cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sovereignty and the City: Raiding, Detaining, and Domestic Immigration Policing

In this paper I focus on the political spatiality of immigration enforcement. In particular, I suggest that in the last two decades a network of immigration enforcement has been layered over existing spatial features of the American landscape. I examine the network of highways and transportation, the growth in work and home raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the expansion of the immigrant detention network. About these, I suggest that they constitute spaces of racialized policing. The turn of these realms into spaces of security has reduced the capacity of migrants to access and create public spaces. The segregation of urban and suburban America, as well as the divergent meaning that the above-mentioned spaces elicit in non-racialized individuals, has hidden the growth in reach of the policing capacities of the state. These policing capacities are legitimized by the guiding fictions of external sovereignty and invade domestic spaces imperiling the capacity of migrants to take these spaces and - through democratic action - contests exclusionary discourses of citizenship and put forward claims for a right to membership. If rights, conceptualized by Don Mitchell as “a cry and a demand,” can only be heard when there is a space from which these cries and demands are visible, I suggest that the spatial transformations that characterized immigration enforcement have focused on reducing the spaces in which immigrants (and, through racialization, all Latina/os in the United States) can safely stand to contest and challenge the existing power relations.
Crkl Enhances Leukemogenesis in BCR/ABL P190 Transgenic Mice

The adapter protein Crkl has been implicated in the abnormal signal transduction pathways activated by the Bcr/Abl oncoprotein, which causes Philadelphia-positive leukemias in humans. To investigate the role of Crkl in tumorigenesis, we have generated transgenic mice that express human Crkl from the CRKL promoter. Western blot analysis showed a 4–6-fold overexpression of transgenic Crkl above endogenous crkl in two lines and increased constitutive complex formation between Crkl and C3G, an exchange factor for the small GTPase Rap1. This was associated with a significant increase in integrin-based motility of transgenic macrophages. Overexpression of Crkl was associated with increased incidence of tumor formation, and Rap1 was activated in a metastatic mammary carcinoma. The coexpression of Crkl and Bcr/Abl in mice transgenic for P190 BCR/ABL and CRKL markedly increased the rapidity of development of leukemia/lymphoma, decreasing the average survival by 3.8 months. These results provide direct evidence that Crkl plays a role in tumor development and is important in the leukemogenesis caused by Bcr/Abl.
Tridiagonal systems, and the evaluation of polynomials revisited [CRUNCH]

In the previous installment, we looked at some generalpurpose linear solvers—some approaches to solving systems of simultaneous linear algebraic equations for cases in which there are no distinctive features offered by the coefficient matrix used in the description of the system. We concentrated on Gaussian elimination and LU decomposition. The computational effort required to solve an n-square system via either of those techniques is O(n3), although, as was pointed out, solution via LU decomposition requires only O(n2) arithmetic operations after the factorization is complete. Thus, solving a system of linear equations for more than one right-hand side (i.e., for more than one forcing vector) enjoys significant computational economy when LU decomposition is employed instead of Gaussian elimination.
Heart-kidney interactions in ischemic syndromes.

To the Editor: In a recent GUSTO-IV substudy of 6809 patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndromes, raised serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and creatinine clearance below the 25th percentile (51 mL/min) independently predicted 1-year mortality.1 The combination of creatinine clearance with BNP was the strongest predictor of death, compared with each marker alone, or to the combination of BNP with troponin T, C-reactive protein, or heart rate. Strikingly, creatinine clearance <51 mL/min, but not raised BNP, also predicted myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days. Unexpectedly, however, the authors did not discuss the association of renal impairment with incident death and MI. We propose that renal dysfunction may increase the risk of death and MI in these patients, at least in part, through an associated reduction of erythropoietin secretion2 and …
Circulatory measurements data processing system

A new system for shipboard processing of circulatory survey data has been implemented by the National Ocean Survey (NOS). Hardware requirements, software design, and preliminary results of certification testing and field use are presented with sample outputs.
Pediatricians’ Use of and Attitudes About Personal Digital Assistants

