cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical activity assessment for epidemiologic research: The utility of two simplified approaches

We assessed the utility of two simplified approaches for the assessment of physical activity in a random sample of 348 college students (218 white, 130 black), mean age 19.3 years. Self-assessment of physical activity level was obtained from the response (4-point scale) to the question "Compared with others your age and sex would you consider yourself to be" (I) much more active to (IV) somewhat less active. In addition, the frequency of exercise-induced sweating (days/week) was assessed. Responses were compared with measurements of resting heart rate, triceps skinfolds, and physical activity as assessed by the Harvard Alumni Survey. Results for the self-assessment question indicated significantly lower resting heart rates (beats/min) (73.0 vs 64.6, P less than 0.01), triceps skinfolds (mm) (10.9 vs 20.4, P less than 0.001), and higher Harvard Survey scores (kcal/week) (5,654 vs 1,310, P less than 0.001) for those responding (i) compared with (iv). Similar results were noted for the sweat-episode question. Those reporting 5-7 sweat episodes per week had significantly lower resting heart rates (67.0 vs 74.8, P less than 0.01), triceps skinfolds (14.7 vs 17.3, P less than 0.01), and higher Harvard Survey scores (5,717 vs 1,453, P less than 0.001) than those reporting 0-1 sweat episodes per week. The results suggest that these simplified approaches may provide useful indices of physical activity for epidemiologic research and warrant further investigation in other populations.
Load Distribution Between the Shell and a Stiffening Ring Adjacent to the Saddle Support

In a Zick analysis of a horizontal pressure vessel on two saddle supports with stiffening rings, there is no direct method of determining the distribution of the load between one stiffening ring adjacent to the saddle support and the shell. In this paper, the authors discuss a method of calculating the load distribution between the stiffening ring and the shell. After establishing the load distribution, the stresses in the ring and shell are calculated and compared against the allowable stresses in the ASME Code.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A narrative of the attending nurse model implementation

In this clinical practice exchange, we discuss how faculty at the New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN) and nurse executives at NYU Langone Medical Center (NYULMC) partnered with staff nurses to implement an attending nurse model and further describe how the model facilitates collaboration as well as clinical knowledge development in practicing nurses. The attending nurse model hastens the experiential learning essential for practice development by having faculty and nurse executives provide situated learning, teaching and coaching to advanced beginner and competent practicing nurses. The model supports the fact that learning in the patient care setting is inextricably linked to the delivery of patient care and shows how faculty can contribute to effective outcomes for patients. By modeling professional comportment, helping nurses to put language to salient issues, and coaching nurses about how to participate in interdiscip- linary rounds, attending nurses help young clinical staff become active participants in interprofessional dialogue. Nurse executives recognize this model as an innovative and cost efficient way to help clinical staff gain essential knowledge and skill of the practice. For faculty, teaching is enhanced by engagement in actual patient situations which are richer and more complex than theoretical models and serve as a reminder of the centrality of the nurse-patient relationship in both the work of the discipline and the organization.
The Accurate Electron Crystallographic Refinement of Organic Structures Containing Heavy Atoms

Prospects for the accurate structure determination of heavy-atom-containing organic crystals were evaluated with electron diffraction data from perchloro and perbromo derivatives of copper phthalocyanine. While the extensive overlap of experimental Patterson maps (from 1200kV intensities) with respective crystal autocorrelation functions explains the success of previous direct structure analyses, it is clear that multiple-scattering perturbations still evident at high voltage will frustrate the determination of accurate bond distances and angles. If, however, the result obtained after direct structure analysis and Fourier refinement is used to position an idealized molecular model (i.e. with chemically reasonable bonding parameters), the correct structure can then be justified by a rotational search coupled with a multislice dynamical calculation. Even though dynamical scattering is not the only major perturbation to such data sets, the resolution-limited correction is still sufficient to identify the correct molecular orientation in the unit cell. Alternatively, an acceptable unconstrained structure refinement can be carried out via a procedure proposed by Huang, Liu, Gu, Xiong, Fan & Li [Acta Cryst. (1996), A52, 152-157]. A phenomenological adjustment of observed intensities, based initially on the heavy-atom positions found in a high-resolution electron micrograph, will permit all light atoms to be observed near their ideal positions in the ensuing Fourier refinement.
Salsolinol differentially affects mice selected for sensitivity to alcohol.

