cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telephone triage: Results of adolescent clinic responses to a mock patient with pelvic pain

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of telephone advice given by adolescent clinics. Methods: Using a mock scenario simulated by a teenage actress, adolescent clinics nationwide were telephoned by a 16-year-old female complaining of acute onset of "belly pain" in her left lower side. Upon questioning the mock patient, clinics were able to obtain further information. In short, it could be determined that the mock patient was sexually active, did not use contraception, was "late" for her period, and had just begun spotting. With the information available, a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy could not be ruled out. Telephone triage of 35 clinics was evaluated according to the final disposition. Appropriate advice included arranging to see the patient that day or referring the patient to another facility (i.e., emergency department) to be seen that day. Results: Sixty-three percent of the clinics gave appropriate advice; 37% gave inappropriate advice. Nonprofessional personnel rendered the advice in over 60% of the calls. Conclusion: This study suggests a need to reevaluate the procedures utilized to provide proper telephone advice to adolescents.
A Model System for Studying the Bioavailability of Intestinally Administered Microcystin‐LR, A Hepatotoxic Peptide from the Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa

Sprague-Dawley rats were used to evaluate a model system for studying the hepatotoxicity caused by microcystin-LR (MCYST-LR), a toxin produced by the cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) Microcystis aeruginosa, and for evaluating the in vivo therapeutic potential of cholestyramine resin (CTR) which was found to bind the toxin in vitro. Female rats were treated with either toxin or an equivalent volume of the saline vehicle by direct administration into the lumen of an in situ isolated ileal loop. Male rats were dosed with toxin as described above, and then animals were dosed in the ileal loop with either cholestyramine resin (CTR, 50 mg/rat) or an equivalent vehicle. The survivors in both studies were killed six hours after dosing and hepatotoxicity was assessed by change in relative liver weights. In all groups given toxin alone, there was a significant increase in liver weight and males and females were equally susceptible. Liver weights of the toxin plus CTR treated rats were similar to those in vehicle-treated rats. When the toxin was administered into a similarly isolated jejunal loop, liver weight was significantly less than that found when an equivalent dose was administered into the ileal loop suggesting an intestinal site specificity for toxin absorption.
Early results of conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background As the number of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGBs) placed has increased, the number of patients requiring removal of the device has also increased. Methods The data from our institution, a U.S. university medical center, were reviewed to determine the feasibility, patient characteristics, and early results of converting patients from LAGB to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Results A total of 350 patients underwent LAGB placement at our institution from 2001 to 2008. Of these, 26 required conversion to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the following reasons: slippage, poor weight loss, LAGB intolerance, esophageal dilation, infection, and gastric ischemia. All conversions were completed laparoscopically. The average operating time and length of stay was 160 minutes and 3 days, respectively. Three complications developed. The average interval to conversion was 29 months. The average follow-up after conversion was 18 months. The average percentage of excess body weight loss at conversion was 23%. At 12 months after conversion, the patients had achieved an average percentage of excess body weight loss of 56% from their pre-LAGB weight. Conclusion The increasing popularity of the LAGB has led to a considerable number of revisions of the device. Our early experience has shown that converting patients from LAGB to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is feasible and safe and can offer patients substantial additional weight loss.
Scintillation effects on round-trip ladar imaging through turbulence with finite-sized objects and collecting apertures: modeling advances

Atmospheric turbulence produces intensity modulation or "scintillation" effects, on both on the outward path and on the return path, that degrade laser radar (ladar) target acquisition, ranging, and imaging. Quantitative previous measurements of ladar scintillation have used tiny flat mirrors and corner-cube retro-reflectors as their objects. In actuality, the real finite sized objects create scintillation averaging on the outgoing path and the finite sized telescope apertures produce scintillation averaging on the return path. We will quantify these effects and compare them to the tiny mirror and corner-cube retro-reflector quantitative data from the literature. Methods for modeling the outward path and the inward path scintillation effects and the target produced laser-speckle over arbitrary focal plane array detector areas will be discussed. The analysis of the ladar receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNRp) or mean squared over a variance will also be discussed.
An ultrasound enhanced direct methanol fuel cell

A novel direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) incorporating an ultrasonic transducer is introduced based on a recent provisional patent application [J. Ge, J. Han, H. Liu, Ultrasounically enhanced fuel cell system, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/815,268, June 21, 2006]. The ultrasound transducer is embedded in the methanol supply line and is used to enhance the performance of a DMFC. The technique of introducing ultrasound through methanol supply line significantly reduced the potential losses in ultrasound transmission to the reaction sites of the fuel cell. Series of experiments have been conducted to study the effect of the ultrasound on the performance of the DMFC. The experimental results showed that the high-frequency vibrations of the ultrasound through the methanol supply line enhance the cell performance significantly and consistently. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrated the feasibility of using ultrasound to enhance DMFC performance and the effectiveness of introducing ultrasound into a DMFC via methanol supply line to minimize the wave transmission losses.
Intervention Strategies and Clinical Process in Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

