cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New chemistry for the study of multiprotein complexes: the six-histidine tag as a receptor for a protein crosslinking reagent

Abstract Background: To study very large macromolecular complexes, it would be useful to be able to incorporate probe molecules, such as fluorescent tags or photoactivatable crosslinkers, into specific sites on proteins. Current methods for doing this use relatively large amounts of highly purified protein, limiting the general utility of these approaches. The need for covalent posttranslational chemistry also makes it extremely difficult to use modified proteins in studies of native complexes in crude lysates or in living cells. We set out to develop a protein tag that would circumvent these problems. Results: A very simple type of molecular recognition, metal-ligand complexation, can be used to deliver a nickel-based crosslinking reagent to proteins containing a six-histidine (His 6 ) tag. When activated with a peracid, the His 6 -Ni complex mediates oxidative crosslinking of nearby proteins. The crosslinking reaction does not involve freely diffusible intermediates, and thus only those proteins in close proximity to the His 6 -tagged polypeptide are crosslinked. Conclusions: The His 6 tag, commonly used as an affinity handle for the purification of recombinant proteins, can also be used as an internal receptor for an oxidative protein-crosslinking reagent. No covalent protein modifications are necessary, since the Hiss tag is introduced at the DNA level. The crosslinking reaction is fast, efficient in most cases, and provides products that are easily separated from most other proteins present. This methodology should find widespread use in the study of multiprotein complexes.
Henry Kissinger's implicit theory of personality: A quantitative case study

Rosenberg and Jones' (1972) methodology for extracting personality descriptions from archival materials was adapted to study Henry Kissinger's perceptions of political leaders Content analysis of Kissinger's White House Years yielded 3,759 trait descriptions of 38 salient leaders To discover how Kissinger organized his trait descriptions, the co-occurrences among the 106 most frequently used trait categories were analyzed by (1) principal components analysis of tetrachoric correlations, (2) cluster analysis of Euclidean distances, and (3) nonmetric multidimensional scaling of profile distances Across all three measures of association and grouping algorithms, five consistent personality themes emerged—“professional anguish,”“ambitious patriotism,”“revolutionary greatness,”“intellectual sophistication,” and “realistic friendship” Scales constructed for the five sets of traits had adequate alpha reliabilities The profiles of the five scales for each leader revealed systematic individual differences in leaders' perceived personalities Cluster analysis of these individual differences identified nine leader types Kissinger, Chou En-lai and Georges Pompidou were sufficiently distinctive to define separate leader types Other types included the Revolutionary, the Patriot, the Personal Friend, the Professional Friend, the Able Adversary and the Professional Competitor Implications for theory and future research were discussed
Pulmonary and cardiovascular effects of acute exposure to concentrated ambient particulate matter in rats

To examine the biological plausibility of the adverse health effects of ambient particulate matter (PM), we have studied the cardio-pulmonary effects of PM in an animal model of pulmonary hypertension. Normal and monocrotaline-treated rats were exposed, nose-only, for 3 h to filtered air or concentrated ambient PM. At 3 h--but not 24 h--post-exposure, the percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood was significantly elevated in PM-exposed animals while the percentage of lymphocytes was decreased with no change in white blood cell counts. These changes in white blood cell differential occurred in both normal and monocrotaline-treated animals. Small, but consistent changes in heart rate, but not core temperature, were observed after exposure to concentrated ambient PM. Pulmonary injury, as evidenced by increased protein levels in lavage fluid, occurred only in monocrotaline-treated animals exposed to > 360 microg/m3 PM. The observed pattern of hematological and cardiac changes suggests an activation of the sympathetic stress response.
Interpersonal Communication Research as Ideological Practice

Interpersonal communication research is shaped by both epistemological and ideological assumptions. Although the interpersonal field has engaged in extensive epistemological inquiry, ideological issues have rarely been addressed. In this article, I argue that an ideological commitment to (1) individualism and cognitive, (2) subjectivism, (3) subjective internationality, and (4) historicism shapes current interpersonal communication research. To the extent that these four ideological orientations define research and scholarship, the interpersonal field is at risk of reifying contemporary values and uncritically reproducing and legitimizing the relations of power that constitute the social order.
Photo-polymerisation effects on the carbonyl CO bands of composite resins measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract The spectra of photo-polymerised composite resins, measured by the micro-Raman spectroscopy, are analysed in the frequency region of the C O carbonyl stretching bands. The band intensities at about 1700 and 1715 cm−1 (the peak frequencies of the hydrogen bonded and free C O bands, respectively) decrease with the irradiation time and with the methacrylate monomer conversion. Consequently, a degree of apparent conversion (DAC) can be defined. It is shown that the intensity variations conserve the band-shape and allow the DAC measurements via the single frequency intensity ratio. Both the bands give rise to DAC values which exhibit a one-to-one dependence on the degree of C C conversion, in partial disagreement with previous results. The microscopic mechanisms, associated to the intensity decrease, are critically revised and discussed on the basis of the experimental findings.
The base exchange reaction of NAD+ glycohydrolase: identification of novel heterocyclic alternative substrates.

