cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of 'CRATKML' derived peptides as antidotes for the in vivo and in vitro paralytic effect of botulinum neurotoxin A

CRATKML-derived peptides (Cp) prevent Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) cleavage of purified SNAP25. We tested the effects of four cell membrane permeable Cp analogs on BoNT/A poisoned neuromuscular junctions. In vitro pretreatment with these Cps did not prevent BoNT/A inhibition of neuromuscular transmission (NMT). In vivo pretreatment with these Cps did not protect NMT against BoNT/A. The lack of prophylactic effect paralleled a lack of therapeutic effect on BoNT/A intoxicated mice. These data demonstrate that although Cps are effective BoNT/A antagonists in cell free systems, they are not effective against in vitro or in vivo BoNT/A actions of motor nerve endings.
Notes on Hurricane Katrina: rethinking race, class and power in the United States

In analysing Hurricane Katrina, I re-think race, class, and power in New Orleans, Louisiana. My study stands as a response to scholars who have misread the impact that Katrina had on African-American New Orleanians and thus concluded that their fate was not linked to their race but rather to their class. In this study, my aim is to demonstrate precisely that, on the contrary, not only did race play a part, but it is also intrinsically linked to class. As a result, all efforts to discuss the events in terms of class as a category separate from race are ineffective. My analysis starts from the premise that New Orleans is a segregated community. It focuses on its prison system in order to show what Katrina ostensibly reveals, namely that the issues of race and class are not mutually exclusive but have race- and class-specific implications that interlock. Furthermore, I look at the ways the media reinforce the amalgamation of race and class by portraying mainstream stereotypes and reiterating fixed monolithic...
Hiding in plain sight; Constrictive pericarditis

We present a case of constrictive pericarditis that was especially difficult to diagnose. The patient presented with generalised oedema, dyspnoea and pleural effusions. History was significant for prior polysubstance abuse but was otherwise unremarkable. Physical examination revealed only jugular venous distention. CT demonstrated a normal pericardium with pleural effusions. Echocardiography showed mildly elevated right ventricular pressures with dyssynergic motion of the ventricular septum. No intervention was being carried out, but 1 month later further evaluation with a right and left heart catheterisation showed the classical square-root sign with equalisation of diastolic pressures in both ventricles as well as ventricular interdependence. Idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was thus diagnosed with a subsequent pericardial stripping which confirmed a thickened pericardium encasing the heart.
Protection of a Decapeptide from Proteolytic Cleavage by Lipidation and Self-Assembly into High-Axial-Ratio Microstructures: A Kinetic and Structural Study

We report on the synthesis, kinetics of proteolysis by trypsin, and morphological characterization of a novel lipidated decapeptide that spontaneously self-assembles in aqueous solutions into 0.5 μm diameter hollow tubules and helices that range in length from tens to hundreds of micrometers depending on formation conditions. We also report on an improved method for the tritioacetylation of peptides. Tight molecular packing of the peptide−amphiphile into a crystalline bilayer array forces tight packing between peptide headgroups, which was found to significantly protect the peptides from proteolysis by trypsin. Relief of this steric hindrance between peptide headgroups caused by solubilization of the bilayer into detergent micelles accelerated the rate of trypsin hydrolysis by 32,000-fold. Raman spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectropolarimetry were used to gain molecular-level insight into the difference between hydrolysis rates. Results obtained from these studies suggest that differences in molecu...
Interaction coefficients for 15 mixtures of flammable and non-flammable components

Abstract Bubble pressures were measured for 15 binary mixtures, each composed mainly of one flammable and one non-flammable component. The mixtures were trichlorofluoromethane + isopentane, pentafluoroethane + 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane+{1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane or isopentane}, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane+{1,1-difluoroethane or propane or cyclopropane or isobutane}, difluoromethane +{pentafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or 1,1-difluoroethane}. Also studied were mixtures of 1,1-difluoroethane+{cyclopropane or propane or butane or isobutane}, which comprise two flammable components. The measurements were made at approximately equimolar compositions using either a vapour-liquid equilibrium apparatus over a range of temperatures, or a static pressure measurement at 273.15K. The bubble pressures were used to determine interaction coefficients that characterize the non-ideal behaviour of these fluid mixtures. The interaction coefficients are used in equation-of-state models for the thermodynamic properties of refrigerant mixtures.
The parameters of a multiple criteria model of actuarial assumptions for pension plan valuations

Abstract Most defined benefit pension plans require a periodic actuarial valuation, so valuations are a very common procedure. Nonetheless, many of the criteria underlying the assumptions of a valuation are only vaguely defined or not defined at all. The purpose of this paper is to set the stage for resolving this problem. This is done by documenting and describing major criteria underlying the choice of actuarial assumptions for pension plan valuations and pinpointing some of the unresolved issues related thereto.
Magnetic bistability and controllable reversal of asymmetric ferromagnetic nanorings.