A number of evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments (CBT) have been developed to target specific anxiety and mood disorders. Many in the field of psychotherapy have focused their attention toward the identification and consolidation of core treatment principles and mechanisms of change that cut across different treatment approaches and diagnostic categories. This focus has led to the development of transdiagnostic CBT treatments that aim to integrate common principles of human functioning and change strategies found in existing evidence-based CBT interventions for various disorders. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic emotion-focused CBT treatment designed to be applicable to disorders that involve a prominent emotional component. This article describes three core intervention strategies typically used to facilitate clinical process (e.g., new learning) in the UP: (a) increasing emotional awareness, (b) encouraging repeated practice, and (c) providing opportunities for corrective experiences. Clinical examples, along with a brief discussion of the theoretical basis and research support for each of these intervention strategies, are provided.
Prophylactic and therapeutic use of antibiotics in pelvic surgery

The abiding principles of antibiotic use in the surgical patient vary in the complicated pelvic surgery setting only in that some microbes likely to be encountered warrant minor variation in drug choice. Very early antibiotic administration, relatively large doses, and prompt association when the reason for therapy has been accomplished, are the keystones for treatment. Tissue levels of antimicrobial activity are the uniform therapeutic goal. We also prefer consistent selection of drugs known to be safe and believe that continuous infusion may enhance the overall protective effect. Preservation of normal host defenses enhances the action of all antibiotics.
Comparison of sulphur in HNO3-extracted and physically cleaned coals

Abstract The sulphur contents of eight bituminous and subbituminous coals, after extraction with nitric acid, are compared with the sulphur contents of physically cleaned samples of the coals. Samples of −60 mesh (250 μm) coal were extracted with boiling 2 M HNO3, which removes essentially all mineral sulphur. After washing and drying, the extracted samples were analysed for moisture, ash, and total sulphur. The dry, ash-free (daf) sulphur values for the eight coals obtained by this method show excellent agreement with the daf sulphur values for physically cleaned samples of the coals. The physically cleaned samples were prepared by float/sink separation of −60 mesh coal in 1.30 specific gravity media, followed by milling the float coal to particle sizes less than 10 μm and subsequent float/sink-centrifugation cleaning. The daf sulphur values determined in the HNO3-extracted and physically cleaned samples were less than those obtained using ASTM Method D 2492 and differed by as much as 1.3%.
A Development and Testing Instrumentation for GPS Software Defined Radio With Fast FPGA Prototyping Support

The modernization of global positioning systems (GPS) boosts the development of civil and military applications as accuracy and coverage of receivers continually improve. Recently, software defined radio (SDR) approach for GPS receivers (GPS-SDR) gained attention because of its flexibility for multimode operations in different environments. The SDR receiver developers continually advance algorithmic and/or hardware accelerator solutions. However, they need fast prototyping and testing instrumentation to refine and evaluate high performance multimode receivers. This paper presents a feasibility study of fast prototyping of the GPS receiver accelerators using graphical user interface environments. It also describes a testbed with integrated RF front-ends, GPS simulator, receiver, and assistance support. Particularly, a novel host-target codesign solution is demonstrated using a field programmable gate array (FPGA) peripheral and LabVIEW FPGA tool for a case study of a GPS acquisition module. Distributing tasks between the FPGA target and the personal computer host achieves a high performance solution. The fast prototyped solution is compared with a conventional FPGA and state-of-the-art implementations.
Channel allocation for dynamic spectrum access cognitive networks using Localized island Genetic Algorithm

In our demonstration, we show how cognitive radios can be organized to form a cooperative ad-hoc cognitive radio network that utilizes the available spectrum opportunistically and efficiently through channel allocation while at the same time avoiding causing interference to primary users as they become active. Our cognitive radios are Software Defined Radios consisting of a Linux laptop and a Universal Software Radio Peripheral integrated with our extended implementation of the GNU Radio software package and our Localized island Genetic Algorithm implementation for the channel allocation.
Neural representation of muscle dynamics in voluntary movement control

