cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of facilitative glucose transporter with glucokinase and its modulation by ADP and glucose‐6‐phosphate

Bacterial glucokinase (GK) binds to purified, human erythrocyte glucose transporter (GT) reconstituted in vesicles. The binding is largely abolished if GT is predigested with trypsin, indicating that GK binds to the cytoplasmic domain of GT. The binding is a saturable function of GK concentration showing two distinct affinities with apparent KD of 0.33 and 5.1 μM. The binding is stimulated by an increasing concentration of ADP with the 50% maximal effect at 5 mM. Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) also stimulates the binding with a distinct optimum at 25 mM. The binding is stimulated only slightly by ATP. D-glucose has no affect on the binding. KCl enhances the binding with the maximal effect at physiological intracellular concentrations. The binding is sensitive to changes in pH with an optimum at pH 4. The binding causes no detectable functional change in GT. However, the enzymatic activity of GK measured at nanomolar concentrations of GK is significantly greater in the presence of GT vesicles than in its absence or in the presence of protein-free vesicles, indicating that GK interacts with GT at this low concentration range with an apparent KD of 10 mM. Although its physiological significance is not known, the GK-GT interaction in vitro described here suggests that these two proteins may also interact in the cell and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The reconstruction of fan-beam data by filtering the back-projection

Abstract Expressions for the fan-beam projection and back-projection operators are given along with an evaluation of the impulse response for the composite of the projection and back-projection operations. The fan-beam geometries for both curved and flat detectors have back-projection operators such that the impulse response for the composite of the projection and back-projection operations is equal to 1/|r − r0| if the data are taken over 360°, and thus two-dimensional Fourier filter techniques can be used to reconstruct transverse sections from fan-beam projection data. It is shown that the impulse response for the composite of the projection and back-projection operators for fan-beam geometry is not spatially invariant if the data are taken over 180° as is true for parallel-beam projection data. The convolution algorithm is approximately four times faster and requires 40% less memory than the filter of the back-projection algorithm. However, the filter of the back-projection algorithm has the advantage of easily implementing different frequency space filters which lends itself to easily changing the noise propagation vs resolution properties of the convolution kernel.
Implementing Technology in the Foreign Language Curriculum: Redefining the Boundaries between Language and Culture

This article reports a case study of the implementation of an innovative set of computer programs specifically designed to accompany a college level 1 French text. The computer materials were cultu...
Personal Minimums for Aviator Risk Management

This paper discusses the results of the development of a personal minimums pilot training program to help general aviation pilots manage risks in their decisions about takeoff. Result of an initial field testing exercise in various locations around the USA are also presented. The key safety point to the training is the commitment of pilots to their self-developed minimums for flight which are expected to be more conservative than those established by the FAA. The field tests revealed high acceptance of the concept and the engaged learning method used in the presentation.
Outpatient care of selected patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Abstract Patients with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (UGIH) are usually cared for in hospital. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient care of selected patients with acute non-variceal UGIH who had endoscopy, we retrospectively analysed 4·5 years' experience of patients treated without hospital admission. We developed practice guidelines for outpatient care, and prospectively studied patients treated during the first 6 months of their use. 78 (8·4%) of 933 patients in the retrospective series and 34 (24·1%) of 141 in the prospective series received outpatient care. The guidelines comprised early notification of a gastroenterologist, urgent endoscopy, clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic criteria for outpatient care, and details of care. In the prospective study patients treated as outpatients were younger than those admitted (52·8 [SE 3·6] vs 63·0 [1·5] years) and had a slightly longer time from onset of bleeding to endoscopy (2·4 [0·2] vs 2·1 [0·2] days). Outpatients were less likely to have alcoholism, other major concomitant disease, syncope or presyncope, or supine tachycardia. Outpatients had higher haemoglobin concentrations than inpatients (125 [4] vs 106 [3] g/L). Most patients in both groups had peptic ulcers. There were no complications in the retrospective series; 1 of the 34 prospective outpatients was admitted with rebleeding. All outpatients survived. The estimated hospital cost saved per outpatient was about $990. A substantial proportion of carefully selected patients with acute non-variceal UGIH can be effectively cared for without admission to hospital.
Log-amplitude variance and wave structure function: a new perspective for Gaussian beams

Two naturally linked pairs of nondimensional parameters are identified such that either pair, together with wavelength and path length, completely specifies the diffractive propagation environment for a lowest-order paraxial Gaussian beam. Both parameter pairs are intuitive, and within the context of locally homogeneous and isotropic turbulence they reflect the long-recognized importance of the Fresnel zone size in the behavior of Rytov propagation statistics. These parameter pairs, called, respectively, the transmitter and receiver parameters, also provide a change in perspective in the analysis of optical turbulence effects on Gaussian beams by unifying a number of behavioral traits previously observed or predicted, and they create an environment in which the determination of limiting interrelationships between beam forms is especially simple. The fundamental nature of the parameter pairs becomes apparent in the derived analytical expressions for the log-amplitude variance and the wave structure function. These expressions verify general optical turbulence-related characteristics predicted for Gaussian beams, provide additional insights into beam-wave behavior, and are convenient tools for beam-wave analysis.
Buoyancy-Driven Instabilities in Single-Bubble Sonoluminescence

