cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A report on the consequences of the first implanted device for long-term analgesia in refractory cancer pain

Abstract Background During the early 1970s, satisfactory long-term treatment of the severe pain associated with metastatic cancer was not available. Spinal cord stimulation introduced a few years earlier in 1967 had not proven to be effective in treating nociceptive pain. We describe our pioneering experience using an implanted device to infuse local anesthetics into the epidural space and provide pain relief to the patient. Methods Increasing doses of systemic opioids were unsuccessful in treating the intractable pain of spinal metastases in our patient. We devised an analgesic delivery system by modifying equipment usually used for ventriculoperitoneal shunts. A lumbar epidural catheter was inserted in the patient's spine, then tunneled subcutaneously across the flank to the anterior abdominal wall, and subsequently connected to a modified Ommaya reservoir with ventriculoperitoneal shunt tubing. This was filled with local anesthetic and injected into the patient's epidural space by manual compression. Results The system was used for several months with intermittent addition of local anesthetic to the reservoir with satisfactory control of the patient's pain. Conclusions We describe the first use of an implanted epidural catheter system for long-term relief of pain due to terminal cancer that occurred at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. We contend that this event played an important role in the cascade of devices that followed and connect it to the changes in the attitude of health care providers toward treatment of cancer pain.
Afferent Input Is Necessary for Seasonal Growth and Maintenance of Adult Avian Song Control Circuits

The neural circuits that regulate song behavior in adult songbirds undergo pronounced seasonal changes in morphology, primarily in response to changes in plasma testosterone (T). Most song nuclei have T receptors. We asked whether seasonal growth and maintenance of nuclei within these circuits are direct responses to the effects of T or its metabolites or are mediated indirectly via the effects of T on afferent nuclei. Photosensitive white-crowned sparrows were exposed to one of three treatments. (1) The neostriatal nucleus HVc (also known as the “high vocal center”) was lesioned unilaterally, and the birds were exposed to long-day (LD) photoperiods and breeding levels of T for 30 d. (2) Birds were exposed to LD plus T (LD+T) for 30 d; then HVc was lesioned, and the birds were killed after an additional 30 d exposure to LD+T. (3) HVc was lesioned, and the sparrows were housed on short-day (SD) photoperiods in the absence of T treatment for 30 d. In both LD+T groups, the direct efferent targets of HVc, the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA) and area X, were smaller ipsilateral to the lesion. The lesion did not prevent growth of the hypoglossal motor nucleus, which does not receive direct afferent input from HVc. RA and area X were also smaller ipsilateral to the lesion in the SD birds. These results indicate that afferent input is required both for the growth of adult song circuits in response to typical breeding photoperiod and hormone conditions and for the maintenance of efferent nuclei in either their regressed or enlarged states.
Calibration and Shading Correction for Fluorescence Microscopes

Standardization in image cytometry involves intensity calibration and shading correction. This unit presents a method using concentrated solutions of fluorophores. A drop of highly concentrated fluorescein or rhodamine placed between a slide and a coverslip produces a spatially uniform fluorescent sample with reproducible quantum yield and resistance to photobleaching. The technique has a number of practical features making it inexpensive, reproducible, and straightforward.
Energy Needs Are Poorly Predicted in Critically Ill Elderly

Changes in energy expenditure with age have been described, but this physiology is not routinely considered when managing critically ill elderly patients. To allow us to avoid the potential problems associated with underfeeding or overfeeding the critically ill elderly population, with approval of the human studies committee and appropriate consent from legal guardians, 25 critically ill patients over 65 years of age requiring mechanical ventilation underwent expired gas indirect calorimetry. If they had a pulmonary artery catheter in place for clinical reasons, reverse-Fick indirect calorimetry was also performed. Data obtained by indirect calorimetry was compared with commonly applied equations for predicting energy expenditure by statistical methods of correlation and limits of agreement. These 25 patients had an average age of 74 ± 1.23 (standard error of the mean) and an average APACHE II score of 15. Predictive equations correlated poorly with measured resting energy expenditure, and although they showed reasonable bias, they were imprecise in their estimation of resting energy expenditure. These data suggest that energy expenditure in critically ill, mechanically ventilated elderly patients is highly variable. Although generally overestimating energy needs, currently available equations for predicting energy expenditure in this population are associated with significant bias and imprecision, which may lead to both overfeeding and underfeeding. Although these equations may be suitable as a basis of initiating nutritional support, energy provisions should ideally be guided by indirect calorimetry.
Insect mechanoreception: what a long, strange TRP it's been.

