cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of dithiothreitol on external yeast invertase.

Summary Saccharomyces cerevisiae external β-D-fructofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.26) when treated with dithiothreitol are included to a greater extent during gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 than the untreated enzymes. Reduced invertase retains its reactivity toward antiserum directed against the attached mannan polymer. Dithiothreitol treatment has little effect on the heat stability of the enzyme. Yeast cells treated with dithiothreitol release varying amounts of invertase at rates dependent on the structure of the cell wall mannan. Our results suggest that a disulfide bond in yeast invertases may function, in concert with the carbohydrate attached to the proteins, in anchoring these glycoenzymes in the yeast cell wall.
Reactions of Chinese Citizens to the Death of Stalin: Internal Communist Party Reports

When the long-time Soviet leader Iosif Stalin died in March 1953, China was in the midst of a social transformation that was generating widespread anxiety and social tensions. Such sentiments were reflected in 30 reports compiled by Xinhua reporters of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concerning ordinary Chinese citizens' reactions to the death of Stalin. Some Chinese citizens had supported Stalin and, by extension, the CCP and were anxious about the CCP's ability to survive and rule in an uncertain post-Stalin world. Others were happy to see Stalin's departure and waited hopefully for the collapse of the CCP. This article assesses the wide range of opinions as reflected in the CCP's internal reports.
A simplified method for inelastic piping system seismic response prediction

Abstract This paper presents a seismic response prediction method based on a simplified plastic system analysis. The analysis uses a dynamically equivalent static -g loading that has been adjusted for inelastic energy dissipipation. The simplified plastic system analysis utilizes an incremental series of equivalent static -g loading and replaces yielded components with hinge elements when a predefined hinge moment is reached. This hinge moment value is selected to result in inelastic energy absorption of the same magnitude as observed in piping component dynamic tests and analyses. Two definitions of dynamically equivalent static -g loadings are employed: one conservatively based on the peak of the design acceleration response spectrum, the other based on modal analysis results of the simplified plastic system model. Both definitions account for inelastic energy dissipation using Newmark-type inelastic response spectrum reduction factors and displacement ductility results of the simplified plastic system analysis. A comparison of predicted results versus experimental results is provided for a high-level seismic test of a representative LWR piping system.
Pollution prevention with chemical process simulators: The generalized waste reduction (WAR) algorithm

A general theory for the flow and the generation of potential environmental impact through a chemical process has been developed. The theory defines six potential impact indexes that characterize the generation of potential impact within a process, and the output of potential impact from a process. The indexes are used to quantify and to guide pollution reduction with changes to process flow sheets using process simulators. The potential environmental impacts are calculated from stream mass flow rates, stream composition, and a relative potential impact score for each chemical present. The chemical impact scores include a comprehensive set of nine effects ranging from ozone depletion potential to human toxicity and ecotoxicity. The resulting Waste Reduction methodology or WAR Algorithm is illustrated with a case study using the chemical process simulator Chemcad III (Does not imply USEPA endorsement of Chemcad III).
Variation in Apparent Serum Digitalis-like Factor Levels With Different Digoxin Antibodies The “Immunochemical Fingerprint”

Increased levels of a circulating digoxin-like factor (DLF) occur in a number of physiologic states in which sodium homeostasis is altered, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. We exploited the different affinities for DLF of seven antisera directed at digoxin to develop an immunochemical profile, and then employed this index to address two questions: does the same DLF species exist in several conditions associated with increased DLF levels, including pregnancy, renal failure, hepatic failure, and neonatal cord blood? Will this approach prove useful in assessing candidates proposed to be DLF? An identical profile was identified in serum from pregnant women and patients with renal or hepatic failure, and a highly significant correlation existed between DLF levels measured with antisera of high and intermediate affinity in 42 subjects with increased levels (r = 0.93; P less than .001). In patients with renal failure, when endogenous DLF levels were too low to assess the profile, concentration of the serum resulted in measurable DLF levels that had an identical profile. The profile was somewhat altered in umbilical cord blood, perhaps reflecting an influence of increased steroid hormone levels. Among agents suggested as candidates for DLF, neither lysophosphatidylcholine nor ouabain showed a profile resembling DLF. Progesterone, 17-OH-progesterone, and bufalin, on the other hand, did show substantial similarity, perhaps providing a clue to the structure of DLF. The normal plasma levels of progesterone and 17-OH-progesterone are 100- to 1000-fold too low to be candidates for DLF and bufalin was sufficiently dissimilar not to be a candidate. DLF in at least three different patient populations probably represents identical chemical species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Detection and tracking for robotic visual servoing systems

Abstract Robot manipulators require knowledge about their environment in order to perform their desired actions. In several robotic tasks, vision sensors play a critical role by providing the necessary quantity and quality of information regarding the robot's environment. For example, “visual servoing” algorithms may control a robot manipulator in order to track moving objects that are being imaged by a camera. Current visual servoing systems often lack the ability to detect automatically objects that appear within the camera's field of view. In this research, we present a robust “figureiground” framework for visually detecting objects of interest. An important contribution of this research is a collection of optimization schemes that allow the detection framework to operate within the real-time limits of visual servoing systems. The most significant of these schemes involves the use of “spontaneous” and “continuous” domains. The number and location of continuous domains are. allowed to change over time, adjusting to the dynamic conditions of the detection process. We have developed actual servoing systems in order to test the framework's feasibility and to demonstrate its usefulness for visually controlling a robot manipulator.
Discovery of the smallest Fayum Egyptian primates (Anchomomyini, Adapidae).