Magnetization reversals through the formation of a vortex state and the rotation of an onion state are two processes with comparable probabilities for symmetric magnetic nanorings with a radius of about 50 nanometers. This magnetic bistability is the manifestation of the competition between the exchange energy and the magnetostatic energy in nanomagnets. The relative probability of the two processes in symmetric nanorings is dictated by the ring geometry and cannot be altered after fabrication. In this work, we report a novel type of nanorings---asymmetric nanorings. By tuning the asymmetry, we can control the fraction of the vortex formation process from about 40% to nearly 100% by utilizing the direction of the external magnetic field. The observed results have been accounted for by the dependence of the domain-wall energy on the local cross-section area for which we have provided theoretical calculations.
The economic impacts of agroforestry in the Northern Plains of China

In an effort to mitigate severe environmental problems, the Chinese government introduced ecological agriculture as an approach to sustainable grain production. One such method heavily employed in the Northern Plains of China is agroforestry. This region provides a unique case to assess the effect of agroforestry on agricultural output. This paper estimates a production function with a measure for forest cover to test the hypothesis that agroforestry makes a positive and significant contribution to agricultural output. Evidence shows that the effects of agroforestry on agricultural output are positive, though not always significant. This finding is relevant not only to Chinese agriculture, but also in answering the question of how agricultural sustainability can be accomplished in the long term. With increasing populations and decreasing opportunities for land expansion globally, agroforestry is one answer to improving agricultural growth.
Individual and group reliability of landscape assessments

Abstract The reliability of landscape quality assessments made by individual observers as well as their group consensus was examined using a test—retest procedure. After the elapse of more than a year, the individual observer reliability estimates averaged nearly 0.80. Group consensus values were derived using the Law of Comparative Judgment psychophysical scaling procedure. These derived group consensus values proved very reliable ( r > 0.95) after the elapse of a year. Individual rater reliability was good, but group reliability was excellent and should probably be used whenever possible, especially when used as an aid to long-term decision making.
Differential permeance of retina and retinal pigment epithelium to water: implications for retinal adhesion

Water movement from the vitreous to the choroid would tend to maintain retinal apposition, if the retina were less permeable than the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We used a rabbit model, to test the relative permeability of retina and RPE to tritiated water. The retina was found less permeable than the RPE. This result suggests the presence of a hydrostatic pressure gradient across the retina which could enhance apposition of retina to the RPE.
Electronics in financial accounting

There are four essential elements in financial or dollar accounting. One of these elements is represented by the document of authorization. Another is a set of records for legal purposes. A third is a set of records for analysis, and a fourth is a set of records for control.
Radioimmunotherapy of prostate cancer in human xenografts using monoclonal antibodies specific to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA): studies in nude mice.

BACKGROUND Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), expressed by virtually all prostate cancers is an ideal target for targeted therapy of prostate cancer. Radiolabeled J591 monoclonal antibody (MAb) binds with high affinity to an extracellular epitope of PSMA and localizes specifically in PSMA positive LNCaP tumors in vivo. METHODS Pre-clinical radioimmunotherapy (RIT) studies using 131I-huJ591 and 90Y-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-huJ591 MAbs were studied in nude mice bearing LNCaP xenografts. RESULTS A 15–90% reduction in mean tumor volume was observed after a single dose of 131I-huJ591 (3.7–11.1 MBq) or 90Y-DOTA-huJ591 (3.7–7.4 MBq). The median survival time increased 2–3 times relative to untreated controls. Multiple administrations of fractionated doses of 90Y-DOTA-huJ591 were even more effective with minimal toxicity. Radiation dose to blood and tumor was higher with 90Y than with 131I. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is 5.55 MBq for 90Y-DOTA-huJ591 and more than 11.1 MBq for 131I-huJ591. For 90Y-DOTA-huJ591 at MTD, dose to the tumor was 2,753 cGy. CONCLUSIONS In nude mice bearing PSMA positive tumors, radiation dose to the tumor with 90Y-DOTA-J591 is greater for large tumors than with 131I-J591. The theoretical and practical considerations strongly suggest that 90Y-DOTA-huJ591 may be a suitable radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of prostate cancer. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Models for knowledge-acquisition tool design

Knowledge acquisition is a modeling activity for the development of knowledge-based systems. Developers can take advantage of domain-specific knowledge-acquisition tools for the construction of knowledge bases. Modeling for the development of such tools is an activity that is analogous to the modeling for knowledge-based systems. However, there are important differences between the appropriate models for these two goals. The models for the development of domain-specific knowledge-acquisition tools involved can be divided into three major classes: knowledge-structure models, knowledge-acquisition models and design models. These models can help developers to create domain-specific tools for new application domains.
Evaporative corrections to high-pressure ionic clustering data

