cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuning the Single Channel Conductance of Shaker K-Channels

Potassium channels are membrane proteins that allow passage of K+ ions across the hydrophobic core of the membrane. The extremely conserved signature sequence in the residues lining the pore (TTVGYGD) allows discrimination between ions having similar radii (Hegimbotham et al 1994). Despite of this conservation, closely related potassium channels display differences of up to two orders of magnitude in their K+ ion transport rates. Searching for the molecular determinants accounting for such a large difference in transport rates, we made several charge substitutions at the internal entrance of the pore of the low conductance Shaker K-channel. We expressed these variants in Xenopus oocytes and measured their single channel conductance in inside-out membrane patches in 100 and 1000 mM of symmetrical [K+]. The substitution of Pro475 by Asp or Gln increases Shaker's unitary conductance 8 and 4 fold in 100 mM K+, respectively, as shown earlier (Sukhareva, et al., 2003). But at 1000 mM K+ the increases are 4 and 3 fold, respectively. In these high conductance backgrounds (475D or P475Q), we also introduced either negative or positively charged side chains (Asp or Arg) to positions 476 and 479. These positions align with the negatively charged rings that electrostatically control conductance in BK channels. Our results shows that, as in BK and KcsA channels, electrostatics at the inner mouth of the pore plays an important role on increasing the conductance of this Shaker variant, suggesting similar architecture in the pore of low and high conductance K-channels.Financed by Fondecyt 1120819 and the Millennium Initiative (P09-022-F), IDF is a Mecesup Doctoral Fellow.
Universal design in diabetes care: an idea whose time has come.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to introduce diabetes educators to the emerging concept of universal design (UD): the design of products, environments, and services to be used by persons with a wide range of abilities, without needing adaptation or specialized design.Method Drawing from the use of the term universal design in a variety of types of writing, this article covers the definition of UD, the contrast of average-person design with UD, principles of UD, and implications for diabetes self-management education (DSME).Summary Implications for DSME are (1) diabetes consumer medical devices (such as blood glucose meters and insulin pumps) can be designed using UD principles, with a goal of successful use by the largest number of persons possible, and (2) diabetes educators can use UD principles in the design of diabetes education programs to reach the largest number of learners possible without the need for special accommodations.Conclusions Adoption of UD principles by designers of diabetes med...
Loss of rac locus DNA in merozygotes of Escherichia coli K12.

DNA-DNA hybridization was used to demonstrate that the substituted DNA in the bacteriophage λrecE (formerly called λ reverse) is homologous to DNA at the rac locus in Escherichia coli. Strains that are rac- do not contain appreciable amounts of this DNA, and it is lost from a rac+ episome (F′ 123) after transmission to a rac- recipient. This is consistent with the proposal that the rac locus contains a cryptic prophage (Low, 1973).
Far-infrared emission in single and binary galaxies

The properties of the far-IR emission from a sample of optically selected isolated galaxies is studied using data obtained by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). This set of galaxies is used as a standard of comparison representing galaxies whose far-IR properties have been little influenced by interaction with their surroundings. An optically selected sample of isolated binary galaxies is then considered. For the binary galaxies, no extreme highly luminous IR emitters are found, reaffirming the rarity of these objects. However, the occurrence of some low-level enhancement of infrared activity is substantiated by the comparison of far-IR emission in single galaxies and those found to have nearby companions. This effect may be influenced by the occurrence of a few instances of more luminous galaxies. Indeed, many galaxies that show evidence for interaction, i.e., distortion, tails, etc., do not show enhanced IR emission.
Cloud – über die Wolke des IT-Himmels

Wahrend der CeBIT diskutierte ich mit hochstrangigen IBM Managern aus den USA, ob die Kunden denn so genau wussten, was „Dynamische Infrastrukturen“ waren. Es ware schwer zu erklaren. Sie dachten daruber nach, das ganze Geschaftsgebiet anders zu benennen. Genau zur CeBIT 2009 kam der Name Cloud auf. Wir fanden ihn zuerst nicht so gut wie DI. Was soll Cloud? Ich war naturlich besorgt, die Definitionen zu andern, weil ich dann meine ganze Umsatzbuchfuhrung auf den Kopf gestellt sah (das ist ubrigens sehr oft ein wichtiger Grund im Leben, lieber nichts zu verandern!). Ich schrieb aber gleich zur CeBIT schon einmal diese Kolumne. Uber Cloud. Sie erschien im Juni 2009 (ich muss immer etwa drei Monate vorher „liefern“). Im August 2009 meldete Gartner, „Cloud sei auf dem Hohepunkt der Hypekurve“ angekommen. So schnell verandert sich die IT!
The Effects of Stimulus Modality and Frequency of Stimulus Presentation on Cross-modal Distraction

