cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathogen survival during livestock manure storage and following land application.

Abstract This paper reports the first year results of field experiments to determine the survival times of pathogens in livestock manures during storage and following land application, using viable count methods. E. coli O157, Salmonella and Campylobacter survived in stored slurries and dirty water for up to three months, with Listeria surviving for up to three months. In contrast, all these pathogens survived for less than one month in solid manure heaps where temperatures greater than 55 °C were obtained. Following manure spreading to land, E. coli O157, Salmonella and Campylobacter generally survived in the soil for up to one month after application to both the sandy arable and clay loam grassland soils, whereas Listeria commonly survived for more than one month. These data are being used to develop guidelines on the management of manures to minimise the risks of pathogen transfer from animal manures to the human food chain.
Fluoroscopy-guided femoral artery puncture reduces the risk of PCI-related vascular complications.

Background: In previous work by the Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group, risk factors for vascular access site complications in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were identified and a regional effort to reduce these complications was initiated. As part of this effort we considered making a regional recommendation that location of the femoral head as seen on fluoroscopy (fluoro) be used to help determine the site of femoral artery puncture. Therefore, we assessed the use of fluoro to determine whether it actually reduced the rate of vascular complications and shortened length of stay. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 2,651 consecutive PCIs at Eastern Maine Medical Center from 2000 to 2003 including use of fluoro, vascular access site complications (bleeding, pseudoaneurysm formation, hematoma, embolic event or thrombus, A-V fistula), and length of stay. Results: Use of fluoro among eight interventionists was variable: 3 70%. Among all interventions, 48% were performed with fluoro to guide vascular access. The use of fluoro was associated with a significantly lower incidence of pseudoaneurysms (0.3% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.017) and any arterial injury (0.7% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in bleeding (1.6% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.69). For each physician, there were fewer vascular injuries when fluoro was used. Average length of stay was significantly lower among patients in the fluoro group (2.1 days vs. 2.4, P < 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that using fluoro to guide vascular access leads to lower complication rates and a shorter length of stay. This approach may become our regional standard of care.
Plastic Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on a Two-Step Data Mining Approach

Plastic bearings are widely used in medical applications, food processing industries, and semiconductor industries. However, no research on plastic bearing fault diagnostics using vibration sensors has been reported. In this paper, a two-step data mining-based approach for plastic bearing fault diagnostics using vibration sensors is presented. The two-step approach utilizes envelope analysis and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to preprocess vibration signals and extract frequency domain and time domain fault features as condition indicators (CIs) for plastic bearing fault diagnosis. In the first step, the frequency domain CIs are used by a statistical classification model to identify bearing outer race faults. In the second step, the time domain CIs extracted using EMD are developed to build a k-nearest neighbor algorithm-based fault classifier to identify other types of bearing faults. Seeded fault tests on plastic bearing outer race, inner race, balls, and cage are conducted on a bearing diagnostic test rig and real vibration signals are collected. The effectiveness of the presented fault diagnostic approach is validated using the plastic bearing seeded fault testing data.
Charge state dependent fragmentation of gaseous α-synuclein cations via ion trap and beam-type collisional activation

Abstract Ions derived from nano-electrospray ionization (nano-ESI) of α-synuclein, a 14.5 kDa, 140 amino acid residue protein that is a major component of the Lewy bodies associated with Parkinson's disease, have been subjected to ion trap and beam-type collisional activation. The former samples products from fragmentation at rates generally lower than 100 s −1 whereas the latter samples products from fragmentation at rates generally greater than 10 3 s −1 . A wide range of protein charge states spanning from as high as [M+17H] 17+ to as low as [M+4H] 4+ have been formed either directly from nano-ESI or via ion/ion proton transfer reactions involving the initially formed protein cations and have been subjected to both forms of collision-induced dissociation (CID). The extent of sequence information (i.e., number of distinct amide bond cleavages) available from either CID method was found to be highly sensitive to protein precursor ion charge state. Furthermore, the relative contributions of the various competing dissociation channels were also dependent upon precursor ion charge state. The qualitative trends in the changes in extent of amide bond cleavages and identities of bonds cleaved with precursor ion charge state were similar for two forms of CID. However, for every charge state examined, roughly twice the primary sequence information resulted from beam-type CID relative to ion trap CID. For example, evidence for cleavage of 86% of the protein amide bonds was observed for the [M+9H] 9+ precursor ion using beam-type CID whereas 41% of the bonds were cleaved for the same precursor ion using ion trap CID. The higher energies required to drive fragmentation reactions at rates necessary to observe products in the beam experiment access more of the structurally informative fragmentation channels, which has important implications for whole protein tandem mass spectrometry.
Predicting regions susceptible to high concentrations of airborne volcanic ash in the North Pacific region

