cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of genetic differences in drug metabolism: prediction of individual risk of toxicity or cancer.

These two reports describe recombinant DNA tests that can identify individuals having a defect in the cytochrome P450IID6 (CYP2D6)-mediated oxidative metabolism of debrisoquine and more than two dozen other drugs that are commonly prescribed. The poor metabolizer (PM), representing 5% to 10% of the northern European white population is homozygous for an autosomal recessive trait. Compared with the extensive metabolizer (EM) phenotype, the PM individual is more prone to toxicity caused by some of these drugs. Curiously, the PM phenotype appears to be associated with a lower risk of lung and bladder cancer. Gough and coworkers propose that the primary gene defect associated with the CYP2D6 polymorphism appears to be a G to A transition mutation affecting the splice junction of intron 3/exon 4 of the CYP2D6 gene. They offer a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification method for diagnosing three variant alleles and claim to have predicted the phenotype of all normal and 34 of 42 (81%) PM individuals. Based on the known frequencies of those variant alleles detectable by this method, however, the assay would be expected to predict less than 60% of PM patients. Heim and Meyer, on the other hand, have combined allelespecific PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns to identify more than 95% of all mutant alleles, suggesting that their assay would accurately predict more than 90% of all PM individuals. Using this latter assay or a similar test with further improvements, especially in combination with family studies, it should soon be possible for the physician to determine the CYP2D6 phenotype of the patient, thereby avoiding toxic drug overdoses.
COMPARTMENTALIZED CANCER DRUG DISCOVERY TARGETING MITOCHONDRIAL Hsp90 CHAPERONES

There is a plethora of attractive drug targets in cancer, but their therapeutic exploitation proved more difficult than expected, and only rarely truly successful. One possibility not often considered in drug discovery is that cancer signaling pathways are not randomly arranged in cells, but orchestrated in specialized subcellular compartments. The identification of heat shock protein-90 (Hsp90) chaperones in mitochondria of tumors, but not most normal tissues, provides an example of a compartmentalized network of cell survival, opening fresh prospects for novel, subcellularly targeted cancer drug discovery.
Estimating consumer demand in Korea

Abstract In this paper, time series annual data on five consumer goods for Korea are analyzed using the neoclassical model of consumer behavior. The approach taken is the indirect utility function and employs a translog form. Various restrictive specifications of consumer preferences with respect to homotheticity and separability are examined and rejected by the likelihood ratio test. Income and price elasticities are estimated, which appear to be generally high relative to those of developed countries. Growth in real income is primarily responsible for changes in commodity demand. Marginal utilities of income and associated income elasticities are calculated, which are consistent with normal expectations.
Effect of sulfhydryl reagents on the enzymatic activity of human renin: Implications for renin assay

Sulfhydryl (SH) reagents are sometimes used in renin assays, yet their effects on the enzymatic activity of human renin are not clearly understood. We have employed radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I (AI) to assess the effects of dithiothreitol (DTT) and of dimerecaptopropanol (DMP) on the formation of AI at pH 5.5 and at pH 7.4. When ethylenediamine tetra-acetate, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and 8-hydroxyquinoline were used as angiotensinase inhibitors, both DTT and DMP decreased the rate of AI formation in each of two human plasma pools at both pH values. In contrast, in a system of semi-purified human kidney renin and hog renin substrate, DTT enhanced the formation of AI, increasing Vmax without changing Km at both pH values. The reaction of human kidney renin with synthetic tetradecapeptide renin substrate was stimulated by DTT at pH 7.4 but inhibited by DTT at pH 5.5. In all three systems, SH reagents altered the ratio of reaction velocity at pH 5.5 to reaction velocity at pH 7.4. We conclude that SH reagents affect the assay of human renin in complex ways which depend upon the pH of incubation and upon the subcomplex ways which depend upon the pH in incubation and upon the substrate utilized. Although the mechanism of these effects is not known, such effects probably contribute to the lack of agreement among many of the procedures for renin assay.
Using the MKT measures to reveal Indonesian teachers’ mathematical knowledge: challenges and potentials

The purpose of this study was to examine the adaptability of the US-based mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) geometry measures for use to study Indonesian elementary teachers’ MKT geometry. We selected the geometry scales Form A and Form B, and then adapted the items using a framework developed by Delaney et al. (J Math Teach Educ 11(3):171–197, 2008). We administrated the adapted learning mathematics for teaching measures to 210 elementary and middle school teachers. During translation and adaptation of the measures, issues arose regarding the mathematical substance of the items related to the use of inclusive and exclusive definitions of shapes. Psychometric analyses confirmed that these items were more difficult for the Indonesian elementary teachers compared to the US sample. Implications for future direction for item adaptation to measure Indonesia teachers’ MKT are presented.
Topological Design Optimization of Nested Channels for Squeeze Flow of Thermal Interface Materials