Background. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are being increasingly used in medical practice. Although they have been touted as having the ability to improve efficiency and safety, little is known about pediatricians’ use of and attitudes about PDAs. Objective. Our goals were to 1) determine the percentage of pediatricians using PDAs and computers, 2) determine perceived strengths and weaknesses of PDAs, and 3) explore characteristics associated with beliefs and use. Design/Methods. Pediatricians (2130) were selected randomly from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile of US-licensed physicians. All participants were mailed a survey along with a prepaid return envelope and a $1 incentive. Up to 3 mailings were sent per participant. Results. Of eligible participants, 63.2% returned a survey. There were no significant differences between respondents and nonrespondents with respect to sex, type of practice, and present employment. Thirty-five percent of respondents currently use PDAs at work, and 40% currently use PDAs for personal use. Of those using PDAs, the most commonly used applications were for drug reference (80%), personal scheduling (67%), and medical calculations (61%). Few pediatricians are currently using PDAs for prescription writing (8%) or billing (4%). Users of PDAs were more likely to be male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64–3.19), in an urban community (AOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.30–2.55), in training (AOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.58–4.42), not in private practice (AOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.03–2.11), and a more recent graduate of medical school (AOR: 1.04 per year; 95% CI: 1.02–1.06). When controlling for covariates, those using PDAs were more likely to believe that PDAs can decrease medical errors (AOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.46–3.38) and increase efficiency (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.56–3.71). When compared with nonusers, users were less likely to view the small screen size (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37–0.77) or system speed (AOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.84) as a problem but were significantly more likely to view memory as an issue (AOR: 3.48; 95% CI: 2.30–5.25). Conclusions. More than one third of pediatricians are using PDAs in clinical practice. There seems to be a general consensus among users that they have the potential to improve patient safety and streamline care. Future studies should explore means to utilize their potential.
Switching customers from branches to internet: A credit union's journey

This research paper reports how a credit union applied knowledge from the literature to solve a marketing problem. A credit union serves a unique group of customers who may be in the same profession, have the same employer, or simply in the same regional location. The marketing problem is how to switch bank customers from branches to internet for the main reason of reducing transaction costs. The research model comprises the independent factors of customer, transaction, application, and bank; and the dependent variables the number of internet banking transaction, perceived usefulness of internet banking, and willingness to use internet banking measuring different aspects of internet banking. We carried out an on-site survey in different branches of our subject credit union to capture the opinion of customers who rely solely on branches for banking transactions. To our knowledge, this study provides a pioneer internet banking survey in the context of credit unions. The survey results reveal different internet banking facilitators for customers with and without internet bank accounts. For customers with internet bank accounts, application security is the most important facilitator variable for them to continue its use in the future; while promises for continuous improvement can be a prohibitive variable. In order to encourage customers without internet bank accounts to adopt internet banking, the management should focus on strengthening the variables of bank diversified service, bank responsiveness, bank image, and extra online instruction and feedback for complicate internet transactions; and reducing the negative effect of web fun/entertainment. We also found that the variables of proficiency in using computers, application security, and bank image have opposite effects on customers with and without internet bank accounts.
Longitudinal changes in bone mass after one year as measured by different techniques in patients with osteoporosis.

Bone mass was measured in 49 post-menopausal women by the following techniques: single photon absorptiometry at the radius (SPA), dual photon absorptiometry at the lumbar spine (DPA), quantitative computed tomography at the lumbar spine with an area of interest of only trabecular bone (QCT) or of an integrated cross-section of the vertebral body (QCTi), and total body calcium by neutron activation analysis (TBCa). Each women had two measurements with a one-year interval. Half of them were treated with calcium supplementation only; the other half also received calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol). The aim of this report was to compare the changes of bone mass as measured by the different techniques. The DPA and QCTi values were significantly lower at one year than at baseline (by paired t-tests). The mean percent changes (±SD) for the measurements were: TBC, −0.4 ±4.6%; SPA-1, 1.2±7.1%; SPA-2, 0.7±6.0%; DPA, −2.5±11%; QCT, 6.5±23%; and QCTi, −6.0±9%. The percent changes by one technique did not show significant correlation to the percent changes by the other methods. We conclude that the precision of the methods in this clinical setting is not sufficient to show correlations after only one year; in additon, there may have been different rates of changes at different sites of the skeleton.
Reconstruction of mandibular discontinuity with autogenous iliac bone graft: Report of 34 consecutive patients

This article reviews 34 consecutive reconstructions of mandibular discontinuity defects done between 1972 and 1988. All reconstructions were performed secondarily with use of free iliac crest bone grafting. The technique is described, three cases are presented in detail, and results for the entire series are tabulated. These results show a 100% graft incorporation rate along with low overall morbidity.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT: INTEGRAL TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Adults in the workforce must be retrained to keep pace with the development of the nation and the advances and changes in an ever‐increasing information‐ and technology‐driven world economy. Career development is an essential component of all training and retraining programs. The quality of the future workforce depends on the ability to adapt to rapid changes, including the information explosion and the rapid advancement of technology. Career development competencies address these changes over an individual's lifetime as competencies attained at one level of education are the basis for new, expanded competencies at the next level. Career development structures greatly enhance the ability of a nation to have a productive workforce, the essential basis of economic development. Trainers of the future workforce must be aware of the importance of career development and integrate career development competencies in every program. In‐service education opportunities must be made accessible to trainers for successf...
Measuring the duration of perception