Selective attention produces enhanced activity (attention-related modulations [ARMs]) in cortical regions corresponding to the attended modality and suppressed activity in cortical regions corresponding to the ignored modality. However, effects of behavioral context (e.g., temporal vs. spatial tasks) and basic stimulus properties (i.e., stimulus frequency) on ARMs are not fully understood. The current study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate selectively attending and responding to either a visual or auditory metronome in the presence of asynchronous cross-modal distractors of 3 different frequencies (0.5, 1, and 2 Hz). Attending to auditory information while ignoring visual distractors was generally more efficient (i.e., required coordination of a smaller network) and less effortful (i.e., decreased interference and presence of ARMs) than attending to visual information while ignoring auditory distractors. However, these effects were modulated by stimulus frequency, as attempting to ignore auditory information resulted in the obligatory recruitment of auditory cortical areas during infrequent (0.5 Hz) stimulation. Robust ARMs were observed in both visual and auditory cortical areas at higher frequencies (2 Hz), indicating that participants effectively allocated attention to more rapidly presented targets. In summary, results provide neuroanatomical correlates for the dominance of the auditory modality in behavioral contexts that are highly dependent on temporal processing.
Leukonychia striata associated with breast carcinoma.

A 67-year-old lady with breast cancer developed leukonychia striata without preceding or simultaneous changes in clinical status, diet, or treatment. Causal relation to breast cancer is proposed.
Slip systems and dislocation emission from crack tips in single crystal TiC at low temperatures

Abstract Low temperature (20–900°C) plastic deformation in TiC 0.91 single crystals has been studied using microindentations on (111), (001) and (110) surfaces, the dislocation structures around microindents being characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Deformation occurs primarily by {111}〈110〉 and {110}〈110〉 slip, with the favored slip system determined by crystal orientation. Indentations below 300°C produced distinct dislocation half loops-hexagonal loops arising from {111} slip and elongated loops from {110} slip. At 500°C, much more extensive plastic deformation occurred, accomplished mainly by the motion of edge dislocations from these same systems. The dislocation configurations suggest a relatively high mobility of edge segments and a large Peierls stress for screw dislocations. Thermal activation apparently increases the mobility of screw segments, and results in dislocation structures containing mixed dislocations with no preferred orientation; this signals the onset of the brittle-ductile transition between 700 and 900°C. Cleavage cracks around indents on {111} and {110} surfaces introduced below 500°C, but not those on {001}, arrested with dislocation emission at the crack tips. The emitted dislocations were coplanar dislocation half loops, arising from {001}〈110〉 slip, and resulted from mode II or mode III loading of the cleavage crack. The local mode II and mode III stress intensity factors must have been sufficiently high to activate {001} slip, even through this slip system has not, to date, been reported in macroscopic tests.
Lysosomal enzyme release associated with the invasion of rat liver by Novikoff hepatoma.

The lysosomes of both Novikoff hepatoma and liver from Novikoff hepatoma-bearing rats were found to be relatively intact structurally, lower in acid phosphatase activity, greatly depleted in number but with nearly normal membrane integrity when compared with normal liver.
Hierarchy and scaling: Extrapolating information along a scaling ladder

RESUMELa complexite des systemes ecologiques est due a la combinaison du grand nombre de composantes, des interactions non-lineaires entre elles, de delais temporels ainsi que de phenomenes de retroaction et de l'heterogeneite spatiale. Afin de comprendre les systemes ecologiques et comment on peut passer d'une echelle d'observation a une autre, on se doit de tenir compte de cette complexite. La theorie de la hierarchie suggere que les systemes ecologiques sont en fait des systemes presque decomposables a cause du couplage vertical et horizontal non serre de leur structure et de leur fonctionnement. Ces systemes peuvent donc etre simplifies en se basant sur les principes de decomposition spatio-temporelle. Le concept unificateur de plusieurs disciplines en sciences de la terre, celui de la dynamique des parcelles, est une des meilleures approches pour tenir compte efficacement de l'heterogeneite spatiale. L'integration de la theorie de la hierarchie et du concept de la dynamique des parcelles a mene a l'e...
Compensation of nonlinear phase noise in an in-plane-magnetized anisotropic spin-torque oscillator

Abstract A theory of generation linewidth of a spin-torque oscillator (STO) based on an in-plane-magnetized nano-pillar with an anisotropic “free” magnetic layer has been developed. It is predicted that by choosing the direction of the in-plane bias magnetic field H 0 along the “hard” anisotropy axis of the STO “free” layer and the magnitude of this field to be four times larger than the anisotropy field H A ( H 0 = 4 H A ) it would be possible to compensate the nonlinear phase noise and to achieve the minimum value of the generation linewidth, characteristic for an auto-oscillator without a nonlinear frequency shift.
Histone H4 lysine 20 monomethylation promotes transcriptional repression by L3MBTL1

