cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of nuclei and purification of chromatin from differentiating cultures of rat skeletal muscle

Abstract A rapid method is described for the isolation of nuclei in high yield from L 8 E 63 rat myoblast and myotube cells in culture. Cells are lysed in hypotonic buffer (pH 7.8) containing 3 mM CaCl 2 1 mM EDTA, and protease inhibitors, Dounce homogenized, and washed to obtain purified nuclei. Based on DNA recovery, the isolated fraction contains greater than 80% of the nuclei in the original homogenate. Phase- and electron-microscopic examinations reveal that the purified nuclei are well preserved, have intact double membranes, and are morphologically similar to nuclei observed in situ. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic contamination as fragments of cytomembrane and fibrillar components is minimal. The protein: DNA and RNA: DNA ratios are similar to most mammalian nuclei. We have fractionated developmental stage-specific chromatin from purified nuclei obtained from proliferating and fused L 8 E 63 muscle cells, as detailed previously [7]. Biochemical and spectral analyses of the chromatin preparations show protein: DNA ratios similar to that found in other mammalian tissues and cells, but the RNA content is lower. Contamination of the chromatin protein by the cytoplasmic protein and membrane phospholipid (as choline) is acceptably low. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) reveals some quantitative and qualitative stage-specific differences in the distribution of the non-histone chromosomal proteins. Two of the major non-histone proteins in myotube chromatin have molecular weights (MW) similar to muscle myosin and actin. Their presence in myotube chromatin is discussed.
Explosive energy-rock fragmentation correlations for two experiments

ABSTRACT Experiments defined the effects of borehole decoupling on fragmentation and on explosive energy release. Fragmentation was defined by rock product particle weight, and energy was described in terms of shock pressure and gas or bubble pressure. Fragmentation effects were related to distributions of explosive-supplied energy at common pressures using a Weibull distribution. A correlation was found between rock fragmentation and borehole gas pressure, but no such correlation appeared between fragmentation and shock pressure. Therefore, gas pressure energy and not shock energy appears to provide the primary impetus for breaking rock in confined boreholes
Analysis of Contacting Mechanical Characters Based on Cyclical Symmetrical Theory

Based on cyclical symmetrical theory, static stress analysis of assembly body is achieved, then obtains the distribution of maximal and minimum stress. Cyclical symmetrical dynamic analysis of structure is also achieved, and works out the contacting status, frictional stress, siding distance, penetration, gap and contacting pressure under cyclical analysis. Contrast to the traditional ensemble analysis methods, it turns to be more efficient and more precise, and all the parameters are better distributed, finally testifies the scientificity and feasibility of wheel-axle contacting analysis methods based on cyclical symmetrical theory.
Computer modelling of DNA structures involved in chromosome maintenance

Abstract Sequence-dependent DNA bending of synthetic and natural molecules was studied by computer analysis. Modelling of synthetic oligonucleotides and of 107 kb of natural sequences gave results which closely resembled published electrophoretic data, demonstrating the powerful predictive capacity of the procedure. The analysis was extended to the study of DNA structures involved in chromosome maintenance. Centromeric DNAs from yeast were found to have sequences in their functional elements which cause them to be unusually straight. Autonomous replicating sequences were found to have two structural domains, one consisting of unusually straight sequences surrounding the consensus and the other of bending elements in flanking DNA. In addition to a structural homology, centromeric and autonomous replicating sequences share common sequence elements. These observations show that computer modelling of natural sequences is a viable approach to the study of the biological implications of alternative DNA structures.
By-Mail Learning Options for Academically Talented Middle-School Youth

The Duke University Talent Identification Program includes a By-Mail leaming component designed to provide gifted students with challenging courses while they remain in their own school. The results of the Advanced Placement Examinations associated with this component of the Duke Program suggest that By-Mail courses provide intellectual stimulation for brilliant middle school youth, prepare them for college credit exams, and can serve as a vehicle to assist school systems in meeting the educational needs of academically talented youngsters.
Welcome to Catalysts––A New Open Access Journal for a Growing Scientific Community

There is something intrinsically fascinating about catalysts. The thought that a material can speed up a reaction by hundreds or thousands of times without being consumed is truly amazing. I frequently have the pleasure of teaching undergraduate and graduate chemical reaction engineering courses that include sections on catalysts. I have found that students take an immediate interest in catalysts and are fascinated by how they work. I certainly have been captivated with catalysts myself, as I have devoted my entire academic career to studying their properties. [...]
Management of suspected pancreatic cystic neoplasms based on cyst size.

