cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Raw Materlals and Processing on the Quality of Granules Prepared from Microcrystalline Cellulose-Lactose Mixtures

AbstractWet granulation, using lactose as an excipient, is widely used in the pharmceutical industry. The use of micro-crystalline cellulose, as part of the excipient, may offer several advantages. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of ingredients and processing variables on granule quality. For these studies, only two-component system granulated with water in a planetary mixer were considered. The variables studied included the volume of granulating solution, type of lactose, dissolved material (other than binder) in the granulating solution, massing time, mesh size for wet screening and drying technique (oven and fluidized bed drying).
Ab initio calculation of vibrational circular dichroism spectra using large basis set MP2 force fields

Abstract Ab initio caculations of the vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of 2,3-trans-d2-oxirane (1), 1,2-trans-d2-cyclopropane (2), 1-13C-1,2,3-anti-d3-cyclopropane (3), and propylene oxide (4) based on [5s4p2d/3s2p] MP2 harmonic force fields are reported. The results are in perfect qualitative and good quantitative agreement with existing experimental VCD spectra except in the CH stretching region of 4 where Fermi resonance occurs. Calculations for 1–3 using a larger [8s6p3d/6s3p] basis set exhibit insensitivity to a substantial increase in basis set size.
Efficiency and incentive compatibility in differential information economies

We introduce several efficiency notions depending on what kind of expected utility is used (ex ante, interim, ex post) and on how agents share their private information, i.e., whether they redistribute their initial endowments based on their own private information, or common knowledge information, or pooled information. Moreover, we introduce several Bayesian incentive compatibility notions and identify several efficiency concepts which maintain (coalitional) Bayesian incentive compatibility.
A proposal for a measure of program understanding

This paper investigates the needs of computer science educators and experimental researchers for a measure of programmer performance. Operational and comprehensional problem solving is differentiated and their manifestations in computer science are presented. Measures that have been used by experimental researchers to evaluate programmer performance are described. The lack of adequate measures of comprehensional problem solving leads to the definition of the concept of Program Understanding. A measure of Program Understanding is discussed and its uses in education, experimental research, and industry are explored.
On the energy spectra of single-particle states in nuclei

Abstract The single-particle spectra of 16 O, 40 Ca, 48 Ca and 56 Ni have been studied using self- consistent field methods and a quadratically velocity-dependent two-nucleon effective (reaction- matrix) interaction. The self-consistent field equations are derived in some detail for the spin- independent interaction which is used. A one-body spin-orbit interaction of the Thomas form is added. The applicability of Koopmans' theorem to nuclear removal energies is discussed at some length. It is concluded that this theorem should be applied with caution. Orbital rearrangement energies are calculated and are found to be less than or about 0.2 MeV for states at the Fermi surface and 1–2 MeV for the deepest states.
Alteration of norepinephrine metabolism by barbiturates

Abstract Competitive inhibition of NAD-linked aldehyde dehydrogenase by acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of ethanol, enhances the formation in vitro of tetrahydropapaveroline (THF), a tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) alkaloid derived from the condensation of dopamine (DA) with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde. Unlike the DA-derived aldehyde, the aldehyde derivative of norepinephrine (NE) is not appreciably oxidized in brain tissue to the corresponding acid by brain aldehyde dehydrogenase, but is primarily reduced to the glycol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), by an NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase. Since it has been demonstrated that this partially purified aldehyde reductase from bovine brain is inhibited by barbiturates, an investigation was conducted to define the effects of barbiturates on the over-all metabolism of 14 C-NE and its aldehyde by rat brainstem homogenates. In the absence of exogenous NAD or NADPH, the major metabolite of deaminated NE was found in a fraction that would contain the THIQ alkaloids. A smaller portion of the deaminated NE was isolated as the DHPG and the 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA) metabolites. A substantial amount of the deaminated NE was also accounted for as the free aldehyde. Adding NADPH markedly increased DHPG formation while decreasing alkaloid synthesis. Incorporating barbiturates into incubation mixtures containing NADPH, or a mixture of NAD and NADPH, appreciably inhibited DHPG production, thereby enhancing free glycolaldehyde levels and augmenting alkaloid formation. Thus, barbiturates-like ethanol, as mediated by acetaldehyde-markedly modify neuroamine-derived aldehyde metabolism.
Applicability of an Established Management Algorithm for Destructive Colon Injuries after Abbreviated Laparotomy: A 17-Year Experience

