cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The coordination of space and ground-based parallax programs for improvement of the stellar luminosity function

Recent studies have shown that the general stellar luminosity function does not increase monotonically with decreasing luminosity (or mass) but reaches a maximum at an absolute magnitude of about +6 or nearly one solar mass, and a minimum at slightly fainter values, near one-half solar mass. It has been customary for investigators to adopt the smoothed function of Luyten which increases steadily throughout this range of absolute magnitude. However, the dip in the function between absolute magnitudes of about +6 to +9, found long ago by van Rhijn, has recently been reconfirmed by Wielen (1974) from an analysis of the Catalogue of Nearby Stars of Gliese (1969). Lately, Upgren and Armandroff (1981) have investigated the nearby stars listed in Gliese’s catalogue and its recent supplement (Gliese and Jahreiss 1979). They found that all main sequence stars brighter than MV = +9 (spectral class dM0) as well as the giants and subgiants are uniformly distributed throughout the volume of space within the limiting distance of 22 pc from the Sun. They were able to conclude for several reasons that no statistically significant number of these stars within 22 pc remain to be discovered or identified; thus, the nearby stellar sample is complete and the Wielen function is correct. However, incompleteness becomes very significant for the dwarf M stars, even those just fainter than MV = +9. Since most of the details of this study have been published (Upgren and Armandroff 1981), no further discussion will be given here.
Hypopotassemia, as encountered on a gynecology service.

Abstract Potassium metabolism, and the mechanisms of hypopotassemia, its symptoms and signs, and management are discussed. Two typical cases of “clinical” hypopotassemia on a gynecology service are presented. In the first case the hypopotassemia was due to inadequate intake of potassium while the patient was on continuous intestinal suction because of ileus associated with pelvic peritonitis. Accurate fluid intake and output records were maintained, but proper replacement, as outlined under Management, was not instituted early enough. In the second case, the deficit was due to dehydration and inadequate oral potassium intake prior to admission. This was easily corrected with the intravenous administration of isotonic Hartman's Lactate-Ringer's solution and the taking of an adequate diet.
Cloning and characterization of human pancreatic lipase cDNA.

Pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) hydrolyzes dietary long chain triacylglycerol to free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols in the intestinal lumen. In the presence of bile acids, the activity of lipase is stimulated by colipase. As a prelude to studying the relationship of the protein structures to the functional properties of lipase and colipase, a cDNA encoding human pancreatic lipase was isolated from a λgt11 cDNA library screened with a rabbit polyclonal anti-human pancreatic lipase antibody. The full length cDNA clone of 1477 base pairs contained an open reading frame encoding a 465-amino acid protein, including a 16-amino acid signal peptide. The nucleotide sequence was 69% identical to the dog pancreatic lipase cDNA. The predicted NH2-terminal protein sequence agreed with the published NH2-terminal sequence of human pancreatic lipase and the predicted protein sequence was 85 and 70% identical to the protein sequences of pig and dog pancreatic lipase, respectively. A region of homology around Ser-153 is conserved in a number of lipid-binding proteins. Human hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase share extensive homology with pancreatic lipase, suggesting that the three proteins are members of a small gene family. In vitro translation of mRNA transcribed from the cDNA resulted in a protein of the expected molecular size that could be processed by microsomal membranes to yield a glycolated protein with proper signal peptide cleavage. RNA blot analysis demonstrated tissue specificity for pancreatic lipase. Thus, for the first time, a full length human pancreatic lipase cDNA has been isolated and characterized. The demonstrated regions of homology with other lipases will aid definition of interactions with substrate and colipase through site-specific mutagenesis.
Abstract 15583: Toll-Like Receptor 4 Knockout Preserves Cardiac Function in High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Background: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an innate proinflammatory mediator found in a wide variety of cell types including cardiomyocytes. The autophagy-lysosome pathway, a major pathway governing protein and organelle degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TLR4 knockout (TLR4-/-) on high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms involved, with a focus on inflammation and autophagy pathways. Methods: Wild type (WT) and TLR4-/- mice were fed on low fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 12 weeks. Metabolic rate and glucose tolerance were measured in WT and TLR4-/- mice at the end of fat diet intake. Echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte mechanical function, morphological feature, aconitase activity, ROS generation and immunoblotting were assessed. Results: TLR4-/- did not prevent HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance, as evidenced by body weight ga...
The Cognitive Radio Channel: From Spectrum Sensing to Message Cribbing

Cognitive radios have been considered as an enabling technology toward resolving the spectrum scarcity through spectrum reuse facilitated by the cognitive capability of secondary users. Recent studies, however, have gone beyond spectrum sensing at the medium access control layer; it was conceived to have cognitive radios that are capable of extract information pertaining to the physical layer from the primary users to enable coexistence of multiple users. We take upon this newly proposed approach but refrain from imposing the unrealistic assumption of non-causal cooperation. Specifically, we study the so-called cognitive radio channels from the message cribbing perspective where the term ‘cognitive’ capability is strictly causal. Information theoretic performance bounds are obtained which shed lights on the impact of such causal cognitive capability.
The Heliospheric Magnetic Field Probed With Fast Charged Particles

