cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internal Neurolysis for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Systematic Review.

Abstract Introduction Trigeminal neuralgia remains a challenging disease with debilitating symptoms and variable efficacy in terms of treatment options. Microvascular decompression (MVD) with internal neurolysis (IN) is an alternative treatment that may provide patients benefit, but has limited understanding. We performed a systematic review of IN for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods Studies from 2000 to 2021 that assessed IN in trigeminal neuralgia were aggregated and independently reviewed. Results A total of 520 patients in 12 studies were identified with 384 who underwent IN (mean age 53.8 years, range 46-61.4 years; mean follow-up 36.5 months). Preoperative symptoms were present for about 55.0 months before treatment and pain was predominantly in V2/3 (26.8%), followed by other distributions. An excellent to good outcome (Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Score [BNI-PS] I-II) was seen in 83.7% of patients (range 72-93.8%). Pain outcomes at 1 year were excellent in 58-78.4%, good or better in 77-93.75%, and fair or better in 80-93.75% of patients. On average facial numbness following IN was seen in 96% of patients however at follow-up remained in only 1.75-10%. Most remaining numbness was not significantly distressing to patients. Subgroup comparisons of IN vs. recurrent MVD, IN vs. radiofrequency ablation, the impact of IN during the absence of vascular compression, as well as IN with and without MVD were also evaluated. Conclusions IN represents a promising surgical intervention for trigeminal neuralgia in the absence of vascular compression or in potential cases of recurrence. Complications were limited in general, but require further study.
Signal, Noise and R. F. Power in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The influences on magnetic resonance imaging of probe design, relaxation times, chemical shift and power deposition are considered in the light of the controversy surrounding the notion of an optimal imaging field strength. It is shown that the noise in the experiment originates in the patient, and that in consequence, the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) increases, at the most, linearly with field. The removal of chemical shift artifacts is discussed, and the use of a Carr-Purcell sequence recommended as a way of maintaining signal-to-noise ratio while eliminating artifacts. The concept of desired image S/N is then introduced, and it is shown that there exists a vaguely defined field strength at which that ratio is attained in the minimum time. Finally, the dangers of excessive power deposition in a patient are highlighted, and the use of a field in the range 0.5 to 1 Tesla advocated as giving good signal-to-noise ratio and versatility while not exceeding recommended power limits.
Parametric study on the size and alignment of electrospun PLGA nanofibrous matrices

Electrospinning is a useful method for the fabrication of three-dimensional, micro- to nanoscale fibrous scaffolds. The architecture of electrospun matrices can modulate cell adhesion, migration and gene expression. In this study, we performed a parametric study to investigate the impact of electrospinning parameters on the size and orientation of electrospun Poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid 85∶15 fibers. The fiber diameter increased significantly with increased polymer concentration or decreased collecting distance. The voltage applied between the needle tip and the collector did not impact the average diameter of fibers; however, resulted in high variability in fiber size, as the standard deviation of fiber size increased by 3 times as the voltage increased from 10kV to 30kV. Aligned fibrous scaffolds were fabricated by collecting electrospun fibers on a rotating mandrel. Increasing mandrel rotational speed enhanced fiber alignment without significantly affecting fiber diameter. The standard deviation of the fiber angle decreased from 39° to 17° as the rotational speed increased from 14000 rpm to 37000 rpm.
The Preparation and Properties of Deflavo Xanthine Oxidase

Abstract The FAD prosthetic group of milk xanthine oxidase has been removed by treatment with high concentrations of CaCl2. This agent has been shown to promote the hydrolysis of FAD to FMN. The deflavoenzyme has been shown to be devoid of xanthine oxygen reductase activity, and can be reconstituted by a short incubation with FAD. Reconstitution of xanthine oxygen reductase activity was also obtained with FMN; however, high concentrations were required. The absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the deflavoenzyme are similar to those of the simple iron-sulfur proteins such as the ferredoxins. Rapid reaction studies have shown that the deflavoenzyme is rapidly reduced by xanthine and glycolaldehyde, and that the loss of xanthine oxygen reductase activity is due to the fact that the reduced deflavoenzyme has a negligible reoxidation rate with O2. Consistent with these findings, the deflavoenzyme is catalytically active in the oxidation of xanthine with acceptors such as ferricyanide and cytochrome c. On the basis of these results, and of inhibition studies with cyanide, pathways of electron transfer in the reaction of xanthine oxidase with various hydrogen donors and acceptors are proposed.
A paper-based 3D sensor array for electromicrobiology