Abstract ADP-ribosyl cyclase and NAD+ glycohydrolase (CD38, E.C.3.2.2.5) efficiently catalyze the exchange of the nicotinamidyl moiety of NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN+) with an alternative base. 4′-Pyridinyl drugs (amrinone, milrinone, dismerinone and pinacidil) were efficient alternative substrates (kcat/KM = 0.9–10 μM−1 s−1) in the exchange reaction with ADP-ribosyl cyclase. When CD38 was used as a catalyst the kcat/KM values for the exchange reaction were reduced two or more orders of magnitude (0.015–0.15 μM−1 s−1). The products of this reaction were novel dinucleotides. The values of the equilibrium constants for dinucleotide formation were determined for several drugs. These enzymes also efficiently catalyze the formation of novel mononucleotides in an exchange reaction with NMN+, kcat/KM = 0.05–0.4 μM−1 s−1. The kcat/KM values for the exchange reaction with NMN+ were generally similar (0.04–0.12 μM−1 s−1) with CD38 and ADP-ribosyl cyclase as catalysts. Several novel heterocyclic alternative substrates were identified as 2-isoquinolines, 1,6-naphthyridines and tricyclic bases. The kcat/KM values for the exchange reaction with these substrates varied over five orders of magnitude and approached the limit of diffusion with 1,6-naphthyridines. The exchange reaction could be used to synthesize novel mononucleotides or to identify novel reversible inhibitors of CD38.
Modeling of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in the Laser Multilayered Cladding Process

The current work examines the heat-and-mass transfer process in the laser multilayered cladding of H13 tool steel powder by numerical modeling and experimental validation. A multiphase transient model is developed to investigate the evolution of the temperature field and flow velocity of the liquid phase in the molten pool. The solid region of the substrate and solidified clad, the liquid region of the melted clad material, and the gas region of the surrounding air are included. In this model, a level-set method is used to track the free surface motion of the molten pool with the powder material feeding and scanning of the laser beam. An enthalpy–porosity approach is applied to deal with the solidification and melting that occurs in the cladding process. Moreover, the laser heat input and heat losses from the forced convection and heat radiation that occurs on the top surface of the deposited layer are incorporated into the source term of the governing equations. The effects of the laser power, scanning speed, and powder-feed rate on the dilution and height of the multilayered clad are investigated based on the numerical model and experimental measurements. The results show that an increase of the laser power and powder feed rate, or a reduction of the scanning speed, can increase the clad height and directly influence the remelted depth of each layer of deposition. The numerical results have a qualitative agreement with the experimental measurements.
γ-Amino butyric acid and glutamate abnormalities in adolescent chronic marijuana smokers

Background An increasing body of evidence from neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies suggests that exposure to marijuana throughout adolescence disrupts key cortical maturation processes occurring during this developmental phase. GABA-modulating pharmacologic treatments that elevate brain GABA concentration recently have been shown to decrease withdrawal symptoms and improve executive functioning in marijuana-dependent adult subjects. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the lower ACC glutamate previously reported in adolescent chronic marijuana smokers is associated with lower ACC GABA levels.
An evaluation of lineup presentation, weapon presence, and a distinctive feature using ROC analysis

Abstract We conducted an experiment ( N = 2675) including both laboratory and online participants to test hypotheses regarding important system and estimator variables for eyewitness identification. Simultaneous lineups were compared to sequential lineups with the suspect presented early versus late because there is evidence that suspect position could be an important factor determining a simultaneous versus sequential advantage in guilty-innocent suspect discriminability. We also manipulated whether or not the perpetrator held a weapon or had a distinctive feature on his face, to re-evaluate recent evidence that these factors interact. Overall, the simultaneous lineup yielded higher discriminability than the sequential lineup, and there was no effect of sequential position. Discriminability was higher when the perpetrator had no weapon, but only when no distinctive feature was present. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of exploring interactions between system and estimator variables using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Job Obsolescence: Challenge and Opportunity

The rate of accumulation of knowledge, and the application of knowledge, now frequently depreciates the value of an education gained in one's first 20 or 25 years. Experience acquired in the interim may not be a satisfactory substitute for the new knowledge which has become current since one's formal education. The consequence is to place an even greater premium on recently educated (younger) employees and to accelerate their rate of obsolescence. It is not only production workers who are threatened by new technologies, but professional and managerial personnel as well. They may not lose their jobs, but they may be downgraded on the promotional ladder. What is needed, if we are to avoid piling up frustrations on the part of people still in their physical and mental prime, is a new conception of formal education as something stretching through a person's lifetime. The additional cost will be more than offset by increased productivity. Even before this becomes public policy, companies can move on their own to encourage their management personnel, beginning with the younger members, to return to the classroom every few years to keep up with the flow of knowledge. Various mechanisms are available to make this a perfectly feasible program.
Akirin Links Twist-Regulated Transcription with the Brahma Chromatin Remodeling Complex during Embryogenesis

