cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initiation of RNA molecules by purified Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

The kinesties of appearance of, and the distribution among, the four bases of the chain-initial nucleotides (5′-termini) of RNA chains synthesized in vitro under various conditions have been investigated. The results of this study have shown that when native T4 bacteriophage DNA is the template for the RNA polymerase, most chains start with a purine nucleotide. The ratio of ATP termini to GTP termini is independent of the reaction time and of the template/enzyme ratio in the reaction mixture. A similar preferential purine initiation was observed when denatured T4 is the template, but the ratio of ATP to GTP termini is reduced. All 5′-termini of poly-AU chains synthesized on poly-dAT templates are ATP. The determination of the kinetics of initiation of RNA chains has allowed direct confirmation of some conclusions which had been inferred previously from sedimentation analyses of the RNA product. (1) Most RNA chains are initiated during a short period at the outset of the reaction. (2) Low concentrations of native DNA templates limit the number of RNA chains synthesized, not the rate of RNA chain growth. (3) The maximum number of RNA molecules which can be synthesized on denatured DNA templates is severalfold larger than the maximum number which can be synthesized on the same weight of native DNA.
Has the Incidence of Thoracolumbar Spine Injuries Increased in the United States From 1998 to 2011

Background While most motor vehicle crash (MVC)-related injuries have been decreasing, one study showed increases in MVC-related spinal fractures from 1994 to 2002 in Wisconsin. To our knowledge, no studies evaluating nationwide trends of MVC-related thoracolumbar spine injuries have been published. Such fractures can cause pain, loss of functionality or even death. If the incidence of such injuries is increasing, it may provide a motive for reassessment of current vehicle safety design.
Stream Interactions and Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections at 0.72 AU

We present comprehensive surveys of 203 stream interaction regions (SIRs) and 124 interplanetary CMEs (ICMEs) during 1979 – 1988 using Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) in situ solar-wind observations at 0.72 AU and examine the solar-cycle variations of the occurrence rate, shock association rate, duration, width, maximum total perpendicular pressure (P t), maximum dynamic pressure, maximum magnetic field intensity, and maximum velocity change of these two large-scale solar-wind structures. The medians, averages, and histogram distributions of these parameters are also reported. Furthermore, we sort ICMEs into three groups based on the temporal profiles of P t, and we investigate the variations of the fractional occurrence rate of three groups of ICMEs with solar activity. We find that the fractional occurrence rate of magnetic-cloud-like ICMEs declined with solar activity, consistent with our former 1-AU results. This study at 0.72 AU provides a point of comparison in the inner heliosphere for examining the radial evolution of SIRs and ICMEs. The width of SIRs and ICMEs increases by 0.04 and 0.1 AU, respectively, and the maximum P t decreases to about 1/3 from Venus to Earth orbit. In addition, our work establishes the statistical properties of the solar-wind conditions at 0.72 AU that control the solar-wind interaction with Venus and its atmosphere loss by related processes.
General relativity with an auxiliary dimension

Abstract I consider an extension of General Relativity by an auxiliary nondynamical dimension that enables our space–time to acquire an extrinsic curvature. Obtained gravitational equations, without or with a cosmological constant, have a selfaccelerated solution that is independent of the value of the cosmological constant, and can describe the cosmic speedup of the Universe as a geometric effect. Background evolution of the selfaccelerated solution is identical to that of ordinary de Sitter space. I show that linear perturbations on this solution describe either a massless graviton, or a massive graviton and a scalar, which are free of ghosts and tachyons for certain choices of boundary conditions. The obtained linearized expressions suggest that nonlinear interactions should, for certain boundary conditions, be strongly coupled, although this issue is not studied here. The full nonlinear Hamiltonian of the theory is shown to be positive for the selfaccelerated solution, while in general, it reduces to surface terms in our and auxiliary dimensions.
Between a whale bone and the deep blue sea: the provenance of dwarf males in whale bone-eating tubeworms.

