cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of System-Level Factors With Secondary Overtriage in Trauma Patients

Importance Studies show that secondary overtriage (SO) contributes significantly to the economic burden of injured patients; thus, the association of SO with use of the trauma system has been examined. However, the association of the underlying trauma system design with such overtriage has yet to be evaluated. Objectives To evaluate whether the distribution of trauma centers in a statewide trauma system is associated with SO and to identify clinical and demographic factors that may lead to SO. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was performed using 2008-2012 data from the Ohio Trauma and Emergency Medical Services registries. All patients taken to level III or nontrauma centers from the scene of the injury with an Injury Severity Score less than 15 and discharged alive were included. Among these patients, those with SO were identified as those who were subsequently transferred to a level I or II trauma center, had no surgical intervention, and were discharged alive within 48 hours of admission. The SO group was analyzed descriptively. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify system-level factors associated with SO. Statistical analysis was performed from August 1, 2017, to January 31, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the occurrence of SO. Results Of 34 494 trauma patients able to be matched in the 2 registries, 7881 (22.9%) met the inclusion criteria, of whom 965 (12.2%) had SO. The median age in the SO group was 40 years (interquartile range, 26-55 years), with 299 women and 666 men. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, injury type, and insurance status, the study found that system-level factors (number of level I or II trauma centers in the region [>1]) were significantly associated with SO (adjusted odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.64-2.38;P Conclusions and Relevance This study’s findings suggest that the distribution of major trauma centers in the region is significantly associated with SO. Subsequent investigation to identify the optimal number and distribution of trauma centers may therefore be critical. Specific outreach and collaboration of level III trauma centers and nontrauma centers with level I and II trauma centers, along with the use of telemedicine, may provide further guidance to level III trauma centers and nontrauma centers on when to transfer injured patients.
Establishing the baseline for using plankton as biosensor

ABSTRACT Plankton is at the bottom of the food chain. Microscopic phytoplankton account for about 50% of all photosynthesis on Earth, corresponding to 50 billion tons of carbon each year, or about 125 billion tonnes of sugar[1]. Plankton is also the food for most species of fish, and therefore it represents the backbone of the aquatic environment. Thus, monitoring plankton is paramount to infer potential dangerous changes to the ecosystem. In this work we use a collection of plankton species extracted from a large dataset of images from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), to establish a basic set of morphological features for supporting the use of plankton as a biosensor. Using a perturbation detection approach, we show that it is possible to detect deviation from the average space of features for each species of plankton microorganisms, that we propose could be related to environmental threat or perturbations. Such an approach can open the way for the development of an automatic Artificial Intelligence (AI) based system for using plankton as biosensor.
Transvaginal Laparoscopy for Management of Low-Grade Endometrial Cancer

Study Objective to report on our experience with transvaginal laparoscopic management of low-grade endometrial cancer. Design a study of transvaginal natural orifice endoscopy to manage patients with grade 1 or grade 2 endometrial cancer. This is descriptive of the surgical findings and consequences. Setting a single institution academic center Patients or Participants 32 women with low-grade endometrial cancer were consented for hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) by a transvaginal approach utilizing laparoscopy. Interventions Anterior and Posterior cul-de-sacs were opened through the vagina. A gel point device was placed into these spaces, the patients reclined in slight Trendelenburg position, and the abdomen insufflated. A vessel sealing device was used under laparoscopic visualization to cauterize and cut the paracervical tissue, uterosacral ligaments, uterine vasculature, broad ligament and utero-ovarian pedicle. The uterus was removed and submitted to pathology for depth of invasion. The tubes and ovaries were then removed laparoscopically and the entire abdominal cavity was inspected. Patients with deep invasion underwent trans-abdominal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy. Measurements and Main Results a total of 32 women underwent the procedure. The mean age was 60(26 – 90). The mean BMI was 34(22 – 58). 19 had prior pelvic surgery including eight with one or more prior cesarean deliveries. The mean uterine weight was 119 g (27 – 436). 12 patients were discharged home that day and 20 stayed overnight. One patient had a thermal injury to the small bowel requiring over sewing. Two patients had bladder injury during entry to the Anterior cul-de-sac, both of whom had had two prior cesarean deliveries. One patient required lymphadenectomy. Patients did not require narcotic analgesia. Conclusion transvaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy, BSO is feasible and permits rapid recovery with minimal postoperative pain and is cosmetically appealing.
A Comprehensive Set of Solutions That Together Hold Much Promise

The author concludes the book in this chapter, with a real sense of optimism. Yes, school shootings are a major problem. However, it is a comprehensive approach that is needed. In the past, the tone of the school shooting debate has tended to be preoccupied with a singular solution. Once the nation’s leaders recognize that this large a problem requires a broader range of solutions, then progress will be achieved. Yes, gun legislation specifically focused on youth is needed. Yes, character education that focuses on shared values (e.g., honesty, responsibility, and love) and anger management needs to be taught in the schools. In addition, community organizations and the nation at large need to offer more counseling support to encourage healthy family relations and help troubled youth. Families, schools, and several institutions need to more become more proactive when it comes to taking action on bullying (including on social media), monitoring the level of violence in video games and television, and in taking decisive action when there are obvious warning signs that students are being threatened with violence. What is so important, however, is that society concurrently focus on many solutions, not merely one. Fixing this problem is possible.
Planar Trees and the Lagrange Inversion Formula