An analysis is presented of ways in which the total duration of perception of transient visual stimuli may be determined by means of psychophysical judgments of the simultaneity (or relative precedence) of two sensory events. This analysis yields a new method for measuring the duration of perception that only requires judgments of the simultaneity of the offset of one visual target with the onset of another (“offset-onset” judgments), and is thus free of differential biases between onset-onset and offset-onset judgments of simultaneity which could be involved in previous measurements. When three or more perceived durations need to be determined, the new method is more efficient than earlier methods; it requires measurement of only one PSE in order to evaluate one response duration as compared to two PSEs per response duration for previous methods. We also describe ways of determining the presence of some kinds of biases and quantitatively evaluating the magnitude of bias in the new method, as well as bias in onset-onset or offset-offset judgments of simultaneity alone; such evaluations of differential bias were not possible for the earlier methods. An experimental example of a bias analysis is described. No significant biasing effects were detected in the measures of perceived duration that were extracted as either retinal location or background luminance was changed, although background luminance itself markedly influenced the values of perceived duration.
Cardiovascular and T2–T4 dorsal horn cell responses to gallbladder distention in the cat

Abstract Effects of gallbladder distention on blood pressure, heart rate, and T 2 –T 4 dorsal horn cell activity were determined in 18 cats anesthetized with α-chloralose. Distention of the gallbladder (10–100 mm Hg) increased blood pressure in 17 of 18 cats, but heart rate was altered in only 2. The gallbladder pressure-blood pressure relation was derived for 11 cats. Pressor responses were greater with greater distending pressures over the gallbladder pressure range of 20–80 mm Hg. The maximum increase in blood pressure was21 ± 6mm Hg at a gallbladder pressure of 80 mm Hg. Effects of gallbladder distention were tested on 64 T 2 –T 4 dorsal horn neurons which met the following criteria: they had a somatic receptive field and were excited or inhibited by electrical stimulation of the left greater splanchnic nerve. In addition, all 64 neurons responded to stimulation of cardiopulmonary sympathetic afferent fibers. Gallbladder distention excited 17 cells and inhibited 9 cells. Responses usually consisted of phasic and tonic components. Significant increases or decreases in cell activity were elicited at a gallbladder pressure of 40 mm Hg. Pressor responses as well as changes in cell activity were abolished or greatly attenuated when both greater splanchnic nerves were sectioned. Vagotomy had no effect. Gallbladder pressure thresholds for a change in blood pressure (27 ± 3mm Hg) and cell activity (29 ± 4mm Hg) were not significantly different. Cells responding to gallbladder distention were located in laminae IV–VII of the T 2 –T 4 segments. We conclude that gallbladder distention alters cell activity in the upper thoracic spinal cord and increases blood pressure. These findings may explain the phenomenon of chest pain which results from disease of the gallbladder.
Optically induced nonresonant changes in the refractive index of Ti:Al(2)O(3).

Changes in the refractive index of Ti:Al2O3 induced by 10-nsec, 532-nm pump pulses from a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser have been measured interferometrically at 632.8 nm for signal polarizations parallel (π) and perpendicular (σ) to the c axis. The nonthermal portion of these changes decays on a 3-μsec time scale characteristic of the fluorescence lifetime of Ti3+. For the σ polarization, the nonthermal index change is equal to the concentration of excited Ti3+ ions times (4 ± 2) × 10−24 cm3. The change for the π polarization is lower by a factor of 3.7 ± 0.6. The average change is consistent with the value estimated from a harmonic oscillator model that considers virtual transitions to a charge-transfer band.
Monads in topology

Abstract Let T be a submonad of the ultrafilter monad β and let G be a subfunctor of the filter functor. The T-algebras are topological spaces whose closed sets are the subalgebras and form thereby an equationally definable full subcategory of topological spaces. For appropriate T, countably generated free algebras provide ZFC examples of separable, Urysohn, countably compact, countably tight spaces which are neither compact nor sequential, and 2 c non-homeomorphic such examples exist. For any space X, say that U ⊂ X is G-open if U belongs to every ultrafilter in GX which converges in U. The full subcategory Top G consists of all G-spaces, those spaces in which every G-open set is open. Each Top G has at least these stability properties: it contains all Alexandroff spaces, and is closed under coproducts, quotients and locally closed subspaces. Examples include sequential spaces, P-spaces and countably tight spaces. T-algebras are characterized as the T-compact, T-Hausdorff T-spaces. Malyhin's theorem on countable tightness generalizes verbatim to Top G for any G ⊂ β . For r ∈ ω ⋆ = β ω \ ω , let G r be the subfunctor of β generated by r and let T r be the generated submonad. If ⩽ RK is the Rudin–Keisler preorder on ω ⋆ , r ⩽ RK s ⇔ G r ⊂ G s . Let ⩽ c be the Comfort preorder and define the monadic preorder r ⩽ m s to mean T r ⊂ T s . Then r ⩽ RK s ⇒ r ⩽ m s ⇒ r ⩽ c s . It follows that there exist 2 c monadic types. For each such type T r , the T r -algebras form an equationally definable full subcategory of topological spaces with only one operation of countably infinite arity. No two of these varieties are term equivalent nor is any one a full subcategory of another inside topological spaces. Say that r ∈ ω ⋆ is an m-point if G r ≠ T r . Under CH, m-points exist.
Neuronal DNA content variation (DCV) with regional and individual differences in the human brain