Lethal 3 malignant brain tumor 1 (L3MBTL1), a homolog of the Drosophila polycomb tumor suppressor l(3)mbt, contains three tandem MBT repeats (3xMBT) that are critical for transcriptional repression. We recently reported that the 3xMBT repeats interact with mono- and dimethylated lysines in the amino termini of histones H4 and H1b to promote methylation-dependent chromatin compaction. Using a series of histone peptides, we now show that the recognition of mono- and dimethylated lysines in histones H3, H4 and H1.4 (but not their trimethylated or unmodified counterparts) by 3xMBT occurs in the context of a basic environment, requiring a conserved aspartic acid (D355) in the second MBT repeat. Despite the broad range of in vitro binding, the chromatin association of L3MBTL1 mirrors the progressive accumulation of H4K20 monomethylation during the cell cycle. Furthermore, transcriptional repression by L3MBTL1 is enhanced by the H4K20 monomethyltransferase PR-SET7 (to which it binds) but not SUV420H1 (an H4K20 trimethylase) or G9a (an H3K9 dimethylase) and knockdown of PR-SET7 decreases H4K20me1 levels and the chromatin association of L3MBTL1. Our studies identify the importance of H4K20 monomethylation and of PR-SET7 for L3MBTL1 function.
Measurement of Turbulence Intensities with Piezoelectric Probes in Viscoelastic Fluids

The piezoelectric impact probe of Wells et al. was used to compare measurements of turbulence intensity in a pipe of purely viscous solvents with viscoelastic polymer solutions and to compare with measurements made with hot-film anemometer probes. An equation was derived which shows the form of normal and shear stress contributions to measured fluctuating impact pressure in viscoelastic fluids. The equation indicated that for viscoelastic fluids, low values of intensities of turbulence can be obtained by neglecting normal and shear stress effects. Experimental measurements showed that turbulence intensities measured at the pipe center with the piezoelectric probe were the same as those measured with a hot-film wedge probe for viscoelastic solutions, but that as the wall was approached, the piezoelectric probe values were low for the viscoelastic solutions.
Interspecies transfer by "immune" RNA of lymphocyte proliferative response to specific antigen.

Abstract Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extracted from the lymph nodes of BCG sensitized cattle transferred tuberculin sensitivity to normal guinea pig lymphocytes as indicated by increased incorporation in vitro of 3H-thymidine in response to Purified Protein Derivative (PPD). The RNA treated lymphocytes were unresponsive to a nonspecific antigen, histoplasmin. Ribonuclease treatment of the RNA abolished its ability to transfer tuberculin reactivity and RNA extracted from the lymph nodes of normal cattle was also ineffective.
Safety and efficacy of central intravenous bolus administration of adenosine for termination of supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract Objectives . This study was done to quantify the dosing differences between central and peripheral adenosine administration for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. Background . Earlier studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of adenosine primarily utilised a peripheral site of administration. Although it has been recommended that lower doses should be given centrally, dosing recommendations have not been provided. Methods . Thirty adults with supraventricular tachycardia underwent invasive electrophysiologic study and were treated with central and peripheral intravenous administration of adenosine. Peripheral injections were administered through a venous catheter in an upper extremity and central infusions were accomplished by means of a catheter positioned in or near the right atrium. The site of administration was randomized and each subject received adenosine by both routes. Adenosine was administered every minute in increasing increments of 3, 6, 9 and 12 mg until the tachycardia terminated. Peripheral responses were compared with those obtained centrally. Results . The minimal effective peripheral dose was distributed among the four doses: Tachycardia was terminated in 11 patients with 3 mg (37%), in 10 (33%) with 6 mg, in 4 (13%) with 9 mg and in 5 (17%) with 12 mg. In contrast, after central administration, 23 episodes of tachycardia (77%) were terminated with 3 mg, 6 (20%) with 6 mg and 1 (3%) with 9 mg; none required 12 mg. Lower doses of adenosine were more effective after central than after peripheral administration, with 63% of the subjects requiring a lesser dose. There was no difference between the two routes of drug administration in the incidence of side effects or transient arrhythmias at the time of tachycardia termination. Conclusions . Adenosine can be safely given centrally for termination of supraventricular tachycardia. The initial dose should be 3 mg.
Nosema parkeri sp. n., a Microsporidan from the Argasid Tick, Ornithodoros parkeri Cooley

SYNOPSIS. Nosema parkeri sp. n. is described from nymphs and adults of the argasid tick, Ornithodoros parkeri Cooley, from a laboratory colony. Schizogonic and sporogonic stages are described from various tick tissues. Spores are binucleate, measuring 3.2 (3–4) × 1.9 (1.8–2.5) μm. Transmission is transovarial and transstadial. The parasite does not appear to affect adversely the development or reproduction of the tick. Dermacentor andersoni Stiles was experimentally infected. Attempts to infect Swiss mice by tick feeding or by injection of infected tick suspensions were unsuccessful. The microsporidan differs in structure from Encephalitozoon ixodis Weiser) and Nosema slovaca Weiser & Rehacek, the only other microsporidans known from ticks.
Engaging students to work with self-assessment questions: a study of two approaches

We explored two approaches for encouraging introductory programming students to use the web-based, self-assessment system, QuizPACK. An "organizational" approach applied specially constructed classroom quizzes, while the "technical" approach introduced adaptive guidance. Our studies demonstrated that each of these caused a dramatic increase in system use. This approach could be useful in many other contexts, when an educationally beneficial system is underused by students.
A rule-based expert system for generating control displays at the Advanced Photon Source☆