In this work, we provided a strategy for high-throughput monitoring of temporal and spatial gradients of electrons/protons in electrogenic bacterial biofilms by utilizing 3D multi-laminate structures of paper as a scaffold to support bacterial biofilms and/or media. Assembly of a 3D paper stack can be modular and allows us to control the thickness of the overall biofilm construct and diffusion of nutrients/redox mediators through the stack and the shapes of gradients in the stacks can be modulated by changing the composition of each layer. By measuring the current generated from different stack configurations, the electron/proton fluxes through biofilms were quantitatively investigated.
Effect of Low Dose Neutron Irradiation on Tensile Behavior of HT-9 Steel at Room Temperature

HT-9 steel samples have been irradiated with fast neutrons [E>0.1 MeV] to a low dose (1.2x10−3 dpa). Microstructure of the unirradiated and irradiated samples has been characterized by X-ray Diffraction Line Profile Analysis using different model-based approaches. The domain size and density of dislocations of the irradiated steel have been estimated. Different types of tensile tests have been carried out at room temperature to assess the changes in mechanical properties of HT-9 steel due to neutron irradiation.
Associations between urinary concentrations of 2,5-dichlorophenol and metabolic syndrome among non-diabetic adults.

We investigated in this study the relationship between exposure to para-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB), measured as urinary concentrations of 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), and metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic adult participants. A nationally representative subsample of 1706 non-diabetic adult participants aged 20–79 years randomly selected for measurement of urinary concentrations of 2,5-DCP in the 2007–2010 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. A dose-dependent increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was observed in the study participants across quartiles of urinary 2,5-DCP (p-trend = 0.0025). After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the third and fourth quartile of urinary 2,5-DCP had 1.47 (95 % CI 1.02, 2.14) and 1.56 (95 % CI 1.10, 2.23) increased odds of metabolic syndrome, respectively, compared with individuals with the lowest quartile. Of the five components of metabolic syndrome, waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol showed a significant and monotonic association with urinary 2,5-DCP. Participants with the highest quartile of 2,5-DCP had 3.18 cm (95 % CI 1.34, 5.02) higher mean waist circumference and 2.83 mg/dL (95 % CI −4.68, −0.98) lower mean HDL-cholesterol than the participants in the lowest quartile. This study suggests a potential relationship between p-DCB exposure and metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic adults. Prospective epidemiological and mechanistic studies are needed to further explore these interactions.
Evaluating physical habitat integrity in relation to the biological potential of streams

Physical habitat integrity, while a necessary condition for ecological intcgrity, is not well defined and rarely examined in relation to the biological potential of a stream. The relations of physical habitat to the biota need to be quantified so as to better establish reference conditions and to document those physical habitat alterations that actually impact the biota. I evaluated the relation of physical habitat to benthic invertebrate communities in Missouri, U.S.A., streams — at both reference quality and habitat-altered sites. Six common within-stream habitats were delineated from each of 45 streams of reference quality in three ecoregions. Distinctive assemblages of invertebrates were associated with each habitat type. A spatial hierarchy of the influence of habitat was evident. At the largest scale, physical attributes unique to ecoregions were more influential than local conditions in structuring invertebrate communities. Within an ecoregion, however, small-scale habitat conditions were more of an influence than stream location because communities collected from the same habitat type at different streams were more similar than those collected from different habitat types at the same stream. I used this information to develop reference habitat conditions for streams of each ecoregion. I then evaluated invertebrate comrnunities from 20 streams with varying habitat conditions to model the variation and sensitivity of biological metrics in order to assess how the biota responded to habitat changes. Biological responses to habitat alterations were readily documented by taking into account both the presence or absence of particular habitats and the quality of each habitat type.
Unpacking the Black Box of Interdependencies Fit

This paper reexamines the concept of interdependencies fit and organizational performance, focusing on the neglected role of integration mechanisms that enable and achieve fit between the interdepe...
Safety issues with statin therapy.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the most important potential adverse effects related to statin therapy, discuss mechanisms of toxicity and drug interactions, and suggest approaches for enhancing safety with statin therapy. Data Sources Large-scale clinical trials, government databases and papers, and recent studies of statin safety. Study Selection By the author. Data Extraction By the author. Data Synthesis The number of patients requiring intensive therapy with statins to achieve lipid goals is climbing, and as the number grows, so does the potential for adverse effects with these agents. The most detrimental adverse effects of statins are hepatotoxicity and myopathy. Liver dysfunction induced by statins is rare and usually mild, with asymptomatic transaminase elevation or acute cholecystitis. Progression to liver failure is exceedingly rare, and transaminase elevations is usually reversible with dose reduction. Statin-associated myopathy is generally a concern when patients have more than one risk factor for muscle syndromes, such as an elderly patient with poor renal function. Drug interactions represent an additional concern, especially for atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, all of which are metabolized by the important 3A4 isoenzyme of the cytochrome P450 system of the liver. Conclusion The benefits of all available statins for the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease outweigh any potential risks of therapy. For patient groups most susceptible to adverse effects, such as the elderly and those on multiple medications, clinicians should consider the use of statins that are least likely to interact with other medications.
Captioned Television Videotapes: Effects of Visual Support on Second Language Comprehension

