cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulates Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion in concert with a G(o)/G(q) signaling network.

Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion is a complex behavior generated by a defined set of motor neurons and interneurons. Genetic analysis shows that UNC-43, the C. elegans Ca 2+ /calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII), controls locomotion rate. Elevated UNC-43 activity, from a gain-of-function mutation, causes severely lethargic locomotion, presumably by inappropriate phosphorylation of targets. In a genetic screen for suppressors of this phenotype, we identified multiple alleles of four genes in a G o /G q G-protein signaling network, which has been shown to regulate synaptic activity via diacylglycerol. Mutations in goa-1, dgk-1, eat-16 , or eat-11 strongly or completely suppressed unc-43 ( gf ) lethargy, but affected other mutants with reduced locomotion only weakly. We conclude that CaMKII and G o /G q pathways act in concert to regulate synaptic activity, perhaps through a direct interaction between CaMKII and G o .
β-2-Thienyl-dl-alanine as an inhibitor of phenylalanine hydroxylase and phenylalanine intestinal transport

The inhibitory properties of β-2-thienyl-dl-alanine on rat phenylalanine hydroxylase from crude liver and kidney homogenates were assessed in vitro and in vivo, as well as its effects on the intestinal transport of phenylalanine, by using a perfusion procedure in vivo. The apparent Km for liver phenylalanine hydroxylase changed from 0.61mm in the absence of the inhibitor to 2.70mm in the presence of 24mm-β-2-thienyl-dl-alanine, with no significant change in the Vmax.. For kidney the corresponding values were 0.50 and 1.60mm respectively. A single dose of β-2-thienyl-dl-alanine (2mmol/kg) failed to inhibit phenylalanine hydroxylase in either organ. Repeated injections during a 4-day period caused a decline of the enzymic activity to about 40% of controls. Intestinal absorption of phenylalanine when perfused at 0.2–2.0mm concentration was also competitively inhibited by β-2-thienyl-dl-alanine. Its Ki value was estimated at 81mm. The limited inhibitory effects of β-2-thienyl-dl-alanine towards hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase and phenylalanine intestinal transport, and its rapid metabolism, as suggested by the small elimination of this compound in the urine and its virtual absence from animal tissues, are factors that restrict its potential usefulness as an inducer of phenylketonuria in rats or as an effective blocker of phenylalanine absorption by the gut.
Introducing Diagnostic Pathology.

Welcome to the new journal Diagnostic Pathology [1]! This journal will be an open access, online journal encompassing all aspects of surgical pathology, including classic diagnostic pathology, prognosis-related diagnosis and therapy-related findings. There will be a focus on the technological aspects of pathology, including molecular biology techniques, morphometry aspects, communication aspects, electronic education, and quality assurance. Our primary aim, however, is to close the gap between these different specialisations within the field of diagnostic pathology. For this reason we also welcome articles from related fields in medicine and biology.
Control of hyperuricemia in subjects with refractory gout, and induction of antibody against poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), in a phase I trial of subcutaneous PEGylated urate oxidase.

PEG-modified recombinant mammalian urate oxidase (PEG-uricase) is being developed as a treatment for patients with chronic gout who are intolerant of, or refractory to, available therapy for controlling hyperuricemia. In an open-label phase I trial, single subcutaneous injections of PEG-uricase (4 to 24 mg) were administered to 13 such subjects (11 had tophaceous gout), whose plasma uric acid concentration (pUAc) was 11.3 ± 2.1 mg/dl (mean ± SD). By day seven after injection of PEG-uricase, pUAc had declined by an average of 7.9 mg/dl and had normalized in 11 subjects, whose mean pUAc decreased to 2.8 ± 2.2 mg/dl. At doses of 8, 12, and 24 mg, the mean pUAc at 21 days after injection remained no more than 6 mg/dl. In eight subjects, plasma uricase activity was still measurable at 21 days after injection (half-life 10.5 to 19.9 days). In the other five subjects, plasma uricase activity could not be detected beyond ten days after injection; this was associated with the appearance of relatively low-titer IgM and IgG antibodies against PEG-uricase. Unexpectedly, these antibodies were directed against PEG itself rather than the uricase protein. Three PEG antibody-positive subjects had injection-site reactions at 8 to 9 days after injection. Gout flares in six subjects were the only other significant adverse reactions, and PEG-uricase was otherwise well tolerated. A prolonged circulating life and the ability to normalize plasma uric acid in markedly hyperuricemic subjects suggest that PEG-uricase could be effective in depleting expanded tissue stores of uric acid in subjects with chronic or tophaceous gout. The development of anti-PEG antibodies, which may limit efficacy in some patients, is contrary to the general assumption that PEG is non-immunogenic. PEG immunogenicity deserves further investigation, because it has potential implications for other PEGylated therapeutic agents in clinical use.
Unraveling the molecular basis for regenerative cellular plasticity.