Background For more than a decade, operative decisions (resection plus anastomosis vs diversion) for colon injuries, at our institution, have followed a defined management algorithm based on established risk factors (pre- or intraoperative transfusion requirements of more than 6 units packed RBCs and/or presence of significant comorbid diseases). However, this management algorithm was originally developed for patients managed with a single laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of this algorithm to destructive colon injuries after abbreviated laparotomy (AL) and to determine whether additional risk factors should be considered. Study Design Consecutive patients over a 17-year period with colon injuries after AL were identified. Nondestructive injuries were managed with primary repair. Destructive wounds were resected at the initial laparotomy followed by either a staged diversion (SD) or a delayed anastomosis (DA) at the subsequent exploration. Outcomes were evaluated to identify additional risk factors in the setting of AL. Results We identified 149 patients: 33 (22%) patients underwent primary repair at initial exploration, 42 (28%) underwent DA, and 72 (49%) had SD. Two (1%) patients died before re-exploration. Of those undergoing DA, 23 (55%) patients were managed according to the algorithm and 19 (45%) were not. Adherence to the algorithm resulted in lower rates of suture line failure (4% vs 32%, p=0.03) and colon-related morbidity (22% vs 58%, p=0.03) for patients undergoing DA. No additional specific risk factors for suture line failure after DA were identified. Conclusions Adherence to an established algorithm, originally defined for destructive colon injuries after single laparotomy, is likewise efficacious for the management of these injuries in the setting of AL.
Contextual emotion regulation therapy: a developmentally based intervention for pediatric depression.

For this special issue about child and adolescent depression, we were asked to describe Contextual Emotion Regulation Therapy1 as an example of a developmentally informed psychosocial intervention. To this end, we start with our definition of the elements that should comprise such an intervention. We then provide a succinct summary of this treatment, including its explanatory paradigm of depression, and explain how it addresses the various definitional criteria of a developmentally informed intervention. We conclude with a brief overview of the challenges of implementing a developmentally sensitive psychotherapy for depressed children and adolescents.
An Overview of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Around the World

Efforts to make cities and communities more age-friendly have gained significant momentum in recent years. Population aging and increased urbanization have challenged governments and other civic or...
DASH eating pattern is associated with favorable left ventricular function in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

Objective: Potential associations between consistency with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and preclinical stages of heart failure (HF) in a large multiethnic cohort have not been evaluated. This study sought to determine the cross-sectional relationship between the DASH eating pattern and left ventricular (LV) function in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).Design: A total of 4506 men and women from four ethnic groups (40% white, 24% African American, 22% Hispanic American, and 14% Chinese American) aged 45–84 years and free of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) were studied. Diet was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. LV functional parameters including end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, and LV ejection fraction were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the association between LV function and DASH eating pattern (including high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, ...
Healing of superior vena cava defect in mediastinal seminoma with invasion

We present an unusual case of mediastinal seminoma with direct intraluminal invasion into the superior vena cava (SVC) and extension to the right atrium. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstration of the SVC defect due to tumor invasion was important for determining treatment strategy because rapid posttherapeutic tumor regression may increase the risk of SVC rupture. Gradual healing of the SVC defect at the tumor entrance site was attained using a tailored treatment plan with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Refugian Stage of Pacific Coast Tertiary

Discriminating between rock-stratigraphic and time-stratigraphic terms, the writers propose the Refugian stage to comprise the rocks deposited after the strata usually included in the Tejon (restricted) formation of California were laid down and before the Zemorrian age (Bull. Amer. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Vol. 18 (1934), p. 377). The stage, probably equivalent in age to part of the Upper Eocene or Lower Oligocene series of Europe, includes such formations as the Lincoln, San Emigdio, Tumey, and Gaviota. The subjacent stage, which will include, among others, the Tejon, lowermost Sespe, and Cowlitz formations, can not be named at present because of lack of superpositional and faunal control.
Deconstructing signal transduction pathways that regulate the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines.

Dendritic spines are the sites of most excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that spines function independently of each other, and they are currently the smallest known processing units in the brain. Spines exist in an array of morphologies, and spine structure helps dictate synaptic function. Dendritic spines are rich in actin, and actin rearrangements are critical regulators of spine morphology and density. In this review, we discuss the importance of actin in regulating dendritic spine morphogenesis, and discuss the upstream signal transduction pathways that either foster or inhibit actin polymerization. The understanding of actin regulatory pathways is best conceptualized as a hierarchical network in which molecules function in discrete levels defined by their molecular distance to actin. To this end, we focus on several classes of molecules, including guanine nucleotide exchange factors, small GTPases, small GTPase effectors, and actin binding proteins. We discuss how individual proteins in these molecular classes impact spine morphogenesis, and reveal the biochemical interactions in these networks that are responsible for shaping actin polymerization. Finally, we discuss the importance of these actin regulatory pathways in neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amino acid availability regulates type I procollagen accumulation in human lung fibroblasts.