Abstract Insect bristles are model mechanosensory organs. An ion channel of the TRP superfamily has recently been identified which is required for production of mechano-receptor currents by insect bristles, and seems likely to represent a new kind of mechanically gated channel.
Work in progress — transforming Senior Design

In 2004 the Electrical Engineering BS program at the University of Kentucky went through its latest ABET Accreditation Process. As a result, we began to change the Senior Design course. In the past, individual students or teams of students would find an advisor and a project and would work without interaction between any of the teams to design their prototypes. Today students are required to register for one common class. All students hand in the same number of reports and prepare presentations. The students are required to form a team of three or four. Projects might be proposed by a faculty member, local industry or might be an original student idea. The teams prepare a proposal and present the basic approach for their project design within the first three weeks of the semester. Randomly chosen industrial advisors review the proposals and comments are provided to the students. At midterm, they prepare and present a status report, which is also reviewed by the advisory board. During ECE Senior Design Day, a full day event, the teams present posters and demonstrate prototypes to faculty, students, and outside visitors. This paper describes changes implemented in senior design to incorporate ABET criteria.
Monitoring genetically engineered microorganisms in freshwater microcosms

The effectiveness of gene probe methods for tracking genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) in the environment was tested by inoculating nutrient-supplemented freshwater microcosms withAlcaligenes A5 (a naturally occurring 4-chlorobiphenyl degrader) orPseudomonas cepacia AC1100 (a genetically engineered 2, 4, 5 T-degrader) and following the fates of the introduced bacterial populations. Colony hybridization of the viable heterotrophic bacterial populations and dot blot hybridization of DNA recovered from the total microcosm microbial communities showed persistence of bothAlcaligenes A5 andP. cepacia AC1100 in the microcosms in the presence and absence of the xenobiotic substrates that these organisms biodegrade. Although there was a gradual decline in the added populations, both of the bacterial populatins were still detected in the microcosms two months after their introduction into the microcosms. Addition of 2, 4, 5-T enhanced the survival ofP. cepacia AC1100 — and 4-chlorobiphenyl addition resulted in increased levels ofAlcaligenes A5. The results indicate that both organisms may persist for very long periods in freshwater habitats.
Driving-while-intoxicated history as a risk marker for general aviation pilots

The Federal Aviation Administration conducts background checking for driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) convictions on all pilots. This study examined the association between DWI history and crash risk in a cohort of 335,672 general aviation pilots. These pilots were followed up from 1994 to 2000 through the aviation crash surveillance system of the National Transportation Safety Board. At baseline, 3.4% of the pilots had a DWI history. DWI history was associated with a 43% increased risk of crash involvement (adjusted relative risk: 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.77). The population-attributable risk fraction for DWI history was estimated as 1.4%. In addition to DWI history, male gender, older age, and inexperience were associated with significantly increased risk of crash involvement. The results of this study support DWI history as a valid risk marker for general aviation pilots. The safety benefit of background checking for DWI history needs to be further evaluated.
Applied study of affinities for personal attributes using an epidemiological model

Relationship choices are critical to one’s psychological and physical well-being. Yet prior investigations of factors that influence these choices have been determinedly nonutilitarian. Many researchers have assessed the attractiveness of specific personal attributes, the benefits of having attractive or unattractive characteristics, and the influence of evolutionary pressures on the attractiveness of certain qualities. However, attributes have not been investigated for their effect on those who have an affinity for them in today’s society. We believe that research should be directed toward identifying affinities that are normative but maladaptive because they decrease the likelihood of forming good relationships. This research would parallel epidemiological studies of risk factors for health problems and would yield information that could be used to improve relationship choices.
How to Analyze a Correspondence: The Example of Byron and Murray

The psycholinguistic study of conversation and perspective‐taking offers a critical vantage‐point on traditional analysis of personal letters. The correspondence of John Murray and Lord Byron provides a case study in “good enough communication” that allows business transactions to continue despite significant gaps in common ground and core values. I pay particular attention to strategies of co‐reference and to routinized non‐response, the tendency of Byron and Murray not to acknowledge significant parts of each other's letters. “Good enough communication” is an alternative to the transparency and clarity traditionally privileged in studies of the history of business communication.
Effects of catalyst addition to coal on CO2 adsorption kinetics of coal and char

Abstract The surface area of Illinois No. 6 coal impregnated with a series of carbon gasification catalysts was measured by carbon dioxide adsorption before and after pyrolysis. Chars were prepared by pyrolysing the coal in flowing nitrogen at a low controlled rate. The adsorbate uptake was described by a logarithmic time dependence. The amounts of CO 2 adsorbed at a fixed pressure within 1 minute and at maximum coverage were used to describe the surface area associated with micropores larger than 0.5 nm in diameter and with the total surface area, respectively. Catalyst addition decreased the surface area of coal accessible to CO 2 in all cases. After pyrolysis, some of the chars showed a considerable increase, others a massive decrease, in their adsorption capacity.
Analysis and feedback control of planar SOFC systems for fast load following in APU applications

