cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioluminescent Bridging Immunoassay for Anti-Drug Antibody (ADA) Detection.

Any immune reaction to therapeutic antibodies will impact the drug efficacy and can have serious consequences for patient safety. Therefore, detection and reporting of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) during clinical trials is required by regulatory agencies during drug approval process. We have developed a bioluminescent bridging immunoassay for ADA detection, which uses an extremely bright NanoLuc enzyme as a reporter. The assay is sensitive with a wide dynamic range and meets the FDA drug tolerance guideline of detecting 100 ng/ml of ADA in the presence of 500-fold excess of free drug. We describe detailed protocols for development of ADA assays using therapeutic Trastuzumab as a model drug and an anti-Trastuzumab antibody as an example of immune response.
15N-Azides as practical and effective tags for developing long-lived hyperpolarized agents

Azide moieties, unique linear species containing three nitrogen atoms, represent an attractive class of molecular tag for hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging (HP-MRI). Here we demonstrate (15N)3-azide-containing molecules exhibit long-lasting hyperpolarization lifetimes up to 9.8 min at 1 T with remarkably high polarization levels up to 11.6% in water, thus establishing (15N)3-azide as a powerful spin storage for hyperpolarization. A single (15N)-labeled azide has also been examined as an effective alternative tag with long-lived hyperpolarization. A variety of biologically important molecules are studied in this work, including choline, glucose, amino acid, and drug derivatives, demonstrating great potential of 15N-labeled azides as universal hyperpolarized tags for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging applications.
Planting the seed of doubt: the diagnosis and management of mosaic embryos.

This month's Views and Reviews focuses on different aspects of the diagnosis of mosaicism. The first piece was written by Treff and Marin, who discuss the methodologic challenges of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and how the diagnosis of "mosaic" has led to a significant reduction in the accuracy of such testing. The second article by Viotti et al. provides an excellent overview of outcome data from >1,000 mosaic embryo transfers. The investigators make a strong case for three categorizations of embryos: euploid, aneuploid, and mosaic, and that use of mosaic embryos will prevent the discard of embryos that may lead to live birth. The final piece in this series was written by Besser et al., who discussed the various society recommendations for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic testing after mosaic embryo transfer and question whether these are truly data-driven. This collection of pieces will give the reader a deeper understanding of the controversy and management of mosaic embryo transfer.
The real me: Shared technology’s impact on status from the lens of positioning theory

Participation in collaborative learning environments has demonstrated significant learning advantages due to opportunities for group members to contribute to shared problem-solving processes, share...
Genetic analyses of the roles of umuDC and mucAB in mutagenesis.

Mutagenesis by some alkylating agents and base analogs in Escherichia coli appears to involve a simple mispairing during replication. In contrast, mutagenesis by ultraviolet (UV) light and many chemicals in E. coli requires the participation of an inducible process that is dependent on the products of the umuD, umuC, and recA genes. The requirement for induced cellular functions for UV mutagenesis was first noted by Weigle (37), who found that UV was not mutagenic for bacteriophage lambda unless the bacteria had been preirradiated with UV. The induction of this process was later shown by Defais et al. (7) to be blocked by recA(Def) or lexA(Ind) mutations. The fact that the same recA(Def) and lexA(Ind) mutations rendered E. coli nonmutable by UV and many chemicals (16,24,39) indicated that mutageneses of the bacterial chromosome required the participation of the same recA + lexA + -controlled process, and the inducibility of the system was demonstrated by subsequent physiological experiments (40).
Veterans aging cohort three-site study (VACS 3): overview and description.

Abstract Outcomes for middle-aged and older individuals with HIV infection are poor, and are likely to be mediated by age-related differences in risks and resources (access to care, relationship with the provider, comorbid conditions, health habits, and changes brought about by aging). The goal of the Veterans Aging Cohort Three-Site Study (VACS 3) is to study the influence of age and mediating factors on outcomes with HIV in order to identify mutable mediators of poorer outcomes. VACS 3 is an observational, longitudinal study. Data sources include patient and provider surveys and electronic medical data collected at baseline and 12-month follow-up from the Infections Disease Clinics at three Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (Cleveland, OH, Houston, TX, and Manhattan, NY). Trained Survey Coordinators at each site determined which patients are HIV infected, obtained consent, and asked the patient to complete a questionnaire. The primary provider also completed a questionnaire. Twelve-month follow-up will be completed July 2001. Of all veterans with HIV seen in these clinics 85% (881) have consented and enrolled. Of the 881 corresponding provider surveys, 92% were completed. Mean age is 49; 55% are African-American; 38% of the sample were men who have sex with men; and less than 2% are women. Almost a third (32%) have been without a permanent address. Complimentary or alternative therapies are common as are the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The majority (87%) of the patients are taking multiple antiretroviral medications. The median CD4 count is 331 mm 3 , and the median viral load was 714 copies/ml. There is substantial variation by site. Veterans with HIV infection have characteristics that will likely become more prevalent among HIV-infected persons in the United States: they are older, commonly suffer comorbid disease, and are members of minority populations. VACS 3 may help inform the design of future clinical interventions to improve outcomes for people aging with HIV.
Differential Interactions of the C terminus and the Cytoplasmic I-II Loop of Neuronal Ca2+ Channels with G-protein α and βγ Subunits I. MOLECULAR DETERMINATION