Salsolinol, a compound putatively formed following alcohol ingestion, differentially decreased the activity of lines of mice after 18 generations of genetic selection for alcohol sensitivity. Low doses of salsolinol produced significantly lower activity levels in the alcohol-sensitive long-sleep (LS) line than in the alcohol-insensitive short-sleep (SS) line. A hypnotic dose of salsolinol induced significantly longer sleep-times in the LS line than in the SS line. Results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that salsolinol-like substances may mediate some of the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system.
Astron Mechanical Engineering Effort

The two major components of the Astron machine, namely, the accelerator and main chamber, have been modified. In two successive steps the accelerator has been increased in energy from 4 MeV to 5 MeV and then from 5 MeV to 6 MeV with a final beam current of approximately 800 amps. This increased energy required a major modification to the radiation shielding. Additional hardware and refined diagnostics have been added to the accelerator to improve its performance. Among these is a unique on-line energy analyzer, a 60 MHz R. F. modulator, a new method for measuring current and beam position, and the use of titanium to minimize sparking in the electron gun. Optimization of the beam transport included redesign of the solenoid magnets and the installation of a sixty-five ft long continuous solenoid. Main chamber changes include the repair and installation of both cantilevers with the addition of a device to bridge between the cantilevers. New geometric arrangements have been made to the static resistors, which are part of the E-layer trapping mechanism. A method for quickly and accurately measuring the magnitude and configuration of the magnetic field for the main chamber solenoid will also be described.
Fundamentals of Geophysics

Choosing an intermediate-level geophysics text is always problematic: What should we teach students after they have had introductory courses in geology, math, and physics, but little else? Fundamentals of Geophysics is aimed specifically at these intermediate-level students, and the author's stated approach is to construct a text “using abundant diagrams, a simplified mathematical treatment, and equations in which the student can follow each derivation step-by-step.” Moreover, for Lowrie, the Earth is round, not flat—the “fundamentals of geophysics” here are the essential properties of our Earth the planet, rather than useful techniques for finding oil and minerals. Thus this book is comparable in both level and approach to C. M. R. Fowler's The Solid Earth (Cambridge University Press, 1990).
Transport of penetrants in the macromolecular structure of coals III. Dynamic swelling of stiff polymer networks that simulate the coal structure

The structure of three cross-linked polymers containing naphthalenic rings in their backbone structure was investigated by dynamic swelling and thermal analytic techniques. It was determined that the pyridine and n-proplyamine transport in microparticles (40 μm) of these polymers was non-Fickian, often approaching case II transport and sometimes even supercase II transport. The thermal analysis showed relatively stable structures up to about 350°C.
Parent training: A review of methods for children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are common in the general childhood population, and are both serious and lifelong. Tremendous strides have been made in the treatment of these ASD in recent years, particularly with respect to psychological interventions. Given the considerable amount of time and cost involved in providing these interventions, parent training and involvement is a particularly appealing intervention option. This paper is a review and status report on evidence based methods that are available for training parents of children with ASD as therapists. Current trends and future directions are discussed.
Photophysical processes in poly(hexamethylene adipamide)–acid dye complexes: Energetics of nylon 66 phototendering

The mechanism of dye-sensitized photo-oxidative degradation of nylon 66 was investigated. A known phototendering dye, C.I. Acid Blue 40 (1-amino-4-(p-aminoacetanilide)-2-anthraquinone sodium sulfonate), was used for this study. Excitation and emission spectra of the dyed and undyed nylons indicated that a ground-state complex between the dye and the polyamide was formed upon dyeing. The energy level of the complex's electronic states favor triplet–triplet energy transfer from the nylon to the complex. Quenching studies show that the energy transfer occurs efficiently with a rate constant of 45.8 l. mole−1 sec−1. An additional energy transfer occurs between the excited free dye and the complex by either a singlet–triplet or a triplet–triplet mechanism. Kinetic analysis of the nylon-complex energy transfer suggests that the triplet energy of nylon migrates 24 to 33 A along the amide chromophores in an exciton fashion until an energy trapping complex is reached. Energy is then transferred by an exchange mechanism. Photo-oxidative studies verify that the dye–nylon complex sensitizes the polyamide photo-oxidative degradation at its own expense without dye photobleaching.
New augmented classical least squares methods for improved quantitative spectral analyses

Abstract A series of new augmented classical least squares (ACLS) methods have been developed that show considerable promise for improving multivariate spectral calibrations. The normal limitations of classical least squares (CLS) methods are largely overcome by using information derived from the spectral residuals during the CLS calibration in the development of the new ACLS models. The resulting models are able to provide prediction ability comparable to that of partial least squares (PLS) even when only concentration information about a single analyte is known in the calibration data set. By combining ACLS calibration with our recently described prediction augmented CLS (PACLS) method, we are able to rapidly update spectral calibration models during prediction for the presence of unmodeled chemical components in the unknown samples, system drift, or changes in spectrometers. With PACLS updating, prediction ability is often better than possible with PLS. One of the new calibration augmented CLS methods is combined with PACLS to demonstrate the ability of the method to transfer multivariate calibrations between near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers on a system of multi-component organic solvents.
Intensity of Follow-up after Pancreatic Cancer Resection