ABSTRACT We discuss the physics of the transport of energetic charged particles in the heliosphere. We put this in the context of using fast charged particles as probes of the heliospheric magnetic field. Since these particles move rapidly in the electromagnetic fields within space, they provide information about the global nature of the field itself. Although the magnetic field can be observed at a point in time and space using a magnetometer, the global field is not easily determined. This is where the information from energetic-particle observations, combined with analytic theory and modeling, can be valuable.
Measurement of the Out-of-Plane Shear Response of Thick Section Composite Materials Using the V-Notched Beam Specimen

The out-of-plane shear response of thick, unidirectional and crossply, AS4/3501-6 and S2 glass/3501-6 laminates was investigated theoretically and experimentally using V-notched beam (Iosipescu) specimens. Strains were monitored in the specimen test sections using conventional strain gages, moire interferometry and full section strain gages. Crossply laminates exhibited a fairly uniform strain distribution away from the notches, while the unidirectional specimens were characterized by a nonuniform distribution. Measured strains correlated very well with predicted strains from specimen finite element analyses using nonlinear elastic material properties.
Safety profile, efficacy and patient comfort with propofol sedation in outpatient fibreoptic bronchoscopy

Introduction: Procedural sedation is suggested in outpatient bronchoscopy to improve tolerance & patient satisfaction. Propofol, a short acting intravenous hypnotic, offers advantages over benzodiazepines/opiates. Objectives: We analyzed the feasibility, efficacy & safety profile of propofol administered by a trained nurse for outpatient bronchoscopy. Methods: A total of 276 flexible bronchoscopies performed between 2009 & 2011 using propofol sedation only without premedication were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, indications, type of procedure, procedure time, medication doses, comfort level on 10cm verbal analogue scale (VAS, 0-10, 0=excellent, 10=unbearable) & adverse events were analyzed from procedure records. Results: Of the 276, two-thirds (182, 66%) patients were male with an average age of 56 years (range 18−82) & an average weight of 73 kg. Indications included diagnostic BAL (127, 46%), TBLB (68,25%), TBNA (41,15%) & EBB (22,8%). Average procedure time was 36 minutes (range 12−145). Average propofol dose was 1.86 mg.kg -1 (range 0.12−20 mg.kg -1 ). Minor adverse events (21, 7.6%) included hypotension (19, 7%), transient hypoxia (8, 3%) & tachycardia (5, 2%). Major adverse events (death,intubation, ICU stay, or hospitalization) occured in 7 (2.5%), of which 3 (1%) were attributed to sedation, 2 (0.7%) to hemoptysis, & 1 each to hypoxia & bronchospasm. There were no procedure-related deaths. A majority (196, 71%) reported VAS of 4-6 with good amnesia, while 56 (20%) had VAS > 6 & 24 (8.6%) had VAS Conclusions: Propofol is an easy to administer, safe, & effective procedural sedative for outpatient bronchoscopies providing acceptable comfort.
Undercompressive shocks for nonstrictly hyperbolic conservation laws

We study 2×2 systems of hyperbolic conservation laws near an umbilic point. These systems have Undercompressive shock wave solutions, i.e., solutions whose viscous profiles are represented by saddle connections in an associated family of planar vector fields. Previous studies near umbilic points have assumed that the flux function is a quadratic polynomial, in which case saddle connections lie on invariant lines. We drop this assumption and study saddle connections using Golubitsky-Schaeffer equilibrium bifurcation theory and the Melnikov integral, which detects the breaking of heteroclinic orbits. The resulting information is used to construct solutions of Riemann problems.
Detection of knee joint diseases using acoustical pattern recognition technique.

Abstract A method of analyzing the sound emitted by normal and pathological knee joints during active movements has been developed. The technique is brief and painless and lends itself well to an arthritis screening program. The knee sound is recorded on magnetic tape during active motion of the knee. Background noise is minimized using the principle of “noise cancellation” thereby permitting analysis of what might be renamed an “acoustic signature”. This signature is the product of pattern recognition technique applied to random noise. Studies of knee recordings covering normal, rheumatoid arthritic and degenerative knees show that their respective waveforms, spectral patterns and statistical property of auto-correlation appear to be unique, and therefore, may well prove to be a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of the type and extent of knee joint damage.
Is there a direct differentiation-inducing effect of human recombinant interferon on hairy cell leukemia in vitro?