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) based Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) systems have many practical advantages given their high efficiency, low emissions and flexible fueling strategies. This paper focuses on model-based analysis and feedback control design for planar SOFC systems to achieve fast load following capability. A dynamic model is first developed for the integrated co-flow planar SOFC and CPOX (Catalytic Partial Oxidation) system aiming at APU applications. Simulation results illustrate that an open-loop system with optimal steady-state operating setpoints exhibits a slow transient power response when load increases. Feedback control is then explored to speed up the system response by controlling the flow rates of fuel and air supplies to the system. Model linearization, balanced truncation and Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) approaches are used to derive the low-order observer-based controller. With the feedback controller developed, we show, through simulations, that the closed-loop system can have faster load following capability. Different feedback strategies are also considered and their impacts on closed-loop system performance are analyzed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Extending Customer Relationship Management to Value Chain Partners for Competitive Advantage

Globalization coupled with uncertain economic times has made managing customer relationships critical for the success of firms. The objective of this theoretical article is to show why the process of customer relationship management (CRM) needs to be extended to value chain partners and how this can be done. I utilize the tenets of the resource-based view to argue that inter-firm CRM processes can lead to competitive advantage through the generation and strengthening of inter-organizational learning and inter-firm relationships. Inter-firm CRM processes are conceptualized and described, and a framework of inter-firm CRM process is developed. Managerial implications are also discussed.
Calcium Requirements of Higher Plants

THE Hoagland nutrient solution for growing plants calls for the use of 0.004 or 0.005 M calcium and 0.002 M magnesium1. Plants grown in such solutions contain about the same amount of calcium as plants grown in soil. In the present investigation corn and tobacco plants have been grown with calcium levels 1/50 or less than that of Hoagland solutions. To accomplish this it was necessary to ensure that the copper level of the solutions was 200 p.p.b. or less, that unchelated iron was less than 0.5 p.p.m., that manganese was 0.5 p.p.m. or less, that zinc was 0.1 p.p.m. or less, and that magnesium was 5 × 10−4 M or less. There were some variations due to plant species.
Gamma-ray spectroscopy with a low-energy 6He radioactive ion beam

Abstract A gamma-ray spectroscopy program has been established at the University of Notre Dame using a low-energy radioactive beam of 6 He for fusion–evaporation reactions. There are many experimental difficulties to overcome in the design of any such facility, most notably the large neutron flux associated with producing the secondary beam. Solutions to the problems are discussed and illustrated with the reaction 6 He + 63 Cu .
Lunar capture orbits, a method of constructing earth moon trajectories and the lunar GAS mission

A method is described to construct trajectories from the earth to the moon which utilizes the existence of lunar capture orbits and the concept of 'stability boundary'. These orbits are ballistic and represent a new family of trajectories. They go into orbit about the moon from a suitable position about the earth with no required thrusting. This method is applied to a mission being studied at JPL called Lunar GAS (Get Away Special). Other applications are discussed.
Building Systems Innovations in Urban Housing Production: a Planning Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process

The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed and illustrated for the planning of Systems Buildings and evaluation of alternative building systems components in the production of urban housing. A comparative analysis and evaluation of “industrial” (Systems Building) and conventional building technology is made via AHP in planning for an appropriate typology of housing production for the hypothetical conditions of a developing country. AHP renders a holistic methodological framework for the characteristically multidimensional design and planning problems involving multiple criteria, and measurement of trade-offs, in the process of optimizing or choosing among alternative technological innovations.
Development of ultra dense edge interconnects for die to die connections based on immersion solder bridging

A high density 2-D integration process that involves linking multiple die along their edges using a linear array of solder bridges was explored. Solder bridging is a versatile approach that is compatible with a range of interconnect geometries and metallizations. We have demonstrated this approach using copper plated nodules that were fabricated on the surface of the die and extend beyond the edge of the die. These nodules were 25 microns (μm) thick with 10, 20, and 50 μm widths. The formation of solder bridges was accomplished using immersion soldering, where the entire part was dipped into a molten solder bath. Due to surface energy effects, the solder selectively wets and flows along all wettable metal surfaces to form a strong solder bond. The solder can even flow across gaps (15 microns).
Finite element dynamic analysis on CDC STAR-100 computer