Background Evaluation and management of cystic pancreatic neoplasms remain problematic. International consensus guidelines have advised resection for lesions greater than 3 cm. Methods We reviewed our prospective pancreatic cystic neoplasm database for outcomes based on a cyst size of 3 cm. Results Five hundred patients have been managed from 1999 to 2006. There were 349 patients (70%) with cysts less than or equal to 3 cm: 293 (84%) were not operated, including 243 nonmucinous cysts: 2 failed observation (0.8%, mean follow-up of 24 months). Fifty-six patients with cysts less than or equal to 3 cm were initially operated (16%), including 23 asymptomatic patients. Histopathology showed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in 20, mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) in 18, and serous cystadenoma in 5. Twelve had carcinoma (21%). A total of 151 patients (30%) had cysts greater than cm: 87 (50%) were not operated, including 68 that were nonmucinous: 2 failed observation (2.9%, mean follow-up of 47 months). Sixty-four patients with cysts greater than 3 cm (42%) were initially operated, and final pathology showed MCN in 27, serous cystadenoma in 11, IPMN in 7, and pseudocyst in 7. Twelve had carcinoma (19%). Patients with cysts less than or equal to 3 cm were less likely to be operated (16 vs 42%; P Conclusion Size of pancreatic cystic lesions alone is not a reasonable basis for determining management.
Meniscectomized Knees Regain Normal Walking Flexion Range of Motion With Time Past Surgery

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries with an incidence rate of 60–70 per 100,000 person-years [1]. Although arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, the leading treatment for meniscal tears, decreases pain, the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is four times higher for a meniscectomized knee compared to an uninjured knee [2]. Prior research has shown that meniscectomized knees have reduced sagittal-plane range of motion in the early period following surgery (6 to 18 months) [3–5]. These observations suggest a mechanical pathway to knee OA, in which alteration in ambulatory knee function causes shifts in tibiofemoral cartilage location to unprepared cartilage regions, thus causing damage to the maladapted tissue [6]. While such a mechanical pathway is well documented for knees with reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament [7], the paucity of information regarding the walking mechanics of meniscectomized knees at longer term post-operation limits our understanding of the pathway to OA in this population. Particularly, it is unknown whether meniscectomized knees regain normal dynamic range of motion (ROM) in knee flexion with time past surgery. Because regaining ROM alters the mechanical function in the meniscectomized knee, understanding the changes in this gait variable over time may help elucidate the various pathways to OA development in meniscectomized knees.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Propellant preservation using re-liquefiers

Abstract The long-term storage of cryogenic propellants in space requires the use of active cooling. Previous work has considered using closed cycle coolers to exactly balance the parasitic heat loads on the propellant. An alternative approach using a re-liquefier has been suggested. This paper considers some of the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. A re-liquefier uses the propellant vapor as the working fluid. This may eliminate the need for a mixer in the propellant tank; may reduce the effect of leaks in the cooler; and may allow a more graceful way to accommodate cooler failure. However, the re-liquefier is unlikely to be operating at its optimal operating point; and will require some means of controlling contamination.
Critical role of extracellularly secreted neuronal pentraxin 1 in ischemic neuronal death

Developing brain is highly susceptible to hypoxic-ischemic injury leading to severe neurological disabilities in surviving infants and children. Previously we reported induction of neuronal pentraxin 1 (NP1) in hypoxic-ischemic injury in neonatal brain and NP1 co-localization with the excitatory AMPA receptors GluR1 at the synaptic sites. However, how NP1 contributes to hypoxic-ischemic neuronal injury is not completely understood. Here we report that extracellular secretion of NP1 is required for ischemic neuronal death. Primary cortical neurons at days in vitro (DIV) 12 were subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model of ischemic stroke, for different time periods (2–8 h). Oxygen glucose deprivation showed characteristic morphological changes of dying cells, OGD time-dependent induction of NP1 (2-4-fold) and increased neuronal death. In contrast, the NP1-KO cortical neurons were healthy and showed no sign of dying cells under similar conditions. NP1gene silencing by NP1-specific small interfering RNA (NP1-siRNA) protected cortical neurons from OGD-induced death. Conditioned media (CM) collected from OGD exposed WT cortical cultures caused neurotoxicity when added to a subset of DIV 12 normoxia control WT cortical cultures. In contrast, CM from OGD-exposed NP1-KO cultures did not induce cell toxicity in control WT cultures, suggesting a role for extracellular NP1 in neuronal death. However, NP1-KO neurons, which showed normal neuronal morphology and protection against OGD, sustained enhanced death following incubation with CM from WT OGD-exposed cultures. Western blot analysis of OGD exposed WT CM showed temporal increase of NP1 protein levels in the CM. Most strikingly, in contrast to NP1-KO CM, incubation of normal cortical cultures with CM from OGD exposed NP2-KO cultures showed neurotoxicity similar to that observed with CM from OGD exposed WT neuronal cultures. Western immunoblotting further confirmed the increased presence of NP1 protein in OGD-exposed NP2-KO CM. Live immunofluorescence analysis show intense cell surface clustering of NP1 with AMPA GluR1 receptors. Collectively, our results demonstrate that extracellular release of NP1 promote hypoxic-ischemic neuronal death possibly via surface clustering with GluR1 at synaptic sites and that NP1, not its family member NP2, is involved in the neuronal death mechanisms.
Imaging regulation of endogenous gene expression using spliceosome-mediated trans-splicing.