Thermal interface resistance remains a bottleneck for thermal transport in electronic systems, comprising a significant portion of overall system thermal resistance. Performance of thermal interface materials (TIMs) is largely dependent on the bulk thermal conductivity of the TIM but also on the bond-line thickness (BLT) of the applied material as well as interfacial contact resistances. Recently, Hierarchically Nested Channels (HNCs), created by modifying the surface topology with hierarchical arrangements of microchannels in order to improve flow, were proposed to reduce both required squeezing force and final BLTs in interfaces. In this paper, a topological optimization framework that enables the design of channel arrangements is developed. The framework is based on a resistance network approximation to Newtonian squeeze flow. The approximation, validated against finite element method (FEM)-based solutions, allows efficient, design-oriented solutions for squeeze flow in complex geometries. A comprehensive design sensitivity analysis exploiting the resistance network approximation is also developed and implemented. The resistance approximation and the sensitivity analysis is used to build an automated optimal channel design framework. A Pareto optimal problem formulation for the design of channels is posed and the optimal solution is demonstrated using the framework.© 2010 ASME
Abnormalities in gamma-band responses to language stimuli in first-degree relatives of children with autism spectrum disorder: an MEG study.

Synchronous neural oscillatory activity in the gamma range (30–80 Hz) has been shown to be abnormal in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their first-degree relatives in response to simple auditory stimuli. Gamma-band abnormalities in ASD probands have been seen in response to language stimuli, but this has not been investigated in first-degree relatives. This is of particular interest given that language impairments are a core symptom of ASD and may be part of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) seen in relatives. Magnetoencephalography recordings during a continuous word recognition task were obtained for 23 parents of a child with ASD (pASD) and 28 adult control participants. Total and evoked gamma-band activity, as well as inter-trial phase-locking factor (PLF), were measured in response to the task. Beta-band activity was also measured, due to its suggested role in language processing. Participants completed a series of language measures to assess the relationship between brain activity and language function, and lateralization of task-related activity was assessed. The pASD group showed increased evoked gamma and beta activity, while controls had decreased evoked activity. Additionally, while both groups showed a reduction in total gamma power (commonly seen in language tasks), this reduction was more prominent in the control group. The pASD group demonstrated significantly worse performance on a measure of phonology compared to controls. Significant but distinct relationships were found between gamma/beta activity and language measures within the two groups. In addition, while the overall task generally elicited left lateralized responses, pASD showed greater left lateralization than controls in some regions of interest. Abnormalities in oscillatory responses to language were seen in pASD that are consistent with previous findings in ASD probands. Gamma-band responses to language stimuli have not previously been assessed in first-degree relatives of ASD probands and these findings are supportive of gamma-band activity as a heritable, neurophysiological biomarker of ASD. The possible relationship seen between language function and neural activity in the current study should be investigated further to assess if oscillatory response abnormalities may contribute to behavioural manifestations of the BAP.
Perturbation of a normal shock - A test case for unsteady Euler codes

Shock tracking capabilities of modern nonoscillatory schemes for solving the Euler equations are studied by comparing their solutions to solutions obtained using the method of characteristics on two test problems. Both test problems involve accelerating and decelerating shock motions. The schemes tested include first order upwind, second order SONIC-A, third order ENO, and third order TONIC-A. Results show that the second and higher order schemes give nearly identical shock trajectories that are closer to the characteristic solution than the first order upwind scheme. All schemes approach the characteristic solution upon mesh refinement.
Causes of post prostatectomy retention

Abstract Forty-eight patients in urinary retention following prostatectomy underwent urodynamicevaluation. Fifteen patients (31 %) were found to have persistent residual obstruction, while 14 patients (29 %) had detrusor hyporeflexia. In 9 patients (19 %) a combination of outflow obstruction and detrusor hyporeflexia was demonstrated. In 6 patients (13 %), urinary retention was due to compromised mental status. No abnormality was detected in remaining 4 patients (8 %) on urodynamic evaluation. For proper evaluation of unsatisfactory voiding after prostatectomy cystoscopy is of limited value while urodynamic testing is essential.
Forecasting Dry Microburst Activity over the High Plains

Abstract The active dry microburst days during the 1982 JAWS (Joint Airport Weather Studies) Project in Colorado are examined for common characteristics. The environments on these days are shown to have similar thermodynamic structures in the vertical. In the morning, a shallow radiation inversion is capped by a deep, dry-adiabatic boundary layer. Moisture is present at midlevels. By evening the radiation inversion has been replaced by a superadiabatic layer at the surface. Solar heating of the boundary layer is shown to be important for producing an environment favorable for dry microbursts. A model is proposed that can be used by forecasters to issue a “wind shear watch” to the general public and aviation community. Peak downdraft speeds associated with dry microbursts appear to be a result of negative buoyancy, owing to the evaporation of precipitation during the descent below cloud base. These downward velocities are of the same magnitude as the horizontal wind speeds. Entrainment of subcloud air into...
Effect of spermidine treatment on amino acid availability in amino acid-starved Escherichia coli.