Computational algorithms are presented for the finite element dynamic analysis of structures on the CDC STAR-100 computer. The spatial behavior is described using higher-order finite elements. The temporal behavior is approximated by using either the central difference explicit scheme or Newmark's implicit scheme. In each case the analysis is broken up into a number of basic macro-operations. Discussion is focused on the organization of the computation and the mode of storage of different arrays to take advantage of the STAR pipeline capability. The potential of the proposed algorithms is discussed and CPU times are given for performing the different macro-operations for a shell modeled by higher order composite shallow shell elements having 80 degrees of freedom.
Mixed hyperbolic-elliptic systems in self-similar flows

From the observation that self-similar solutions of conservation laws in two space dimensions change type, it follows that for systems of more than two equations, such as the equations of gas dynamics, the reduced systems will be of mixed hyperbolic-elliptic type, in some regions of space. In this paper, we derive mixed systems for the isentropic and adiabatic equations of compressible gas dynamics. We show that the mixed systems which arise exhibit complicated nonlinear dependence. In a prototype system, the nonlinear wave system, this behavior is much simplified, and we outline the solution to some typical Riemann problems.
Lipid Composition Related to Size and Maturity of the Amphipod Pontoporeia Hoyi

Micro-gravimetric determination of the lipid content of amphipods (Pontoporeia hoyi) obtained from a 45-m-deep Lake Michigan sampling site indicated that the mean lipid content of adult females was 30% on a non-lipid dry weight (NLDW) basis, and that juveniles and adult males contained 21 and 10% lipid (NLDW basis), respectively. Thin layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) analyses revealed that lipids of females were composed primarily of triacylglycerols (81%), the principal energy storage lipid of amphipods. Lipids of juveniles were composed largely of triacylglycerols (41%) and phospholipids (44%). Adult male P. hoyi lipids consisted mostly of phospholipids (64%) and, secondarily, of triacylglycerols (12%). The relatively low triacylglycerol concentrations in males may be associated with the minimal requirements for energy stores to support metabolic needs during the male's brief (10 day) life span. By contrast, the high lipid content and marked abundance of triacylglycerols in adult females represents an important energy store supporting subsequent egg development, particularly since females appear to halt all feeding upon maturation. In juvenile P. hoyi, increased individual size (NLDW) was accompanied by increased lipid dry weight, implying that juveniles accumulate lipids during growth. Overall, the results demonstrated the importance of considering P. hoyi size, life stage, and sex when describing a population's lipid content or composition. This consideration is particularly critical when evaluating the role of P. hoyi in the transfer of energy and/or organic contaminants within the Great Lakes food web.
Gene-wide histone acetylation at the yeast INO1 requires the transcriptional activator Ino2p

The relationship between histone acetylation and transcriptional activation at the yeast INO1 gene was addressed. INO1 encodes a key enzyme required for the de novo synthesis of phosphatidylinositol. Induction of INO1 resulted in acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 at the INO1 promoter and sequences farther downstream in the coding region, suggesting a gene-wide acetylation in response to transcriptional activation. Such chromatin remodeling activity requires the presence of transcriptional activator Ino2p. This indicates that histone acetylation is an activator-dependent event. Furthermore, the increase of histone acetylation is due to the increase of acetylation levels per nucleosome rather than the increase of nucleosome density. Therefore, these observations constitute evidence for the molecular mechanism of the correlation between histone acetylation and INO1 activity.
Looking down, around, and up: Mechanistic explanation in psychology

Accounts of mechanistic explanation have emphasized the importance of looking down—decomposing a mechanism into its parts and operations. Using research on visual processing as an exemplar, I illus...
Synthesis and mass spectrometry of crufomate metabolites and related compounds.

Phosphates and phosphoramidates related to 2-chloro-4-t-butylphenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate (crufomate) were synthesized to aid in the identification of crufomate metabolites. Deuterium labeling, metastable determinations and precise mass measurements were used to establish fragmentation pathways. Evidence was obtained for the rearrangement of an N-formyl phosphoramidate (the expected result of oxidative metabolism of N-methyl phosphoramidates) to an iminomethyl phosphate.
Sputtering of silicon by a beamlet of electrosprayed nanodroplets

Abstract Advanced fabrication techniques use ion beams to sputter hard materials. Neutral molecules with sufficient energy are better projectiles because, in the absence of space charge, the beam's molecular flux and the sputtering rate can be orders of magnitude higher. This article describes the use of electrosprayed nanodroplets as projectiles for sputtering. Compared to ions, nanodroplets are massive groups of neutral molecules with several elementary charges. Acceleration voltages below 20 kV generate kinetic energies of tens of eV per molecule. When these energetic nanodroplets bombard a [1 0 0] Si wafer, atoms are ejected from the target surface. Depending on the energy of the projectiles, the impacts produce either a multitude of craters much larger than the nanodroplets, or a smooth surface. The two surface morphologies are carved at very high and different rates, suggesting the existence of two distinct sputtering mechanisms.
Evidence-based therapies for myocardial infarction: secular trends and determinants of practice in the community.