Several theories of motor control posit that the nervous system has access to a neural representation of muscle dynamics. Yet, this has not been tested experimentally. Should such a representation exist, it was hypothesized that subjects who learned to control a virtual limb using virtual muscles would improve performance faster and show greater generalization than those who learned with a less dynamically complex virtual force generator. Healthy adults practiced using their biceps brachii activity to move a myoelectrically controlled virtual limb from rest to a standard target position with maximum speed and accuracy. Throughout practice, generalization was assessed with untrained target trials and sensitivity to actuator dynamics was probed by unexpected actuator model switches. In a muscle model subject group (n = 10), the biceps electromyographic signal activated a virtual muscle that pulled on the virtual limb with a force governed by muscle dynamics, defined by a nonlinear force–length–velocity relation and series elastic stiffness. A force generator group (n = 10) performed the same task, but the actuation force was a linear function of the biceps activation signal. Both groups made significant errors with unexpected actuator dynamics switches, supporting task sensitivity to actuator dynamics. The muscle model group improved performance as fast as the force generator group and showed greater generalization in early practice, despite using an actuator with more complex dynamics. These results are consistent with a preexisting neural representation of muscle dynamics, which may have offset any learning challenges associated with the more dynamically complex virtual muscle model.
Self-Control Depletion Does Not Diminish Attitudes About Being Prosocial But Does Diminish Prosocial Behaviors

In three studies, ego-depleted participants reported the same level of affective/cognitive concern for others as control participants, but behaved less prosocially. In Study 1, participants had to sustain cooperation to increase the joint payout to themselves and another player. In Study 2, participants had to restrict their use of a shared resource. In Study 3, ego-depletion failed to produce effects on several measures of concern for others despite large effects found with other manipulations. Results suggest ego-depletion influences behavior by reducing one's ability or motivation to overcome egotistic desires when helping others comes at a cost to the self.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS IN OIL SPILL MODELS: CASE STUDY USING ADIOS

ABSTRACT The Hazardous Material Response and Assessment Division (HAZMAT) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses the oil weathering software package named Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills (ADIOS) to investigate the oil weathering process. This model combines a database of physical and chemical properties of oils with a simulation model computing mass losses, density, viscosity, and water content of an oil spill due to evaporation, dispersion, and emulsification. A first-order sensitivity analysis of the ADIOS evaporation algorithm indicates that it might be possible to provide a taxonomy of oils with respect to the reliability of results generated by the model.
Signal estimation over short data records : a data-dependent time-invariant algorithm

Abstract A new algorithm for the estimation of stationary random signals from short data records consisting of signal plus noise is given. Time-invariant algorithms to solve this problem suffer from transient effects at the beginning and end of the data record, while optimal algorithms are time-varying and thus computationally expensive. The approach presented here consists of a time-invariant Kalman smoothing estimator modified by a data-dependent correction term involving an estimated initial state vector. A theoretical performance analysis of the algorithm is presented, and comparisons are made with the optimal Kalman smoother, as well as with a different approach based on Wiener smoothing. The results show that the proposed approach has nearly optimal performance and is computationally efficient.
The Advanced Placement Expansion of the 1990s:How Did Traditionally Underserved Students Fare?

The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which allows students to take college-level courses while in high school, enjoyed tremendous growth in the 1990s. Despite overall growth, small rural schools and high poverty schools continue to offer relatively few AP courses, and black, Hispanic, and low income students remain grossly underrepresented in AP classes. During the 1990s, AP incentive programs primarily subsidized test fees for low income students, but this provided no incentive for low income and rural schools to expand their AP course offerings and did nothing to strengthen the weak academic preparation of low income, black and Hispanic students. Recent federal funding changes provide a step in the right direction by supporting a comprehensive approach to increasing the AP access and participation of traditionally underserved students.
Indomethacin attenuation of hepatic perfusion and plasma 6-ketoPGF1α elevations following glutathione depletion in rabbits

Glutathione (GSH) is important in detoxification and regulating cyclooxygenase activity. Since the liver has high levels of GSH, xenobiotic-induced changes in hepatic GSH could affect hepatic tissue blood perfusion (HP) via alterations in prostaglandin synthesis. In anesthetized male New Zealand rabbits, elevating GSH with GSH monoethyl ester had no affect on HP. Treatment of rabbits with diethyl maleate to deplete GSH also had no affect on HP in animals previously given GSH monoethyl ester. However, HP increased within 20 min in rabbits treated with diethyl maleate prior to GSH monoethyl ester. In another experiment, a similar rise in HP following GSH depletion was accompanied by arterial plasma 6-ketoPGF1 alpha (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin) levels that were 4-times higher than in the controls. Plasma TxB2 (the stable metabolite of thromboxane) also increased following diethyl maleate, but only to levels that were 25-times lower than for 6-ketoPGF1 alpha. Since indomethacin blocked the rise in HP, as well as the increases in 6-ketoPGF1 alpha and TxB2, these results indicate changes in HP may occur following GSH depletion as a result of increased synthesis of one or more arachidonic acid metabolites and implicate prostacyclin as a possible mediator of this phenomenon.
Hybrid Pressure-Swirl/Twin-Fluid Atomizer for Emission Controls