Two new adapiform primate species from locality 41, Jebel Qatrani Formation, Egypt, are described. The first, here named Wadilemur elegans genus novum species novum (holotype Cairo Geological Museum 42211), consists of a right mandible with P3–M3. The second is assigned to Anchomomys milleri species novum, with a holotype Cairo Geological Museum 42842, that includes the right mandible with lower canine to M3. Both species are allied closely with genera that are known to be from Eocene deposits either in Europe, Tunisia, or the Sultanate of Oman (Arabia), thus enhancing earlier paleomagnetic evidence that locality 41 was deposited in Eocene times.
Transient solute diffusion in articular cartilage

The one-dimensional transient diffusion of glucose, inulin and dextran into adult bovine knee articular cartilage was determined for transport times of 1, 5, 15 and 60 min, and 4, 12, 24 and 48 h. The apparent diffusion coefficient and apparent interface partition coefficient were calculated from the concentration-depth profiles within the tissue using a theoretical model for non-steady state solute diffusion. The diffusion coefficient was found to decrease with both solute size and transport time. The partition coefficient also decreased with solute size but increased with transport time. Neither coefficient was dependent on normal tissue fluid or proteoglycan content variations.
Enhanced Reliability of High Density Wiring (HDW) Substrates Through New Dielectric and Base Substrate Materials

FR4 has been extensively used as a board material due to its cost effectiveness and overall performance. For high-density wiring (HDW) substrates with microvias and with embedded capacitors, inductors, resistors, RF and optoelectronic waveguides in a single board, there is a need for alternative base substrates to meet the stringent warpage requirements during fabrication. Typically, these base substrate materials should have high modulus, good planarity, in addition to having a CTE that is close to that of silicon so that the flip-chips can be directly attached to the substrate, eliminating the need for an underfill. Although low-CTE, high modulus base substrate materials can eliminate the need for underfill as well as can result in less warpage during fabrication, they can potentially cause delamination and cracking in the interlayer dielectric. This is due to the high CTE mismatch between the base substrate and typical polymer dielectric. This paper aims to explore a combination of base substrate materials and interlayer dielectric materials such that warpage is minimal, dielectric will not crack or delaminate, and flip-chip solder joints, assembled without an underfill, will not crack prematurely during qualification regimes and operating conditions. A non-liner finite element model with Design-of-Simulations approach is used in arriving at optimized thermo-mechanical properties for the base-substrate and dielectric materials to enhance the overall reliability of the integrated substrate with flip chip assembly. The results from the models have been compared with experimental data and a discussion is presented on the various failure modes.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Early Outgassing of Mars: Implications from Experimentally Determined Solubility of Iodine in Silicate Magmas

Abstract We have determined experimentally the solubility of iodine in a range of synthetic basaltic (CMAS) liquids. The solubility of iodine ranges from 1.2×10 −4 to 2.6×10 −3 g/g·atm (0.02 to 0.45 ccSTP/g·atm) over the range of compositions studied. These values are a few orders of magnitude greater than the solubility of xenon in silicate liquids. This difference in solubility means that iodine will tend to become enhanced relative to xenon in a silicate melt in the process of outgassing. These new results are used to model the early outgassing history of Mars based on I–Xe isotopic systematics. To assess the timing and extent of outgassing that can produce the present-day martian atmosphere, we consider two bracketing scenarios. In both scenarios two stages of outgassing are assumed. The first stage of outgassing results from an early formed magma ocean; the atmosphere outgassed in the first stage is assumed to have been removed by hydrodynamic escape and impact erosion before the second stage of outgassing. The two scenarios differ in the timing of atmospheric removal vis a vis the first (magma ocean) stage of outgassing. We consider a range of starting compositions. It is shown that an early magma ocean on Mars, which outgassed, followed by atmospheric erosion and a second stage of outgassing, can explain the 129 Xe/ 132 Xe ratios for known martian reservoirs. The extent to which Mars is outgassed is subject to wide uncertainty. However, stricter constraints are imposed as the timing of the end of catastrophic atmospheric loss occurs at progressively younger times. These scenarios require a highly energetic late accretionary environment for Mars.
Metastases From Carcinoma of Mammary Gland: An Autopsy Study

Information on metastases from carcinoma of the mammary gland in an autopsy study of 707 cases occurring in white women over a 15-year period are presented and tabulated. Multiple primary cancers occurred in 19% of the cases. Of the 137 cases that exhibit more than one neoplastic malignancy, 31 (23%) were present in the contralateral mammary gland. Seventy patients had no metastasis from the mammary cancer at the time of death, and 55 of these patients had another cancer. Additional information has been added concerning the frequency of metastasis in parathyroid and thymus. When a parathyroid contains a metastasis, extensive metastases were noted in many organs and thus represents a late stage of the cancer.
Influence of lithium on mammary tumor growth in vivo.