OBJECTIVES To examine secular trends in the use of evidence-based therapies in a geographically defined cohort of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and to test the hypotheses that baseline use is increasing and that disparities in use are diminishing. PATIENTS AND METHODS All consecutively hospitalized patients who were dismissed from Olmsted County, Minnesota, hospitals between 1979 and 1998 with a diagnosis of MI were identified using standardized criteria (biomarkers, cardiac pain, and electrocardiography). The entire community medical record, available via the Rochester Epidemiology Project, was reviewed to ascertain baseline characteristics including comorbidity, presence of ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography, and treatment. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of treatment with age and sex, independent of other baseline characteristics. RESULTS Between 1979 and 1998, 2317 incident MIs (patient mean ± SD age, 67±14 years; 43% women; 57% aged ≥65 years) occurred in Olmsted County. The use of all evidence-based therapies increased over time, primarily reflecting the introduction of these medications at the time of index MI. Between 1989 and 1998, age was not independently associated with use of aspirin or ACE inhibitors. Disparities in use persisted for reperfusion therapy and ¥-blockers. Reperfusion therapy or revascularization was used less frequently in older persons, particularly in elderly women ( P CONCLUSIONS The use of all evidence-based therapies for MI increased markedly over time; however, residual gaps in use were noted. Reperfusion therapy or revascularization is used less frequently in women and elderly persons, and ¥-blockers are used less frequently in elderly persons. These differences are not explained by measurable differences in baseline characteristics. Women and elderly persons represent an increasing proportion of patients with MIs in the community; therefore, these findings define therapeutic opportunities.
Pressure Broadening of the D1 and D2 lines in Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers

The absolute absorption and stimulated emission cross-sections, including the effects of hyperfine splitting and pressure broadening at low to moderate pressures are computed and compared with experimental results. The comparison is excellent and requires no fit parameters. An analysis of the degree to which the lineshape can be approximated by a single Lorentzian profile is provided as a function of background pressure.
A Return Journey: Richardson, “Frontiers” and Wars in The 1946–1965 Era

In the Statistics of Deadly Quarrels Lewis Richardson presents findings linking frontiers to war. His results constitute the basis for a number of discussions concerning continuity and war, diffusion and war, and geopolitical approaches to war. Given the importance of Richardson's work, this paper investigates the generality of the frontier/ war relationship, by focusing on the post-World War II period using two different war data sets and multiple operationalizations of “borders.” The paper first develops a set of theoretical arguments linking borders and war in various ways. Next it reports an approximate replication of Richardson's analysis. The initial findings generally support Richardson's results (looking at the 1946–1965 period and with a full international system membership), but some qualifications are noted. Two further analytical approaches are then employed. The first of these is a set of cross-national approaches which are similar to Richardson's procedures. This approach provides an importa...
The relationship between source of sexual information and sexual behavior among female adolescents.

Abstract Introduction The relationship between the source of sexual information and adolescent sexual behavior is not well understood. Materials and Methods As part of a larger study, 892 sexually active female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age completed a paper-and-pencil survey which assessed discussions about sexual intercourse, contraceptive use and condom use among friends and family members and their own sexual behavior. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations while controlling for key demographics. Results Adolescents who had never used condoms were less likely to report having had discussions about sexual intercourse with their friends [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.2]. Discussions about condom use among friends and family members were associated with condom use in the past 3 months, with adolescents who used condoms at least half of the time being more likely to report hearing discussions relative to adolescents who never used condoms (AORs 2.0–3.8). Furthermore, the number of sexual partners was related to whether the adolescent had heard discussions among her family about condom use; the higher the number of sexual partners, the more likely the adolescent was to have heard discussions. For adolescents reporting 2–3, 4–5 and 6 or more partners (relative to one partner), the AORs were 1.7, 2.3 and 2.7, respectively. Discussion Adolescents exposed to information about condom use among the primary individuals in their lives are more likely to be engaging in this behavior themselves.
The fatality effects of highway speed limits by gender and age

This study presents panel-based evidence on the overall fatality consequences of recent speed-limit increases in the United States. The results suggest that higher speed limits had highly heterogeneous effects, generally increasing fatalities among women and the elderly but reducing them among males.
Personality characteristics in obesity and relationship with successful weight loss.