Abstract In Escherichia coli, spermidine inhibits the synthesis of protein and stimulates turnover degradation of protein, thus making more amino acids available. Measuring the periodate sensitivity of tRNA from spermidine-treated cells, we have shown that spermidine treatment leads to the formation of an amino acid pool of sufficient size to lead to charging of the tRNA. We propose that the stimulation of RNA synthesis by spermidine in amino acid-starved cells (Raina & Cohen, 1966) can be accounted for by the sparing of amino acids.
Techniques for studying the execution of foreign queens by temporal subcastes in fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)

Using monogynous and polygynous colonies of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, we developed methodology to determine which behavioural subcaste of workers was responsible for executing unfamiliar queens that were introduced to them. Separation of subcastes and introduction of queens to each of these separately was partly effective, but more accurate results were obtained by removing workers that were in the act of executing queens, marking them individually, and returning them to the colony. Their subsequent behaviour was then recorded to determine whether they behaved like nurses, reserves, or foragers. The results showed that foragers are dominant in execution behaviour and that all morphological subcastes (minors, medias, and majors) are involved. This methodology may be applied to other social insect species. RESUME Methodes afin de determiner l'execution de reines etrangeres par sous-castes temporelles dans les fourmis de feu, Solenopsis invicta A l'aide de colonies monogynes de S. invicta Buren, nous avons teste la sensibilite de deux methodes: Premierement, nous avons isole les trois sous-castes temporelles des ouvrieres (nurses, reserves et fourrageuses) auxquelles nous avons introduit des reines etrangeres. Nous avons trouve que les fourrageuses etaient le groupe le plus agressif, executant un pourcentage eleve des reines qui leur etaient presentees. Le degre de physogastrie de la reine etrangere, sa colonie d'origine et la presence de couvain n'avaient pas d'effet visible sur sa destinee. La sensibilite de cette methode etait limitee par la difficulte d'une separation complete des sous-castes temporelles. Deuxiemement, nous avons capture des ouvrieres executant activement des reines etrangeres, apres marquage nous les avons remises dans leur colonie pour observations ulterieures. Nous avons remarque que leur localisation dans le nid et leur comportement correspondaient aux sequences trouvees pour les fourrageuses bien plus qu'a celles des ouvrieres reserves ou nurses. Cette methode est plus sensible. Des mesures de la largeur de la capsule cephalique de ces ouvrieres ont montre qu'aucune des sous-caste morphologiques (mineurs, moyennes et majeurs) etaient dominantes dans le comportement d'execution. Nos resultats indiquent que la sensibilite des ouvrieres a certaines pheromones de la reine et odeur de la colonie augmente avec leur âge.
Patterns of acquisition of native voice onset time in English-learning children.

Learning to speak involves both mastering the requisite articulatory gestures of one’s native language and learning to coordinate those gestures according to the rules of the language. Voice onset time (VOT) acquisition illustrates this point: The child must learn to produce the necessary upper vocal tract and laryngeal gestures and to coordinate them with very precise timing. This longitudinal study examined the acquisition of English VOT by audiotaping seven children at 2month intervals from first words (around 15months) to the appearance of three-word sentences (around 30months) in spontaneous speech. Words with initial stops were excerpted, and (1) the numbers of words produced with intended voiced and voiceless initial stops were counted; (2) VOT was measured; and (3) within-child standard deviations of VOT were measured. Results showed that children (1) initially avoided saying words with voiceless initial stops, (2) initially did not delay the onset of the laryngeal adduction relative to the releas...
Feedback-mediated dynamics in a model of coupled nephrons with compliant thick ascending limbs

The tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system in the kidney, a key regulator of glomerular filtration rate, has been shown in physiologic experiments in rats to mediate oscillations in thick ascending limb (TAL) tubular fluid pressure, flow, and NaCl concentration. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, TGF-mediated flow oscillations may be highly irregular. We conducted a bifurcation analysis of a mathematical model of nephrons that are coupled through their TGF systems; the TALs of these nephrons are assumed to have compliant tubular walls. A characteristic equation was derived for a model of two coupled nephrons. Analysis of that characteristic equation has revealed a number of parameter regions having the potential for differing stable dynamic states. Numerical solutions of the full equations for two model nephrons exhibit a variety of behaviors in these regions. Also, model results suggest that the stability of the TGF system is reduced by the compliance of TAL walls and by internephron coupling; as a result, the likelihood of the emergence of sustained oscillations in tubular fluid pressure and flow is increased. Based on information provided by the characteristic equation, we identified parameters with which the model predicts irregular tubular flow oscillations that exhibit a degree of complexity that may help explain the emergence of irregular oscillations in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Comparison of Tilt Angles and Provocative Agents (Edrophonium and Isoproterenol) to Improve Head-Upright Tilt-Table Testing