It is widely assumed that the human brain contains genetically identical cells through which postgenomic mechanisms contribute to its enormous diversity and complexity. The relatively recent identification of neural cells throughout the neuraxis showing somatically generated mosaic aneuploidy indicates that the vertebrate brain can be genomically heterogeneous (Rehen et al. [2001] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 98:13361–13366; Rehen et al. [2005] J. Neurosci. 25:2176–2180; Yurov et al. [2007] PLoS ONE:e558; Westra et al. [2008] J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1944–1951). The extent of human neural aneuploidy is currently unknown because of technically limited sample sizes, but is reported to be small (Iourov et al. [2006] Int. Rev. Cytol. 249:143–191). During efforts to interrogate larger cell populations by using DNA content analyses, a surprising result was obtained: human frontal cortex brain cells were found to display “DNA content variation (DCV)” characterized by an increased range of DNA content both in cell populations and within single cells. On average, DNA content increased by ∼250 megabases, often representing a substantial fraction of cells within a given sample. DCV within individual human brains showed regional variation, with increased prevalence in the frontal cortex and less variation in the cerebellum. Further, DCV varied between individual brains. These results identify DCV as a new feature of the human brain, encompassing and further extending genomic alterations produced by aneuploidy, which may contribute to neural diversity in normal and pathophysiological states, altered functions of normal and disease-linked genes, and differences among individuals. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3981–4000, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Energy savings modelling of re-tuning energy conservation measures in large office buildings

Today, many large commercial buildings use building automation systems to manage a wide range of equipment. This paper investigates the energy savings potential of several common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system re-tuning measures on a typical large office building using the EnergyPlus software. Individual re-tuning measures simulated include automatic schedule adjustments, damper minimum flow adjustments, thermostat adjustments, as well as dynamic resets to static pressure, supply-air temperature, condenser chilled- and hot-water temperatures, and chilled and hot water differential pressure set points. All individual measures and combinations were simulated in 16 locations representative of different climates in the USA. Many of the demand-side individual measures were capable of reducing annual HVAC energy consumption by over 20% in most cities. Supply-side measures affecting HVAC plant conditions were only modestly successful (less than 5% annual HVAC energy savings). Some of th...
A Study of the Relationship of Chemical Composition and Humidity to Light Scattering by Aerosols

Abstract A chemically pure aerosol of defined size distribution exhibits a unique growth pattern due to adsorption of water vapor, and to hygroscopic and/or deliquescence effects which are dependent upon relative humidity and which can be followed by measuring light scattering by the aerosol. A number of pure aerosols were produced artificially in the laboratory, subjected to a controlled humidity environment, and the magnitude of their light scattering coefficient measured continuously over a wide range of relative humidity (20–90%) with an integrating nephelometer. The results obtained can be applied to similar measurements on ambient air to yield qualitative chemical information and to determine the amount of visibility degradation which may be attributed to the association of water vapor with atmospheric aerosols. Examples of light scattering-relative humidity relationships for atmospheric aerosols are given.
Type 2 neurosecretory axons (secretory end-feet) at the base of the cerebral ganglion of Perinereis cultrifera Grube (Annelida: Polychaeta).

Abstract Type 2 neurosecretory axons (secretory end-feet) packed with mitochondria abut the neural lamella (brain capsule) of the floor of the cerebral ganglion. Some axons extend through the neural lamella and terminate adjacent to its ventral surface. It is hypothesized that the lamella serves as an acellular diffusion medium and as a possible reservoir for neurosecretory products.
In vivo D-chiroinositol activates skeletal muscle glycogen synthase and inactivates glycogen phosphorylase in rhesus monkeys

Chiroinositol, a component of an inositol phosphoglycan, has been found to be reduced in the urine of humans and monkeys with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. To determine whether in vivo repletion of this inositol could improve the action of insulin on skeletal muscle glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase, D-chiroinositol was administered intravenously to six monkeys during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Enzyme activities were determined in vastus lateralis which was freeze-clamped in situ at three time periods: immediately prior to initiation of the clamp, after steady-state glucose and insulin concentrations had been reached and the glucose disposal rate determined, and 30 min after the administration of D-chiroinositol which was superimposed on the steady-state clamp condition. D-chiroinositol increased the activity (independent and fractional velocity) of glycogen synthase ( P P
Bearing Condition Monitoring for Preventive Maintenance in a Production Environment