Fibrotic lung diseases are characterized by excessive deposition of type I collagen. Amino acid availability regulates type I collagen mRNA levels in quiescent human lung fibroblasts. In these studies, the effect of amino acid availability on type I collagen protein accumulation in quiescent human lung fibroblasts was examined. Following amino acid deprivation, alpha1(I) procollagen protein levels were not detected by Western blot analysis in either the intracellular or the extracellular compartments. Fibronectin levels and total protein levels were not affected. Amino acid deprivation resulted in a more pronounced decrease in alpha1(I) procollagen protein levels than in alpha1(I) procollagen mRNA levels, suggesting that post-transcriptional events were responsible for the further decrease inalpha1(I) procollagen protein levels. The addition of transforming growth factor-beta to amino acid deprived fibroblasts increased alpha1(I) procollagen mRNA levels without affecting alpha1(I) procollagen protein levels, confirming a post-transcriptional site for regulatory control by amino acid deprivation. In the absence of ascorbic acid, alpha1(I) procollagen protein levels increased in amino acid deprived fibroblasts, but alpha1(I) procollagen mRNA levels were not affected. The absence of ascorbic acid likely resulted in the accumulation of nonhelical procollagen in the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating that translational mechanisms for alpha1(I) procollagen were intact. The addition of chloroquine, an inhibitor of lysosomal degradation of proteins, increased alpha1(I) procollagen protein levels in amino acid deprived fibroblasts. These data suggest that following amino acid deprivation of quiescent fibroblasts, newly synthesized type I collagen was degraded intracellularly, primarily by a process that involved lysosomal proteinases.
Expression of the Q8/9d gene by T cells of the mouse.

The Q genes, specifying Qa antigens and situated in the extended part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the mouse, comprise a subgroup of MHC class I genes whose significance and function are still largely unknown. In screening a cDNA library made from the BALB/c inducer T-cell line Cl.Ly1-T1, we isolated 11 clones representing Q8/9, but none representing Q6 or Q7. Confirmatory evidence is given that the Q8/9 gene originated from fusion of the 5' region of the Q8 gene with the 3' region of the Q9 gene at a recombination site or hot spot in the vicinity of intron 4. Contrary to previous impressions that Q8/9 is an inert pseudogene, we find that the Q8/9 gene can be functional and encode a Qa-2, 3 antigen. One variety of the 11 Q8/9 clones isolated lacked exon 5, which encodes the transmembrane domain of class I glycoproteins, and thus may account for secretion of a soluble form of Qa-2, 3 antigen thought to be released by activated T cells.
Interval histograms of period of the electroencephalogram and the reaction time in twins

Measures of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, and kurtosis of interval histograms of half wavelengths in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and performance on an auditory reaction time (RT) task were compared in seven pairs of male monozygotic twins aged 101–134 months and seven pairs of unrelated boys matched to the twins for age. Interval histograms were formed from measurements of 780 half waves taken from EEGs recorded from the left parietal-occipital derivation while subjects performed the RT task. Except in the case of the dispersion of the EEG distributions, theF ratios of within-pair variance in unrelated pairs to within-pair variance in twins were all statistically significant at the 0.05 level of confidence. Statistically significant intraclass correlations of means, medians, and modes of the histograms were found in the group of monozygotic twins but not in the sample of unrelated subjects. Intraclass correlations for dispersion, skewness, and kurtosis of the histograms and for RT were not significantly different from zero in either the twins or unrelated subjects. EEG findings suggested that the basic frequency of the brain's rhythmic electrical activity may be genetically determined; RT findings were inconclusive.
The Phagocytic Nature of the Keratinocyte in Human Epidermis After Tape Stripping

Tape stripping of human epidermis seldom removes the entire stratum corneum; it usually causes damage to the remaining tissue, and promotes an increase in cell turn- over. Tape stripping apparently damages the Langerhans cells. The keratinocytes often phagocytose parts of Langerhans cells following epidermal stripping. Inclusions containing Langerhans cell granules were also found within keratinocyte nuclei and these inclusions were usually not membrane limited. Autophagic vacuoles containing premelanosomes and melanosomes were often seen in melanocytes, strongly suggesting that melanocytes play an active role in melanosome degradation.
Nutrition and Eating Behavior in Patients With Chronic Pain Receiving Long-Term Opioid Therapy