This study examined the effects of captioned video material on ESL student comprehension with videotaped episodes presenting both low and high audio/video correlation as defined by Garza (1991). Prior research has been restricted to high audio/video correlation material in which the audio track was strongly supported by the video portion (visual images). A total of thirty-seven advanced and thirty-four intermediate ESL students participated in the experiment. The results revealed that both groups were able to recall significantly more idea units (p < .01) when the captions were available with the episode presenting a low level of visual support (low audio/video correlation). Conversely, caption availability did not substantially improve student recall with the episode presenting a high audio/video correlation.
Identification of exons in a novel embryonal carcinoma locus using the GRAIL program

Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells have proven to be of particular value in studies of both oncogenesis and mammalian development, as well as in evaluating the relationship between these two phenomena. Infection of the EC cell line, NR1-0, with a defective retrovirus containing a neomycin resistance cassette (Neo(r)), produced a mutant cell line: NR1-6. Genetic analysis of this variant cell line indicates that there is only a single insertion site. Interestingly, however, the NR1-6 cell line is unique in its morphology, tumorigenicity, and differentiative potential (1). We have sequenced over 18 kb from the regions flanking the retroviral insertion which we then analyzed using the computer programs GCG and BLAST. Although homology was found to 4 B1 repeat elements (approximately 150 bp long) and a novel CA/GT dinucleotide repeat, no homology was found to any known genes (2). Furthermore, attempts to identify potential exons or transcripts using various molecular techniques and the above mentioned computer programs were all negative. Most recently we employed the GRAIL (Gene Recognition and Analysis Internet Link) computer program which was specifically designed to identify potential exons (3). Analysis with this program identified 5 exon candidates: two characterized as excellent (>90% probability) and three as marginal (>60% probability). Using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR we have demonstrated that the two 'excellent' and one of the 'marginal' exon candidates identified by GRAIL are expressed as mRNA in the mutant cells. Sequencing of these PCR products indicates that the mRNA is identical to the genomic DNA sequence. Thus, we have found that GRAIL provides an efficient, reliable means of identifying real exons within long regions of novel genomic DNA.
Atypical conditions for quantitative recovery of acepromazine and chlorpromazine from plasma.

Recoveries of acepromazine and chlorpromazine from equine plasma were examined. Recoveries of both drugs from plasma were poor under theoretically optimal conditions for basic drugs. When a wide range of extraction pH was examined, it was found that more complete recoveries of these drugs from plasma were achieved at pH 5–6. Use of [3 H] chlorpromazine showed that the rate of migration of the drug from an aqueous to a nonpolar environment was much faster at pH 6.0 than at pH 9.2 from both plasma and buffer solutions. Times required for equilibration with agitation were 15 min at pH 6.0, 1 h at pH 9.2, and 2 h at pH 11.0. With these agitation times and pH values, recoveries were more than 95% complete.
An updated approach to dysplasia in IBD.

Introduction Long-standing inflammation of the colorectum in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) has been associated with an increased risk of subsequent dysplasia and colorectal cancer. Historically, it was described that the neoplastic transformation in these inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) occurred via a different biologic pathway and not by the non-IBD polyp-cancer pathway and predictable lag time of progression. Therefore, prevention strategies have focused on the detection of dysplasia in flat mucosa, and existing guidelines have recommended performance of interval surveillance colonoscopies with random biopsies to identify such lesions with proctocolectomy when they are confirmed.
The effects of possible future climate change on evaporation losses from four contrasting UK water catchment areas

Evaporation losses from four water catchment areas under different land uses and climatic conditions were calculated using formulations developed from small plot studies. These formulations, dependent on rainfall inputs, potential evaporation and air temperature, were extrapolated to the catchment scale using land classifications based on analysing remotely sensed imagery. The approach adopted was verified by comparing the estimated annual evaporation losses with catchment water use, given by the difference between rainfall inputs and stream flow outputs, allowing for changes in soil moisture. This procedure was repeated using modified values of rainfall, potential evaporation and air temperature, as given by a climate change scenario. The computed evaporation losses were used in annual water balances to calculate stream flow losses under the climate change scenario. It was found that, in general, stream flow from areas receiving high rainfall would increase as a result of climate change. For low rainfall areas, a decrease in stream flow was predicted. The largest actual changes in stream flow were predicted to occur during the winter months, although the largest percentage changes will occur during the summer months. The implications of these changes on potable water supply are discussed.
Prevention and management of complications in parathyroid surgery

The most common complication of parathyroid surgery is operative failure. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, permanent hypoparathyroidism,hematoma, and error in diagnosis can also complicate initial parathyroid exploration. This article discusses specific ways to try to prevent these and other problems and gives detailed strategies to evaluate and manage affected patients.
Cytokine dysregulation associated with exam stress in healthy medical students.