The activities of developmentally critical transcription factors are regulated via interactions with cofactors. Such interactions influence transcription factor activity either directly through protein-protein interactions or indirectly by altering the local chromatin environment. Using a yeast double-interaction screen, we identified a highly conserved nuclear protein, Akirin, as a novel cofactor of the key Drosophila melanogaster mesoderm and muscle transcription factor Twist. We find that Akirin interacts genetically and physically with Twist to facilitate expression of some, but not all, Twist-regulated genes during embryonic myogenesis. akirin mutant embryos have muscle defects consistent with altered regulation of a subset of Twist-regulated genes. To regulate transcription, Akirin colocalizes and genetically interacts with subunits of the Brahma SWI/SNF-class chromatin remodeling complex. Our results suggest that, mechanistically, Akirin mediates a novel connection between Twist and a chromatin remodeling complex to facilitate changes in the chromatin environment, leading to the optimal expression of some Twist-regulated genes during Drosophila myogenesis. We propose that this Akirin-mediated link between transcription factors and the Brahma complex represents a novel paradigm for providing tissue and target specificity for transcription factor interactions with the chromatin remodeling machinery.
Broadband Complex Refractive Indices of Ice and Water

A critical survey of the literature is presented. An empirical model of the complex refractive indices for ice and liquid water is constructed from this review. The model is applicable from -20 degrees C to 0 degrees C for ice and from -20 degrees C to 50 degrees C for water. The spectral interval for which the model applies extends from 2 micro, to several thousand kilometers in wavelength for ice and from 2 micro to several hundred meters in wavelength for water.
Similar efficacies of biliary, with or without pancreatic, sphincterotomy in treatment of idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Background & Aims The role of sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) in the management of patients with idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis requires clarification. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis and the prognostic significance of pancreatic sphincter dysfunction (SOD). Methods We performed a randomized trial of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with SOM for patients with idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis. Patients with pancreatic SOD (n = 69) were assigned randomly to groups that received only biliary sphincterotomy (BES) or a combination of biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomy (DES); patients who underwent normal SOM (n = 20) were assigned randomly to groups that received BES or a sham surgery. The primary outcome was incidence of recurrent acute pancreatitis during the follow-up period (minimum, 1 year; maximum, 10 years). We also determined the incidence of chronic pancreatitis and analyzed factors associated with recurrence of acute pancreatitis. Results Among the 69 patients with SOD, 48.5% who received BES and 47.2% who received DES had recurrent acute pancreatitis (95% confidence interval, −22.3 to 24.9; P = 1.0). In patients with normal SOM (n = 20), 27.3% of those who received BES and 11.1% of those who received the sham surgery had recurrent acute pancreatitis (95% confidence interval, −49.5 to 17.2; P = .59). Overall, 16.9% of subjects developed chronic pancreatitis during a median follow-up period of 78 months (interquartile range, 35−108 mo). The odds of recurrent acute pancreatitis during follow-up evaluation were significantly greater among patients with SOD than those with normal SOM (unadjusted hazard ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–11.4; P P Conclusions Among patients with pancreatic SOD, DES and BES have similar effects in preventing recurrence of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic SOD is an independent prognostic factor, identifying patients at higher risk for recurrent acute pancreatitis. Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01583517).
Assessing the influence of scanner background noise on auditory processing. II. An fMRI study comparing auditory processing in the absence and presence of recorded scanner noise using a sparse design

Several studies reported decreased signal intensities within auditory areas for experimental designs employing continuous scanner background noise (SBN) in comparison to designs with less or no SBN. This study examined the source for this SBN-induced masking effect of the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response by directly comparing two experimental sessions with the same auditory stimulation, which was presented either with or without recorded scanner background noise (RecSBN). Ten subjects listened to a series of four one-syllable words and had to decide whether two of the words were identical. The words were either presented with a silent background or with added RecSBN. This was then contrasted with either silence or RecSBN. A sparse temporal sampling method was used in both sessions, which enabled us to directly assess the influence of RecSBN without varying scanning parameters, acquisition quantities, or auditory stimulations. Our results suggest that previously reported SBN-induced masking of the BOLD response in experimental designs with SBN might be caused by an interaction between increased baseline levels and nonlinearity effects within auditory cortices. Adding SBN to an experimental condition does not enhance signal intensities to the same degree that SBN does when presented with a silent background, and therefore contrasting an experimental and baseline condition that both have SBN may lead to signal decreases. In addition, our study shows this effect is greatest in Heschl's gyrus, but can also be observed in higher-order auditory areas.
584 PROLONGED ISOLATED THROMBOCYTOSIS IN INFANTS OF POLYDRUG ABUSERS