An experimental study was conducted to characterize the performance of a hybrid atomizer used in emission control devices. Characterization included drop size distribution, measured using a forward light-scattering instrument, the air flow field (axial and radial velocities), measured using 2-D PIV, and turbulence characteristics of the air flow field, measured using LDA. The air flow field showed characteristics common to turbulent free round jets beyond approximately 8 exit orifice diameters from the atomizer exit plane. The centerline velocity increased with an increase in mass flow rate, while radial velocities were two orders of magnitude smaller than centerline values. The jet spreading factor initially increased with an increase in axial distance from the exit; however, it stabilized at a value of 0.09 at z/Do=11.8. Turbulence intensity along the jet centerline stabilized at 25% at z/Do=7.9. Drop size data showed complex dependencies on liquid and air mass flow rates, and on internal geometry. The influence of liquid mass flow rate on drop size was significantly smaller for the hybrid atomizer than for the pressure swirl atomizer component housed inside the hybrid unit, thus indicating a higher turndown ratio for the hybrid device. Drop size distributions produced by the hybrid atomizer showed multiple peaks, indicating there is more than one important atomizing mechanism. Finally, reducing the gap between the pressure-swirl atomizer and the exit plane of the outer casing resulted in a reduction in drop size.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Aggregate efficiency, market demand, and the sustainability of collusion

This paper studies the effects of firms' aggregate efficiency and the level of demand on collusion. Collusion is more difficult in markets where aggregate efficiency (i.e., the ability of firms to profitably produce at prices exceeding the Cournot price) is large relative to the level of demand.
A Knowledge-based Survey of Adult Aquarium Visitors

The authors conducted a knowledge-based survey of adult visitors at Mote Aquarium (Sarasota, Florida) over several months to test objective learning. Ten fixed-response questions predicated on information in graphics located near some of the exhibits were asked of 123 visitors at the aquarium entrance (control group); another 124 visitors were queried at the exit after having passed through the aquarium (test group). The fraction of right answers was significantly greater in the test group (F(1,245)=25.13,p<0.0001), indicating short-term learning and retention. Confidence interval analysis yielded root-mean-square standardized effect (RMSSE) values of 0.27 (lower limit) and 0.63 (upper limit). Comparison of these numbers with the total standard deviation (±0.17) indicates only a moderate experimental effect, weakened in particular by the upper limit, and highlights a need to tighten the survey questions until variation in the fraction answered correctly becomes distributed more evenly.
Bundled Worlds: The Roles and Interactions of Complex Objects from the North American Plains

This paper explores the many dimensions of power exercised by ceremonial bundles that have been held by North American Plains groups since time immemorial. Because bundles are multifarious but strictly ordered sets of objects, they embody the corpus of ecological and cosmological knowledge needed to survive in the human and supernatural worlds. Bundles, like persons, are subject to hierarchical and heterarchical power relations that parallel societal relations within tribal groups. Observations are drawn about the value of studying complex objects such as bundles for expanding and refining archaeological systematics.
A Bayesian procedure for separately estimating storage and retrieval components of forgetting

Abstract A Bayesian procedure was developed to estimate separately the probability of sufficient storage, θs, and the probability of successful retrieval, θτ, on an individual subject basis. The method involves a probabilistic analysis of the subject's performance on a task that randomly intermixes recall with recognition trials. Two experiments using the Brown-Peterson paradigm were performed to demonstrate and validate the estimation procedure. The experiments showed that both θs and θτ decrease as a function of increasing retention interval. The results of both experiments suggest the necessity of a two-factor theory for short-term memory.
The role of cytokines in polymyositis

Objective To investigate the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) on the adhesive interactions between human peripheral blood T cells and human skeletal muscle cells at various stages of muscle cell differentiation and maturation in vitro. Methods Human muscle cell cultures were established from normal muscle biopsy material, using the explant technique. T cells were studied for their capacity to adhere to IFN gamma-treated and untreated myoblasts and myotubes. The role of intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM-1) in cell adhesion to muscle cells was examined in blocking studies, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies (MAb). Results Treatment of muscle cells (myoblasts and myotubes) with IFN gamma resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of adherent T cells. Adhesion of T cells to muscle cells was significantly inhibited by MAb to ICAM-1 and to lymphocyte function-associated antigen type 1, but not by MAb to HLA-DR. There was no difference in the level of T cell adhesion to IFN gamma-treated allogeneic versus autologous muscle cells. By ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis, ICAM-1 expression on the surface of cultured human muscle cells was either absent or barely detectable, but was strongly induced by treatment of muscle cells with IFN gamma. Conclusion Induction of cell adhesion molecules on muscle cells by IFN gamma may be an important mechanism for the localization of T cells in the affected muscles of patients with autoimmune myositis.
Clinical significance of renal changes engendered by aminoglycosides in man