Objective To assess eating behavior and nutrient intake in a group of patients who were diagnosed with chronic pain and received long-term opioid analgesic therapy. Design A descriptive, exploratory study with a convenience sample. Setting An outpatient pain rehabilitation center. Participants Patients diagnosed with chronic pain who received long-term opioid analgesic therapy (N = 50). Main Outcome Measurements Body mass index, the Food Frequency Questionnaire developed by the Nutrition Assessment Shared Resource of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the Eating Behavior Inventory. Results Of 50 participants, 14 (28%) and 22 (44%) were found to be overweight and obese, respectively. Mean (±SD) daily caloric intake (kcal) was 2008.5 ± 926.0 among men and 1694.8 ± 672.4 among women. Daily mean (±SD) consumption of fruit and vegetable servings, calculated with the summation method, was found to be 1.8 ± 1.1 and 1.9 ± 1.5, respectively. Our patient sample showed the following mean (±SD) daily intake of the following substances: added sugars (g), 74.4 ± 43.0; fiber (g), 17.3 ± 7.5; cholesterol (mg), 266.5 ± 234; saturated fat (g), 25.8 ± 16.8; omega-3 fatty acids (g), 1.6 ± 0.99; trans-fatty acids (g), 2.7 ± 1.7; sodium (mg), 2868.5 ± 1388.1; caffeine (mg), 199.9 ± 160.8; alcohol (g), 1.6 ± 0.5; vitamin D (IU), 244 ± 208; and calcium (mg), 1111.7 ± 672.1. The mean (±SD) score as calculated by the Eating Behavior Inventory was 74.9 ± 9.1. Conclusions Obesity, deficient nutrient intake, and poor eating behavior were highly prevalent in our sample of patients with chronic pain who underwent long-term opioid therapy. Larger prospective studies are necessary to assess the eating behavior of patients with chronic pain who are treated with or without opioid analgesics.
The behaviour of the angular correlation symmetry angle following inelastic scattering of 3He particles from 12C

Abstract The in-plane angular correlation study of the reaction 12C(3He,1'γ4.43)12 is discussed. The behaviour of the symmetry angle is presented, and compared with the behaviour of the symmetry angle for α't' −γ and p′−γ angular correlations.
Factors That Influence Professionals' Perceptions of Behavioral Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse

The research examined factors that might influence interviewers' perceptions of convincingness of behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse. As predicted, professionals who believe that children do not lie about sexual abuse were more convinced by various behavioral indicators that sexual abuse occurred than were those professionals who approach children neutrally. For symptoms such as depression, aggression, and fear of the perpetrator, law enforcement professionals were more convinced than were mental health professionals, and women were more convinced than were men, as predicted. Contrary to prediction, there were no effects based on purpose of the interview (investigative vs. therapeutic). In addition, age of the child affected perception of indicators. As predicted, children under age 6 were more convincing than were children ages 6-9 or 10-12 when they demonstrated adult-level knowledge of sexuality. There were no age-of-child effects for symptoms that did not involve children's knowledge of sexua...
De Sitter and Poincaré gauge-invariant fermion lagrangians and gravity

Abstract We present a new fermion lagrangian which possesses exact symmetry under the local de Sitter group. The lagrangian involves new “scale gauge fields” related to the newtonian force and the usual Yang-Mills “phase gauge fields” related to a new “gravitational spin force” between two fermions. Generalization of the usual gauge theory for external symmetry groups is also discussed.
Automotive Battery State-of-Health Monitoring: a Parity Relation Based Approach

Abstract Effective vehicular power management requires accurate knowledge of battery state, including state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH). A well-known approach to battery SOH monitoring is to infer SOH from battery impedance or resistance. However, to provide accurate and robust battery SOH information, an integrated algorithm is needed. In this paper, we present a parity relation based integrated method for battery SOH monitoring. A parity relation is designed to characterize the behaviors of good batteries during vehicle cranking. A residual, defined as the discrepancy between the actual battery voltage and its estimation obtained from the trained parity relation, is used to infer battery SOH. Through analysis based on the presented battery model describing the battery dynamics during cranking, it is shown that the residual integrates the SOH information provided by both battery resistance and voltage loss, hence enhancing diagnostic/prognostic performance. Extensive performance evaluation results using real vehicle cranking data have shown the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Darboux transformations of the square of a Schrödinger operator and associated evolution equations

Abstract All operators which result from successive first-order Darboux transformations of the square of an arbitrary Schrodinger operator are determined. When the Schrodinger operator's potential solves the KdV equation, ratios and wronskians of the (zero) eigenfunctions give the solutions of the evolution equations whose Lax operators are the Darboux transformed operators. This is illustrated by determining the rational solutions derived from the Adler-Moser class of KdV solutions.
Swelling rate of corneal stroma