The regeneration of lost body parts and injured organs has captured the human imagination since the time of the ancient Greeks. The deep-seated roots of this early fascination can be seen in Greek mythology. The many-headed Hydra nearly defeated the hero Heracles by growing two new heads for every one that Heracles cut off, and the liver of Prometheus, devoured by a ravenous eagle each night, regenerated every morning. Aristotle, who lived from 384–322 BC, noted that the tails of lizards and snakes, as well as the eyes of swallow-chicks, could regenerate (Aristotle 1965). This fascination became a legitimate area of scientific inquiry in 1712, when the French scientist Rene-Antoine Ferchault de Reaumur published his seminal work on crayfish limb and claw regeneration (Reaumur 1712). Soon thereafter, several other prominent scientists of the eighteenth century, including Abraham Trembley, Charles Bonnet, Peter Simon Pallas, and Lazzaro Spallanzani, discovered remarkable regenerative abilities in a variety of organisms. Hydra, earthworms, and planarians could regenerate their heads and tails (Pallas 1766; Lenhoff and Lenhoff 1986); salamanders could regenerate their limbs, tails, and jaws; premetamorphic frogs and toads could regenerate their tails and legs; slugs could regenerate their horns; and snails could regenerate their heads (Spallanzani 1769). This last discovery caused quite a stir in eighteenth-century France, leading to an “unprecedented assault” on snails as both naturalists and the general public participated in the quest for scientific knowledge by reproducing Spallanzani's intriguing results (Newth 1958).
Multimedia communication: some experiments and observations

In this paper, we present the architecture and components of two experimental multimedia communication systems built by integrating available hardware devices and developing software modules. These platforms are used to investigate various issues related to the development of distributed multimedia applications. The problems encountered during the implementation of these systems, as well as the lessons learned, are discussed. Some experimental performance measurements and major identified bottlenecks are given for each architecture.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The use of in situ X-ray diffraction, optical scattering and resistance analysis techniques for evaluation of copper diffusion barriers in blanket films and damascene structures

Three in situ analysis techniques consisting of X-ray diffraction, elastic light scattering and resistance analysis have been used to investigate the failure temperatures of Cu diffusion barriers. Bilayer films consisting of 200 nm Cu on a 20–24-nm barrier (Ta, Ti7W93, Ta36Si12N52, TiN) on single and polycrystalline Si were analyzed as blanket layers and in damascene structures. The damascene structures were trenches with SiO2/Si side walls and Si(100) bottoms 0.6 μm deep, 0.23–0.62 μm in width (aspect ratios 0.97–2.6) and 5.1–80 μm in length. Barrier failure was determined by using the three techniques to monitor Cu silicide formation, which occurs at low temperatures <250°C when Cu is in direct contact with an unlimited supply of Si. The barriers were annealed at a temperature ramp rate of 3°C/s from 100 to 1000°C in N2. In the first analysis method, failure temperatures were determined by monitoring the disappearance of the Cu(111) X-ray diffraction peak and appearance of Cu silicide diffraction peaks. Simultaneously, elastic light scattering was used, where barrier failure is indicated by increases in surface roughness monitored at two different lateral length scales. Increases in sheet resistance of the blanket films on poly-Si were also monitored simultaneously using a four-point probe technique. It was determined, with the three techniques, that the order of increasing effectiveness for the barriers studied was Ta<Ti7W93<Ta36Si12N52<TiN. It was also shown that all barriers, except TiN, show a decrease in failure temperature as trench width decreases (aspect ratio increases).
The Toxicity of 1-Week Exposures to Inhaled Chloroform in Female B6C3F1 Mice and Male F-344 Rats

Abstract The Toxicity of 1-Week Exposures to Inhaled Chloroform in Female B6C3F1 Mice and Male F-344 Rats. Larson, J. L., Wolf, D. C., Morgan, K. T., Mery, S., and Butterworth, B. E. (1994). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 22, 431-446. Detailed quantitative descriptions of the toxicity of inhaled chloroform are lacking, despite the fact that the majority of environmental exposures occur by this route. We investigated the ability of chloroform vapors to produce toxicity and regenerative cell proliferation in the livers and kidneys, the principal target organs for carcinogenicity of female B6C3F1 mice and male F-344 rats, respectively. Nasal passages were also examined for toxic responses. Rodents were exposed to chloroform vapors at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, or 300 ppm for 6 hr/day for 7 consecutive days and necropsied on Day 8. Animals were administered bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) via implanted osmotic pump for the previous 3.5 days before necropsy. Cell proliferation was quantitated as the percentage of cells in S-phase (labeling index; LI) measured by immunohistochemical detection of BrdU-labeled nuclei. Mice exposed to 100 or 300 ppm exhibited centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis and severe vacuolar degeneration of midzonal and periportal hepatocytes, while exposure to 10 or 30 ppm resulted in mild to moderate vacuolar changes in centrilobular hepatocytes. Slight, dose-related increases in the hepatocyte LI were observed for exposure concentrations of 10 and 30 ppm, while the LI was increased more than 30-fold in the 100 and 300 ppm groups. The kidneys of mice were affected only at the 300 ppm exposure, with approximately half of the proximal tubules lined by regenerating epithelium and an increased LI of tubule cells of 8-fold over control. In rats, mild centrilobular vacuolation was observed only in the livers of rats exposed to 300 ppm. The hepatocyte LI in rats were increased only at 100 and 300 ppm, 3- and 7-fold over control, respectively. In the kidneys of the male rats exposed to 300 ppm, about 25 to 50% of the proximal tubules were lined by regenerating epithelium. The LI for tubule cells in the cortex was increased at 30 ppm and above. In the nasal passages of rats, chloroform concentrations of 10 ppm and above induced histopathological changes that exhibited clear concentration-related severity. These lesions consisted of respiratory epithelial goblet cell hyperplasia and degeneration of Bowman's glands in olfactory mucosa with an associated osseous hyperplasia of the endoand ectoturbinates in the periphery of the ethmoid region. These nasal lesions were not observed in mice. Knowledge of the dose-dependent responses in rats and mice will be valuable in assessing the potential risks to humans posed by inhaled chloroform and in setting exposure concentrations for longer-term studies.
Chaos and nonlinear dynamics of single‐particle orbits in a magnetotaillike magnetic field