Abstract Interactions of G-protein α (Gα) and βγ subunits (Gβγ) with N- (α1B) and P/Q-type (α1A) Ca2+ channels were investigated using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Gi3α was found to inhibit both N- and P/Q-type channels by receptor agonists, whereas Gβ1γ2 was responsible for prepulse facilitation of N-type channels. L-type channels (α1C) were not regulated by Gα or Gβγ. For N-type, prepulse facilitation mediated via Gβγ was impaired when the cytoplasmic I-II loop (loop 1) was deleted or replaced with the α1C loop 1. Gα-mediated inhibitions were also impaired by substitution of the α1C loop 1, but only when the C terminus was deleted. For P/Q-type, by contrast, deletion of the C terminus alone diminished Gα-mediated inhibition. Moreover, a chimera of L-type with the α1B loop 1 gained Gβγ-dependent facilitation, whereas an L-type chimera with the N- or P/Q-type C terminus gained Gα-mediated inhibition. These findings provide evidence that loop 1 of N-type channels is a regulatory site for Gβγ and the C termini of P/Q- and N-types for Gα.
Nonlinear behavior of the center of pressure in simulated standing on elevated construction beams

This study investigated the effects of width of construction beams and single-hand load holding task conditions on nonlinear behavior of the foot center of pressure (COP) exerted on the beam. The foot COP, defined as the point of application of the result of vertical forces acting on the surface of foot support, was measured in the lateral direction under simulated standing task conditions. Twelve healthy male subjects were asked to hold a load of 6.8 kg and 11.3 kg while standing on the elevated construction beams with widths of 10 and 22.5 cm (4 and 9 inches, respectively) under low and high foot separation (foot step). The results showed that both beam width and single-hand load carrying conditions had significant effects on the observed nonlinearity of the foot center of pressure exerted on the beam. Standing on the narrow beam resulted in higher level of chaotic behavior of COP compared to the wide beam condition. The nonlinearity of the COP exerted by the forward (left) foot was higher for the narrow beam condition. For both beams, the nonlinearity of the COP exerted by the forward (left) foot was consistently higher than the COP exerted by the backward (right) foot. Furthermore, for both beams, single-handed holding of the 11.3 kg load resulted in higher levels of COP nonlinearity than carrying 6.8 kg or no load at all. The study results indicate that nonlinear dynamics behavior of the forward foot under single-handed high load holding condition may be critical to preserving lateral stability during standing at the construction beams.
A Dialogic Pedagogy: Looking to Mikhail Bakhtin for Alternatives to Standards Period Teaching Practices

Instructional practices in American schools have become increasingly standardized over the last quarter century. This increase in standardization has resulted in a decrease in opportunities for teachers to engage in student-centered instructional practices. This article discusses how the theories of Mikhail Bakhtin can serve as the foundation for educators who are seeking alternatives to standards period teaching practices. A Bakhtinian view of language can be the basis for the creation of a dialogic pedagogy, which can help teachers and students navigate the complexities of teaching and learning in the secondary English classroom. More importantly, perhaps, Bakhtin’s theories can serve as a framework on which educators might build their arguments supporting the implementation of alternatives to standards period skill and drill instructional activities.
The health insurance status of Texans: Determinants of uninsurance (summary)

This is a report of a statewide survey of the numbers and characteristics of the uninsured, giving a profile of the uninsured in Texas.
Screening of polymers on selected Hawaii soils for erosion reduction and particle settling

In recent years, high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamides (PAMs) have been tested on a variety of soils, primarily in temperate climates. However, little information is available regarding the effectiveness of PAM for preventing soil loss through runoff in tropical settings. Screening tests were performed using three negatively charged PAMs and one positively charged PAM on five Hawaii soils (two Oxisols, one Vertisol, and two Aridisols) to determine erosion loss, sediment settling, and aggregate stability. A laboratory-scale rainfall simulator was used to apply erosive rainfall at intensities from 5 to 8·5 cm h−1 at various PAM doses applied in both dry and solution forms. Soil detachment due to splash and runoff, as well as the runoff and percolate water volumes, were measured for initial and successive storms. The impact of PAM on particle settling and aggregate stability was also evaluated for selected soil-treatment combinations. Among the PAMs, Superfloc A-836 was most effective, and significantly reduced runoff and splash sediment loss for the Wahiawa Oxisol and Pakini Andisol at rates varying between 10 and 50 kg ha−1. Reduced runoff and splash sediment loss were also noted for PAM Aerotil-D when applied in solution form to the Wahiawa Oxisol. Significant reductions in soil loss were not noted for either the Lualualei Vertisol or the Holomua Oxisol. It is believed that the high montmorillonite content of the Lualualei Vertisol and the low cation-exchange capacity of the Holomua Oxisol diminished the effectiveness of the various PAMs tested. The polymers were also found to enhance sediment settling of all soils and helped improve their aggregate stability. This screening study shows the potential use of PAM for tropical soils for applications such as infiltration enhancement, runoff reduction, and enhanced sedimentation of detention ponds. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Features of the density field of dissociating hypersonic flows