Abstract Airborne ash probability distribution (AAPD) maps have been generated to show the distribution of airborne volcanic ash in the North Pacific (NOPAC) region by simulating volcanic eruption clouds from 22 of the 100 most historically active volcanoes in the region. The PUFF ash-dispersion model was run daily using archived wind field data between 1994–1995 and 1997–2001 for low and high aircraft flight levels. Subsequent statistics are generated representing the distribution of simulated airborne ash at 6- and 24-h intervals, defining the regions most likely to contain airborne ash and the direction and distance a volcanic ash cloud may propagate from a given volcano. The AAPD maps show the extent of ash from a given volcano can encompass all of Alaska, most of the North Pacific Ocean, portions of northwestern North America, regions as far south as 35°N, regions over the western Arctic Ocean, and portions of eastern Russia. In general, low-altitude atmospheric regions (3–8 km ASL) are more susceptible to airborne volcanic ash when compared to regions above 8 km ASL due to the eruption characteristics of volcanoes in the North Pacific and the region's atmospheric profile. The results indicate that the paths of many NOPAC air traffic routes coincide with airborne ash distribution probability maxima. The upper atmospheric region most likely to contain airborne ash is located off the eastern coast of the Kamchatkan Peninsula, and is generally centered over the heavy air traffic flight corridor of the NOPAC. Although this paper focuses on the NOPAC region, the technique can be directly applied to other regions characterized by active volcanism.
Left ventricular thrombus development during ventricular fibrillation and resolution during resuscitation in a swine model of sudden cardiac arrest

Abstract Background Intracardiac thrombus is a well-known complication of low-flow cardiac states including acute myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation. Little is known, however, about the formation of intracardiac (left ventricular [LV]) thrombus during the extreme low-flow state of cardiac arrest. Objective Using a swine model of sudden cardiac arrest, we examined the sonographic development of LV thrombus over time after induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and resolution of thrombus with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods This observational study was IACUC approved. Forty-five Yorkshire swine were sedated, intubated, and instrumented under general anesthesia before VF was electrically induced. Sonographic data was collected immediately after VF induction and at 2-min intervals thereafter. Following 12 min of untreated VF, resuscitation was initiated with closed chest compressions using an oxygen-powered mechanical resuscitation device. Observations were continued during attempted resuscitation. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized while still at a surgical depth of anesthesia. The data was analyzed descriptively. Results Sonographic evidence of LV thrombus was observed in 43/45 animals (95.6% [95%CI: 85.2%, 98.8%]). Thrombus was detected within 6 min in 39/45 (86.7% [95%CI: 73.8%, 93.8%]) animals that developed thrombus. Thrombus resolved within 2 min after initiation of chest compressions in 31/43 (72.1% [95%CI: 57.3%, 83.3%]) animals. Conclusion Similar to other low-flow cardiac states, LV thrombus develops early in the natural history of VF arrest and resolves quickly once forward flow is re-established by chest compressions. Institutional protocol number: 154600-8.
The limnology of selected Guatemalan Lakes

During the summer of 1969, fourteen Guatemalan lakes were sampled, including eight in the lowland northern province of Peten and six in southern Guatemala. The majority of the Peten lakes exhibited thermal stratification and hypolimnetic oxygen depletion. In most cases, pollution tolerant bottom forms were found. Algal species and numbers in general corresponded to a subjective estimate of the degree of nutrient input to the lakes. Lyngbya was usually the organism found when blooms were noted. The lakes in the Peten are predominately calcium bicarbonate and calcium sulfate lakes, but magnesium is also high in several of them. The southern lakes were chemically more variable, with sodium being more important than in the northern lakes. Most of the southern lakes also exhibited thermal stratification and hypolimnetic oxygen depletion, with the flora and fauna dependent upon oxygen and nutrient conditions. The authors conclude that different criteria than those used to assess the trophic status of temperate lakes are needed to classify tropical lakes.
Facilitators of and Challenges to Interagency Collaboration: An Early Childhood Perspective

ABSTRACT Low-income communities face a host of problems that threaten the health and well-being of their children and families, who generally experience more than one problem simultaneously (Brown, Amwake, Speth, & Scott-Little, 2002). Regrettably, the delivery of services to low-income families is typically fragmented and scattered. Recent policy initiatives have encouraged human services agencies, particularly those for vulnerable children and families, to engage in interagency partnerships as a way to ameliorate this fragmentation. This study shares process evaluation findings from an interagency collaboration between an Early Head Start program and a residential drug treatment agency serving low-income families in a large northeastern city. Responses to close-ended and open-ended survey questions were collected from 15 staff members in order to identify the salient facilitators and inhibitors of effective partnership in the initial stages of this interagency collaboration. Strengths and common challen...
Another interpretation and derivation of one-way wave theories