The trees we shall be concerned with here will be trees drawn on a plane. A few of them are shown in Figure 3.1. Open image in new window Fig. 3.1 Examples of planar trees.
Evolution of the CDM Design

The design goal during the prototype development phase is to take the tested and proven Collider Dipole Magnet baseline developed by SSCL, FNAL and BNL, and adapt it for high rate production while maintaining or enhancing performance, reliability and uniformity between magnets. In many areas no changes are required, but a choice had to be made between different solutions proposed by the National Laboratories. In most of these instances the reasons to pick one solution over the other were less than compelling since all perform about equally well.
Development of Holding Strategies for Deteriorated Low-Volume Roads: Introduction to Test Sections in Iowa

Heavily deteriorated low-volume roads in the United States often face the plight of insufficient maintenance funding. Funding priority is usually given to roads that are part of the National Highway System (NHS). Rural highways that have the geometry and speed limits intended for lower traffic volume are not included in the NHS and may be managed by state highway authorities, counties, or townships. Low-volume roads provide access to areas that are less populated and typically have traffic counts of less than 1,500 average daily traffic. To improve such roadways, highway agencies are interested in holding strategies that are more aggressive than preventive maintenance but not as extensive as rehabilitation. The Iowa Department of Transportation constructed test sections with 10 holding strategy treatments to aid in the development of appropriate guidelines. Holding strategy treatments use various combinations of thin surfacing technologies and base recycling and strengthening treatments for flexible pavem...
Low Back Pain of Muscular Origin

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem that has a lifetime incidence of 60% and a point prevalence of about 12–14%. It is the cause of disability in 4–6% of those who have back pain. Recurrence in the first 6 months is a problem. All ages and both sexes are susceptible to acute and chronic LBP. There is a major occupational component to LBP, in terms of exposure both to increased risk of injury and to physically strenuous activity. Muscular causes of back pain, or regional, low back myofascial pain syndromes, are important causes of pain and disability, but are often overlooked because they are not accompanied by structural abnormalities that can be seen on imaging studies of the back. The diagnosis must be considered, and the patient’s muscles must be examined, in addition to the usual assessment of movement and of neurological function. Many reviews of LBP omit discussions of myofascial pain, for example. Treatment of myofascial LBP involves the nondirect use of cognitive-behavioral therapy that addresses fear of movement and the problems with lack of readiness to make a change, and (in occupational injuries) anger. Physical therapy is employed to restore movement and function, and to relieve pain. Pharmacologic treatment can provide analgesia that allows physical therapy to proceed. Trigger point dry needling or injection of a local anesthetic into trigger points can facilitate physical therapy. Attention must be paid to articular dysfunction that is either a comorbidity of the trigger point syndrome, or a consequence of it.
Superoxide Dismutase in the Anaerobic Flagellates, Tritrichomonas foetus and Monocercomonas sp

Abstract Superoxide dismutase activity is present in the facultative anaerobic flagellates, Tritrichomonas foetus and Monocercomonas sp. The enzyme has a similar specific activity in these organisms, as it has in Escherichia coli, Tetrahymena pyriformis, and rat liver. About five-sixths of the activity of T. foetus is in the nonsedimentable portion of the cytoplasm. The rest is connected with a subcellular organelle, the hydrogenosome, and exhibits structure-bound latency which can be abolished by freezing and thawing or with the detergent Triton X-100. The enzymes from both locations differ in their electrophoretic mobility on polyacrylamide gels. They are similar in their molecular weight (38,000) and in their sensitivity to heat or organic solvents. Neither of them is inhibited by cyanide.
Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Public School Employment: A Legal Primer

This article reviews Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as they apply to school district employment. The article includes a practical step-by-step process for analyzing school district actions with regard to applicants and employees with disabilities. It cites specific examples of court and agency rulings concerning hiring, reasonable accommodation, adverse action, nonrenewal, and termination.
Performance evaluation of the karma provenance framework for scientific workflows

Provenance about workflow executions and data derivations in scientific applications help estimate data quality, track resources, and validate in silico experiments. The Karma provenance framework provides a means to collect workflow, process, and data provenance from data-driven scientific workflows and is used in the Linked Environments for Atmospheric Discovery (LEAD) project. This article presents a performance analysis of the Karma service as compared against the contemporary PReServ provenance service. Our study finds that Karma scales exceedingly well for collecting and querying provenance records, showing linear or sub-linear scaling with increasing number of provenance records and clients when tested against workloads in the order of 10,000 application-service invocations and over 36 concurrent clients.
Correlation between the antigenic and catalytic properties of staphylococcal nuclease.

