route of exposure

Anticipated growth of the nanotechnology industry has motivated the development of rapid, relevant and efficient testing strategies to evaluate the biological activity and toxic potential of the growing number of novel nanoparticles. Since nanoparticles may interact with biological systems in unforeseen ways, it is important that evaluation of nanomaterial–biological interactions cover a broad range of cell types, tissues, organs and systems. Here, we use the embryonic zebrafish as a dynamic whole animal (in vivo) assay to investigate the importance of chemical composition, size, surface functionalisation and route of exposure on nanomaterial–biological interactions and delineate nanomaterials that are biologically active from those that are not. Information gained using model systems, such as the embryonic zebrafish, can be used to direct the rational development of safer, less hazardous nanoparticles. Our results demonstrate the utility of this model as an effective and accurate tool to assess the biolo...
Hybrid Recentering Energy Dissipative Device for Seismic Protection

A hybrid recentering energy dissipative device that has both recentering and energy dissipation capabilities is proposed and studied in this paper. The proposed hybrid device, referred to as the hybrid shape memory alloy (SMA) recentering viscous fluid (RCVF) energy dissipation device, connects the apex of a chevron brace to an adjoining beam using two sets of SMA wires arranged in series on either side of the brace and a viscous fluid damper arranged in parallel with the SMA wires. The viscous damper is used because being a velocity-dependent device it does not exert any force that counteracts the recentering force from the SMA wires after the vibration of the frame ceases. In the numerical study, the Wilde’s SMA constitutive model is used to model the SMA wires, and the Maxwell model is used to simulate the viscous fluid damper. To demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of the proposed hybrid device, comparative studies are performed on several single-story shear frames and a series of four-story steel frames. The results show that the frames equipped with the hybrid device have noticeably smaller peak top story displacements and residual story drifts when subjected to ground motions at three different intensity levels.
Theories of the transfer of learning

This paper reviews theories of transfer from the perspective of whether they contain guidelines for generating educational approaches to the production of facilitative transfer. Two classes of theories are described. The first class of theories are based on the notion that the conditions for transfer are established when an original learning event and a transfer event share common stimulus properties. The second class of theories takes the position that facilitative transfer is a product of a successful memory search process. These two classes of theories are compared, and their potential for providing guidelines for educational practice is examined.
Factors affecting DNA damage caused by lipid hydroperoxides and aldehydes.

Abstract Single (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) in supercoiled plasmid DNA pBR322 reacted with linoleic acid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were followed by agarose gel electrophoresis to obtain definitive information about factors affecting LOOH interaction with DNA. In water, LOOH induced extensive DSB, which were metal mediated and increased with incubation time. Adventitious metal bound to DNA was sufficient to decompose LOOH to reactive radicals, activity that was not readily inhibited by chelators DTPA and desferrioxamine. Added Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ increased SSB and DSB, although the effects of Fe 2+ were more extensive. Above 100 μM both valences inhibited DNA damage. Strand breakage by LOOH proceeded via lipid alkoxyl and peroxyl radicals. Aldehydic lipid peroxidation products induced strand breaks via oxidation of double bonds, not by reactions of the carbonyl groups. Lipophilic antioxidants BHA, BHT, and a-tocopherol were about 20 times more effective than hydrophilic free radical scavengers sodium benzoate, inositol, DMSO, and mannitol in preventing LOOH-induced strand breaks, supporting lipid phase localization of the damage.
Intra-arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil for recurrent adenocarcinoma of bladder.

Abstract We report a case of recurrent adenocarcinoma of the bladder treated by intra-arterial infusion of 5 fluorouracil (5-FU). The use of this agent in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the bladder is reviewed.
Hyping the OPAC: Adapting a Macintosh user interface to the Notis Online Catalog

Librarians find themselves today in a lively period of the evolution of user interfaces to online information. The average college or university library user is confronted with a variety of interfaces in one trip to the reference room: from the straight text, terminal‐based interface of the online catalog to a variety of flashy interfaces to CD‐ROM databases. Most of the newer interfaces incorporate graphics, color, and mouse‐supported searching to make initiation for the novice user easier and searching more productive. As a result of exposure to these new interfaces, users come to expect this degree of ease of use and attractiveness. In their minds, there is no conceptual difference—and perhaps there should not be—between the CD‐ROM version of PsycLit and the online catalog. OPACs that provide less functionality are not living up to either the potential of the available technology or the expectations of their users.