We used a panel of monoclonal antibodies (moAb) to label splenic hairy cells from eight patients to determine the membrane phenotypes, the presence of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (cIg), and the expression of maturation-associated antigens. All eight patients had responded clinically to splenectomy either alone or in combination with alpha-2b-interferon (alpha-IFN) therapy. For each sample, cytofluorimetric analysis showed distinct, and in six cases multiple, heavy chain isotypes. After short-term culture in the presence of alpha-IFN or gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN), samples from four patients displayed characteristic changes in surface immunoglobulin (sIg) expression. When compared with untreated cells, cells co-cultured with alpha-IFN or gamma-IFN showed in four and three patients, respectively, changes that were consistent with a shift to the more mature stage in B-cell ontogeny. However, in parallel with the changes in the sIg isotypes, treatment with IFN did not induce the appearance of cIg nor did the staining patterns for moAb to CD5, CD19, CD20, and CD22 antigens indicate the induction of terminal maturation. These data suggest that hairy cell leukemia (HCL), a neoplasm of "mature" B-cells, is potentially susceptible to maturation stimuli. Based on these findings, it might be of interest to examine whether co-factors, which have proved to play a role in HCL (e.g., B-cell growth factor [BCGF]), are capable of further enhancing IFN-induced differentiation.
The usage of media across product classes: the influence of demographics and psychographics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the types of media used for four product classes, and to examine the effect of respondent's demographics and psychographics on the types of media. Eight hundred and four respondents were randomly selected from the population (8040) of five residential sections of Lubbock, Texas, by using systematic sampling. Different merchandise names representing the classes of product were listed in the questionnaire. The respondents were asked to rate each type of merchandise according to the order of media usage when they purchased the merchandise. One hundred and fifty-two questionnaires were analysed by factor analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and Friedman two-way analysis of variance by ranks. Eight psychographic factors extracted by factor analysis were Traditional, Self-confident, Satisfied with Finances, Satisfied with Friends, Living Optimist, Self-conscious, Community Minded, and Homebody. Self-conscious was the only factor to affect the consumers' usage of newspapers, television, radio, magazines and direct mail. In addition, the usage of television was affected by the Satisfied with Finances factor. The demographic variables of marital status, age, education, ethnic group, political outlook, occupation and social level influenced the usage of newspapers, magazines, radio, television and direct mail. The usage of television was affected by one's political affiliation. Income did not influence media usage. The findings indicated that the individual's usage of the newspapers, television, radio, magazines and direct mail was affected by the classes of products: convenience, preference, shopping and speciality goods.
Diffusion capacity and compliance of dog lungs four years after autotransplantation

Abstract Differential and bilateral compliance (C), pulmonary diffusion capacity for CO (DLCO), and lung volume (VA) were measured 4 yr following left lung autotransplant in six dogs. The mean right lung compliance was 0.053 liter/cm H2O; the autografted lung compliance was 0.027 liter/cm H2O, or 34% of the bilateral compliance. The bilateral diffusion capacity was normal. The autografted lung contributed with 31% of the total diffusion capacity (5.7 ± 1.4 ml/min/mm Hg) and 34% of the total lung volume (0.743 ± 0.143 liter). Late autotransplanted lungs suffered a mild reduction of lung compliance and lung volume and a moderate decrease of the diffusion capacity as compared with control values for the left lungs in normal dogs; however, none of these changes are statistically significant because of the wide variation of function of the left lung in normal dogs.
Advances in multipixel Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (silicon photomultiplies)

Abstract We review the current status of developments in multipixel Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (also referred to as SiPMs, SSPMs, MRS APDs, AMPDs, MPPCs) and discuss their advantages and limitations for high-energy physics applications.
The Texas Medication Algorithm Project: report of the Texas Consensus Conference Panel on Medication Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.

Background This article describes the development of consensus medication algorithms for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder in the Texas public mental health system. To the best of our knowledge, the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) is the first attempt to develop and prospectively evaluate consensus-based medication algorithms for the treatment of individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The goals of the algorithm project are to increase the consistency of appropriate treatment of major depressive disorder and to improve clinical outcomes of patients with the disorder. Method A consensus conference composed of academic clinicians and researchers, practicing clinicians, administrators, consumers, and families was convened to develop evidence-based consensus algorithms for the pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder in the Texas mental health system. After a series of presentations and panel discussions, the consensus panel met and drafted the algorithms. Results The panel consensually agreed on algorithms developed for both nonpsychotic and psychotic depression. The algorithms consist of systematic strategies to define appropriate treatment interventions and tactics to assure optimal implementation of the strategies. Subsequent to the consensus process, the algorithms were further modified and expanded iteratively to facilitate implementation on a local basis. Conclusion These algorithms serve as the initial foundation for the development and implementation of medication treatment algorithms for patients treated in public mental health systems. Specific issues related to adaptation, implementation, feasibility testing, and evaluation of outcomes with the pharmacotherapeutic algorithms will be described in future articles.
Interstitial cells of the adult neocortical white matter are the remnant of the early generated subplate neuron population.