Rabbit antiserum against staphylococcal nuclease is capable of neutralizing both the DNase and RNase activities of the enzyme. The substrate analogue, deoxythymidine 3′, 5′-diphosphate, together with Ca++, protects the enzyme against inactivation by its antibody. The precipitin reaction of nuclease-antinuclease in the presence of deoxythymidine 3′,5′-diphosphate and Ca++ shows two separable peaks. The first, minor peak corresponds to antibodies which react with nuclease identically in the presence or absence of Ca++ or substrate analogues. The second, major peak is due to antibody whose reaction with nuclease is inhibited by Ca++ and certain nucleotides, particularly deoxythymidine 3′,5′-diphosphate. When joined in complex with its antibodies, nuclease is protected from irreversible inactivation by nitration with tetranitromethane. Antinuclease cross-reacts with both the mononitrotyrosyl-85 and −115 derivatives of nuclease. Calcium and deoxythymidine 3′,5′-diphosphate inhibit the reaction of antinuclease with the enzymatically active mononitrotyrosyl-115 derivative, but not with the enzymatically inactive mononitrotyrosyl-85 derivative.
Purification of Vitronectin

This unit describes the purification of extracellular vitronectin from plasma or serum by using heparin-affinity chromatography. First, the plasma is depleted of fibronectin plus other heparin- and Sepharose-binding proteins and treated with urea to activate the heparin-binding activity of vitronectin, which is subsequently bound to a heparin affinity column and eluted. The resulting vitronectin should be ∼ 98% pure.
Unspecified LISN parameters can cause emissions to appear greater than 10 dB high

Experimental findings of the testing of two different products using FCC/VDE LISNs from several manufacturers are summarized. The initial problem, inconsistent measurement of emissions, was noted on one UUT; while measurement of emissions on another UUT were consistent. Modifying the grounding of LISN VA Hash 2 allowed more reproducible measurements compared to LISNs VC or VD which meet the impedance specifications and had a low internal ground impedance. >
Ras GTPase-activating protein physically associates with mitogenically active phospholipids.

Abstract The physical interaction between GTPase-activating protein (GAP) and lipids has been characterized by two separate analyses. First, bacterially synthesized GAP molecules were found to associate with detergent-mixed micelles containing arachidonic but not with those containing arachidic acid. This association was detected by a faster elution time during molecular exclusion chromatography. Second, GAP molecules within a crude cellular lysate were specifically retained by a column on which certain lipids had been immobilized. The lipids able to retain GAP on such columns were identical to those which were shown previously to be most active in blocking GAP activity. The association between lipids and GAP was dependent upon magnesium ions. Lipids unable to inhibit GAP activity were also unable to physically associate with GAP. The tight association of GAP with these lipids was predicted by and helps to rationalize their ability to inhibit GAP activity.
Text message behavioral interventions: from here to where?

Text messaging is an efficient and personal electronic form of communication, making it an ideal modality for remote delivery of behavioral interventions. The ubiquity of cell phones and short message service (SMS) worldwide allow the possibility of SMS behavioral inteventions to impact global health. Studies to date suggest that SMS interventions can effectively support health behaviors and may offer advantages compared to other forms of computerized interventions. Program features optimizing user engagament and persuasiveness are suggested to mediate SMS intervention effect. Future research is tasked with identifying what SMS features are useful to which individuals at what times to best help them initiate and maintain health behaviors.
Examining elementary literacy teachers' perceptions of their preparedness to implement the English language arts common core state standards

The purpose of our study was to examine elementary literacy teachers’ perceptions of their preparedness to implement the ELA CCSS. We defined preparedness across three dimensions: teachers’ perceived levels of knowledge of the standards and its components; efficacy to implement changes; and actual changes to their instructional practices. A survey was developed based on the literature and administered to 158 elementary school teachers in two districts. Findings document the nature of their professional development and identify areas where additional development opportunities are necessary. While all teachers reported receiving professional development on the ELA CCSS, they varied in knowledge ratings across various dimensions of the standards, self-efficacy ratings, and the degree they reported implementing changes in their practice with the introduction of the ELA CCSS. Discussion focuses on the need to provide more time and supports to teachers as they deal with the challenges of the new standards.
Microfossil distributions in modern Amundsen Sea sediments