Abstract The possibility that lithium ions stimulate growth of mammary tumors in vivo has been suggested by their mitogenic action in vitro on normal and neoplastic mammary epithelium [8] and their clinical use as stimulators of neutrophil production in tumor-bearing patients treated with cytotoxic drugs [14,15]. Three experiments were performed to assess this possibility. Buffalo/N female rats received a single injection of N -nitrosomethylurea (NMU) at a dose known to produce mammary carcinomas in about 50% of animals under standard conditions. Under lithium treatment, the incidence of tumors did not increase significantly. Sprague—Dawley female rats treated with a single dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[α] anthracene (DMBA), but showing no mammary tumors after 4 months, received lithium in their drinking water for 3 additional months. The number of late-appearing tumors was not increased by lithium treatment. Buffalo/N females with NMU-induced tumors were castrated, and the subsequent changes in tumor volume were compared in lithium-treated and control animals. The regression-regrowth curves were not altered by lithium treatment. These results are in contrast to the growth stimulatory capacity of lithium on mammary epithelium observed in vitro [8] and indicate it is very unlikely that lithium ions have an undesirable growth stimulatory action on primary mammary carcinomas in vivo.
Human health consequences of environmentally-modulated gene expression: potential roles of ELF-EMF induced epigenetic versus mutagenic mechanisms of disease.

In order to determine if there might be biological and health consequences after exposures to extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF–EMF), either experimentally or epidemiologically, mechanistic understanding of the potential means by which any environmental agent can affect cells in a multicellular organism has to be reviewed. The goal of this limited review is to demonstrate that, while the prevailing paradigm of the environmentally-induced acute and chronic diseases involves either cell killing (cytotoxicity) or gene/chromosome mutations (genotoxicity), alteration of the expression of genetic information at the transcriptional (turning genes “on” or “off”), translational (stabilizing or de-stabilizing the genetic message), or posttranslational (altering the gene product or protein) levels has the potential to contribute to various diseases. This latter mechanism, “epigenetic” toxicity, unlike the former two which are irreversible, is characterized by threshold-like action, multiple biochemical pathways and chronic, regular exposures to be effective. Ultimately, epigenetic toxicants affect one of four potential cell states, namely alteration of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, programmed cell death (apoptosis) or adaptive responses of differentiated cells. Bioelectromagnetics 21:402–406, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Asphaltene Molecular Structure and Chemical Influences on the Morphology of Coke Produced in Delayed Coking

The average chemical structure of asphaltenes present in a vacuum resid feed is related to the morphology of the coke that is produced in a delayed coker (shot coke vs sponge coke). A combination of solid-state 13C NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and elemental abundance was used to characterize the average chemical structure of several n-heptane asphaltenes from shot-coke- and sponge-coke-producing vacuum resid feeds. The chemical structural properties of the asphaltenes are discussed in relation to the coke morphology produced from the parent resid. The average asphaltene aromatic carbon per cluster size is between 14 and 22 carbon atoms, which corresponds to three-to-five-ring average clusters. When the ratio of aromatic carbon to unreactive (i.e., heterocyclic aromatic) nitrogen and sulfur in asphaltenes is <16, the feed tendency is to produce shot coke. Representative chemical structural models of asphaltenes reveal significant differences (1.5 cal/cm3)1/2 in the calculated solubility par...
Up to 8-year follow-up of valve replacement with CarboMedics valve

Abstract Background . The aim of this study was to report midterm valve replacement (VR) results with the CarboMedics valve (Sulzer Carbomedics, Austin, TX). Methods . From 1991 to 1999, 468 patients aged 13 to 76 years (mean 56 years) underwent VR with CarboMedics valve: 239 aortic (A), 167 mitral (M), and 62 A+M or double valve replacement (DVR). Mean follow-up time was 4.4 years; follow-up was 99.1% complete for 2,016 patient-years (PY). The anticoagulation level was targeted to an international normalized ratio of 1.47 to 2.8. Results . The hospital mortality rate was 1.2%. Actuarial analysis for the entire group at 7 years for survival was 87% ± 2.3%. Freedom from valve-related death was 94% ± 1.9%. Freedom from thromboembolic and bleeding events, respectively, were as follows: for AVR, 82% ± 4.9% (2.4%/PY) and 88% ± 2.9% (1.6%/PY); for MVR, 95% ± 2.1% (0.8%/PY) and 91% ± 3.1% (1.3%/PY); and for DVR, 96% ± 3.2% (0.7%/PY) and 85% ± 9.7% (1.0%/PY). Actuarial freedom from reoperation was 98% ± 1.4%. Conclusions . The CarboMedics valve can be implanted with satisfactory early mortality and a low incidence of valve-related events even under low-intensity anticoagulation, as shown in a Japanese population.
Damage studies in high-power fiber transmission systems