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are associated with decreasing renal function of sufficient magnitude to influence adversely the management of approximately 10% of cases. Onset usually occurs after one week's treatment, but may be delayed until after the drugs are discontinued. Renal insufficiency is generally transient, mild, non-oliguric, and is characterized by recovery. There is currently no clear evidence that aminoglycosides cause permanent or subsequent progressive renal damage. Although age, pre-existing renal dysfunction, volume depletion, prior exposure to other nephrotoxic drugs and total drug dose have been suggested as host variables on the basis of animal studies, human studies have not shown predictive factors of toxicity. Peak and valley serum concentrations are more likely to reflect renal function than to predict toxicity. Studies in man are dogged by confounding variables characteristic of the critically ill. Comparative trials of toxicity have required the enrolment of large numbers of patients to show statistical differences which may have little clinical significance. Thus the choice of aminoglycoside should not be governed by nephrological criteria.
Atmospheric photochemistry: roaming in the dark.

The mechanism of NO and O2 production through the photolysis of the nitrate radical has long proved elusive. Now, theoretical studies help to explain previous experiments, suggesting that two distinct pathways are responsible that both involve 'roaming dynamics' on the 'dark' excited electronic state.
Quantum magnetotransport in a modulated two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract Quantum mechanical calculations of the magnetotransport coefficients of a modulated two-dimensional electron gas in a perpendicular magnetic field are presented using the Kubo method. The model modulation potential used is such that the effect of the steepness of the potential and its strength on the band part of the longitudinal resistivity ρ xx and the Hall resistivity ρ xy could be studied. In the extreme limit of a very steep potential, a two-dimensional square array of antidots is simulated. Impurity scattering is included in the self-consistent t-matrix approximation. The results show that for a strong lateral superlattice potential, ρ xy is quenched in the low magnetic field regime and as the magnetic field increases there is a large negative Hall resistivity. The intensity of this negative peak is suppressed as the strength of the modulation potential is decreased. It is also shown that the height of the negative peak depends on the steepness of the potential. The longitudinal resistivity also has some interesting features. There are Aharonov–Bohm oscillations and a double peak structure which depends on both the strength of the modulation potential as well as its slope. The numerical results show that the position and intensity of the lower peak is not very sensitive to a change in the strength of the lattice potential or its steepness. However, the upper peak is greatly reduced when the lattice potential is diminished in strength. The double peak feature in ρ xx and the negative peak and quenching of the Hall effect at low magnetic fields have been observed experimentally for antidots in both the quasiclassical and quantum regimes.
Document Delivery Options for Distance Education Students and Electronic Reserve Service at Ball State University Libraries

During recent years Ball State University has added a number of new courses as well as new delivery methods to its distance education program. Currently, there are plans to expand further, especially the Nursing program. In an effort to comply with the ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services, University Libraries initiated a number of new services. In this paper the author reviews the literature, discusses Interlibrary Loan initiatives to facilitate research for and document delivery to distance education students and describes the development of the electronic reserve program.
Can Computerized Brain Training Games be Used to Identify Early Cognitive Impairment in Cirrhosis

Can Computerized Brain Training Games be Used to Identify Early Cognitive Impairment in Cirrhosis?
Effects of growth regulators on the induction of Crassulacean acid metabolism in the facultative halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.

The classical induction of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. by water stress is observed within one week when fourto five-week-old plants (grown under a 16/8 h photoperiod at ca. 600 μmol quanta · m−2 · s−1) are irrigated with 350 mM NaCl. The induction of CAM was evaluated by measuring phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase, EC 4.1.1.31) and NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME, EC 4.1.1.82) activities and nocturnal increases in malate content and titratable acidity of leaf extracts, and the daily pattern of CO2 exchange and stomatal conductance during the 7-d induction period. Three growth regulators, abscisic acid (ABA), farnesol (an antitranspirant and analog of ABA), and benzylaminopurine (BAP), were found to substitute for NaCl for induction of CAM when fed to plants in nutrient media. Daily irrigation with solutions containing micromolar levels (optimum ca. 10 micromolar) of these growth regulators led to the induction of CAM similar to that by high salt. Application of the growth regulators, like NaCl, caused large increases in the activity of NADP-ME and the activity and level of PEPCase, which are components of the biochemical machinery required for CAM. Western immunoblotting showed that the increased activity of PEPCase on addition of ABA, farnesol and BAP was mainly due to increased levels of the CAM-specific isoforms. Also, dehydration of cut leaves over 8.5 h under light resulted in a severalfold increase in PEPCase activity. An equivalent increase in PEPCase activity in excised leaves was also obtained by feeding 150 mM NaCl, or micromolar levels of ABA or BAP via the petiole, which supports results obtained by feeding the growth regulators to roots. However, the increase in PEPCase activity was inhibited by feeding high levels of BAP to cut leaves prior to dehydration, indicating a more complex response to the cytokinin. Abscisic acid may have a role in induction of CAM in M. crystallinum under natural conditions as there is previous evidence that induction by NaCl causes an increase in the content of ABA, but not cytokinins, in leaves of this species.
In Vitro Analysis of the Chain Termination Reaction in the Synthesis of Poly-(R)-β-hydroxybutyrate by the Class III Synthase from Allochromatium vinosum