The postnatal fate of the first-generated neurons of the cat cerebral cortex was examined. These neurons can be identified uniquely by 3H-thymidine exposure during the week preceding the neurogenesis of cortical layer 6. Previous studies in which 3H-thymidine birthdating at embryonic day 27 (E27) was combined with immunohistochemistry have shown that these neurons are present in large numbers during fetal and early postnatal life within the subplate (future white matter), that they are immunoreactive for the neuron-specific protein MAP2 and for the putative neurotransmitters GABA, NPY, SRIF, and CCK. Here, the same techniques were used to follow the postnatal location and disappearance of the early generated subplate neuron population. At birth (P0), subplate neurons showing immunoreactivity for GABA, NPY, SRIF, or CCK are present in large numbers and at high density within the white matter throughout the neocortex, and the entire population can be observed as a dense MAP2-immunoreactive band situated beneath cortical layer 6. Between P0 and P401 (adulthood), the MAP2-immunostained band disappears so that comparatively few MAP2-immunoreactive neurons remain within the white matter. There is a corresponding decrease in the number and density of neurons stained with antibodies against neurotransmitters. In each instance, these neurons could be double-labeled by the administration of 3H-thymidine at E27, indicating that they are the remnants of the early generated subplate neuron population. The major period of decrease occurs during the first 4 postnatal weeks, and adult values are attained by 5 months. Within the white matter of the lateral gyrus (visual cortex), the density of immunostained neurons decreases dramatically: MAP2, 82%, SRIF, 81%, and NPY, 96%. While SRIF-immunoreactive neurons compose a nearly constant percentage of MAP2-immunoreactive neurons in the white matter between P0 (22%) and P401 (23%), those immunoreactive for NPY decline from 18 to 4%. These changes occur during the same period in which there is less than a twofold increase in white matter area. These observations indicate that the interstitial neurons of the adult neocortical white matter are the oldest neurons of the cerebral cortex since most if not all are derived from the subplate neuron population. In addition, a quantitative analysis suggests that the postnatal decline in subplate neuron density cannot be accounted for solely through dilution by differential growth of the white matter and most likely reflects an absolute decrease in subplate neuron number. Thus, the adult interstitial neurons have survived a postnatal period during which many of their early generated cohorts have disappeared, probably via cell death.
Higher Spin Vierbein Gauge Fermions and Hypergravities

The actions describing any massless fermion of spin ⩾52 are given uniformly in terms of non-symmetric vierbein-like fields ψμa…as. Hamiltonian analysis of their dynamical content is performed explicitly for s = 5272, and indicated for the general case. The consistency problems in gravitational coupling are discussed. For spin 52, they are equivalent to those in symmetric tensor-spinor formulation. The general spin case has the same structure: in Minkowski signature, the consistency requirements are too restrictive (vanishing Weyl tensor); their euclidean counterparts require self-duality in both gravity and matter.
Physiological and biochemical energetics of larvae of Teredo navalis L. and Bankia gouldi (Bartsch) (Bivalvia : Teredinidae)

Abstract The biochemical composition of larvae of Teredo navalis L. and Bankia gouldi (Bartsch) (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) was examined throughout larval development at 23°C and 30–32%. salinity in the presence of the phytoplankton food Isochrysis aff. galbana (clone T-ISO), during a delay of metamorphosis in the presence of food but absence of a wood substratum and during periods of enforced starvation. Newly released Teredo navalis larvae had a mean length ( L ) and height ( H ) of 89.3 and 76.1 μm respectively. The first appearance of pediveliger larvae at 212.1 μm L and 230.0 μm H occurred 27 days after release. Larval dry weight increased from 0.29 μg to 1.96 μg during this period. Newly formed straight hinge larvae of Bankia gouldi had dimensions of 62.8 μm L and 49.8 μm H . Metamorphically competent B. gouldi larvae had dimensions of 230.0 μm L and 282.9 μm H and were first observed 20 days after fertilization. Larval dry weight increased from 0.06 μg to 2.20 μg during this period. During enforced delay of metamorphosis the ash-free dry weight of Teredo navalis larvae decreased whereas the ash free dry weight of Bankia gouldi larvae increased. During the early period of shelled larval development both species showed similar decreases in lipid, protein and carbohydrate levels (μg·mg dry weight −1 ); however, this was reflected in a decrease in biochemical content (μg·larva −1 ) only in Teredo navalis . During enforced starvation the major proportion of both the weight and caloric losses were due to protein. Lipid also contributes significantly to these losses whereas the contribution of carbohydrate was small. Larval oxygen consumption rates were determined directly by manometry and indirectly by estimates of decrease in caloric content during periods of enforced starvation. Direct and indirect determinations for T. navalis are described by the relationships R = 1.16 W 1.05 and R = 0.98 W 1.24 respectively where R is the respiration rate in nl O 2 · larva −1 · h −1 and W is dry weight inclusive of shell in μg. Direct and indirect determinations for Bankia gouldi are described by the relationships R = 1.37 W 1.25 and R = 1.81 W 1.25 respectively. When data for both assay procedures are combined for each species the relationships R = 1.10 W 1.07 and R = 1.44 W 1.18 are obtained for Teredo navalis and Bankia gouldi respectively.
The family's functioning with newly diagnosed breast cancer in the mother: The development of an explanatory model