For several years we have been investigating laser-induced damage mechanisms encountered when transmitting Q-switched Nd/YAG laser pulses through step-index, multimode, fused silica fibers. Previous studies primarily addressed end-face breakdown and damage processes and how corresponding thresholds could be affected by different preparation techniques. However, we frequently encountered two internal mechanisms for damage that influence test procedures and results. An `entry' mechanism is related to the laser mode structure and to the geometry of laser injection into the fiber entrance face. Internal damage is also observed at sites where a fiber is experiencing significant local stresses, either due to fixturing or to severe bends in the fiber path. The present study continued to address these fundamental issues, and began to address additional concerns that may arise in the design of practical high-power fiber transmission systems. End-face preparation issues were examined through a comparison between purely cleaved faces and mechanically polished faces.
Surgical treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa and critical review of own experience

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa has always been a challenging area to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The aetiology is idiopathic, and medical treatment offers temporary relief only. Radical surgical excision, therefore, is the mainstay of active management. Aim: To present and evaluate a series of 106 patients of hidradenitis suppurativa treated in the regional plastic surgery unit of southeast Scotland between January 1990 and December 2000. Patients: Median age at onset was 36 years (range 17–70 years). The patients were predominantly females (88.78%) and heavy smokers (98.1%). Median age before active surgical intervention was six years (range 1–30 years). The patients were divided into a mild group (n = 64) and a severe group (n = 42). All patients had broad-spectrum antibiotics and multiple incision and drainage procedures before referral from general practitioners, dermatologists or general surgeons. One hundred sites were managed by primary closure (mostly in the ‘mild’ group); 29 resurfaced with split skin grafts and 14 with local, fasciocutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps (mostly in the ‘severe’ group). Median postoperative follow-up period was 3 years (range 1–7 years). Results: In the ‘primary closure’ series, recurrence rate requiring at least one secondary operation was 69.88%. There was no recurrence, no serious complications and no revision operations in the ‘graft’ and the ‘flap’ series. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required before contemplating primary closure in hidradenitis suppurativa, even in the ‘mild’ variety. This condition should always be treated aggressively by radical excision of all hair-bearing areas and reconstructed with a graft or a flap.
Sensitivity Analysis for Causal Inference Under Unmeasured Confounding and Measurement Error Problems

In this article, we present a sensitivity analysis for drawing inferences about parameters that are not estimable from observed data without additional assumptions. We present the methodology using two different examples: a causal parameter that is not identifiable due to violations of the randomization assumption, and a parameter that is not estimable in the nonparametric model due to measurement error. Existing methods for tackling these problems assume a parametric model for the type of violation to the identifiability assumption and require the development of new estimators and inference for every new model. The method we present can be used in conjunction with any existing asymptotically linear estimator of an observed data parameter that approximates the unidentifiable full data parameter and does not require the study of additional models.
Heidegger, Lafont and the necessity of the transcendental:

Cristina Lafont's recent reading of Heidegger offers a powerful formulation of the widespread view that once one recognizes our `facticity' and the role of language in shaping it, there is no room ...
The Return of the New Woman and Other Subjects of Weimar Gender History

After a drought of more than a decade, a substantial group of recent works has begun revisiting Weimar gender history. The fields of Weimar and Nazi gender history have been closely linked since the field was defined thirty years ago by the appearance of the anthology When Biology Became Destiny: Women in Weimar and Nazi Germany. Following a flurry of pioneering work in the 1980s and early 1990s, few new monographs were dedicated to investigating the questions posed in that formative moment of gender history. Kathleen Canning, the current main commentator on Weimar gender historiography, in an essay first published shortly before the works under review, found that up to that point the ‘gender scholarship on the high-stakes histories of Weimar and Nazi Germany has not fundamentally challenged categories or temporalities’. Weimar gender, meanwhile, has been intensively analysed in the fields of cultural, film, and literary studies. The six books discussed in this essay reverse these trends, picking up on the central question of how gender contributed to the end of the Weimar Republic and the rise to power of National Socialism. In addition, four of the books concentrate solely on reconstructing the dynamics of gender relations during the Weimar period itself in their discussions of prostitution, abortion and representations of femininity and masculinity. Is emerging gender scholarship now shaping larger questions of German early twentieth-century history? How are new scholars revising our view of the role of gender in this tumultuous time?
Physics-Based Animation for Qualitative Assessment of Biomimetic Subterranean Burrowing Behaviors