Abstract Measurements of ionic clustering equilibria in a high-pressure mass spectrometer source are subject to a systematic error arising from in-flight evaporation. Recent advances in unimolecular rate theory permit a general analysis of this problem. The information necessary for its solution is extracted from evaporation measurements made in other contexts. We consolidate this information in a “best value” for the Gspann parameter which we report as γ = 23.5 (± 1.5). We then find that in typical experimental conditions evaporation is indeed important. Nevertheless, in measurements of an equilibrium constant offsetting errors will ameliorate the severity of this artifact.
Tour Planning for an Unmanned Air Vehicle Under Wind Conditions

A very important subproblem in the task assignment problem for unmanned air vehicles is the evaluation of costs for the state transitions of a directed graph. Usually a Dubins vehicle flying in the absence of wind is considered in the computation of costs. However, when a prevailing wind vector field is considered, the costs taken on very different values and the task assignment problem can have very different solutions. In this paper, we consider the problem of constructing minimum-time trajectories for a Dubins vehicle in the presence of a time-varying wind vector field. We present results on the existence and uniqueness of minimum-time solutions for a Dubins vehicle flying in a general time-varying wind vector field under some technical conditions. These results extend the conclusions of the well-known Dubins theorem. We also propose an algorithm for obtaining the minimum-time solution for an unmanned air vehicle and prove its convergence. We also present the results of numerical experiments that show that the importance of considering wind vector fields while planning the tour for an unmanned air vehicle.
Guanine, 6-thioguanine and 6-selenoguanine: ab initio HF/DZP and MP2/DZP comparative studies

Abstract The molecular geometries of four major tautomers of guanine (Gua), 6-thioguanine (6TG) and 6-selenoguanine (6SeG) were studied using the ab initio LCAO-MO method at the Hartree—Fock level with valence double-zeta basis sets augmented by d and p polarization functions (DZP). Only nonplanar C 1 symmetry species are minimum structures on the HF/DZP potential energy surfaces (PES) of Gua, 6TG and 6SeG as it was concluded from harmonic vibrational frequency calculations carried out at the same level. The similarities between the molecular structures of guanine and its heavier analogs are revealed. The calculated molecular parameters of 6TG and 6SeG tautomers are similar to those of corresponding guanine forms, which suggests the possibility of replacing guanine by its heavier analogs in nucleotides, which could rationalize the observed biological activity of these species. Our best estimation of the relative stabilities of the tautomers includes electron correlation contributions calculated at the MP2/DZP approximation and the zero-point-energy contributions scaled by 0.9. The global minimum species on the PESs of Gua and 6SeG are those with a hydrogen atom bonded to N7 ( 1 ), while for 6TG the most stable form at this level is that with a hydrogen atom bonded to N9 ( 3 ); in the latter, 3 has a relative energy 1.8 kJ mol −1 lower than that of form 1 .
Development of the 7.3 MW Mod-5A wind-turbine generator system

The General Electric Company Advanced Energy Programs Department is designing, under DOE/NASA sponsorship through Contract DEN 3-153, the MOD-5A wind-turbine system which must generate electricity for less than 3.75 ¢/kWh (1980 dollars). During the conceptual and preliminary design phases, the basic features were established as a result of trade-off and optimisation studies driven by minimising the system cost of energy. During the past year, the programme has been in the final design phase, and a reassessment to minimise risk has received strong emphasis in the design process. The programme has progressed to the point that an agreement of sale has been reached for the first unit.
Potential Applications For Total Internal Reflection Fibre Optic Sensors

A simple displacement fibre optic sensor is proposed which is based upon the principle of frustrated total internal reflection. The simple designs considered overcome the problems inherent with the small distances involved with frustrated total internal reflection.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Importance of Vocabulary for Science Learning

A strong focus on vocabulary helps students understand and communicate using appropriate terminology, and the incorporation of imagery makes learning fun.
Power, conflict and criminalisation, by Phil Scraton