The integration of a rule-based expert system for generating screen displays for controlling and monitoring instrumentation under the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) is presented. The expert system is implemented using CLIPS, an expert system shell from the Software Technology Branch at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The user selects the hardware input and output to be displayed and the expert system constructs a graphical control screen appropriate for the data. Such a system provides a method for implementing a common look and feel for displays created by several different users and reduces the amount of time required to create displays for new hardware configurations. Users are able to modify the displays as needed using the EPICS display editor tool.
A semi-mechanistic creep model for tungsten and molybdenum based solid solution alloys

The purpose of this study is to model the Class 2 creep behavior observed in tungsten and molybdenum alloys. The creep model developed in this study for both tungsten and molybdenum solution strengthened alloys fits the existing Class 2 creep data well. For those alloys showing Class 1 creep behavior, the model can predict that the creep caused by climb mechanism does not play a dominant role. A model was developed to describe Class 2 creep behavior in solution strengthened refractory alloys of tungsten and molybdenum. This model successfully explained the available data in alloys based on body-centered cubic alloys of tungsten and molybdenum.
Does happiness function like a motivational state

According to Brehm's intensity of emotion theory, if an emotion has motivational properties, its intensity should be non-monotonically affected by factors similar to those determining the intensity of motivational states. These factors are called deterrents. In the case of emotion, one category of deterrents consists of factors that can potentially interfere with feeling the emotion, such as reasons for not feeling the emotion. Two experiments were carried out to examine whether happiness is a motivational state and, thus, if its intensity is non-monotonically determined by the importance of reasons for not feeling happy. We expected happiness to be reduced by a low importance reason for not feeling happy, to remain high in the presence of a moderately important reason, and to be reduced or eliminated by a very important reason. Both experiments supported the cubic function that results from these expectations, and when the results of the two studies were combined, each of the individual legs of the cubic...
Globalization and Tourism: Mapping the Terrain

Broadly speaking, studies of globalization and tourism fall into two groups. The first, characteristic of economists and others with an economic focus, defines globalization as economic liberalization, notably, the elimination of barriers to international trade and investment. Attention is then directed to how these liberalization processes have affected the tourism industry. Even where the examined impacts extend beyond the narrowly economic, e.g., when equity issues, environmental sustainability, and cultural integrity are taken into account, the basic task is conceived to be tracing out the impacts of economic liberalization and the concomitant expansion of the world economy (e.g., Hjalager 2007; Sugiyarto et al. 2003; Endo 2006; Diamantis and Fayed 2000; World Tourism Organization 2002; Smeral 1998).
797-2 Increased Tissue Factor at Sites of Thrombosis in an Atherosclerotic Animal Model

Atherosclerotic plaque disruption and thrombosis are now recognized as major causes of acute coronary syndromes. Tissue factor may play a central role in linking plaque disruption to thrombus formation. We utilized an atherosclerotic rabbit model of plaque disruption and thrombosis to determine the relationship between luminal surface tissue factor and arterial thrombi. Triggering was attempted in 11 atherosclerotic rabbits and 5 normal rabbits using only intraperitoneal Russell viper venom (a procoagulant) and intravenous histamine (a vasopressor). Thrombi were present in 19 of 34 aortic plaques but none of 11 aortic sections from the normal rabbits. The 34 plaques and 11 normal sections were stained with antibody to tissue factor. While none of the normal specimens had luminal surface tissue factor, it was found on the surface of 17/19 (87%) of plaques with thrombi and 7/15 (45%) of plaques without thrombi (p = 0.009). Download : Download high-res image (67KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusion Plaques associated with thrombi were significantly more likely to have luminal tissue factor than those without thrombi. These findings support the importance of tissue factor as a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Building man-man-machine synergies: experiences from the Vanderbilt and Geneva clinical information systems.

Objectives: To demonstrate how a transition to an open hospital information system architecture can help foster stronger collaborations between computer-based clinical tools and the network of care process stakeholders. Methods: Description of two evolution strategies towards an open, component-based architecture: the vertical decomposition of a monolithic system, and the transversal integration of foundation components such as terminology servers, documentation management, prescription, scheduling, workflow and notification engines. Conclusion: The progressive migration of production clinical systems towards a component-based architecture is feasible at a reasonable cost and leads to substantial benefits in terms of user acceptance through participative design and collaborative maintenance of knowledge bases, as well as improved ability to evolve, scale and share individual components. A taxonomy of the components of a health information system and their interactions should be developed to realize the collaborative potential of a marketplace of interoperable components.
Dispersion modified slot optical waveguides

Abstract Advent of slot waveguide structures had opened a new era where light can be confined in low index slot guarded by high index slabs. Already in use SOI slot waveguides (contrast ratio is 2.42) have two distinct properties over the conventional waveguides, i.e. high E-field amplitude, optical power, optical intensity in low index materials, and strong E-field confinement localized to nanometer-size low index regions. We hereby propose a low refractive index contrast ratio slot waveguide structure (ratio is 1.18) comprising of commercially available glass material. Novelty lies in showing high E-field amplitude, optical power, optical intensity, and strong E-field confinement in low index slot regions despite of lowest ever reported contrast ratio. A systematic numerical study on the higher order dispersion characteristics of the widely studied SOI-based slot structure and of our proposed low refractive index contrast slot structure is carried out. It has been demonstrated that low refractive index contrast ratio slot optical waveguide GVD properties are quite different than SOI slot optical waveguide. The less normal dispersion existing in this kind of waveguide could have an impact on their applications in various nonlinear or linear applications.
Abrasive blasting agents: designing studies to evaluate relative risk.

Workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica used in abrasive blasting are at increased risk of developing a debilitating and often fatal fibrotic lung disease called silicosis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that silica sand be prohibited as abrasive blasting material and that less hazardous materials be used in blasting operations. However, data are needed on the relative risks associated with exposure to abrasive blasting materials other than silica. NIOSH has completed acute studies in rats (Hubbs et al., 2001; Porter et al., 2002). To provide dose-response data applicable to making recommendation for occupational exposure limits, NIOSH has collaborated with the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to design longer term studies with silica substitutes. For risk assessment purposes, selected doses will include concentrations that are relevant to human exposures. Rat lung burdens achieved should be comparable to those estimated in humans with working lifeti...
Renal Cell Carcinoma with Metastases to the Gallbladder: Four Cases from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Review of the Literature

Objective We evaluate presentation and outcome of patients with metastatic RCC to the gallbladder from our institution and published literature.
Rod-cone interaction in flicker detection

There is considerable evidence in the literature that rod-cone interaction occurs when both rods and cones simultaneously detect a test target. More recent evidence, however, has shown a parafoveal rod-cone interaction during dark adaptation for a purely cone-detected flickering test stimulus; this influence on cone threshold appears to be mediated by surrounding rods. In this study, we demonstrate a similar rod-mediated influence on parafoveal cone-detected flicker threshold. More surprisingly, foveal cone-detected thresholds are also influenced by rods. This effect occurs over at least a 2 log unit intensity range of mesopic background level; cone-detected 25 Hz flicker sensitivity is enhanced by increasing the radiance of the background. The action spectrum of this effect fits the scotopic spectral sensitivity curve. At higher background levels, this rod-cone interaction disappears and surrounding cone activity then influences the cone flicker threshold. The results suggest that, as rods recover sensitivity, they reduce cone-detected flicker sensitivity, even at the fovea. The rod influence on cone flicker is most apparent for long wavelength test stimuli. Our results, in agreement with recent reports, suggest that the rod-cone interaction is laterally-mediated and may be specific for the long wavelength-sensitive cone type.
Reusable platinum nanoparticle modified boron doped diamond microelectrodes for oxidative determination of arsenite.

Boron doped diamond (BDD) macro- and microelectrodes were modified by electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles using a multipotential step electrodeposition technique and used for the oxidative determination of arsenite, As(III). The formation of Pt nanoparticles was evident from cyclic voltammetry measurement, whereas AFM and SEM revealed the size and size distribution of deposited Pt nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopy illustrated a correlation between the typical BDD signature and the number of platinum deposition cycles. Linear sweep voltammetry performed with the modified BDD microelectrode outperformed its macrocounterpart and resulted in very low detecting currents with enhanced signal-to-noise ratios. With linearity up to 100 ppb and a detection limit of 0.5 ppb, the electrochemical system was applicable for processing tap and river water samples. Over 150 repetitive runs could be performed, and electrochemical etching of platinum allowed the reuse of the BDD microelectrode. The presence of coppe...
EFFECTS OF VARIATION IN FLORAL MORPHOLOGY ON POLLINATION MECHANISMS IN ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA L., BUTTERFLYWEED (ASCLEPIADACEAE)'

Field observations revealed the presence of fruit-producing (fruiting) and non-fruit-producing (non-fruiting) plants in two south central Oklahoma populations of Asclepias tuberosa L. Comparative measurements of floral characteristics between fruiting and non-fruiting plants indicated that fruiting plants have significantly larger alar fissure widths and a greater percentage of intact pollinaria. The smaller alar fissure width on flowers of non-fruiting plants apparently reduces the probability of successful pollinia insertions in these plants. Greater numbers of observed pollinia insertions into fruiting-plant fissures appear to be the result of the increased likelihood that pollinia, which are significantly narrower than the fissures of fruiting plants, will be inserted into fruiting-plant fissures than those of non-fruiting plants. Apparently non-fruiting plants act primarily as pollinia donors while fruiting plants act primarily as pollinia recipients. These characteristics of butterflyweed tend to promote a dimorphic, allogamous type of pollination. THE BUTTERFLYWEED, Asclepias tuberosa L., is a herbaceous perennial common to disturbed sites throughout the south central and southeastern United States. According to Woodson (1964), the habitat requirements of A. tuberosa include sunny sites with well-drained soils in eastern parts of its range and more moist, south-facing slopes into Kansas and Oklahoma. During the early summer butterflyweed produces many small orange, less frequently reddish or yellow, flowers displayed in conspicuous broad umbels. Individuals are most often found in small, localized populations which, nonetheless, support many hymenopteran, lepidopteran, and coleopteran floral visitors.
Listeners' Perceptions of Language Use in Children.