Premature failure of machine, tool spindle bearings is a major problem in production that can result in an enormous loss in production and spindle rehabilitation cost. The bearing internal contact force tends to change when the spindle is subjected to abnormal operating conditions. In this paper, the complicated variations in the condition of a grinding spindle in a three-shift production line were studied with a focus on examining the drift of bearing operating conditions over a long period of time. The results show that a stable operating condition was achieved and this condition gradually shifts due to factors such as the start-slop of the spindle between shifts, wear, contamination, and temperature. It is shown in this paper that the bearing condition can be explicitly expressed. on-line in a chart, denoted as a stability margin (SM) chart, where the nominal operating condition can be specified. As a result, predictive maintenance can be achieved try examining the bearing condition in comparison with ...
Ion transport systems sequenced

Abstract Fifteen years after purification of the sodium pump, complete amino acid sequences of the catalytic subunit from two different animals have been published. The sequences make strong predictions for membrane spanning regions on the aminoterminal third and the carboxy-terminal third of the peptide and a major cytosolic domain formed from the center region. However, the regions that make up the cation binding and transport sites remain obscure, emphasizing the importance of additional site-specific labeling studies. Perhaps the most interesting revelation from the sequences is the degree of homology between the (Na + , K + )-ATPases from two diverse species (> 85% homology between sheep kidney and Torpedo electric organ enzymes) and the homology with other members of this family of ATP-coupled ion transporters: the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase and the bacterial potassium pump. This family of enzymes with similar catalytic mechanisms has clearly evolved from a common gene.
Population and species diversity fluctuations in a rocky intertidal community relative to severe aerial exposure and sediment burial

From a series of 10 quarterly assessment between October 1975 and May 1978 (inclusive), fluctuations in abundance were determined for macroinvertebrates and macrophytes of a rocky intertidal community on Santa Cruz Island, California, USA. During afternoon low tides in late fall and winter of the first 2 yr of study, organisms of the upper and middle intertidal zones were subjected to prolonged aerial exposure. Many species there tolerated this exposure, but die-backs occurred for a barnacle (Chthamalus fissus/C. dalli) and several algae (Endocladia muricata, Pelvetia fastigiata f. gracilis, Corallina officinalis var. chilensis, Corallina vancouveriensis, Cylindrocarpus rugosus and Codium fragile). These die-backs were succeeded by blooms of Ulva californica and Porphyra perforata. In the upper and middle intertidal zones, the major cover organisms that could tolerate prolonged aerial exposure were disproportionately prevalent and appeared to be maintained by the periodic repression of species intolerant to such exposure. In February 1978, heavy rainfall caused sediment inundation of the middle and lower intertidal zones. This event was followed by declines in abundance of a barnacle (Tetraclita rubescens) and several algae (Pelvetia fastigiata f. gracilis and corallina spp.). Shannon-Wiener H′ species diversity fluctuated from a high in October to a low the following May during both 1975–1976 and 1976–1977 in conjunction with the period of increased daytime aerial exposure in late fall and winter. A further decline in diversity following sediment inundation in February 1978 contributed to a long-term trend of declining H′ species diversity (3.06 in October 1975 to 1.87 in May 1978). We hypothesize that predictable late fall to winter aerial exposure stresses, in combination with a random physical disturbance (sediment burial), exceeded an “optimal” intermediate level of disturbance predicted for maximal species diversity.
Career of the medalist

ONE OF THE pleasures of life is to tell of outstanding engineering accomplishments; and as I describe the engineering achievements of Isaac Fern Kinnard, I will be talking about a friend whom I have known and have lived with in engineering association for 30 years.
Dispersion of Carbon Dioxide

The refractivity of carbon dioxide has been measured at vacuum wavelengths from 0.4801260 to 1.8172 (μm). The data were fitted to a Sellmeier curve having three terms. The refractivity reduced to 1 atm at 0°C for 0.5462 μm is (n − 1) 107 = 4505.0±0.6. By use of the dispersion formula, quantities related to dispersion were also found: absorption, oscillator strengths, dielectric constant, Verdet constant, and Rayleigh-scattering coefficient.
Energy storage and vibrational heating in CH3F following intense laser excitation

Abstract Fundamental relations for energy storage among the modes of a polyatomic molecule are derived in terms of γVV, the V V collision parameter and the energy flow path. A new method is introduced for making absolute measurements of vibrational energy.
Peptide and non-peptide opioid-induced hyperthermia in rabbits

The intracerebroventricular administration of prototype nonpeptide opioid receptor (mu, kappa, and sigma) agonists, morphine, ketocyclazocine, and N-allyl-normetazocine was found to induce hyperthermia in rabbits. The similar administration of peptide opioids like beta-endorphin (BE), methionine-enkephalin (ME), and its synthetic analogue D-ala2-methionine-enkephalinamide (DAME) was also found to cause hyperthermia. Results indicate that only the liver-like transport system is important to the ventricular inactivation of BE and DAME. Prostaglandins and norepinephrine were determined not to be involved in peptide and nonpeptide opioid-induced hyperthermia. In addition, cAMP was not required since a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline, did not accentuate the hyperthermia due to peptide and nonpeptide opioids. Naloxone-sensitive receptors were found to be involved in the induction of hyperthermia by morphine, BE, ME, and DAME since naloxone attenuated them. However, the hyperthermic response to ketocyclazocine and N-allyl-normetazocine was not antagonized by naloxone.
Continuous nicotine administration produces selective, age-dependent structural alteration of pyramidal neurons from prelimbic cortex.