In his book Power, Conflict and Criminalisation, Phil Scraton, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Queen's University in Belfast, makes a persuasive case for the application of criti...
Mechanisms of regulation of rat hepatic metallothionein-I and metallothionein-II levels following administration of zinc.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the role of transcription, translation, and protein degradation on the accumulation of metallothionein-I (MT-I) and metallothionein-II (MT-II) in rat liver following induction of these proteins by Zn. The time course of MT induction indicated that concentrations of MT-I and MT-II, quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography, were similar at 6 hr after administration of 1000 μmol Zn/kg (sc), but thereafter the concentration of MT-II was always higher than that of MT-I. By 24 hr after Zn administration, the concentration of MT-II in liver was more than two times that of MT-I. This difference increased with time such that by 96 hr the concentration of MT-II was more than five times that of MT-I. MT-I and MT-II mRNA levels, measured by Northern blot hybridization with mouse cRNA probes, increased coordinately following afministration of Zn. MT mRNAs increased to maximum levels 6–9 hr after Zn administration, at which times MT-II mRNA was about two times more abundant than MT-I mRNA. MT mRNA levels remained elevated above control for as long as 36 hr after Zn administration. The relative rates of synthesis for MT-I and MT-II were determined by quantitating incorporation of [ 35 S]cysteine into MTs during a 2-hr period. For both proteins, the maximum relative rates of synthesis were observed 6–9 hr after administration of Zn, in parallel with the increase in mRNA levels. When MT synthesis was at maximal levels, there was approximately two times more [ 35 S]cysteine incorporated into MT-II than MT-I, but at no other times were differences observed. In contrast to MT mRNA levels, MT synthesis returned to control levels by 24 hr after administration of Zn. Half-lives of the isometallothioneins, determined by pulse-labeling experiments, were calculated to be 12.2 ± 0.8 and 21.9 ± 3.0 hr for MT-I and MT-II, respectively. Thus, Zn treatment increases transcription of both MT-I and MT-II genes and the synthesis of MT-I and MT-II. However, Zn-induced MT-II is more stable than MT-I. These results suggest that differences in the rate of synthesis and degradation of MT-I and MT-II lead to a greater and more prolonged induction of MT-II following administration of Zn.
Predicting complicated choledocholithiasis.

Abstract Introduction Management of choledocholithiasis and its complications is variable and often requires transfer to a specialty facility. This study links patient-specific characteristics with the outcome measure of complicated choledocholithiasis to identify high-risk patients who may require expedited treatment or transfer to a higher level of care. Materials and methods Patients with a discharge diagnosis of choledocholithiasis (CDL) were identified from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patient characteristics were identified associated with the primary outcome measure of complicated choledocholithiasis (cCDL), defined as acute pancreatitis or cholangitis during the admission for CDL. Predictors of mortality were also evaluated. Analysis was performed using complex-sample univariate and adjusted analyses. Results We identified 123,990 discharges with a diagnosis of CDL. The overall incidence of CDL was 314 per 100,000 NIS discharges. Forty-one percent of CDL discharges were for cCDL (acute pancreatitis 31%, cholangitis 12%). Risk factors for cCDL included age (risk increased 0.8% per year), male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.2), alcohol abuse (OR 1.5, CI 1.3–1.8), diabetes (OR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.2), hypertension (OR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.2), obesity (OR 1.2, CI 1.1–1.3), nonelective admission (OR 2.3, CI 2.0–2.6), and Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity (OR 1.2, CI 1.0–1.5). Patients with cCDL had increased odds of mortality (OR 1.5, CI 1.2–2.0). Conclusions Increased age, nonelective admission, and specific comorbid conditions are associated with cCDL, which has increased mortality. These factors can be used to identify patients needing timely access to treatment or transfer to a higher level of care.
Domain structures of sodium tungsten bronzes, NaxWO3 (0.4 < x < 1)

Abstract Optical-microscope observations with polarized light have shown that the birefringent, twin-domain structure of sodium tungsten bronzes is exhibited by Na-deficient, epitaxial surface films and hence is not a bulk property as had been suggested elsewhere. The film is translucent, 10 -2 -10 -3 mm thick or less, and often laminates to a multi-film layer The domain boundaries are sensitive to lateral stress and, apparently, to minute changes in the substrate structure. These and related properties of the film and the substrate are presented.
Oxidation of human serum albumin by polyphenol oxidase.

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) oxidizes, due to their tyrosine content, the proteins histone, casein and human serum albumin. These oxidations are inhibited by ascorbate which lowers the redox potential of the medium. Serum albumin in its native state is only moderately oxidized. If, however, prior to oxidation, the albumin is subjected to denaturation, involving unfolding of the chain, the attack by the enzyme is markedly increased. Such denaturation was effected by either the action of dodecyl sulfate or heating to 60°C. The implications of these findings to the problem of senescence are discussed.
Optimal therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adolescents and young adults.

The survival rate for adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has improved over the past decades. However, it is still behind the overall survival of children with this disease. In this Review, Schafer and Hunger analyze recent studies that have shown improved outcomes for adolescents and adults treated with pediatric-based regimens offering a potential solution for the “adolescents and young adults gap”.
Geochemical and detrital mode evidence for two sources of Early Proterozoic sedimentary rocks from the Tonto Basin Supergroup, central Arizona