The principal objectives of this study are to determine how gravity affects the emission of light from single-bubble sonoluminescence (SBSL), and whether or not the bubble extinction is directly related to gravity. Our experimental task involves designing glass or quartz spherical levitation cells that generate very stable SL bubbles. The cells must have minimized vibration, and some temperature control. The experimental system will reside in a light-tight enclosure. Aside from acceleration, the frequency, pressure amplitude, and light intensity must be measured. A computer program will be constructed to perform all aspects of the experiment.
Elementary solutions of coupled model equations in the kinetic theory of gases

The method of elementary solutions is employed to solve two coupled integrodifferential equations sufficient for determining temperature-density effects in a linearized BGK model in the kinetic theory of gases. Full-range completeness and orthogonality theorems are proved for the developed normal modes and the infinite-medium Green's function is constructed as an illustration of the full-range formalism. The appropriate homogeneous matrix Riemann problem is discussed, and half-range completeness and orthogonality theorems are proved for a certain subset of the normal modes. The required existence and uniqueness theorems relevant to the H matrix, basic to the half-range analysis, are proved, and an accurate and efficient computational method is discussed. The half-space temperature-slip problem is solved analytically, and a highly accurate value of the temperature-slip coefficient is reported.
Meeting the Nutritional Needs of the Elderly in the Institutional Setting

Meeting the nutritional needs of elderly persons who are living in institutionalized settings is often a great challenge for nutrition practitioners. Part of the challenge is to determine nutritional requirements by appropriately assessing individual needs, and part is to analyze the effects of risk factors that include chronic conditions, intermittent concurrent illnesses, medications, and psychologic state. Another strategy in meeting the nutritional needs of the institutionalized elderly is to set nutritional goals within the constraints imposed by the resources available within the institution. Some of the obstacles to achieving nutrition goals in individuals living in an institution may be closely related to the limits imposed by institutional resources, which may include staffing patterns, finances, and state and federal regulations.
Firefighter Turnout Gear Durability Study--Evaluation of Visibility Trim

The high visibility trim requirements for NFPA 1971 (2007 ed.) turnout gear are intended to provide the user conspicuity enhancements in both daytime and nighttime environments. This study evaluated the reflectance, color and fluorescence properties of high visibility trim on firefighters used turnout gear. Forty-four used garments, grouped in age categories from 2 to 10 years (retired), were visually evaluated according to the Section 4 of the NFPA 1851—Advanced Inspection Checklist. Advanced inspection identified damaged trim on 21 of the 46 garments. The damaged areas, located primarily at the cuffs and lower front hem, were not as reflective but passed the subjective flashlight test. A data sampling plan for retroreflective values was constructed for the coats and pants and the coefficients of retroreflection were collected to provide a measure of the nighttime conspicuity. To characterize the fluorescent (daytime) properties of the trim on the used garments the values for fluorescence and color box coordinates were measured. The measured coefficient of retroreflection (RA, cd/lux/m2) for all garments (average of all values in the sampling plan) was greater than 3× the minimum NFPA 1851 requirement. Therefore, all used gear provided substantial nighttime conspicuity enhancement including the retired gear.
Selection of proteins with desired properties from natural proteome libraries using mRNA display

mRNA display is a powerful yet challenging in vitro selection technique that can be used to identify proteins with desired properties from both natural proteome and combinatorial polypeptide libraries. The physical conjugation between a protein and its own RNA presents unique challenges in manipulating the displayed proteins at a low nanomolar scale in an RNase-free environment. The following protocol outlines the generation of cDNA libraries derived from natural organisms as well as the steps required for generation of mRNA-protein fusion molecules, in vitro functional selection and regeneration of the selected cDNA library. The selection procedures for the identification of protease substrates and Ca2+-dependent calmodulin-binding proteins from natural cDNA libraries are presented as examples. The method can be generally applied to the identification of protein sequences with desired properties from various natural proteome libraries. One round of mRNA display–based selection can be accomplished in ∼7 d.
Analysis of the first cell cycle in the cross between hamster eggs and human sperm.