Abstract A theory of swelling published earlier was tested against experimental data on the early stages of free swelling of rabbit and steer corneal stroma. The theory correctly predicted the shape of the swelling curve of bare stroma and stroma from which the epithelium had not been removed, and yielded a stromal flow conductivity-hydration curve for steer in agreement with other reported values. The permeability of rabbit stroma was found to be about 50% greater than that of steer stroma at the same hydration. The swelling behavior of fresh stroma in saline was the same as that of tissue initially in ionic equilibrium with the bath. The theory permits the direct interpretation of easily run, free swelling experiments in terms of stromal swelling pressure and flow conductivity.
Measuring stroke impact with SIS: construct validity of SIS telephone administration.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) using telephone mode of administration. Methods: Stroke patients were identified using national VA administrative data and ICD-9 codes in 13 participating VA hospitals. Stroke was confirmed by reviewing electronic medical records. Patients were administered SIS by telephone at 12-weeks post-stroke, and administered the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and SF-36V at 16 weeks post-stroke. The instrument’s convergent validity and its ability to differentiate between groups of stroke patients with different disability levels were examined using Pearson’s correlations and Kruskal–Wallis one way ANOVA tests. Results: All the relevant relationships yielded high correlation coefficients with statistical significance: 0.86 for FIM-motor vs. SIS-ADL, and 0.77 for PF in SF-36V vs. SIS-PHYSICAL. The SIS presented better score discrimination and distribution for different severity of stroke than FIM and SF-36V without severe ceiling and floor effects. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed the Physical Component Score of SF-36V did not discriminate any disability levels. Physical functioning (PF) in SF-36V, FIM-motor, SIS-PHYSICAL, SIS-16, and SIS-ADL showed better discrimination in person’s functioning. The pairwise comparisons showed that SIS-PHYSICAL, SIS-16, and SIS-ADL discriminated more Rankin levels than FIM-motor and PF in SF-36V. Conclusions: SIS telephone survey had superior convergent validity and was better at differentiating between groups of stroke patients with different disability levels than the FIM and SF-36V with no evidence of ceiling and floor effects. Telephone administration of SIS would be a useful and cost-effective method to follow-up community dwelling veterans with stroke.
Assessment of severity of isolated valvar pulmonic stenosis using isoproterenol.

Abstract The present study presents a simple method of evaluating the hemodynamic severity of isolated pulmonic valvar stenosis by utilizing an intravenous infusion of isoproterenol to mimic the effects of exercise. The resulting rise in the systolic pressure difference across the pulmonic valve from the resting to the “active” state is then correlated with the rise in cardiac output accompanying this pressure rise. The higher the pressure rise in relation to the cardiac output, the more severe the stenosis. It is proposed that this ΔP ΔC.O. can be divided into three categories of severity as follows: (1) slight, ΔP ΔC.O. —less than 10 mm. Hg/L./min.; (2) intermediate, ΔP ΔC.O. —between 10 to 30 mm. Hg/L./min.; (3) rapid, ΔP ΔC.O. —greater than 30 mm. Hg/L./min. These terms of slight, intermediate, and rapid ΔP ΔC.O. can be thought of as analogous to the previously described terms of mild, moderate, and severe stenosis. This method should find its most useful application in those sedated children whose cardiac output is significantly below their expected normal, thus tending to place them in the category of mild pulmonic valvar stenosis. Isoproterenol can then be utilized to separate the patients with stenosis truly mild in nature, from those who have a more significant degree of stenosis.
Orientation Determination of Protein Helical Secondary Structures Using Linear and Nonlinear Vibrational Spectroscopy

In this paper, we systematically presented the orientation determination of protein helical secondary structures using vibrational spectroscopic methods, particularly, nonlinear sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, along with linear vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as infrared spectroscopy and Raman scattering. SFG amide I signals can be collected using different polarization combinations of the input laser beams and output signal beam to measure the second-order nonlinear optical susceptibility components of the helical amide I modes, which are related to their molecular hyperpolarizability elements through the orientation distribution of these helices. The molecular hyperpolarizability elements of amide I modes of a helix can be calculated based on the infrared transition dipole moment and Raman polarizability tensor of the helix; these quantities are determined by using the bond additivity model to sum over the individual infrared transition dipole moments and Raman polarizability tensors, respectively, of the peptide units (or the amino acid residues). The computed overall infrared transition dipole moment and Raman polarizability tensor of a helix can be validated by experimental data using polarized infrared and polarized Raman spectroscopy on samples with well-aligned helical structures. From the deduced SFG hyperpolarizability elements and measured SFG second-order nonlinear susceptibility components, orientation information regarding helical structures can be determined. Even though such orientation information can also be measured using polarized infrared or polarized Raman amide I signals, SFG has a much lower detection limit, which can be used to study the orientation of a helix when its surface coverage is much lower than a monolayer. In addition, the combination of different vibrational spectroscopic techniques, for example, SFG and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, provides more measured parameters for orientation determination, aiding in the deduction of more complicated orientation distributions. In this paper, we discussed two types of helices, the alpha-helix and 3-10 helix. However, the orientation determination method presented here is general and thus can be applied to study other helices as well. The calculations of SFG amide I hyperpolarizability components for alpha-helical and 3-10 helical structures with different chain lengths have also been performed. It was found that when the helices reached a certain length, the number of peptide units in the helix should not alter the data analysis substantially. It was shown in the calculation, however, that when the helix chain is short, the SFG hyperpolarizability component ratios can vary substantially when the chain length is changed. Because 3-10 helical structures can be quite short in proteins, the orientation determination for a short 3-10 helix needs to take into account the number of peptide units in the helix.
His-75 in Proteorhodopsin, a Novel Component in Light-driven Proton Translocation by Primary Pumps