The mechanisms of stress-related immune alterations have not been fully elucidated. Cell-mediated immune responses as well as antibody and certain cytokines are reported as being suppressed during times of high stress. However, the role of suppression vs dysregulation has not been established in human stress models. The effect of exam stress on regulatory cytokines in 16 healthy medical students was assessed by measuring type-1 (IFN-gamma) and type-2 (IL-10) cytokines from 72-h PHA/PMA-stimulated PBMC 4 weeks before and 48 h after exams. Results demonstrated decreased IFN-gamma accompanied by increased IL-10 during exam stress that resulted in a decreased IFN-gamma:IL-10 ratio. There was a significant correlation between the cytokine response to PHA/PMA and number and subjective adjustment to daily hassles. Additionally, students who reported greater levels of loneliness also reported greater numbers of and poorer subjective adjustment to hassles. The differences were consistent in both males and females but did not correlate with AM cortisol levels. Additionally, when individuals were grouped into high vs low preexam hassle levels, the type-1/type-2 shift in the IFN-gamma:IL-10 ratio occurred in the low hassles group only. These data suggest that psychologically stressful situations shift type-1/type-2 cytokine balance toward type-2 and result in an immune dysregulation rather than overall immunosuppression. This may partially explain the increased incidence of type-2-mediated conditions such as increased viral infections, latent viral expression, allergic/asthmatic reactions, and autoimmunity reported during periods of high stress.
An x-ray energy dispersive study of cellular compartmentalization of lead and zinc in Chlorella Saccharophila (Chlorophyta), Navicula incerta and Nitzschia closterium (bacillariophyta)

Abstract The compartmentalization of the heavy metals Pb and Zn was studied in Chlorella saccharophila, Navicula incerta and Nitzschia closterium using the STEM with dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Cells were exposed to the metals, at various concentrations, for 96 hr and then air dried on formvar coated grids. Lead was found to be concentrated in cell sectors with polyphosphate bodies in C. saccharophila at 13.3 ppm and in N. incerta and N. closterium at 10 ppm. Lead was also detected when the probe was placed on the cell margin (cell wall sector) of C. saccharophila at 25 ppm and 5.6 ppm in N. closterium . No Pb was detected in the cell margin sector (cell wall) of N. incerta at metal concentrations up to 10 ppm. In cells exposed to Zn, the metal was detected in polyphosphate body cell sectors in C. saccharophila starting at 1.0 ppm and in N. incerta starting at 2.3 ppm. Small amounts of Zn were detected in cell sectors away from polyphosphate bodies in C. saccharophila starting at 2.3 ppm. No Zn was detected in N. closterium at metal concentrations up to 2.3 ppm. It is suggested that the compartmentalization of the heavy metals Pb and Zn into polyphosphate bodies and the cell wall may be a means by which some algae reduce the toxicity of these cations. These means of sequestering heavy metals may also be a significant way in which heavy metals move, in large amounts, in the food chain.
Asymmetric Valuation of Redeployable Resources by Firm Insiders and Outsiders

This paper explains the effects of resource redeployability on the asymmetric valuation of a firm’s resources by insiders and outsiders. I emphasize that the asymmetric valuation of resources resul...
Adolescent contraceptive behavior: A review.

This review examines the psychologically oriented literature on adolescent contraceptive use. Descriptive studies individual difference studies and theory-based studies from family planning medical and applied journals are covered as well as studies appearing in psychology journals. The findings indicate that many teenagers are startlingly uninformed about basic reproductive physiology. A sizeable proportion of adolescents surveyed believed themselves to be immune to pregnancy or at least very unlikely to become pregnant even though they are unaware of the theoretical probability of pregnancy. 2nd birth control pills are popular with adolescents but condoms remain the only effective method of contraception used with any frequency at 1st intercourse. 3rd adolescents do not like to use contraceptives although it is unclear why. 4th personality variables specifically locus of control and self-esteem are correlated with contraceptive use but their effects are small and situationally limited. 5th contraceptive use increases with chronological age and frequency of intercourse although it is unclear whether these are direct or indirect relations. 6th adolescents nonuse of contraception is not irrational given their level of information beliefs and attitudes. Reasons for not using contraception include underestimating the possibility of pregnancy not having access to contraceptives and not anticipating the need for contraceptives. Moreover these beliefs and attitudes are powerful predictors of contraceptive behavior. A few problems with contraceptive use research include the lack of a standard classification system for birth control methods and vague descriptions of samples. Psychological methods using cognitive emotional and developmental factors have been used to predict and explain these behaviors and they hold promise for future research.
Cloning and characterization of the TneDI restriction-modification system of Thermotoga neapolitana