Past research suggests that when children’s communication skills do not match others’ expectations, children are likely to be perceived negatively and may consequently experience less academic and ...
Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Step-by-step Contemporary Technique and Surgical Outcomes at a Single High-volume Institution

Abstract Background Robotic technology is being increasingly adopted in urologic surgery. Objective To describe a contemporary surgical technique and report cumulative surgical outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) at our tertiary care institution. Design, setting, and participants Medical charts of consecutive patients who underwent RALPN between June 2006 and November 2011 were reviewed from a prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database. Surgical procedure The main steps of our current surgical technique are described in this video tutorial: patient positioning and trocar placement; bowel mobilization; hilar dissection; tumor identification and demarcation; clamping of the hilum; tumor excision; renorraphy; hilar unclamping; and tumor retrieval. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Patients' characteristics and main surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results and limitations A total of 400 patients (mean age: 58.5 yr, mean body mass index: 30.7kg/m 2 ) were included in this analysis. Mean renal tumor size was 3.17cm (standard deviation [SD]: 1.64) and mean RENAL score was 7.2 (SD: 2). Six patients (1.5%) presented with a solitary kidney. Mean total operative time was 190.3min (SD: 57), and mean warm ischemia time was 19.2min (SD: 10.72). In 36 cases (9%), an unclamped hilum technique was used. After a mean follow-up of 12.4 mo (SD: 12.2), there was a decline of −9.2ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (SD: 26.56) in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Most renal masses were malignant (74.5%), and the overall mean tumor size was 3.05cm (SD: 1.66). Renal cell carcinoma with a clear cell histology represented the most frequent malignant diagnosis (64.4% of cases). A positive margin was observed in nine cases (2.25%). A total of 11 intraoperative complications (2.7%) occurred, and a conversion to open or laparoscopic PN was required in six cases (1.5%). A postoperative complication occurred in 61 cases (15.3%), the majority of them being low grade. Conclusions The standardization of each surgical step has allowed for optimization of RALPN and ultimately improved its outcomes and expanded its indications.
Role of Antipsychotic Polypharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Since the introduction of phenothiazines in the 1950s, clinicians have used anti-psychotics in combination. This practice has previously been declared irrational as traditional antipsychotics were thought to work by similar mechanisms. However, the advent of the atypical antipsychotics provides a cadre of new medications with varying pharmacodynamic profiles. Once again, the potential use of combination antipsychotic therapy is being explored.
Generalized hybrid-combined methods for the singularity problems of homogeneous elliptic equations

Combinations of the Ritz–Galerkin and finite element methods are applied to solving singularity problems of homogeneous, elliptic equations. The Ritz-Galerkin method is used in the subdomains where there exist singular points; and the finite element method is still used in the rest of the solution domains. More general coupling techniques than those of Reference 6 along the common boundary of subdomains are discussed. Numerical experiments using these kinds of coupling techniques are provided for the first time. It is interesting that the calculated results of Motz's problem have shown the simplified hybrid strategy in Reference 6 to be optimal for both error bounds and stability of numerical solutions, among all general coupling techniques.
Alteration of Plasma Lipids in the Rat by Fractionation of Modified Milk Fat (Butterfat)

Our objective was to determine the nutritional effects of defined fat fractions of modified milk fat, or butterfat (anhydrous butter without the milk fat globule membrane) on lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in plasma of rats fed diets containing 16% fat and two amounts of cholesterol. Five dietary fats were compared: 1) intact butterfat, 2) a liquid butterfat fraction enriched in oleic acid and unsaturated triacylglycerols with < 40 carbon atoms, 3) a solid butterfat fraction enriched in palmitic and stearic acids, 4) corn oil, and 5) palm oil. The extent of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia was the greatest with palm oil, followed by solid butterfat, corn oil, intact butterfat, and the lowest with liquid butterfat. Triacylglycerol concentrations in plasma were greater for rats fed palm oil than for those fed corn oil or liquid or intact butterfat. Among the high cholesterol dietary groups, ingestion of the liquid butterfat diet resulted in similar lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein concentrations relative to the corn oil diet, and ingestion of the solid butterfat diet resulted in similar lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein concentrations relative to the palm oil diet. These results suggest that changes in the triacylglycerol and fatty acid composition of butterfat by fractionation processes may improve its nutritional profile.
Effect of vagotomy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery on weight loss outcomes

Summary Background: During Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGB), some surgeons elect to perform a vagotomy to reduce symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER). Routine vagotomy during RYGB may independently affect weight loss and metabolic outcomes following bariatric surgery. We aimed to determine whether vagotomy augments percent excess weight loss in obese patients after RYGB. Methods: We examined the effect of vagotomy in 1278 patients undergoing RYGB at our institution from 2003 to 2009. Weight and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) were modelled at three months and annually up to five years using a longitudinal linear mixed model controlling for differences in age, gender, initial body mass index (BMI), ideal body weight, and presence of vagotomy.
Comparison of fluorometric and spectrophotometric DNA quantification for real-time quantitative PCR of degraded DNA