The Tonto Basin Supergroup includes up to 6.5 km of Early Proterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks that were deposited in a relatively short period of time at about 1.7 Ga in central Arizona. Moderate correlations of rare earth elements (REE) and Ti with Al2O3 and REE distributions in detrital sediments of this supergroup suggest that these elements are contained chiefly in clay-mica and/or zircon fractions. REE distributions, including negative Eu anomalies in most Tonto Basin sediments, are similar to those in Phanerozoic shales. Weak to moderate correlations of Fe, Sc, Ni, and Co to Al2O3 also suggest a clay-mica control of these elements. Detrital modes and geochemical characteristics of sediments indicate two dominant sources for sedimentary rocks of the Tonto Basin Supergroup: a granitoid source and a volcanic source. The granitoid source was important during deposition of the upper part of the succession (the Mazatzal Group) as shown by increases in K2O, Al2O3, and Th in pelites with stratigraphic height, and increases in Zr and Hf and decreases in Eu/Eu∗, Cr, and Ni in in pelites of the Maverick Shale. Sediment provenance characteristics and paleocurrent indicators are consistent with deposition of the supergroup in a continental-margin back-arc basin. The granitoid sediment source appears to have been the North American craton on the north, and the volcanic source a more local source from an arc on the south.
Kernel Estimators for Additive Models with Dependent Observations from Random Fields

Nonparametric estimation of the regression function for additive models is investigated in cases where the observed data are dependent. An additive kernel estimator for the regression function under some general mixing conditions is proposed. Under the mixing conditions, the additive kernel estimator is shown to be asymptotically normal.
Androgen receptor in the rabbit liver and apparent translocation to the nucleus in vivo.

The present study demonstrates that the liver of a mammal, the rabbit, contains an androgen receptor. Rabbit liver cytosol or purified nuclei were incubated with the radioactive androgen R-1881 (methyltrienolone). The cytosol of adult female rabbit liver contained androgen-binding sites of high affinity, Kd 0.9 nM, and a capacity of 7000 fmol/g liver or 79 fmol/mg cytosol protein. After partial purification by 35% ammonium sulfate precipitation (AS cytosol), the binding specificity pattern was consistent with that of androgen receptor. Apparent translocation from cytosol to nucleus was examined by administering 100 fig nonradioactive R-1881 in vivo. One hour later, almost all of the receptor was detected in liver nuclei. The receptor concentration in purified nuclei, as determined by an exchange procedure, was 2100 fmol/g liver, which is an increase of 6-fold relative to the low levels in nuclei of untreated rabbits. The binding affinity, specificity pattern, and protease sensitivity for the sites in the ...
Confusion, Lack of Consensus, and the Definition of Creativity as a Construct

Among the changes employers say are needed in the educational preparation of American young people to meet the evolving needs of the workplace is improvement in the development of individual creativity and creative thinking. However, a variety of definitions for creativity exist, hindering a consistent educational response. The major areas of controversy concerning creativity's definition are reviewed here, in roughly chronological order corresponding to the publication of each definition of significant influence. Each definition's reasons for failing to achieve widespread acceptance are analyzed, and a suggestion for a general definition of the sort that should be widely acceptable is provided.
Contemporary lymph node counts during primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

Objectives Recent observations suggest that surgeon volume is associated with lymph node counts during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). We report our contemporary single-surgeon experience with lymph node counts during primary RPLND for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. Methods Using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Testis Cancer Registry, we identified 124 consecutive patients treated with primary RPLND by a single experienced surgeon for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors between 2004 and 2008. Predictors of positive nodes and number of positive nodes were evaluated with logistic and linear regression models adjusting for year of surgery and clinical stage. Results Positive lymph nodes were observed in 37 patients (30%), whereas 87 patients (70%) were pN0. Mean total node count was 51 (standard deviation [SD] = 23) during the 5-year study period. Mean node counts for the paracaval, interaortocaval, and paraaortic regions were 8 (SD = 6), 17 (SD = 9), and 26 (SD = 15), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, higher total node count was significantly associated with finding positive nodes (odds ratio = 1.02 for each additional node counted; P = .037) and finding multiple positive nodes (linear regression coefficient = 0.04 for each additional node counted; P = .004). Year of surgery ( P P > .5 for each). Conclusions The average total node count for a primary RPLND by an experienced surgeon is approximately 50 nodes, with nearly half of the nodes originating in the paraaortic region. These results will be useful when assessing the adequacy of lymph node dissections for testis, renal, and upper tract urothelial malignancies.
An alternative test for the equality of variances for several populations in randomised complete block design

Abstract In the last 50 years, eight major modifications and extensions of Levene’s test and Bartlett’s test had been developed for Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The improvement from these works can be divided mostly into three categories as follows: (i) adjust fixed block effects and degrees of freedom in F test, (ii) improve the power of variance homogeneity tests, and (iii) develop a robust test that can be applied to non-normal distributions. Surprisingly, very little attention has been paid to the homogeneity of within treatment variance when the number of treatment groups is large and the number of blocks is relatively small. Even under normality assumption, all tests either suffer from severe inflation of Type I error rate or lose statistical power to detect heterogeneity of variances. In this paper, we consider the problem of homogeneity of variance in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and develop a new F max -test for the equality of variances in RCBD. The Type I error of this new test is well controlled and the power is higher than eight other tests when the number of treatment groups is larger than the number of blocks. Under normality assumption, none of the eight other tests are consistent top-performer. Our new F max -test either outperforms or is comparable to the top-performer of the other eight tests. The new F max -test can be recommended for future use by practitioners in cases such as sensory monadic testing with more than 10 products and blood glucose variability testing.
Immunochemical characterization of binding sites of hybridoma antibodies specific for α(1 → 6) linked dextran☆☆☆★