The influence of dissociative chemical reactions on the flow fields encountered during flight into and out of the atmospheres of the inner planets is discussed. Blunt-body flow, and therefore the flow after a curved shock wave, is particularly relevant, and density is the variable that is most strongly affected, while it is at the same time the easiest to obtain field measurements of. The direction of the density gradient at the curved shock is determined analytically by obtaining a local solution of the Euler equation. The density gradient has two contributions: one from the shock curvature and one from the dissociation rate. Its direction undergoes a sudden change by 180° at a particular point on the shock, indicating a saddle point in the density field. The location of the saddle point is a sensitive indicator of the dissociation rate and directly provides an approximate measure of the reaction rate parameter. Experimental results are used to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Community Service Work, Civic Engagement, and “Giving Back” to Society: Key Factors in Improving Interethnic Relationships and Achieving “Connectedness” in Ethnically Diverse Communities

Abstract Recently, the topics of community service activity and civic engagement relative to psychosocial benefits have received considerable attention. The current study addresses the relationship between community service activities, interethnic attitudes and individual perceptions of the value, relevance and importance of community service activities. We hypothesized that as subjects (n=40) participated in a variety of community service related activities, their perception of the overall importance of community engagement and interethnic attitudes (i.e., reductions in ethnocentrism) would significantly increase. A paired-samples t test showed significant increases among topics addressing perceptions of the importance of community service work and improvements among interethnic attitudes (p<.007). Results of the study and suggestions for future research are offered.
Meta-analysis of effect sizes reported at multiple time points: a multivariate approach.

BackgroundMany comparative studies report results at multiple time points. Such data are correlated because they pertain to the same patients, but are typically meta-analyzed as separate quantitati...
Linearly dispersive time-delay control of magnetostatic surface wave by variable ground-plane spacing

A magnetostatic-surface-wave linearly dispersive delay line with a 500 MHz bandwidth at 3 GHz and a phase error from quadratic of less than 13 degrees has been demonstrated. The device utilises a 3-layer propagation structure (YIG-dielectric ground plane) in which the spacing to ground plane varies along the propagation direction.
Parallel Supercomputers for Lattice Gauge Theory

During the past 10 years, particle physicists have increasingly employed numerical simulation to answer fundamental theoretical questions about the properties of quarks and gluons. The enormous computer resources required by quantum chromodynamic calculations have inspired the design and construction of very powerful, highly parallel, dedicated computers optimized for this work. This article gives a brief description of the numerical structure and current status of these large-scale lattice gauge theory calculations, with emphasis on the computational demands they make. The architecture, present state, and potential of these special-purpose supercomputers is described. It is argued that a numerical solution of low energy quantum chromodynamics may well be achieved by these machines.
The Utilization of Douglas-Fir Bark for the Production of Oxalic Acid and High Density Carbon Pellets

The production of oxalic acid by the catalytic oxidation of Douglas-fir (Psedotsuga menfiesii (Mirb) Franco) bark and subsequent pyrolysis of the residue to produce high density carbon pellets is discussed. Kinetic rate data are presented for oxalic acid production from Douglasfir bark. A maximum yield of 38 wt% oxalic acid has been obtained in 8 h at 80°C with 62.5 vol% HNO3 and 0.5 mg V2O5/g of bark. Additional oxalic acid can be produced by the conversion of pyrolytic oils and tars (obtained during carbonization of the residue) to increase the total yield to 45 wt%. An economic analysis based on the current cost of oxalic acid indicates the viability of the proposed process.
An investigation into thee mechanism of citrateFE2+-dependent lipid peroxidation

Abstract Chelation by citrate was found to promote the autoxidation of Fe 2+ , measured as the disapperance of 1,10-phenanthroline-chelatable Fe 2+ . The autoxidation of citrate 2+ could in turn promote the peroxidation of microsomal phospholipid liposomes, as judged by malondialdehyde formation. At low citrateFe 2+ ratios the autoxidation of Fe 2+ was slow and the formation of malondialdehyde was preceded by a lag phase. The lag phase evidence of this, linear initial rates of lipid peroxidation were obtained via the combination of citrateFe 2+ and citrateFe 3+ , optimum activity occurring at a Fe 3+ Fe 2+ ratio of 1:1. Evidence is also presented to suggest that the superoxide and the hydrogen peroxide that are formed during the autoxidation of citrateFe 2+ can either stimulate or inhibit lipid peroxidation by affecting the yield of citrateFe 3+ from citrateFe 2+ . No evidence was obtained for the participation of the hydroxyl radical in the initiation of lipid peroxidation by citrateFe 2+ .
Adenosine 5'-diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase from potato tuber. Significance of the N terminus of the small subunit for catalytic properties and heat stability.