The prognosis of patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains dismal. Of the 15–20 % of patients who are candidates for potentially curative resection, 66–92 % will develop recurrent disease. Although guidelines for surveillance in the postoperative setting exist, they are not evidence based, and there is wide variability of strategies utilized. Current surveillance guidelines as suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) include routine history and physical, measurement of serum cancer-associated antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, and computed tomographic imaging at 3- to 6-month intervals for the first 2 years, and annually thereafter. However, the lack of prospective clinical data examining the efficacy of different surveillance strategies has led to a variability of the intensity of follow-up and a lack of consensus on its necessity and efficacy. Recent therapeutic advances may have the potential to significantly alter survival after recurrence, but a careful consideration of current surveillance strategies should be undertaken to optimize existing approaches in the face of high recurrence and low survival rates.
Shoulder arthroplasty options in young (<50 years old) patients: review of current concepts

Background Prosthetic shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent pain relief and functional restoration for patients with glenohumeral arthritis, but concerns of survivorship have limited its use in younger patients. Discussion Despite general reports of high long-term survivorship, implant failure and functional deterioration after total shoulder arthroplasty are major concerns in the management of younger patients. In addition to having a longer life expectancy, younger patients also tend to be more active and can be expected to place greater demands on their shoulder arthroplasty. Conclusion Alternative strategies have been developed and used for shoulder arthroplasty in younger patients. This manuscript reviews current concepts of shoulder arthroplasty in young patients.
Influence of Scale on Chemical Dispersivity in Geomedia

Abstract Chemical dispersivity is a common parameter needed for pollutant fate and transport models in geomedia environments. This study estimated the effect of distance on dispersivity measured in columns using X-ray computed tomography. Columns containing natural and homogeneous media were evaluated. The convection- dispersion equation appeared to be appropriate for the column distances used in this study. Dispersivity was found to be a function of distance from the upstream end in the column studies for the natural porous media but not the homogeneous porous media. Dispersivities were estimated using the average breakthrough slope for selected scan planes (mean slope method), using the solution of the convection-dispersion equation fit to the average breakthrough for selected scan planes (curve fit method), and using groups of pixels in the selected scan planes (group pixel method). Values estimated using the mean slope method or the curve fit method were found to be scale dependent; however values with the group pixel method were not. Fractal dimension values appeared within appropriate ranges when estimated for the core samples using the mass versus radius relationship. Results suggest dispersivity may be dependent upon the sampling volume rather than the straight-line length solute travels through media.
Longitudinal Measurement of Extracellular Matrix Rigidity in 3D Tumor Models Using Particle-tracking Microrheology

The mechanical microenvironment has been shown to act as a crucial regulator of tumor growth behavior and signaling, which is itself remodeled and modified as part of a set of complex, two-way mechanosensitive interactions. While the development of biologically-relevant 3D tumor models have facilitated mechanistic studies on the impact of matrix rheology on tumor growth, the inverse problem of mapping changes in the mechanical environment induced by tumors remains challenging. Here, we describe the implementation of particle-tracking microrheology (PTM) in conjunction with 3D models of pancreatic cancer as part of a robust and viable approach for longitudinally monitoring physical changes in the tumor microenvironment, in situ. The methodology described here integrates a system of preparing in vitro 3D models embedded in a model extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold of Type I collagen with fluorescently labeled probes uniformly distributed for position- and time-dependent microrheology measurements throughout the specimen. In vitro tumors are plated and probed in parallel conditions using multiwell imaging plates. Drawing on established methods, videos of tracer probe movements are transformed via the Generalized Stokes Einstein Relation (GSER) to report the complex frequency-dependent viscoelastic shear modulus, G*(ω). Because this approach is imaging-based, mechanical characterization is also mapped onto large transmitted-light spatial fields to simultaneously report qualitative changes in 3D tumor size and phenotype. Representative results showing contrasting mechanical response in sub-regions associated with localized invasion-induced matrix degradation as well as system calibration, validation data are presented. Undesirable outcomes from common experimental errors and troubleshooting of these issues are also presented. The 96-well 3D culture plating format implemented in this protocol is conducive to correlation of microrheology measurements with therapeutic screening assays or molecular imaging to gain new insights into impact of treatments or biochemical stimuli on the mechanical microenvironment.
Teaching other people's ideas to other people's children: Integrating messages from education, psychology, and critical pedagogy

Educational endeavors are enriched by diverse forms of knowledge and experience and, particularly in urban schools, by children and teachers from diverse backgrounds. Although our educational task has always been one of teaching other people’s ideas to other people’s children, we do not necessarily act as if we know this. Recent work in critical pedagogy as well as revised perspectives in traditional disciplines such as psychology can be used in ongoing efforts to improve the education of all children. The generation and shared evaluation of many and diverse ideas must shape the educational process.
Precise and rapid assessment of Escherichia coli adherence to vaginal epithelial cells by flow cytometry.