The combining sites of seven BALB/c IgM, four BALB/c IgA and one C57BL/6 IgA hybridoma antibodies specific for α(1 → 6) linked dextran were probed by precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays. The 12 antibodies are able to bind to linear determinants in the interior of the dextran molecule; some have sites complementary to six α(1 → 6) linked glucose residues and others have sites complementary to seven α(1 → 6) linked glucose residues. From the analysis of the precipitins and precipitin inhibitions, it is concluded that no two hybridoma proteins have identical binding sites.
Transmission/disequilibrium tests for quantitative traits.

Spielman et al. [1993] proposed a transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT), based on marker data collected on affected offspring and their parents, to test for linkage between a genetic marker and a binary trait provided there is allelic association. It has been shown that this TDT is powerful and is not affected by allelic association due to population stratification in the absence of linkage. For quantitative traits, George and Elston [1987] proposed a likelihood method to detect the effect of a candidate gene in pedigree data when familial correlations are present. This test will detect allelic association but will do so in the absence of linkage. In this paper, we investigate two new likelihood-ratio test statistics for multi-generational quantitative traits to test either for linkage in the presence of allelic association or for allelic association in the presence of linkage, such as may be due to linkage disequilibrium. We compare these two tests analytically and by simulation with respect to 1) the sample size required for the asymptotic null distributions to be valid and 2) their power to detect association in those cases in which they are not sensitive to population stratification unless linkage is present. In general, 80 nuclear families with two children each and at least one heterozygous parent, or the equivalent number of children in large pedigrees, are enough for the asymptotic null distribution of the proposed conditional and TDT methods to be valid. The theoretical power is close to the simulated power except for the case of a recessive allele with low frequency. A sampling strategy is proposed that dramatically improves power.
Identifying the unique and common characteristics among the dsm-iv antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders

A clinical chart-review study of the Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) was conducted to evaluate the specificity of DSM-IV criteria for the Antisocial Personality Disorder (ANPD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Eight-six outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for a PD were identified through a retrospective chart-review procedure. Records of these 86 patients were independently rated on all of the ANPD, BPD, and NPD symptom criterion for the DSM-IV. High interrater reliabilities were obtained for the presence or absence of a PD and symptom criteria for ANPD, BPD, and NPD (all kappa > or = .80). The sample consisted of ANPD (n = 20), BPD (n = 25), NPD (n = 15), and other personality disorders (OPD; Cluster A and C; n = 26). Five ANPD criteria reliably differentiated ANPD patients from BPD and NPD patients (1, 2, 3, 6, 7), and two criteria did not differentiate this group from either intracluster category (4, 5). BPD criteria also differentiated BPD patients from ANPD and NPD patients; however, the specific criteria that effectively differentiated categories were dependent on the group comparisons. BPD criteria (1, 2, 3, 6, 7) differentiated BPD and ANPD patients. BPD and NPD patients could be discriminated on other BPD criteria (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8). NPD criteria showed a similar ability to differentiate patients. NPD criteria differentiated NPD and BPD patients on DSM-IV criteria of 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9. NPD and ANPD patients could be differentiated on other NPD criteria (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9). The results of this study provide general support for the use of specific criteria for these three disorders in the differential comparison of related and unrelated PDs. The utility of items that describe essential features are discussed.
Algal Lipid Quantification in-situ with Nile Red Fluorescence

Microalgae have recently garnered substantial interests for biofuel production. The overall goal of this research is to develop an optical sensor based on Nile Red fluorescence (NRf) that can quantify algal neutral lipids real time in situ. The specific objective of this study is to elucidate the effect of several important parameters on NRf signal intensity including emission maxima, temperature, staining time, and algal species. Three algae species, Nannochloropsis Oculata, Nannochloropsis Salina, and Botryococcus braunii (Race A and B), were used. A spectrofluorometer was used to identify NRf emission maxima and investigate the temperature effect; and a single-band fluorometer was used to investigate the effect of staining time and species. For all algae types, the NRf emission maximum is at 590 nm. Temperature has a large impact, with NRf intensity increasing almost proportionally with temperature. NRf signal increases from minute 0 to 4 after staining. Finally, NRf intensity is linearly correlated with the neutral lipid content in algae culture (using optical density of the culture as a proxy, R2=0.96 and 0.88 for Nanno. and B. braunii, respectively) but the relationship is dependent on species.
Quantum limited imaging in a stimulated Raman amplifier and applications in time-gated imaging through scattering media