cDNAs encoding the large subunit and a possibly truncated small subunit of the potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum L.) adenosine 5'-diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase have been expressed in Escherichia coli (A.A. Iglesias, G.F. Barry, C. Meyer, L. Bloksberg, P.A. Nakata, T. Greene, M.J. Laughlin, T.W. Okita, G.M. Kishore, J. Preiss, J Biol Chem [1993] 268: 1081-1086). However, some properties of the transgenic enzyme were different from those reported for the enzyme from potato tuber. In this work, extension of the cDNA was performed to elongate the N terminus of the truncated small subunit by 10 amino acids. This extension is based on the almost complete conservation seen at the N-terminal sequence for the potato tuber and the spinach leaf small subunits. Expressing the extended cDNA in E. coli along with the large subunit cDNA yielded a transgenic heterotetrameric enzyme with similar properties to the purified potato tuber enzyme. It was also found that the extended small subunit expressed by itself exhibited high enzyme activity, with lower affinity for activator 3-phosphoglycerate and higher sensitivity toward inorganic phosphate inhibition. It is proposed that a major function of the large subunit of adenosine 5'-diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylases from higher plants is to modulate the regulatory properties of the native heterotetrameric enzyme, and the small subunit's major function is catalysis.
Using the scorekeeping approach to monitor aggregate energy conservation

Abstract A simple model for monitoring natural gas consumption in large aggregates of houses is developed by extending the individual-house scorekeeping approach. The model is tested on aggregate utility billing data for gas-heated houses in New Jersey. The resulting aggregate NAC index, representing pre-customer gas consumption in average weather, is extremely well determined, and the corresponding R2 values of the fits of the data are very high. From the model applied to sixteen years of monthly data, interesting conservation trends emerge. Since the oil embargo, a drop of about 30% in per-customer gas consumption in the State is evident; the most dramatic rate of decrease occurred in the first few years following the embargo. The individual PRISM parameters, though more erratic than the NAC index, suggest interesting structure in the year-to-year consumption changes.
Climate change scenario planning: A model for the integration of science and management in environmental decision-making

This qualitative case study presents an in-depth evaluation of the scenario planning process, and an exploration of factors influencing its use as an environmental decision making model. The authors explore how decision-makers and scientists within the National Park Service (NPS) used scenario planning to negotiate the social and scientific uncertainty associated with climate change through the lens of systems innovation theory and organizational resilience. Key factors influencing the modeling process included: (1) challenging assumptions, (2) bounding scenarios, (3) validating science and scenarios, and (4) negotiating the degree of science certainty about climate change necessary for adaptive natural resource management. Ultimately, the scenario planning process served as more than a decision making model; it encouraged exploratory dialogue about critical uncertainties and risks that the NPS managers may face in an era of rapid climate change. It is through such dialogue that organizational resilience is nurtured and innovations are adopted and institutionalized for a more adept agency response to high risk and high uncertainty changes such as climate change effects on a protected area's landscape.
The accessory nerve repetitive nerve stimulation test: a valuable second-line test in myasthenia gravis.

The diagnostic usefulness of the accessory nerve repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test was evaluated in 100 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The test was easy to perform and reliable at the low rates of stimulation. A higher diagnostic sensitivity was found in the accessory nerve RNS test than in the ulnar nerve RNS test on either the abductor digiti quinti or flexor carpi ulnaris muscles, especially in mild generalized MG. Diagnostic sensitivity was significantly increased when RNS test results for three muscles were combined, especially in mild generalized MG and sero-positive MG. In a small number of cases only the ulnar or accessory nerve RNS test was abnormal. There was a good correlation between electrophysiological and clinical severity of MG in the accessory nerve RNS test Thus, we conclude that the accessory nerve RNS test is a valuable second-line test and its greatest usefulness is in cases of mild generalized MG.
Adaptive control strategies for a precision machine tools axis

This paper evaluates two different kinds of adaptive controllers in the context of robust control of a precision machine tool axis. These include an adaptive proportional-integrative-derivative controller and an adaptive phase-lead compensator. The latter is modified further to account for the effects of input saturation, and the resulting performance is studied. A proportional-integrative-derivative controller is also included for comparison purposes. The experimental results obtained confirm the overall performance superiority of adaptive controllers with respect to both transient and steady-state responses. In addition, the adaptive phase-lead controller is shown to be significantly more robust with respect to various changes in system parameters and trajectory shapes.
A computer program for characterizing root system branching patterns

A computer program is presented which measures the length, branching patterns and distribution of link length within a root system. The program skeletonizes digitized images of root systems, loads these images into a binary tree data structure and uses this data structure to characterize the root systems. Measurements of the root length and topological parameters of root systems of Senecio vulgaris made by hand and by computer program were linearly related, with r2 values greater than 0.99 in all cases.
Hemodynamic responses initiated by coronary stretch receptors with special reference to coronary arteriography