Recent years have witnessed a remarkable increase in our knowledge and understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of human diseases. During the past 2 decades, technologic innovations revolutionized molecular and cell biology. Significant progress in the understanding of the molecular–
Prenatal diagnosis of fragile X in a heterozygous female fetus and postnatal follow‐up

An apparently normal female infant was born after the prenatal diagnosis of fragile Xq27-28 present in about 4 per cent of amniocytes . The mildly retarded mother had been found in early pregnancy to be heterozygous for fragile X. The child, now 9 months old, showed about the same level of fragile X expression as her mother. Variations in the proportion of cells with fragile X appeared to be related to cell type and laboratory techniques. The infant's growth and development have been normal. Different techniques to induce or increase the expression of fragile X are discussed.
Cw InGaN multiple-quantum-well laser diodes on copper and diamond substrates by laser lift-off

Abstract Continuous-wave (cw) InGaN multiple-quantum-well laser diodes grown on sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition were successfully transferred onto copper and diamond using excimer laser lift-off. Room-temperature cw threshold currents as low as 87 mA with threshold voltages of 5.8 V were obtained for laser diodes on diamond substrates. GaN-based laser structures transferred onto Cu substrates show a significantly reduced thermal resistance resulting in a more than 2× increase in cw output power of more than 100 mW. High-quality cleaved facet have been obtained for free-standing GaN laser membranes after sapphire substrate removal.
Constrained ratio approach to allocating instructional resources

Abstract Principal budgetary approaches underlying the allocation of instructional resources to an institution of higher education to maintain its continuing programs are briefly considered from several standpoints, including their effect upon the opportunity and incentive for faculty members to innovate in their instructional practices. An alternative approach is developed—the constrained ratio approach—which is conducive to innovation while maintaining responsible overall control of resources. The effective use of resources is encouraged in that the allocative procedure is structured so as to increase the likelihood of awareness of and consideration of the cost of alternative options at the instructional level in terms of foregone opportunities.
Wanting to appear smart: Hypercriticism as an indirect impression management strategy

Two experiments explored hypercriticism as a strategy used by people attempting to appear smart. People wanting to appear smart were more critical than either those wanting to be liked, or those in a no-goal control group. Further, more people in the “appear smart” condition selected a disliked topic in order to facilitate hypercritical evaluations. We also found that trying to appear smart led to a drop in the intelligence ratings of an interaction partner. These two studies extend previous work (Amabile & Glazebrook, 1982) by ruling out potential alternative explanations for the hypercriticism effect, by identifying other targets relevant to the hypercritical strategy, and by demonstrating the proactive nature of hypercriticism.
A remark on the spectra of random graphs with given expected degrees

Abstract We study the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of a random graph G (w) with given expected degrees. Based on the estimation of the spectral gap of normalized Laplacian, we establish an upper bound for the largest adjacency eigenvalue of G (w) using w max, the maximum expected degrees, and , the second order average degree.
Evolving experience with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair at a single institution.

Abstract Fifty-seven patients underwent repair of atherosclerotic thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms between 1978 and 1990. Five patients had urgent surgery for rupture. The 30-day operative mortality rate for the entire group was 18% (10 patients). Before July 1987, 19 patients (group 1) were operated on by use of a technique previously described. In these earlier patients the peritoneum was routinely entered, the diaphragm was divided radially, and no heparin was given. Among patients in group 1 there was a 30-day operative mortality rate of 42% (8 patients), and morbidity included myocardial infarction 4 (21%), respiratory failure 9 (47%), renal failure 12 (63%), bleeding requiring reoperation 4 (21%), and intestinal ischemia 3 (16%). Since July 1987 a standardized approach to all elective thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms has been used in 38 patients (group 2). This method uses a left thoracoabdominal incision, circumferential division of the hemidiaphragm, retronephric totally extraperitoneal aortic exposure, single lung anesthesia, full heparinization, the graft inclusion technique, and liberal use of visceral endarterectomy. Patients in group 2 sustained a 30-day operative mortality rate of 5% (2 patients) and morbidity included myocardial infarction 2 (5%), respiratory failure 10 (26%), renal failure 11 (29%), bleeding requiring reoperation 1 (3%), paraplegia 6 (16%), and paraparesis 4 (11%). Modern surgery for repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm results in acceptably low operative mortality rates. Spinal cord ischemia remains an unresolved source of morbidity. (J V ASC S URG 1991;13:792-7.)
Why automatic error correctors fail

Automatic table-driven parsers often include syntactic error correctors. Such correctors must fail on a large set of languages and the failing cases are not particularly pathological. Instead of striving for ''perfect'' correctors, compiler writers should study the error patterns of the source language and work for efficient correction of common errors.
Long-term survival after triple-valve replacement