Abstract Acquisition of 20 piston cores from the Amundsen Sea continental shelf provides material for the first determinations of modern and paleo-distributions of microfossils, including planktonic and benthic foraminifera, diatoms, and Radiolaria, in this region. Microfossil analyses of filtered sea water and sea ice samples allow comparisons of the biocoenosis with the thanatocoenosis in the sediments. In all, three biotic provinces are distinguished. (1) The outer shelf region, north of Thurston Island, is characterized by high abundances of planktonic and calcareous benthic foraminifera. Low diatom abundances in sediments here, despite high abundances in the sea ice, may reflect prevention of deposition by ocean currents. (2) The southernmost province, in Pine Island Bay, is marked by very low abundances of all microfossil groups, possibly because the floating terminus of Pine Island Glacier has retreated from this area only during the last 100 years. In that case, the polynya that exists today in this region during some austral summers is so recent a feature that little or no biogenic sediment has had an opportunity to accumulate beneath it. (3) The eastern margin province, situated between the Pine Island Bay and outer margin provinces along the eastern coast of the Amundsen Sea, is characterized by high abundances of diatoms and arenaceous benthic foraminifera, which probably record the presence of the Amundsen Sea polynya in this area during the last 1000 to 2500 years. Dominance of the benthic fauna in this area by arenaceous foraminifera is a function of the great depth from which most cores in this area were retrieved (500–924 m), below the CCD.
Changes in plasma thyroxine levels during smoltification in hatchery-reared one-year and two-year Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract Plasma thyroxine (T 4 ) levels were measured in 1-year (S1) and 2-year (S2) Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), in County Mayo, Ireland, for two consecutive years (1983 and 1984). The two year-classes of Atlantic salmon for this locale in Ireland had different plasma T 4 profiles during the usual smoltification period. The S2 group showed significantly increased plasma T 4 levels ( P 4 levels of the S1 group remained low throughout the entire period of measurement (February through June/July) in both years. The increase in plasma T 4 in the S2 group in 1983 and 1984 does not appear to be new moon-related; nor did the mid-April increase in plasma T 4 of the S2 fish correlate with rainfall or water temperature. An increase in plasma T 4 during April 1984 coincided with increased stream flow, suggesting that a change in water quality may have affected plasma T 4 at that time. In June of both years, an increase in plasma T 4 in both the S1 and S2 fish occurred as water temperature increased. No significant difference was found in triiodothyronine (T 3 ) between the year-classes or within each year-class during the smoltification process.
Multicasting in Energy Aware Mobile Backbone Based Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

The synthesis of efficient and scalable multicasting schemes for wireless ad hoc networks is a challenging task. In this paper, we present three multicast algorithms that employ a dynamically synthesized energy-aware mobile backbone network (E-MBN) to achieve efficient message distribution among members of the multicast groups. E-MBN incorporates a power saving mechanism that allows inactive nodes to transition into sleep state to conserve energy, and elects nodes with higher energy reserves as backbone nodes (BNs) to extend network lifetime. Using the synthesized backbone network (Bnet), we have a hierarchical networking architecture that enables a multicast protocol to achieve low control overhead and high transmission efficiency. The multicast algorithms under investigation are: (1) Bnet flooding multicast algorithm (BFMA); (2) shared backbone multicast subnetwork (SBMS); and (3) dynamically adaptive hybrid multicast algorithm (HMA). We study the throughput (per-watt) performance efficiency of the E-MBN based multicast protocols through analytical and simulation evaluations. For fair comparison, we defined and implemented an extended version of ODMRP with power saving mechanism (ODMRP-PS). Our results demonstrate the enhanced performance achieved by the E-MBN based multicast algorithms when compared to ODMRP-PS, and provide performance comparisons for these algorithms.
Monozygotic twin birth after the transfer of a cleavage stage embryo resulting from a single pronucleated oocyte.

Purpose: To present a case involving the transfer of a single pronucleated oocyte resulting in a monozygotic twin pregnancy.
Techniques for mechanical stimulation of cells in vitro: a review

A wide variety of laboratory apparatuses have been devised for mechanical stimulation of cell and tissue cultures. This article reviews the functional attributes of several dozen systems developed for that purpose, including their major advantages and disadvantages. These devices can be categorized in terms of their primary loading modality: compression (hydrostatic pressure or direct platen contact), longitudinal stretch, bending, axisymmetric substrate bulge, in-plane substrate distention, fluid shear stress, or combined substrate distention and fluid shear.
Kinetic and Antigenic Characterization of Altered Protein Synthesis by Campylobacter jejuni during Cultivation with Human Epithelial Cells

Cultivation of Campylobacter jejuni with INT 407 cell monolayer cultures results in new or enhanced synthesis of a number of proteins compared with bacteria cultured in the absence of the epithelial cells. These proteins were detected within 60 min after the addition of the bacteria to the epithelial cell cultures, and their synthesis was temporally associated with an increase in C. jejuni internalization. A rabbit antiserum raised against bacteria that were cultivated with INT 407 cells recognized nine proteins that were not recognized by an antiserum against C. jejuni cultivated in medium alone. The former antiserum inhibited the internalization, but not the binding, of Campylobacter jejuni in a dose-dependent fashion. The results suggest that one or more of the proteins synthesized by C. jejuni in response to cocultivation with epithelial cells plays a role in facilitating internalization.
The reactions of the cis-dicyanoethylene-1,2-dithiolate ion with mono- and trisubstituted group IVB organometallic compounds