Golden hamster eggs fused with human sperm were pulsed with bromodeoxyuridine to determine the timing of S-phase and the length of the first ceil cycie in this hybrid cross. Fused eggs were fixed and pronuclei scored for incorporation of the thymidine analogue detected by indirect immunofiuorescence. Although S-phase started synchronously 3–3.5 hr after coincuba-tion of sperm and eggs, its duration was variable such that two-cell stages appeared at 16 hr while a proportion of pronuclei was still engaged in DNA synthesis. Unlike rodent sperm chromatin, human sperrn chromatin was able to participate in DNA synthesis well before its maturation into a fully developed pronucleus. Human sperm chromatin appears able to function under conditions different in several respects from those in human eggs.
Characterizing dominates on a family of triangular norms

Dominates is a relation which can be defined on any collection of operations which (1) are defined on the same partially ordered set and (2) have the same identity. In this paper the family considered is a family {T p } =−∞ ∞ of triangular norms given, for any real numberp ≠ 0, by $$T_p (a,b) = \left[ {Max(a^p + b^p - 1,0} \right]^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 p}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} p}} $$ and, forp=−∞, 0 or ∞, by taking appropriate limits of those already defined. We sayT q dominatesT p provided $$T_q (T_p (a,b),T_p (c,d)) \geqq T_p (T_q (a,c),T_q (b,d))$$ for alla,b,c,d in [0, 1]. The main result of this paper is that dominates is transitive on this family, in fact,T q dominatesT p if and only ifq ≦p.
Expression of PAI-1, t-PA and u-PA in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells derived from racial groups.

Abstract To determine whether inherent fibrinolytic differences may exist in racial groups (black americans, BA vs. white americans, WA), 55 different individual racially-derived human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures (35 BA and 20 WA) were analyzed in terms of their fibrinolytic protein (t-PA, u-PA and PAI-1) antigen and mRNA levels. Values (mean ± SD) for measured fibrinolytic component levels include: cell-associated t-PA antigen (ELISA), 1.14 ± 0.82 ng/ml/8.6 × 105 cells/24 hr in BA and 0.70 ± 0.85 ng/ml in WA (p=0.0624); secreted t-PA antigen, 18.65 ± 17.06 ng/ml in BA and 10.37 ± 6.38 ng/ml in WA (p=0.0422); t-PA/cyclophilin mRNA ratios (Northern blot analysis), 1.90 ± 1.34 in BA and 1.32 ± 0.70 in WA (p=0.0776); cell-associated PAI-1 antigen, 71.10 ± 30.16 ng/ml/8.6 × 105 cells/24 hr in BA and 108.85 ± 56.89 ng/ml in WA (p=0.0022); secreted PAI-1 antigen, 1,582.13 ± 612.67 ng/ml in BA and 1,992.17 ± 711.50 ng/ml in WA (p=0.0285); 2.4 kb PAI-1/cyclophilin mRNA ratios, 0.59 ± 0.39 in BA and 0.79 ± 0.31 in WA (p=0.1085); 3.4 kb PAI-1/cyclophilin mRNA ratios, 0.70 ± 0.47 in BA and 0.77 ± 0.54 in WA (p=0.6322). These combined data suggest that cultured HUVECs from BA express significantly higher levels of t-PA, lower levels of PAI-1 and ∼1.72-fold lower molar ratio of PAI -1 t-PA antigen (183.99 ± 168.81 vs. 315.92 ± 164.99) (p
Platelet granules: surprise packages.

In this issue of Blood , Kamykowski et al use high-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy to examine the distribution of α granule cargo proteins to determine whether platelets contain cargo-specific granule subsets.[1][1] Platelet secretion is essential in the normal response to vascular damage
Effects of cultural conditions on alkaline phosphatase and cell culture survival in the presence of prednisolone.

Abstract Addition of prednisolone (0.5 μg/ml) to two cell lines of putative human origin resulted in a higher level of alkaline phosphatase in one cell line (Henle embryonic intestine) but had the opposite effect on another cell line (HeLa S3) in which the enzyme level was suppressed by the steroid. Mechanical removal of cells from the glass surface during the preparation of inocula and a high cell to surface ratio during incubation favored high levels of alkaline phosphatase in both cell lines. In addition to its effect on alkaline phosphatase, prednisolone partially prevented leakage of ninhydrin positive substances from the cells and prolonged cell survival under a variety of sub-optimal growth conditions.
The chiral limit and phase structure of QCD with Wilson fermions

Abstract We present data for the simulation of QCD with two flavours of Wilson fermions on an 83×4 lattice for various values of the coupling β and the hopping parameter κ. The emphasis is on the approach to the chiral limit and its interplay with the finite temperature transition for the system. We find that the point β c ∗ =5.0, κ c ∗ =0.175 in the β-κ plane represents the intersection of the finite temperature transition and the chiral limit. For lower values of β it is possible to approach the chiral limit in the confined phase as κ→κc, whereas at higher values of β the system undergoes a finite temperature deconfining transition at non-zero quark mass. The value of β c ∗ increases with lattice size. For example, we show that it is possible to reach the unbroken chiral limit on an 84 lattice at β=5.0.
Discovery of potent non-urea inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a novel target for the treatment of hypertension and vascular inflammation. A new class of potent non-urea sEH inhibitors was identified via high throughput screening (HTS) and chemical modification. IC50s of the most potent compounds range from micromolar to low nanomolar.
Fabrication of vertically coupled silicon nanophotonic circuits via SIMOX 3D sculpting

A new process has been developed to create vertically-integrated photonic and optoelectronic circuits in silicon. The approach is the 3-D extension of the SIMOX process where buried SiO2 sections can be selectively created by using oxygen implantation, through a mask, followed by annealing. By controlling the implant energy, dose, mask area and thickness, arbitrary 3-D arrangements of Silicon/SiO2 can be created. The process has been used to create vertically coupled microdisk resonators and add-drop wavelength multiplexers on a silicon wafer.
The relationship between thrombomodulin expression and cell cycle stages in cultured rabbit endothelial cells.