Proteorhodopsins (PRs), photoactive retinylidene membrane proteins ubiquitous in marine eubacteria, exhibit light-driven proton transport activity similar to that of the well studied bacteriorhodopsin from halophilic archaea. However, unlike bacteriorhodopsin, PRs have a single highly conserved histidine located near the photoactive site of the protein. Time-resolved Fourier transform IR difference spectroscopy combined with visible absorption spectroscopy, isotope labeling, and electrical measurements of light-induced charge movements reveal participation of His-75 in the proton translocation mechanism of PR. Substitution of His-75 with Ala or Glu perturbed the structure of the photoactive site and resulted in significantly shifted visible absorption spectra. In contrast, His-75 substitution with a positively charged Arg did not shift the visible absorption spectrum of PR. The mutation to Arg also blocks the light-induced proton transfer from the Schiff base to its counterion Asp-97 during the photocycle and the acid-induced protonation of Asp-97 in the dark state of the protein. Isotope labeling of histidine revealed that His-75 undergoes deprotonation during the photocycle in the proton-pumping (high pH) form of PR, a reaction further supported by results from H75E. Finally, all His-75 mutations greatly affect charge movements within the PR and shift its pH dependence to acidic values. A model of the proteorhodopsin proton transport process is proposed as follows: (i) in the dark state His-75 is positively charged (protonated) over a wide pH range and interacts directly with the Schiff base counterion Asp-97; and (ii) photoisomerization-induced transfer of the Schiff base proton to the Asp-97 counterion disrupts its interaction with His-75 and triggers a histidine deprotonation.
Galantamine Facilitates Acquisition of Hippocampus-Dependent Trace Eyeblink Conditioning in Aged Rabbits

Cholinergic systems are critical to the neural mechanisms mediating learning. Reduced nicotinic cholinergic receptor (nAChR) binding is a hallmark of normal aging. These reductions are markedly more severe in some dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacological central nervous system therapies are a means to ameliorate the cognitive deficits associated with normal aging and aging-related dementias. Trace eyeblink conditioning (EBC), a hippocampus- and forebrain-dependent learning paradigm, is impaired in both aged rabbits and aged humans, attributable in part to cholinergic dysfunction. In the present study, we examined the effects of galantamine (3 mg/kg), a cholinesterase inhibitor and nAChR allosteric potentiating ligand, on the acquisition of trace EBC in aged (30-33 months) and young (2-3 months) female rabbits. Trace EBC involves the association of a conditioned stimulus (CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (US), separated by a stimulus-free trace interval. Repeated CS-US pairings results in the development of the conditioned eyeblink response (CR) prior to US onset. Aged rabbits receiving daily injections of galantamine (Aged/Gal) exhibited significant improvements compared with age-matched controls in trials to eight CRs in 10 trial block criterion (P = 0.0402) as well as performance across 20 d of training [F(1,21) = 5.114, P = 0.0345]. Mean onset and peak latency of CRs exhibited by Aged/Gal rabbits also differed significantly [F(1,21) = 6.120/6.582, P = 0.0220/0.0180, respectively] compared with age-matched controls, resembling more closely CR timing of young drug and control rabbits. Galantamine did not improve acquisition rates in young rabbits compared with age-matched controls. These data indicate that by enhancing nicotinic and muscarinic transmission, galantamine is effective in offsetting the learning deficits associated with decreased cholinergic transmission in the aging brain.
Thermally Induced Stress Waves in an Elastic Layer.

Abstract : A solution is presented for the stress wave response of a partially transparent elastic layer subjected to electromagnetic radiation. The radiation is assumed to be deposited with a Gaussian spatial distribution in a time short compared with thermal diffusion times. The development is based on the equations of uncoupled dynamic thermoelasticity with heat conduction neglected. Laplace and Hankel transform techniques provide the formal solution and numerical integration of the resulting expressions yields the time-dependent stress distributions in the layer. Several examples are included that illustrate the significance of the dynamic effects and their dependence on the radial coordinate and heating time. (Author)
Safety on the Playground: Mechanisms Through Which Adult Supervision Might Prevent Child Playground Injury

Over 200,000 American children visit the emergency room annually after a playground injury. Among the most promising means to reduce playground injuries is through increased quantity and quality of playground supervision by adults. To implement empirically supported playground supervision interventions, it is essential to understand how supervision prevents injuries. Recent research suggests supervision likely prevents injuries through several different mechanisms; this paper discusses six: (a) Supervisors repetitively teach children playground rules; (b) supervisors recognize and stop children's dangerous behavior; (c) supervisors prevent children from behaving impulsively; (d) the presence of a supervisor causes children to behave differently; (e) supervisors change children's attribution of risk; and (f) supervisors have influence as modelers and persuaders of safe behavior. Theoretical implications for future work and applied implications for the development of playground safety interventions are discussed.
Selection of optimum strapdown attitude algorithms for a spinning reentry vehicle