Abstract An alternative interpretation of one-way wave theory equivalents to a governing two-way formulation, which can be argued for range-independent environments, shows the equivalence requires a detailed specification of a boundary value problem. Thus, a distinction is to be made with the more common interpretation in which the equivalence appear to be based in terms of the governing two-way equation alone. The alternative interpretation is argued to be significant for extending one-way scalar wave theory equivalents to the Helmholtz equation, to obtain one-way seismic wave theory equivalents to the equations of linear elastodynamics. The alternative interpretation also provides a framework for the construction of approximate one-way wave theories and two such theories are considered for the Helmholtz equation.
EUS-guided investigational therapy for pancreatic cancer

VOLUME 52, NO. 6 (Suppl), 2000 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY S35 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a dismal disease because of delays in diagnosis, its aggressive biologic character, and ineffective therapies. Consequently, this disease has become a target for novel therapies such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. EUS has emerged as an attractive imaging modality to guide the delivery of these new therapies. Currently underway are phase I and phase II trials exploring the feasibility and safety of EUS-guided immunotherapy and viral vectors. In addition, ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablation therapy have been studied in animal models and provide hope for the future. These minimally invasive approaches may lead to a safe alternative for palliation and perhaps cure of unresectable pancreatic malignancies.
Maternal Influence on Diapause in the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Crosses between two races of leafcutter bees, Megachile rotundata (F.), differing in voltinism were used to examine maternal influence on diapause. Parental crosses with Spanish (univoltine) females yielded a significantly larger proportion of diapausing offspring than did crosses with American (multivoltine) females, irrespective of origin of male parent. Ninety-five percent of offspring from backcrosses between American or Spanish males and hybrid females entered diapause, suggesting that the diapause trait is incompletely dominant and is under polygenic control. Sex linkage may also be involved, since a disproportionate number of female offspring of the spring generation do not enter diapause. Alternative explanations for the demonstration of dominance and apparent sex linkage are discussed, as is the potential for eliminating nondiapausing offspring in this important pollinator of alfalfa.
A Parametric Study of the N40 Auditory Evoked Response in Rats

Abstract Background: The N40 auditory evoked potential (EP) in rats is used to study "sensory gating." Our first goal was to compare the effects of systematically varying the characteristics of the pairs of clicks (S1–S2), on the degree of attenuation of the responses to S2 stimuli. A second goal was to examine the effects of changing S2 stimuli on the degree of attenuation of the responses to the deviant stimulus. Methods: The N40 EP was recorded from 10 rats in eight identical-pair conditions and from 11 rats in two paradigms: nonidentical pairs and short trains of identical stimuli followed by a deviant stimulus. Results: In eight identical-pair conditions changing stimulus duration, intensity, or frequency had no effect on the degree of attenuation of S2 responses. Changing S2 stimulus or presenting a deviant stimulus following a train of identical stimuli had a significant effect on the degree of attenuation of the response to the deviant stimulus. Conclusions: We conclude that the rat N40 EP is sensitive to stimulus change and can contribute to the study of both habituation and dishabituation mechanisms of "sensory gating."
Molecular and electronic structures and photophysical properties of quadruply bonded dimetal complexes (M = Mo or W) supported by trans-arylethynylcarboxylate ligands where aryl = p-tolyl or 9-anthrancenyl

From the reactions between M(2)(T(i)PB)(4), where T(i)PB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate and M = Mo or W, in toluene and each of the respective carboxylic acids (2 equiv) the quadruply MM bonded compounds trans-M(2)(T(i)PB)(2)(O(2)C-C≡C-Ar)(2) have been prepared where Ar = p-tolyl and M = Mo, , and M = W, , and Ar = 9-anthracenyl, where M = Mo, 2a, and M = W, 2b. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies of 1a and 2b confirmed the trans substitution pattern about the Mo(2)(4+) unit and the centrosymmetric molecules have structural features that indicate extensive Lπ-Mo(2)δ-Lπ conjugation involving the arylethynylcarboxylates. The compounds are intensely colored as a result of the HOMO → LUMO, metal δ-to-ligand π* charge transfer (1)MLCT transition: 1a (orange), 1b (red), 2a (blue) and 2b(green). The compounds 1a, 2a, 1b and 2b have been characterized by UV-Vis-NIR absorption and emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, femtosecond (fs) and nanosecond (ns) transient absorption spectroscopy and by fs time-resolved infrared spectroscopy in the region of ν(C≡C), ν(CO(2)) and from 1400-1000 cm(-1). Aided by density functional theory, (DFT) and time dependent DFT, the electronic structures of the ground state and the S(1) and T(1) states are described. The molybdenum compounds have short lived (1)MLCT states, 1a ~ 5.0 ps and 2a ~ 10.5 ps, that undergo intersystem crossing to long lived (3)MoMoδδ* states: 1a ~ 101 μs and 2a ~ 83 μs. The tungsten complexes show interesting time-resolved infrared spectra in the ν(C≡C) region when compared with their ground state. Compound 1b shows ν(C≡C) at 1975 cm(-1) for the (1)MLCT state which decays with τ ~ 0.7 ps to ν(C≡C) at 2000 cm(-1) for the (3)MLCT state. For 2b the (1)MLCT is characterized by ν(C≡C) at 2150 cm(-1), τ ~ 19 ps, and a very broad absorption with a maximum ~1970 cm(-1) which is proposed to arise from a low energy electronic transition. The (3)MLCT state for shows no evidence of ν(C≡C) and is suggested to have an electron localized principally on the anthracenyl portion of the ligand, a proposal that finds support from the nature of triplet transient absorption spectrum of 2b.
Differences in susceptibility of introduced and native white grub species to entomopathogenic nematodes from various geographic localities