When researchers first caught a glimpse of the lush carpet of pink tubeworms covering the scattered bones of a dead grey whale 2900 m below the surface of Monterey Bay, the excitement onboard the Western Flyer (the mother ship of the remotely operated vehicle the Tiburon) must have been electrifying. The discovery of a new genus and several species of whale bone-eating Osedax tubeworms (Annelida, Siboglinidae) a mere 6 years ago from the deep sea was itself noteworthy. But what the researchers peering into the video monitors aboard the Western Flyer could not have known at that moment was that in the gelatinous tubes of those worms clung even more peculiar forms: harems of tiny, paedomorphic males of Osedax, numbering in the hundreds at times. Whereas female tubeworms bore into the marrow of whale bones (possibly via enzymes from their endosymbiotic bacteria), the dwarf males secondarily colonize the tubes of the resident females. The number of males in a female’s tube increases over time in a curvilinear fashion. Dwarf males are known from all Osedax species examined to date, yet the origin of the males was an open question. In this issue, Vrijenhoek et al. provide compelling evidence that dwarf males found in the tubes of female Osedax worms are derived from a common larval pool and are unlikely to be the sons of host females or the progeny of females in the local genetic neighbourhood. This study provides an important foundation for future work on the ecology and evolution of extreme male dwarfism in Osedax and sexual size dimorphism more generally.
Clinical Practice with African American Men: What to Consider and What to Do

Racial profiling, workplace discrimination, health disparity, and daily exposure to microaggression are factors that affect the emotional well‐being of African American men. This article explores how psychotherapeutic work can help this group cope with the effects of racial oppression as well as their own individual idiosyncratic processes. Franklin's (1999) invisible syndrome and aspects of Majors and Mancini Billson's (1992) cool pose paradigm provide a framework for grounding this discourse. Likewise, the ideas presented in Winnicott's (1965) True self/false self formulation are placed in an ecological framework, which illuminates how African American men adapt to social injustice. Correspondingly, psychodynamic and Afrocentric theories are presented as practice considerations for understanding the narratives of African American men. Finally, this article suggests that clinical work with African American men can facilitate functional coping strategies, which in turn can diminish feelings of invisibilit...
The “little variable factor” a statistical discussion of the reading of seismograms

A number of independent readings of “typical” seismographic records are made, primarily in order to estimate the errors involved in determining the onset of a P wave. The degree of consistency with which a disturbance is called “the first arrival from an earthquake” is discussed. The distribution of reading errors is estimated and a method suggested for improving the accuracy of routine reading of seismograms. This model provides estimates for reading errors of several types of onsets. Finally the classification of onsets into “ i ” and “e” is shown to be inadequately defined.
Spectral surface plasmon resonance biosensor for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in milk

This work evaluates a newly developed wavelength modulation-based SPR biosensor for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in milk. Two modes of operation of the SPR biosensor are described: direct detection of SEB and sandwich assay. In the sandwich assay detection mode, secondary antibodies are bound to the already captured toxin to amplify sensor response. Samples including SEB in buffer and SEB in milk were analyzed in this work. The SPR biosensor has been shown to be capable of directly detecting concentrations of SEB in buffer as low as 5 ng/ml. In sandwich detection mode, the lowest detection limit was determined to be 0.5 ng/ml for both buffer and milk samples. The reported wavelength modulation-based SPR sensor provides a generic platform which can be tailored for detection of various foodborne pathogens and agents for food analysis and testing.
Identification of Sexually Dimorphic Genes in the Neonatal Mouse Cortex and Hippocampus

The cerebral cortex and hippocampus are important for the control of cognitive functions and social behaviors, many of which are sexually dimorphic and tightly regulated by gonadal steroid hormones via activation of their respective nuclear receptors. As different levels of sex steroid hormones are present between the sexes during early development and their receptors act as transcription factors to regulate gene expression, we hypothesize that sexually dimorphic gene expression in the developing mouse cortex and hippocampus might result in sex differences in brain structures and neural circuits governing distinct behaviors between the sexes as adults. To test our hypothesis, we used gene expression microarrays to identify 90 candidate genes differentially expressed in the neonatal cortex/hippocampus between male and female mice, including 55 male-biased and 35 female-biased genes. Among these genes, sexually dimorphic expression of eight sex chromosome genes was confirmed by reverse transcription with quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), including three located on the X chromosome (Xist, Eif2s3x, and Kdm6a), three on the Y chromosome (Ddx3y, Eif2s3y, and Kdm5d), and two in the pseudoautosomal region of the X and Y chromosomes (Erdr1 and Mid1). In addition, five autosomal genes (Cd151, Dab2, Klk8, Meg3, and Prkdc) were also validated for their sexually dimorphic expression in the neonatal mouse cortex/hippocampus. Gene Ontology annotation analysis suggests that many of these sexually dimorphic genes are involved in histone modifications, cell proliferation/death, androgen/estrogen signaling pathways, and synaptic organization, and these biological processes have been implicated in differential neural development, cognitive function, and neurological diseases between the sexes.
Exocytotic release of dopamine in ventral tegmental area slices from C57BL/6 and dopamine transporter knockout mice.