We review the noise characteristics and the low-light-level imaging capabilities of a stimulated Raman amplifier and show how these properties can be combined with time-gating capabilities to image through dense scattering materials. Using 30 psec time-gating pulses, images were obtained of a resolution bar chart viewed through either a suspension of 0.364 micrometers polystyrene spheres where the forward attenuation due to scattering was e28, or though a non-dairy creamer solution where the attenuation was up to e33. At the highest scattering attenuation levels these images could not be detected by any conventional imaging method.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A practitioner survey of opinions toward regenerative endodontics

The success of regenerative endodontic procedures requires practitioner acceptance, but little or no evidence is available. The purpose of this survey was to collect the opinions of attendee's of the 2008 Endodontic Board of Diplomates 2008 Summer Conference on the issue of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). After Nova Southeastern University institutional review board approval, 100 copies of a survey were circulated, and 56 completed surveys were returned anonymously. The survey found that 96% of participants thought that more regenerative therapies should be incorporated into treatments. Although only 14% of participants had used umbilical cord or stem cell banking for themselves or a relative, 63% thought that stem cell banking would be useful to regenerate dental tissues. Most (89%) of the participants would be willing to save teeth and dental tissues for stem cell banking. These results suggest that endodontic practitioners are supportive and optimistic about the future use of REPs.
Bilateral Choroidal Osteomas

A 25-year-old woman had the characteristic ophthalmoscopic, ultrasonographic, and radiologic features of bilateral choroidal osteomas. She developed a macular hemorrhage in her right eye, believed to be secondary to choroidal neovascularization. Visual acuity improved remarkably.
Peptide antigens for gamma/delta T cells

γδ T cells express adaptive antigen receptors encoded by rearranging genes. Their diversity is highest in the small region of TCR V–J junctions, especially in the δ chain, which should enable the γδ TCRs to distinguish differences in small epitopes. Indeed, recognition of small molecules, and of an epitope on a larger protein has been reported. Responses to small non-peptides known as phospho-antigens are multi-clonal yet limited to a single γδ T cell subset in humans and non-human primates. Responses to small peptides are multi-clonal or oligo-clonal, include more than one subset of γδ T cells, and occur in rodents and primates. However, less effort has been devoted to investigate the peptide responses. To settle the questions of whether peptides can be ligands for the γδ TCRs, and whether responses to small peptides might occur normally, peptide binding will have to be demonstrated, and natural peptide ligands identified.
A Review of Recent Developments in Atomic Force Microscopy Systems With Application to Manufacturing and Biological Processes

The atomic force microscope (AFM) system has evolved into a useful tool for direct measurements of microstructural parameters and intermolecular forces at nanoscale level with atomic-resolution characterization. Typically, these microcantilever systems are operated in three open-loop modes; non-contact mode, contact mode, and tapping mode. In order to probe electric, magnetic, and/or atomic forces of a selected sample, the non-contact mode is utilized by moving the cantilever slightly away from the sample surface and oscillating the cantilever at or near its natural resonance frequency. Alternatively, the contact mode acquires sample attributes by monitoring interaction forces while the cantilever tip remains in contact with the target sample. The tapping mode of operation combines qualities of both the contact and non-contact modes by gleaning sample data and oscillating the cantilever tip at or near its natural resonance frequency while allowing the cantilever tip to impact the target sample for a minimal amount of time. Recent research on AFM systems has focused on many fabrication and manufacturing processes at molecular levels due to its tremendous surface microscopic capabilities. This paper provides a review of such recent developments in AFM imaging systems with emphasis on operational modes, microcantilever dynamic modeling and control. Due to the important contributions of AFM systems to manufacturing, this paper also provides a comprehensive review of recent applications of different AFM systems in these important areas.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Interactions Of fluorescent Labeled Beta-amyloid Peptides With Self-assembled Nanospheres And Their Impacts On Fibrillation