Physics-based animations executing on 3D game engines enabled with physics middleware libraries and coprocessors can be used to explore the suitability of potential robot behaviors in working environments and robot configurations that are ill-defined or difficult and time-consuming to model with traditional quantitative tools. We use an inexpensive game development engine and PC hardware to develop physics-based animations of potential biomimetic subterranean robot burrowing behaviors. Qualitative assessment of energy efficiency, burrowing time, and digging capabilities of several biomimetic robot designs are validated with data from physical prototypes operated in a range of soil types and models of soil using colored particles. Results suggest this methodology is applicable to rapid screening of potential robot designs intended to operate in a variety of domains.
Long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of teriparatide in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed medications to treat multiple diseases across many medical specialties. One of the most common yet largely unappreciated side effect of glucocorticoid use is increased risk of fracture. Many different therapies are indicated to prevent and treat this condition; many guidelines exist that suggest appropriate use of both glucocorticoids and the medications approved to prevent this common side effect of glucocorticoid therapy. Nevertheless, 30%–50% of patients on long-term glucocorticoid therapy sustain a fracture. Teriparatide, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1–34), is a daily self-injectable therapy for 24 months approved for use in patients taking long-term glucocorticoids. Teriparatide has been shown to increase bone mineral density and reduce vertebral fracture risk in glucocorticoid-treated patients. Glucocorticoids have many adverse effects on bone that teriparatide has been shown to prevent or negate. Given the fact that preventive therapy for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is often not prescribed, one wonders whether a daily self-injectable therapy for this condition would be prescribed by physicians and accepted by patients. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, guidelines, and persistence data (when available) for patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis treated with teriparatide.
Cyrus Adler, Non-Zionism, and the Zionist Movement: A Study in Contradictions

For close to fifty years, Cyrus Adler was one of American Jewry's most influential communal leaders and public servants. Taking part in the founding of the Jewish Publication Society (1888), on whose various committees he would serve as chairman throughout his life, Adler was a founder of the American Jewish Historical Society (1892), and its president for more than twenty years. Together with Louis Marshall, Jacob Schiff, Oscar Straus, Felix Warburg, and his cousin, Judge Mayer Sulzberger, Adler played an instrumental role in organizing the American Jewish Committee (1906), and served as its president from 1929 until his death in 1940. During his thirtytwo years (1908–1940) as president and chief administrative officer of the Dropsie College for Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Adler shaped the institution into one of the preeminent institutions of higher Jewish learning in America. When Solomon Schechter died in 1915, Adler succeeded him to the presidency of the Jewish Theological Seminary, with which he had been closely associated since its founding in 1886, while remaining president of Dropsie as well. Serving as president of the seminary for twenty-five years, Adler played a central role in the founding of the United Synagogue, whose presidency he also held.
The role of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: a 17-year experience.

ABSTRACTPurpose:: During the last 20 years endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has gained popularity in European countries. We performed a retrospective analysis of our 17-year experience with more than 1,000 patients treated to assess whether technique, indications or results of endoscopic treatment of VUR have changed over time.Materials and Methods:: From January 1986 to June 2002, 1,244 patients underwent endoscopic treatment for grades II to IV VUR. Polytetrafluoroethylene was injected as the bulking material in the first 14 cases, after 1989 bovine cross-linked collagen was used in 442 and since 1995 dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer was used in 788. Urinary tract ultrasound was performed 1 and 6 months, and micturition cystourethrogram was done 3 and 12 months after endoscopic treatment. All patients included in the study completed a minimum 12-month followup.Results:: Endoscopic treatment was always performed in 1 day. Complications were observed in 0.5% of cases. After 1 or 2 ...
Ion currents in Drosophila flight muscles

1. The dorsal longitudinal flight muscles of Drosophila melanogaster contain three voltage-activated ion currents, two distinct potassium currents and a calcium current. The currents can be isolated from each other by exploiting the developmental properties of the system and genetic tools, as well as conventional pharmacology. 2. The fast transient potassium current (IA) is the first channel to appear in the developing muscle membrane. It can be studied in isolation between 60 and 70 hr of pupal development. The channels can be observed to carry both outward and inward currents depending on the external potassium concentration. IA is blocked by both tetraethylammonium ion (TEA) and 3- or 4-aminopyridine. The inactivation and recovery properties of IA are responsible for a facilitating effect on membrane excitability. 3. The delayed outward current (IK) develops after maturation of the IA system. IK can be isolated from IA by use of a mutation that removes IA from the membrane current response and can be studied before the development of Ca2+ channels. IK shows no inactivation. The channels are more sensitive to blockage by TEA than IA channels, but are not substantially blocked by 3- or 4-aminopyridine. 4. The calcium current (ICa) is the last of the major currents to develop and must be isolated pharmacologically with potassium-blocking agents. ICa shows inactivation when Ca2+ is present but not when Ba2+ is the sole current carrier. When Ca2+ is the current carrier, the addition of Na+ or Li+ retards the inactivation of the net inward current. When the membrane voltage is not clamped, Ba2+ alone, or Ca2+ with Na+ (or Li+), produces a plateau response of extended duration. 5. The synaptic current (IJ) evoked by motoneurone stimulation is the fastest and largest of the current systems. It has a reversal potential of approximately -5 mV, indicating roughly equal permeabilities of Na+ and K+. During a nerve-driven muscle spike, IJ is the major inward current, causing a very rapid depolarization away from resting potential. An exceptionally large synaptic current is necessary to rapidly discharge the high membrane capacitance (0·03 μF/cell) in these large (0·05 × 0·1 × 0·8 mm) isopotential cells.
Aph‐1 is required to regulate Presenilin‐mediated γ‐secretase activity and cell survival in Drosophila wing development