Abstract Invasive, non-native, white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) cause significant damage in urban landscapes. Although the lack of natural enemies in their new home is often suggested as an important factor in the establishment and spread of invasive species, the potential of incumbent generalist parasites and pathogens to delay their establishment and spread has not been explored. We compared the susceptibility of the introduced Popillia japonica and the native Cyclocephala borealis to 16 species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from within or outside the geographic ranges of the two scarabs. We found large variation in the virulence of the species/strains of nematodes with over 50% mortality of P. japonica produced by Heterorhabditis zealandica strain X1 and H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 and of C. borealis by H. zealandica and H. bacteriophora strains KMD10 and NC1. Heterorhabditis indica and H. marelatus caused less than 20% mortality of both scarab species. When considered as a group the nematode species and strains from within and outside the geographic ranges of either P. japonica or C. borealis did not differ in virulence towards either scarab species. Dose response studies with selected nematode species and strains against P. japonica and two additional non-native species Anomala (Exomala) orientalis and Rhizotrogus majalis and the native C. borealis indicated that R. majalis was the least susceptible and P. japonica and A. orientalis were as susceptible as the native C. borealis. Heterorhabditis zealandica was significantly more virulent than any other species or strain against P. japonica with a LC50 of 272 IJs/grub. The LC30 and LC50 values for H. zealandica were also the lowest among the four nematode species/strains tested against A. orientalis and C. borealis. The LC50 values for H. zealandica and H. megidis (UK strain) were significantly lower for the native C. borealis than the introduced A. orientalis. H. zealandica also showed the highest penetration efficiency and the lowest encapsulation in P. japonica and C. borealis grubs. Results suggest that the introduction of the exotic H. zealandica into the front-line states with respect to the movement of P. japonica and A. orientalis should be explored as a tactic to delay their establishment and spread. The results also suggest that the manipulation of the indigenous H. bacteriophora populations may help in delaying spread and mitigating losses caused by the invasive grub species.
Best method in clinical practice and in research studies to determine left atrial size

Although the anteroposterior dimension of the left atrium is universally used in clinical practice and research, we hypothesized that it may be an inaccurate surrogate for volume because its use is based on the unlikely assumption that there is a constant relation among atrial dimensions. The following measurements of the left atrium were made at end ventricular systole: (1) M-mode-derived anteroposterior linear dimension from the parasternal long-axis view; (2) digitized planimetry of the left atrial (LA) cavity from the apical 4-chamber view; and (3) digitized planimetry of the LA cavity from the apical 2-chamber view. The following volume calculations were obtained from these digital measurements: (1) volume derived from the M-mode dimension assuming a spherical shape; (2) volume derived from the single plane area-length of apical 4-chamber view, which assumes that LA geometry can be generalized from a single 2-dimensional plane; and (3) volume derived from the biplane method of discs. The correlation coefficient between the M-mode and biplane methods of determining LA volume was r = 0.76. The mean difference (+/-2 SDs) between these methods is -25 +/- 33 ml. The correlation coefficient between the single plane apical 4-chamber and biplane methods of determining LA volume is r = 0.97. The mean difference (+/-2 SDs) between these methods was -5.0 +/- 12 ml, indicating good agreement. The M-mode measure of the left atrium is an inaccurate representation of its size. Two-dimensional-derived LA volumes provide a more accurate measure of the true size of the left atrium and are more sensitive to changes in LA size. When an echocardiographic measure of LA size is made either in an individual patient or as a variable in a research study, the M-mode measure should be avoided.
Understanding the NEΔT of tactical infrared focal plane arrays

NEΔT is the commonly used figure-of-merit for infrared-imaging systems using focal plane arrays (FPAs). This paper discusses an intuitive approach to understanding what determines this value in the majority of MWIR and LWIR broad-band applications, namely, the available charge storage capacity of the FPA readout. This conclusion is a consequence of the negligible amount of dark current compared to photo-current for modern detector technology.
Identification of IgG subclasses and C-reactive protein in lupus nephritis: The relationship between the composition of immune deposits and FCγ receptor type IIA alleles