A 29-year-old man with rheumatic stenosis and insufficiency of the aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves underwent urgent triple-valve replacement on January 12, 1966, because of uncontrollable congestive heart failure. Twenty-two years and 8 months later (September 13, 1988) reoperation was necessary to replace the Kay-Shiley tricuspid prosthesis because of progressive stenosis of the valve due to pannus formation. The aortic and mitral prostheses continue to function normally. The patient has again returned to full activity.
In-situ silhouette photography of Gulf Stream zooplankton

Abstract An in-situ silhouette camera system that permits assessment of vertical and horizontal zooplankton distributions on meter scales, yet retains considerable taxonomic information, is described. Representative data are presented from initial deployments in the Gulf Stream off Miami, Florida. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed.
Tuberculosis in rural Haiti.

Abstract The author was in southern Haiti, from September 1969 through to March 1971, studying the socio-cultural aspects of tuberculosis among the indigenous population. In the entire region of some 2200 miles 2 , there was one Western health facility for the treatment of tuberculosis. Preliminary analysis revealed that this clinic was largely ineffective in combating the disease. A vigorous examination of its organization mechanism and patient files revealed that the attrition rate among the tuberculosis patients was 75·12 per cent within the first 6 months of treatment. An in-depth analysis of the total cultural situation indicated that the clinic's lack of knowledge about the local culture and consequent failure to operate within it was a major source of the problem. Some specific areas of conflict were identified and it was suggested that some alterations of present managing procedures might greatly increase the clinic's effectiveness within its target population.
Spherical harmonic analysis, aliasing, and filtering

The currently practiced methods of harmonic analysis on the sphere are studied with respect to aliasing and filtering. It is assumed that a function is sampled on a regular grid of latitudes and longitudes. Then, transformations to and from the Cartesian plane yield formulations of the aliasing error in terms of spherical harmonic coefficients. The following results are obtained: 1) The simple quadratures method and related methods are biased even with band-limited functions. 2) A new method that eliminates this bias is superior to Colombo's method of least squares in terms of reducing aliasing. 3) But, a simple modification of the least-squares model makes it identical to the new method as one is the dual of the other. 4) The essential elimination of aliasing can only be effected with spherical cap averages, not with the often used constant angular block averages.
Does glycolate decarboxylation occur in intact leaf peroxisomes

Release of 14CO2 during metabolism of [1-14C]glycolate was studied in purified, intact and Triton X-100-solublized peroxisomes isolated from leaves of Secale cereale. Decarboxylation, apparently resulting from H2O2 attack on glyoxylate, was stimulated in both intact and solubilized peroxisomal preparations by the catalase inhibitors aminotriazole and sodium azide. CO2 evolution was also observed in solubilized peroxisomes in the absence of inhibitor when an amino donor was not provided for conversion of glyoxylate to glycine. Loss of CO2 from labelled glycolate in the absence of amino donors was reduced by addition of exogenous catalase to the reaction medium. Intact peroxisomes showed no glycolate decarboxylation whether or not amino donors were supplied. It appears that the CO2 release from glycolate observed in previous investigations may be an artifact of the peroxisomal preparations and the assay systems used, and not a significant factor in photorespiratory metabolism in vivo.
Numerical Optimization of a Vaned Shroud Design for Increased Operability Margin in Modern Centrifugal Compressors

This paper describes the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach coupled with an automated grid generation technique utilized for the numerical optimization of a modern centrifugal compressor with an inducer vaned shroud for increased operability margin. The grid generation process was automated to permit rapid optimization of the impeller and vaned shroud geometry. A three-dimensional, viscous, steady flow, mixing-plane approach was utilized to numerically analyze the impeller and vaned shroud in a coupled fashion to capture the interaction effects. The numerical technique verifies the ability of the vane shroud to extend compressor surge margin at the part-speed operating condition, while maintaining acceptable high-speed performance. CFD analyses confirm that the aerodynamics of the vaned shroud match expectation, and are consistent with the mass-averaged compressor speedline characteristics generated from the CFD results.
Action selection and likelihood ratio estimation by individuals and groups

Abstract This study investigates the shifts between individual and group performance in a choice dilemma, a gambling, and a Bayesian likelihood ratio estimation task. Twenty seven male subjects performed each task alone. Six four-man leaderless groups were formed and repeated the each task. Three subjects performed the task alone a second time. Finally, all 27 subjects repeated each task again alone. The choice dilemma task decisions reproduced previously found patterns of shifts. Groups preferred higher variance gambles than did the average of pregroup individuals. The post-group likelihood ratio estimates of 22 of the 24 test subjects resembled their group's estimates more closely than they resembled their own pregroup estimates. Both group and individual correlations between measures of performance in all three tasks were low.
Absence of metabolic cold adaptation and compensatory acclimation in the Antarctic fly, Belgica antarctica