Nineteen infants of mothers using methadone plus other drugs developed significant thrombocytosis for more than 16 weeks. These prospectively studied newborns had varying degrees of withdrawal during the first week of life; one had seizures. All were formula fed. As part of a study, 10 received paregoric, 3 phenobarbital and 6 no drugs. Complete blood counts were done every 3 to 7 days in hospital and weekly after discharge. Platelet counts in the first week were the same in both study (mean 258,000±18,000/mm3 S.E.M.) and control (255,000±40,000) infants. Maternal platelet counts were all normal. By the second week there was significant thrombocytosis in study (521,000±68,000) versus control (240,000±45,000) infants (p<.001). Thrombocytosis persisted with a further significant increase at 10 weeks of age (745,000±97,000) (p<.05), platelets exceeding 1,000,000 in 4/19. Thrombocytosis was comparable regardless of treatment. All serial blood counts aside from platelets were normal. Marrow hypermegakaryocytosis suggests overproduction as the mechanism. Thrombocytosis appears to be related to postnatal changes associated with withdrawal and not to treatment. Thrombocytosis may be a factor in the pathogenesis of focal infarcts, and subarachnoid plus germinal plate hemorrhages described in some infants of addicted mothers, and thus may relate to potential long term sequelae in survivors.
Origins and temporal scales of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf : Importance of benthic and sub-pycnocline water metabolism

Abstract Hypoxic-to-anoxic conditions (2–0 mg O 2 l − 1 ) occur in the bottom waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico on the Louisiana shelf west of the Mississippi river delta during late spring and summer where the rate of oxygen consumption exceeds its rate of input from physical transport plus photosynthetic generation. Although consumption of oxygen in the water column primarily via oxic respiration is an important process, the loss of oxygen at and near the seafloor may also be an important sink contributing to seasonal low oxygen conditions in the relatively shallow overlying waters in this region. Associated with the flux of oxygen into the sediments is the flux of nutrients out of the sediments from the remineralization of sedimentary organic matter via a number of possible electron acceptors. The nutrients that are released from the sediment can potentially stimulate further primary production. This can lead to generation of oxygen in the water column and production of organic matter, much of which can be transported to the seafloor where it again becomes a sink for oxygen. A non-steady-state data driven numeric benthic–pelagic model was developed to investigate the role of sediment and water-column metabolism in the development of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf. The model simulations bare out the importance of sediment oxygen demand as the primary sink for oxygen at the beginning and end of a hypoxic event on the shelf, but once hypoxia has developed, the sediments, now isolated from the oxygen-rich surface waters, are driven into a more anoxic mode, becoming more dependent on sulfate and metal reduction. As a result, the bottom water near the pycnocline becomes the major sink for oxygen. Model simulations also suggest that there is a delay of several weeks between metabolite production (especially ammonium) and its efflux from the sediments. Thus the maximum sediment ammonium export occurs in September and October in time to fuel autumnal phytoplankton production, thereby continuing a biogeochemical cycle that expands the temporal and spatial scales of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf.
Mutation of the maize sbe1a and ae genes alters morphology and physical behavior of wx-type endosperm starch granules

In maize, three isoforms of starch-branching enzyme, SBEI, SBEIIa, and SBEIIb, are encoded by the Sbe1a, Sbe2a, and Amylose extender (Ae) genes, respectively. The objective of this research was to explore the effects of null mutations in the Sbe1a and Ae genes alone and in combination in wx background on kernel characteristics and on the morphology and physical behavior of endosperm starch granules. Differences in kernel morphology and weight, starch accumulation, starch granule size and size distribution, starch microstructure, and thermal properties were observed between the ae wx and sbe1a ae wx plants but not between the sbe1a wx mutants when compared to wx. Starch from sbe1a ae wx plants exhibited a larger granule size with a wider gelatinization temperature range and a lower endotherm enthalpy than ae wx. Microscopy shows weaker iodine staining in sbe1a ae wx starch granules. X-ray diffraction revealed A-type crystallinity in wx and sbe1a wx starches and B-type in sbe1a ae wx and ae wx. This study suggests that, while the SBEIIb isoform plays a dominant role in maize endosperm starch synthesis, SBEI also plays a role, which is only observable in the presence of the ae mutation.
Can Reaction Mechanisms Be Proven