A putative Type II restriction–modification system of Thermotoga neapolitana, TneDI, was cloned into Escherichia coli XL1-Blue MRF′ and characterized. Gene CTN_0339 specifies the endonuclease R.TneDI, while CTN_0340 encodes the cognate DNA methyltransferase M.TneDI. Both enzymes were purified simply by heating the cell lysates of E. coli followed by centrifugation. The enzymes were active over a broad range of temperatures, from 42°C to at least 77°C, with the highest activities observed at 77°C. R.TneDI cleaved at the center of the recognition sequence (CG↓CG) and generated blunt-end cuts. Overexpression of R.TneDI in BL21(DE3) was confirmed by both SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
Goos-Hänchen beam shift at total internal reflection

With reference to the treatment contained in a recent paper [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A3, 550 ( 1986)], the regions of validity of the energy method of Renard for obtaining the Goos–Hanchen lateral shift are discussed, and the proper procedure for implementation of the energy method, including the interaction power flow introduced by Yasumoto and Ōishi [ J. Appl. Phys.54, 2170 ( 1983)], is described.
Spatial discrimination learning in young chicks

Three groups of Van tress chicks (22, 45, and 68 h old) were used to study the effect of age on acquisition of a spatial discrimination with heat as reinforcement. Only 50% of the one-day-old Ss reached criterion performance in 35 acquisition trials; whereas, 87% and 80% of the two-and three-day-old Ss, respectively, reached criterion (five successive correct choices). The one-day-old chicks made more errors and required more trials to learn the discrimination than the two older groups.
Form, function and performances in a musical instrument MAKErs camp

This experience report presents the planning, execution and results of an exploratory 5-day musical instrument MAKErs camp for K-12 students. Students used various hardware sensors, a graphical programming environment and different physical prototyping techniques to create musical instruments. The design of a musical instrument introduces students to the full spectrum of the design process including form factor and function. Throughout the camp, students shared and performed in front of their peers to gain feedback as they iterated through the design of a musical instrument.
Protection for the good: subcategorization reduces hedonic contrast.

Stimuli are rated less "good" when compared to very good context stimuli than when presented alone or compared to less good context stimuli. This diminution in rating is hedonic contrast. In two studies, degree of hedonic contrast depended on subjects' categorization of stimuli. Subjects were surveyed about their liking of gourmet and ordinary coffees (Study 1) and specialty and regular beers (Study 2). In Study 1, contrast was substantially smaller for subjects who regarded the coffees as belonging to different categories than for subjects having a common category for both sorts of coffees. The analogous phenomenon was found in Study 2, comparing subjects who subcategorized beers to subjects who had a common category for both sorts of beers. Contrast is greatest for stimuli in a common category.
Forging partnerships for excellence through service learning

Service learning is a powerful teaching method that connects meaningful community service with academic learning, personal growth, civic responsibility, and reflective experience. Partnering with communities to support learning goals through service provides opportunities to design instruction that is engaging, multifaceted, and flexible to meet individual student needs.
Minimal functional routes in directed graphs with dependent edges

Graphs are mathematical structures used to model a set of objects and the relations between them. One of the basic concepts of graph theory, the path, has wide real-world applications. In classic graph models, edges ending at a node are assumed to be independent. However, many real graphs/networks can only be correctly described by considering a dependency among nodes or edges. Paths in such graphs may not be functional if the conditional dependency is ignored. In this study, we investigate the routing problem in directed graphs with dependent edges represented by general graph models as alternatives to hypergraphs. We define a minimal functional route (MFR) as a minimal set of nodes and edges that can independently perform information transfer between two given nodes, and formulate the determination of MFRs as a graph search problem. A depth-first-search (DFS) top-down algorithm, an iterative integer linear programming (ILP) bottom-up algorithm, and a subgraph-growing bottom-up algorithm are devised subsequently to solve this problem. Numerical experiments verify the effectiveness of the algorithms. The defined MFR problem and the proposed algorithms are expected to find many practical applications.
Mjölnir: The Magical Web Application Hammer

Conventional wisdom suggests that rich, large-scale web applications are difficult to build and maintain. An implicit assumption behind this intuition is that a large web application requires massive numbers of servers, and complicated, one-off back-end architectures. We provide empirical evidence to disprove this intuition. We then propose new programming abstractions and a new deployment model that reduce the overhead of building and running web services.
Effects of intracolony variability in behavioral development on plasticity of division of labor in honey bee colonies