Abstract The reactions between disodium dicyanoethylene-1,2-dithiolate, Na 2 Mnt 1 ; and various Group IVB organometallic compounds, R 4− n MX n (R = CH 3 , C 6 H 5 ; n = 1, 3; M = Ge, Sn, Pb) in the presence of tetraalkylammonium halides, have been investigated. With R 3 MX species as the starting materials, complexes exhibiting the following stoichiometry have been prepared and characterized: [R′ 4 N] + [MMntR 3 ] − (M = Ge, Sn, Pb; R = C 6 H 5 and M = Sn, Pb; R = CH 3 ). NMR measurements show that the alkyl pentacoordinate complexes undergo rapid rearrangement. When RMX 3 species were employed as starting materials, metal-carbon bond cleavage was observed at room temperature. NMR and IR spectra, X-ray powder pattern, and conductivity data are reported and discussed.
Light- and MgCl2-dependent characteristics of four chlorophyll-protein complexes isolated from the marine dinoflagellate, Glenodinium sp.

Abstract Chlorophyll-protein complexes previously isolated from low-light (80 μE·m −2 ·s −1 ) log cultures of the marine dinoflagellate, Glenodinium sp., were further characterized. SDS solubilization in combination with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of Deriphat 160-C resolved four discrete chlorophyll-protein bands. In order to elucidate the functional role of Glenodinium sp., room-temperature absorption and fluorescence spectra, protein composition, and pigment molar ratios were obtained for each complex. Results indicated that complex I was analogous to the green plant Photosystem I complex and was also associated with light-harvesting chlorophyll c 2 . Complex II was highly enriched in chlorophyll c 2 , devoid of peridinin, and demonstrated energy transfer from chlorophyll c to chlorophyll a within the complex, indicating the presence of a light-harvesting component. Based on peridinin: chlorophyll a ratios and fluorescence excitation spectra analyses for complexes III and IV, it was concluded that these complexes contained functional peridinin-chlorophyll a -protein complexes. Changing the ionic environment during isolation of the complexes, or altering the growth irradiance of Glenodinium sp. cultures, resulted in a significant alteration of distribution of chlorophyll a among the chlorophyll-protein complexes.
Performance of a mixing entropy battery alternately flushed with wastewater effluent and seawater for recovery of salinity-gradient energy

Salinity-gradient energy, also referred to as blue energy, is a largely untapped source of renewable energy. Coastal wastewater treatment plants discharge a continuous stream of low salinity effluent to the ocean and are thus attractive locations for recovery of blue energy. One method of tapping this gradient is a “mixing entropy battery” (MEB), a battery equipped with anionic and cationic electrodes that charges when flushed with freshwater and discharges when flushed with seawater. We constructed a plate-shape MEB, where the anionic electrode was Ag/AgCl, and the cationic electrode was Na4Mn9O18 (NMO). Over a single cycle with a single cell, the net energy recovery was 0.11 kW h per m3 of wastewater effluent. When twelve cells were connected in series, the net energy recovery (energy produced after subtracting energy invested) was 0.44 kW h per m3 of wastewater effluent. This is 68% of the theoretical recoverable energy of 0.65 kW h per m3 of wastewater effluent. We conclude that (1) wastewater effluent can be effectively used for charging of a MEB, (2) cells in series are needed to optimize net energy recovery efficiency, (3) there is a trade-off between net energy recovery efficiency and capital investment, (4) there is a trade-off between net energy recovery efficiency and power output, and (5) new electrode materials are needed to increase capacity, decrease cost, and to avoid release of Ag to seawater.
Ocean thermal energy conversion material requirements for large-Scale systems

This paper summarizes the general concepts and current state-of-the-art for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Systems, a large-scale solar energy driven resource. Specifically, it focuses on the varied material needs for such power plants. Each of the system’s major components (turbine, heat exchanger, ocean platform or hull, and ocean water delivery system) is discussed with respect to material requirements (type and magnitude) needed for the various designs. The heat exchangers are considered to be the key power plant components and various designs and material choices are presented. Also, the impact on material resources for large-scale implementation of such systems is considered.
Supercritical water oxidation research and development update

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a form of hydrothermal treatment. During the early research and development (R&D) period (early 1980s), it has been demonstrated that SCWO can be an effective alternative to the destruction of hazardous organic wastewaters and sludges. Because of this promising potential and growing interest in SCWO technology, R&D efforts have been intensified. As a result, the first SCWO commercial facility (1100 Liter/hour) developed by Eco Waste Technologies was commissioned in August 1994. Also, a number of demonstration SCWO facilities exist in various companies, national laboratories, and federal agencies. This recent development has shown that the SCWO process produces environmentally acceptable effluents (gas, liquid and solid), lends itself to resource recovery, and can be economically competitive. As such, the process can be used to serve as a pretreatment unit, an end-of-pipe facility or become an integral part of an industrial process. More recently, the SCWO&D program has been expanded. The research activities now include more detailed studies involving reaction kinetics, catalysis, salt solubility, corrosion, heavy metal speciation, solids separation, and resource/by-product recovery. Technology development involves process and reactor design, materials evaluation, heat recovery, control systems, effluent handling, ash disposal, safety requirements, and process integration.
DNA of Rous Sarcoma Virus: Its Nature and Significance