Abstract The respiratory metabolism in larvae of the Antarctic fly, Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera: Chironomidae) was investigated at Palmer Station, Anvers Island (64°46′S, 64°03′W). Oxygen consumption was linearly related to temperature from 0 to 20°C, respectively, 49 and 338 nl/mg live wt/hr. Maintenance at 0 and 10°C for 8 days had no differential effect on the metabolic rate, suggesting that larvae lack the ability for compensatory acclimation. A comparison of standard metabolism for polar and temperate chironomids revealed no elevation of metabolic rate in polar forms. However, polar species exhibited lower activation energies than temperate forms indicating that the respiratory metabolism of polar chironomids is relatively temperature independent.
Household expenditure on poultry and seafood in the U.S.A. ‐ a cross‐sectional analysis

This study investigates the determinants of household expenditures on poultry and seafood using the 1992 Consumer Expenditure Survey. Higher income and larger households with a better-educated and older household head spend more on poultry, especially during the fourth quarter of the year, than others. Higher income and north-eastern households with a non-white and better-educated household head spend more on seafood than others. Poultry expenditures are more sensitive to changes in household size than to changes in household income. In contrast, seafood expenditures are more sensitive to changes in household income than to changes in household size.
Fine mapping of the nematode resistance gene Mi-3 in Solanum peruvianum and construction of a S. lycopersicum DNA contig spanning the locus.

Currently, the only genetic resistance against root-knot nematodes in the cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum (Lycopersicon esculentum) is due to the gene Mi-1. Another resistance gene, Mi-3, identified in the related wild species Solanum peruvianum (Lycopersicon peruvianum) confers resistance to nematodes that are virulent on tomato lines that carry Mi-1, and is effective at temperatures at which Mi-1 is not effective (above 30°C). Two S. peruvianum populations segregating for Mi-3 were used to develop a high-resolution map of the Mi-3 region of chromosome 12. S. lycopersicum BACs carrying flanking markers were identified and used to construct a contig spanning the Mi-3 region. Markers generated from BAC-end sequences were mapped in S. peruvianum plants in which recombination events had occurred near Mi-3. Comparison of the S. peruvianum genetic map with the physical map of S. lycopersicum indicated that marker order is conserved between S. lycopersicum and S. peruvianum. The 600 kb contig between Mi-3-flanking markers TG180 and NR18 corresponds to a genetic distance of about 7.2 cM in S. peruvianum. We have identified a marker that completely cosegregates with Mi-3, as well as flanking markers within 0.25 cM of the gene. These markers can be used to introduce Mi-3 into cultivated tomato, either by conventional breeding or cloning strategies.
Anti-apoE immunotherapy inhibits amyloid accumulation in a transgenic mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The influence of apoE on amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation may be the major mechanism by which apoE affects AD. ApoE interacts with Aβ and facilitates Aβ fibrillogenesis in vitro. In addition, apoE is one of the protein components in plaques. We hypothesized that certain anti-apoE antibodies, similar to certain anti-Aβ antibodies, may have antiamyloidogenic effects by binding to apoE in the plaques and activating microglia-mediated amyloid clearance. To test this hypothesis, we developed several monoclonal anti-apoE antibodies. Among them, we administered HJ6.3 antibody intraperitoneally to 4-mo-old male APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice weekly for 14 wk. HJ6.3 dramatically decreased amyloid deposition by 60–80% and significantly reduced insoluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels. Short-term treatment with HJ6.3 resulted in strong changes in microglial responses around Aβ plaques. Collectively, these results suggest that anti-apoE immunization may represent a novel AD therapeutic strategy and that other proteins involved in Aβ binding and aggregation might also be a target for immunotherapy. Our data also have important broader implications for other amyloidosis. Immunotherapy to proteins tightly associated with misfolded proteins might open up a new treatment option for many protein misfolding diseases.
Development of dynamic inspection methods for dimensional measurement of automotive body parts

This paper introduces a novel robotic range sensor planning system, which is developed for 3D dimensional inspection of automotive body parts. For active, triangulation-based range sensors, shadow and reflection causes problems when measure a metal part with glossy and discontinuous surface. To solve these problems, a feedback based dynamic view planning system is proposed, which not only generate viewpoints from a CAD model of a part, but also recursively add viewpoints according to the measured information. The planning process stops only if the obtained point clouds meet the pre-determined requirements. General framework of the system is introduced, and the experimental results are also presented
Scanning tunneling microscope tip structures

Studies of electrochemically etched tungsten scanning tunneling microscope tips, using scanning electron microscopy, show that (i) the tips are often convolved or bent if the mass of the tungsten wire submerged in the etchant is large (an effect ascribed to surface plastic flow), (ii) bent tips nevertheless often produce good quality scanning tunneling microscopy images of Au films in air, but (iii) tips, once crashed clumsily into the Au films, no longer produce images.
TAT-mediated endocytotic delivery of the loop deletion Bcl-2 protein protects neurons against cell death

