cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terminal repeats of the drosophila transposable element copia: Nucleotide sequence and genomic organization

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the terminal regions of two members of the copia sequence family of D. melanogaster. The first 276 bp at one end of a copia element are repeated in direct orientation at its other end. The direct repeats on a single copia element are identical to each other, but they differ by two nucleotide substitutions between the two elements which were examined; this suggests that during transposition only one direct repeat of the parent element is used as a template for both direct repeats of the transposed element. Each direct repeat itself contain a 17 bp imperfectly matched inveted terminal repetition. The ends of copia show significant sequence homology both to the yeast Ty1 element and to the integrated provirus of avian spleen necrosis virus, two other eucaryotic elements known to insert at many different chromosomal locations. Analysis of the genomic organization of the direct repeat sequence demonstrates that it seldom, if ever, occurs unlinked to an entire copia element.
A TASK TYPE FOR MEASURING THE REPRESENTATIONAL COMPONENT OF QUANTITATIVE PROFICIENCY

Two computer-based categorization tasks were developed and pilot tested. For Study I, the task asked examinees to sort mathematical word problem stems according to prototypes. Results showed that those who sorted well tended to have higher GRE General Test scores and college grades than did examinees who sorted less proficiently. Examinees generally preferred this task to multiple-choice items like those found on General Test quantitative section and felt the task was a fairer measure of their ability to succeed in graduate school. For study II, the task involved rating the similarity of item pairs. Both mathematics test developers and students participated, with the results analyzed by individual differences multidimensional scaling. Experts produced more scaleable ratings overall and primarily attended to two dimensions. Students used the same two dimensions with the addition of a third. Students who rated like the experts in terms of the dimensions used tended to have higher admissions test scores than those who used other criteria. Finally, examinees preferred multiple-choice questions to the rating task and felt that the former was a fairer indicator of their scholastic abilities. The major implication of this work is in identifying a new task type for admissions tests, as well as for instructional assessment products that might help lower scoring examinees localize and remediate problem-solving difficulties.
Declining Numbers of Pancreas Transplantations but Significant Improvements in Outcome

Abstract In the United States, over the past 8 years, the number of pancreas transplantations has steadily declined. This decline comes as a surprise, because patient and graft outcomes have substantially improved during the same period of time. Patient survival rates at 1 year in all 3 recipient categories are >96%; graft survival rates are 82%–89%. Changes in immunosuppressive therapy have had a positive impact on outcome, as have better pancreas donor and recipient selection criteria and refined post-transplantation patient care. Although different factors may have contributed to the declining pancreas transplantation numbers, a more effective process of publicly promoting and widely communicating the improved results of pancreas transplantation is warranted.
Ruhestands‐ und Gesundheitsleistungen für aus den Vereinigten Staaten zurückkehrende mexikanische Arbeitsmigranten

Auszug Angesichts einer fehlenden bilateralen Vereinbarung uber die Ubertragbarkeit und Summierung von Beitragen der sozialen Sicherheit zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und Mexiko widmet sich diese Untersuchung den Fragen zum Zugang zuruckkehrender alterer mexikanischer Migranten zu Renten- und Krankenversicherungsleistungen sowie ihres Beschaftigungsstatus. Wir kommen zum Ergebnis, dass zuruckgekehrte Migranten, die sich weniger als ein Jahr in den Vereinigten Staaten aufhielten, ahnliche Leistungen der sozialen Sicherheit erhalten wie Nichtmigranten. Bei zuruckgekehrten Migranten, die mindestens ein Jahr in den Vereinigten Staaten verbrachten, ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit geringer, dass sie uber eine staatliche Krankenversicherung verfugen oder Leistungen der sozialen Sicherheit beziehen. Sie konnten daher im Alter in hoherem Mas armutsgefahrdet sein. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde die Ausarbeitung einer bilateralen Ubereinkunft im Bereich der sozialen Sicherheit zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und Mexiko helfen, die soziale Sicherheit zuruckkehrender Migranten zu verbessern.
Air velocities inside domestic environments: An important parameter in the study of indoor air quality and climate