Emerging evidence indicates that adolescence represents a developmental window of enhanced nicotine-induced neuroplasticity in rat forebrain. However, whether nicotine produces age-dependent structural alteration of neurons from medial prefrontal cortex remains to be determined. We characterized the dendritic morphology of layer V pyramidal neurons from prelimbic cortex following adolescent (P29-43) or adult (P80-94) nicotine pretreatment. Nicotine administration was via osmotic pump [initial dose 2.0 mg/(kg day), free base]. Five weeks after drug administration concluded, brains were processed for Golgi-Cox staining and pyramidal neurons digitally reconstructed for morphometric analysis. Overall, nicotine pretreatment produced increased basilar, but not apical, dendritic length of pyramidal cells, a finding consistent with previous work using adult animals. Given the compelling evidence for morphologically distinct functional subtypes of cortical pyramidal neurons, we endeavored to determine whether nicotine-induced dendritic alteration was specific to putative structural subtypes. Neurons were segregated into two groups based on the extent of dendritic arbor at the distal portion of the apical tree (i.e., the apical tuft). The size of the apical tuft was quantitatively determined using principal component analysis. Cells with small and elaborate apical tufts were classified as simple and complex, respectively. We found that adult nicotine pretreatment produced increased basilar dendritic length and branch number in simple but not complex pyramidal cells. In contrast, adolescent nicotine pretreatment produced a modest but significant increase in basilar dendritic length in complex but not simple cells. These data suggest that nicotine alters dendritic morphology of specific subpopulations of pyramidal neurons and that the subpopulation affected is dependent on the age of drug exposure. Synapse 62:31–39, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spectroscopic and computational studies on the adenosylcobalamin-dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase: evaluation of enzymatic contributions to Co-C bond activation in the Co3+ ground state.

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMCM) is an enzyme that utilizes the adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) cofactor to catalyze the rearrangement of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA. Despite many years of dedicated research, the mechanism by which MMCM and related AdoCbl-dependent enzymes accelerate the rate for homolytic cleavage of the cofactor's Co−C bond by ∼12 orders of magnitude while avoiding potentially harmful side reactions remains one of the greatest subjects of debate among B12 researchers. In this study, we have employed electronic absorption (Abs) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopic techniques to probe cofactor/enzyme active site interactions in the Co3+Cbl “ground” state for MMCM reconstituted with both the native cofactor AdoCbl and its derivative methylcobalamin (MeCbl). In both cases, Abs and MCD spectra of the free and enzyme-bound cofactor are very similar, indicating that replacement of the intramolecular base 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) by a histidine residue from the enzyme acti...
Synthesis of amino acid cofactor in cysteine dioxygenase is regulated by substrate and represents a novel post-translational regulation of activity.

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) catalyzes the conversion of cysteine to cysteinesulfinic acid and is important in the regulation of intracellular cysteine levels in mammals and in the provision of oxidized cysteine metabolites such as sulfate and taurine. Several crystal structure studies of mammalian CDO have shown that there is a cross-linked cofactor present in the active site of the enzyme. The cofactor consists of a thioether bond between the γ-sulfur of residue cysteine 93 and the aromatic side chain of residue tyrosine 157. The exact requirements for cofactor synthesis and the contribution of the cofactor to the catalytic activity of the enzyme have yet to be fully described. In this study, therefore, we explored the factors necessary for cofactor biogenesis in vitro and in vivo and examined what effect cofactor formation had on activity in vitro. Like other cross-linked cofactor-containing enzymes, formation of the Cys-Tyr cofactor in CDO required a transition metal cofactor (Fe2+) and O2. Unlike other enzymes, however, biogenesis was also strictly dependent upon the presence of substrate. Cofactor formation was also appreciably slower than the rates reported for other enzymes and, indeed, took hundreds of catalytic turnover cycles to occur. In the absence of the Cys-Tyr cofactor, CDO possessed appreciable catalytic activity, suggesting that the cofactor was not essential for catalysis. Nevertheless, at physiologically relevant cysteine concentrations, cofactor formation increased CDO catalytic efficiency by ∼10-fold. Overall, the regulation of Cys-Tyr cofactor formation in CDO by ambient cysteine levels represents an unusual form of substrate-mediated feed-forward activation of enzyme activity with important physiological consequences.
Subunit and subassembly processes