Allochromatium vinosum polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase catalyzes formation of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) from (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-coenzyme A (HB−CoA). (R)-3-Hydroxybutyryl-N-acetylcysteamine (HB−NAC) is an alternative substrate for this synthase in vitro, with a turnover 1% that of HB−CoA. With HB−NAC, the molecular weight (Mw) of PHB produced at substrate-to-enzyme ratios of 1500−15 000 is ∼75 kDa. 1H NMR shows that PHB produced has hydroxybutyrate at the alcohol end and N-acetylcysteamine (NAC) at the carboxylate end of the polymer. Exogenous NAC has no effect on the Mw of PHB produced with HB−CoA or HB−NAC in vitro, whereas PHB from a polymerization reaction with both HB−CoA and HB−NAC has intermediate Mw. These results can be accommodated by two models. In the first, NAC liberated at the active site during polymerization acts as a chain transfer agent. In the second, there is a noncovalent polymer intermediate covalently linked to NAC, which can dissociate from the active site.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of the thermally labile herbicides, chlorsulfuron and sulfometuron methyl

An on-line liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric technique with direct liquid introduction (DLI) was investigated for the analysis of chlorsulfuron, the active ingredient of Glean® herbicide and sulfometuron methyl, the active ingredient of Oust® herbicide. These compounds are thermally labile and cannot be analysed by gas chromatography. Our work reported here demonstrates that with DLI-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) we can eliminate thermal decomposition and obtain a mass spectrum with complete fragmentation pattern and abundant protonated molecular ion. The amount of fragmentation and abundance of the protonated molecular ion can be changed by varying the source pressure or temperature. This effect is valuable for identification and quantification purposes. In addition, the study includes a comparison of chlorsulfuron spectra obtained by both DLI-LC/MS and commercial thermospray LC/MS interface.
Phylogeny And Systematics Of Squamata (Reptilia) Based On Morphology

Abstract Squamata (amphisbaenians, “lizards”, mosasaurs, and snakes) is an extremely diverse clade with a rich fossil record. There is little consensus about the interrelationships of the major squamate clades (i.e., Iguania, Gekkota, Scincomorpha, Anguimorpha, Amphisbaenia, and Serpentes), or even the membership of some of these clades. Morphology-based cladistic analyses typically agree only that the major dichotomy in extant squamates is between Iguania and all other taxa. The phylogenetic placement of Amphisbaenia and Serpentes is particularly problematic. Incomplete taxon sampling is likely a major contributing factor to the absence of a consensus about squamate interrelationships. This study examines squamate relationships using 222 ingroup taxa scored for 363 morphological characters. Analysis of these data recovered 2,213 equally short trees with a length of 3,273 steps and a retention index of 0.7164. The results confirm the monophyly of the clades Scleroglossa (extant squamates exclusive of Igua...
A proposed narrow-band-gap base transistor structure

Abstract A transistor structure is proposed which alleviates the problem of high base resistance in the narrow quantum-well base region of the Resonant-Tunneling Transistor (RTT). This idea may also be used to improve the performance of the Induced Base Transistor (IBT) and other related structures. Bound states are created in the quantum well by using a base material with lower band gap than the contact layers. Electrons in these bound states form a low-resistance base region for application of bias to the device. Current flow is due to resonant tunneling via the second energy level in the well. Calculated I–V curves and switching transients for the RTT are presented. The issue of undesired tunneling current from base to collector is addressed, and a modified RTT structure is proposed which significantly reduces this problem.
Spin dependent photon structure functions

Abstract Spin dependent structure functions of the photon are studied using the operator product expansion. There are new twist-two photon and gluon operators which contribute. The structure functions g1 and F3 are calculable in QCD, but differ from their free quark values. The corrections to F3 are suppressed by 1/log Q2. The calculation is an extension of the analysis of Witten for the spin averaged structure functions F1 and F2.
Better schedules — Automatically

This paper illustrates the use of an industrial dynamics approach for establishing and revising engineering schedules.
YAC transgene-mediated olfactory receptor gene choice.