Organic chemistry textbooks commonly teach that reaction mechanisms can never be proven. We argue that this is an outdated philosophy of science that does not accurately describe the practice of chemistry today. Chemists obtain evidence to confirm their theories, not merely to refute them, and have accumulated an impressive body of mechanistic knowledge over the decades. Progress has accelerated in recent years because of technological advances that allow reaction intermediates to be observed directly. Yet textbooks continue to teach that mechanisms can only be proven false. Not only does this approach fail to reflect current practice, it also limits the possibilities for new generations of chemists by denying the value of supporting evidence. Students should be open to the option of designing experiments to confirm a mechanistic proposal and not be constrained by a theoretical approach that maintains that only falsifying experiments have value. Chemists should be free to use evidence to either support or disprove mechanistic hypotheses. Mechanisms can be proven on a practical basis to the same extent as other scientific theories can be.
From Surface to Depth: Diagnosis and Assessment in Personality Pathology

As Sheets and Craighead (2007) note, the current organization of personality disorders (PDs) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is limited by excessive comorbidity among different forms of personality pathology and by co-occurrence of symptoms from ostensibly unrelated PDs. In this commentary, I offer an alternative solution to the syndrome- and symptom-level problems that characterize our current organization of PDs. This solution involves (a) formally conceptualizing each DSM PD using multiple theoretical frameworks, and (b) using psychological assessment data to obtain information relevant to key elements of these theoretical frameworks. Guidelines for multimodal assessment of PDs are offered, and suggestions for integrating diagnostic information and psychological test data are described.
Alterations of adenosine A1 receptors in morphine dependence

Abstract The possibility that central adenosine A 1 and A 2a receptors mediate opiate dependence was examined in morphine-treated mice using radioligand binding methods. Mice treated with morphine for 72 h demonstrated significant increases in naloxone-precipitated abstinence behaviors of jumping, wet-dog shakes, teeth chattering, forepaw treads, forepaw tremors and diarrhea compared to vehicle-treated mice. Increased concentrations of cortical adenosine A 1 receptor sites, but not striatal adenosine A 2a sites, were found in saturation binding studies from morphine-dependent mice. Decreases in cortical A 1 agonist binding affinity values aling with increases in agonist binding sites were demonstrated in competition binding studies. These results suggest that adaptive changes of upregulation and sensitization of adenosine A 1 receptors play a role in mediating the opiate abstinence syndrome.
Generation of Attosecond Soft X-ray Supercontinuum by a Polarization Gating

High-order harmonic generation was gated by a laser field with a time-dependent ellipticity. When the linear polarization portion is less than one optical period, the high harmonic spectrum is a supercontinnum that covers 30-100 eV.
The Educational Legacy of Woodrow Wilson: From College to Nation. Edited by James Axtell . Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2012. 267 pp.

The Educational Legacy of Woodrow Wilson: From College to Nation. Edited by James Axtell. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2012. 267 pp. In The Educational Legacy of Woodrow Wilson, James Axtell has collected nine essays, one from a political scientist, and eight from professional historians, discussing the record of Woodrow Wilson not as president, but as an educator. As Axtell notes, his career as a politician was "comparatively brief" to his time spent as a professor (p. 2). Not long before he died, Wilson himself told a former student that "his contribution to his generation ... was in connection not so much with his political work as with his activities as a teacher and college administrator" (p. 2). While the bulk of works on Wilson discuss his political career, Axtell's book is one of several recent works that examine Wilson's career as an educator. The essays in this volume came from a conference on Wilson as educator held at Princeton in late 2009. Essays in such collections are often of uneven quality, but Axtell chose his contributors well. All the entries are strong, each supporting Axtell's contention that Wilson played a central part in the development of American education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as universities debated whether to follow a British- or German-influenced model. Wilson, educated at Johns Hopkins under Herbert Baxter Adams' German-influenced program, nonetheless preferred a British-influenced style. W. Bruce Leslie notes that many academics, Wilson included, had a romantic view of "Oxbridge" (a conflation of Oxford and Cambridge) rather than a more realistic vision (p. 98). Despite this admiration, while touring Britain during his Princeton years, Wilson spent little time actually going to visit universities to see how they operated. Instead, he relied on published accounts of the British schools as communities of scholars, teachers, and students. A pleasant and not unreasonable vision, Wilson not only relied on this Anglo-centric idea to design his preceptor system, he also favored the Tudor Gothic architectural style of "Oxbridge" as president of Princeton, overseeing the addition of new buildings (pp. 102-3). Princeton would not only operate as Wilson imaged his model universities did, it would look like them as well. Why did he not favor the German model? According to Wilson, they had mistakenly not viewed the university "as a community of teachers and pupils" (p. 101), and Wilson emphasized the role of "community" as central to his view of institutions. Wilson's reforms not only affected Princeton, but, Axtell argues, influenced how other universities, including Harvard and Yale, structured their programs (p. 3). Wilson's skill as a speaker and writer added to his ability to command a national platform even before he entered politics (p. …
Cosmogenic 10Be and 36Cl ages from Late Pleistocene terminal moraine complexes in the Taylor River drainage basin, central Colorado, USA