Protein delivery mediated by protein transduction domains (PTD) such as the HIV-1 TAT-PTD has emerged as a promising approach for neuroprotection. The objective of this study was to generate and evaluate the neuroprotective potential of TAT fusion proteins using constructs based on Bcl-2 anti-death family proteins. A TAT-Bcl-2 construct with the loop domain deleted (TAT-Bcl-2Δloop) was tested for its ability to transduce neuronal cells and to promote survival. The potential mechanism of TAT-mediated protein internalization in neural cells was also investigated. The purified TAT-Bcl-2Δloop binds to neural cell and rat brain mitochondria, and transduces cultured neural cell lines and primary cortical neurons when used at nm concentrations. Effective internalization of TAT-Bcl-2Δloop occurs at 37°C but not at 4°C, consistent with an endocytotic process. Both cell association and internalization require interaction of TAT-Bcl-2Δloop with cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. TAT-mediated protein delivery in neuronal cells occurs through a lipid raft-dependent endocytotic process, inhibited by the cholesterol-sequestering agent nystatin. Transducible loop deleted Bcl-2 increases the survival of cortical neurons following trophic factor withdrawal and also rescues neural cell lines from staurosporine-induced death. These results support the concept of using protein transduction of Bcl-2 constructs for neuroprotection.
Complex permittivity extraction of dielectric samples in waveguide

This paper describes a method to determine the relative permittivity of a dielectric material in printed circuit board. The dielectric sample in a PCB is placed to form a finline discontinuity of finite length in a waveguide. S-parameter of a discontinuity from an empty waveguide to finline and back to empty waveguide is measured. An error function that compares the measured and calculated S-parameters of the discontinuity is minimized to extract the permittivity of the sample. The optimization is based on a practical quasi-Newton algorithm. The calculated value of the S-parameter used in the error function is obtained from the modal expansion of the fields in the empty waveguide and the finline structure. Field matching is done at the discontinuity to yield the theoretically calculated S-paramters.
Search for Predictors of Nontherapeutic INR Results with Warfarin Therapy

BACKGROUNDThe effectiveness and safety of warfarin require maintaining an international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range.OBJECTIVETo identify predictors of nontherapeutic INR results in patients receiving warfarin.METHODSA retrospective study was conducted using 350 ambulatory care patients from a broad geographic region, all receiving long-term warfarin therapy and followed in a tertiary-care cardiology clinic. Possible predictors of nontherapeutic INR results (gender, age, body weight, body mass index, height, race, tobacco use, alcohol use, warfarin dose, therapeutic indication, regimen intensity, INR monitoring frequency/category, interacting medications, adverse events) were assessed with logistic regression models. Subset analysis involved 146 patients concurrently monitored with capillary whole blood INR (CoaguChek).RESULTSAs measured on venous specimens, 52% (182/350) of the patients had subtherapeutic INR results and 13% (44/350) had supratherapeutic INR results despite frequen...
Synthesis of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers by Desulfurization of Polysulfido Compounds

Abstract The paper summarizes background and recent developments in the preparation of organometallic and inorganic polymers from polysulfide precursors.
Ultrasonic molecular imaging of primordial angiogenic vessels in the papilloma virus transgenic mouse with α v β 3 -integrin targeted nanoparticles using Renyi entropy-based signal detection

Previously we reported on an entropy-based signal receiver and demonstrated that, in certain settings, it was more sensitive to subtle changes in scattering architecture than conventional energy-based signal characterization. In this paper we present results demonstrating further improvements in sensitivity using a signal receiver based on the Renyi-entropy.
Effects of preparatory set and task demands on auditory event-related potentials

Different instructional sets for moderate vs. high response speeds were given in a visual letter-matching task. On 50 percent of the trials an auditory probe requiring a simple RT response was presented in one of four temporal locations within the ongoing visual task. Probe locations were selected to maximize differences in the processing demands of the dual, auditory-visual task (see Posner and Boies, 1971). The N100 of the event-related potential associated with the auditory probe was larger under the high response speed set than under the moderate set, regardless of probe location. P300 amplitude was also greater under the high speed set relative to the moderate set but only when the task demands were high. The results were interpreted in terms of the interaction between arousal and task demands and a neural inhibition model of the P300 was discussed.
Development of an unattended estuarine nutrient monitoring program using ferries as data-collection platforms