Purified preparations of Rous sarcoma virus (an avian tumor virus with an RNA genome) contain small amounts of double-stranded DNA. This DNA cannot be hybridized to viral RNA, but will reanneal completely with the DNA of avian cells. Extensive substitution of bromodeoxyuridine for thymidine in "viral" DNA does not photosensitize the biological activity of the virus. These observations indicate that the DNA associated with Rous sarcoma virus is derived from the DNA of the avian host cell, and is probably devoid of any function in the life cycle of the virus.
Complex Function of Stim1 in the Activation of Store-Independent Orai Channels

Orai proteins contribute to Ca2+ entry pathways through store-dependent, Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels (Orai1), and store-independent, arachidonic acid (AA)-regulated Ca2+ (ARC) or LeukotrieneC4-regulated Ca2+ (LRC) channels (Orai1 and Orai3). Remarkably, although activated by fundamentally different mechanisms, both CRAC and ARC/LRC channels share a requirement for STIM1 expression. To date the role of endoplasmic reticulum-resident STIM1 (ER-STIM1) in the activation of CRAC channels is well appreciated. There is a minor pool of STIM1 at the plasma membrane (PM-STIM1) that was shown to be necessary for ARC current activation in HEK293 cells. Using pharmacological tools targeting AA synthesis and metabolism, Ca2+ imaging, whole-cell and perforated patch clamp electrophysiological recordings we demonstrate that both Orai1 and Orai3 are required for ARC and LRC current activation in both primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and HEK293 cells. Surprisingly, while PM-STIM1 is required for ARC and LRC current activation under whole cell patch clamp recordings in both cell types, ER-STIM1 is sufficient for both ARC and LRC channel activation when intact cells are considered. These results are first to demonstrate ARC channel function in primary VSMCs, highlight the complexity of STIM1 regulation of store-independent Orai channels and demonstrate that ARC and LRC currents are mediated by the same channels.
The SmtB/ArsR family of metalloregulatory transcriptional repressors: Structural insights into prokaryotic metal resistance

The SmtB/ArsR family of prokaryotic metalloregulatory transcriptional repressors represses the expression of operons linked to stress-inducing concentrations of di- and multivalent heavy metal ions. Derepression results from direct binding of metal ions by these homodimeric ‘metal sensor’ proteins. An evolutionary analysis, coupled with comparative structural and spectroscopic studies of six SmtB/ArsR family members, suggests a unifying ‘theme and variations’ model, in which individual members have evolved distinct metal selectivity profiles by alteration of one or both of two structurally distinct metal coordination sites. These two metal sites are designated α3N (or α3) and α5 (or α5C), named for the location of the metal binding ligands within the known or predicted secondary structure of individual family members. The α3N/α3 sensors, represented by Staphylococcus aureus pI258 CadC, Listeria monocytogenes CadC and Escherichia coli ArsR, form cysteine thiolate-rich coordination complexes (S3 or S4) with thiophilic heavy metal pollutants including Cd(II), Pb(II), Bi(III) and As(III) via inter-subunit coordination by ligands derived from the α3 helix and the N-terminal ‘arm’ (CadCs) or from the α3 helix only (ArsRs). The α5/α5C sensors Synechococcus SmtB, Synechocystis ZiaR, S. aureus CzrA, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis NmtR form metal complexes with biologically required metal ions Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) characterized by four or more coordination bonds to a mixture of histidine and carboxylate ligands derived from the C-terminal α5 helices on opposite subunits. Direct binding of metal ions to either the α3N or α5 sites leads to strong, negative allosteric regulation of repressor operator/promoter binding affinity, consistent with a simple model for derepression. We hypothesize that distinct allosteric pathways for metal sensing have co-evolved with metal specificities of distinct α3N and α5 coordination complexes.
ANTHOCYANINS AND FLAVONOLS OF MIRACLE FRUIT, Synsepalum dulcificum, Schum

The anthocyanin and flavonol pigments of the miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum, Schum) were isolated and identified by paper chromatography and spectral analysis. The red pigments of miracle fruit (14.3 mg/100g fresh wt) were cyanidin-3-monogalactoside, cyanidin-3-monoglucoside, cyanidin-3-monoarabinoside, delphinidin-3-monogalactoside and delphmidin-3-monoarabinoside existing in a ratio of 188:62:9:5:2, respectively. The major flavonol pigments were quercetin-3-monogalactoside, kaempferol-3-monoglucoside, myricetin-3-monogatactoside and traces of similar flavonols. The aglycones quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin were also isolated and identified. The flavonols and aglycones were present at 9.0 mg/100g fresh wt.
Relations among compression, suppression, and combination tones in mechanical responses of the basilar membrane: data and MBPNL model.