The properties of charged-particle motion in Hamiltonian dynamics are studied in a magnetotaillike magnetic field configuration. It is shown by numerical integration of the equation of motion that the system is generally nonintegrable and that the particle motion can be classified into three distinct types of orbits: bounded integrable orbits, unbounded stochastic orbits, and unbounded transient orbits. It is also shown that different regions of the phase space exhibit qualitatively different responses to external influences. The concept of 'differential memory' in single-particle distributions is proposed. Physical implications for the dynamical properties of the magnetotail plasmas and the possible generation of non-Maxwellian features in the distribution functions are discussed.
The role of DNA methylation in directing the functional organization of the cancer epigenome

The holistic role of DNA methylation in the organization of the cancer epigenome is not well understood. Here we perform a comprehensive, high-resolution analysis of chromatin structure to compare the landscapes of HCT116 colon cancer cells and a DNA methylation-deficient derivative. The NOMe-seq accessibility assay unexpectedly revealed symmetrical and transcription-independent nucleosomal phasing across active, poised, and inactive genomic elements. DNA methylation abolished this phasing primarily at enhancers and CpG island (CGI) promoters, with little effect on insulators and non-CGI promoters. Abolishment of DNA methylation led to the context-specific reestablishment of the poised and active states of normal colon cells, which were marked in methylation-deficient cells by distinct H3K27 modifications and the presence of either well-phased nucleosomes or nucleosome-depleted regions, respectively. At higher-order genomic scales, we found that long, H3K9me3-marked domains had lower accessibility, consistent with a more compact chromatin structure. Taken together, our results demonstrate the nuanced and context-dependent role of DNA methylation in the functional, multiscale organization of cancer epigenomes.
Factors Affecting the Activity and Heat Resistance of Swiss Cheese Starter Cultures. IV. Effect of Variations in Time and Temperature of Incubation and of Storage on Heat Resistance of Cultures

Summary 1.Successive transfers every 12 and 24 hours at 37° and 40° C. resulted in more heat resistant cultures of L. helveticus at 40° than at 37° when mother cultures were grown in freshly reconstituted skimmilk. In a medium with added accessory substances, such as Neopeptone or malt extract, 12 to 24 hours at 37° and 12 hours at 40° gave best results. 2.Consecutive transfers of Str. thermophilus at a constant temperature led to most active cultures when incubation in the fortified medium varied from 12 to 24 hours at 37°; but at 40° highest resistance to heat was shown by 12-hour cultures carried in the fortified medium. 3.Storage at 12° was least harmful to L. helveticus following incubation at 37°. Greatest heat resistance was observed when 12-hour cultures at 37° were held at 12° no longer than 60 hours, and 24-hour cultures at 37° could be stored for 48 hours at 12°. Improvement of the skimmilk medium with Neopeptone increased slightly the heat resistance of stored mother cultures. 4.Str. thermophilus grown in the fortified medium at 37° for 10 to 12 hours and then stored 84 hours at 12° or 36 hours at 4°, and 24-hour cultures at 37° held 24 hours at 12° were equivalent in heat resistance to cultures transferred every 12 hours at 37°. Storage of cultures at 12° was better than at either 4° or 20° C. 5.After incubation at 40° for 8 to 15 hours, L. helveticus could be stored at 20°, 12°, or 4° C. until cultures were 48 hours old. Storage at 12° appeared to be least harmful to mother cultures. 6.When grown at 40° C. Str. thermophilus gave heat resistant cultures only when Neopeptone was added to the skimmilk medium. Incubation at 40° for 6 to 7 hours followed by storage at either 12° or 4° C. until cultures were 48 hours old resulted in cultures as active after heating as those transferred serially at 37°. 7.Mixed cultures of the film yeast, Candida krusei, and L. helveticus exhibited greater heat resistance than pure cultures of this bacterium after incubation at 25° C. for 72 to 96 hours, and also when incubation at 37° C. for 12 hours was followed by storage at 20° C. for 36 hours. Frequent transfer of associated cultures at 37° reduced the influence of the "mycoderm"; these cultures were equal in heat resistance to pure cultures of the bacteria carried under similar conditions. 8.Str. thermophilus, Mc, grown with "mycoderm" was more active after heating than pure cultures of the bacteria carried under similar conditions. Numerous successive 12-hour transfers of the associated culture at 37° did not decrease the influence of the film yeast. 9.In old cultures bacteria nearest the "mycoderm" film grew and fermented better following heat treatment than bacteria in areas farthest removed from the pellicle formed by the film yeast.
Biochemical and cellular characteristics of the 3′ → 5′ exonuclease TREX2