Abstract Hyperosmotic solutions, of substances including polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium or methylglucamine diatrizoate, sodium chloride, glucose, sucrose and mannitol, produced transient sinus bradycardia and a fall in arterial blood pressure when injected directly into the coronary arteries of the intact anesthetized dog. The same changes occurred with acute coronary venous hypertension induced by coronary sinus obstruction with a balloon catheter but not with injections of isosmotic saline solutions into the coronary artery or of the various substances into the aortic root, left ventricle or pulmonary artery. The bradycardia was prevented by atropine. Concomitant with the fall in blood pressure, femoral arterial blood flow increased and maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure ( dp dt ) decreased even when the bradycardia was prevented by pacing. In most experiments this reduction in maximal dp dt could be abolished by beta adrenergic blockade. All responses were abolished by bilateral vagotomy with the exception of the fall in pressure and maximal dp dt produced by the radiopaque media or 5 percent sodium chloride. These agents exert a direct myocardial depressant action. Simultaneously determined indicator-dilution curves using 125I-albumin and 131I-diatrizoate verified that the diatrizoate molecule leaves the circulation during its passage through the coronary vascular bed. Calculations derived from these curves demonstrated that injection of nonlabeled diatrizoate produces a large increase in coronary blood volume and flow. In 2 patients the bradycardia occurring with coronary injections of radiopaque media could be prevented by atropine. Sodium diatrizoate (50 percent Hypaque®) usually produced more intense bradycardia than did methylglucamine diatrizoate (60 percent Renografin®). The depressor effects of coronary injections of hyperosmotic solutions or coronary sinus obstruction result from activation of a reflex arc originating from stretch receptors in the coronary capillaries or small veins. The afferent limb of the reflex is bilaterally represented in the cervical vagosympathetic trunks of the dog. The efferent effects characterized in these experiments were increased vagal firing to the sinus node, decreased activity of adrenergic fibers to peripheral vascular alpha receptors and probably diminished adrenergic firing to beta receptors in the ventricular myocardium.
A Knowledge-Based Diagnostic Approach for the Launch of the Auto-Body Assembly Process

This paper is the first attempt to implement a knowledge-based diagnostic approach for the auto-body assembly process launch. This approach enables quick detection and localization of assembly process faults based on in-line dimensional measurements. The proposed approach includes an auto-body assembly knowledge representation and a diagnostic reasoning mechanism. The knowledge representation is comprised of the product, tooling, process, and measurement representations in the form of hierarchical groups. The diagnostic reasoning performs fault diagnostic in three steps. First, an initial statistical analysis of measurement data is performed. Next, the Candidate Component and Candidate Station with the hypothetical fault are searched. Finally, the fault symptom is identified and the root cause is suggested. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed method.
User freedom: To be or not to be a ‘supernode’

Peer-to-peer infrastructures in a world where many systems are mobile, or found behind NATs and firewalls that cannot be programmed by users, require significant support from computers with appropriate connectivity, called supernodes. We introduce a new fully decentralized unstructured peer-to-peer (P2P) approach to open-source instant messaging systems (that is employed in the DirectDemocracyP2P system). Here each human owning a peer can control the traffic supported by her system. The control may be based on criteria such as: (a) her desire to help the endpoints of the communication based on friendship, (b) her desire to help a cause based on the content/topic of the communication, (c) reputation and rewards, or (d) her interest in the handled data itself. Providing intrinsic incentives for peers to help with traffic is important in order for an open-source freeware P2P system to eventually be viable. In non-incentive P2P systems like Skype, availability of open-source versions can potentially starve the system of supernodes (once users learn how to disable the resource consuming supernode-function). This paper analyzes key functions of the solution such as integration of incentive management into an extension of the STUN protocol, connection establishment and message transfer under different network setups. We show how to use the results of surveys, in conjunction with simulations, to quantify the effects of various incentives on the survivability of an open approach.
Sex and Familiarity Effects upon the Proportion of Time Young Children Spend in Spontaneous Fantasy Play.

Summary The dyadic interaction of eight same-sex pairs of four-year-old children in the course of free play activity was observed in the naturalistic setting of a laboratory playroom and recorded on videotape. The proportion of time spontaneously spent in fantasy play was found to differ according to the familiarity (defined in terms of the number of play sessions shared), but not the sex, of the play partners.
Under-treatment of pain in dementia: assessment is key.