Aggregation of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) into fibrils plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In this work, we have studied the interactions of two model peptides which include the Aβ (1-42) peptide, and the short segment Aβ (13-21) with self-assembled nanospheres. The Aβ (13-21) segment was examined as this region is believed to play a crucial role in the beta-sheet formation and fibrillation. The nanospheres were prepared by self-assembly of a newly synthesized bolaamphiphile, bis(N-α-amido-methionine)1,5 pentane dicarboxylate. We observed that the Aβ peptides showed significant binding to the nanospheres, which resulted in inhibition of beta-amyloid fibril formation. The binding of amyloid β peptides to the nanospheres was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta-potential analysis, FTIR, circular dichroism analysis and TEM analysis. We found that the binding of the amyloid β-peptides to the nanospheres was pH, temperature and concentration dependent as well as depended upon the hydrophobicity/ hydrophilicity of the solvent systems. Upon interacting with the nanospheres, a significant transition from β-sheet structure to alpha-helix or random coil formation is observed under acidic to neutral conditions, while relatively less interactions are observed under basic conditions. This indicates that the electrical charge density of the nanospheres play a significant role in the binding interactions with the peptides. Significant fluorescence quenching was observed when the fluorescent labeled beta-amyloid peptides were bound to the nanospheres under certain conditions. The apparent binding constants calculated were in the order of K = 20 to 200 M−1 depending on the experimental conditions. It appears that the self-assembled nanospheres may mimic the vesicles formed from certain biological bilayer membranes and suggest that the nanospheres may potentially serve as a new family of bioactive agents for inhibiting amyloidogenesis.
DIFFUSE ARTERIOVENOUS (AV) MALFORMATION OF BOTH KIDNEYS

AV malformations of the kidneys are rare and AV malformations replacing the normal vasculature of both kidneys, so far as we are aware, has not been previously described. The purpose of this abstract is to describe such an abnormality in a girl aged 3 years and 10 months. She presented with hypertension (190/140mmHg), a hemolytic anemia with red cell fragmentation (Hb 6.1 G/dl, Reticulocytes 6.2%,haptog1obin 00 mg/dl), thrombocytopenia (platelets 72000/cmm) and decreased renal function (S.Creatinine 1.4 mg/dl, BUN 32 mg/dl, GFR 35ml/min/1.73m2). There was no evidence of intravascular coagulation. Blood renin was normal. She also had hypertrophy of the left leg, with prominent veins, probably due to an associated AV malformation of the leg. Arteriography showed that the vasculature throughout both kidneys, was replaced by multiple AV malformations. Drainage was through large, tortuous veins anastomosing with periureteral and pelvic veins. The inferior vena cava was visualized early. She has been treated with chlorothiazide, propranolol, hydrallazine, methyldopa, aspirin and dlpyridamole for 9 months. The hypertension is controlled, and the platelet count has returned to normal. The Hb has risen to 10.5 G/dl but Red cell fragmentation persists. The GFR has risen to only 57 ml/min/1.73m2.
Absolute Rate constants for O + No + N2 → NO2 + N2 from 217–500 K

Abstract Flash photolysis of NO coupled with time resolved detection of O via resonance fluorescence has been used to obtain rate constants for the reaction O + NO + N 2 → NO 2 + N 2 at temperatures from 217 to 500 K. The measured rate constants obey the Arrhenius equation k = (15.5 ± 2.0) × 10 −33 exp(1160 ± 70)/1.987 T ] cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 . An equally acceptable equation describing the temperature dependence of k is k = 3.80 × 10 −27 / T 1.82 cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 . These results are discussed and compared with previous work.
Do Remittances Attract Foreign Direct Investment? An Empirical Investigation

Remittances are a major source of household income in many Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Households spend a significant portion of remittances on health and education. Given that hu...
Assessing the viability of biosynthetic pathways for calophyline A formation—are pericyclic reactions involved?

Abstract The results of quantum chemical calculations on a previously proposed biosynthetic pathway for the formation of calophyline A from rhazimol, which features formally forbidden 4-electron [1,2] and [1,3] sigmatropic shifts, are discussed. The proposed pathway was not found to be energetically viable, despite a surprisingly low predicted barrier for the [1,3] shift, but an alternative route involving a series of tautomerizations and carbonyl addition reactions is shown to be more energetically feasible.
Posthypnotic Conflict and Psychopathology - Controlling for the Effects of Posthypnotic Suggestions: A Brief Communication

Abstract Hypnotically implanted paramnesias (false memories) designed to arouse Oedipal and non-Oedipal sexual conflicts were implanted in 2 groups of male undergraduate Ss. Ss in a third condition were hypnotized but no paramnesia wasm implanted. In a fourth condition, the Oedipal paramnesia was presented to Ss who had been instructed by coexperimenters to simulate hypnosis. All Ss had achieved a score of 7 or higher on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (Shor & E. C. Orne, 1962). Following implantation of the paramnesia, Ss were given conflict activating instructions consisting of posthypnotic suggestions to express strong sexual feelings in response to cue words contained in the paramnesias. Ss in all conditions produced significantly more symptoms of discomfort to cue words than to neutral words. No significant between-group differences were found. These results question the contention that discomfort following the implantation of an Oedipal paramnesia constitutes empirical sup...
John D. Roberts: In His Own Words and Those of His Friends

In honor of the 97th birthday of Professor John D. Roberts, the author has assembled a collection of poignant quotes and anecdotes, mostly written by Roberts himself, which embody his philosophies of life and his wide-ranging experiences and interests. A brief summary of Roberts’s major scientific accomplishments is also presented.