Very low air velocities were measured in six occupied homes and one unoccupied house particularly when forced-air air-conditioning systems (i.e., HVAC) were turned off. Segregating the velocity data by monitoring site, median velocities of 4.2, 4.3, 10.2, and 12.4 cm/s were found in the master bedroom, basement, and kitchen of the six occupied homes and the dining/living room of the unoccupied house, respectively. In the occupied homes, the comparatively high velocities in the kitchens correlated with increased occupant activities and the use of ceiling and/or exhaust fans. Segregating the data by use of forced-air HVAC systems, the median velocities increased from 5.8 to 6.2, 3.2 to 5.7, 1.5 to 8.1, and 4.4 to 15.5. cm/s with HVAC operation in three occupied houses and one unoccupied house, respectively. The lowest median velocity of 1.1 cm/s was found in a parent's bedroom, where occupant activities were purposely limited and the HVAC was off. These low air velocities raise concern that air movement may sometimes be inadequate for quantitative passive monitoring of pollutant vapors. Ten and 50% reductions in sampling rates are reported in the literature for passive monitors at air velocities ranging from <0.7 to 25 cm/s and from <0.7 to 2 cm/s, respectively. In addition, low velocities may limit off-gassing from evaporatively controlled emitters and decrease the thermal comfort of inhabitants under warm and humid conditions.
Exophytic focal nodular hyperplasia torsion: A rare cause of sudden-onset epigastric pediatric abdominal pain

Torsion of exophytic liver focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a previously undescribed cause of acute abdominal pain in children. We report two cases of torsion of exophytic focal nodular hyperplasia causing acute abdominal pain successfully treated with surgical resection.
Developmental changes in plasmodesmata in transgenic tobacco expressing the movement protein of tobacco mosaic virus

Cell-to-cell communication in plants occurs through plasmodesmata, cytoplasmic channels that traverse the cell wall between neighboring cells. Plasmodesmata are also exploited by many viruses as an avenue for spread of viral progeny. In the case of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a virally-encoded movement protein (MP) enables the virus to move through plasmodesmata during infection. We have used thin section electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry to examine the structure of plasmodesmata in transgenic tobacco plants expressing the TMV MP. We observed a change in structure of the plasmodesmata as the leaves age, both in control and MP expressing [MP(+)] plants. In addition, the plasmodesmata of older cells of MP(+) plants accumulate a fibrous material in the central cavity. The presence of the fibers is correlated with the ability to label plasmodesmata with anti-MP antibodies. The developmental stage of leaf tissue at which this material is observed is the stage at which an increase in the size exclusion limit of the plasmodesmata can be measured in MP(+) plants. Using cell fractionation and aqueous phase partitioning studies, we identified the plasma membrane and cell wall as the compartments with which the MP stably associates. The nature of the interaction between the MP and the plasma membrane was studied using sodium carbonate and Triton X-100 washes. The MP behaves as an integral membrane protein. Identifying the mechanism by which the MP associates with plasma membrane and plasmodesmata will lead to a better understanding of how the MP alters the function of the plasmodesmata.
Effect of posttreatment temperature on the toxicity of five synthetic pyrethroids toTetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The synthetic pyrethroids bioallethrin,d-phenothrin, and fenvalerate, when tested by the slidedip technique, were more toxic to female two-spotted spider mites,Tetranychus urticae Koch, at 30°C than at 20°C. LC50 values differed by 1.7-, 3.8-, and 5.3-fold, respectively. Two other synthetic pyrethroids, flucythrinate and cyfluthrin, gave similar toxicity values at these two temperatures. The greater sensitivity ofT. urticae at a warmer temperature to the first three pyrethroids differs from insect toxicity studies, which often show negative temperature relationships.
Quantum interference control of electrical currents and THz radiation in optically excited zinc-blende quantum wells

We show theoretically that one can generate substantial spin-independent dc currents in the zinc-blende quantum wells in the absence of electrical bias via quantum interference of the absorption for two orthogonal polarization components of a single frequency beam propagating in the plane of quantum wells. This effect can be used for efficient generation of THz radiation.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the liver: Review of techniques and approach to common diseases

MR imaging examination of the liver should use a combination of single-shot T2W and breath-hold T1W images, and include gadolinium enhancement with acquisition of multiple phases. MR provides superior characterization of liver masses than CT, and multi-phase gadolinium enhancement including a properly timed arterial phase is critical. The T1 weighted pre-contrast images must include in-phase/out-of-phase acquisitions, to assess hepatic lipid and or iron content, and dynamically enhanced post-gadolinium images. Timing of the arterial phase images is also critical for demonstration of acute hepatitis. The timing of the venous and equilibrium phase images are less critical, and are important for grading more severe acute hepatitis, demonstration of fibrosis, and for delineating vascular abnormalities. In cirrhosis, dynamic post-gadolinium images are critical for detection and characterization of regenerative or dysplastic nodules, and HCC. The same sequences useful for liver evaluation provide a comprehensive evaluation of all the soft tissues of the abdomen, and allow depiction of most of the important diseases, thus facilitating use of a universal protocol for abdominal imaging.
Pregnancy in Scleroderma