Recent years have seen increased attention to the problem of pain assessment in older adults, reflected in the 328 references found in a recent comprehensive review of this topic. There are several reasons why this should be so. First, as a symptom of many of the diseases of aging, the prevalence of pain is disproportionately high among older adults. Indeed, 50% to 80% of older adults are affected by pain in some way, including those living in the community and in long-term care (LTC) settings. Second, pain in older adults is associated with high levels of functional disability and medical comorbidities. Third, the delivery of effective pain treatment relies heavily on the availability of sound pain assessment methods. Accurate assessment is needed both to identify older adults in pain and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments that are employed to alleviate pain. Despite the increased attention to pain assessment in older persons, it remains evident that health care providers routinely underestimate the pain levels of older adults, relative to either patients’ self reports or behavioral expressions of discomfort. Failure at the level of assessment undoubtedly contributes to undertreatment of pain in this older population. It is troubling but not surprising that recent research has shown that 30% of those identified as having severe pain on admission to a long-term care (LTC) facility continued to demonstrate severe pain 3 months later. As indicated by the article in this issue by Husebo and colleagues, residents of LTC facilities with severe cognitive impairments are particularly vulnerable to inadequate pain control. In fact, there is considerable evidence that neurocognitive impairments constitute the greatest challenge to pain treatment in LTC residents. Because of its subjective nature, pain traditionally has been assessed through patient self-reports. Those reports are compromised among residents whose cognitive impairments interfere with the functions necessary for traditional approaches to assessment (eg, language, attention). Of course, neurocognitive impairment has many gradations. Recent research has led to pain assessment approaches that have been successfully tailored to patients with mild-tomoderate cognitive deficits. A variety of self-report measures have demonstrated validity, including verbally anchored pain
Characterization of the 8-hydroxyquinoline scaffold for inhibitors of West Nile virus serine protease.

Abstract West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne member of flaviviruses that causes significant morbidity and mortality especially among children. There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral therapeutic for human use. In a previous study, we described compounds containing the 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) scaffold as inhibitors of WNV serine protease (NS2B/NS3pro) in a high throughput screen (HTS) using the purified WNV NS2B/NS3pro as the target. In this study, we analyzed potencies of some commercially available as well as chemically synthesized derivatives of 8-HQ by biochemical assays. An insight into the contribution of various substitutions of 8-HQ moiety for inhibition of the protease activity was revealed. Most importantly, the substitution of the N1 of the 8-HQ ring by –CH– in compound 26 significantly reduced the inhibition of the viral protease by this naphthalen-1-ol derivative. The kinetic constant ( K i ) for the most potent 8-HQ inhibitor (compound 14) with an IC 50 value of 2.01 ± 0.08 μM using the tetra -peptide substrate was determined to be 5.8 μM. This compound inhibits the WNV NS2B/NS3pro by a competitive mode of inhibition which is supported by molecular modeling.
Healing response associated with balloon-dilated ePTFE.

Deployment of endovascular grafts composed of a metallic stent surrounded by expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) stretches the polymer beyond its original dimensions, altering the structural characteristics of the ePTFE. We hypothesized this structural modification would alter the healing response associated with the implant. In this study, 4 mm i.d. of ePTFE (30 microns internodal distance) vascular grafts were balloon dilated using angioplasty balloons having final diameters of 6 (1.5X), 8 (2X), 10 (2.5X), 12 (3X), and 18 (4.5X) mm. Following balloon dilatation of the ePTFE, a circular punch (6 mm in diameter) was used to prepare polymer samples for implantation. The ePTFE circular patches were implanted within subcutaneous tissue and epididymal fat pads of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 5 weeks, the implants were removed and analyzed for fibrous capsule formation, inflammation, and neovascularization associated with the material. Histological analysis revealed the formation of fibrous capsules only with control subcutaneous implants. The inflammatory response associated with subcutaneously implanted ePTFE was decreased significantly following balloon dilatation to at least 2.5 times the original diameter of the graft. In contrast, ePTFE implanted within adipose tissue demonstrated a significantly greater inflammatory response following balloon dilatation when compared to control implants. Only ePTFE balloons dilated to 6 mm and implanted within adipose tissue demonstrated neovascularization to any extent. These data suggest the structural modifications incurred by ePTFE following balloon dilatation dramatically affect the inflammatory response associated with an implant. Therefore, polymeric materials used for endovascular graft technology require designs that consider changes in polymer healing inherent to device design.
On stress concentrations for isotropic/orthotropic plates and cylinders with a circular hole

Scale factors (SFs) are widely used in engineering applications to describe the stress concentration factor (SCF) of a finite width isotropic plate with a circular hole and under uniaxial loading. In this paper, these SFs were also found to be valid in an isotropic plate with biaxial loading and an isotropic cylinder with uniaxial loading or internal pressure, if a suitable hole to structure dimension ratio was chosen. The study was further expanded to consider orthotropic plates and cylinders with a center hole and under uniaxial loading. The applicable range of the SFs was given based on the orthotropic material parameters. The influence of the structural dimension on the SCF was also studied. An empirical calculation method for the stress concentrations for isotropic/orthotropic plates and cylinders with a circular hole was proposed and the results agreed well with the FEM simulations. This research work may provide structure engineers a simple and efficient way to estimate the hole effect on plate structures or pressure vessels made of isotropic or orthotropic materials.
Reprint of: RRKM reaction rate theory for transition states of any looseness

Unimolecular rate theory for various types of reactions is implemented for any looseness of transition state. Quantum states are counted for all but the "transitional" modes, their phase space being counted via Monte Carlo sampling. The rate constant k_(EJ) is then weighted with the initial E and J distributions.
Properties of Prussian Blue Materials Manifested in Molecular Complexes: Observation of Cyanide Linkage Isomerism and Spin-Crossover Behavior in Pentanuclear Cyanide Clusters