Abstract Recent observations of combination tones and low-frequency suppression in the mechanical response of the basilar membrane have eliminated uncertainty of the existence of these non-linear phenomena at this stage of the cochlea (Robles et al., 1991; Ruggero et al., 1992b; Rhode and Copper, 1993), and provide the first oppurtunity to test and extend theoretical understanding of these non-linear responses. This paper reports a systematic study of the new data for the chinchilla with the MBPNL (multiple band-pass non-linearity) non-linear model for rapid compression in cochlear filtering (Goldstein, 1990). The two key findings are that: (1) the large differences in suppression growth rates for low- and high-frequency suppressors are closely predicted by the model, although a statistically significant small bias in the prediction was found; and (2) combination tones of frequency 2f2−f1 were well predicted by the model, while reported levels of 2f1−f2 were underestimated by the model. The most likely explanation of the result for 2f1−f2 is that the model correctly predicts the distributed generation of combination tones, but does not include a propagating medium that allows combination tones to accumulate at their tuned site. Alternative explanations requiring experimental clarification are suggested. The general findings of this study is that the complex level-dependent properties of suppression and combination tones are closely related to the three regions characterizing the tuned response of the basilar membrane, in which linear-like responses at low and high sound levels are joined by a compressive range. The MBPNL model describes this general relationship quantitatively and is a reliable basis for further modeling research.
Instant annotation: early design experiences in supporting cross-cultural group chat

Cross-cultural group chat is an important option for supporting communication in both industry and education settings. However, studies of such interactions have reported persistent communication problems that appear to be due to mismatches in non-native and native speakers' language proficiency. With this problem in mind, we have been exploring a conceptual design called Instant Annotation. Our design concept supports a kind of threading in chat using annotation, thus offering para-communication support in cross-cultural group chat. As part of this design investigation, we studied native and non-native speakers in a group chat activity, shared the new design concept, and interviewed users to gather their feedback about the Instant Annotation concept. The results pointed to three different design use cases and led us to envision four general design features that we will explore in our ongoing work. We discuss the cross-cultural communication problem, findings from the interview study, the current design and future directions.
Gaining access to calcified canals

Gaining entrance to calcified canals can be very difficult and at times impossible. With the aid of the EDTA-Urea preparation (RC-Prep, Premier Dental Products, Norristown, Pa.) and the surgical length contra-angle burs, the task can be facilitated. The use of the multipurpose probe reduces the problem of perforation. We may now be able to gain access and treat a greater number of calcified canals.
Applications of liquid state physics to the earth's core

By use of the modern theory of liquids and some guidance from the hard-sphere model of liquid structure, the following new results have been derived for application to the Earth's outer core. (1) dK/dP≃5-5.6P/K, where K is the incompressibility and P the pressure. This is valid for a high-pressure liquid near its melting point, provided that the pressure is derived primarily from a strongly repulsive pair potential φ. This result is consistent with seismic data, except possibly in the lowermost region of the outer core, and demonstrates the approximate universality of dK/dP proposed by Birch (1939) and Bullen (1949). (2) dlnT_M/dlnρ = (γC_V^(−1))/(C_V-3/2), where T_M is the melting point, ρ the density, γ the atomic thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter and C_V the atomic contribution to the specific heat in units of Boltzmann's constant per atom. This reduces to Lindemann's law for C -V = 3 and provides further support for the approximate validity of this law. (3) It follows that the “core paradox” of Higgins and Kennedy can only occur if y 0, which cannot be achieved for any strongly repulsive pair potential φ and the corresponding pair distribution function g. It is concluded that y<2/3 and that the core paradox is almost certainly impossible for any conceivable core composition. Approximate calculations suggest that γ ∼ 1.3–1.5 in the core. Further work on the thermodynamics of the liquid core must await development of a physically realistic pair potential, since existing pair potentials may be unsatisfactory.
Tegaserod maleate in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A clinical review

Abstract Background: Approved in July 2002, tegaserod maleate is a partial 5-hydroxytryptamine 4-receptor agonist used to improve symptoms of constipationpredominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The physiologic actions of tegaserod relate to its ability to stimulate gastric and intestinal motility. Objective: This article reviews available data on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and clinical efficacy of tegaserod. Methods: Searches of MEDLINE and PubMed from 1966 to the present were conducted using the search terms tegaserod, tegaserod maleate, irritable bowel syndrome , and Rome criteria . Abstracts presented at national meetings between 1997 and 2002 were reviewed and included if perceived to be reliable and relevant. Results: In clinical trials, tegaserod was associated with significantly better scores on the subject's global assessment of relief compared with placebo ( P 18 years with constipation-predominant IBS is 6 mg PO BID before meals for 4 to 6 weeks, with an additional 4 to 6 weeks of treatment if initial therapy is partially effective. Conclusions: The addition of tegaserod to the arsenal of moderately effective medication currecntly used in the treatment of IBS may be helpful in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. Constinuous postmarketing surveillance and reporting of adverse reactions are essential to further characterize the safety profile of this new agent.
Ventilatory responses to peripheral nerve stimulation at different times in the respiratory cycle.