Patients with syncope underwent head-up tilt testing at 60 degrees and 80 degrees followed by edrophonium or isoproterenol challenge when indicated. The 80 degrees tilt protocol and edrophonium provocation were found to be as effective or more effective in eliciting neurally mediated syncope in susceptible patients.
Familial links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Although family, twin, and adoption studies indicate that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a familial condition with a robust genetic component, molecular genetic studies of candidate genes have produced inconsistent findings. One of the challenges to elucidating the genetic architecture of ADHD is its potential genetic heterogeneity. Therefore, efforts are needed to identify etiologically homogenous subgroups of subjects with ADHD for use in genetic studies. The current article reviews evidence suggesting that parsing ADHD subjects based on comorbidity with conduct and bipolar disorders may yield familial subtypes that are suitable for genetic analyses.
Sensitivity of global biogenic isoprenoid emissions to climate variability and atmospheric CO2

[1] Isoprenoids (isoprene and monoterpenes) are the most dominant class of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and have been shown to significantly affect global tropospheric chemistry and composition, climate, and the global carbon cycle. In this study we assess the sensitivity of biogenic isoprene and monoterpene emissions to combined and isolated fluctuations in observed global climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration during the period 1971–1990. We integrate surface emission algorithms within the framework of a dynamic global ecosystem model, the Integrated Biospheric Simulator (IBIS), to simulate biogenic fluxes of isoprenoids as a component of the climate-vegetation dynamics. IBIS predicts global land surface isoprene emissions of 454 Tg C and monoterpenes of 72 Tg C annually and captures the spatial and temporal patterns well. The combined fluctuations in climate and atmospheric CO2 during 1971–1990 caused significant interannual and seasonal variability in global biogenic isoprenoid fluxes that was somewhat related to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. Furthermore, an increasing trend in the simulated emissions was seen during this period that is attributed partly to the warming trend and partly to CO2 fertilization effect. The isolated effect of increasing CO2 during this period was to steadily increase emissions as a result of increases in foliar biomass. These fluctuations in biogenic emissions could have significant impacts on regional and global atmospheric chemistry and the global carbon budget.
4‐Hydroxycoumarin/2‐hydroxychromone tautomerism: Infrared spectra of 3‐substituted‐2‐13c‐4‐hydroxycoumarins

By isotopic replacement of the carbonyl carbon with 13C, the CO stretching frequency was identified as the highest frequency strongly absorbing band in the 1550–1750 cm−1 region of the infrared spectra of several 3-substituted 4-hydroxycoumarins and 3-substituted 4-alkoxycoumarins. The compounds selected for study were either known to crystallize as the coumarin tautomeric form by x-ray diffraction studies or were congeners of such compounds. The carbonyl band varied from 1664 cm−1 in inter- or intramolecularly hydrogen bonded derivatives to 1718 cm−1.
Blood cell pyruvate kinase activity in translocation Down's syndrome.

Blood cell pyruvate kinase activities in five D/21 and four G/21 translocation Down's patients do not deviate significantly from normal control values. One G/21 translocation patient has activity in the heterozygote range, as does a normal brother. These findings and those in trisomic Down's syndrome patients virtually rule out the possible localization of a gene controlling this enzyme to the Down's syndrome chromosome.
Dimensionality-Changing Transformations With Nonrectangular Sampling Strategies

Abstract. This paper is concerned with the use of dimensionality - changing transformations for the digital processing of signals that havebeen sampled on sampling lattices other than the familiar rectangular,or row -column one. After introducing the idea of nonrectangular sam- pling, the paper formally presents a particularly useful class of dimensionality- changing transformations and presents conditions underwhich they can be used for signal processing. It does this by means of avector notation. The major result is that the use of such transformationswith nonrectangularly sampled data is no less restrictive, no more dif-ficult, nor substantially different than with rectangularly sampled data. 1. OVERVIEW A topic of increasing interest in the digital signal processing corn -munity concerns the representation and processing of multidimen-sional signals, such as images and electromagnetic field distribu- tions, on periodic but nonrectangular sampling lattices. These representations are important for digital signal processing becausethey can mean a reduced sampling density, which, in turn, meansreduced storage and reduced computation; they would appear tohave some advantages for spatially discrete optical processing aswell. One of these alternative sampling strategies, in fact the mostcommon one,
Lock-in transitions and charge transfer in one-dimensional fermion systems

The one-dimensional quantum sine-Gordon Hamiltonian with a density rho s of solitons is studied. rho s( mu ) is the order parameter for the lock-in transition, which happens when the chemical potential mu equals the single soliton energy and temperature is T=0. The soliton density rho s( mu ,T) and the critical behaviour at T=0 are studied in the classical limit (quantum coupling beta to 0) and in the quantum system with beta 2=4 pi ; the critical exponent for rho s is 0 and 1/2 respectively. An important application of these results is the temperature dependence of an incommensurate charge transfer rho e in one-dimensional conductors due to Umklapp scattering. rho e(T) can be determined by the function rho s( mu ,T).
Peripheral Blocks of the Chest and Abdomen