Cultured rabbit endothelial cells have significant but variable amounts of thrombomodulin (TM), both on their surface as well as inside the cell. To determine if variations in TM antigen is cell cycle related, cells with very high levels of TINI antigen were identified and staged according to the intracellular distribution and relative amounts of the antigen, using immunofluorescence techniques. After staging, the nuclear DNA content of each of these cells was determined by measuring the propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence intensity cytophotometrically. Stages 1, 2, and 3, which exhibited TM immunofluorescence in the golgi area, clustered to the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Cells without discernible golgi fluorescence (stages 4 and 5) but with variable amounts of cytoplasmic and surface fluorescence appeared to have little or no relationship to the cell cycle.
Effect of molecular size and modification pattern on the internalization of water soluble β-(1 → 3)-(1 → 4)-glucan by primary murine macrophages

It has been shown that -(1→3)-(1→4)-glucans (BG34) from barley and oats can trigger recognition and internalization by murine and human macrophages. Increasing evidence has suggested that macrophage recognition and internalization of BG34 are dramatically affected by the purity of BG34, the molecular weight and chemical modification. In this study, we investigated the structural features of BG34 for macrophage recognition and internalization. We prepared homogeneous BG34s of 10 kDa (BG34-10),200 kDa (BG34-200) and 500 kDa (BG34-500) with high purity, and then introduced green fluorescence FITC to the reducing ends (Re) or main chain (Mc). The results of size exclusion chromatography, 13C NMR,fluorescence microscopy, FACS analyses and MTS assay demonstrated that non-toxic BG34 of 10 kDa(BG34-10) effectively trigger macrophage internalization. The internalization was adversely affected by modifying the main chain of BG34-10 but not the reducing end. Studies using blocking antibodies on several CD11b+ and CD11b− cells suggested that CD11b may play an important role in mediating macrophage internalization of BG34-10. Quantitative RT-PCR and intracellular cytokine stain revealed that macrophages generate increased level of CD11b and TNF-α in response to BG34-10. This study for the first time demonstrated the molecular size (10 kDa) and pattern of modification (reducing end modification)for BG34-10 to mediate macrophage internalization. Since BG34 is water soluble, biocompatible and biodegradable FDA-approved material, this mechanism of BG34-10 can be used to design drug delivery system targeting macrophages.
Determination of 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (KDO) in Legionella pneumophila by gas chromatography

A structural component of lipopolysaccharide, 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (KDO), was determined in Legionella pneumophila by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), using isolated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and whole cells of L. pneumophila. KDO was liberated from cellular components by acid hydrolysis, and the dried hydrolysate was derivatized to form volatile and stable compounds for analysis by GLC. The GLC procedure overcomes some deficiencies of the conventional colorimetric thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, and has adequate resolution to determine KDO in hydrolyzed whole cells without interference from other cellular components. The KDO content of the LPS was determined to be 0.53% which is in agreement with 0.65% previously found by the TBA method.
An overview of Viking navigation

Viking flight path design and inflight control of Viking-1's path from earth launch to Mars landing are described. Attention is directed to the Lander descent, accessible area constraints, orbit insertion design, and earth departure control. Other topics include the orbital operations plan, the Viking heliocentric trajectory, and Mars approach control.
A Quantum Cascade laser spectrometer for measurement of water vapor isotopes in the urban environment

A 7.12 μm Quantum Cascade laser-based water vapor isotope spectrometer for the real time measurement of H 2 O16, H 2 O18 and δ18O in the urban environment was developed with a detection limit for δ18O of 0.42 ‰.
Status and prospects of the treatment of disseminated germ-cell tumors

Clinical investigation into the treatment of metastatic germ-cell tumors (GCT) has been highly successful. Future progress will depend on innovative approaches to identifying and preventing late drug toxicity, improving therapy for poor-risk patients, finding new drugs and therapies, and incorporating the findings of basic research into the clinical setting. This progress requires continued exchange of information among clinicians and laboratory investigators interested in these fascinating tumors.
A new feeder for powdered diets

A new feeder for powdered diets was developed for use with small rodents. The feeder has unique advantages over commercially available feeders. Wastage is minimal, food intake can be measured, and it is adaptable to various rodent species and different types of powdered diets. This study describes and evaluates the new feeder using three animal groups--weanling rats, adults rats, and adult hamsters. In the rat studies, the rate of growth of weanling and adult rats fed commercial rat chow in pellet form using conventional feeders was the same as that of rats fed the same chow in meal form using the new feeders. Likewise in the hamster studies, the rate of growth of adult hamsters fed powdered semi-synthetic diet from conventional glass jars was the same as those fed the same diet from the new feeders. The new feeders supplied the animals with a continuous supply of meal free of contamination from feces or urine. Unrecoverable spillage (wastage) was 1-2% of the amount of food given. The new feeders were easy to handle and clean, had ample capacity, and needed little attention.
On Timoshenko Beams of Rectangular Cross-Section