Abstract Discrete stimulation (40–500 msec duration) of the femoral nerve in the dog and the carotid sinus nerve of the cat was achieved at different moments during the respiratory cycle. Changes in tidal volume, respiratory rate and now pattern were measured. The response to stimulation varied according to the time in the cycle that the stimulus was given. Tidal volume and expiratory peak flow rate were usually reduced after stimulation in early inspiration but increased by the same stimulus in late inspiration or early expiration. Respiratory rate generally increased whatever time the stimulus was given. The pattern of response was broadly similar for the two nerves but there were important differences in detail.
When authorship met authenticity

As counterfeit drugs abound, Adrian Johns recalls how medical patenting was created in the seventeenth century to secure trust across growing international trade networks by quashing fakes.
Controlling transboundary wildlife damage: modeling under alternative management scenarios

Abstract The migratory nature of nuisance wildlife populations creates a special management problem by imposing a negative diffusion externality on landowners undertaking control efforts. This paper reviews three cost-minimizing wildlife-control models, each internalizing the diffusion externality under different management scenarios, namely, unilateral management, bilateral management, and centralized management. The three management scenarios lead to different optimal behaviors. Property owners exerting unilateral control must leave some wildlife untrapped to generate sufficient population pressure against the flow of continual immigration from neighboring populations. Analysis of the bilateral model indicates that noncooperating neighboring landowners having varying pay-off functions will end up with leaving all wildlife untraped in their parcels. Under the centralized management scenario, landowners find it most profitable to collectively delegate the control responsibility of an entire watershed to a single manager.
Dynamics of a protective avian inflammatory response: the role of an IL-8-like cytokine in the recruitment of heterophils to the site of organ invasion by Salmonella enteritidis.

Increased resistance to Salmonella enteritidis (SE) organ infectivity in chickens can be conferred by the prophylactic administration of SE-immune lymphokines (ILK). Resistance is associated with an enhanced heterophilic accumulation within 4 h of ILK injection. In these studies, the role of IL-8 in ILK-mediated heterophil recruitment during SE infections in young chickens was investigated. Heterophil accumulation was enhanced 2-4 h after the i.p. injection of both ILK and SE (ILK/SE) when compared to the control chicks. An i.p. injection of a rabbit polyclonal anti-human IL-8 antibody significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the accumulation of heterophils in the peritoneum after the injection of ILK/SE. Injections of preimmune rabbit IgG had no effect on peritoneal heterophil numbers. Within 2 h of injection of ILK/SE, a ten-fold increase in heterophil chemotactic activity was found in the peritoneal lavage fluid from these chicks compared to the saline control chicks. Pretreatment, with the anti-IL-8 antibody, of the peritoneal lavage fluids collected from the ILK/SE-treated chicks dramatically reduced this heterophil chemotactic activity. Treatment of the lavage fluids from all groups with preimmune IgG had no effect on heterophil chemotaxis. Additionally, pretreatment of ILK with the anti-human IL-8 antibody had no effect on heterophil chemotaxis. The results from these experiments suggest that IL-8 is produced locally by the host in response to both the SE infection and the ILK. With these studies, it was established that IL-8 is a major chemotactic factor produced by the host, which aids in mediating the ILK/SE-induced recruitment of heterophils to the site of SE invasion.
Catchment planning and the nitrate issue: a U K perspective:

The imposition of strict water quality standards by the EC had prompted renewed interest in catchment planning in the UK. This article examines nitrogen cycling in rural catchments, placing particular emphasis on the delivery of nitrate to the stream system. Nitrate levels in UK freshwaters are reviewed. Over the last two decades increases in nitrate concentration have been noted for many rivers, both large and small; in many cases, this increase can be related to the intensification of agricultural practices. Evidence is presented which shows that nitrate concentrations in many lowland rivers are close to, and in some cases exceed, EC limits for nitrate in drinking water. In southeast England, only the chalk aquifer provides low-nitrate water at present, though evidence suggests that the unsaturated zone of the aquifer is already heavily polluted by nitrate. The possibility of controlling nitrate loss by managing land use is discussed, including the implications of recent EC legislation; the UK's pilot N...
Influences of Problem Format and SES on Preschoolers' Understanding of Approximate Addition.

Abstract Recent studies suggest that 5-year-olds can add and compare large numerical quantities through approximate representations of number. However, the nature of this understanding and its susceptibility to environmental influences remain unclear. We examined whether children's early competence depends on the canonical problem format (i.e., arithmetic operations presented on the left side). Sixty children from middle-to-high-SES backgrounds (Experiment 1) and 47 children from low-SES backgrounds (Experiment 2) viewed events that required them to add and compare large numbers. Events were shown in a canonical or noncanonical format. Children from both SES backgrounds performed above chance on the approximate addition tasks, but children from middle-to-high-SES backgrounds performed significantly better. Moreover, children from middle-to-high SES backgrounds performed better when problems were presented in the canonical format, whereas children from low-SES backgrounds did not. These results suggest that children's understanding of approximate number is affected by some of the same environmental factors that affect performance on exact arithmetic tasks.