Despite the high rates of breast cancer in the child-rearing mother, there is extremely limited research on the effects of the illness on the children, marriage, and parent-child relationship. The current study tested an explanatory model of family functioning with breast cancer based on data obtained from standardized questionnaires from 80 diagnosed mothers and partners with young school-age children. Path analysis results for data obtained from both the mothers and the partners revealed a similar pattern. More frequently experienced illness demands were associated with higher levels of parental depressed mood which negatively affected the marriage. When the marriage was less well adjusted, it negatively affected the family's coping behavior. Household functioning was positively affected by heightened coping activity and by higher levels of marital adjustment. Children functioned better when the non-ill parent more frequently interacted with them and their families coped more frequently with their problems.
Tryptoline formation by a preparation from brain with 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid and tryptamine

An enzymatic preparation from human brain converts tryptamine to tryptoline (9H-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-b]indole) in the presence of 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid. Similarly, N-methyltryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine yield 1-methyltryptoline and 5-hydroxytryptoline, respectively. Neither in vitro nor in vivo formation of these compounds by human tissues has been described.
Beam self-focussing in a laser-produced plasma in a magnetic field

Abstract Experimental evidence for laser beam self-focussing has been obtained in a plasma produced by laser-induced gas breakdown in the presence of a strong magnetic field.
Improving oral health: current considerations

The high incidence of periodontal disease among adults in the Western world indicates that in most cases, routine dental care could be considerably improved. The progressive effect of the disease suggests that improvements in oral cleanliness are mandatory if large numbers of adults are to retain their teeth into old age. Data show that periodontal disease can be minimized through effective plaque control, and that a combination of brushing, interdental cleaning, and chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. mouthwash) is beneficial to patients with plaque control problems. The vast majority of adults do not follow an adequate home-care routine. Average brushing times are low, and only a minority of patients regularly floss. In addition, in those patients who do regularly brush and floss, a deterioration of plaque control occurs over time, suggesting that compliance is a major issue. The principal challenge for dental professionals is to identify how best to elicit an improvement.
The role of Smad3 in mediating mouse hepatic stellate cell activation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is the most potent profibrogenic mediator in liver fibrosis. Although Smad proteins have been identified as intracellular mediators in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the function of individual Smad proteins remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the contribution of Smad3 in mediating TGF-beta responses in a model of acute liver injury in vivo and in culture-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Wild-type, Smad3 heterozygous or Smad3 homozygous knockout mice were treated with a single intragastric administration of CCl(4). After 72 hours, the induction of hepatic collagen alpha1(I) and alpha2(I) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in Smad3 knockout mice was only 42% and 64%, respectively, of the levels induced in wild-type mice. However, smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) was expressed at a slightly higher level in livers from knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. In culture-activated HSCs from Smad3 knockout mice, collagen alpha1(I) mRNA was 73% of wild-type HSCs, but alpha-SMA expression was the same. HSCs from knockout mice showed a higher proliferation rate than wild-type HSCs. Smad3-deficient HSCs did not form TGF-beta1-induced Smad-containing DNA-binding complexes. In conclusion, (1) maximal expression of collagen type I in activated HSCs requires Smad3 in vivo and in culture; (2) Smad3 is not necessary for HSC activation as assessed by alpha-SMA expression; (3) Smad3 is necessary for inhibition of proliferation of HSCs, which might be TGF-beta-dependent; and (4) Smad3 is required for TGF-beta1-mediated Smad-containing DNA-binding complex formation in cultured HSCs.
Effect of a means-end contingency on young children's food preferences☆

This study showed that a means-end relationship between two snacks exerts a negative influence on preference for the means snack in the contingency. Two snacks ranked of approximately equal medium appeal were individually chosen from an array by each of 86 children (ages 4 years, 4 months to 7 years, 2 months). Children were then assigned to a means-end condition (where one snack was eaten as a means of gaining the other), a temporal order control group (where one snack was presented and eaten before the other), or a mere exposure control group (where the children chose the order in which they ate the two snacks). Post-treatment rankings of the snacks showed that children in the means-end group came to devalue the means snack relative to the reward snack, despite the demonstrably equal prior appeal of the two snacks. Children in the temporal order and mere exposure control groups did not come to prefer the two snacks preferentially. Implications of the finding that adults can affect children's preferences by relatively minor variations in the manner of presentation are discussed.
Analysis of Lateral Segregation Formed on DNA-Tethered Lipid Membranes by Varying Tether Lengths