Background: In the pathogenesis of Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, infecting bacteria adhere to vaginal and periurethral epithelial cells prior to ascending to the bladder and causing infection. Complex interactions among specific bacterial adhesins and various host factors appear to influence adherence of E. coli to mucosal surfaces such as the urogenital epithelium. To conduct population-based studies assessing host epithelial cell determinants that influence bacterial attachment, a method of measuring bacterial adherence utilizing clinically derived epithelial cell samples is needed. Methods: We developed and standardized an efficient, accurate, high-throughput method for analyzing the adherence of uropathogenic E. coli to clinical samples containing a large number of exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells (VEC). Three wild-type E. coli strains isolated from women with UTI (IA2 expressing pap-encoded, class II fimbriae only; F24 expressing pap-encoded, class II and type 1 fimbriae; and F20, without pap-encoded or type I fimbriae) were transformed with gfpmut3, encoding green fluorescent protein, incubated with VECs, and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Enumeration of the binding of each E. coli strain to 10,000 VECs showed reproducible, highly significant strain-dependent differences in adherence to VECs. Differential analysis of the relative contributions of type 1 pili and P fimbrial-mediated binding to the adherence phenotype was performed. It demonstrated that IA2 binding was dependent entirely on P fimbriae, whereas F24 binding was dependent on both P and type 1 fimbriae. Conclusions: This method has great potential for use in high-throughput analyses of clinically derived epithelial cell samples and will be valuable in population-based investigations of host-parasite interactions in UTI utilizing VECs collected from specific patient groups. Cytometry (Clin. Cytometry) 50:31–37, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Morphine withdrawal response and central cholinergic activity

MOST of the different neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in opiate withdrawal. Frederickson and Pinsky1 suggested a primary role for acetylcholine (ACh) in both the development and the expression of dependence on morphine but the specific role of cholinergic mechanisms in opiate withdrawal is not yet clear and deserves further attention. The hypothesis of the role of ACh in the expression of withdrawal phenomena, on which most earlier experiments were based, was that of the ‘cholinergic excess’, first postulated by Paton2. Tests of this hypothesis in various laboratories have, however, produced conflicting results and thus confusion rather than clarification of the role of cholinergic mechanisms in the withdrawal syndrome3–9. Unfortunately, many such studies have neglected to differentiate between peripheral interference with expression and central interference with initiation of the signs of withdrawal by the various drugs studied. Our experiments were designed to eliminate this particular factor, which has contributed to much of the conflict. The results clearly illustrate the confounding effect of failure to separate peripheral from central cholinergic effects and suggest that the exact opposite of the cholinergic excess theory is the actual nature of the central cholinergic role in the morphine withdrawal syndrome.
Identification of heavy ions in magnetic spectrograph measurements using a plastic phoswich

Abstract Plastic phoswich detectors, consisting of a 400 μm fast scintillator (BC400) and a 22 mm slow scintillator (BC444), were used for heavy ion identification in magnetic spectrograph measurements. While the light output from the phoswich in a fast time gate was sensitive to the Z separation when combined with a Bϱ measurement, the light output in a delayed-long time gate provided mass separation. The method of particle identification with the plastic phoswiches is described in detail.
The UPD3 cytokine couples environmental challenge and intestinal stem cell division through modulation of JAK/STAT signaling in the stem cell microenvironment

In Drosophila, the replacement of spent enterocytes (ECs) relies on division of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and differentiation of their progeny, the enteroblasts (EBs). Recent studies have revealed a role for JAK/STAT signaling in the modulation of the rate of ISC division in response to environmental challenge. Here, we demonstrate the critical role of the UPD3 cytokine in the JAK/STAT-dependent response to enteric infection. We show that upd3 expression is activated in ECs and in EBs that massively differentiate in response to challenge. We show that the UPD3 cytokine, which is secreted basally and accumulates at the basement membrane, is required for stimulation of JAK/STAT signaling in EBs and visceral muscles (VMs). We further show that stimulation of ISC division requires active JAK/STAT signaling in EBs and VMs, but apparently not in ISCs. Our results suggest that EBs and VMs modulate the rate of the EGFR-dependent ISC division through upd3-dependent production of the EGF ligands Spitz and Vein, respectively. This study therefore supports the notion that the production of the UPD3 cytokine in stem cell progeny (ECs and EBs) stimulates intestinal stem cell division through modulation of JAK/STAT signaling in the stem cell microenvironment (EBs and VMs).
Absolute Value of Avogadro's Number and the Soundness of Crystals

The experimental determination of Avogadro's number by the x-ray-density method is uncertain because of imperfections in crystals. It is proposed to regard the lattice of purest calcite as a reference lattice because of its proximity to a sound lattice, and to accept the value ${N}_{0}=6.02567\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{23}$ g ${\mathrm{mole}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (phys.) which is equivalent to 6.02403\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{23}$ g ${\mathrm{mole}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (chem.) for Avogadro's number as derived from measurements on pure calcite. The perfection of the lattices of all other crystalline substances then would be determined in comparison with the calcite as either sound (equal in perfection to that of calcite) within the error limits or as defective (vacancies, interstitial atoms), using the number above for the calculations.
Detection of malingering on the MMPI: A meta-analysis