THORACIC PARAVERTEBRAL BLOCK History Pioneered by Sellheim in 1905 [1], the technique for thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) commonly used today was originally described by Kappis in 1919 [2]. During the early part of the 20th century, the TPVB was used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between different causes of abdominal pain [3,4], as well as to treat conditions including angina pectoris, supraventricular tachycardias, and bronchial asthma in addition to providing relief from pain associated with surgery, traumatic injuries, herpes zoster, malignancy, and sympathetic dystrophies [5]. Despite the versatility and early enthusiasm for the TPVB, it became less frequently used during the mid-twentieth century as refinements in general anesthetic agents and monitoring techniques outpaced developments in local/regional anesthesia. More recently, there has been renewed interest in regional techniques to overcome persistent limitations of general anesthesia (GA) and systemic opioid-based analgesic techniques. Eason and Wyatt [6] renewed interest in the TPVB specifically with their 1979 description of a technique for placing catheters within the thoracic paravertebral space (TPVS). At present, developments in ultrasound (US) imaging technology and increasing operator experience with interventional US techniques are contributing to increased TPVB
An Electrical Method for Measuring Fatigue and Tensile Properties of Thin Films on Substrates

A novel approach for measuring thermal fatigue lifetime and ultimate strength of patterned thin films on substrates is presented. The method is based on controlled application of cyclic joule heating by means of low-frequency, high-density alternating current. Such conditions preclude electromigration, but cause cyclic strains due to mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion between film and substrate. Strain and stress are determined from measurement of temperature. Fatigue properties are a natural fit to testing by alternating current. Stress-lifetime (S-N) data were obtained from patterned aluminum lines, where stress amplitude was varied by changing current density, and lifetimes were defined by open circuit failure. Electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction observations of damage induced by a.c. testing suggested that deformation took place by dislocation mechanisms. We also observed rapid growth of grains – the mean diameter increased by more than 70 % after a cycling time of less than six minutes – which we attribute to strain-induced boundary migration. Ultimate strength was determined by extrapolating a modified Basquin relation for high cycle data to a single load reversal. A strength estimate of 250 ± 40 MPa was determined based on a.c. thermal fatigue data. In principle, an electrical approach allows for testing of patterned films of any dimension, provided electrical access is available. Furthermore, structures buried beneath other layers of materials can be tested.
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Templated Metal Sites in Porous Organic Hosts: Application to Reversible Dioxygen Binding

Porous materials with immobilized metal complexes of defined structure have wide applications in catalysis, gas storage, and sensor technology. Reported herein is the use of template copolymerization methods to design and synthesize reversible dioxygen binding sites in a porous organic host. The immobilized metal sites are formed using molecular precursors including a substitutionally inert Co(III) complex that ensures the desired square-pyramidal coordination geometry around the immobilized metal ions. Analysis of the resulting mesoporous polymer by EPR spectroscopy reveals an equilibrium of four- and five-coordinate sites which is similar to that observed for molecular analogues in solution. This equilibrium is sensitive to the solvent used to suspend the polymer, with the highest percentage of five-coordinate sites (60%) observed in CH3NO2, which is the same solvent used to synthesize the polymer. In the presence of dioxygen ∼90% of the immobilized sites convert to Co−O2 adducts. Dioxygen binding to th...
Recovery of spontaneous alternation following lesions of the entorhinal cortex in adult rats: possible correlation to axon sprouting.

Adult rats with unilateral or bilateral lesions of the entorhinal cortex were tested over time for changes in spontaneous alternation behavior. Rats with bilateral lesions did not display spontaneous alternation throughout the duration of the study. This suggests that the entorhinal area plays an important role in the manifestation of spontaneous alternation. In contrast to rats with bilateral lesions, those with unilateral lesions displayed recovery to preoperative levels of alternation within 10 days after surgery. It is suggested that the circuitry changes accompanying axon sprouting after unilateral lesions may participate in the recovery of spontaneous alternation.
The use of 3-D atom-probe tomography to study nickel-based superalloys

Recent technological advances in the design and fabrication of atom-probe tomographs and their commercialization are revolutionizing our ability to determine, on a sub-nanometer scale (atomic scale), the chemical identities of atoms in a nanostructure and to reconstruct this information in three dimensions. Thus, it is now possible to obtain data sets containing several hundred million atoms in a few hours, using either electrical or laser (femtosecond or picosecond) pulsing, and to reconstruct crystalline lattices using sophisticated software programs. Detailed quantitative results of the application of atom-probe tomography to study the kinetic pathways for precipitation in model nickel-based superalloys, Ni−Al−Cr and Ni−Al−Cr−Re, are presented as illustrative examples.
Detection, differentiation, and subtyping of botulinum toxins A, B, E, and F by mass spectrometry