Aph-1 is a multipass transmembrane protein and an essential component of the Presenilin (Psn)-mediated γ-secretase complex. During protease assembly, Aph-1 stabilizes the newly synthesized Psn holoprotein to facilitate generation of the active form of Psn, which is a Psn-NTF/Psn-CTF heterodimer produced through a Presenilinase-initiated endoproteolytic cleavage of the Psn holoprotein. Although it is clear that loss of Aph-1 activity leads to failure of Psn heterodimer formation, little is understood about whether Aph-1 plays a role in regulating γ-secretase activity in addition to assisting Psn maturation. Using various modified Psn forms that do not require endoproteolysis or have a large deletion of the cytosolic loop, we show that in Drosophila Aph-1 is still required for γ-secretase activity independent of its role in promoting Psn endoproteolysis. In addition, our results indicate that Aph-1 is required to promote cell survival in the wing imaginal disc; aph-1 mutant cells are lost either through cell death or because of a defect in cell proliferation. This function of Aph-1 is independent of its role in regulating γ-secretase activity, but possibly involves downregulating the activity of uncleaved Psn holoprotein. genesis 47:169–174, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular magnetic resonance imaging approaches used to aid in the understanding of the tissue regeneration marker Met in vivo: implications for tissue engineering.

The levels of Met, a tyrosine kinase receptor for the hepatocyte growth factor or scatter factor, are elevated during tissue regeneration, and can be used to assess tissue regeneration associated w...
Periodontal pathogens stimulate CC-chemokine production by mononuclear and bone-derived cells.

Background: Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that stimulate recruitment of leukocytes. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein- 1α, and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted) are 3 well-characterized CC-chemokines that regulate mononuclear cell recruitment. The recruitment of inflammatory cells is of particular importance in the oral cavity because of the likelihood that cells will be challenged with bacteria either during acute infection or following surgical procedures. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans are putative periodontal pathogens that may be harbored in subgingival and supragingival plaque. The capacity of the host to respond to these bacteria by the elaboration of chemoattractants may represent an important defense mechanism. Methods: In the present study, we examined CCchemokine production by human mononuclear cells and bone-derived cells in response to P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and l...
Clindamycin resistance among erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

Abstract The increasing proportion of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates with reduced susceptibility to penicillin has created an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives to some β-lactam agents. Clindamycin is an antimicrobial agent with excellent bioavailability after oral administration which has been considered for the therapy of community-acquired pneumococcal otitis media. Using the Etest methodology, we have studied the in vitro susceptibility of 59 erythromycin-resistant strains of S. pnuemoniae to clindamycin, penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and rifampin. The study also addressed the impact of the susceptibility test medium [mueller-Hinton (MH) vs IsoSensitest (Iso), both 5% blood supplement] on the results. A total of 20 isolates (37%) displayed constitutive clindamycin resistance on Iso blood agar, compared with only 11 (22%) on MH blood agar. The remaining nine strains found to be clindamycin susceptible on MH manifested resistance only with erythromycin induction. Resistance to penicillin, rifampin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in erythromycin-resistant isolates was 83%, 2%, and 85%–89% (medium dependent), respectively. These results indicate that the choice of susceptibility test medium affects the expression (constitutive or inducible) of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) resistance in S. pneumoniae . In addition, the common assumption that erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae implies clindamycin resistance may need to be reconsidered and routine susceptibility tests (including induction if MH medium is used) should be considered for MLS-class drugs.
Global CMT analysis of moderate earthquakes, Mw ≧ 4.5, using intermediate-period surface waves