In the mouse, individual olfactory neurons express one of a thousand distinct olfactory receptor genes. Furthermore, only one allele of the expressed gene is transcribed. This phenomenon, random allelic inactivation, along with the observation that the olfactory receptor genes reside in large chromosomal arrays, suggests a role for long-range gene regulation in olfactory receptor gene choice. We have constructed a 300-kb yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) transgene in which a single receptor gene is marked while maintaining its coding region. This 300-kb piece of DNA functions as an independent olfactory receptor gene locus in directing olfactory receptor gene choice in both the olfactory system and the accessory olfactory system (vomeronasal organ, VNO). Furthermore, the transgene, like endogenous olfactory receptor loci, is subject to allelic inactivation. Dev Dyn;217:225–231. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The influence of operating parameters on number-weighted aerosol size distribution generated from a gas metal arc welding process

Abstract In light of recent research on the potential health problems associated with sub-micrometer aerosols, a study was conducted to determine the effect that droplet mass transfer mode, shield gas composition, and welding spatter had upon the aerosols generated from a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Operation. The results revealed that the sub-micrometer aerosols produced during spray transfer resulted in markedly higher concentrations of nucleated particles than those produced during globular transfer. This probably resulted from a larger droplet surface area for vaporization of metallic species. The shield gas experiments results revealed that as the percentage of carbon dioxide increased the number of nucleated particles also increased. It appears that oxygen may have facilitated chemical reactions with the alloy constituents, thereby increasing the mass transfer rate from the evaporating metal droplets in the plasma. Finally, an attempt to characterize the spatter aerosol revealed a distinct particle size distribution with a mode particle diameter of 6.8 μm . This particle size distribution appeared to be independent of shield gas composition, and the particle number concentration was significantly smaller than the sub-micrometer aerosols formed during the GMAW process (i.e., two-orders of magnitude smaller when weighted by particle mass).
Frequency and moisture dependence of the dielectric properties of hard red winter wheat

Abstract Measurements are described by which the dielectric properties of hard red winter wheat were determined over a frequency range from 250 Hz to 12·1 GHz for moisture contents between 2·7% and 23·8% w.b. Values for the dielectric constant, loss factor, loss tangent, and conductivity and their dependence upon frequency and moisture content are presented graphically. Additional graphs illustrate changes in the nature of the dependence of the dielectric constant and loss factor on moisture content as frequency changes. Ranges in variation of the dielectric constant and loss factor among lots of 7 varieties of hard red winter wheat are shown graphically. Data are also presented on the bulk density and kernel density of wheat as influenced by moisture content.
2-(2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenoxy)-5-iodophenylamine: an improved serotonin transporter imaging agent.

Imaging serotonin transporters (SERT) is an emerging research tool potentially useful to cast light on the mechanisms of drug action as well as to monitor the treatment of depressed patients. We have prepared two new derivatives of 3, 2-(2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenoxy)-5-iodophenylamine (4) and 2-(2-(dimethylaminomethyl)benzyl)-5-iodophenylamine (5) (Ki for SERT = 0.37 and 48.6 nM, respectively). Both [125I]4 and [125I]5 displayed excellent brain uptakes in rats, and they showed a highest uptake in hypothalamus (between 60 and 240 min), a region populated with the highest density of SERT. The specific uptake of [125I]4 in the hypothalamus resulted in a target to nontarget ratio ([hypothalamus-cerebellum]/cerebellum) of 4.3 at 2 h. Autoradiography of rat brain sections (ex vivo at 2 h) of [125I]4 showed an excellent regional distribution pattern consistent with known SERT localization. These data suggest that [123I]4 may be useful for imaging SERT binding sites in the brain by single photon emission comput...
Synthesis of the eight enantiomerically pure diastereomers of the 12-F2-Isoprostanes

Syntheses of the eight enantiomerically pure diastereomers of the 12-F2-isoprostanes (4−11) are described. The key steps included rhodium-mediated intramolecular cyclopropanation and enzymatic resolution of the racemic diol 12.
Resource loss, religiousness, health, and posttraumatic growth following Hurricane Katrina

This study examined associations among resource loss, religiousness (including general religiousness, religious comfort, and religious strain), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and physical and mental health among a sample of Mississippi university students soon after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast in 2005. Resource loss was negatively associated with health, but positively associated with PTG. Religious comfort was associated with positive outcomes, and religious strain was associated with negative outcomes. Religious comfort buffered the negative effects of resource loss on emotional health. Ancillary analyses indicated that associations between resource loss and health were mediated by religious strain. Implications of this research are described for mental health practitioners engaged in disaster recovery work.
Cell wall cross‐linking by ferulates and diferulates in grasses