Abstract The present study used voltammetry to ascertain whether electrically stimulated somatodendritic dopamine release in ventral tegmental area slices from C57BL/6 and dopamine transporter knockout mice was due to exocytosis or dopamine transporter reversal, as has been debated. The maximal concentration of electrically evoked dopamine release was similar between ventral tegmental area slices from dopamine transporter knockout and C57BL/6 mice. Dopamine transporter blockade (10 μM nomifensine) in slices from C57BL/6 mice inhibited dopamine uptake but did not alter peak evoked dopamine release. In addition, dopamine release and uptake kinetics in ventral tegmental area slices from dopamine transporter knockout mice were unaltered by the norepinephrine transporter inhibitor, desipramine (10 μM), or the serotonin transporter inhibitor, fluoxetine (10 μM). Furthermore, maximal dopamine release in ventral tegmental area slices from both C57BL/6 and dopamine transporter knockout mice was significantly decreased in response to Na+ channel blockade by 1 μM tetrototoxin, removal of Ca2+ from the perfusion media and neuronal vesicular monoamine transporter inhibition by RO-04-1284 (10 μM) or tetrabenazine (10 and 100 μM). Finally, the glutamate receptor antagonists AP-5 (50 and 100 μM) and CNQX (20 and 50 μM) had no effect on peak somatodendritic dopamine release in C57BL/6 mice. Overall, these data suggest that similar mechanisms, consistent with exocytosis, govern electrically evoked dopamine release in ventral tegmental area slices from C57BL/6 and dopamine transporter knockout mice.
Wandering spleen and its complications in children: a case series and review of the literature

Wandering spleen is an uncommon clinical entity, which rarely affects children and adolescents. It is usually described in adults, especially women of childbearing age. Discussion in the literature has been limited to case reports and small case series. Here the authors present 2 children and 1 adolescent that presented to the authors institution over a 9-month period with complications from a wandering spleen. All 3 patients had very different clinical presentations, and this variety is a constant theme throughout the literature. We also identified an additional 127 cases of wandering spleen in patients younger than 21 years. In this report we discuss the clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluation, treatment options, and clinical outcomes as they relate to wandering spleen.
How Type II Diabetes-Related Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Damages Lipid Bilayers

A leading hypothesis for the decimation of insulin-producing β-cells in type 2 diabetes attributes the cause to islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) for its deleterious effects on the cell membranes. This idea has produced extensive investigations on human IAPP (hIAPP) and its interactions with lipid bilayers. However, it is still difficult to correlate the peptide-lipid interactions with its effects on islet cells in culture. The hIAPP fibrils have been shown to interact with lipids and damage lipid bilayers, but appear to have no effect on islet cells in culture. Thus, a modified amyloid hypothesis assumes that the toxicity is caused by hIAPP oligomers, which are not preamyloid fibrils or protofibrils. However, so far such oligomers have not been isolated or identified. The hIAPP monomers also bind to lipid bilayers, but the mode of interaction is not clear. Here, we performed two types of experiments that, to our knowledge, have not been done before. We used x-ray diffraction, in conjunction with circular dichroism measurement, to reveal the location of the peptide bound to a lipid bilayer. We also investigated the effects of hIAPP on giant unilamellar vesicles at various peptide concentrations. We obtained the following qualitative results. Monomeric hIAPP binds within the headgroup region and expands the membrane area of a lipid bilayer. At low concentrations, such binding causes no leakage or damage to the lipid bilayer. At high concentrations, the bound peptides transform to β-aggregates. The aggregates exit the headgroup region and bind to the surface of lipid bilayers. The damage by the surface bound β-aggregates depends on the aggregation size. The initial aggregation extracts lipid molecules, which probably causes ion permeation, but no molecular leakage. However, the initial β-aggregates serve as the seed for larger fibrils, in the manner of the Jarrett-Lansbury seeded-polymerization model, that eventually disintegrate lipid bilayers by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.
A Biomarker Panel for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and NASH-Related Fibrosis