Abstract We meta-analytically reviewed 28 studies that used the MMPI to detect malingering. Forty-four comparisons contrasting a malingering and honest group on the raw and T-scaled F score, F — K scale, the original and revised Dissimulation indices, and Subtle/Obvious scales were derived. The overall mean effect size of d = 2.07 suggests that these indices are good at detecting malingering, with the best scales being the T-scaled and raw F (ds = 2.34 and 2.22), the original Dissimulation scale (d = 2.17), and the F — K index (d = 1.89). Effect sizes were much smaller for the revised Dissimulation index and the Subtle/Obvious scales, suggesting caution in their use. Cutting scores for predicting malingering in the individual case were reviewed, with the wide range of cutting scores employed suggesting the need to investigate the appropriate cutting scores for separate use in subpopulations, such as prisoners, disability applicants, military personnel, and psychiatric patients.
In vitro fertilization and the effect of progesterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone on acrosome reaction of mouse epididymal spermatozoa

This study assessed the effect of progesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17 alpha-OH-progesterone) at concentrations of 0.01-10 micrograms/ml, on the acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilizing ability of mouse epididymal spermatozoa. Cumulus masses containing oocytes were cultured in Brinster's medium, to which were added capacitated epididymal spermatozoa which had been incubated in medium with various concentrations of progesterone or 17 alpha-OH-progesterone for 90 min. IVF success rate was assessed 20-24 h following insemination. Progesterone was found to increase the fertilization rate at the 1 microgram/ml and 10 microgram/ml concentrations while lower concentrations had no effect. However, 17 alpha-OH-progesterone failed to show any effect on fertilizing ability. Incubation of epididymal spermatozoa in medium containing 1 microgram/ml and 10 micrograms/ml progesterone significantly increased the acrosome reaction as monitored by a chlortetracycline fluorescence assay. 17 alpha-OH-progesterone, however, failed to show any effect on the acrosome reaction. The results suggest direct effects of progesterone, but not of 17 alpha-OH-progesterone, on fertilization and the acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa.
Growth of 6H-SiC crystals with low boron concentration

Abstract The effects of growth conditions, diffusion barrier coatings, and alternate hot zone materials on boron incorporation in 6H-SiC boules grown by physical vapor transport were evaluated. Chemical analysis by secondary ion mass spectrometry revealed that commercial source materials combined with standard halogen-purified graphite led to B concentrations on the order of 1.0e17 atoms/cm 3 . Development of high-purity source material with B concentrations less than 1.8e15 atoms/cm 3 subsequently reduced the B concentration in the boule to 3.0e16 atoms/cm 3 . Application of carbide coatings and the use of pyrolytic graphite components ultimately lead to the growth of SiC boules with B concentrations as low as 2.4e15 atoms/cm 3 . Changes in growth temperature (2100–2300 °C) and pressure (5–13.5 Torr) had no measurable effect on B incorporation. Changes in the C/Si ratio due to source graphitization and addition of hydrogen gas to the growth atmosphere also had no effect on B incorporation.
Mutagenic and chromosome-breaking effects of azide in barley and human leukocytes

Abstract Azide (10 −3 M, solution buffered at pH 3) is more effective in inducing mutations in embryonic shoots of seeds germinated between 8 and 16 h than in non-germinated seeds and in seeds germinated between 0 and 8 h and 16 to 28 h. This peak of chlorophyll-deficient seedling mutation frequency coincides with maximum frequencies of seedling lethals and DNA replication in the cells of the embryonic shoot. The mutation data suggest azide may only act on replicating DNA. Azide induced no chromosome-aberration frequencies significantly above controls in (1) embryonic shoots of barley seeds germinated for 8–12 h, (2) microsores of barley and (3) human leukocytes. It appears to be a point-mutation mutagen.
The crystal structure of the peptide-binding fragment from the yeast Hsp40 protein Sis1

Abstract Background: Molecular chaperone Hsp40 can bind non-native polypeptide and facilitate Hsp70 in protein refolding. How Hsp40 and other chaperones distinguish between the folded and unfolded states of proteins to bind non-native polypeptides is a fundamental issue. Results: To investigate this mechanism, we determined the crystal structure of the peptide-binding fragment of Sis1, an essential member of the Hsp40 family from Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The 2.7 A structure reveals that Sis1 forms a homodimer in the crystal by a crystallographic twofold axis. Sis1 monomers are elongated and consist of two domains with similar folds. Sis1 dimerizes through a short C-terminal stretch. The Sis1 dimer has a U-shaped architecture and a large cleft is formed between the two elongated monomers. Domain I in each monomer contains a hydrophobic depression that might be involved in binding the sidechains of hydrophobic amino acids. Conclusions: Sis1 (1–337), which lacks the dimerization motif, exhibited severe defects in chaperone activity, but could regulate Hsp70 ATPase activity. Thus, dimer formation is critical for Sis1 chaperone function. We propose that the Sis1 cleft functions as a docking site for the Hsp70 peptide-binding domain and that Sis1–Hsp70 interaction serves to facilitate the efficient transfer of peptides from Sis1 to Hsp70.
Contribution of membrane permeability and unstirred layer diffusion to nitric oxide–red blood cell interaction