It was recently shown that the shear coefficient for a rectangular Timoshenko beam is highly dependent on the aspect ratio of the beam. This research investigates the reasons for that behavior by comparison of the Timoshenko beam solution with a new three-dimensional solution for a simply supported beam. The new solution is a series solution that converges to any desired accuracy. Comparisons are also made to both elementary and Mindlin plates. The Mindlin plate solution is in excellent agreement with the three-dimensional solution for the simply supported case, and is used as a basis of comparison for a free-free beam. It is found that a shear coefficient which would cause matching of the three-dimensional and Mindlin solutions would have to be a function of the wave length as well as the aspect ratio. Physical explanations are given for the high dependence on aspect ratio and for the dependence on wave length.
Targeting of Yersinia Yop proteins into the cytosol of HeLa cells: one-step translocation of YopE across bacterial and eukaryotic membranes is dependent on SycE chaperone.

Pathogenic Yersiniae adhere to and kill macrophages by targeting some of their Yop proteins into the eukaryotic cytosol. There is debate about whether YopE targeting proceeds as a direct translocation of polypeptide between cells or in two distinct steps, each requiring specific signals for YopE secretion across the bacterial envelope and for translocation into the eukaryotic cytosol. Here, we used the selective solubilization of the eukaryotic plasma membrane with digitonin to measure Yop targeting during Yersinia infections of HeLa cells. YopE, YopH, YopM and YopN were found in the eukaryotic cytosol but not in the extracellular medium. When bound to SycE chaperone in the Yersinia cytoplasm, YopE residues 1–100 are necessary and sufficient for the targeting of hybrid neomycin phosphotransferase. Electron microscopic analysis failed to detect an extracellular intermediate of YopE targeting, suggesting a one-step translocation mechanism.
Identifying Pathway Proteins in Networks using Convergence

One of the key goals of systems biology concerns the analysis of experimental biological data available to the scientific public. New technologies are rapidly developed to observe and report whole-scale biological phenomena; however, few methods exist with the ability to produce specific, testable hypotheses from this noisy 'big' data. In this work, we propose an approach that combines the power of data-driven network theory along with knowledge-based ontology to tackle this problem. Network models are especially powerful due to their ability to display elements of interest and their relationships as internetwork structures. Additionally, ontological data actually supplements the confidence of relationships within the model without clouding critical structure identification. As such, we postulate that given a (gene/protein) marker set of interest, we can systematically identify the core of their interactions (if they are indeed working together toward a biological function), via elimination of original markers and addition of additional necessary markers. This concept, which we refer to as "convergence," harnesses the idea of "guilt-by-association" and recursion to identify whether a core of relationships exists between markers. In this study, we test graph theoretic concepts such as shortest-path, k-Nearest-Neighbor and clustering) to identify cores iteratively in data- and knowledge-based networks in the canonical yeast Pheromone Mating Response pathway. Additionally, we provide results for convergence application in virus infection, hearing loss, and Parkinson's disease. Our results indicate that if a marker set has common discrete function, this approach is able to identify that function, its interacting markers, and any new elements necessary to complete the structural core of that function. The result below find that the shortest path function is the best approach of those used, finding small target sets that contain a majority or all of the markers in the gold standard pathway. The power of this approach lies in its ability to be used in investigative studies to inform decisions concerning target selection.
Nephrology Crossword: Natremias

Nephrology Crossword: Natremias Kellie Calderon, Tamim H. Naber and Kenar D. Jhaveri North Shore/Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Hofstra Medical School, Great Neck, New York, USA Correspondence: Kenar D. Jhaveri, North Shore/Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Hofstra Medical School, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA. E-mail: kjhaveri@nshs.edu or kdj200@gmail.com
Patent Data Mining: A Tool for Accelerating HIV Vaccine Innovation

Global access to advanced vaccine technologies is challenged by the interrelated components of intellectual property (IP) management strategies, technology transfer (legal and technical) capabilities and the capacity necessary for accelerating R&D, commercialization and delivery of vaccines. Due to a negative association with the management of IP, patents are often overlooked as a vast resource of freely available, information akin to scientific journals as well as business and technological information and trends fundamental for formulating policies and IP management strategies. Therefore, a fundamental step towards facilitating global vaccine access will be the assembly, organization and analysis of patent landscapes, to identify the amount of patenting, ownership (assignees) and fields of technology covered. This is critical for making informed decisions (e.g., identifying licensees, building research and product development collaborations, and ascertaining freedom to operate). Such information is of particular interest to the HIV vaccine community where the HIV Vaccine Enterprise, have voiced concern that IP rights (particularly patents and trade secrets) may prevent data and materials sharing, delaying progress in research and development of a HIV vaccine. We have compiled and analyzed a representative HIV vaccine patent landscape for a prime-boost, DNA/adenoviral vaccine platform, as an example for identifying obstacles, maximizing opportunities and making informed IP management strategy decisions towards the development and deployment of an efficacious HIV vaccine.
Tips for Teaching: Differentiating Instruction to Include All Students