There is a genetic component to plasticity in age polyethism in honey bee colonies, such that workers of some genotypes become precocious foragers more readily than do workers of other genotypes, in colonies lacking older bees. Using colonies composed of workers from two identifiable genotype groups, we determined that intracolony differences in the likelihood of becoming a precocious forager are a consequence of differences in rates of behavioral development that are also evident under conditions leading to normal development. An alternative hypothesis, that differences in the likelihood of becoming a precocious forager are due to differences in general sensitivity to altered colony conditions, was not supported. In three out of three trials, workers from the genotype group that was more likely to exhibit precocious foraging in single cohort colonies also foraged at relatively younger ages in colonies in which workers exhibited normal behavioral development. In contrast, in three out of three trials, workers from the genotype group that was more likely to exhibit precocious foraging in single-cohort colonies did not show disproportionately more overaged nursing in colonies in which workers exhibited delayed development. These results indicate that genotypic differences in plasticity in age-related division of labor are based on genotypic differences in rates of behavioral development.
Gap‐junction disassembly and connexin 43 dephosphorylation induced by 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid

Gap-junction channels connect the interiors of adjacent cells and can be arranged into aggregates or plaques consisting of hundreds to thousands of channel particles. The mechanism of channel aggregation into plaques and whether plaques can disaggregate are not known. Many carcinogenic and tumor-promoting chemicals have been identified that inhibit cell-cell gap-junctional coupling. Here, we provide morphological evidence that 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (18 beta-GA), a saponin isolated from licorice root that is an inhibitor of gap-junctional communication, caused the disassembly of gap-junction plaques in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells. This effect was dose (5-40 microM) and time dependent (1-4 h treatment). Gap-junction channels in WB-F344 cells are comprised of connexin 43 (Cx43), and the protein is phosphorylated to a species known as Cx43-P2 coincident with the assembly of channels into plaques. Consistent with this, the disassembly of plaques induced by 18 beta-GA was correlated with decreases in Cx43-P2 levels and increases in nonphosphorylated Cx43. Biochemical evidence indicated that these changes in the P2 and NP forms of Cx43 represented 18 beta-GA-induced dephosphorylation of Cx43-P2 and not its degradation or the inhibition of Cx43-NP phosphorylation. Okadaic acid and calyculin A, which are inhibitors of type 1 and type 2A protein phosphatases, prevented the dephosphorylation of Cx43, suggesting that one or both of these phosphatases were involved in Cx43 dephosphorylation. These data indicate that 18 beta-GA causes type 1 or type 2A protein phosphatase-mediated Cx43 dephosphorylation coincident with the disassembly of gap-junction plaques.
The survey and inspection of modern timber framed property

The timber frame is not a new form of building construction. Until the middle of the 18th century timber was the basic structural material used in this country. The method was gradually superseded by the use of brick and stone. This was caused by a decline in the availability of home grown timber and the improved social status of owning a brick built property. At the present time it is anticipated that half of the annual production of houses will be of timber frame by the end of next year.
System-identification procedure for system and input parameters in ambient vibration surveys

Abstract Over the past several decades, much valuable data pertaining to the structural performance of large civil structures (e.g., bridges) have been obtained through the use of ambient vibration surveys. While there have been significant advances in the technology used to collect the data, processing techniques used in such situations are still unable to reliably extract “difficult” parameters such as damping. This paper presents an overview of a method based on the application of a Kalman filter for the identification of system and excitation characteristics. Numerical examples of the method are presented.
Obesity adversely affects the outcome of antireflux operations.

We hypothesized that obesity was associated with long-term failure of antireflux procedures, and that in obese patients antireflux operations were easier to perform via thoracotomy, and therefore likely to have a higher success rate than transabdominal (laparoscopic or open) anti-reflux procedures. The aims of this study was to determine the impact of obesity on the success of antireflux operations, and to compare the success rates of transthoracic and laparoscopic approaches in obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux. The records of 224 consecutive patients undergoing antireflux surgery by two surgeons in a university-based tertiary care center were reviewed and patients contacted for follow-up assessment. The patients were classified into groups based on the type of operation performed and the calculated body mass index (BMI): normal (BMI 30). Recurrences were documented by symptoms responsive to acid-suppressive medication and radiologic or pH probe studies. Among the 224 patients included in this study, 187 underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications (LNF) and 37 underwent Belsey Mark IV (BM4) procedures. The mean follow-up period was 37 months. The three groups included 89 (39.7%) patients classified as having normal weight, 87 (38.8%) as overweight and 48 (21.4%) as obese. Normal, overweight, and obese patients were similar in terms of age, gender, hiatal hernia size, degree of esophagitis, and comorbid conditions. A total of 26 recurrences occurred, giving an overall recurrence rate of 11.6%. There were 4 recurrences in the normal group (4.5%), 7 in the overweight group (8.0%; p not significant vs normal), and 15 in the obese group (31%; p<0.001 vs normal; p<.001 vs overweight). The recurrence rate was similar between LNF and BM4 in each BMI subgroup, although in aggregate, the recurrence rate after BMW was greater than after LNF (10/37 vs 16/187; p<0.02). Obesity adversely affects the long-term success of antireflux operations. Although athoracotomy provides optimal exposure of the hiatal structures in obese patients, a transthoracic approach was associated with a higher recurrence rate than LNF. Given the high failure rate of antireflux operations in obese patients, intensive efforts at sustained weight loss should be made before consideration of surgery.
Differential activation of murine TH1 and TH2 clones.