Water quality monitoring of estuarine ecosystems relies on measurement of biogeochemically important elements, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and silicon (Si) at a time-step relevant to the environmental conditions affecting the estuary. To improve the temporal resolution of sample collection from the Neuse River estuary, North Carolina, USA, a water sampling system was installed on a state-operated motor vehicle ferry. A gravity-filtration device consisting of a plastic cylinder (15 cm long, 4 cm wide) with a 0.7 μm pore size filter at the bottom was suspended inside the mouth of the collection bottle. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), orthophosphate, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ammonium, and silica were analyzed from filtered water samples, whereas nitrate plus nitrite analysis required acidification of samples in addition to filtration. Refrigerated storage of samples for 7 days had minimal effect on nutrient concentrations. A daily sample collection scheme was employed during September and October 2005 in the Neuse River estuary. There were relatively minor changes in N, P, C, and Si nutrients during and after passage of Hurricane Ophelia in September, but high concentrations of ammonium, silica, and orthophosphate occurred at the onset of high riverine discharge during a separate storm in October. In contrast, DOC, nitrate plus nitrite, and DON reached highest values after the peak riverine discharge. This high temporal resolution sampling regimen was essential for examining estuarine response to brief meteorological and hydrologic perturbations and is applicable to many other estuaries worldwide.
Prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injury due to rapid-onset natural disasters

The prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) attributable to rapid-onset natural disasters is a major challenge confronting disaster preparedness planners and emergency medical personnel responding to those incidents. The kinetic energy released by rapid-onset natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes or typhoons, and tornadoes can cause mild, moderate or severe TBIs. As a result, neurotrauma is a major risk factor for mortality and morbidity outcomes within the spatial domain impacted by a rapid-onset natural disaster. This review article elucidates major challenges associated with immediate emergency medical response, long-term care, and prevention of post-event increases in pediatric TBIs because of child abuse when rapid-onset natural disasters occur.
Psychopharmacology in Cancer

Depression, anxiety, delirium, and other psychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent in the cancer setting, and pharmacological intervention is an important component in the overall psychosocial care of the patient. Psychopharmacology is also used as a primary or adjuvant treatment for the management of cancer-related symptoms stemming from the disease itself and/or its treatment, including sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, neuropathic pain, nausea, fatigue, and hot flashes. Psychiatrists, oncologists, and palliative care physicians working as members of a multidisciplinary team have the opportunity to target multiple symptoms that negatively affect a patient's quality of life with the strategic use of psychotropic medications when deemed appropriate. This article aims to review the indications for use of antidepressants, psychostimulants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers in oncology. An updated review of the relevant literature is discussed and referenced in each section.
The enantioselective conversion of ortho-substituted benzoic acids to chiral cyclohexane derivatives

Abstract The diastereoselectivity of reductive methylation of 1a–1c to give 2a–2c and 11 to give 12 is 260:1 and >99:1, respectively.
Velocity, Depth-of-Cut, and Physical Property Effects on Saw Chain Cutting

A better understanding of saw-chain cutting mechanics is needed for more efficient chainsaw designs. The effects of varying key parameters such as workpiece moisture content, workpiece density, cutting velocity, and depth-of-cut, while established for other types of cutting, are largely unexplored and/or unpublished for saw chains. This study contributes to filling this gap through experimentation and analysis. Experiments were conducted using a custom-built saw-chain testing apparatus to measure relevant forces over a range of workpiece moisture contents, workpiece densities, cutting velocities, and depths-of-cut. Analysis consisted of fitting linear regression models to experimental data, identifying trends, and exploring optimum cutting conditions. Results showed that over the range of values included in the study, workpiece moisture content and density had effects that depended on the depth-of-cut. Cutting velocity had a small effect, and depth-of-cut had a large effect. All trends fit well with linear models; however, depth-of-cut required one linear fit for small-to-mid values and a second fit for mid-to-large values. Maximum efficiency was found to occur at a depth-of-cut equal to the transitional value between fits. These results provide basic relationships that can lead to the more effective and efficient use and design of chainsaws.
Can late summer Landsat data be used for locating Asian migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratoria, oviposition sites in the Amudarya River delta, Uzbekistan

Existing survey methods for assessing the Asian migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratoria L. (Orthoptera: Acrididae), infestation risk in the Amudarya River delta, Uzbekistan, are largely constrained by economic resources and site accessibility. The surveys are restricted to a few easily accessible areas, which leads to a misinterpretation of the threat of locust infestation. This often results in indiscriminate blanket treatments of vast areas of wetlands with broad-spectrum insecticides, which may adversely impact non-target fauna and flora. In order to minimize the bias during surveys, one approach would be to allocate the sampling locations based on the distribution of the primary food and shelter plant of the locusts, the common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud (Poaceae). In this study, we evaluated the utility of satellite-based remotely sensed data (Landsat TM) acquired in August 2006 to characterize reed distribution in the delta and identify potential locust oviposition sites. The overall accuracy of the Landsat data to map land cover classes in the delta was 84%. The Landsat TM data identified 90% of the reeds, but it was less useful in identifying areas where other vegetations (shrubs and grasses) were mixed with reeds. During the following summer field survey in June 2007, we identified 37 sites that were infested with early-instar locusts. The low migration capacity of young nymphs in dense reed vegetation allowed us to presume that these sites were used for oviposition in the previous summer. Twenty-eight (74%) of these 37 sites had reeds in the previous year. Results from these studies demonstrate that reed distribution maps derived from satellite data could be used for targeting locust egg-pod survey locations, in order to minimize sampling bias while predicting locust infestation risks for the following season.
HYSPEC: A crystal time-of-flight hybrid spectrometer for the spallation neutron source with polarization capabilities