A new method for calculating centroid moment tensor (CMT) solutions for moderate-sized earthquakes is presented and tested. In the new algorithm, which is a modification to the standard Harvard CMT method, intermediate-period surface waves are included in the inversion for source parameters. The dispersion of teleseismic surface waves in the period range 40 to 150 sec is predicted by interpolation of recent global phase velocity maps. The method is tested on a set of 20 moderate and large (5.2 ≦ Mw ≦ 7.2) earthquakes with known mechanisms. The retrieved mechanisms are similar to the previous results, even when noise is added to the seismograms to simulate earthquakes of a smaller magnitude ( Mw ∼ 4.5). The inversion algorithm is applied to the 1993 Klamath Falls mainshock and aftershock sequence, and the results compare well with earlier results. A catalog of Mw ≧ 4.5 focal mechanisms for Greece and surrounding areas for the first six months of 1995 is derived using the new method of analysis.
Segment polarity genes in neuroblast formation and identity specification during Drosophila neurogenesis

The relatively simple central nervous system (CNS) of the Drosophila embryo provides a useful model system for investigating the mechanisms that generate and pattern complex nervous systems. Central to the generation of different types of neurons by precursor neuroblasts is the initial specification of neuroblast identity and the Drosophila segment polarity genes, genes that specify regions within a segment or repeating unit of the Drosophila embryo, have emerged recently as significant players in this process. During neurogenesis the segment polarity genes are expressed in the neuroectodermal cells from which neuroblasts delaminate and they continue to be expressed in neuroblasts and their progeny. Loss-of-function mutations in these genes lead to a failure in the formation of neuroblasts and/or specification of neuroblast identity. Results from several recent studies suggest that regulatory interactions between segment polarity genes during neurogenesis lead to an increase in the number of neuroblasts and specification of different identities to neuroblasts within a population of cells.
Functional Analysis of Precursors for Serious Problem Behavior and Related Intervention

Precursor behaviors are innocuous behaviors that reliably precede the occurrence of problem behavior. Intervention efforts applied to precursors might prevent the occurrence of severe problem behavior. We examined the relationship between precursor behavior and problem behavior in three individuals with developmental disabilities. First, a descriptive (correlational) assessment focusing on transitional probabilities, which established that problem behavior typically followed precursor behavior, was conducted. Next, a functional (experimental) analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between precursor and problem behavior. Results suggested that these two behaviors served the same function. Finally, in the intervention phase, participants were taught a response that was functionally equivalent to the precursor behavior. Results demonstrated a decrease in the frequency of problem behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that prevention efforts might profitably be focused on precursor behavior. Further implications for the use of functional analysis and functional communication training in prevention are discussed.
Transcription of SV40 in Lytically Infected and Transformed Cells

As long as we take reasonable care, we can grow stocks of Simian Virus that are remarkably homogeneous. Each infectious particle contains a single molecule of DNA weighing 3.4 x 106 daltons—enough to code for perhaps 5–8 polypeptides of average size. The manner in which this virus-coded information is expressed is highly cell-dependent. For example, after infection with SV40, monkey cells undergo a productive or lytic response, during which there is an ordered appearance of virus-specific functions, with some virus products present at all times and others detectable only in the late stages of the viral growth cycle. The infection progresses through a well-defined series of episodes, which culminate in cell death and the concomitant liberation of a new crop of virus particles. The events are multiplicity-independent in that they occur in the same order, albeit at different rates, in cells infected either with one infectious particle or with a hundred. By contrast, the outcome of exposing mouse cells to SV40 is very different.
Reduced renal responses to an acute saline load in obese Zucker rats

The purpose of this study was to determine if the reflex response to a saline load is altered in the obese Zucker rat. The obese Zucker rat is a genetic model of obesity and insulin-resistant diabetes that has been reported to have high blood pressure. We examined the reflux renal responses to volume expansion in both anesthetized obese and lean Zucker rats. Initial blood pressure was significantly elevated in the obese Zucker rats compared with the lean controls. Urine flow and sodium excretion from innervated and denervated kidneys were measured before and after volume expansion with normal saline. Volume expansion resulted in significantly less urine flow and sodium excretion in the obese than the lean Zucker rats. This response was evident in both the intact and denervated kidneys. Rats were then infused with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to determine if natriuretic and diuretic responses were altered in these rats. The diuretic action of ANP was not significantly reduced in the obese Zucker rat. However, the natriuretic action of ANP was significantly attenuated in the obese rats. These results indicate that the reflux response to an acute saline load is attenuated in the obese Zucker rat and that this decreased response may be due to a reduction in the direct action of ANP on the kidney.
Corruption and Development: The Need of International Investigations with a Multijurisdictional Approach and the Involvement of Multilateral Development Banks with National Authorities

The authors argue that while both Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and national governments have mechanisms to fight corruption, the outcomes of these enforcement mechanisms diverge. MDBs are interested in the causes and effects of corruption from a development perspective and, as such, tend to sanction Small and Medium Enterprises and individuals, while national governments are focused on a more punitive outcome, targeting larger multinational corporations. The article examines the enforcement objectives articulated in national legislation, namely the American Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act and its Canadian counterpart (the CFPOA) as well as several Canadian cases, on the one hand, and the tools and outcomes of the MDBs’ Sanctions Systems on the other. The authors conclude that national enforcement efforts and MDBs’ sanctions outcomes intersect in their fight against international corruption in that their results are complimentary; the former punishing large-scale offenders, while the latter ensuring the integrity of development projects.
Improving Detection of IV Infiltrates in Neonates