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) causes the disease known as botulism, which can be lethal. Rapid determination of exposure to BoNT is an important public health goal. Our laboratory has developed Endopep-MS, a mass spectrometry-based endopeptidase method for detecting and differentiating BoNT. Here, we demonstrate that this method is very sensitive, detecting as little as 0.5 mouse LD 50 of BoNT/A and as little as 0.05 mouse LD 50 of BoNT/B, /E, and /F spiked into human serum samples. Additionally, the ability to further differentiate BoNT as the subtype of BoNT/A spiked into milk using toxin proteomics and mass spectrometry has been demonstrated. This method does not require DNA and can be performed on the same sample as that used for Endopep-MS analysis. The combination of these techniques, all performed on the same sample, provides a sensitive and selective analysis of BoNT isolated from a food or clinical sample and measures the toxin’s activity.
Microgavage of Zebrafish Larvae

The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism for studying intestinal development(1-5), physiology(6-11), disease(12-16), and host-microbe interactions(17-25). Experimental approaches for studying intestinal biology often require the in vivo introduction of selected materials into the lumen of the intestine. In the larval zebrafish model, this is typically accomplished by immersing fish in a solution of the selected material, or by injection through the abdominal wall. Using the immersion method, it is difficult to accurately monitor or control the route or timing of material delivery to the intestine. For this reason, immersion exposure can cause unintended toxicity and other effects on extraintestinal tissues, limiting the potential range of material amounts that can be delivered into the intestine. Also, the amount of material ingested during immersion exposure can vary significantly between individual larvae(26). Although these problems are not encountered during direct injection through the abdominal wall, proper injection is difficult and causes tissue damage which could influence experimental results. We introduce a method for microgavage of zebrafish larvae. The goal of this method is to provide a safe, effective, and consistent way to deliver material directly to the lumen of the anterior intestine in larval zebrafish with controlled timing. Microgavage utilizes standard embryo microinjection and stereomicroscopy equipment common to most laboratories that perform zebrafish research. Once fish are properly positioned in methylcellulose, gavage can be performed quickly at a rate of approximately 7-10 fish/ min, and post-gavage survival approaches 100% depending on the gavaged material. We also show that microgavage can permit loading of the intestinal lumen with high concentrations of materials that are lethal to fish when exposed by immersion. To demonstrate the utility of this method, we present a fluorescent dextran microgavage assay that can be used to quantify transit from the intestinal lumen to extraintestinal spaces. This test can be used to verify proper execution of the microgavage procedure, and also provides a novel zebrafish assay to examine intestinal epithelial barrier integrity under different experimental conditions (e.g. genetic manipulation, drug treatment, or exposure to environmental factors). Furthermore, we show how gavage can be used to evaluate intestinal motility by gavaging fluorescent microspheres and monitoring their subsequent transit. Microgavage can be applied to deliver diverse materials such as live microorganisms, secreted microbial factors/toxins, pharmacological agents, and physiological probes. With these capabilities, the larval zebrafish microgavage method has the potential to enhance a broad range of research fields using the zebrafish model system.
Prevalence, determinants and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension among hemodialysis patients

Background. The prevalence, determinants and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension among long-term hemodialysis patients in the USA are poorly understood. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of prevalence and determinants of pulmonary hypertension was performed, followed by longitudinal follow-up for all-cause mortality. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure of >35 mmHg using echocardiograms performed within an hour after the end of dialysis. Results. Prevalent in 110/288 patients (38%), the independent determinants of pulmonary hypertension were the following: left atrial diameter (odds ratio 10.1 per cm/m 2 , P < 0.0001), urea reduction ratio (odds ratio 0.94 per %, P < 0.01) and vitamin D receptor activator use (odds ratio 0.41 for users, P < 0.01). Over a median follow-up of 2.15 years, 97 (34%) patients died yielding a crude mortality rate (CMR) of 114.2 per 1000 patient-years. Of these, 58 deaths occurred among 110 patients with pulmonary hypertension (53%, CMR 168.9/1000 patientyears) and 39 among 178 without pulmonary hypertension (22%, CMR 52.5/1000 patient-years) [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death 2.12 (95% confidence interval 1.41–3.19), P < 0.001]. After multivariate adjustment, pulmonary hypertension remained an independent predictor for all-cause mortality [HR 2.17 (95% confidence interval 1.31–3.61), P < 0.01]. Conclusions. Among hemodialysis patients, pulmonary hypertension is common and is strongly associated with an enlarged left atrium and poor long-term survival. Reducing left atrial size such as through volume control may be an attractive target to improve pulmonary hypertension. Improving pulmonary hypertension in this group of patients may improve the dismal outcomes.
Small-angle X-ray scattering study of density fluctuation in pressure-densified polystyrene glasses

Echantillons comprimes au-dessus de la temperature de transition vitreuse et refroidis a l'ambiante avant relâchement de la pression. Formation de microcavites dans ces verres prepares sous pressions elevees
Light regulates the ciliary protein transport and outer segment disc renewal of mammalian photoreceptors.