Abstract Isogenic NK603 DNA was degraded by sonication or heat and quantified using A260 and two fluorescent dye methods. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments were conducted by amplifying an SSIIb-3 endogenous control and an NK603 transgene in untreated, sonicated, and heat treated samples. qPCR reactions on sonicated DNA samples, based on A260 quantification, provided 0.125%, 1.14% and 2.15% NK603; while heat treated samples, provided results of 0.128%, 1.42%, and 2.73% NK603. qPCR reactions on sonicated DNA samples, based on the fluorescent dye method, provided results of 0.18%, 0.861% and 1.74% NK603; while heat treated DNA samples, provided results of 0.18%, 1.02%, and 2.16% NK603. The data suggested that fluorescent dye-based quantifications yielded more accurate determinations of the percent genetically engineered (GM) content at higher concentrations, most likely because fluorescent dye quantifications resulted in additional copies of template added into the qPCR. The data in this study suggested that neither fluorescent dye nor spectrophotometric methods of quantification on highly degraded DNA translated into concordant measurements of qPCR amplifiable DNA and accurate Ct values.
Tonic Dopaminergic Suppression of Plasma Aldosterone

To investigate the interaction between dopamine and aldosterone in man, either the dopamine antagonist, metoclopramide [methoxy-2-chloro-5-procainamide (M)], or a placebo was given by an iv bolus in a random, double blind fashion to nine supine volunteers on a hospital diet (mean urinary sodium excretion, 135 ± 17 vs. 145 ± 26 meq/24 h; P = NS). After M (10 mg), plasma aldosterone (PA) rose from 6.4 ± 1.1 to 14.0 ± 2.2 (SEM) ng/dl (P< 0.01) within 15 min. PRA, potassium, and cortisol were unchanged. PRL increased 10-fold, but individual increments in PA and PRL did not correlate significantly. Oral M (10 mg) produced a rise in PA in only two of five volunteers. To determine whether the increase in PA was due to the dopamine antagonist properties of M, the iv study was repeated in four of the volunteers during an ongoing dopamine infusion. The integrated incremental change in PA during the hour after M administration was markedly blunted (399 ± 56 vs. 69 ± 32 ng/dl · min; P < 0.05), and the PRL response wa...
Hypoxemia, atelectasis, and the elevation of arterial pressure and heart rate in paralyzed artificially ventilated rat

Abstract Rats prepared while anesthetized with halothane, ether or pentobarbital, subsequently paralyzed with curare, and maintained with or without anesthetic, by artificial ventilation with room air are hypoxemic in association with elevated arterial pressures and heart rates. The hypoxemia can occur with normal Pa CO 2 , is associated with a marked increase in the alveolar-arterial P O 2 difference, and is not reversed by hyperventilation or hyperinflation. The lungs, visualized directly through a thoracotomy during ing artificial ventilation, are segmentally collapsed and at postmortem demonstrate focal and diffuse signs of atelectasis. Hypoxemia and an elevation of the alveolar-arterial P O 2 difference occur within 20 minutes after the onset of anesthesia, prior to paralysis. We conclude that anesthetized rats develop atelectasis soon after the onset of anesthesia. The atelectasis, and resultant hypoxemia persist during subsequent paralysis despite an adequate minute volume and absence of anesthesia. Despite atelectasis, blood gases, arterial pressures and heart rates may be maintained near normal values by ventilation of paralyzed rats with 50% O 2 and 50% N 2 .
Near optimal link on/off scheduling and weight assignment for minimizing IP network energy consumption

The rationale behind a green network is that it should effectively reduce energy consumption, while maintaining the level of services for data communications. In this paper, we propose an efficient approach, called the Compression Algorithm (CA), which is designed to solve the link on/off and weight assignment problems jointly so as to minimize a network's energy consumption. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer non-linear optimization problem. Because the problem is NP-hard, the CA utilizes a genetic algorithm to determine the link on/off schedule. In addition, it exploits the simulated annealing technique for link weight assignment so that the routing paths satisfy the link capacity constraints. By solving the link on/off and weight assignment problems sequentially, the CA scheme reduces the uncertainty about network energy consumption and yields a near optimal solution. To observe the relationship between network energy consumption and link load distributions, performance evaluations were conducted on three schemes, namely, the proposed CA, route construction without considering power savings, and route construction using minimum power saving without link capacity constraints. Numerical results demonstrate that the CA outperforms the other approaches on a network embedded with both uniform and non-uniform demand distributions.
On Two-Stage Selection of the Best Negative Exponential Population with Applications