Pentanuclear, cyanide-bridged clusters [M(tmphen)2]3[M‘(CN)6]2 (M/M‘ = Zn/Cr (1), Zn/Fe (2), Fe/Fe (3), Fe/Co (4), and Fe/Cr (5); tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared by combining [M‘III(CN)6]3- anions with mononuclear complexes of MII ions with two capping tmphen ligands. The clusters consist of a trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) core with three MII ions in the equatorial positions and two M‘III ions in the axial positions. Compounds 1−4 are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c. Complex 5 crystallizes in the enantiomorphic space group P3221. The magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 reflect the contributions of the individual [CrIII(CN)6]3- and [FeIII(CN)6]3- ions. The FeII ions in compounds 3 and 4 exhibit a gradual, temperature-induced spin transition between high spin (HS) and low spin (LS), as determined by the combination of Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and single-crystal X-ray studies. The investigation of compound 5 by these me...
The effects of recombination-defective meiotic mutants in Drosophila melanogaster on gonial recombination in males.

Abstract Recombination-defective female meiotic mutants representing 7 loci in Drosophila melanogaster have been examined for effects on gonial recombination in males. These loci were chosen for study because they represent a broad range of the known types of defects in processes necessary for meiotic recombination and somatic chromosome stability. Alleles at 6 of the loci studied did not increase the frequency of gonial recombination in males, whereas a mutant at one locus was associated with an increase (about 10-fold) in gonial recombination. These results suggest that the defects in chromosomal metabolism caused by these recombination, and in some cases repair, defective mutants are distinct from those of the male-recombination promoting elements ( Mr ) recently isolated from many natural populations. analysis of the spontaneous events detected in this study showed that a third to a half of the events detected are actually of mutational rather than recombinational origin.
Environmental technology transfer and commercial viability: a synthesis of three case studies

Based on a 'Model for Preparing Case Studies of Environmental Technology Transfer', three case studies are developed to contribute insights on the development and commercialisation of environmental technology. Two cases address soil and groundwater contamination: Dynamic Underground Stripping (DUS) developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Gravity Pressure Vessel (GPV) by GeneSyst International. The third case: Biodiesel Fuel (BIO), produced by Biodiesel Industries and Pacific Biodiesel, is a diesel fuel substitute. A synthesis across the research model above is provided, along with critical success factors for these examples of environmental technology commercialisation.
Analysis of Initial CT Findings after Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

PURPOSE: To determine the spectrum and frequency of specific computed tomographic (CT) findings in the acute period after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT images obtained 1–3 days after endograft placement were evaluated in 88 patients. The images were analyzed for stent position, appearance of endograft components, perigraft leak, and postoperative findings including air and acute thrombus within the aneurysm and air surrounding the femoral-femoral bypass graft. Findings that could be misinterpreted as perigraft leak were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifteen (17%) of 88 patients had perigraft leak in the acute postoperative period. The bare segment of the proximal self-expanding stent covered one or both renal arteries in 54 (61%) patients. One patient had CT evidence of renovascular compromise. Postoperative air was within the aneurysmal sac in 51 (58%) patients and surrounded the femoral-femoral bypass graft in 67 (94%) of 71 patients in whom the grafts were eval...
Hydrogen content of polished glass surfaces using forward recoil spectroscopy

Abstract The hydrogen content of fused silica and Zerodur glasses has been determined using forward recoil spectroscopy (FRS). The glasses were polished with various compounds dispersed in water. The hydrogen depth profiles consisted of a surface peak and a constant bulk hydrogen concentration. With a depth resolution of about 50 nm, FRS yielded surface hydrogen concentrations of 1.7–4.5 × 1015 and 5.1–7.6 × 1015 H/cm2 for the fused silica and Zerodur glasses, respectively, and bulk concentrations of
Carbohydrate metabolic pathway genes associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for obesity and type 2 diabetes: Identification by data mining

Increasing consumption of refined carbohydrates is now being recognized as a primary contributor to the development of nutritionally related chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A data mining approach was used to evaluate the role of carbohydrate metabolic pathway genes in the development of obesity and T2DM. Data from public databases were used to map the position of the carbohydrate metabolic pathway genes to known quantitative trait loci (QTL) for obesity and T2DM and for examining the pathway genes for the presence of sequence and structural genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNS), respectively. The results demonstrated that a majority of the genes of the carbohydrate metabolic pathways are associated with QTL for obesity and many for T2DM. In addition, some key genes of the pathways also encode non-synonymous SNPs that exhibit significant differences in population frequencies. This study emphasizes the significance of the metabolic pathways genes in the development of disease phenotypes, its differential occurrence across populations and between individuals, and a strategy for interpreting an individuals' risk for disease.
Far infrared absorption in ZnO