Personality influences lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, certain personality traits could contribute to obesity and the response to behaviorally based weight loss therapy. The aims of this study were to test the hypothesis that personality characteristics differ between lean and obese persons in the community, obese persons in the community and obese persons seeking weight loss therapy by enrolling in a comprehensive weight loss program, and in obese persons who were successful and unsuccessful in achieving behavioral therapy-induced weight loss. The Temperament and Character Inventory was administered to 264 lean (body mass index (BMI) 10% weight loss) after 22 weeks of behavioral therapy scored lower in novelty seeking than those who were unsuccessful in losing weight (<5% weight loss) (17.6±5.9 vs 20.2±5.9, P<0.05). These results suggest that personality traits differ between lean and obese persons, and between obese persons who enroll and who do not enroll in a comprehensive weight management program. Moreover, high scores in novelty seeking are associated with decreased success in achieving behavioral therapy-induced weight loss.
Surgical techniques in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 19, No 4 (April), 2003: pp 446–450
Encoding processes and the spacing effect.

The differential encoding theory of the spacing effect was tested utilizing Martin’s (1968) encoding variability notion, in which it is hypothesized that low-meaningfulness items are more variable in their encodings than are high-meaningfulness items. In a series of three experiments using a continuous paired associate learning task, it was predicted that the spacing vs. performance curves for CCC items would show a faster improvement in performance than would the curves for high-meaningfulness CVC items. None of the experiments supported this prediction. In addition, it was found that items recognized on their second presentation were more likely to be recalled than were those items not recognized. It was concluded that an item’s repetitions are more effective if one code is formed and elaborated with each repetition rather than if more than one code is formed.
Histone H1 variants differentially inhibit DNA replication through an affinity for chromatin mediated by their carboxyl-terminal domains.

Abstract Multiple forms of histone H1 are found in most mammalian tissues, and diversity in their temporal and spatial expression likely corresponds to diversity in function. Here, using Xenopus egg extracts, we show that while the somatic H1s significantly inhibit DNA replication in Xenopus sperm nuclei, little or no inhibition is seen in the case of the testes-specific variant, H1t. We suggest that differences in H1-chromatin interactions might explain some of the diversity in H1 function. To demonstrate this, we show that the somatic H1 variants preferentially assemble into chromatin relative to H1t. Differences in chromatin structure are seen depending on whether chromatin assembly occurs in the presence of somatic H1s or H1t. These data suggest that the mechanistic basis for some of the functional differences of H1 variants lies in their relative affinity for chromatin. Using a series of domain-switch mutants of H10 and H1t we identify the H1 carboxyl-terminal domains as the domains responsible for the differential affinity for chromatin and, concurrently, for the differential effects of H1 variants upon DNA replication.
Optical bistability in axially modulated OmniGuide fibers

We demonstrate the feasibility of optical bistability in an axially modulated nonlinear OmniGuide fiber through analytical theory and detailed numerical experiments. At 1.55-microm carrier wavelength, the in-fiber devices that we propose can operate with only a few tens of milliwatts of power, can have a nearly instantaneous response and recovery time, and can be shorter than 100 microm.
Detection of fetal exposure to pesticides & heavy metals by meconium analysis and its fetal effects

Detection of fetal exposure to pesticides & heavy metals by meconium analysis and its fetal effects
Reverse micelle encapsulation as a model for intracellular crowding.

Reverse micelles are discrete nanoscale particles composed of a water core surrounded by surfactant. The amount of water within the core of reverse micelles can be easily manipulated to directly affect the size of the reverse micelle particle. The water loading capacity of reverse micelles varies with temperature, and water can be shed if reverse micelles are exposed to low temperatures. The use of water shedding from the reverse micelle provides precise and comprehensive control over the amount of water available to solvate host molecules. Proteins encapsulated within reverse micelles can be studied to determine the effects of confinement and excluded volume. The data presented here provide an important bridge between commonly employed dilute in vitro studies and studies of the effects of a crowded environment, as found in vivo. Ubiquitin was encapsulated within bis(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate AOT reverse micelles under various degrees of confinement and was compared with an analogously reconstit...
Rescue of mutant fitness defects using in vitro reconstituted designer transposons in Mycoplasma mycoides