Pregnancy in systemic sclerosis may be uneventful with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Scleroderma is a multisystem disease and complications do occur; however, careful antenatal evaluations, discussion of potential problems, and participation in a high-risk obstetric monitoring program are important to optimize the best outcome. Women who have diffuse scleroderma are at a greater risk for developing serious cardiopulmonary and renal problems early in the disease so they should be encouraged to delay pregnancy until the disease stabilizes. All patients who become pregnant during this high-risk time should be monitored extremely carefully, particularly for renal crisis.
Measurement of Chelating Agent Levels in Media with High Concentrations of Interfering Metal Ions

Abstract An ion-exchange method for the measurement of levels of chelating agents in media with high levels of metal ions has been developed. The test solution is passed through a specially prepared ion-exchange column, which both removes metal ion interferences, and places the chelating agent in the copper form. The copper levels in the column effluent are then measured by flame atomic absorption methods, the copper levels corresponding in a 1:1 ratio to the levels of chelating agent in the sample. The detection limit for this method is on the order of 1 ppm copper equivalent chelating capacity, and is applicable in situations where the interfering metal ions are at concentrations in the range of 10−2 M. The method is reproducible in the pH ranges of 4 to 9 Precision and
Malaria Eradication in the Americas: A Retrospective Analysis of Childhood Exposure

This study uses the malaria-eradication campaigns in the United States (circa 1920), and in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico (circa 1955) to measure how much childhood exposure to malaria depresses labor productivity. The campaigns began because of advances in health technology, which mitigates concerns about reverse causality. Malarious areas saw large drops in the disease thereafter. Relative to non-malarious areas, cohorts born after eradication had higher income as adults than the preceding generation. These cross-cohort changes coincided with childhood exposure to the campaigns rather than to pre-existing trends. Estimates suggest a substantial, though not predominant, role for malaria in explaining cross-region differences in income.
Resolving Budget Cuts and Growing Budgets: The Case of West Virginia

Abstract West Virginia governors ordered experienced mid-year or next-year budget reductions (or both) from FY2002 to FY2006. The state used most of the general budget cutting techniques to achieve these cuts. General fund spending, however, increased 13.2 percent over the same period. Likewise, most spending categories experienced double-digit percentage increases over the period. Only once did spending actually drop from one year to the next. Instead, it appears that spending shifted because of requirements and priority changes, creating winners and losers.
Rubidium-86 accumulation and dulcitol distributions in lenses of galactose-fed rats.

An early decrease in 86Rb uptake was found in lenses of galactose-fed rats. Dissections in normal rat lenses showed that 86Rb acoumulation occurred in areas closer to the lens epithelium. The decreased uptake in lenses of galactosemic rats occurred in all lens areas; however, these lenses recovered their ability to accumulate 86Rb following galactose withdrawal from the diet. High dulcitol (galactitol) levels were found in lenses of galactose-fed rats. Dulcitol accumulations in the lens suggested a possible inhibitory role of this metabolite on the concentrating mechanisms of cations and amino acids in the lens during the development of galactose cataract in rats.
Far Ultraviolet Spectrum of Mars

Abstract A spectrum of Mars of unprecedented quality was obtained in the range of 904–1183 A with a spectral resolution of 0.2 A using the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. Besides marking the first detection of molecular hydrogen on Mars (Krasnopolsky and Feldman, Science 2001 294, 1914–1917), the spectrum also revealed many emission lines of H, O, N, C, Ar, He, N + , C + , and Ar + and the bands of N 2 and CO. The spectrum makes it possible to study the emission multiplet structures and the component ratios and to separate many of the blended lines. From the argon lines, we retrieved Ar mixing ratios of 1.5 and 1.3% at 150 and 130 km, respectively, in excellent agreement with the Viking mass spectrometric measurements of 1.6% in the lower atmosphere. The He 584-A emission observed in second order also agrees with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer detection of He on Mars. The observed spectrum may be used as a database to study specific problems such as the dayglow excitation, radiative transfer, and composition in Mars' upper atmosphere.
No short-term change in soil properties following four-fold litter addition in a Costa Rican rain forest

We experimentally manipulated forest floor litter to investigate the influence of litter quality and quantity on soil properties over the short-term (weeks to months) in a wet tropical forest in NE Costa Rica. The study included old growth forest on high fertility soils, old growth forest on low fertility soils, and secondary forest on intermediate fertility soils. Forest floor litter was removed from a 16 m2 area and added to an adjacent 4 m2 area in March 2003, resulting in a one to four-fold increase in the annual litter input to the forest floor. We created three addition, three removal and three control plots per forest type. We measured treatment effects on variation in soil moisture, temperature, pH, and Bray-1 P (plant available) over a 5-month period that captured the dry-wet season transition. Litter manipulation had no effect on any of the soil properties measured during the 5-month study period. Significant variability through time and a similar temporal pattern across the three forest stands suggest that climatic variability is driving short-term patterns in these soil properties rather than seasonal inputs of litter. In general, soils were warmer, drier and more basic with higher available P during dry season months. Even in wet tropical forests, small variability in climate can play an important role in soil dynamics over periods of weeks to months. Although litter manipulation did not influence soil properties over the 5-month study period, a longer lag may exist between the timing of litter inputs and the influence of that litter on soil properties, especially plant available P.
Thoughts on William Rehg's Insight and Solidarity