Abstract Cosmogenic surface-exposure ages from boulders on a terminal moraine complex establish the timing of the local last glacial maximum (LGM) in the Taylor River drainage basin, central Colorado. Five zero-erosion 10 Be ages have a mean of 19.5±1.8 ka while that for three 36 Cl ages is 20.7±2.3 ka. Corrections for modest rates (∼1 mm ka −1 ) of boulder surface erosion result in individual and mean ages that are generally within 2% of their zero-erosion values. Both the means and the range in ages of individual boulders are consistent with those reported for late Pleistocene moraines elsewhere in the southern and middle Rocky Mountains, and thus suggest local LGM glacier activity was regionally synchronous. Two anomalously young (?) zero-erosion 10 Be ages (mean 14.4±0.8 ka) from a second terminal moraine are tentatively attributed to the boulders having been melted out during a late phase of ice stagnation.
Postnatal development of efferent synapses in the rat cochlea.

The development of olivocochlear efferent axons and their contacts in the postnatal cochlea was studied after DiI applications to the olivocochlear bundle in the ipsilateral brainstem of rats from 0 to 10 days of age (P0–10). Light microscopic analyses showed that labeled axons reached the vicinity of inner hair cells by P0 and outer hair cells by P2. Electron microscopic analyses demonstrated that labeled immature efferent axons are present among supporting cells of the greater epithelial ridge as well as inner hair cells at P0. The first efferent contacts that contacted inner hair cells contained a few irregularly sized vesicles and, occasionally, mitochondria. Postsynaptic specializations within inner hair cells apposed to labeled efferent axons included subsynaptic cisterns, irregularly sized vesicles, and synaptic bodies. Similar features were present in unlabeled profiles, presumed to be afferents, indicating that immature efferent axons could not be reliably distinguished from afferents without positive labeling. Efferent axons synapsed with outer hair cells by P4 and had synapse-like contacts at the bases of Deiters' cells at P4 and P6. Contacts between afferents and efferents were observed frequently in the inner spiral bundle from P6. As they matured, efferent axon terminals contacting hair cells contained increasing numbers of synaptic vesicles and were typically apposed by well-defined postsynaptic cisterns, thus acquiring distinctive profiles. J. Comp. Neurol. 423:532–548, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
From housekeeper to microsurgeon: the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of ribonucleases

The RNA population in cells is controlled post-transcriptionally by ribonucleases (RNases) of varying specificity. Angiogenin, neurotoxins, and plant allergens are among many proteins with RNase activity or significant homology to known RNases. RNase activity in serum and cell extracts is elevated in a variety of cancers and infectious diseases. RNases are regulated by specific activators and inhibitors, including interferons. Many of these regulatory molecules are useful lead compounds for the design of drugs to control tumor angiogenesis, allergic reactions, and viral replication. One RNase (Onconase) and several RNase activators are now in clinical trials for cancer treatment or inhibition of chronic virus infections. Several others, alone or conjugated with specific cell binding molecules, are being developed for their antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor cell activity.
WE‐C‐L100F‐04: Clinical X‐Ray Computed Tomography in 2007: Status and Future

Clinical X‐ray computed tomography has grown in importance for all of its applications, but most importantly for evaluation of the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and cardiovascular system.CT delivers an increasing fraction of the overall population radiation dose. Many limitations are present due to sensitivity to motion, metal artifacts, patient size, and limited functional information with a relatively high radiation dose. There are technical developments which promise to reduce these constraints, but at a significant cost. Most important are large area detectors with 64 to 256 rows of detectors, multiple energy channels, algorithmic improvements, and multimodality systems (especially PET/CT). CT is now the essential (and often the only) radiologic imaging procedure needed to manage many patients with acute or chronic diseases. Its speed and versatility, as well as reliability and simplicity of operation ensure that its role will continue for the foreseeable future. CT is used extensively for emergencies, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological, orthopedic and other applications. Further technology development is aimed at common applications where reimbursement for CT scanning services is available or will likely become available. Multicenter clinical trials are underway that compare cardiacCT with other modalities, especially SPECT and cardiac catheterization. The most demanding CT applications are cardiovascular, where complex motion and small morphologic features coexist. Clinical cardiacCT consists of bolus intravenous contrast material injection with EKG gating and simultaneous x‐ray scanning. Larger area detectors and higher frame acquisition rates partly address but don't solve all of the problems encountered due to respiratory, random body, and cardiac motion, in a spectrum of patients from infant to massively obese adult sizes (< 1 kg to 250 kg or more). The challenges and pitfalls in CT will be delineated and evaluated relative to current and future technology.
Modular, self-assembling peptide linkers for stable and regenerable carbon nanotube biosensor interfaces.