Abstract Far infrared absorption measurements on as -grown and Li-doped ZnO have been made in the range 15-200 cm −1 . A large Drude-type free-carrier absorption was observed, as were absorption bands near 115 and 160 cm −1 . Combined absorption and EPR data on the Li-doped sample were interpreted as showing the presence of traps.
Asymmetric Synthesis of d-ribo-Phytosphingosine from 1-Tetradecyne and (4-Methoxyphenoxy)acetaldehyde

An asymmetric synthesis of d-ribo-phytosphingosine (1) was achieved by utilizing the ProPhenol (12)-catalyzed alkynylation of unsaturated aldehyde 8 to afford allylic propargylic alcohol (S)-6 followed by asymmetric epoxidation and opening of propargylic epoxy alcohol anti-5 with NaN3/NH4Cl. Deprotection and reduction of the resulting acyclic azide 3 then gave 1. Alkyne−azide 3 was subjected to an intramolecular click reaction, generating a bicyclic triazole, which was found to have unexpected vicinal coupling constants. Application of the advanced Mosher method verified the configurations of the three contiguous stereogenic centers of 1. An alkynyl azide analogue of 1, which may be useful as a glycosyl acceptor in the synthesis of α-galactosylceramide derivatives, was also readily prepared by this route.
Preparation and structural studies of (TACN)Cu(NO3)2 and [Cu(TACN)2](PF6)2

Abstract Reaction between (TACN)CuCl2 and 2 equiv. of AgNO3 in aqueous solution yielded novel five coordinated Cu complex (TACN)Cu(η1–ONO2)2 (1), which, upon the prolonged treatment of saturated KPF6(aq), disproportionated into [Cu(TACN)2](PF6)2 (2). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the coordination geometry of Cu center in 1 is best described as a square pyramid, and that in 2 is a compressed octahedron.
Comparison of Gene and Protein Expressions in Rats Residing in Standard Cages with Those Having Access to an Exercise Wheel

Lifelong physical inactivity is associated with morbidity in adulthood, possibly influenced by changes in gene and protein expressions occurring earlier in life. mRNA (Affymetrix gene array) and proteomic (2D-DIGE MALDI-TOF/MS) analyses were determined in cardiac tissue of young (3 months) and old (16 months) Sprague-Dawley rats housed with no access to physical activity (SED) versus an exercise wheel (EX). Unfavorable phenotypes for body weight, dyslipidemia, and tumorogenesis appeared more often in adult SED versus EX. No differentially expressed genes (DEGs) occurred between groups at 3 or 16 months. Within groups, SED and EX shared 215 age-associated DEGs. In SED, ten unique DEGs occurred with age; three had cell adhesion functions (fn1, lgals3, ncam2). In EX, five unique DEGs occurred with age; two involved hypothalamic, pituitary, and gonadal hormone axis (nrob2, xpnpep2). Protein expression involved in binding, sugar metabolic processes, and vascular regulation declined with age in SED (KNT1, ALBU, GPX1, PYGB, LDHB, G3P, PYGM, PGM1, ENOB). Protein expression increased with age in EX for ATP metabolic processes (MYH6, MYH7, ATP5J, ATPA) and vascular function (KNT1, ALBU, GPX1). Differences in select gene and protein expressions within sedentary and active animals occurred with age and contributed to distinct health-related phenotypes in adulthood.
His Bundle Recordings in Patients with Reciprocating Tachycardias and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

The mechanisms of reciprocating tachycardias were studied in three patients with WPW syndrome using the catheter technic of His bundle recordings. In the first case it could not be determined with certainty whether the tachycardias involved two anatomically independent fascicles or a single longitudinally dissociated pathway. They were terminated by carotid sinus pressure, which caused A-V nodal block, or by properly timed atrial stimuli, which interrupted the circuit. Short-lived paroxysms of atrial fibrillation in cases 1 and 2 were most probably related to atrial vulnerability. In case 3 there were three types of QRS complexes in lead II representing (a) exclusive His bundle conduction, (b) simultaneous His and Kent bundle conduction, and (c) coexisting His and infra-nodal preferential (Mahaim fiber[?]) conduction. This patient also had three types of reciprocating tachycardias-two of ventricular, and one of atrial origin. The reciprocating circuit probably involved the three pathways.
Comparative Analysis of the Production Costs and Life-Cycle GHG Emissions of FT Liquid Fuels from Coal and Natural Gas

Liquid transportation fuels derived from coal and natural gas could help the United States reduce its dependence on petroleum. The fuels could be produced domestically or imported from fossil fuel-rich countries. The goal of this paper is to determine the life-cycle GHG emissions of coal- and natural gas-based Fischer−Tropsch (FT) liquids, as well as to compare production costs. The results show that the use of coal- or natural gas-based FT liquids will likely lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels. In a best-case scenario, coal- or natural gas-based FT-liquids have emissions only comparable to petroleum-based fuels. In addition, the economic advantages of gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuels are not obvious: there is a narrow range of petroleum and natural gas prices at which GTL fuels would be competitive with petroleum-based fuels. CTL fuels are generally cheaper than petroleum-based fuels. However, recent reports suggest there is uncertainty about the av...