Nitric oxide (NO) consumption by red blood cell (RBC) hemoglobin (Hb) in vasculature is critical in regulating the vascular tone. The paradox of NO production at endothelium in close proximity of an effective NO scavenger Hb in RBCs is mitigated by lower NO consumption by RBCs compared to that of free Hb due to transport resistances including membrane resistance, extra- and intra-cellular resistances for NO biotransport to the RBC. Relative contribution of each transport resistance on NO-RBC interactions is still not clear. We developed a mathematical model of NO transport to a single RBC to quantify the contributions from individual transport barriers by analyzing the effect of RBC membrane permeability (P(m)), hematocrit (Hct) and NO-Hb reaction rate constants on NO-RBC interactions. Our results indicated that intracellular diffusion of NO was not a rate limiting step for NO-RBC interactions. The extracellular diffusion contributed 70-90% of total transport resistance for P(m)>1 cm s(-1) whereas membrane resistance accounts for 50-75% of total transport resistance for P(m)<0.1 cm s(-1). We propose a narrow P(m) range of 0.21-0.44 cm s(-1) for 10-45% Hct, respectively, below which membrane resistance is more significant and above which extracellular diffusion is a dominating transport resistance for NO-RBC interactions.
Antifungal activity of ZnO nanoparticles and their interactive effect with a biocontrol bacterium on growth antagonism of the plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum

Fungal plant pathogens such as Fusarium graminearum cause severe global economic losses in cereals crops, and current control measures are limited. This work addresses the potential for ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and biocontrol bacteria to be used in plant fungal control strategies. Growth of F. graminearum was significantly (p = 0.05) inhibited by inclusion of the NPs in a mung bean broth agar and in sand. Suspension in mung bean broth medium modified the surface charge, dissolution, and aggregation state of the ZnO NPs, in comparison to processes occurring in water suspension. The ZnO NPs were significantly more inhibitory to fungal growth than micro-sized particles of ZnO, although both types of particles released similar levels of soluble Zn, indicating size-dependent toxicity of the particles. Zn ions produced dose-dependent inhibition, noticeable at the level of soluble Zn released from NPs after seven-day suspension in medium; inhibitory levels caused acidification of the growth medium. Transfer of fungal inoculum after exposure to the ZnO NPs to fresh medium did not indicate adaptation to the stress because growth was still inhibited by the NPs. The ZnO NPs did not prevent metabolites from a biocontrol bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, from inhibiting Fusarium growth: no synergism was observed in the mung bean agar. Because other studies find that soil amendment with ZnO NPs required high doses for inhibition of plant growth, the findings of pathogen growth control reported in this paper open the possibility of using ZnO NP-based formulations to complement existing strategies for improving crop health in field settings.
Structural studies of the (La, Sr) CrO3 system

Abstract Phase relationships in the La1−xSrxCrO3 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0) system have been investigated. Substitution of Sr into LaCrO3 leads to a phase region with rhombohedral symmetry at room temperature which is oxygen-deficient under strongly reducing conditions. The orthorhombic structure of LaCrO3 and the rhombohedral structure of La0.75Sr0.25CrO3 have been refined by profile fitting of neutron powder diffraction data.
Ion-induced adhesion enhancement of Ni films on polyester: 84Kr+ implantation

Abstract The adhesion between 30 nm Ni films and poly[ethylene terephthalate] (PET) substrates was examined as a function of the morphological and chemical modifications induced by 28 Si + ion mixing through the Ni/PET interfaces. The Ni/PET specimens were held below 100°C and implanted with 55 keV 28 Si + at doses ranging from 1 × 10 16 to 1 × 10 17 Si/cm 2 . The low dose implantation had no observed influence on the surface topography, but the 1 × 10 17 Si/cm 2 implant did result in increased submicron void formation in the films. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) analysis showed that the as-deposited films formed rather discrete interfaces with the PET substrates. After 28 Si + ion mixing, those interfaces were graded substantially (up to five times the as-deposited interfacial distance). The extent of interfacial grading increased with the ion dose. The implanted Si reached a maximum concentration of approximately 15 at.% (for the 1 × 10 17 Si/cm 2 implant) in the Ni film and then extended deeply into the PET substrate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron diffraction analysis showed no detectable interaction between the Ni films and the PET substrates in the as-deposited specimens. However, after 28 Si + implantation, the presence of NiSi and SiO bonding was observed at the Ni/PET interface. This bonding was shown to gradually change from primarily NiSi bonding in the Ni-rich regions to primarily Si-0 bonding in the C-rich regions of the substrate. In addition, the concentration of ether-type (COC) bonding in the interfacial region increased after 28 Si + implantat compared to the as-received PET and the as-deposited Ni/PET interface. This ion-induced chemical bonding is consistent with NiSiOC complex formation throughout the interfacial region. Adhesion testing, performed using a scratch test in conjunction with AES analysis, showed substantial adhesion increases with the increasing dose of the 28 Si + implantation. The as-deposited films were removed at forces less than 1 N. In contrast, the Ni films implanted with 1 × 10 17 Si/cm 2 were only removed at forces of approximately 19 N. This film removal occurred as a result of catastrophic substrate failure. The adhesion increases induced by 28 Si + implantation were attributed to a combination of substrate toughening, mechanical interlocking, interfacial grading, and chemical bonding across the interfaces.
Identification of an alternatively spliced avian member of the synaptophysin gene family