William Rehg's booklnsight and Solidarity1 is an important piece of careful scholarship and will make the work of understanding some of the most com? plex and argumentatively dense aspects of Habermas's work a good deal easier for those who follow him. It offers not just expositions of Habermas's posi? tions but careful consideration of some of the most interesting and provocative theses which challenge it. Rehg carefully teases out responses that demonstrate that discourse ethics can accommodate the best insights of many of its chal? lengers while remedying their shortfalls. Among the most interesting discussions in the book are his reconcept ualization of the discussion of the priority of the right over the good provoked by communitarians like Maclntyre and Sandel and his reflections on how dis? course ethics can respond to Charles Taylor's work on authenticity, subjec? tivity, and identity. His discussion of how particular moral decisions can be informed by universal norms is made especially helpful by his explication and development of Habermas's distinction between discourses of justification and discourses of application. His response to the charge that Habermas's discourse ethic posits a rational subject disconnected from history, desire, or the bonds constitutive of particularity, recapitulating the shortcomings of the Kantian moral agent, give rise to his account of insight and the way relations of social solidarity are implicated in it. This in turn leads to his critique of the inad? equacies that he sees remaining in Habermas's theory and to his provocative, and in my view ultimately worrisome reformulation of the concept of insight. It is this reformulation and its relationship to the determination of the norms which serve as a standard for criticizing the way the actual deviates from the ideal that will be the focus of my remarks. I will argue that even before Rehg
Response of cerebral endothelial cells to hypoxia: modification by fructose-1,6-bisphosphate but not glutamate receptor antagonists

Abstract Damage to the cerebral endothelium from ischemia could exacerbate brain injury by altering vascular integrity, but little is known concerning the response of cerebral endothelial cells to hypoxia. To address this issue, cerebral capillary endothelial cells were isolated from 14-day-old rats, grown to confluence, and placed in hypoxic chambers for up to 62 h. Cells were undamaged by 24 hours of hypoxia as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release and ethidium bromide staining, but 48 h resulted in marked damage. Hypoxia was probably exacerbated by hypoglycemia because glucose levels fell to
Mismatches and Bubbles in DNA

Single mismatches in the DNA double helix form nucleation sites for bubbles. Although the overall melting temperature of the duplex is affected to different degrees depending on the probe length, the statistical weights of the bubble states around the defect are always strongly affected. Here we show experimentally that a single mismatch has indeed a dramatic effect on the distribution of intermediate (bubble) states in the melting transition of DNA oligomers. For probe lengths in the range 20-40 bases, the mismatch transforms a transition with many intermediates into a nearly two-state transition. One surprising consequence is the existence of a regime where the sensitivity of a mismatch detection assay based on monitoring intermediate states would increase with probe length. Our results provide experimental constraints on how mismatches should be implemented in models of DNA melting, such as the widely used thermodynamic nearest neighbor model, to which we compare our data.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Pd on an Oxidized Metal Substrate

A method is presented for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of palladium on air-exposed tantalum and silicon without the use of a plasma. Palladium can be deposited on these substrates at 80 °C using molecular hydrogen and palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Pd II (hfac) 2 ) as the precursor. In the case of palladium deposition on tantalum, the fluorine content is significantly reduced compared to previous results for thermal ALD. Use of a sufficiently long hydrogen pulse eliminates the noble metal substrate requirement typically needed for low deposition temperature ALD, and removes the requirement of plasma for deposition on oxidized metal surfaces. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) measurements indicate a correlation between hydrogen pulse time and seed layer deposition rate, which is also substrate dependent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicate high-quality palladium film deposition on tantalum, suggesting the substrate temperature was low enough to prevent dissociation of the hfac ligand and adequate carbon and fluorine scavenging by the atomic hydrogen. The use of thermal ALD as opposed to a plasma process maintains the direction independence and high conformal nature of films produced by ALD, enabling deposition on highly varied topographies and three-dimensional porous structures.
Avian Genetic Stocks: The High and lOw Points from an Academia Researcher

Poultry genetic resources, which are valuable for research, span an impressive gamut from breeds to highly specialized inbred lines. The community of scientists utilizing specialized lines is broad, including researchers in medicine, basic biology, and agricultural science. The majority of specialized research lines used by such scientists are held at land grant universities. Over the prior 2 decades, hundreds of lines were eliminated. This pattern continues today with no evidence of abatement. Awareness and visibility of the causes and ongoing problems have been highlighted via a number of high-profile forums. Given the large community of scientists and the negative impact on future advances in biological, medical, and agricultural research as these genetic resources dwindle, the issue is of national interest and warrants federal funding to support a united network of avian and poultry stocks centers.
The Los Angeles economy