Objective To characterize the subclass composition of IgG deposited in lupus glomeruli, to examine its relationship to allelic polymorphisms of IgG receptors (Fcγ receptors [FcγR]), and to determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP), a ligand for FcγRIIa, is present in these immune deposits. Methods Renal biopsy samples from 80 patients with lupus nephritis were examined by light microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence with IgG-subclass–specific monoclonal antibodies. FcγRIIA genotypes were determined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining for CRP was performed on lupus and nonlupus glomerulonephritis specimens. Results IgG2 and IgG3 were the predominant subclasses in immune deposits in all World Health Organization classes of nephritis. The frequency of genotypes containing the low-binding IgG2 allele, FcγRIIa-R131, was significantly greater than expected in patients with class III or class IV nephritis and in patients with intense IgG2 deposition. CRP, a ligand with particular affinity for FcγRIIa-R131, was consistently present in the renal immune deposits of lupus nephritis specimens. Conclusion FcγRIIA genes are associated with proliferative renal disease and may contribute to disease pathogenesis. FcγRIIa-R131, the variant with low affinity for IgG2, has high affinity for CRP. Thus, FcγRIIa-R131 may contribute to impaired removal of circulating immune complexes, as well as efficiently triggering phagocyte activation and the release of inflammatory mediators within glomeruli.
A study ofTyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) as a facultative predator of southern corn rootworm eggs

An acarid mite,Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), was found to feed on southern corn rootworm (SCR) eggs in peanut and corn agroecosystems. In laboratory studies,T. putrescentiae eggs were generally oviposited directly on SCR eggs, and immatures fed only on previously damaged SCR eggs, depending upon adults to penetrate the chorion of SCR eggs. Individual adultT. putrescentiae significantly reduced (P<0.05) the number of larvae to eclose from 40 SCR eggs. Initial population levels of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 adult mites reduced the SCR egg population by 19, 43, 69, 92, and 98% respectively. Mites were attracted to SCR eggs from a distance of 8 cm, with significantly (P<0.001, χ2 test) more mites found in containers which included SCR eggs as compared with containers without SCR eggs. In greenhouse experiments, significantly (P<0.05) fewer SCR adults emerged from soil-filled containers which included 25T. putrescentiae and 100 SCR eggs, as compared with containers which had only SCR eggs. We suggest thatT.putrescentiae may be an important biological control agent of the SCR in certain agroecosystems.
Analysis of System Structure–Function Relationships

Preclinical pharmacology studies conducted with experimental medicines currently focus on assessments of drug effects attributed to a drug's putative mechanism of action. The high failure rate of medicines in clinical trials, however, underscores that the information gathered from these studies is insufficient for forecasting drug effect profiles actually observed in patients. Improving drug effect predictions and increasing success rates of new medicines in clinical trials are some of the key challenges currently faced by the pharmaceutical industry. Addressing these challenges requires development of new methods for capturing and comparing "system-wide" structure-effect information for medicines at the cellular and organism levels. The current investigation describes a strategy for moving in this direction by using six different descriptor sets for examining the relationship between molecular structure and broad effect information of 1064 medicines at the cellular and the organism level. To compare broad drug effect information between different medicines, information spectra for each of the 1064 medicines were created, and the similarity between information spectra was determined through hierarchical clustering. The structure-effect relationships ascertained through these comparisons indicate that information spectra similarity obtained through preclinical ligand binding experiments using a model proteome provide useful estimates for the broad drug effect profiles of these 1064 medicines in organisms. This premise is illustrated using the ligand binding profiles of selected medicines in the dataset as biomarkers for forecasting system-wide effect observations of medicines that were not included in the incipient 1064-medicine analysis.
Estimating sagebrush cover in semi-arid environments using Landsat Thematic Mapper data

Abstract Sagebrush ecosystems of the western US provide important habitat for several ungulate and vertebrate species. As a consequence of energy development, these ecosystems in Wyoming have been subjected to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Land managers require methodology that will allow them to consistently catalog sagebrush ecosystems and evaluate potential impact of proposed anthropogenic activities. This study addresses the utility of remotely sensed and ancillary geospatial data to estimate sagebrush cover using ordinal logistic regression. We demonstrate statistically significant prediction of ordinal sagebrush cover categories using spectral (χ2 = 113; p
Grandparents and Stepgrandparents: Challenges in Counseling the Extended-Blended Family

Remarriage of parents may bring new grandparents and stepgrandparents into the lives of children, creating new family structures and needs for adjustment. The extended-blended family may benefit from specific counseling interventions.
Comparative Statics for Rank-Dependent Expected Utility-Theory