(2007). Tips for Teaching: Differentiating Instruction to Include All Students. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth: Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 49-54.
MDCT diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in the emergent setting

To compare utilization of CT pulmonary angiogram (CTA) for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in an emergency department (ED) with unstructured CT ordering to published rates of CT positivity in other EDs including those employing decision support and to identify pathways for improved utilization via collaboration with our pathology and ED colleagues. Two hundred seventeen patients over a 2.5-month time period who received a CTA for PE were reviewed with exclusion of pediatric patients and all sub-optimal, non-diagnostic, or equivocal scans; 21 were excluded leaving a sample of 196 patients. The rate of PE diagnosis and association of PE positivity with selected factors (D-dimer testing) was assessed. The percentage of cases positive for PE was 10.7 % (21/196) which is similar to the frequently published rate of 10 % in other emergency departments including settings that have studied the use of decision support. D-dimer testing was performed in 40.3 % of cases. In 29.6 % (58/196) of subjects, D-dimer was positive, 10.7 % (21/196) was negative, and 59.7 % (117/196) was not assessed. Prevalence of PE among D-dimer negative (0 %, 0/21) was lower versus positive D-dimer (12.1 %, 7/58) and unknown D-dimer patients (12.0 %, 14/117). D-dimer had 100 % (21/21) negative predictive value for the diagnosis of PE. While this suggests that D-dimer is useful to rule-out PE, due to the small number of patients with PE, the 95 % confidence intervals are wide and the post-test likelihood of PE could be as high as 14 %. The rate of CT positivity for PE in an ED with unstructured CT ordering is similar to that in other published series including as series in which decision support was used. While D-dimer had high negative predictive value, large studies are needed to confirm this high sensitivity and potentially increase its use in ruling out PE without CT and to reduce CT ordering particularly in patients with sufficiently low clinical pre-test probability of PE.
Effect of luminal pH on acid secretion from Heidenhain pouches evoked by topical and parenteral stimulants

1. An apparatus for intragastric titration has been devised and its validity tested. Both when attached to a beaker simulating a pouch and when attached to a pouch whose secretion was suppressed by infusing cimetidine, the apparatus accurately measured added acid when the endpoint setting was between pH 3·0 and 9·0. At pH 2·0 and 1·0 with liver extract and at pH 1·0 with saline, the amount of acid added was markedly underestimated. 2. In dogs with vagally denervated pouches, during stimulation by I.V. infusion of histamine or pentagastrin, the rate of acid secretion as measured by intrapouch titration was uninfluenced by changes in luminal pH between 2·0 and 9·0. The apparent decrease in acid secretion at pH 1·0 could be shown to be due entirely to artifact in that no change in acid secretion was found when the gain in mass of acid was simultaneously measured by using a non-absorbable dilution indicator to measure volume gain and titration of samples to pH 7·0 to measure acid concentration. 3. During stimulation of acid secretion by solutions of liver extract or of L-histidine instilled into the pouch, the rate of acid secretion was found to increase markedly as pH was increased from 3·0 to 9·0 thus confirming our earlier findings. 4. We conclude that while stimulation of acid secretion by topical stimulants is highly dependent on luminal pH, secretion increasing as pH increases, stimulation by parenteral agents such as histamine and pentagastrin is not influenced by luminal pH in the range from pH 1·0 to 9·0.
A sociodemographic and economic comparison of breast reconstruction, mastectomy, and conservative surgery.

Abstract Background: There are a variety of surgical choices for women with early-stage breast cancer, including breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, or mastectomy plus reconstructive surgery. This report examines some of the factors that affect these choices and the costs of the various treatment options. Methods: Data from the Virginia Cancer Registry were linked to insurance claims from the Trigon Blue Cross and Blue Shield Company for women with local and regional staged breast cancer from 1989 to 1991 in Virginia. Multivariate analyses and cost studies were performed. Results: There were 592 women who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS, 26%), mastectomy (58%), or mastectomy plus reconstruction (16%). Increasing age reduced the use of reconstruction. The choice of reconstruction was not affected by tumor size, nodal status, or race. Sixty percent of women had immediate breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy; the majority had the implant procedure. The cost of BCS ($21,582) was higher than that of mastectomy ($16,122, P
Two distinct surveillance mechanisms monitor meiotic chromosome metabolism in budding yeast.