Abstract An outline of the Los Angeles economy reveals the area generally reflects the larger US economy in its orientation toward services, although manufacturing in the region remains a healthy portion of its output. The sharp dichotomy in Los Angeles' manufacturing between high and low skilled labor parallels the social and demographic divisions that exist in the metropolitan area. In accord with its image, Los Angeles plays a substantial role in the US motion picture industry. The film industry, high technology firms as well as production spurred by migration have allowed Los Angeles to avoid the broad industrial decline that has occurred in other parts of the US.
Caste, Class and Vandalism

aged, the physically deteriorated-in short, the patients with the very poorest prognoses. One wonders, indeed, about the nature of the "treatment" psychiatry would recommend for these people. But without such psychiatric prescription and the resources to go along with it, the chronic services proceed, as would any social system, to receive, to socialize, and to integrate patients into the life of the basic social unit.
One Hundred Years of College Mental Health

Abstract Although the first student health service is credited to Amherst College in 1861, almost 50 years passed before Princeton University established the first mental health service in 1910. At that time, a psychiatrist was hired to help with student personality development. Although other schools subsequently established such services, the first 50 years of college mental health were marked by a series of national conferences. At the American Student Health Association's annual meeting in 1920, “mental hygiene” was identified as critical for college campuses to assist students to reach their highest potential. However, it took another 40 years before mental health and psychological counseling services became common on college and university campuses. The American College Health Association formed a Mental Health Section to serve mental health professionals in 1957, and most colleges and universities have now developed mental health and counseling programs commensurate with the size of their student b...
An explanation for the variation of the sonophoretic transdermal transport enhancement from drug to drug.

Abstract □ Over the last few decades, application of therapeutic ultrasound (frequency between 1 and 3MHz and intensity between 1 and 2W/cm 2 ) has been attempted to enhance transdermal transport of several drugs, a method referred to as sonophoresis. The sonophoretic enhancement of transdermal drug transport was found to vary significantly from drug to drug. In certain cases, ultrasound did not induce any enhancement of transdermal drug transport. This variation in the efficacy of sonophoresis has raised a controversy regarding its applicability as a transdermal delivery enhancer. The objective of this paper is to provide a summary of the literature data on sonophoresis and an explanation for the observed variation of the sonophoretic enhancement from drug to drug. This paper also presents an equation to qualitatively predict whether therapeutic ultrasound may enhance transdermal transport of a given drug based on knowledge of the drug passive skin permeability and octanol–water partition coefficient.
Structure and function of the hepatic form of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the squirrel monkey, an animal model of glucocorticoid resistance.

Both cortisol and aldosterone bind to and activate the mineralocorticoid receptor. Cortisol concentrations are generally 100- to 200-fold higher than aldosterone concentrations, yet mineralocorticoids clearly exert effects different from glucocorticoids. One hypothesis is that 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD), which converts cortisol to biologically inactive cortisone, protects the mineralocorticoid receptor from cortisol. The circulating concentrations of cortisol in the squirrel monkey are 20- to 50-fold higher than human cortisol concentrations, yet this animal has no evidence of glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid excess. We used this experiment of nature to test the hypotheses that the known (hepatic) form of 11 beta-HSD protects renal mineralocorticoid receptors from the action of cortisol and that it modulates glucocorticoid concentrations in target tissues. Using a long oligonucleotide based on the rat sequence, we cloned the squirrel monkey 11 beta-HSD complementary DNA and gene...
Fraudulent research in science: the responsibility of the peer reviewer.

AbstractFor the past 15 years, I have frequently served as a reviewer of scientific articles for a number of different journals. In this capacity I have judged the manuscripts which have been sent to me, on the basis of originality, significance, contribution to science, data presentation, and the quality of the writing. Although I often critique experimental design and interpretation of results, I have never been forced to question the actual validity of the data within the manuscript being reviewed. I was thus confronted with an unusual and difficult problem, when I received an article from Cancer Investigation to review that I recognized had to be fraudulent. A third of the manuscript contained data that were incorrectly derived from work which I had previously published. In the cover letter to Cancer Investigation I conveyed my concerns and asked the editors to obtain opinions on the validity of the remainder of the data in the manuscript. After consulting with other expert reviewers it was felt that ...
Atomic-field bremsstrahlung from 50 --140-keV electrons