Synaptic vesicle membrane proteins are important in the release of neurotransmitters and as markers of presynaptic differentiation in neurons, and the synaptophysins are a major class of synaptic vesicle proteins. By low stringency screening of a chick brain cDNA library with a rat synaptophysin probe, we have isolated cDNAs that encode a novel member of the synaptophysin/synaptoporin family. Two different protein-coding forms of the cDNA were found, apparently generated through alternative splicing of a single gene. The deduced proteins, called synaptophysin IIa and synaptophysin IIb, share 258 amino acids (starting from position 10 in IIa and position 30 in IIb), that are most closely related to the rat synaptoporin sequence. The N-terminal sequence of IIa is similar to that of rat synaptoporin, and the N-terminal sequence of IIb is similar to that of rat synaptophysin. Northern blot analysis and nuclease protection experiments demonstrate that IIa and IIb are expressed in a variety of brain regions, the spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia, but not in non-neuronal tissues. Further, the two splice variants are differentially distributed. In most brain regions the IIb form predominates, and the cerebellum appears to express only the IIb form, but the IIa form is relatively elevated in peripheral neurons. Western blot analysis with an antibody to a synthetic peptide common to both forms demonstrates the expression of synaptophysin II as a 39 kDa protein, apparently distinct from synaptophysin (40 kDa). The results suggest that the regulation and function of the synaptophysin gene family is more complex than had been appreciated.
13 NEGLIGIBLE RISKS IN MANAGEMENT OF THE SUICIDAL TEENAGER ON A GENERAL ADOLESCENT UNIT

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents. Despite the serious implications, little agreement exists as to the most appropriate management of the teenager who presents for acute care after surviving a suicide attempt. Since 1968, we admit all teenagers to a general medical adolescent in-patient unit for management and evaluation of their suicidal behavior. A review of the first 100 admissions was undertaken to determine the efficacy of this practice. The mean age of the patients was 16, 70% female. Ingestions accounted for 95% of attempts. During an average 6-day hospitalization, 12 patients required constant nursing observation for more than one day, while an additional 6 received tranquilizing medication. These patients caused no major disruption on the unit, and 82 adapted rapidly and unobtrusively to expected routines. Only 12 patients required subsequent transfer to in-patient psychiatric facilities because of an underlying psychosis and/or continued suicidal ideation. No successful suicide attempts or self-abusive acts occurred during this initial non-psychiatric hospitalization. Admission served both as an opportunity for the adolescent to “cool off” and for behavioral and social evaluation relevant to subsequent care. From this experience we believe that hospitalization on a general adolescent unit for survivors of suicide attempts 1) is safe; 2) permits meticulous medical care for poisoning; 3) usually adds no cost (special nursing) to ordinary hospital care; and 4) provides a stabilizing influence following a major life crisis.
Inhibition of Glucagon-Stimulated Glycogenolysis by S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine*

: Rat liver is known to contain both a nitric oxide-stimulated guanylate cyclase and a cGMP-stimulated cAMP-phosphodiesterase. To evaluate the possible function of this system, the effect of the nitric oxide generating compound S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine on glycogenolysis was evaluated in isolated rat hepatocytes. S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (1.0 mM) inhibited glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis by 15%, but had no effect on basal rates of glycogenolysis. Inhibition of hepatocyte glycogenolysis by S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine was associated with accumulation of cGMP (1.5 pmol/2.0 × 106 cells/2 min.). Exogenous 8-Br-cGMP (1.0 mM) inhibited hepatocyte glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis by a magnitude similar to that observed with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine had no effect on phenylephrine-stimulated glycogenolysis, but inhibited 8-bromo-cAMP-stimulated glycogenolysis by 15%. These observations suggest that S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine inhibits cAMP-mediated stimulation of glycogenolysis at a site distal to adenylate cyclase. In summary, hepatocyte glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis was inhibited to a small, but significant, degree by S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. This inhibition is consistent with a nitric oxide mediated stimulation of guanylate cyclase and consequent stimulation of cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity. Nitric oxide may contribute to altered carbohydrate homeostasis under pathophysiologic conditions.
Irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide) for placement of full-thickness skin grafts.