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTWe revisit the problem of selecting the best among k (≥ 2) independent negative exponential populations, each with unknown location and scale parameters. Thus, we go back to Desu et al.'s (1977) two-stage selection methodology that was developed for the case when the scale parameters were all equal but unknown. That selection methodology is first extended for situations where scale parameters have the form Ciσ with σ(> 0) being unknown but ci(> 0) is known, not all equal, i = 1, …, k(≥ 2). It is shown that this new two-stage selection methodology does not require any new statistical table for its implementation beyond what was required by the original 1977 methodology of Desu et al. We have also addressed the customary sticky problem regarding the choice of an appropriate pilot sample size. Two illustrations are included with the help of real data that came from the area of weed and plant science.
Purification of Rabbit Testis Proacrosin and Studies of Its Active Form

An inactive form of rabbit testis trypsin-like enzyme appears to be a zymogen. Partial purification of the zymogen is described in detail and includes extraction. Sephadex G-75 gel filtration and SE-Sephadex ion exchange column chromatography at acid pH. The zymogen was separated from a trypsin inhibitor by the Sephadex G-75 chromotographic step, but it still remained inactive unless activated with bovine pancreatic trypsin or “autoactivated” at pH 8. No enzymatic activity could be detected at pH 8 with BAEE as substrate when the zymogen was assayed immediately after pre-incubation at pH 3. The apparent molecular weights of the zymogen and the trypsin inhibitor as determined by Sephadcx G-l00 column chromatography were 68,500 ± 2500 and 10.000 respectively. The activity, produced by autoactivation of partially purified zymogen. hydrolyzed the trypsin substrates BANA, BAEE. TAME and casein, and was inhibited by soybean > lima bean > ovomucoid trypsin inhibitors, and was also inhibited by TLCK. Calcium was required for optimal activity. The ratio of the rates of hydrolysis of BAEE and TAME by the active enzyme was 2.5:1 at 6 x 10-i M final substrate concentration. The active form of the zymogen appears to be acrosin (EC 3.4.21.10) and the zymogen can thus be called proacrosin.
Relationship between quantitative radiographic assessments of interstitial lung disease and physiological and clinical features of systemic sclerosis

Objectives Extent of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) assessed from thoracic high-resolution CT (HRCT) predicts disease course, mortality and treatment response. While quantitative HRCT analyses of extent of lung fibrosis (QLFib) or total interstitial lung disease (QILD) are more sensitive and reproducible than visual HRCT assessments of SSc-ILD, these analyses are not widely available. This study evaluates the relationship between clinical disease parameters and QLFib and QILD scores to identify potential surrogate measures of radiographic extent of ILD. Methods Using baseline data from the Scleroderma Lung Study I (SLS I; N=158), multivariate regression analyses were performed using the best subset selection method to identify one to five variable models that best correlated with QLFib and QILD scores in both whole lung (WL) and the zone of maximal involvement (ZM). These models were subsequently validated using baseline data from SLS II (N=142). Bivariate analyses of the radiographic and clinical variables were also performed using pooled data. SLS I and II did not include patients with clinically significant pulmonary hypertension (PH). Results Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was the single best predictor of both QLF and QILD in the WL and ZM in all of the best subset models. Adding other disease parameters to the models did not substantially improve model performance. Forced vital capacity (FVC) did not predict QLF or QILD scores in any of the models. Conclusions In the absence of PH, DLCO provides the best overall estimate of HRCT-measured lung disease in patients from two large SSc cohorts. FVC, although commonly used, may not be the best surrogate measure of extent of SSc-ILD at any point in time. Trial registration numbers SLS I: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT 00000-4563; SLS II: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT 00883129.
Critical Steps for Continuing Advancement of Satellite Rainfall Applications for Surface Hydrology in the Nile River Basin

Gebremichael, Mekonnen, Emmanouil N. Anagnostou, and Menberu M. Bitew, 2010. Critical Steps for Continuing Advancement of Satellite Rainfall Applications for Surface Hydrology in the Nile River Basin. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(2):361-366. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00428.x. Abstract: Given the increasingly higher resolution and data accessibility, satellite precipitation products could be useful for hydrological application in the Nile River Basin, which is characterized by lack of reasonably dense hydrological in situ sensors and lack of access to the existing dataset. However, in the absence of both extreme caution and research results for the Nile basin, the satellite rainfall (SR) products may not be used, or may even be used erroneously. We identify two steps that are critical to enhance the value of SR products for hydrological applications in the Nile basin. The first step is to establish representative validation sites in the Nile basin. The validation site will help to quantify the errors in the different kinds of SR products, which will be used to select the best products for the Nile basin, include the errors in decision making, and design strategies to minimize the errors. Using rainfall measurements collected from the unprecedented high-density rain gauge network over a small region within the Nile basin, we indicate that SR estimates could be subject to significant errors, and quantification of estimation errors by way of establishing validation sites is critically important in order to use the SR products. The second step is to identify the degree of hydrologic model complexity required to obtain more accurate hydrologic simulation results for the Nile basin when using SR products as input. The level of model complexity may depend on basin size and SR algorithm, and further research is needed to spell out this dependence for the Nile basin.
Pelvic Positioning Creates Error in CT Acetabular Measurements

Background CT allows for accurate measurement of acetabular orientation and shape, but malpositioning of the pelvis may lead to measurement variance.