Patients with biopsy-proven NASH and especially those with fibrosis are at risk for progressive liver disease, emphasizing the clinical importance of developing non-invasive biomarkers for NASH and NASH-related fibrosis. This study examines the performance of a new biomarker panel for NASH and NASH-related fibrosis with a combination of clinical and laboratory variables. Enrolled patients had biopsy-proven NAFLD. Clinical data, laboratory data, and serum samples were collected at the time of biopsy. Fasting serum was assayed for adiponectin, resistin, glucose, M30, M65, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (Timp-1), ProCollagen 3 N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and hyaluronic acid (HA). Regression models predictive of NASH, NASH-related fibrosis, and NASH-related advanced fibrosis were designed and cross-validated. Of the 79 enrolled NAFLD patients, 40 had biopsy-proven NASH and 39 had non-NASH NAFLD. Clinical and laboratory data were from this cohort were used to develop a NAFLD Diagnostic Panel that includes three models (models for NASH, NASH-related fibrosis, and NASH-related advanced fibrosis). The model for predicting NASH includes diabetes, gender, BMI, triglycerides, M30 (apoptosis), and M65–M30 (necrosis) [AUC: 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.89, 300 p value <9E 301 −06]. The NASH-related fibrosis prediction model includes the same predictors [AUC: 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.88, 307 p value <0.00014]. Finally, the NASH-related advanced fibrosis model includes type 2 diabetes, serum triglycerides, Timp-1, and AST [AUC: 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.89; p value, 0.000062]. This NAFLD Diagnostic Panel based on a clinical and laboratory data has good performance characteristics and is easy to use. This biomarker panel could become useful in the management of patients with NAFLD.
A new spin on losses looming larger than gains: asymmetric implicit associations from slot machine experience

Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory states, among other things, that losses loom larger than gains. As much research as this simple idea has generated, key questions remain. How fundamental is the losses-looming-larger effect: will it emerge under more minimal circumstances than previously tested and will it manifest in implicit associations? And how does the actual experience of predominant losses or gains affect the losses-looming-larger effect? In two experiments employing non-traditional methods, participants experienced slot machine spins in which symbols were paired with gain, loss, and neutral outcomes. After experiencing these pairings, participants took Implicit Association Tests (IATs). In Experiment 1, implicit associations formed by the minimal experience of the slot machine were lopsided: negative associations with the loss symbol were stronger than positive associations with the gain symbol. In addition, it was found that the extent to which losses loomed larger depended on the context of the slot machine experience, with losses looming implicitly larger than gains most when they were fewer in number (participants experienced a net-gain) and least when they were the predominant outcome (participants experienced a net-loss). Finally, in Experiment 2, a potential artifact was ruled out and a replication obtained by showing that slot machine losses implicitly loom larger whether conceptualized from the perspective of a casino player or a casino owner. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption and Degradation of Alachlor in Soil and Aquifer Material

Herbicides may contaminate groundwater when used over shallow aquifers. Alachlor [2-chloro-N-methoxymethyl-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-acetamide] is widely used in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) for grass control in eastern South Dakota where depth to groundwater ranges from 20 m. Sorption and degradation of alachlor, two processes that control its fate in the environment, were measured in laboratory batch equilibrium and incubation studies. Surface soil and sediment samples from above and below the water table (∼6 m below the soil surface) were collected following aseptic procedures. Alachlor sorption to the surface A horizon soil (silty clay loam) was about 13 times greater than sorption to the 2C horizon soil (sand and gravel). About 2.5% of the alachlor was completely mineralized after 112 d in surface soil, whereas <0.5% was mineralized in the 2C horizon soils. The addition of C (lyophilized algae biomass) increased ring mineralization and polar metabolite formation in all samples. These data indicate that bacterial populations in the Big Sioux aquifer are sufficiently diverse to degrade complex organic molecules. Carbon was the factor most limiting alachlor metabolism in subsurface sediments. South Dakota Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. J. Paper 2940.
Tempo and Temperament: A Music Lesson on the Significance of Time for the Art of Pastoral Care

This article will focus on the relationship between tempo and temperament and the power of music to facilitate healing, especially for individuals who struggle with temperament or mood disorders, by examining briefly how individuals diagnosed with depression may be helped by listening to or performing music as a form of treatment. Current research into the “science” of music is providing concrete evidence for the reality that musicians and music therapists have long intuited to be true–music does have the capacity to facilitate healing by influencing brain activity and altering moods (Cambell and Doman 2011; Levitin 2007, 2008; Mannes 2011; Powell 2010; Pruyser 1983; Rose 2004). Insofar as music is an integral part of most worship traditions, it provides a common ground for conversation that may seem more natural and less formidable to ministers and lay people alike than the structures of conventional counseling or care-giving relationships, especially for those who have a tendency to be suspicious of all things psychological.
Interference and RNA homologies of New Jersey serotype isolates of vesicular stomatitis virus and their defective particles