TREX2 is an autonomous nonprocessive 3 0 !5 0 exonuclease, suggesting that it maintains genome integrity. To investigate TREX2’s biochemical and cellular properties, we show that endogenous TREX2 is expressed widely in mouse tissues and human cell lines. Unexpectedly, endogenous human TREX2 is predominantly expressed as a 30-kDa protein (not 26kDa, as previously believed), which is likely encoded by longer isoforms (TREX2 L1 and/or TREX2 L2 ) that possess similar capacity for selfassociation, DNA binding and catalytic activity. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis shows that the three functional activities of TREX2 are distinct, yet integrated. Mutation of amino acids putatively important for homodimerization significantly impairs both DNA binding and exonuclease activity, while mutation of amino acids (except R163) in the DNA binding and exonuclease domains affects their corresponding activities. Interestingly, however, DNA-binding domain mutations do not impact catalytic activity, while exonuclease domain mutations diminish DNA binding. To understand TREX2 cellular properties, we find endogenous TREX2 is down regulated during G2/M and nuclear TREX2 displays a punctate staining pattern. Furthermore, TREX2 knockdown reduces cell proliferation. Taken together, our results suggest that TREX2 plays an important function during DNA metabolism and cellular proliferation.
Does Child Sex Moderate Vulnerability to Postpartum Risk among Infants of Mothers at Risk for Psychopathology

Early childhood behavior problems may indicate risk for subsequent psychopathology (Shaw, Gilliom, Ingoldsby, & Nagin, Developmental Psychology, 39, 2003, 189). There is some evidence to suggest that boys and girls may be differentially susceptible to postpartum risk factors that predict problem behaviors in early childhood (Kochanska, Coy, & Murray, Child Development, 72, 2001, 1091; Martel, Klump, Nigg, Breedlove, & Sisk, Hormones and Behavior , 55, 2009, 465). The main aim of this study is to examine whether child sex moderates the effect of infant and maternal predictors of toddler problem behaviors in a unique sample of high-risk mother–child dyads. Analyses were based on data collected for 198 mother–child dyads (52% male offspring) followed longitudinally from birth to 18 months. Maternal and infant variables, including maternal PTSD and depression symptoms, maternal maltreatment history, observed maternal parenting quality, demographic risk, and infant negative emotionality and night waking, were used to predict toddler behavior problems. Although boys and girls displayed similar levels of total problem behaviors at 18 months overall, the specific set of infant and maternal variables that predicted toddler problems varied by child sex. The significant predictor for boys was maternal PTSD symptoms, whereas significant predictors for girls were infant negative emotionality and sleep problems. Results suggest that sex-differentiated transmission of risk can be identified as early as 18 months postpartum. These differences suggest a gender-specific biological sensitivity to maternal psychopathology, or alternatively, a gender-specific reporting bias among mothers with childhood maltreatment histories.
Planning, mobility, and counter guerrilla warfare

The process of solution identification is defined and structured as one of the four key components of the R & D planning process. Within the process some workable concepts of mobility are derived relating to the time factor in military operations. Data for the ballistic projectile hardware family are used to illustrate mobility capabilities. The counter guerrilla strategy of reaction to guerrilla actions is discussed and illustrative mobility requirements resulting from the strategy are displayed. A counter guerrilla system is deduced functionally and its mobility component is highlighted. Finally, the system feasibility test is described for the counter guerrilla mission, both for single targets and target complexes.
Distance between vertical asymptotes of solutions of certain nonlinear differential equations

In [S.B. Eliason, On the distance between vertical asymptotes of solutions of a second-order differential equation, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 35 (1971) 148-156], Eliason asks the question if there are results concerning bounds for the distance between vertical asymptotes of solutions of the second-order differential equation (ry^')^'-pyf(y)=0, in the case where the solution y has at least one zero between each consecutive pair of its vertical asymptotes. In this paper, we answer in the affirmative by presenting such results. We also present other related results for some other nonlinear differential equations.
Market and Society in Korea: Interest, Institution and the Textile Industry

The article presents a review of the book “Market and Society in Korea: Interest, Institution and the Textile Industry,” by Dennis McNamara.
Clinical Research: Validation of Objective Criteria for Predicting Tolerance to Enteral Feeding in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients

The purpose of this study was to determine if indicators of cardiopulmonary function identified critically ill patients who tolerate enteral feeding. Medical records of 149 patients (age, 24 to 100 years) admitted to the medical intensive care unit who had a pulmonary artery catheter placed and were started on enteral feeding were reviewed retrospectively. Of 118 patients with cardiac index 60% and with > 5 cm positive end-expiration pressure, 79 (67%) did not tolerate enteral feedings. Sensitivity was 17% and specificity was 78%. In conclusion, with the aforementioned cutoffs, cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation may identify critically ill patients likely to be intolerant of enteral feeding.
Teaching Area and Volume to Students With Mild Intellectual Disability

In the current educational climate, teachers are required to find methods to give all students, including students with mild intellectual disability, access to the general education curriculum. The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of the concrete−semiconcrete−abstract instructional sequence and model-based problem solving to teach area and volume to sixth-grade students with mild intellectual disability. The researchers in this study utilized a multiple probe design, a variation of the multiple baseline design, to establish the functional relationship between the intervention and students’ performance on area and volume problems. The participants solved a high percentage of the sixth-grade-level problems addressed on the criterion tests, but success with more complex problems will be necessary for proficiency at grade level with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics.
Cabbon-13 cross polarization with magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of organosilanes bonded to silica surfaces

Abstract High-resolution 13C-n.m.r. spectra were obtained of organosilane moieties chemically bound to the surface of silica. Techniques of cross polarization and magic angle spinning were employed. The spectra clearly confirmed some structures bound to the surface and showed that others were not as expected.
Segmenting Dissatisfied Restaurant Customers Based on Their Complaining Response Styles

ABSTRACT This study attempts to segment dissatisfied restaurant customers based on their complaining response styles and to identify socio-demographic variables that discriminate those segments. Findings suggest the presence of two customer clusters with distinct response styles; namely “talkers” and “voicers.” The results indicate that all restaurant customers respond to a dissatisfactory dining experience. Most of them utilize multiple responses to dissatisfaction. Of the demographic variables examined, only dining out frequency and marital status were found to be potent variables.
Cooperative Learning in Industrial-sized Biology Classes

This study examined the impact of cooperative learning activities on student achievement and attitudes in large-enrollment (>250) introductory biology classes. We found that students taught using a cooperative learning approach showed greater improvement in their knowledge of course material compared with students taught using a traditional lecture format. In addition, students viewed cooperative learning activities highly favorably. These findings suggest that encouraging students to work in small groups and improving feedback between the instructor and the students can help to improve student outcomes even in very large classes. These results should be viewed cautiously, however, until this experiment can be replicated with additional faculty. Strategies for potentially improving the impact of cooperative learning on student achievement in large courses are discussed.
Robust ICA analysis for model-free functional connectivity detection

Resting state oscillations have been detected in functiona l MRI studies, and appear to be synchronized between functionally related areas. It has also been shown that these synchronized oscillations decrease in some pathological states. Thus, these fluctuations are important as a potential signal of interest, which could indicate connectivity between functionally related areas of the brain. A current challenge is to detect these patterns without using an external reference. ICA analysis is a promising model-free technique that finds the independent components in a data set. A drawback to using ICA is the possibility of convergence problems in the presence of noise, and signal mixing across components. This work utilizes a recently developed denoising method as a preprocessing step to condition task and resting state functional MRI data for ICA analysis. The advant ages of this approach include increased reliability of ICA results and allowing region specific signal patterns to be separated using a model-free analysis.
Gender role stereotyping in children's literature: An update

The impact of gender role stereotyping in children's literature has been examined in numerous studies over the past two decades. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sex bias portrayed in picture books is still as prevalent as in the past. In particular, we were interested in whether the frequency of males and females in pictures and their characterizations had changed. One hundred and fifty children's picture books were analyzed for gender role content. It was found that while the frequency of males and females depicted in the stories had indeed become more evenly distributed over the past 50 years, the roles played by males and females have changed in a more subtle way. Girls are now being pictured in more instrumental activities, but are as passive dependent as 50 years ago. Boys are occasionally shown as passive dependent today, but are no less instrumental than 50 years ago. The findings suggest that increased effort is needed on the part of publishers and authors to provide children with literature that more closely parallels the roles of males and females in contemporary society.
Imaging of suspected acute small bowel obstruction.