Etude des differentes voies de regulation de l'activation de clones de sous populations cellulaires de lymphocytes T helper
Embedded systems courses at RIT

A three-course sequence of cross-disciplinary real-time and embedded systems courses has been introduced at RIT. We are teaching these courses in a studio-lab environment teaming computer engineering and software engineering students. The courses introduce students to programming both microcontrollers and more sophisticated targets, use of a commercial real-time operating system and development environment, modeling and performance engineering of these systems, and their interactions with physical systems.
Intraclass Correlation among Measures Related to Alcohol Use By School Aged Adolescents: Estimates, Correlates and Applications in Intervention Studies.

School-based alcohol use prevention studies frequently employ designs in which schools are assigned to treatment conditions while observations are made on individuals. The nesting of schools within treatment conditions requires that the treatment effect be assessed against the between-school variance; unfortunately, that variance is usually larger than for randomly constituted groups and its precision is usually less than that for the within-school variance. These factors often combine to reduce power substantially. To address these problems, investigators need good estimates for the intraclass correlation which together with the number of observations per school determines the magnitude of the extra variation in the nested design. This article presents estimates of school-level intraclass correlation for measures related to alcohol use among ninth and twelfth grade students and discusses their use in planning new studies and analyzing previous or current studies.
Television Sports and Athlete Sex: Looking At the Differences in Watching Male and Female Athletes

Women are an underrepresented population, particularly in the world of televised sports. Women are undervalued as athletes, due to their perceived lack of athletic skill and competitive spirit. This paper demonstrates, via physiological measures, men's sports garner more cognitive effort while it is women's sports that are actually remembered better. Also discussed is how men's and women's sports do not elicit any significant differences in physiological arousal, but still have differences in self-reported arousal.
The wheeler-Dewitt equation and quantum Kaluza-Klein theories

Abstract The Wheeler-DeWitt equation in one degree of freedom is used to analyze quantized 4 + n dimensional general relativity that is constrained to describe a Kaluza-Klein (M4 × Sn) geometry. It is concluded that one degree of freedom is inadequate for a realistic calculation of the radius of Sn.
Optic Disk and Visual Field Correlations in Primary Open-Angle and Low-Tension Glaucoma

If the amount of visual field loss is less than expected from the amount of optic disk cupping in low-tension glaucoma compared with primary open-angle glaucoma, it might imply a difference between the two conditions in the type of optic nerve lesion produced. To test this hypothesis, three observers independently examined, in a masked fashion, optic disk stereoscopic photographs of 127 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma and 71 eyes with low-tension glaucoma. For each stereoscopic photograph the observer predicted whether the visual field loss would be mild, moderate, or severe. The visual fields were then classified, according to the number of sectors defective on the Goldmann perimeter chart, as having mild (1 to 15 sectors), moderate (16 to 30 sectors), or severe (more than 30 sectors) visual field loss. For no observer did the frequency of underpredictions or overpredictions in the two conditions differ significantly. The results of this study, thus, did not support the theory that the optic disk damage in primary open-angle glaucoma differs from that in low-tension glaucoma.
Fluorescence Triple Correlation Spectroscopy Resolves Ten Intermediates Along Different Parallel Ribosome Assembly Pathways

Efficient self-assembly of the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit depends on the interplay of a large number of sequential RNA folding and protein binding events. In many cases the order of these events is not rigidly defined, giving rise to an assembly landscape crossed by parallel assembly pathways. The biological and biophysical implications of parallel assembly are unclear, and seem to contradict the current understanding of the ways large RNAs avoid kinetic traps. There has been very little direct characterization of the degree of parallel assembly in ribosomes because current biophysical techniques have difficulty resolving intermediates, especially with a large macromolecule (>500kDa) that requires high concentrations (100-1000nM) to assemble.To quantitate 30S intermediates, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) was extended to create Fluorescence Triple Correlation Spectroscopy (F3CS). By correlating three signals, F3CS can study complex stoichiometric systems, kinetic processes and irreversible reactions. Theory, numerical correlation strategies, and experimental practices were established and a two-photon excitation, three-color detection microscope was built to perform the first F3CS measurements. The technique is implemented as a suite of software, Triple Correlation Toolbox, to enable triple correlation experiments with existing microscopes.F3CS simultaneously identified intermediates both on and off the ribosome assembly pathways that were predicted by classic assembly maps. A weak energetic bias favors one assembly pathway over the others, but the bias energy is not strong enough to prevent the formation of intermediates off of the favored pathway. The interaction energies of ribosomal proteins S7, S9 and S19 are initially weak, which in principle reduces the potential for kinetic traps. F3CS has broad applications for identifying the subunit composition of non-ribosomal macromolecular complexes, non-destructively and in real time, and for identifying time-reversal asymmetries.
Model analysis of the contribution of atrial contraction to ventricular filling.