Neonates and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit suffer significant morbidity when intravenous (IV) catheters infiltrate. The underreporting of adverse events through hospital voluntary reporting systems, such as ours, can complicate the monitoring of low incidence events, like IV infiltrates. Based on severe cases of IV infiltrates observed in our neonatal intensive care unit, we attempted to improve the detection of all infiltrates and reduce the incidence of Stage 4 infiltrates. We developed, and initiated the use of, an evidence-based guideline for the improved surveillance, prevention, and management of IV infiltrates, with corresponding educational interventions for faculty and staff. We instituted the use of a checklist for compliance with guidelines, and as a mechanism of surveillance. The baseline incidence rate of IV infiltrates, determined by the voluntary reporting system, was 5 per 1000 line days. Following initiation of the guidelines and checklist, the IV infiltrate rate increased to 9 per 1000 line days. In most months, the detection of IV infiltrates was improved by use of the checklist. During the post-intervention period the rate of Stage 4 infiltrates, as measured by usage of nitroglycerin ointment, was significantly reduced. In conclusion, the detection of IV infiltrates was improved following our quality improvement interventions. Further, use of an evidence-based guideline for managing infiltrates may reduce the most severe infiltrate injuries.
Why Republics Always Fail: Pondering Feofan Prokopovich’s Case for Russian Autocracy

The article considers Feofan Prokopovich's contribution to redefining Russian autocratic ideology. In the first section, it uncovers an implicit polemic with Samuel Pufendorf's assessment of republican and mixed forms of governance. The second section traces the evolution of the genre of the Pindaric ode, with its attendant poetics of autocratic agency, in Polish Neo-Latin tradition leading up to Feofan's Epinikion , written to celebrate Peter's victory at Poltava.
Regular diurnal physiological variation in eosinophil levels in five stocks of mice.

SummaryIn 4 inbred strains and in one hybrid group of mice a regular diurnal variation of large magnitude in the circulating eosinophil count has been demonstrated. On the average, in these strains, the midnight count was less than one third of the morning level.
Role of Geometry and Amphiphilicity on Capillary-Induced Interactions between Anisotropic Janus Particles

We study the capillary interactions between ellipsoidal Janus particles adsorbed at flat liquid–fluid interfaces. In contrast to spherical particles, Janus ellipsoids with a large aspect ratio or a small difference in the wettability of the two regions tend to tilt at equilibrium. The interface deforms around ellipsoids with tilted orientations and thus results in energetic interactions between neighboring particles. We quantify these interactions through evaluation of capillary energy variation as a function of the spacing and angle between the particles. The complex meniscus shape results in a pair interaction potential which cannot be expressed in terms of capillary quadrupoles as in homogeneous ellipsoids. Moreover, Janus ellipsoids in contact exhibit a larger capillary force at side-by-side alignment compared to the tip-to-tip configuration, while these two are of comparable magnitude for their homogeneous counterparts. We evaluate the role of particles aspect ratio and the degree of amphiphilicity o...
Stiffener Effectiveness Approach for Optimal Stiffener Placement on Curvilinear Stiffened Panel

Stiffened panels with curved stiffeners have shown a potential for structural tailoring of metallic panels. However, the optimal placement of the stiffener curves has remained a challenge, both due to the presence of multiple local minima in the design space, as well as the associated CPU cost to solve the problem. This paper presents a new approach to designing the stiffener curves based purely upon the first buckling mode of the unstiffened panel. The approach defines a heuristic metric for the effectiveness of a stiffener in increasing the buckling load capacity of a panel. The stiffener curve with the highest metric should then provide the lowest optimum mass for the stiffened panel. Optimization results with parametric studies show that the approach provides an extremely cost effective method to obtain stiffener curves giving near-optimal panel weight.
Effects of a Brief Mindfulness Induction on Death-Related Anxiety

This study examined effects of a mindfulness induction on proximal and distal defense responses to mortality salience and negative affect. Three experimental conditions were included: mindfulness, mind-wandering, and worrying. Participants in the mindfulness condition underwent a mindfulness induction at the experiment’s outset, while participants in the other two conditions underwent a mind-wandering or worry induction. Inductions involved following guided audio instructions presented via headphones. All conditions (N = 77) underwent a mortality salience induction after experimental manipulation, involving a written exercise pertaining to one’s death. Results indicated fewer proximal responses in the mindfulness and mind-wandering groups, compared with the worrying group, but no differences in distal responses. Negative affect was lower in the mindfulness group than in the worrying group following mortality salience. Results suggest that mindfulness exercises effectively buffer against negative affect an...