Abstract The hybrid spectrometer (HYSPEC) is a unique direct geometry inelastic scattering instrument under construction at the spallation neutron source (SNS). It combines the intensity enhancement features of focusing Bragg crystals with time-of-flight energy analysis. It will be located at beam-line 14B, which views a coupled liquid hydrogen moderator. A neutron beam from the moderator will travel along a curved guide, through a Fermi chopper and will then be focused onto a sample in an external building, 39 m from the source. In this configuration the intensity at the sample position is more than an order of magnitude larger than for other planned inelastic instrument. A movable detector bank 4.5 m from the sample will cover an angular range of 60° in the horizontal plane and 15° in the vertical direction. An important feature of HYSPEC is the ability to do neutron polarization analysis experiments. A Heusler crystal, which polarizes the neutron beam, can be used as the focusing crystal and a series of bender analyzers will analyze the polarization of the scattered beam.
Temporal Issues Related to Marketing at the Entrepreneurship Interface: The High Technology Case

Although unproven, many researchers have assumed that firm strategies remain constant over time, but such conclusions have resulted in conflicting generalizations. This study further extends the use of interpoint distance methodology to compare factor structures of marketing strategies of entrepreneurial technology firms at two points‐in‐time – 1989 and 1998.
Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) consist of professional services provided primarily by licensed clinicians offering problem identification and/or assessment, referral, short-term counseling, treatment coordination, and follow-up to employees affected by a variety of personal concerns. Other EAP technologies are aimed at organizational level needs, including management or supervisor training and consultation. Employee assistance program service models have largely shifted from internal or workplace-based service delivery to external EAP firms or consultants providing contractual services. Standardization of the EAP field has been achieved through the support of professional associations who created certification for EAP professionals and accreditation of established programs. A growing body of EAP outcome literature reveals evidence of positive clinical and work-related outcomes, as well as cost savings to employers. Emerging trends in the EAP field include an increasingly dual focus on employee and organizational well-being and functioning, and expansion into global markets through transnational companies. Keywords: addiction; alcoholism; drugs; employee assistance programs; employee counseling; supervisor consultation; workplace; workplace alcoholism; workplace behavioral health
Chondrocytes in aging research.

Publisher Summary Chondrocytes or cells derived from cartilaginous tissues represent a highly differentiated cell type and they synthesize and secrete a unique and specific protein, Type II collagen. Collagen synthesis is studied in a variety of systems utilizing cells derived from different tissues of a number of species. Populations of chondrocytes cease the synthesis and secretion of Type II collagen and initiate production and secretion of Type I collagen as well as other collagens as a function of time in culture. This switch in collagen synthesis may or may not be accompanied by an alteration in morphology of the chondrocytes. Hypertrophying chondrocytes at the base of the epiphyseal growth plate synthesize and secrete some Type 1 collagen as observed in the immunohistochemical studies employing specific antibodies to the various collagens. These cells represent the chronologically oldest cells of the columnar epiphyseal chondrocytes, and their hypertrophy and eventual death are recognized as normal physiological processes in the events leading to endochondral bone formation.
Technetium-99m-HMPAO SPECT in Partial Status Epilepticus

UNLABELLED In this paper we correlate the findings on 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT with the results of clinical examinations and electroencephalography to determine the utility of SPECT in the evaluation of patients with suspected status epilepticus. METHODS Thirteen patients with suspected status epilepticus underwent serial neurologic examinations, serial electroencephalograms, CT/MRI scanning and 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT. Seven patients were diagnosed with status epilepticus and six patients received other neurological diagnoses. RESULTS All patients with status epilepticus at the time of the brain SPECT scan demonstrated focal hyperperfusion on SPECT in an area concordant with that suggested by EEG. One patient with status epilepticus demonstrated a persistent area of hyperperfusion on SPECT 24 hr after the cessation of status with no evidence of breakdown in the blood-brain barrier demonstrated by 99mTc-DTPA SPECT. No patient in this study without a diagnosis of status epilepticus had focal areas of hyperperfusion on SPECT. CONCLUSION We suggest that a 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT scan demonstrating focal hyperperfusion in a patient being evaluated for partial status epilepticus is nonspecific. Even in the absence of a structural lesion causing local breakdown in the blood-brain barrier, it may indicate either ongoing status epilepticus or recently terminated status. However, a SPECT scan demonstrating no area of focal hyperperfusion argues against the diagnosis of partial status.
Same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary intervention: are we ready?

With advances in technology and accumulating expertise over the past several decades, many invasive procedures traditionally performed in an inpatient setting are now being performed in the ambulatory arena. This transition has been catalyzed by improvements in procedural safety, pressures to reduce