We studied the contribution of atrial contraction to ventricular filling by modelling the right heart and the associated vasculature. Right atrial and ventricular contractions were represented by periodically varying volume elastances which are independent of loading conditions. The values of these elastances were experimentally determined. The systemic veins, the tricuspid valve and the pulmonary arteries were all represented by impedance networks. For these impedances we used as much experimentally obtained information as possible. The dynamic pressure and flow waveforms observed in the model under control conditions generally agreed with those reported in the literature. We therefore proceeded to analyze the effects of changing the time interval between atrial systole and ventricular systole, atrial contractility, heart rate, and blood inertance. There was an optimal atrial systole-ventricular systole interval of about 0.1 sec for ventricular filling. Stroke volume of the ventricle was enhanced by an increase in atrial contractility, a decrease in heart rate, and an increase in blood inertance. The effect of changing atrial compliance was found to be dependent on heart rate. Contribution of atrial contraction to ventricular filling was also found to be more significant during exercise than at rest.
Uterus transplantation: ethical and regulatory challenges

Moving forward rapidly in the clinical research phase, uterus transplantation may be a future treatment option for women with uterine factor infertility, which accounts for three per cent of all infertility in women. This new method of treatment would allow women, who currently rely on gestational surrogacy or adoption, to gestate and birth their own genetic offspring. Since uterus transplantation carries significant risk when compared with surrogacy and adoption as well as when compared with other organ transplants, it requires greater justification because its goals are quality of life, not life-saving, in their scope. It is important to address questions regarding the physical, psychosocial and ethical risks and benefits of uterus transplantation for all three parties involved—the patient, the donor and the potential child—as well as discuss the regulatory implications as research on uterus transplantations moves forward.
Thermally induced acoustic emission in glasses

Abstract We have measured acoustic emission (AE) in commercially available silicate and metallic glasses while heating through the glass temperature (Tg). In silicate glasses AE is emitted at Tg which may be due to free volume diffusing to the surface. In amorphous Fe40Ni40P14B6 tapes the AE and self twist (ST) show a strong correlation in three distinct regions. Region 1 (150–225°C) is probably caused by the production process, ie secondary cooling. Region 2 (225–325°C) is probably due to structural relaxation. Crystallization occurs in Region 3 (325–450°C). The AE and ST are both irreversible when the sample is reheated to any specific temperature. The effects of varying stress levels and magnetic field are also examined. Stress relief is observed by AE measurements during an isothermal anneal.
Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage

Reducing CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuel is the primary purpose of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). Two basic approaches to CCS are available.1,2 In one approach, CO2 is captured directly from the industrial source, concentrated into a nearly pure form, and then pumped deep underground for long-term storage (see Figure 1). As an alternative to storage in underground geological formations, it has also been suggested that CO2 could be stored in the ocean. This could be done either by dissolving it in the mid-depth ocean (1–3 km) or by forming pools of CO2 on the sea bottom where the ocean is deeper than 3 km and, consequently, CO2 is denser than seawater. The second approach to CCS captures CO2directly from the atmosphere by enhancing natural biological processes that sequester CO2 in plants, soils, and marine sediments. All of these options for CCS have been investigated over the past decade, their potential to mitigate CO2 emissions has been evaluated,1 and several summaries are available.1,3,4
Early kinetic theories of gases

That matter is composed of molecules in violent agitation, and that heat is a manifestation of that motion, are ideas of great age. The first definite measure of the heat of intestine motion was proposed by Hermann in 17161.
Incorporating 1H chemical shift determination into 13C-direct detected spectroscopy of intrinsically disordered proteins in solution

Abstract Exclusively heteronuclear 13 C-detected NMR spectroscopy of proteins in solution has seen resurgence in the past several years. For disordered or unfolded proteins, which tend to have poor 1 H-amide chemical shift dispersion, these experiments offer enhanced resolution and the possibility of complete heteronuclear resonance assignment at the cost of leaving the 1 H resonances unassigned. Here we report two novel 13 C-detected NMR experiments which incorporate a 1 H chemical shift evolution period followed by 13 C-TOCSY mixing for aliphatic 1 H resonance assignment without reliance on 1 H detection.