This paper develops optimum attitude algorithms for a Strapdown Laser Gyro Navigation System for a maneuvering reentry vehicle. Algorithms are selected both for a spinning and coning environment and for a nonspinning maneuvering environment. The optimum algorithm is defined to be one which provides, minimum error between true and computed attitude due to algorithm truncation. The optimum algorithms are obtained from incremental approximations to closed form solutions for assumed vehicle dynamic motion, both during spin stabilization and maneuvering reentry. Error sensitivity to cone angle, spin rate, and solution rate are presented.
Interactions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) with the blood-brain barrier.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) reduces insulin requirement in diabetes mellitus and promotes satiety. GLP-1 in the periphery (outside the CNS) has been shown to act on the brain to reduce food ingestion. As GLP-1 is readily degraded in blood, we focused on the interactions of [Ser 8 ]GLP-1, an analog with similar biological effects and greater stability, with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The influx of radiolabeled [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 into brain has several distinctive characteristics: 1. A rapid influx rate of 8.867 ± 0.798 × 10 4 mL/g-min as measured by multiple-time regression analysis after iv injection in mice. 2. Lack of self-inhibition by excess doses of the unlabeled [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 either iv or by in situ brain perfusion, indicating the absence of a saturable transport system at the BBB. 3. Lack of modulation by short-term fasting and some other ingestive peptides that may interact with GLP-1, including leptin, glucagon, insulin, neuropeptide Y, and melanin-concentrating hormone. 4. No inhibition of influx by the selective GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin(9–39), suggesting that the GLP-1 receptor is not involved in the rapid entry into brain. Similarly, there was no efflux system for [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 to exit the brain other than following the reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The fast influx was not associated with high lipid solubility. Upon reaching the brain compartment, substantial amounts of [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 entered the brain parenchyma, but a large proportion was loosely associated with the vasculature at the BBB. Finally, the influx rate of [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 was compared with that of GLP-1 in a blood-free brain perfusion system; radiolabeled GLP-1 had a more rapid influx than its analog and neither peptide showed the self-inhibition indicative of a saturable transport system. Therefore, we conclude that [Ser 8 ]GLP-1 and the endogenous peptide GLP-1 can gain access to the brain from the periphery by simple diffusion and thus contribute to the regulation of feeding.
Synthesis of magnesium aluminium layered double hydroxides in reverse microemulsions

Reverse microemulsions have been used to control the nucleation and growth of magnesium aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH). The reactants were prepared in aqueous solution and then dispersed in an isooctane–sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS) microemulsion. Under these conditions magnesium aluminium LDH phases were obtained containing DDS as the charge-balancing interlayer anion. By adjusting the water : surfactant molar ratio (w = [H2O]/[Surf.]) of the microemulsion we were able to control the nucleation and growth of the LDH phases. In some cases LDH nanoplatelets exhibiting a uniform 14 A monolayer thickness could be isolated and characterized by AFM.
Okadaic Acid Mimics Several Proximal Effects of Prolactin in Nb2 Lymphoma Cells

We previously reported that prolactin-mediated macromolecular synthesis and mitogenesis are coupled to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p70 S6-kinase (p70S6K). Full activation of MAPK requires tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation whereas that of p70S6K requires serine phosphorylation. In the present study, okadaic acid, which inhibits serine/threonine protein phosphatase activity, was used to explore the linkage of MAPK and p70S6K activation to down-stream effects of prolactin in Nb2 cells. The results show that 1 nM okadaic acid augmented prolactin-stimulated mitogenesis and synthesis of protein and DNA 250%, 42%, and 70%, respectively. Addition of okadaic acid alone a) stimulated and sustained p70S6K activity (5- to 8-fold) and MAPK (3.5- to 5-fold); and b) increased protein synthesis with the maximum effect being about equal to that of prolactin (2.1-fold with 1 nMokadaic acid versus 2.3-fold with 0.2 nMprolactin). However, okadaic acid did not affect DNA synthesis or mitogenesis. These results indicate that the activation of MAPK and p70S6K is necessary for stimulation of protein synthesis but not sufficient for prolactin-driven mitogenesis.
Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in endocervical and ectocervical smears

The objective of this study was to determine the relative sensitivity of detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in endocervical as compared to ectocervical Papanicolaou-stained smears. The average number of organisms in 10 (200x) high-power fields (hpf) per smear was used for comparing the presence of trichomonads in the two smear types. In every pair of ectocervical-endocervical smears, there were always more trichomonads in the ectocervical smear. Fifty percent of cases showed at least 25 more trichomonads per 200x hpf in the ectocervical smear than in the endocervical smear. In 20 of 50 cases (40%), trichomonads were present only in the ectocervical smear. The organisms were found only in the endocervical smears of women with a heavier ectocervical trichomonad burden. In conclusion, trichomonads are detected in the Papanicolaou-stained ectocervical smear more often than in the endocervical smear; therefore, examination of an adequate ectocervical smear has greater utility than the endocervical smear for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis.
Circadian rhythms in liver metabolism and disease

Mounting research evidence demonstrates a significant negative impact of circadian disruption on human health. Shift work, chronic jet lag and sleep disturbances are associated with increased incidence of metabolic syndrome, and consequently result in obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Here, these associations are reviewed with respect to liver metabolism and disease.
Plasma prekallikrein: isolation, characterization, and mechanism of activation.