PPROXIMATELY 4% of all patients evaluated in emergency departments with acute abdominal pain are ultimately diagnosed with bowel obstruction. 1 Suspected intestinal obstruction accounts for 20% of all surgical admissions in patients presenting to emergency departments with acute abdominal pain. 2 Approximately 60% to 85% of cases of obstruction occur in the small bowel, 10% to 15% in the colon, and the remainder in the stomach and esophagus. 2,3 The traditional methods for evaluating and diagnosing suspected intestinal obstruction are the clinical history, physical examination, and supine and erect radiographs of the abdomen. However, using these techniques, the diagnosis is not established in 30% to 40% of cases. 3 CT has emerged as a valuable tool in the assessment of these patients. A single CT study can answer the most significant questions a clinician is confronted with in assessing these patients by: (1) establishing the diagnosis of obstruction, (2) determining the location and cause of the obstruction, (3) assessing for the presence of ischemia, and (4) aiding in timing of surgical therapy. This article reviews the imaging findings used to establish the diagnosis, etiology, and complications of acute small bowel obstruction. The major focus relates to CT evaluation. IMAGING OF SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION
ROS and p53: A versatile partnership

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is a redox-active transcription factor that organizes and directs cellular responses in the face of a variety of stresses that lead to genomic instability. One of the most important questions in the study of p53 is how selective transactivation of certain p53 target genes is achieved. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by cells as products or by-products, can function either as signaling molecules or as cellular toxicants. Cellular generation of ROS is central to redox signaling. Recent studies have revealed that each cellular concentration and distribution of p53 has a distinct cellular function and that ROS act as both an upstream signal that triggers p53 activation and a downstream factor that mediates apoptosis. Here, we examine the newly discovered role of p53 in regulating cellular ROS generation and how ROS modulate selective transactivation of p53 target genes. The focus is on interlinks between ROS and p53.
HPLC Determination of C-7 Oxidized Cholesterol Derivatives in Foods

A method was developed for the rapid, accurate analysis of C-7 oxdized cholesterol derivatives (C-7 OCDs) in muscle and other foods. The method avoids saponification. Total lipid extracts were fractionated on silica gel columns to concentrate trace sterol oxides from triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids. Sterol oxides in eluates were quantified by normal-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Recoveries of C-7 OCDs added to beef approached 100%. Pancake mix, French fries, and organ product “concentrates” sold in health food stores contained from 1 to 70 ppm of C-7 OCDs (7-keto, 7α-hydroxy and 7β-hydroxycholesterol), but none could be detected in raw beef, fried chicken, cooked hamburger, beef jerky or liver sausage.
On the strain energy release rate for a cracked plate subjected to out-of-plane bending moment

For a through-the-thickness crack in an infinite plate subjected to out-of-plane uniform bending moment, the strain energy release rate is determined using the virtual crack extension and the variation of potential energy. It is shown that the strain energy release rate for the Reissner's plate approaches the classical plate solution as the ratio of plate thickness to crack size becomes infinitesimally small. By using this result, the limiting expression of the stress intensity factor can be explicitly obtained. For general problems, the modified crack closure method is shown to be an efficient tool for evaluating the strain energy release rates from which the stress intensity factor can be calculated. Both the classical plate element and the Mindlin plate element are investigated, and the applicability of the classical plate element is evaluated. Because the stress-free conditions along the crack face lead to inter-penetration of the plate, a line contact model is assumed to investigate the closure effect using Reissner plate theory. Closure at the compressive side is shown to reduce crack opening displacement and consequently the stress intensity factors. When closure is considered, the strain energy rate based on the Reissner plate theory converges to the classical plate solution. This is similar to the nonclosure case.
Clinical syndromes and consequences of antiretroviral‐related hepatotoxicity

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-related hepatotoxicity complicates the management of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increases medical costs, alters the prescription patterns, and affects the guideline recommendations. Among the clinical consequences derived from HAART-related liver toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions and lactic acidosis are recognized as acute events with potential to evolve into fatal cases, whereas there seems to be other syndromes not as well characterized but of equal concern as possible long-term liver complications. Belonging to the latter category of syndrome, HAART-related nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia are discussed in this review. Updated information on liver toxicity of current antiretroviral drugs, including the most recently licensed, is provided. Management and prevention of liver toxicity among HIV-infected patients treated with HAART are reviewed as well.
High Dose Zinc Increases Hospital Admissions Due to Genitourinary Complications

Purpose: Zinc is a common dietary supplement that is widely believed to have beneficial health effects. To assess the impact of high dose supplemental zinc on genitourinary diseases we analyzed a recent randomized trial comparing zinc, antioxidants and their combination to placebo for complications related to the genitourinary tract.Materials and Methods: In a further analysis of the recent Age-related Eye Disease Study we examined the data pool for primary International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision codes given for hospital admissions related to urological problems. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study randomized 3,640 patients with age related macular degeneration to 1 of 4 study arms, including placebo, antioxidants (500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E and 15 mg β-carotene), 80 mg zinc and antioxidant plus zinc. Statistical analyses using Fisher’s exact test were performed.Results: We found a significant increase in hospital admissions due to genitourinary causes in patients on zinc vs nonzinc f...
Involvement of direct phosphorylation in the regulation of the rat parotid Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter

We identify a 175-kDa membrane phosphoprotein (pp175) in rat parotid acini whose properties correlate well with the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter previously characterized functionally and biochemically in this tissue. pp175 was the only phosphoprotein immunoprecipitated by an anti-Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter antibody and the only membrane protein whose phosphorylation state was conspicuously altered after a brief (45-s) exposure of acini to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Phosphopeptide mapping provided evidence for three phosphorylation sites on pp175, only one of which was labeled in response to isoproterenol treatment. The half-maximal effect of isoproterenol on phosphorylation of pp175 (approximately 20 nM) was in excellent agreement with its previously demonstrated up-regulatory effect on cotransport activity. Increased phosphorylation of pp175 was also seen following acinar treatment with a permeant cAMP analogue and with forskolin, conditions that have likewise been shown to up-regulate the cotransporter. Combined with earlier results from our laboratory, these data provide strong evidence that the up-regulation of the cotransporter by these agents is due to direct phosphorylation mediated by protein kinase A. AlF(-)4 treatment, which results in an up-regulation of cotransport activity comparable with that observed with isoproterenol (approximately 6-fold), caused a similar increase in phosphorylation of pp175. However, hypertonic shrinkage and treatment with the protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A, which also up-regulate the cotransporter (approximately 3-fold and approximately 6-fold, respectively) caused no change in the phosphorylation level. Furthermore, although acinar treatment with the muscarinic agonist carbachol results in a dramatic up-regulation of cotransport activity and a concomitant phosphorylation of pp175, no phosphorylation of pp175 was seen with the Ca(2+)-mobilizing agent thapsigargin, which is able to fully mimic the up-regulatory effect of carbachol on transport activity. Taken together, these results indicate that direct phosphorylation is only one of the mechanisms involved in secretagogue-induced regulation of the rat parotid Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter.
AFSCME as a political union

AFSCME has emerged as the third largest union in the U. S. and the largest public-sector affiliate of the AFL-C1O. Since the 1960s, its leadership has vigorously pursued organizing and political action. Despite its highly visible role in U.S. politics, little systematic research exists on the union in this context. I examine AFSCME's political apparatus, the scope of its electoral and legislative involvement, its political ideology and legislative priorities, and its political effectiveness. I also explore the controversy regarding the use of compulsory dues for political purposes, and AFSCME's resulting rebate procedure. I find that AFSCME donates a considerable portion of its resources to political action (between 10 percent to a third of its budget at the international level), that its political ideology is focused heavily on expanding the rights and economic status of public employees, and that AFSCME has emerged as a prominent, if not the prominent, political union in the U.S. labor movement.
A Photo-Sensitive Protecting Group for Amines Based on Coumarin Chemistry

There is a continuing need for the development of new protecting groups for amines which can be cleaved under conditions that are mild and fundamentally different from what are already available. In this paper, we report our studies in using o-hydroxy-trans-cinnamic acid as a photo-sensitive protecting group for amines. The design takes advantage of the trans-cis photo-isomerization and the ensuing facile lactonization of o-hydroxy-cis-cinnamic acid and derivatives. We have found that both the protection and deprotection can be carried out in high yields for a variety of amines with different structural features. The deprotection reaction uses low intensity UV light (365 nm), which is fundamentally different from the conditions used for the deprotection of other commonly used amino-protecting groups. Therefore, the method complements other available methods in allowing for selective manipulation of different functional groups in a complex organic molecule.
Nucleon emission from a hot zone in heavy ion reactions

Abstract The emission of particles from a localized hot zone during the early stage of a heavy ion reaction is considered. The zone is parameterized by two parameters: its relative compression and size. Refraction of nucleons emitted from the hot zone at the nuclear boundary is included. The angular and energy distributions of emitted nucleons are calculated and compared with recent experimental data.
Role of phosphatidylinositol kinase in PDGF receptor signal transduction

The molecules with which the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor interacts to elicit the biochemical reactions responsible for cell proliferation have not been identified. Antisera directed against specific PDGF receptor peptides coprecipitated a phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase and the PDGF receptor. Immunoprecipitates from PDGF-stimulated cells contained 10 to 50 times as much PI kinase as those from unstimulated cells. Mutation of the PDGF receptor by deletion of its kinase insert region resulted in a receptor markedly less effective than the wild type in eliciting cell proliferation and defective in PDGF-stimulated PI kinase, but still capable of PDGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation and phosphoinositide hydrolysis. These data show that the PDGF receptor is physically associated with a PDGF-sensitive PI kinase that is distinct from tyrosine kinase and is not required for PDGF-induced PI hydrolysis. The finding that the mutant PDGF receptor missing the kinase insert domain elicited known early biochemical responses to PDGF, but did not associate with or regulate PI kinase, suggests a novel role for the receptor-associated PI kinase in the transmission of mitogenic signals.
Ulnar Nerve Laceration and Repair

Patient age, the site and extent of the injury, and the delay of treatment significantly influence the outcome after repair of ulnar nerve injuries. Ulnar nerve repairs in older patients, high-level injury, and delayed cases may result in a poor prognosis. High-level lesions and lesions that are close to the elbow can also benefit from nerve transposition. Splinting in wrist flexion and/or elbow extension with carpal tunnel and Guyon's canal releases are necessary for lesions that are closer to the wrist. Arterial repairs combined with nerve repairs especially in low-level injury can provide superior outcomes.
Helmholtz coil for Magnetic Resonance Prostate imaging