Ferulate polysaccharide esters in grasses enter into free-radical condensation reactions in the cell wall. By radical dimerisation of ferulates, polysaccharide-polysaccharide cross-linking is effected. A range of diferulate isomers are produced, not solely the 5-5'-coupled dimer which has been quantified historically. Both ferulates and diferulates enter lignification reactions and become intimately bound up with the lignin complex. Again, under-quantification is significant since it is not possible to release ferulate or diferulates from some of the structures. Overall, ferulates play a significant role in cell wall development and impact polysaccharide utilisation in grasses.
External Parasites of Neotoma magister Baird (Allegheny Woodrat) in the Cumberland Mountains and Plateau, Tennessee

Abstract We examined external parasites of Neotoma magister (Allegheny Woodrat) from the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area in the Cumberland Mountains and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee from November 2003 to August 2005. Typically associated with rocky habitats such as clifflines and cave entrances, the Allegheny Woodrat is considered a species of concern in Tennessee. We found external parasites on 26 out of 40 Allegheny Woodrats (prevalence = 65%), including 2 Epitedia cavernicola Traub (woodrat fleas—from 2 separate woodrats; prevalence = 5%), 63 Orchopeas pennsylvanicus Baker (woodrat fleas—collected on all 26; prevalence = 65%, intensity = 2.4/woodrat), and 5 Ixodes woodi Bishopp (Woodrat Ticks—collected from 1 woodrat; prevalence = 2.5%). Our collection represents a state record for Woodrat Ticks in Tennessee. The external parasites collected from Allegheny Woodrats in east Tennessee were considered woodrat-specific parasites and exhibited ...
COMPUTER‐BASED TESTING APPLIED TO SELECTION OF SECRETARIAL APPLICANTS

In this paper, we provide a description of the development and pilot test of a computer-based testing procedure for the selection of secretarial applicants. The procedure requires secretaries to learn and use word processing, data base, and electronic message software to complete eight different job-related exercises. The procedure is designed to minimize the role of the test administrator, allow for easy transportability to other test sites, provide quick feedback to examinees, be fair to examinees who have used various kinds of computer hardware and software, and to allow for rapid and easy entry of test score data into a centralized computer network.
Abstract 3778: Protein targets for prostate cancer prevention by α-keto acid metabolites of organoselenium compounds

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Our previous studies show that human glutamine transaminase K (GTK) and L-amino acid oxidase convert Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC) and selenomethionine (SM) to methylselenopyruvate (MSP) and α-keto-γ-methylselenobutyrate (KMSB), respectively. Further more, both of these α-seleno keto acids inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in cultured human prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner (Cancer Prev. Res. 2:683, 2009). Since human prostate cancer cells have GTK activity and can metabolize MSC to MSP but not SM to KMSB, we studied whether administration of SM and KMSB to human prostate cancer cells each function as direct-acting metabolites of organoselenium compounds and individually can result in differential regulation of protein targets critical for growth regulation. Using a 4-plex-iTRAQ proteomic approach, we examined the potential effects of either SM or KMSB on several protein targets in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Analyses revealed significant changes (p<0.05) in at least 68 proteins (1-60 peptide residue coverage) following 5 hr incubation of LNCaP cells with SM (200 μM), KMSB (50 μM) and Trichostatin A (TSA) (20 μM), an inhibitor of class I and II mammalian HDACs. The majority of observed protein changes were cytosolic (49%), nuclear (31%), then plasma membrane (4%) and the remainder was extracellular or unknown. Six proteins that included histone 1c, histone 2a, PARP1, and Epoxide hydrolase 1 microsomal (xenobiotic) were up regulated and two proteins, namely, ribosomal protein SA and hematological and neurological expressed-1 protein were down regulated in both KMSB and TSA-treated cells. A total of six proteins (including annexin VI and splicing factor 3a) were significantly altered by KMSB treatment alone while fifteen proteins (among which HSP90, 14-3-3e, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4γ) were significantly changed by SM treatment alone. Collectively, our data reveal that several novel protein targets for prostate cancer prevention may be selective for either KMSB or SM alone. Several of these recognized targets will be investigated further to confirm the selectivity of seleno amino acids or seleno keto acids to function as direct-acting metabolites of naturally-occurring organoselenium compounds that can lead to de-repression of silenced tumor suppressor proteins and/or regulation of genes and signal factors. The study was supported by NCI R01CA111842. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3778.
A novel analog-to-digital conversion architecture using electron waveguides

An analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion architecture based on the quantized conductance of electron waveguides has been demonstrated. In the scheme, a dual electron waveguide (DWG) device implements a binary quantizer and encoder for one significant bit of resolution. The conductance values of the one and off states in the binary code are 2e/sup 2//h and zero, respectively. By cascading multiple DWG devices, higher order significant bits can be attained. Here the first significant bit and the second significant bit of the analog-to-digital conversion architecture using a DWG device fabricated in an AlGaAs/GaAs modulation-doped heterostructure are shown. >