The precursor of the kinin-forming enzyme, prekallikrein, was isolated from rabbit plasma protected from activation during preparatory procedures. Prekallikrein was shown to be a 4.5S γ1-glycoprotein with an isoelectric point of 5.9 and a mol wt of 99,900. The proenzyme was activated at neutral pH by an enzyme from rabbit or human plasma we have termed prekallikrein activator (PKA) or by trypsin. Prekallikrein was activated by PKA by a process of enzymatic scission. This resulted in the appearance of two fragments; the larger of these possessed kallikrein activity.
Gene expression profiling of diaphragm muscle in α2-laminin (merosin)-deficient dy/dy dystrophic mice

Deficiency of α2-laminin (merosin) underlies classical congenital muscular dystrophy in humans and dy/dy muscular dystrophy in mice and causes severe muscle dysfunction in both species. To gain gre...
Software can be entrusted with high consequence functionality

Some observers believe it is the nature of software to be inherently unreliable. Others are more hopeful, but doubt we can ever analyze software systems sufficiently well to justify dependability. Both of these viewpoints are overly pessimistic. Although building a high consequence system is not a casual undertaking, emerging assurance technologies promise improved dependability. The decision to deploy such systems must consider these assurances as well as weigh the expected benefits against the residual risk of trusting a digital control mechanism. Increased functionality can be a powerful motivation while simultaneously enhancing operational safety itself. Formal methods can give us the strong assurances we need to follow this path.
Aggressive Surgical Resection of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma May Provide Long-term Survival in Selected Patients:

Objective. In this study, we present our experience with aggressive surgical treatment in selected patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer with extrathyroidal extension. Study Design. Case series with chart review. Setting. Tertiary care referral center. Subjects and Methods. Retrospective chart review of all patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer surgically treated by the senior author from January 1998 to July 2012. Results. A total of 38 cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer were treated (21 male and 17 female). The mean age was 64.5 years. Twenty-two patients were considered surgically unresectable (18 had distant metastases and 4 had extrathyroidal extension of cancer lateral to carotid arteries) and underwent biopsy with or without tracheostomy. The remaining 16 patients underwent surgical resection with curative intent. Fourteen of these patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy. None of these 16 patients developed local recurrence. Six developed distant metastasis at an average follow-up of 3.2 months, 1 died of an unrelated myocardial infarction at 3 months, 2 were lost to follow-up, and 7 remain disease free with an average follow-up of 4.8 years (range, 9 months to 8 years). Of those patients who underwent complete surgical resection followed by postoperative radiation, 7 of 14 (50%) are still alive, with a mean follow-up of 4.8 years. Conclusion. Selected patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer with extrathyroidal extension (stage IVB) who show no distant metastases by computed tomography or positron emission tomography scans and who do not have tumor extending lateral to the carotid arteries are candidates for complete surgical resection.
Anaphylaxis and Mortality Induced by Treatment of Mice with Anti–VLA-4 Antibody and Pertussis Toxin

Ab-mediated blockade of the adhesion molecule VLA-4 has been shown to ameliorate disease in human multiple sclerosis patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal models. We wanted to determine whether anti-VLA-4 Ab treatment affected the function and persistence of autoreactive T cells in mice with EAE. Unexpectedly, we observed a high level of mortality in anti-VLA-4 mAb (PS/2)-treated mice with actively induced EAE despite decreased disease severity. Investigation of the underlying mechanism showed that injection of PS/2 mAb in combination with pertussis toxin resulted in anaphylaxis and mortality. Furthermore, the data showed that CD4(+) T cells were required for this effect and suggested a role for IL-1β and TNF-α in the underlying pathology. The results reveal a previously not appreciated deleterious effect of anti-VLA-4 Ab treatment in combination with exposure to pertussis toxin.
Learning the "write" way in science and engineering

The educational benefits of adapting a writing approach in the classroom have been widely documented. Writing can serve as a tool to improve the quality of teaching as well as to promote deeper and more meaningful student learning. In this paper we explore strategies in which writing can be used to enhance student understanding in introductory physics and engineering classrooms. In particular, strategies employed within an introductory physics course for nonmajors at American University as well as strategies employed within a freshman introduction to engineering course at the University of Pittsburgh are described. In both courses, students were asked to prepare and present a professional research paper for a "conference". Highlights of the curriculum developed in each course are discussed. Through a description of the curricula and strategies developed for use in two very different courses, we hope to provide other science and engineering educators with useful tools to assist them in developing and/or enhancing the use of writing within their own classrooms. Results from feedback questionnaires given to students are also shared.