Summary The outer segment (OS) of the rod photoreceptor is a light-sensing cilium containing ∼1,000 membrane-bound discs. Each day, discs constituting the distal tenth of the OS are shed, whereas nascent discs are formed at the base of the OS through the incorporation of molecules transported from the inner segment. The mechanisms regulating these processes remain elusive. Here, we show that rhodopsin preferentially enters the OS in the dark. Photoexcitation of post-Golgi rhodopsins retains them in the inner segment. Disc-rim protein peripherin2/rds enters the OS following a rhythm complementary to that of rhodopsin. Light-dark cycle-regulated protein trafficking serves as a mechanism to segregate rhodopsin-rich and peripherin2/rds-rich discs into alternating stacks, which are flanked by characteristic cytoplasmic pockets. This periodic cytostructure divides the OS into approximately ten fractions, each containing discs synthesized in a single day. This mechanism may explain how the rod photoreceptor balances the quantity of discs added and removed daily.
Pre‐Granodiorite dikes in granodiorite, Paradise Range, Nevada

In the course of the study of the deposits of magnesite and brucite in the Paradise Range by the Geological Survey In cooperation with the Nevada state Bureau of Mines, opportunity was afforded to map a part of a granodiorite stock and a swarm of dikes. Seven successive igneous intrusions, demonstrated by cross-cutting relationships, occur in this area of a little more than a square mile. Three distinct kinds of dike rock, andesite hornfels, andesite, and granophyre. are earlier than the granodiorite, and three kinds, malchite, mafic malchite, and rhyolite, are later than the granodiorite. In the succession of intrusives the silica-content rises to a peak in the granophyre and falls to a low point in the mafic malchite. The youngest dike, rhyolite, is probably not related magmatically to the others. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the preservation of large parts of the andesite dikes within the granodiorite body, implying the removal by the granodiorite of the carbonate rock which the andesite originally intruded. This feature recalls Barker's description of the marscoite sills of Skye (Alfred Harker, The Tertiary Igneous rocks of Skye, Mem. Geol. Surv., Glasgow, pp. 187–193, 1904). Harker shows that the sills are preserved In granite and granophyre which removed the basalt that once inclosed the sills. The distribution of granodiorite and dikes and sills of all kinds is shown in Figure 1. The stippling is merely for the purpose of emphasizing the granodiorite-contact.
Redescription of Eimeria angusta Allen, 1934 and E. bonasae Allen, 1934 (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus1

SYNOPSIS Eimeria angusta Allen, 1934 and E. bonasae Allen, 1934 are redescribed from a ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus. Oocysts of E. angusta were ellipsoidal to elongate ovoid, had micropyles and were 28-37 by 15-19 μ (mean 32.5 by 17.1 μ), with a length-width ratio of 1.67-2.19 (mean 1.91). Eimeria bonasae oocysts were spherical to subspherical and 18-25 by 18-23 μ (mean 21.6 by 20.6), with a length-width ratio of 1.00-1.16 (mean 1.05).
Percutaneous tracheostomy boundaries revisited.

Abstract Objectives As percutaneous tracheostomies (PCTs) which have various contra-indications (CI) are increasingly performed by non-otolaryngologists, the otolaryngologist's role is reviewed. The ability of tracheal palpation was the single criteria to perform PCT. Study design Retrospective chart review. Methods A retrospective study analyzing adult PCTs performed by otolaryngologists at 2011–2012 were reviewed. All PCTs were performed using the Ciaglia blue-rhino-tracheostomy kit and Shiley's tracheostomy cannulas. Most procedures were performed with the same anesthesiologist. Results A total of 60 PCTs were identified with subject ages 18–91. None were converted to open tracheostomy. No bronchoscopic guidance was used. PCT was performed for the following CI: two bleeding disorder, four goiters, four cervical rigidity (surgical, traumatical and constitutional), five emergent tracheostomies, one head and neck cancer and nine short necks. Complications recorded were one wound bleeding and one pneumomediastinum both controlled locally. Pertinent anatomy revealed that the intubation tube was withdrawn to the level of 14 cm and 16 cm from incisor level in women and men respectively. Conclusions PCT is a safe procedure. When performed by an otolaryngologist, even the relative CI can be overcome. Tracheal palpation and experienced anesthesiologist are mandatory for the procedure's success. The otolaryngologists’ advantage is a better anatomical understanding with the ability to convert the procedure to a formal tracheostomy as needed and avoidance of hypercarbia due to a bronchoscope use. Otolaryngologists should be the first line providers in any tracheostomy. Level of evidence 2c.
How Has U.S. Farm Policy Influenced Fruit and Vegetable Production

Eligibility requirements for farm payments include restrictions from planting certain horticultural crops on base acres, and U.S. commitments under the WTO have brought pressure to remove such restrictions. Using a difference-in-difference estimator, we measure the effects of the planting restriction on acres planted to horticultural and program crops using U.S. county-level data from both the 1987 and 1997 U.S. Census of Agriculture, that is, both before and after the initial policy was introduced in 1990. We find that the planting restriction has crowded out fruit and vegetable acreage nationally, and most notably in selected Sunbelt states, a region that specializes in horticultural crop production. The key policy implication is that the removal of the planting restriction may have a nontrivial impact on U.S. fruit and vegetable production.
Queueing-blocking system with two arrival streams and guard channels