We recently described a strategy to prepare DNA-tethered lipid membranes either to fixed DNA on a surface or to DNA displayed on a supported bilayer∗. An approach has been developed to improve the stability of the latter system, and with this it is possible to investigate the lateral segregation of DNA hybrids when different lengths are present (see Figure). The area fraction of the taller region is proportional to the mole percent of 48mer. The effects of DNA sequence (repeating vs. overlapping), length (72mer vs. 24mer) and salt concentration will be described. Starting from a theoretical model proposed by Qi et al.∗∗, the effect of population, length and affinity of DNA complexes is simulated and described. This model system captures some of the essential physics of synapse formation and is a step toward understanding lipid membrane behavior in a cell-to-cell junction.∗ Chung et al., Journal of Structural Biology, 168, 190-199 (2009)∗∗ Qi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 98, 6548 (2001)View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Design Practice and Operational Experience of Highly Irradiated, High Performance Normal Magnets

The fundamental limitations, design practice, and operating experience of high-stress and highly irradiated normal magnets are discussed. Magnet performance is limited by mechanical stresses, temperature limits, oxidation, and erosion. Electrical performance is limited by dielectric breakdown, flashover, and tracking. Degradation of mechanical and electrical properties of metals and insulators by electromagnetic and neutron irradiation is discussed. The failure mechanisms due to irradiation include increased conductor resistance, destruction of chemical bonds, electrolysis, and photoconductivity. The operating experience of high-performance magnets at magnet laboratories, accelerators, and fusion experimental facilities is discussed.
Cytoarchitectural subdivisions of the periaqueductal gray matter in the cat

The neuronal population of the PAG consists of relatively small cells, ranging from approximately 8 μ to 30 μ in diameter. These neurons are of three different types and are classified as I, II, and III for the sake of convenience. Each class aggregates in certain areas of the central gray to form subdivisions distinguishable by differing neuronal distributions as well as by cellular characteristics. Class I neurons are small, spindle shaped cells that stain darkly with cresyl violet. They aggregate loosely around the cerebral aqueduct, thus forming the comparatively acellular inner ring of the PAG, the nucleus medialis. The class II cells are also small and darkly staining, but they are fusiform to spherical in shape. These cells cluster more closely and are surrounded by many glial cells. They congregate in the area dorsal to the cerebral aqueduct to form the nucleus dorsalis. The largest cells of the PAG, the class III neurons are spherical or tringular in shape and stain lightly due to their sparse Nissl substance. Frequently glial cells abut the perikaryon of these neurons. They aggregate very closely to form the dense cellular outer portion of the PAG. This mantle of cells is called the nucleus lateralis.
Photoaddition reactions of acetylene and butadiyne derivatives to benzodithiophene.

The photochemical [2π +2π] cycloaddition of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate to benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b‘]dithiophene has been used to synthesize substituted cyclobuta[b]thieno[2,3-f][1]benzothiophene. The first [2π + 2π] photocycloaddition reaction of a series of butadiynes to benzodithiophene is reported to yield regioselective and acetylene-substituted cyclobutene derivatives containing an aromatic thiophene moiety.
The Role of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) and Sleep *

Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between the administration of the dietary supplement containing 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) and sleep. Methods: A double-blind, randomized parallel-group study was conducted. It was a 4-month study of 40 participants between the ages of 40 and 70. Males and females were recruited equally. There were 20 in each group who had existing sleep disorders. The tool used to measure participant sleep improvement included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale-20 Question (PIRS-20). Improved sleep is reflected when the total PIRS-20 score is lower. Results: Improvement in sleep in the group taking 50 mg 5-ALA, compared to controls, was significant. The mean change, from baseline through week 6, was －5.67 units less on the sleep scale than the control group with a p value of 0.001. The mean change from week 6 to week 10 when the participant was no longer taking the supplement was 4.55 units higher than the control group with a p value of 0.062, which is of borderline significance. Conclusions: There is a relationship between the administration of dietary supplements containing 5-ALA and sleep. The results of this study suggest that 5-ALA is associated with improved sleep. The mechanism for sleep improvement needs to be explored. Further research is warranted.
Recalling script-based text: The role of selective processing and schematic cues

Research on the learning of prose material based on scripts has attempted to relate the remembering of script events to how typical the events are of the generic scripts. The novel object effect reported by Bellezza and Bower (1982) shows that a typical script event containing an unexpected object is rated less typical but is recalled better than an event irrelevant to the script. The novel-object effect implies that the relation between script-typicality ratings and remembering may not be a simple one. One explanation of the novel-object effect is that script sentences containing a novel object are processed longer during learning. The second explanation, the inference-contradiction explanation, suggests that the presented word representing a novel object both contradicts and yet becomes associated to information strongly inferred from the script. The results of the experiment reported here support the in ferencecontradiction explanation.
A projection of displaced ganglion cells and giant ganglion cells to the accessory optic nuclei in turtle

The retinal projection to the accessory optic nuclei (AON) of turtles was found to arise from a distinctive set of giant ganglion cells whose dendrites ramify widely in outer portions of the inner plexiform layer. The majority (80%) of these cells had their perikaryon located in the ganglion cell layer, though displaced ganglion cells (DGCs) were also observed. In contrast, the retinal projection to the avian AON has been reported to arise exclusively from DGCs.
Synthesis and chromatographic characterization of dextran-coated zirconia high-performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases

Porous zirconia particles made by the oil emulsion (OE) method and the polymerization-induced colloid aggregation (PICA) method have been coated with a small, carboxymethylated (approximately 5%) dextran polymer and crosslinked in place. The parameters of the coating process (dextran concentration, adsorption time and crosslinker concentration) have all been examined and an optimum value for each determined. The coated and uncoated materials were characterized by nitrogen sorptometry and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) using solutes (polystyrenes and dextrans) of well-defined molecular masses. Nitrogen sorptometry results show that the PICA material has a much lower pore volume and smaller pore diameter than do the OE materials. Despite this, the elution volumes of the SEC probes change very little upon polymer coating the PICA material while the OE material shows a very large change upon coating.
Single-walled carbon nanotube growth from liquid gallium and indium

We present the first demonstration of single-walled carbon nanotube growth from liquid gallium and indium catalysts. The nanotubes were grown via thermal chemical vapor deposition from 1 to 3 nm films of gallium and indium, which dissociate into liquid droplets on silicon substrates at high temperatures. The nanotubes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy and are found to have diameters between 1 and 2 nm.
Developing maintenance craft labor efficiency through an integrated planning and control system: A prescriptive model

Abstract The area of maintenace management has been placed under increasing pressure because of changes in the manufacturing production planning and control systems. In the last few years plant management has been asked to respond to productivity and quality challenges unmatched in business history. The maintenance department plays an important, indeed vital, role in the attainment of improved levels of productivity and quality. This article examines the relationship between production and maintenance management systems. A conceptual model is developed that integrates the preventive and corrective aspects of maintenance planning with the priority and capacity activities of the production planning system. The model assists management in scheduling maintenance craft labor for additional efficiency and effectiveness.
Ethical dilemma: is this elder abuse?

Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are major problems today (Marshall, Benton, & Brazier, 2000). Most elder abuse occurs at home and is committed by spouses, children, or other family members. Abuse may go undetected until observant professionals intervene ( AOA, 1998). Sometimes the abuse is a continuation of existing dysfunctional family dynamics. More often, however, the abuse is a result of changes brought about by an older person's growing dependency and need for increased care. Language: en
Comments on Bothe, Davidow, Bramlett, Franic, and Ingham (2006)

Purpose To critically assess the quality, methodology, and conclusions in A. K. Bothe, J. H. Davidow, R. E. Bramlett, D. M. Franic, and R. J. Ingham’s (2006) systematic review of pharmacological ap...
Chemotherapy Drug Encapsulated Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles

In order to exhibit pharmacological activity at the bone cancer site, high-dose chemotherapy drugs need to be used. This often causes toxicity and unfavorable systemic adverse effects leading to significant problems to the patient. Since nanoparticles are in subcellular size, they can effectively entered to the cell membrane that could result in higher cellular uptake. In this study, we report preparation and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) - PLGA nanoparticles, which encapsulated with chemotherapy drug cisplatin.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Age-Related Changes in the Water Phase of Mozzarella Cheese

Abstract Changes in the water-holding capacity of low moisture Mozzarella cheese during aging were evaluated by measuring the amount of serum expressed from the cheese upon centrifugation at 12,500× g for 75min at 25°C. Low moisture Mozzarella cheeses (n = 3) were obtained the day after commercial manufacture and stored at 4°C. Expressible serum was obtained at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 d after manufacture; analyzed for concentrations of CP and protein that was soluble at pH 4.6, Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, and Zn; and evaluated for proteins and peptides by urea-PAGE. Quantity of expressible serum decreased dramatically during storage, indicating substantial increase in water-holding capacity. Both CP and protein that was soluble at pH 4.6 in expressible serum increased during storage; however, CP content was higher and increased faster than protein that was soluble at pH 4.6. Urea-PAGE confirmed that unhydrolyzed α s1 -, α s2 -, and especially β -CN accounted for a large share of the CP in the expressible serum. Concentration of Zn increased during aging, unlike that of other elements. A model that is based on the swelling and solubilizing action of NaCl on the protein matrix is proposed to account for the increases in water-holding capacity and the unhydrolyzed caseins in the water phase of Mozzarella cheese during aging.
Prospective analysis of urokinase in the treatment of catheter sepsis in pediatric hematology-oncology patients