Summary Meiotic recombination is initiated by Spo11-generated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) [1]. A fraction of total DSBs is processed into crossovers (CRs) between homologous chromosomes, which promote their accurate segregation at meiosis I (MI) [2]. The coordination of recombination-associated events and MI progression is governed by the "pachytene checkpoint" [3], which in budding yeast requires Rad17, a component of a PCNA clamp-like complex, and Pch2, a putative AAA-ATPase [3–7]. We show that two genetically separable pathways monitor the presence of distinct meiotic recombination-associated lesions: First, delayed MI progression in the presence of DNA repair intermediates is suppressed when RAD17 or SAE2 , encoding a DSB-end processing factor [8, 9], is deleted. Second, delayed MI progression in the presence of aberrant synaptonemal complex (SC) is suppressed when PCH2 is deleted. Importantly, ZIP1 , encoding the central element of the SC [10], is required for PCH2 -dependent checkpoint activation. Analysis of the rad17 Δ pch2 Δ double mutant revealed a redundant function regulating interhomolog CR formation. These findings suggest a link between the surveillance of distinct recombination-associated lesions, control of CR formation kinetics, and regulation of MI timing. A PCH2-ZIP1 -dependent checkpoint in meiosis is likely conserved among synaptic organisms from yeast to human [6, 11].
Hospital neonatal services in the United States: variation in definitions, criteria, and regulatory status, 2008

The purpose of this study was to describe variation among states in designations of hospital neonatal services levels. We systematically searched all 50 states and District of Columbia governmental web sites and extracted definitions and levels terminology, functional and utilization criteria, regulatory compliance and funding measures, and citation of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) documents on levels of neonatal care. Thirty-three states designate multiple graduated levels of neonatal services. Two to six levels were designated by numbers, titles, or both. Regulatory sources include hospital licensure, Certificate of Need or State Health Plan (CON/SHP), State Health Department, or an affiliated non-governmental entity (SHD/affiliate). Twenty-four states have a single source and nine have two or more. Functional criteria include population characteristics, respiratory care capabilities, and neonatal and cardiac surgery in 25 states. Utilization criteria include capacity, volume, occupancy, or case mix. Compliance mechanisms include license renewal, CON/SHP approval, and/or SHD/affiliate certification. Thirteen states link funding for the highest level of care through Medicaid, Maternal Child Health Title V funds or regional programs. AAP documents are cited or incorporated by reference in 22 states. All states regulate health care services and facilities. Definitions, criteria, compliance mechanisms, and regulatory source and status of neonatal levels of service vary widely. A consistent national approach would facilitate comparisons in neonatal outcomes and resource use and be informative to parents, providers, and policy makers. AAP documents could serve as a mechanism to foster such consistency.
Modern obstetric management and outcome of infants with gastroschisis.

Objective: To determine whether outcomes of infants with gastroschisis differed by mode or site of delivery, diagnostic method, or when maternal-fetal medicine consultation was given. Methods: Charts of 32 infants born at the University of Mississippi Medical Center or admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between September 1992 and June 1998 were reviewed for maternal demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was done using Student t test, analysis of variance, χ2, and Kruskal-Wallis test with P < .05 considered statistically significant. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal outcomes by method or site of delivery, diagnostic method, or maternal-fetal medicine consultation before delivery. Infants delivered vaginally had higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes (9 versus 7 and 9 versus 8, respectively, P < .05). Vaginally delivered infants required more days of antibiotic therapy than those delivered abdominally (10 versus 3 days, P < .05) but had a shorter interval to enteral feedings (15 versus 30 days, P < .05). Conclusion: Outcomes of infants with isolated gastroschisis were not significantly affected by method or site of delivery, diagnostic method, or maternal-fetal surveillance. Although the findings of this investigation were largely negative and the statistical power limited due to the rarity of this fetal disruption, small series of cases of gastroschisis need to be analyzed to resolve current controversies surrounding optimal treatment of gastroschisis.
Cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity in mice☆

Abstract Cocaine, 75 mg/kg, ip, produced 53% mortality in male mice and 74% mortality in female mice. All deaths in both groups occurred during the first 3 hr following treatment. Phenobarbital (PB) pretreatment protected against this acute cocaine-induced mortality. However, either PB pretreatment or 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment produced delayed toxicity characterized by hepatic dysfunction and necrosis. These lesions could not be induced in rats. PB plus cocaine treatment reduced hepatic glutathione concentrations by 40%. PB pretreatment did not alter the plasma concentrations of cocaine plus metabolites, but did increase the accumulation of cocaine plus metabolites in liver tissue. PB plus cocaine treatment produced a dose-related increase in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity and periportal necrosis. Enhancement of intracellular glutathione concentrations by pretreatment with cysteine protected the liver against cocaine-induced injury. Depletion of intracellular glutathione concentrations by pretreatment with diethylmaleate exaggerated the cocaine-induced injury. Cocaine covalently bound to hepatic protein. PB pretreatment increased by 85% the cocaine covalently bound to hepatic protein. Cocaine was N-dealkylated by hepatic microsomes, and PB pretreatment enhanced hepatic N-dealkylation of cocaine. Cocaine is biotransformed to a chemically reactive intermediate metabolite which produces hepatic dysfunction and periportal necrosis.
A new structural and tectonic interpretation of the western part of the Shuksan blueschist terrane, northwestern Washington