As part of an effort to develop nanoelectronic sensors for biological targets, we tested the potential to incorporate coiled coils as metallized, self-assembling, site-specific molecular linkers on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Based on a previously conceived modular anchor-probe approach, a system was designed in which hydrophobic residues (valines and leucines) form the interface between the two helical peptide components. Charged residues (glutamates and arginines) on the borders of the hydrophobic interface increase peptide solubility, and provide stability and specificity for anchor-probe assembly. Two histidine residues oriented on the exposed hydrophilic exterior of each peptide were included as chelating sites for metal ions such as cobalt. Cysteines were incorporated at the peptide termini for oriented, thiol-mediated coupling to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor surfaces, gold nanoparticles or CNT substrates. The two peptides were produced by solid phase peptide synthesis using Fmoc chemistry: an acidic 42-residue peptide E42C, and its counterpart in the heterodimer, a basic 39-residue peptide R39C. The ability of E42C and R39C to bind cobalt was demonstrated by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and isothermal titration calorimetry. SPR biosensor kinetic analysis of dimer assembly revealed apparent sub-nanomolar affinities in buffers with and without 1 mM CoCl2 using two different reference surfaces. For device-oriented CNT immobilization, R39C was covalently anchored to CNT tips via a C-terminal cysteine residue. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the assembly of probe peptide (E42C) N-terminally labeled with 15 nm gold nanoparticles, when added to the R39C-CNT surface. The results obtained open the way to develop CNT tip-directed recognition surfaces, using recombinant and chemically synthesized chimeras containing binding epitopes fused to the E42C sequence domain. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultimate tensile properties of elastomers. VII. Effect of crosslink density on time–temperature dependence

Data on tensile strength and elongation at break for a series of Viton A-HV vulcanizates are discussed. The data were obtained at various extension rates at temperatures from −5 to 230°C (25 ≲ T — Tg ≲ 260°C) on seven vulcanizates having crosslink densities ve (estimated from C1 in the Mooney-Rivlin equation) from 0.46 × 10−5 to 24.4 × 10−5 mole/cm3. At an extension rate of 1 min−1, an increase in ve affects the tensile strength σb (based on the undeformed cross-sectional area) and the true tensile strength σbσb (based on the cross-sectional area of a deformed specimen) as follows: σb is essentially constant at a low temperature; it passes through a decided maximum at intermediate temperatures; and it increases to a plateau at elevated temperatures. In contrast, λbσb decreases markedly at all temperatures, an exception being the most lightly crosslinked vulcanizate(s). Application of time—temperature superposition to the ultimate-property data gave log aT; its temperature dependence is that typical of nonpolar rubbery polymers. Data on the vulcanizates were compared in corresponding temperature states by plotting log 273σb/T, log 273λbσb/T, and (λb — 1)/(λb — 1)max against logtb/(tb)max, where tb is the temperature-reduced time to break and (tb)max is the value at which the ultimate extension ratio λb attains its maximum, (λb)max. Except for the most lightly crosslink vulcanizate, the comparison shows that 273λbσb/T and (λb — 1)/(λb — 1)max are substantially independent of (or only weakly dependent on) crosslink density, that 273λb/T increases with ve, and that 273λb/T ∝ ve0.6 and λb ∝ ve−0.4 at a large value of tb/(tb)max.
Performance analysis of an amplify-based differential modulation for wireless relay networks under Nakagami-m fading channels

This paper examines differential binary modulation for wireless networks that utilize wireless relays to seek cooperative diversity and improved performance over Nakagami-m fading channels. A differential cooperative transmission scheme, referred to as differential amplify-and-forward (DAF), is introduced. The scheme requires no channel state information (CSI) at any node in the system. A differential detection is discussed. A set of analytical results pertaining to the probability density function (PDF) of the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and average bit error rate (BER) are obtained. The analytical results are confirmed by numerical simulations. It is instrumental to apply the derived closed-from BER expression to evaluate system performance under Nakagami-m fading channels.
Ureteral stenting with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy

Abstract We reviewed the results of ureteral stent use with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 3,096 patients with renal calculi less than 3 cm in diameter. The 2,595 patients with indwelling ureteral stents required lower total power (shocks × voltage) and less radiation and had a lower secondary procedure rate but a higher retreatment rate than the 501 patients without stents. However, the only statistically significant difference was in the average radiation dose in patients with or without stents and single stones no larger than 10 mm (16 vs. 18 rad). The hospital stay was one day or less in 98 percent of the patients in both groups. With an 80 percent follow-up rate at three months indwelling ureteral stents were associated with a higher stone free rate in patients with a single stone but a lower stone free rate in patients with multiple stones, compared with those treated without a stent. An indwelling ureteral stent may result in urinary frequency and bladder discomfort in some patients, and with no statistical difference in the results with or without a ureteral stent it is questionable whether or not the high use of an indwelling ureteral stent is justified in patients admitted for one day or less.
Understanding the action of drugs targeting TOP2: Yeast based systems for unraveling drug mechanisms