Abstract Use of right atrial catheters (RACs) in children with cancer improves the comfort and efficacy of therapy. However, catheter-related infections are responsible for significant morbidity leading to the removal of approximately 20% of implanted RACs. Sepsis has been linked to thrombus and fibrin sheath formation within the RAC. Gram-negative and fungal infections appear to be particularly resistant to antibiotic therapy alone and most of these infections have required catheter removal. Urokinase has been effectively used for reopening thrombus occluded RACs. Theoretically, thrombolytic agents could improve the treatment of catheter-related infections by removing luminal sites of bacterial/fungal colonization. We prospectively monitored the use of urokinase and antibiotics for catheter-related sepsis in our pediatric hematology/oncology population from 1985 to 1991. Sepsis episodes were treated with 2 doses of urokinase and antibiotics (10 to 42 days) infused through the RAC. One to 2 mL of urokinase (5,000 U/mL) was instilled in the RAC for 1 hour, then removed and repeated 24 hours later. During the study, 224 RACs were placed in 177 children. RACs were in place for a total of 71,134 days (median, 274 days). There were 67 blood culture-positive sepsis episodes occurring in 50 RACs. Fifty-nine sepsis episodes were treated with urokinase and antibiotics and all responded by clearance of organisms from the blood. Three patients (5.1% of urokinase treated) had recurrent sepsis with the same organism within 2 months, were considered treatment failures and had RACs removed. Only 1 of 16 episodes of multiple organism/Candida sepsis led to RAC removal due to inability to cure the infection. An additional patient died of leukemia and Candida pancreatic abscess. Two other RACs in the urokinase group were removed for subsequent exit site infections and one was removed due to a mechanical complication. A smaller subgroup of patients with 8 catheter sepsis episodes were treated with antibiotics alone. In this group, one RAC required removal due to persistent infection, 2 patients died with infection and disease relapse, and 2 catheters were removed before completing antibiotic therapy. The remaining 3 patients retained their RAC. Isolated exit site or tunnel infections without bacteremia were observed on 8 occasions and lead to the removal of 6 RACs. Overall, only 13 of 224 RACs (5.8%) were removed due to all catheter-related infections. No adverse effects of urokinase instillation were observed. The concomitant use of urokinase and antibiotics can effectively and safely treat catheter-related sepsis leading to salvage of over 90% of infected RACs. This protocol is not designed for improvement of RAC exit site infection therapy.
Geological Exploration in an East Coast Submarine Canyon from a Research Submersible

Large talus blocks litter the flat floor of Oceanographer Canyon at a depth of 1460 meters; they indicate down-axis mass transport of floor sediment at an unknown time and rate. From 1460 to 1310 meters the sidewall is covered by unconsolidated sediment lying at 35° to 40° from the horizontal. An outcrop of Pleistocene or younger sediment at 1460 meters is probably a remnant of a former fill.
Long-latency event-related potentials in squirrel monkeys: further characterization of wave form morphology, topography, and functional properties

Abstract Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from the brain surface of untrained monkeys exposed to sequences of auditory stimuli (2 kHz and 6 kHz tones of 40 msec duration). Stimulus probability and interstimulus interval (ISI) were systematically varied in different paradigms. In an oddball paradigm with a 1 sec ISI in which one stimulus constituted 90% of all trials and the other 10%, a “monkey” late positive component (MLPC), characterized by two peaks (P248 and P369), was recorded prominently over lateral parietal areas in response to the unpredictable and infrequent shifts in pitch. The amplitude of this late positivity was found to be sensitive to stimulus probability and to exhibit trial-to-trial sequential dependencies similar to those described for the human P300. The amplitude of MLPC was also found to be larger following longer ISIs. In addition, a ‘monkey’ late negative component (MLNC), with characteristics similar to those of the human slow wave (SW), was recorded following the infrequent shifts in pitch and found to temporally overlap with MLPC. MLNC was recorded with maximal amplitude over frontal cortex and was sensitive to stimulus probability but not to trial-to-trial changes in stimulus sequence. Thus MLPC and MLNC which appear to reflect similar yet distinct processes exhibit several analogies to the human P3a and SW, respectively.
Constraints for Using Lambert W Function-Based Explicit Colebrook–White Equation

We analyze the general applicability of a recent explicit expression of the Colebrook.White equation for turbulent flow friction factor calculation. This explicit expression, which is based on the Lambert \IW\N function, is characterized by an exponential term which imposes restrictions on its use. These constraints have been expressed in terms of pipe roughness (ϵ/\ID\N) and the Reynolds number R that are required for friction factor calculation. These constraints were determined as 8.0666 ln(R) + (ϵ/\ID\N)R<721.97 and 8.0666 ln(R) + (ϵ/\ID\N)R<5731.83, respectively, for machines using single precision and double precision computations. Using the Lambert W function, an explicit equation relating Rand ϵ/\ID\N was derived at the limiting case which allowed for a graphical representation of the applicability of the explicit form of the Colebrook.White equation in the Rversus ϵ/\ID\N space. Before computing friction factors using the explicit Colebrook-White equation, a quick check must be performed to see if the desired combination of Rand ϵ/\ID\N values satisfies the applicable constraint mentioned above.
Erosion of the Right Mainstem Bronchus by an Esophageal Stent

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) are used to palliate malignant esophageal strictures. We describe a patient who had an extensive mediastinal tumor for which he was receiving irradiation therapy; chest pain, hemoptysis, and recurrent Gram-negative pneumonia developed in this patient after stent placement. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed protrusion of the SEMS into the tracheobronchial tree, a novel complication for this new type of stent.