Background. The “unsuture” technique originally reported with the use of fast-absorbing gut for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts has provided years of successful full-thickness graft placement without the need for suture removal. Objective. The objective was to explore another option for successful graft placement and survival using irradiated polyglactin 910 (Vicryl Rapide, Ethicon Inc, Somerville, NJ, USA), with its longer tensile strength of 7 to 10 days. Methods. Irradiated polyglactin 910 was used to suture the edges and place basting sutures in full-thickness skin grafts. Results. In our experience, we have found that the use of irradiated polyglactin 910 for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts provides an alternative to the “unsuture” technique with fast-absorbing gut. It provides excellent graft survival, easy workability, low inflammation, and good long-term cosmesis, without the need for suture removal. Conclusion. Irradiated polyglactin 910 provides another option for the placement of full-thickness skin grafts without the need for suture removal. AMY R. BRACKEEN, MD, MICHAEL J. WELLS, MD, AND JEFF M. FREED, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.
An algebraic approach to the morse potential scattering

Abstract A new realization of an algebra SU(1.1), associated with one-dimensional Morse oscillator is introduced. The calculation of the Morse reflection amplitude is then formulated via a recently established algebraic approach to the scattering matrix. In this approach the invariance group of the free particle, The Euclidean group, is used to describe asymptotic behaviour.
Complementation of an adenovirus 5 immediate early mutant by human cytomegalovirus

Abstract The initiation of the lytic cycle of adenovirus 5 requires synthesis of a transcriptional activator encoded by the viral early genetic unit, E1a. Mutant viruses lacking E1a are defective. Human cytomegalovirus activated transcription of early adenovirus genes and complemented an E1a − adenovirus mutant in cells permissive for both viruses.
Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of a Pathway for the Degradation of 2-Aminoethylphosphonate in Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021

A variety of microorganisms have the ability to use phosphonic acids as sole sources of phosphorus. Here, a novel pathway for degradation of 2-aminoethylphosphonate in the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 is proposed based on the analysis of the genome sequence. Gene deletion experiments confirmed the involvement of the locus containing phnW, phnA, and phnY genes in the conversion of 2-aminoethylphosphonate to inorganic phosphate. Biochemical studies of the recombinant PhnY and PhnA proteins verified their roles as phosphonoacetaldehyde dehydrogenase and phosphonoacetate hydrolase, respectively. This pathway is likely not limited to S. meliloti as suggested by the presence of homologous gene clusters in other bacterial genomes.
Coupled dimensionality reduction and classification for supervised and semi-supervised multilabel learning

Coupled training of dimensionality reduction and classification is proposed previously to improve the prediction performance for single-label problems. Following this line of research, in this paper, we first introduce a novel Bayesian method that combines linear dimensionality reduction with linear binary classification for supervised multilabel learning and present a deterministic variational approximation algorithm to learn the proposed probabilistic model. We then extend the proposed method to find intrinsic dimensionality of the projected subspace using automatic relevance determination and to handle semi-supervised learning using a low-density assumption. We perform supervised learning experiments on four benchmark multilabel learning data sets by comparing our method with baseline linear dimensionality reduction algorithms. These experiments show that the proposed approach achieves good performance values in terms of hamming loss, average AUC, macro F"1, and micro F"1 on held-out test data. The low-dimensional embeddings obtained by our method are also very useful for exploratory data analysis. We also show the effectiveness of our approach in finding intrinsic subspace dimensionality and semi-supervised learning tasks.
Molecular events in the pathogenesis of hepadnavirus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Chronic hepadnavirus infection is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in natural hosts such as humans, woodchucks, and Beechey ground squirrels. Several possible oncogenic mechanisms have been identified, including a potential role of the hepadnavirus x (hbx) gene, which transactivates transcription regulated by certain cis-acting sequences, e.g. regulatory sequences of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and heterologous regulatory sequences of other viruses and cellular genes. The oncogenic potential of hbx is suggested by the observation of HCCs in hbx transgenic mice, the oncogenic transformation of cells expressing hbx in culture, and the transactivation of oncogenes c-myc and c-jun by hbx. Cis-activation of cellular oncogenes N-myc and c-myc by viral promoter insertion has been a common finding in woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)-associated HCCs of woodchucks. No such cis-activation of any cellular gene has been shown in virus-associated HCCs of ground squirrels or humans. Amplification and overexpression of the c-myc gene has been a common finding in HCCs of ground squirrels, and is rare in woodchuck or human HCCs. Point mutations in the p53 gene and allelic deletion of p53 have been common findings in human HCCs, but have not been found in HCCs in woodchucks and have been found rarely in ground squirrels. How each of these genetic changes in the different hosts contributes to HCC remains to be determined, but apparently different changes in different HCCs of hepadnavirus-infected hosts suggest that several separate genetic events may contribute to the development of HCC. These events may differ in each host, and some may not result from a direct virus-specific mechanism. Chronic hepadnavirus infection is often associated with chronic necroinflammatory liver disease and cirrhosis, a pathologic process common to several other risk factors for HCC. This suggests that this pathologic process (necroinflammatory disease) may be hepatocarcinogenic regardless of the inciting agent. Thus hepadnavirus infection may play an important role in the development of HCC by causing chronic hepatitis and HCC with the same mechanisms by which other risk factors for HCC cause chronic necroinflammatory liver disease and HCC.