Type II topoisomerases play key roles in DNA metabolism, including DNA replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation (reviewed in Nitiss 1998). The enzyme has been termed a simple molecular machine that orchestrates DNA topology by its ability to pass a double stranded DNA through a transient DNA double strand break (Wang 1998). The complexity of the reactions carried out by topoisomerase II, along with its importance in DNA metabolism has led to a wide range of biochemical and biological approaches to the study of this enzyme. In addition to its rich biology and biochemistry, topoisomerase II is a well-established target of anti-cancer agents such as etoposide and doxorubicin. It is therefore critical to understand how topoisomerase II targeting agents act against the enzyme, what events following topoisomerase II inhibition are important for cytotoxicity, and how cells can elaborate resistance to topoisomerase II targeting agents.
Identification of critical amino acids involved in α1-β interaction in voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels

Abstract In voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels, the α 1 and β subunits interact via two cytoplasmic regions defined as the Alpha Interaction Domain (AID) and Beta Interaction Domain (BID). Several novel amino acids for that interaction have now been mapped in both domains by point mutations. It was found that three of the nine amino acids in AID and four of the eight BID amino acids tested were essential for the interaction. Whereas the important AID amino acids were clustered around five residues, the important BID residues were more widely distributed within a larger 16 amino acid sequence. The affinity of the AID A GST fusion protein for the four interacting β 1 b BID mutants was not significantly altered compared with the wild-type β 1 b despite the close localization of mutated residues to disruptive BID amino acids. Expression of these interactive β mutants with the full-length α 1 A subunit only slightly modified the stimulation efficiency when compared with the wild-type β 1 b subunit. Our data suggest that non-disruptive BID sequence alterations do not dramatically affect the β subunit-induced current stimulation.
Lost to follow-up.

the findings and suggestions of other authors in respect of hip surgery (Dorey and Amstutz 1989; Laupacis 1989), the results gained from primary attenders at a tate review clinic after shoulder surgery may not be representative of the outcome: the average self-assessment of the non-attenders was lower by one class. Age differences have been shown to affect the self assessment of health (Idler 1993). In this study, however, with an average age of 5 1. 1 years among attenders and 48.8 years in non-attenders, this is an unlikely explanation. Assuming unbiased reporting, the data suggest overestima tion of excellent results and an underestimation of good, fair and poor results. There remains doubt as to whether the non-attenders who were contacted by telephone lack the impact of personal contact in a hospital environment and are therefore less enthusiastic (or more honest) about their outcome. Increas Attempts to study the results of an operation retrospectively are often hampered by the lack of compliance of patients. The outcome among those who fail to attend for follow-up is subject to conjecture. Are they silent because they are dissatisfied (hypothesis A)? Are they so satisfied that they do not want to be bothered (hypothesis B)? Have they died (hypothesis C) or have they just moved house (hypothesis D)? A study on the outcome of shoulder surgery for rupture of the rotator cuff attempted to find an answer. Patients and methods. From 1977 to 1983 a total of 49 patients (51 shoulders) had operations. Of these, 21 patients (43%) accepted an invitation for late review; this included a subjective grading of the outcome. Of the remaining patients, 18 (37%) were traced and contacted by telephone. The average age was similar in both groups (51.1 years among attenders; 48.8 years among non-attenders). The sex ratio in both groups was almost identical (2.5: 1; 2.6:1). Results. Details of the results are shown in Table I. The grading of the primary â€˜non-attenders'who were contacted by telephone was worse, supporting hypothesis A against hypothesis B. Three patients had died (hypothesis C). Seven (14%) had moved to an unknown address (hypo thesis D); their outcome was not known and some may have died (hypothesis C). Discussion. The argumentthat loss of function may be related to the need to change address probably holds true after hip surgery, causing admission to nursing homes. This requires the calculation of a worst-case scenario (Can et at 1993; Murray, Carr and Bulstrode 1993), but the applica tion and/or generalisation of this assumption to patients after shoulder surgery is unlikely to be valid. Losses to follow-up due to change of address after shoulder surgery are unlikely to affect the outcome analysis, although the possibility does exist. The results seem to give some support to hypothesis A: all reoperations took place in primary non-attenders who also had a generally lower subjective grading. In contrast to
Regulation of acid secretion and paracellular permeability by F-actin in the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

G526, 2002. First published December 5, 2001; 10.1152/ajpgi.00393. 2001.—Many studies have implicated F-actin in the regulation of gastric acid secretion using cytochalasin D (CD) to disrupt apical...
Stock-and-Flow Thinking in Decision Making: Towards Systemic Procedure of Problem Solving

The article presents fundamental rules of the systemic thinking in decision making and it proposes a unified problem solving procedure. The Partitioning Method is presented and it is shown how that method can be used in discovering system structure or problems. The problem structure is a critical factor in solving them. Special attention is paid to the variables described as Stock-and-Flow which absorbs the problems' dynamics and deteremine its feedback structure. The analysis is presented as part of the Dynamic Decision Making theory.