An approach to the study of a multichannel cutoff priority system for two Poisson arrival streams with distinct arrival rates and the same potential service time distribution is proposed. This approach makes it possible to obtain the state probabilities in simple closed-form expressions. These expressions provide a straightforward way to derive the distribution of the number of busy servers, the queue length distributions, and, above all, a very simple criterion for the stability of the system. The computations can still be carried out for large systems (e.g. 100 servers). The method can easily be extended from the infinite-queue-length case to a system with finite capacity. As applied to cellular radio, the method offers a means of increasing the total carried traffic while improving the perceived service quality. >
Effect of Egg Breakout Temperature and Other Factors on Residual Albumen in the Shell and on the Yolk

Abstract Small and large shell eggs were refrigerated at 4 or 13 C for 2, 7, or 14 days prior to being broken out at temperatures of 4, 13, or 22 C. Measurements obtained at respective breakout times included egg weight, albumen weight, residual albumen in the shell and on the yolk, weight of the yolk, weight of the shell, and Haugh units. Generally, a larger percentage of albumen adhered to the shells and yolks in smaller eggs than in larger eggs. Refrigeration temperatures of 4 and 13 C resulted in similar amounts of adhering albumen. Eggs refrigerated for 14 days produced trends of more residual albumen in the shell and on the yolk and lower Haugh units than was observed with eggs stored shorter periods of time. There were no differences in residual albumen in the shell at the three egg breakout temperatures.
Epiphyseal Avascular Necrosis and Its Relation to Longitudinal Bone Growth

This is a study of the effect of epiphyseal avascular necrosis on longitudinal growth at the distal end of the femur of the rat. The findings demonstrate that proliferation of epiphyseal cartilage cells, and hence longitudinal growth, depends on an adequate epiphyseal circulation. Necrosis of the epiphysis causes marked change in the epiphyseal plate. These changes consist in walling off of the growth plate with bone and destruction of the epiphyseal cartilage. In the distal end of the femur of the rat this process appears to be irreversible.
Developments in the Management of Genitourinary Malignancies: Prostate Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Recent years have brought to the clinic a series of novel treatment approaches in the urologic malignancies, in particular, in patients with renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. Selected novel therapies will be highlighted.
Development of a QFD trade-off methodology for automotive hydrogen tanks

Development of automotive vehicle standards for hydrogen tanks is an emerging process. A series of best practices, in this area, was identified via literature review and confirmed by domain experts. These practices were analysed and integrated to derive an approach for design trade-off analysis. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a well-known Japanese production planning technique. It involves the construction of a series of linked matrices associating customer requirements to progressively more detailed levels of product characteristics. A QFD analogue approach was developed for this research, then applied, using actual experimental data. Fundamental to the application of good systems engineering principles is an understanding of such critical factors as cost, risk (safety) and service life (duration of use), and how these factors relate to the overall design. The key benefit of this effort is the formulation of a means by which any two implementable hydrogen tank designs for vehicles can be compared consistently with regard to trade-off between these critical factors.
THE INITIAL VALUE PROBLEM FOR LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSAL PLASMA OSCILLATIONS

Abstract The paper is devoted to the solution of the initial value problem for the collisionless nonrelativistic linearized Boltzmann-Vlasov equation for longitudinal and transversal plasma oscillations for the case when ions are treated as a positive charge background. The method of solution is based upon the eigenfunction expansion method developed originally by van Kampen. The problem is reduced to the solution of a system of singular integral equations. In the case of the nonisotropic equilibrium distribution function the phenomenon of coupling of longitudinal and transversal plasma oscillations is found and discussed.
Assessing Postpartum Adjustment A Pilot Study

Utilizing crisis theory, the stages of growth and development, and a theory of role transition and enactment, a series of questionnaires was developed as a clinical tool to study women's adaptation to motherhood during six weeks postpartum. The tool was tested on six women. Results suggest that the postpartum is indeed a critical period of identity reformation and role transition. Theories are developed for a framework, and a timetable for nursing intervention is given.
Cytokine regulation of human sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) gene

Sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) catalyzes cholic acid synthesis in the liver and is feedback inhibited by bile acids. In addition to activating farnesoid X receptor (nuclear receptor subfamily 1H4)...
Associations between Internal and External Corporate Governance Characteristics and the Consequences of Regulating Governance Practices

We characterize the corporate governance system as a portfolio of external and internal governance procedures that addresses firm-specific governance problems. External governance consists of statutory and contractual provisions that determine the costs of active shareholder participation in the management process. Internal governance concerns interaction between firm management and Boards of Directors. The evidence suggests that external and internal corporate governance mechanisms function as substitutes. Further analysis indicates that associations between internal and external governance characteristics are less substantial after than before recent corporate governance regulation. Moreover, we find that provisions that weaken external governance are more likely in firms where increases in internal governance are substantial. Such evidence raises questions regarding the consequences of corporate governance legislation such as that imposed by the 2002 Sarbanes Oxley Act.