Experimental data are presented for the absolute cross section for atomic-field bremsstrahlung produced by 50-, 100-, and 140-keV electron bombardment of thin targets of aluminum, copper, silver, and gold at photon angles of 30/sup 0/, 45/sup 0/, 60/sup 0/, 90/sup 0/, and 135/sup 0/. The data are compared with the theory of Pratt et al. and generally found to be in very good agreement, although there are some small discrepancies between theory and experiment.
Effect of Dietary Copper and Zinc Levels on Tissue Copper, Zinc, and Iron in Male Rats

The interaction between dietary copper and zinc as determined by tissue concentrations of trace elements was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were fed diets in a factorial design with two levels of copper (0.5, 5 μg/g) and five levels of zinc (1, 4.5, 10, 100, 1000 μg/g) for 42 d. In rats fed the low copper diet, as dietary zinc concentration increased, the level of copper decreased in brain, testis, spleen, heart, liver, and intestine. There was no significant effect of dietary copper on tissue zinc levels. In the zinc-deficient groups, the level of iron was higher in most tissues than in tissues from controls (5 μg Cu, 100 μg Zn/g diet). In the copper-deficient groups, iron concentration was higher than control values only in the liver. These data show that dietary zinc affected tissue copper levels primarily when dietary copper was deficient, that dietary copper had no effect on tissue zinc, and that both zinc deficiency and copper deficiency affected tissue iron levels.
Microbiologic evaluation of skin wounds: alarming trend toward antibiotic resistance in an inpatient dermatology service during a 10-year period

Abstract Background Increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics has been seen for patients with superficial skin wounds and leg ulcers. Objectives We sought to evaluate bacterial isolates from leg ulcers and superficial wounds for resistance to commonly used antibiotics and to compare current data with previous data. Methods We performed a chart review for patients admitted to a tertiary care dermatology inpatient unit from January to December 2001. Comparison was made with 2 previous surveys of the same inpatient service from 1992 and 1996. Results Bacterial isolates were cultured from 148 patients, 84% (72 of 86) with leg ulcers and 38% (76 of 202) with superficial wounds. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common bacterial isolates in both groups. For patients with leg ulcers, S aureus grew in 67% of isolates (48/72) of which 75% (36/48) were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Of leg ulcers, 35% (25/72) grew P aeruginosa , which was resistant to quinolones in 56% of cultures (14/25). For patients with superficial wounds, S aureus was isolated in 75% (57/76) and 44% were MRSA (25/57). P aeruginosa grew in 17% of isolates (13/76) and was resistant to quinolones in 18%. We found a marked increase in antibiotic resistance for both leg ulcers and superficial wounds. Over time, MRSA increased in leg ulcers from 26% in 1992 to 75% in 2001. For superficial wounds, MRSA increased from 7% in 1992 to 44% in 2001. P aeruginosa resistance to quinolones in leg ulcers increased from 19% in 1992 to 56% in 2001, whereas for superficial wounds there was no resistance in 1992 and 18% resistance in 2001. Conclusion Rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria continues and is a problem of increasing significance in dermatology. Common pathogenic bacteria, S aureus and P aeruginosa , showed increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Selection of antibiotics should be on the basis of local surveillance programs.
A NUMERICAL TECHNIQUE FOR COMPUTING TM SCATTERING BY COATED WEDGES AND HALF-PLANES

ABSTRACT A numerical technique is presented for computing transverse magnetic (TM) scattering by perfectly conducting wedges and half-planes coated with dielectric and/or magnetic materials. The technique combines finite element method with surface integral equation and physical optics formulations. Example results are presented for surface fields from which the corresponding surface impedances are calculated.
Second Generation Automated Anti-CCP Test Better Predicts the Clinical Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. The presence of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) is better at discriminating RA patients and is also associated with significantly more disease activity compared to serum rheumatoid factor. In this study, we assessed two new automated second generation tests to detect the presence of anti-CCP antibodies in 226 serum samples submitted to the Clinical Immunology Laboratory for anti-CCP antibody testing. We compared CCP antibody results on these samples obtained using the ImmunoCAP 250 (Phadia) and the Architect i2000SR (Abbott Laboratories) instruments to our currently used CCP IgG third generation manual ELISA (Inova Diagnostics). One hundred and fifty-four samples were negative while 52 were positive by all three tests. Eighteen samples were negative by the automated tests but weakly/moderately positive by manual ELISA yielding an overall concordance of 79%. When we compared the discordant test results to patient diagnosis, we observed a better correlation with clinical RA diagnosis for the new automated tests compared to the manual ELISA. These two new anti-CCP antibody tests have the benefit of automation and may have better positive predictive value for the diagnosis of RA than our current manual ELISA.
Size-Specific mortality in fry of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Lake Michigan