With only hundreds of genes contained within their genomes, mycoplasmas have become model organisms for precise understanding of cellular processes, as well as platform organisms for predictable engineering of microbial functions for mission-critical applications. Despite the availability of “whole genome writing” in Mycoplasma mycoides, some traditional methods for genetic engineering are underdeveloped in mycoplasmas. Here we demonstrate two facile transposon-mediated approaches for introducing genes into the synthetic cell based on M. mycoides. The marker-less approach involves preparing a fragment containing only a small genomic region of interest with flanking transposase-binding sites, followed by in vitro transposase loading and introduction into the cells. The marker-driven approach involves cloning an open reading frame (ORF) of interest into a vector containing a marker for mycoplasma transformation, as well as sites for transposase loading and random genomic integration. An innovative feature of this construct is to use a single promoter to express the transformation marker and the introduced ORF. The marker-driven approach can be conveniently applied to any exogenous or synthetic gene without any information on the effect of the gene on the strain, whereas the marker-less approach requires that the fragment has a recognizable effect. Using the marker-less method, we found that a region containing the nusG gene rescues a slow growth phenotype of a strain containing a larger deletion encompassing this gene. Using the marker-driven approach, we better defined this finding, thereby establishing that nusG is required for a normal growth rate in synthetic M. mycoides. These methods are suitable for complementation tests to identify genes responsible for assorted functions lacking in deletion mutants. These approaches are also expected to facilitate rapid testing of various natural and engineered genes or gene clusters from numerous sources in M. mycoides.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition attenuates myonuclear addition in overloaded slow-twitch skeletal muscle.

Because optimal overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy requires ANG II, we aimed to determine the effects of blocking ANG II production [via angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition] on...
Diffusion of Adsorbed Molecules

IN a recent monograph1, Carman dismisses the suggestion that the spreading pressure ϕ is the operative force in the diffusion of adsorbed molecules with the statement that the coefficient of resistance of such an equation varies more rapidly with concentration than does the diffusion coefficient of Fick's equation. In presenting his arguments for this view, Carman gives for diffusion under a spreading pressure the equation: where W s /At is the number of moles diffusing across unit area of adsorbent in time t under the influence of a gradient ∂ϕ/∂x of the spreading pressure. 1/B ϕ is a two-dimensional resistance constant.
Direct Observation of a Widely Spaced Periodic Row Structure at the Pentacene/Au(111) Interface Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The transition from surface to bulk pentacene at the Au(111) interface will have important implications for the mechanism of carrier transport across the interface. STM observations of pentacene molecules on the Au(111) surface, at more than a monolayer coverage, revealed periodic rows of molecules spaced 61 ± 5 A apart. These widely spaced periodic rows consist of flat and edge-on molecules aligned with the initial layer of pentacene. Commensuration with the surface and characteristic bulk pentacene−pentacene interactions drive the formation of this unique structure.
How Should Instructional Designers Be Educated

Simon suggested that design, defined broadly, is concerned with any kind of deliberate problem solving, whether it be in fields traditionally associated with design, like architecture and engineering, or fields involving the design of instruction. Since instructional design is a kind ol'skillcd professional behavior, the education of other skilled professionals is examined and suggestions are made for analogous instructional techniques in any field. The question of how instructional designers should be educated is related to the larger question of how to teach people to design in general.
Molecular approach to evaluate biostimulation of 1,2-dibromoethane in contaminated groundwater.

Abstract This study investigated the effect of co-substrate amendments on EDB biodegradation under aerobic conditions. Microcosms were established using contaminated soil and groundwater samples and maintained under in situ conditions to determine EDB degradation rates, and the diversity and abundance of EDB degrading indigenous bacteria. After 100 days of incubation, between 25% and 56% of the initial EDB was degraded in the microcosms, with added jet fuel providing highest degradation rates (2.97 ± 0.49 yr −1 ). In all microcosms, the quantity of dehalogenase genes did not change significantly, while the number of BTEX monooxygenase and phenol hydroxylase genes increased with jet fuel amendments. These results indicate that EDB was not degraded by prior dehalogenation, but rather by cometabolism with adapted indigenous microorganisms. This is also reflected in the history of the plume, which originated from an aviation gasoline pipeline leak. This study suggests that biostimulation of EDB is possible at aerobic groundwater sites.
Optimizing aptamer activity for gene therapy applications using expression cassette SELEX.

RNA aptamers against a variety of clinically relevant target proteins have been generated. For example, we previously isolated an RNA aptamer that inhibits the function of the E2F family of transcription factors that play a critical role in the control of cell proliferation. However, the development of this and other aptamers for gene therapy applications has been complicated by the fact that expression of RNA aptamers in the context of flanking sequences can inhibit the ability of an aptamer to fold into its functional conformation. Insertion of the E2F aptamer into a tRNA expression cassette resulted in the production of high levels of chimeric tRNA that contains a misfolded and inactive aptamer in transfected mammalian cells. To overcome this problem, we randomized the sequence flanking the aptamer and selected for chimeric tRNAs that retained high affinity binding to E2F1. This expression cassette SELEX strategy yielded RNAs that bind E2F with high affinity (IC50 of 15nM) and which can be expressed at high levels in mammalian cells. Moreover, these chimeric tRNA-E2F aptamers are functional and can inhibit E2F-mediated transactivation by up to 80% in human 293 cells. Expression cassette SELEX should greatly facilitate the use of aptamers for a variety of gene therapy applications.
Trends in analytical instrumentation