Abstract An elegant discussion of the advantages of subassembly processes in the construction of complicated structures from elementary subunits has been given by Crane 1950. The present note is concerned with determining which procedures involving subassemblies are “best” in the sense of producing the largest number of error-free final structures, and the smallest number of subassembly stages.
Assessment of tumor response on MR imaging after locoregional therapy

Assessment of tumor response after locoregional therapies is important in determining treatment success and in guiding future therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in evaluating treatment response to new therapies directed toward hepatic lesion treatment. The traditional and accepted criteria to determine tumor response in oncology, namely the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria, use decrease in tumor size and lesion enhancement as an indicator of successful therapy. A more recent evaluation method is the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) measured by diffusion-weighted MR imaging. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging and ADC values map the thermally induced motion of water molecules in tissues and thereby are able to provide insight into tumor microstructure. In this article we discuss the role of MR imaging in assessing treatment response after various locoregional therapies. We describe the role of tumor size and lesion enhancement as well as ADC mapping. We also discuss the magnetic resonance imaging findings after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization.
Exploring structural modeling of proteins for kernel-based enzyme discrimination

Computational methods play an important role in investigating the relationships between protein structure and function. In this study, we evaluate different graph representations of protein structures for kernel-based protein function prediction. We use shortest path graph kernels and support vector machines to predict whether a protein is an enzyme or not. We present three different and straightforward strategies for modeling protein structures. Accuracy averages for 10-fold cross-validation range from 84.31% to 86.97% for different modeling strategies, outperforming state-of-the-art work.
Effect of α-lipoic acid on vitamin C and vitamin E deficiencies

Abstract 1. 1. Administration of α-lipoic acid to guinea pigs on a scorbutogenic diet appeared to afford about the same protection as a suboptimal amount of ascorbic acid. When small amounts of ascorbic acid and of α-lipoic acid were given, the combination protected the guinea pigs better than either compound alone. 2. 2. Male and female rats reared since weaning on a diet low in vitamin E did not reproduce. Administration of α-lipoic acid brought about reproduction although not to the same extent as that attained by an optimal amount of α-tocopherol. The offspring, maintained on the α-lipoic acid-supplemented, vitamin E-low diet, reproduced and weaned successfully a third generation. 3. 3. The efficacy of α-lipoic acid in alleviating symptoms of ascorbic acid and of tocopherol deficiencies can best be explained on the basis of a protective action exerted by α-lipoic acid or its dihydro derivative on the two vitamins.
Regional anesthesia and perioperative outcome: what is new?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review of the most recent publications is aimed to look at the current developments regarding the effects of regional anesthesia on perioperative outcome. RECENT FINDINGS The debate continues on whether regional anesthesia and analgesia improve outcome or not. Researchers are still divided in their views. While previous meta-analyses are more favorable, more recent trials are rather on the con side. In an attempt to lessen heterogeneity, meta-analyses have now incorporated data from more recent trials to perform subgroup analyses. Such analyses persistently show the same positive results. The established outcome effects of regional anesthesia are mostly due its ability to provide superior analgesia, its ability to reduce the perioperative stress response and subsequent physiologic perturbations, and its ability to reduce pulmonary complications. Its potential to prevent cardiac morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is investigated further by looking at valuable specific biological markers like troponin I and natriuretic peptides. Intrathecal opioids do not seem to improve outcome, unlike the intrathecal local anesthetics. The latter improve outcome presumably by blocking the surgical stress response. In contrast, opioids, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have been shown not to impact outcome presumably by not being able to interfere with the stress response. The safety and efficacy of epidural or spinal anesthesia for spinal surgery continue to be demonstrated by current studies. SUMMARY Despite the controversies, the numerous potential benefits and advantages of regional anesthesia are keys to its continued popularity. With constant search for new scientific clues by improving experimental designs, valuable evidence slowly unfolds. Regional anesthesia certainly takes a leading role in the current trends for a multimodal approach of perioperative pain management.
Concussion in sports: The sideline assessment

Context: The vast differences between individual athletes makes identifying and evaluating sports-related concussion one of the most complex and perplexing injuries faced by medical personnel. Evidence Acquisition: This review summarizes the existing literature supporting the use of a multifaceted approach to concussion evaluation on the sideline of the athletic field. Information was drawn from a PubMed search (MEDLINE) for the terms sport concussion for the most recent and relevant literature. Conclusions: By using a standardized clinical examination that is supported by objective measures of concussion-related symptoms, mental status, and postural control, the medical professional becomes well equipped to make an informed diagnosis.
The Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain of Chlamydomonas reinhardi: VIII. The 520 nm Light-induced Absorbance Change in the Wild-type and Mutant Strains