The Shuksan Metamorphic Suite (SMS) is a blueschist terrane exposed in the northwest Cascades of Washington. Along its eastern flank, the SMS is known from previous studies to consist of meta-MORB and pelitic and metalliferous metasedimentary rocks that resemble ocean-floor deposits. In the western part of the SMS, however, the metasedimentary rocks lack metalliferous enrichment and contain interbeds of mafic to felsic lithic: tuff and volcanic-derived sandstone. Relatively small, isolated bodies of meta-igneous rock in this area comprise a variable suite of arc-related mafic to felsic plutonic and volcanic rocks. These have been assigned previously to units other than the SMS, postmetamorphic faulting being invoked to explain their emplacement. In the South Chuckanut, Lyman, and Bowman Mountain areas, however, the SMS metasediments contain clasts derived from the nearby meta-igneous units, metamorphic structures have a similar orientation in both the metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks, and the metamorphic facies in the metasedimentary and meta-igneous units are the same. These observations require (1) reassignment of the meta-igneous units to the Shuksan Suite, (2) rejection of previous interpretations of the contact between the metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks as being an expression of either the Shuksan thrust or Haystack thrust, and (3) broadening of the tectonic setting of deposition of Shuksan protolith rocks to include an arc component. A maximum protolith age for the western part of the SMS of 163 ± 2 m.y. is established by a U/Pb zircon age of metaquartz diorite from Bowman Mountain. We infer deposition of the SMS protolith in a Late Jurassic marginal basin behind a west-facing arc.
Cognition and Academic Achievement: The Relationship of the Cognitive Levels Test to the Keymath and Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests

This study evaluated the ability of the Cognitive Levels Test to estimate current achievement in mathematics (as measured by the KeyMath Diagnostic Arithmetic Test) and reading (via the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests) among a group of 43 handicapped and at-risk children. The validity coefficients resulting from the analysis indicated that the Cognitive Levels Test provides valid estimates of mathematics and reading achievement. A repeated measures analysis of variance yielded just one score that was significantly different from other scores in the set. That is, the Letter Identification score of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test was found to be significantly greater than all other reading and cognitive scores. Although the Cognitive Levels Test scores met criteria for convergent-discriminant validity with regard to the KeyMath Diagnostic Arithmetic Test scores, the results were less promising regarding the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test.
Damage detection using ARMA model coefficients

The objective of this paper is to perform damage detection utilizing the coefficients obtained from an ARMA model. The Damage Index Method has been proven to be one of the better modal based damage detection methods currently in use. One major drawback to this method is the need to determine mode shapes from the frequency response function (FRF) data. Extracting mode shapes from FRF data can be extremely time consuming and the result at times can be highly dependent on the users knowledge and the application of the software package being utilized to extract the modal parameters. In an attempt to minimize user interaction in the damage detection process and to eliminate the need to determine modal parameters, we will develop a method which is capable of providing damage detection results from accelerometer time histories. This will be accomplished by utilizing the parameters of an ARMA model as damage indicators. Expressions for classification is attempted for a simply supported beam which contains damage of various degrees at several locations. The damage detection result will then be compared to the damage detection results obtained by the Damage Index Method.
Effects of highway construction on stream water quality and macroinvertebrate condition in a mid-Atlantic highlands watershed, USA

Refining best management practices (BMPs) for future highway construction depends on a comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts from current construction methods. Based on a before-after-control impact (BACI) experimental design, long-term stream monitoring (1997-2006) was conducted at upstream (as control, n = 3) and downstream (as impact, n = 6) sites in the Lost River watershed of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region, West Virginia. Monitoring data were analyzed to assess impacts of during and after highway construction on 15 water quality parameters and macroinvertebrate condition using the West Virginia stream condition index (WVSCI). Principal components analysis (PCA) identified regional primary water quality variances, and paired t tests and time series analysis detected seven highway construction-impacted water quality parameters which were mainly associated with the second principal component. In particular, impacts on turbidity, total suspended solids, and total iron during construction, impacts on chloride and sulfate during and after construction, and impacts on acidity and nitrate after construction were observed at the downstream sites. The construction had statistically significant impacts on macroinvertebrate index scores (i.e., WVSCI) after construction, but did not change the overall good biological condition. Implementing BMPs that address those construction-impacted water quality parameters can be an effective mitigation strategy for future highway construction in this highlands region.
Kinetics of reduction of hematite with hydrogen gas at modest temperatures

The kinetics of hydrogen reduction of thin, dense strips of hematite were investigated in the range 245 °C to 482 °C. Pure hydrogen gas at 1 atm was used as the reducing agent. Because of the relative thinness (only 136 /μm thick) of the specimens used, the pore-diffusion of gases offered no significant resistance to the reduction process. The interfacial-reaction-rate constantk s * , which has been corrected for film-mass-transfer effects, is found to be given by logk s * = −1.032 (±0.138) -[7860 (±200)]/2.303r where k s * is in g · atom O · cm−2 · s−1 · atm−1. The activation energy for the reduction process is found to be 65,325 (±1650) J · mol−1; the rate-controlling step appears to be the Fe3O4 → Fe conversion step.