The state of the art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) coil for Prostate imaging is the endorectal coil. The endorectal coil is uncomfortable for patients and distorts the prostate during imaging. This paper investigates the use of an external coil in the Helmholtz configuration to image the prostate and pelvic region.
A review and synthesis of OR/MS and creative problem solving (Parts 1 and 2)

Abstract Problem solving in operations research and management science is both a science and an art. While much has been written about the science of OR/MS, relatively little has been written about the art . Art, by its very nature, is a creative discipline. This implies that creative thinking should be an important component of OR/MS methodology. A rich literature on creative thinking exists, mostly in the domains of psychology and design. Creativity has been indirectly discussed in OR/MS research and practice, but seldom as a central theme. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on creative thinking and problem solving that has special relevance to traditional OR/MS methodology. In this part we focus on problem solving, the need for creative thinking, and fundamental concepts of creativity. In Part 2 we synthesize the OR/MS literature that relates to creative thinking, and provide a framework for integrating structured creative thinking processes with OR/MS methodology. Finally, we discuss implications for education, research, and practice.
Changes for Bicêtre and its elderly residents: the paradox of progress.

Recent changes at Bicetre, the historic French institution, exemplify an old paradox in the care of the elderly: improvements which benefit part of a society can mean more misfortunes for others. The effect of relocation of its elderly residents to make way for renovations poses important questions of priorities in societal values.
The effect of trunk angle on power production in cycling.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of three different trunk angles (60, 90, and 120° relative to the ground) on power production of 16 male recreational cyclists (age 20-36 years) when the hip, knee, and ankle angles were controlled. Wingate anaerobic tests were performed on a modified Monark cycle ergometer against a resistance of 85 g/kg of the subjects' body mass (5.0 J/crank rev/kg BM). The order of test conditions was randomly assigned, with a minimum of 24 hr between sessions. A DM MANOVA and post-hoc tests revealed that peak power at the 60 and 90° trunk angle was significantly greater than that at the 120° angle, and mean power in the 90° angle was significantly greater than that at the 120° angle. It was concluded that changes in cycling trunk angle may affect peak power and mean power.
The Death of Painting (After Plato)

Whereas the entrance of the monochrome into modern art has typically been understood in light of movements in contemporary art and aesthetic theory following in its wake, this essay seeks to understand the motivations for, and the effect of, the monochrome in the work of Aleksandr Rodchenko in 1921 in reference to Plato’s analysis of pure pleasure and absolute beauty in the Philebus. I argue that Rodchenko and Plato were motivated by a shared project to contend with the aesthetic and psychological effects of figurative semblance, or what Socrates calls the phantasm, in order to harmonize human perception with the world of sensuous material objects. It is in this shared project, I contend, that Rodchenko’s strategy is to be understood as a kind of materialist Platonism that, when viewed phenomenologically, reveals Plato’s objects of absolute beauty to be, in the context of industrial capitalism and the crisis of perception that Benjamin, among others, saw as its consequence, sites of loss and meaninglessness for modern consciousness, yet sites which nonetheless contain emancipatory potential for a social order that has been systematically alienated from itself and its environment.
Paleodemographic Correlates of Fertility: A Reply to Corruccini, Brandon, and Handler and to Holland

Corruccini et al. apply our method of fertility estimation to a Barbados slave population, find that it yields contradictory and erratic estimates of the crude birth rate (CBR), examine its theoretical basis, and conclude that a pessimistic view of paleodemography in general is warranted. We argue that the sample utilized by Corruccini et al. is not well suited for methodological testing. Misestimates of fertility more likely were caused by the peculiarities of this particular sample than by flaws in our method or weaknesses in its theoretical foundation. Deterministic simulations also demonstrate that our method is theoretically well founded. We cannot, therefore, share Corruccini et al.'s pessimism concerning the feasibility of paleodemographic research. Holland suggests we have erred by providing a "unicausal" model for increased fertility in prehistoric west-central Illinois. He argues that a fuller multicausal model including coevolutionary effects provides a more accurate depiction of the prehistoric events contributing to increased fertility. We appreciate Holland's call for more elaborate models of prehistoric behaviors and evolutionary interactions between humans and other organisms. Unfortunately, his model is untestable because it includes a feedback loop with no exogenous variables. Because of a lack of outside input, Holland's model is immobile and cannot be used in itself to explain changes in organismal biology or behavior.
Electron energy loss spectrum of ozone

Abstract Electron energy loss spectra for ozone are presented over the energy loss range 1–30 eV with an incident electron energy of 300 eV. The data are obtained using an electron monochromator—analyzer combination and a static gas cell, and have a resolution of 0.035 eV fwhm.
Evaluation of five rapid systems for the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Five commercial kit systems for the rapid identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were evaluated. The systems were tested with various pathogenic and saprophytic Neisseria and Branhamella strains having reactions typical for their individual species. Three systems (RIM-N, quadFERM, and RapID NH) were found to be 100% sensitive and specific.