A study to test the presence and magnitude of size-specific mortality in fry from Lake Michigan lake trout and fry of hatchery origin during exposure to PCBs is presented. Fry from both sources were exposed to 50 ng/l PCBs for about 50 days after hatching and fry from both sources were reared in water to which no PCBs were added. The average lengths of fry from all four groups were significantly less than fry from Lake Michigan. Size-specific mortality observed in fry of Lake Michigan origin could be the result of a number of factors, including origin and condition of parents and environmental stresses, including organic contaminants. Higher mortality of the smaller fry might be considered to have a positive effect on long-term fish production in the larger fish are being selected for, however, decreasing genetic variability in the fish population can result in lower production. Considering the similarity between the physiochemical properties of PCBs and DDT, the substantial concentrations of PCBs in the fry of lake origin may be an important factor in explaining the size-specific mortality observed.
Real-time and quantitative PCR: applications to mechanism-based toxicology.

There is increasing awareness that quantitative analysis of changes in molecular targets plays a key role in addressing scientific questions in molecular toxicology, molecular epidemiology, and human risk assessment. One of the emerging technologies that is being used to analyze these molecular targets is real-time and quantitative (RTAQ) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The aim of this review is to provide the reader with an overview of this technology and to highlight specific applications of this technology to some key areas of molecular toxicology.
Overlap integrals in the isobar model for a + b → j + k + l

For the generalized isobar model for a + b ..-->.. j + k + l we present a simple and elegant method to calculate the total cross section including the contribution from the cross terms. We give all the essential details of the formalism and recommend that the Monte Carlo technique not be used to calculate the overlap integrals.
Enhanced feature analysis using wavelets for scanning probe microscopy images of surfaces

In this work we develop wavelet theory for the analysis of surface topography images obtained by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Wavelet transformation is localized in space and frequency, which can offer an advantage for analyzing information on surface morphology and topography. Wavelet transformation is an ideal tool to detect trends, discontinuities, and short periodicities on a surface. Additionally, wavelets can be used to remove artifacts and noise from scanning microscopy images. In terms of 3-D image analysis, discrete wavelet transform can capture patterns at all relevant frequency scales, thus providing a level of image analysis that is not possible otherwise. It is also possible to use the methodology for analyzing surface structures at the molecular level. The results demonstrate superior capabilities of wavelet approach to scanning probe microscopy image analysis compared to traditional analysis techniques.
Perceptions of accuracy: effects on computer attitudes and self-efficacy

With the introduction of any information system into an organization, user attitudes towards the system and self-efficacy (the confidence that the user can use the system) are an important consideration. When patient care systems are introduced into a hospital, hospital workers are rightly concerned about how accurate the records will be in the new system and how the system will affect patient care. In this study, we will investigate whether perceptions of accuracy affect computer attitudes and self-efficacy.In November 2003, we surveyed medical personnel at a regional hospital just prior to the introduction of a patient care system. We hope to better understand the relationships between these concepts.
Lie ideals with regular and nilpotent elements and a result on derivations

LetU⊄Z be a Lie ideal of a ringR. We examine those ringsR in which everyu∈U is either regular or nilpotent and prove that ifR has no non-zero nil left ideals then eitherR is a domain or an order in the 2×2 matrices over a field. We proceed by first examining ringsR with no non-zero nil left ideals possessing a derivationd≠0 such thatd (x) is nilpotent or invertible, for allx∈R. It is shown that such a ring must either be a division ring or the 2×2 matrices over a division ring. We also prove similar results for semiprime rings where the various indices of nilpotence are assumed to be bounded.
Nicotine inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human gingival fibroblasts.

Cigarette smoking has been suggested as a risk factor for several periodontal diseases. It has also been found that smokers respond less favorably than non-smokers to periodontal therapy. Previous work in our lab has shown that nicotine inhibits human gingival cell migration. Since myofibroblasts play an important role in wound closure, we asked if nicotine affects gingival wound healing process by regulating myofibroblast differentiation. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from two patients were cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum cell culture medium. Cells were pretreated with different doses of nicotine (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) for 2 h, and then incubated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 ng/ml) with or without nicotine for 30 h. The expression level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a specific marker for myofibroblasts, was analyzed by Western blots, immunocytochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (Phospho-p38 MAPK) activity was analyzed by Western blots. TGF-β1 induced an increase of α-SMA protein and mRNA expression, while nicotine (1 mM) inhibited the TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA but not β-actin. Nicotine treatment down-regulated TGF-β1-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Our results demonstrated for the first time that nicotine inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human gingival fibroblasts in vitro; supporting the hypothesis that delayed wound healing in smokers may be due to decreased wound contraction by myofibroblasts.
Spontaneous activity of cat hippocampal neurons in sleep and wakefulness