Recently, a number of generalizations of the expected utility (EU) model have been proposed. In order to make such generalizations useful, it is necessary that they should yield sharp comparative static results, like those obtained using EU theory. In this article, rank dependent expected utility (RDEU) theory, a generalization of EU theory based on the concept of probability weighting, is examined. A number of methods of extending results from EU to RDEU are considered. It is shown that a major class of comparative static results can be extended to the RDEU model, but not to the case of general smooth preferences. This is because RDEU maintains the separation between probabilities and utilities that is abandoned in the general case.
Absence of 2'-deoxyoxanosine and presence of abasic sites in DNA exposed to nitric oxide at controlled physiological concentrations

Nitric oxide (NO(*)) is a physiologically important molecule at low concentrations, while high levels have been implicated in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as cancer. While an extensive study in vitro suggests that oxidative and nitrosative reactions dominate the complicated chemistry of NO(*)-mediated genotoxicity, neither the spectrum of DNA lesions nor their consequences in vivo have been rigorously defined. We have approached this problem with a major effort to define the spectrum of nitrosative DNA lesions produced by NO(*)-derived reactive nitrogen species under biological conditions. Plasmid pUC19 DNA was exposed to steady state concentrations of 1.3 microM NO(*) and 190 microM O(2) (calculated steady state concentrations of 40 fM N(2)O(3) and 3 pM NO(2)(*) in the bulk solution) in a recently developed reactor that avoids the undesired gas phase chemistry of NO(*) and approximates the conditions at sites of inflammation in tissues. The resulting spectrum of nitrosatively induced abasic sites and nucleobase deamination products was defined using plasmid topoisomer analysis and a novel LC/MS assay, respectively. With a limit of detection of 100 fmol and a sensitivity of 6 lesions per 10(7) nt in 50 microg of DNA, the LC/MS analysis revealed that 2'-deoxyxanthosine (dX), 2'-deoxyinosine (dI), and 2'-deoxyuridine (dU) were formed at nearly identical rates (k = 1.2 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) to the extent of approximately 80 lesions per 10(6) nt after 12 h exposure to NO(*) in the reactor. While reactions with HNO(2) resulted in the formation of high levels of 2'-deoxyoxanosine (dO), one of two products arising from deamination of dG, dO, was not detected in 500 microg of DNA exposed to NO(*) in the reactor for up to 24 h (<6 lesions per 10(8) nt). This result leads to the prediction that dO will not be present at significant levels in inflamed tissues. Another important observation was the NO(*)-induced production of abasic sites, which likely arise by nitrosative depurination reactions, to the extent of approximately 10 per 10(6) nt after 12 h of exposure to NO(*) in the reactor. In conjunction with other studies of nitrosatively induced dG-dG cross-links, these results lead to the prediction of the following spectrum of nitrosative DNA lesions in inflamed tissues: approximately 2% dG-dG cross-links, 4-6% abasic sites, and 25-35% each of dX, dI, and dU.
Urinary incontinence among male veterans receiving care in primary care clinics

According to this survey study, urinary incontinence is common among male veterans and affects all age groups. Despite the unfavorable effects of incontinence on quality of life, the men surveyed s...
Changes in elemental concentrations in alfalfa herbage at two soil fertility levels with advance in maturity

A two‐year‐old stand of Vernal alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) established in 45‐cm rows was used to study changes in elemental composition in fertilized (F) and nonfertilized (NF) herbage at differen...
A taxonomic study of the genus Cuculiphilus (Mallophaga: Menoponidae)

The genus Cuculiphilus is considered to include 4 subgenera— Cuculiphilus, Carrikeria, Falcophilus , and Aegypiphilus ; the species within each are discussed. There are 4 new synonymies: C. (Cuculiphilus) snodgrassi (Kellogg and Kuwana) (= C. coromandus Uchida, C. coromandus van Centropi Qadri, C. pupiya Ansari), and C. (Falcophilus) alternatus (Osborn) (= F. coragypsis Eichler). A key is given to the subgenera and species.
Stabilization of Silicon Anode for Li-Ion Batteries