Methods for deriving chemical information from a variety of systems and environments have changed dramatically in the last decade. Unique principles from physics, chemistry, and biology are the basis for sophisticated instruments that incorporate computers for data acquisition, reduction, and interpretation. Such analytical systems have shown orders-of-magnitude improvements in sensitivity, specificity, and speed, yet with greater simplicity and lower price. The increasing importance of analytical instrumentation requires reexamination of its coverage in educational curricula and of the role of the analytical chemist in its further development and application.
The synthetic chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucylphenylalanine causes an increase in actin associated with the cytoskeleton in rabbit neutrophils

Abstract Stimulation of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils by f-Met-Leu-Phe causes rapid and transient increase in the amount of cytoskeletal actin protein insoluble in 1% Triton X100. The amount of actin associated with the cytoskeleton exhibits a biphasic dose response curve reaching maximum association at 10 −9 M of f-Met-Leu-Phe. The stimulus-dependent increase in actin association with the cytoskeleton increases with time to reach a maximum value between 10 and 15 sec. after stimulation, followed by a reduction to control levels by 30 sec.
Limiting the land-application of mixed paper based on metal content☆

Abstract The metal content of mixed paper was analyzed to evaluate the suitability of this type of paper for land application. It was determined that up to 550 dry tonnes of this paper could be applied to Minnesota soils having a soil cation exchange capacity of less than 5 milliequivalents per 100g and still meet the lifetime limits for Minnesota regulations. The limiting metal in mixed paper was zinc.
Is a direct numerical simulation of chaos possible? A study of a model nonlinearity

Abstract There are many subtle issues associated with solving the Navier–Stokes equations. In this paper, several of these issues, which have been observed previously in research involving the Navier–Stokes equations, are studied within the framework of the one-dimensional Kuramoto–Sivashinsky (KS) equation, a model nonlinear partial–differential equation. This alternative approach is expected to more easily expose major points and hopefully identify open questions that are related to the Navier–Stokes equations. In particular, four interesting issues are discussed. The first is related to the difficulty in defining regions of linear stability and instability for a time-dependent governing parameter; this is equivalent to a time-dependent base flow for the Navier–Stokes equations. The next two issues are consequences of nonlinear interactions. These include the evolution of the solution by exciting its harmonics or sub-harmonics (Fourier components) simultaneously in the presence of a constant or a time-dependent governing parameter; and the sensitivity of the long-time solution to initial conditions. The final issue is concerned with the lack of convergent numerical chaotic solutions, an issue that has not been previously studied for the Navier–Stokes equations. The last two issues, consequences of nonlinear interactions, are not commonly known. Conclusions and questions uncovered by the numerical results are discussed. The reasons behind each issue are provided with the expectation that they will stimulate interest in further study.
Changing trends in the long-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction: a population-based perspective.

Background Little contemporary data exist describing changes over time in the postdischarge prognosis of hospital survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The purpose of our study was to examine recent and multidecade-long (1975-2001) trends in the long-term prognosis of greater Worcester (MA) residents discharged from all metropolitan Worcester hospitals after confirmed AMI. Methods A total of 9827 greater Worcester residents with independently validated AMI discharged from all metropolitan Worcester hospitals during 13 annual periods between 1975 and 2001 comprised the study population. A variety of follow-up approaches were used to ascertain the survival status of discharged patients through the end of 2003. Results Crude unadjusted 1-year postdischarge survival rates declined over time. Suggestions of modest improvements in the multivariable adjusted 1-year postdischarge survival rates were noted, however, in patients discharged from greater Worcester hospitals in the more recent (2001) (adjusted odds of surviving 1.23, 95% CI 0.97-1.55) as compared with earliest study periods (1975/1978). Advancing age, female sex, presence of prior diabetes, stroke, heart failure, or myocardial infarction and occurrence of several clinical complications during hospitalization were significantly related to an adverse postdischarge prognosis. Conclusions The results of this investigation provide contemporary insights into the long-term survival of patients with AMI from a more generalizable population-based perspective. Multivariable adjusted analyses revealed slight improvements in postdischarge survival over time. Our data identify several high-risk groups that should be targeted for more aggressive surveillance and increased use of effective cardiac therapies and interventions.