The 520 nm light-induced absorbance change in wild-type and 4 mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardi was investigated. In the wild-type strain the absorbance change is composed of at least 2 components, P520 I and P520 II, sensitized by Systems I and II respectively. Some of the properties of these components can be studied by using the appropriate photosynthetic mutant strain. A group of mutant strains modified in the photochemical complex of System II shows only the P520 I absorbance change, whereas a mutant strain deficient in active P700 exhibits only the P520 II absorbance change. The possible relationship between these absorbance changes and the photosynthetic electron transport pathway is discussed.
Longitudinal shock waves in solids: the piston shock analogue

Propagation of longitudinal deformation in hardening elastoplastic solids is investigated by the way of analogy with the shock tube pattern in fluid mechanics. Conditions for the appearance of a shock discontinuity are formulated and steady-state continuous and discontinuous solutions are derived. Field characteristics are then investigated for a representative family of hardening elastoplastic Mises solids accounting for finite strains. A critical limit value of the imposed velocity for the emergence of a shock wave is found and sensitivity to material parameters is assessed. Evaluation of dissipation effects is conducted and field response is compared with other uniaxial stress fields. In agreement with available experimental results, it is established that the field may consist of both an elastic precursor and a plastic shock separated by a continuous elastoplastic range. Or, alternatively, when the imposed velocity is higher, the plastic shock overtakes those regions allowing for a variety of resulting fields.
THE HERITABILITY OF FLUID, gf, AND CRYSTALLISED, gc, INTELLIGENCE, ESTIMATED BY A LEAST SQUARES USE OF THE MAVA METHOD

Summary. The heritability of the two second order general intelligence factors gc and gf, was studied by the MAVA design, employing 470 brothers reared together, 94 identical twins reared together, 124 fraternal twins reared together, and 1,543 boys (fluid intelligence) and 2,579 (crystallised intelligence) unrelated. All were in the 12–18 age range. The model and the empirical data on four constellations give seven simultaneous equations for predicting expected values of the concrete, empirical variances from seven abstract, unknown variances and correlations. The best fit was obtained, using a least squares solution by computer program, CAMALS, and evaluated by a Q statistic analogous to chi-square. Two models offering reduced, parsimonious modifications of the full MAVA, were also tried but MAVA gave the highest index of good fit. Substantial differences exist between the heritability of gf and gc, alike in the present and in earlier MAVA studies, using differing methods of solution. H for crystallised intelligence is highest for within family variance and the mean value stands at only 0–45 for the general population—lower still by the present method. Fluid intelligence, on the other hand, has the highest heritability between families, reaching a mean of 0·92. Its general population value is 0·58 closely approaching the 0·60 which has tended to be the lower end of the range by the twin method. (The reason for the usual higher twin method values is exposed by the finding of higher sib than twin within family threptic variance.) Some support is found for a negative genothreptic correlation between families, fitting the socio-psychological law of environmental coercion toward the mean.
The true cyclotron frequency for particles and ions in a Penning trap

The true cyclotron frequency of a particle or ion, needed for mass spectrometry and other accurate measurements in a Penning trap, cannot be measured directly. It is not one of the oscillation frequencies of the trapped particle, and the three oscillation frequencies that can be measured vary with the misalignment and the harmonic distortion of the trap potential. Two methods to determine the cyclotron frequency are discussed. First, when all three eigenfrequencies of a trapped particle can be measured, the true cyclotron frequency is given by the prescription of the Brown–Gabrielse invariance theorem. This prescription makes possible a surprising number of the most accurate measurements in particle, nuclear and atomic physics because it accounts exactly for the lowest order electrostatic imperfections and magnetic misalignments. Second, when less accuracy is required, as when the masses of unstable nuclei are measured, a single sideband frequency is often measured instead—the frequency of a driving force that optimally couples two of the motions of the ion in the trap. A missing theoretical justification for this alternate method is provided using an expansion of the same invariance theorem. A remarkable suppression of systematic measurement errors is predicted, showing why these are not larger than reported measurement uncertainties, despite the contrary indication of simple estimates.
Differential Effect of a His Tag at the N- and C-Termini: Functional Studies with Recombinant Human Serum Transferrin†

Attachment of a cleavable hexa His tag is a common strategy for the production of recombinant proteins. Production of two recombinant nonglycosylated human serum transferrins (hTF-NG), containing a factor Xa cleavage site and a hexa His tag at the carboxyl terminus, has been described [Mason et al. (2001) Prot. Exp. Purif 23, 142−150]. More recently, hTF-NG with an amino-terminal His tag and a factor Xa cleavage site has been expressed (>30 mg/L) in baby hamster kidney cells and purified from the tissue culture medium. Although it is frequently assumed that addition of a His tag has little or no effect on function, this is not always confirmed experimentally. In the present study, in vitro quantitative data clearly shows that the presence of the C-terminal His tag has an effect on the release of iron from recombinant hTF at pH 7.4 and 5.6. Measurement of the rate of release from both the N- and C-lobes is reduced 2−4-fold. These findings provide further compelling evidence that the two lobes communicate w...