Micrometer-sized Si particles with nanopore structures were investigated as anode material for Li-ion batteries. The porous structure of Si helps accommodate the large volume variations that occur during the Li insertion/extraction processes. To improve the electronic integrity of the Si-based anode, a two-step process was utilized. First, chemical vapor deposition CVD was used to enhance the electronic conductivity of individual Si particles by depositing a uniform carbon coating on both the exterior surfaces and the pores. Next, the electronic contact among silicon particles was improved by adding Ketjenblack KB carbon, which exhibits an elastic, chainlike structure that maintains a stable electronic contact among silicon particles during cycling. Using this approach, an anode with a reversible capacity of more than 1600 mAh/g after 30 cycles was obtained. The combination of the nanopore structure, CVD-coated carbon on the Si surface, and the elastic carbon KB among the silicon particles provides a cost-effective approach to utilize the large micrometer-sized Si particles in Li-ion batteries. Si-based anodes could significantly increase the energy density of Li-ion batteries. Compared with the capacity of conventional graphite anode material 372 mAh /g, Si exhibits a theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh/g, 1,2 which is more than 10 times that of graphite. However, the large volume changes that occur during the lithiation and delithiation processes cause severe cracking and pulverizing of the electrode, which in turn leads to a significant capacity fade during cycling. Many factors need to be investigated before Si anodes can be used in Li-ion batteries. The morphology of Si plays an important role in determining the capacity and cyclability. Nanosized Si particles exhibit better electrochemical properties than micrometersized Si particles because of the reduced mechanical stress. 3-6 The Si nanowires maintain an excellent cyclability because the large number of pores between the wires accommodate the expansion that occurs during cycling. 7 However, the weight ratio of Si nanowires to the substrate needs to be increased significantly for the practical applications of Si nanowires. Si nanofibers prepared by electrospinning can be used directly as an anode material without adding binders or carbon additives. 8 The initial capacity obtained from the use of these fibers is greater than 1000 mAh/g; however, fast fading, probably because of the organic residual left in the Si fibers, is still observed. Recently reported porous Si particles coated with carbon show superior cyclability because of the three-dimensional structure, 9 which facilitates Li transport and alleviates the large volume changes associated with Si anodes. Coating carbon on the Si surface by mechanical mixing, 10,11 sometimes combined with py
You’ve heard about outcome measures, so how do you use them? Integrating clinically relevant outcome measures in orthotic management of stroke

In today's healthcare environment it is increasingly important to be able to quantify the amount of change associated with a given intervention; this can be accomplished using one or more appropriate outcome measures. However, the selection and integration of outcome measures within clinical practice requires careful consideration. This includes identification of the measure construct which can be assisted by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health; selection of outcome measures based on need, appropriateness and feasibility; and careful use in regular clinical practice including data collection, analysis and re-assessment of the process. We describe this process, focusing on orthotic management of stroke, in particular the improvement of mobility as a common goal. Clinical relevance The growing emphasis on improved documentation of patient care and outcomes requires that clinicians integrate clinically relevant outcome measures into their practice. We suggest a process to assist clinicians integrate outcome measures into clinical practice with a particular emphasis on the orthotic management of stroke.
Lateralized deficits in complex visual discrimination and bilateral transfer of reminiscence following unilateral temporal lobectomy

Abstract Differential deficits in complex visual discrimination and bilateral reminiscence in symbolic learning were assessed after left as compared with right temporal lobectomy in man. A deficit in the ability to discriminate between fragmented concentric circle patterns was found in the right temporal lobectomy group. The left temporal group exhibited a selectively lower left to right hand performance increment in inverted alphabet printing with interpolated rest. Stimulus complexity was inferred to be more effective than the level of visuospatial integration required by the task for eliciting deficits in visually guided behavior after right temporal lobectomy. Differences between the groups in the rate of interhemispheric dissipation of inhibitory effects in symbolic learning was postulated to account for the lower magnitude of bilateral reminiscence observed after left temporal lobectomy.
Benzopyrans as selective estrogen receptor beta agonists (SERBAs). Part 2: structure-activity relationship studies on the benzopyran scaffold.

Abstract Benzopyrans are selective estrogen receptor (ER) β agonists (SERBAs), which bind the ER subtypes α and β in opposite orientations. Here we describe structure–activity relationship studies that led to the discovery of bezopyran 5b. X-ray crystal structures of 5b and a non-selective analog 5c in ERα help explain the observed selectivity of the benzopyran platform.
Computer optimization methods applied to medical diagnosis.

Abstract In this paper we show how the methods of mathematical programming can be combined with models of biological systems to provide a different approach to the medical diagnosis problem through the use of computers. This is accomplished by tuning a mathematical model to fit a set of patient data by means of a modified version of the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell algorithm. The modification consists of imposing an orthogonality constraint on the direction vector and the gradient at an interpolated minimum. This modification then increases the speed of convergence by making more efficient use of each function evaluation. As an example of how this method is used diagnostically, the system of conducting airways was used. Here, by estimating the physiologic parameters associated with the nonlinear model of the conducting airways, a diagnostic characterization can be made.
Measuring Dimensions of Body Connection: Body Awareness and Bodily Dissociation