Abstract Spontaneous activity of the hippocampal pyramidal cells in chronically prepared cats was recorded for extended periods, thus allowing analysis of temporal patterns of neuronal discharges in relation to the behavioral states of the animal. When the animal was aroused or in REM sleep, neuronal activity was increased, showing discharge patterns characterized by marked reduction in the number of long intervals (>200 msec) and by an increase in moderately long intervals (150–200 msec). When the animal was quietly awake or drowsy, the level of neuronal activity decreased moderately with more numerous long inactive periods. In intermediate sleep with cortical spindle bursts. or in deep sleep with dominant high-voltage slow-wave activity, neuronal activity was considerably decreased. The discharge pattern was then characterized by enhanced irregularity and by frequent interposition of very long inactive periods. Discharge of hippocampal neurons in relation to the phase of local theta waves was neither fixed nor enduring. When two adjacent neurons were observed simultaneously, the firing probability with respect to the phase of the theta waves differed, as a rule, from one cell to the other.
Functional RNA interference (RNAi) screen identifies System a Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 2 (SNAT2) as a mediator of arsenic-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

Exposure to the toxic metalloid arsenic is associated with diabetes and cancer and causes proteotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at the cellular level. Adaptive responses to ER stress are implicated in cancer and diabetes; thus, understanding mechanisms of arsenic-induced ER stress may offer insights into pathogenesis. Here, we identify genes required for arsenite-induced ER stress response in a genome-wide RNAi screen. Using an shRNA library targeting ∼20,000 human genes, together with an ER stress cell model, we performed flow cytometry-based cell sorting to isolate cells with defective response to arsenite. Our screen discovered several genes modulating arsenite-induced ER stress, including sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, SNAT2. SNAT2 expression and activity are up-regulated by arsenite, in a manner dependent on activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), an important mediator of the integrated stress response. Inhibition of SNAT2 expression or activity or deprivation of its primary substrate, glutamine, specifically suppressed ER stress induced by arsenite but not tunicamycin. Induction of SNAT2 is coincident with the activation of the nutrient-sensing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is at least partially required for arsenite-induced ER stress. Importantly, inhibition of the SNAT2 or the System L transporter, LAT1, suppressed mTOR activation by arsenite, supporting a role for these transporters in modulating amino acid signaling. These findings reveal SNAT2 as an important and specific mediator of arsenic-induced ER stress, and suggest a role for aberrant mTOR activation in arsenic-related human diseases. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the utility of RNAi screens in elucidating cellular mechanisms of environmental toxins.
Hydroxyl radical mediated degradation of phenylarsonic acid.

Phenyl-substituted arsonic acids have been widely used as feed additives in the poultry industry. While very few studies have been reported on the environmental impact of these compounds, they have been introduced into the environment through land application of poultry litter in large quantities (about 106 kg/year). Phenylarsonic acid (PA) was used as a model for problematic arsonic acids. Dilute aqueous solutions of PA were subjected to γ radiolysis under hydroxyl radical generating conditions, which showed rapid degradation of PA. Product studies indicate addition of •OH to the phenyl ring forms the corresponding phenols as the primary products. Arsenite, H3AsIIIO3, and arsenate, H3AsVO4, were also identified as products. The optimized structures and relative calculated energies (using GAUSSIAN 98, the B3LYP/6-31G(d) method) of the various transient intermediates are consistent with the product studies. Pulse radiolysis was used to determine the rate constants of PA with •OH (k = 3.2 × 109 M-1 s-1) and...
Directed evolution of genetic parts and circuits by compartmentalized partnered replication

Most existing directed evolution methods, both in vivo and in vitro, suffer from inadvertent selective pressures (i.e., altering organism fitness), resulting in the evolution of products with unintended or suboptimal function. To overcome these barriers, here we present compartmentalized partnered replication (CPR). In this approach, synthetic circuits are linked to the production of Taq DNA polymerase so that evolved circuits that most efficiently drive Taq DNA polymerase production are enriched by exponential amplification during a subsequent emulsion PCR step. We apply CPR to evolve a T7 RNA polymerase variant that recognizes an orthogonal promoter and to reengineer the tryptophanyl tRNA-synthetase:suppressor tRNA pair from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to efficiently and site-specifically incorporate an unnatural amino acid into proteins. In both cases, the CPR-evolved parts were more orthogonal and/or more active than variants evolved using other methods. CPR should be useful for evolving any genetic part or circuit that can be linked to Taq DNA polymerase expression.
Retention of toxic gases by modified carbon in fixed beds

Abstract A new model for the retention of toxic gas by modifed carbon in fixed-bed operations is presented. The retention of the toxic gas is assumed to be effected through two independent pathways: physical adsorption and chemical reaction between the toxic gas and carbon impregnants with the reaction taking place instantaneously. Reasonable agreement was obtained between experiments and predictions on breakthrough time and effluent concentration histories based on the model.