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to test the preliminary psychometric properties of the Scale of Body Connection (SBC), a 20-item self-report measure, designed to assess body awareness and bodily dissociation in mind–body intervention research. Methods: The SBC items were based on common expressions of awareness in body therapy. Content validity was established by a panel of experts. The validity and reliability of the scale was examined with an undergraduate sample. To assess the scale's discriminant validity, the respondents were asked to indicate exposure to specific traumas. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis, used to examine the scale's construct validity, indicated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices, and revealed uncorrelated subscales, reflecting independent dimensions. Cronbach's alpha revealed equal internal consistency reliability for each subscale for both men and women. Body awareness scores did not differ between individuals with and without reported trauma exposure. Bodily dissociatio...
Of sleep, seizures and networks

A common property of sleep and epileptic seizures is that both occur because of alteration in network activity within the nervous system. This is represented by an oscillating synchronization of spiking in large groups of neurons from the ever evanescent chaotic yet coherent patterns of activity that underlie sensory and motor operations of the brain. The idea that both slow wave sleep and epileptic seizures may have similar functions in brain homeostasis by purging and consolidating environmental cues is discussed. TMS can be used as a tool to investigate these patterns.
AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL POLICY

It is postulated that some issues of economic policy in general, and of Australian agricultural policy in particular, may be analysed in the framework of an adaptive control model. Policy making is characterized as a rational, sequential decision-making process under conditions of imperfect knowledge in which forthcoming information may be used to learn about the uncertain terms as decision periods pass. Emphasis is given to the linear-quadratic control problem. The paper provides a review of the formulation of a policy problem in the framework of an adaptive control model and of derived policy strategies. An illustrative example is reported.
Tourism in the East Midlands, some environmental considerations.

Abstract The East Midlands has hitherto claimed only a small proportion of domestic and international tourism to the UK. However as patterns of holidaying change and day trips to the countryside increase in popularity the rural East Midlands, because of its central UK location, is likely to find itself under increasing environmental pressure. Mark Cook and Raymond Wells of Nene College, Northampton, identify some of the shifting holiday habits of the region and the environmental problems that may result if planning for the future is not undertaken.
Then and now: Forty years in psychotherapy research

Abstract A considerable amount of psychotherapy research has been conducted over the past four decades. From the perspective of an active investigator throughout that period, the writer reflects on what he considers to be the outstanding changes in the field over that time as well as the critical issues that still remain unresolved. Changes are discussed in terms of the influence of theory and advances in design and methodology; the productivity and competence of researchers; and sources of funding support and their centralization. Issues of signal importance that are still unsettled include the definition of psychotherapy methods, the meaningfulness of psychotherapeutic change, the theoretical foundation of therapy, the facts of psychotherapy process, and the quest for the ideal design and the crucial experiment.
Rates of evolutionary change during the radiation of late Neogene hominoids

Abstract The phylogenies of Andrews and Simons provided the descriptive framework within which the pacing of evolutionary change during the radiation of late Neogene hominoids was investigated. The analysis can be adequately encompassed within a scheme comprised of four rate classes. Rates of change between individual teeth are almost completely uncoupled. Rates of change in mandibular structure and in the few available long bone measurements are of the same order of magnitude as the rate indices that characterize tooth change and are highly correlated with such indices. Within the slow rate classes, the rate of evolutionary change is coupled to the degree of morphometric separation realized. With the moderate and rapid rate classes, no such relationship is revealed. Distantly related taxa are frequently grouped in the same rate class, an observation that suggests similarities in the capacity to respond to selective pressures of comparable intensity within many late Neogene hominoids. Evolutionary rates appear to be more rapid in pongid and hominid phyletic lines than in other hominoid lineages. The Simon's phylogeny meets a criterion of minimal morphological gaps better than does that of Andrews. Consideration of both elephant and hominoid rate data suggests that a pattern of change that exhibits a slowing down midway through the history of a lineage may be of general significance. Examples of very rapid change support one feature of the Punctuated Equilibria model and raise questions concerning the nature of the evidence for slow rates of morphometric progression.
miR-503 represses human cell proliferation and directly targets the oncogene DDHD2 by non-canonical target pairing.

The pathways regulating the transition of mammalian cells from quiescence to proliferation are mediated by multiple miRNAs. Despite significant improvements in our understanding of miRNA targeting, the majority of miRNA regulatory networks are still largely unknown and require experimental validation. Here we identified miR-503, miR-103, and miR-494 as negative regulators of proliferation in primary human cells. We experimentally determined their genome wide target profiles using RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) immunoprecipitations and gene expression profiling. Analysis of the genome wide target profiles revealed evidence of extensive regulation of gene expression through non-canonical target pairing by miR-503. We identified the proto-oncogene DDHD2 as a target of miR-503 that requires pairing outside of the canonical 5′ seed region of miR-503, representing a novel mode of miRNA-target pairing. Further bioinformatics analysis implicated miR-503 and DDHD2 in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Our results provide an extensive genome wide set of targets for miR-503, miR-103, and miR-494, and suggest that miR-503 may act as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by its direct non-canonical targeting of DDHD2.