Abstract Three New Jersey serotype isolates of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) were found to produce a population of defective interfering (DI) particles heterogeneous in size and in their RNAs. Only Ogden and Glasgow isolates produced DI particles containing a well-defined major RNA component. Annealing of Ogden mRNAs to Glasgow virion RNA revealed that the two isolates had approximately 24% homologies in their nucleotide sequences. One short DI particle, generated by the Glasgow isolate, contained only approximately 230 nucleotides homologous to the Ogden virion RNA. In spite of this lack of homology, the particle fully interfered with infections by Ogden virions. A previously described Indiana serotype DI particle (HR), which was shown to interfere heterotypically with Prevec's New Jersey virion, also contained only approximately 260 nucleotides homologous to the RNA of this isolate. None of the New Jersey DI particles exhibited the ability to fully interfere heterotypically with Indiana serotype virion infections. DI particles, generated by a given viral isolate, contained nucleotide sequences complementary to a part of their 30 S mRNAs, and the sequences of shorter particle RNAs were always contained in the RNA of the larger particles. In this respect, they resembled the nonheterotypically interfering DI particles of the Indiana serotype.
Effect of correlation on combining diagnostic information from two images of the same patient

We have shown previously, in the context of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), that information derived from multiple images of the same patient can be used to improve diagnostic performance. In that work, we ignored the correlation among multiple images of the same patient. In the present study, we investigate theoretically, within the framework of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the effect of correlation on three methods for combining quantitative diagnostic information from two images: taking the average, the maximum, and the minimum of a pair of normally distributed decision variables. We assume, as in our previous work, that the quantitative diagnostic information obtained from the two images of a given patient can be transformed monotonically to two latent decision variables that are normally distributed. Similar to the situation of uncorrelated images, we found that (1) the average always improves the area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared to the single-view image; (2) the maximum and the minimum can also, but not always, improve the AUC; and (3) each method can be the best method in certain situations. In addition, as the correlation strength increases, the average performs the best less often, whereas the maximum and the minimum perform the best moremore » often. These theoretical results are illustrated with analysis of a mammography study.« less
Ten years of experience with deregulating US power markets

Abstract Advocates of deregulating electricity markets claimed that allowing competition would benefit consumers by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. They viewed electricity as a commodity much like any other, and overlooked the ways in which electricity’s many distinct features hinder the development of competitive market structures. While competitive features were introduced into electricity markets in the last 10 years, the necessary elements for the market structure of competition—large number of sellers, ease of entry, and transparency of information—are still not in place.
Out of sight, out of mind: Effects of displaying access-control information near the item it controls

We take a detailed look at how users, while focusing on non-permission tasks, notice and fix access-control permission errors depending on where the access-control policy is spatially located on a photo-sharing website. The access-control policy was placed on an online photo-sharing website under the photo or album, on the sidebar, or on a separate settings page. We find that placing the access-control policy directly under photos and album thumbnails improves participants' ability to notice errors in their access-control settings without negatively impacting non-access-control tasks.
Basis for detection of stenosis using venous administration of microbubbles during myocardial contrast echocardiography : Bolus or continuous infusion?

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to determine the basis of detection of stenosis by myocardial contrast echocardiography using venous administration of microbubbles and to define the relative merits of bolus injection versus continuous infusion. Background. The degree of video intensity (VI) disparity in myocardial beds supplied by stenosed and normal coronary arteries can be used to quantify stenosis severity after venous administration of microbubbles. However, the comparative merits of administering microbubbles as a bolus injection or continuous infusion has not been studied. Methods. Coronary stenoses of varying severity were created in either the left anterior descending or the left circumflex coronary artery in 18 dogs. Imagent US (AF0150) was given as a bolus injection in 10 dogs (Group I) and as both a bolus injection and a continuous infusion in 8 dogs (Group II). For bolus injections, peak VI was derived from time–intensity plots. During continuous infusion, microbubble velocity and microvascular cross-sectional area were derived from pulsing interval versus VI plots. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was determined using radiolabeled microspheres. Results. During hyperemia, VI ratios from the stenosed versus normal beds correlated with radiolabeled microsphere–derived MBF ratios from those beds for both bolus injections (r = 0.81) and continuous infusion (r = 0.79). The basis for detection of stenosis common to both techniques was the decrease in myocardial blood volume distal to the stenosis during hyperemia. The advantage of continuous infusion over bolus injection was the abolition of posterior wall attenuation and the ability to quantify MBF. Conclusions. Both bolus injection and continuous infusion provide quantitative assessment of relative stenosis severity. Compared with bolus injection, continuous infusion also allows quantification of MBF and data acquisition without attenuation of any myocardial bed.
Some approaches to the multiple‐minima problem in the calculation of polypeptide and protein structures

Various methods are used to surmount the multiple-minima problem that is encountered in the multidimensional conformational energy surface of a polypeptide. A summary is given here of two of these methods: (i) The build-up procedure that is modified to include statistical data on the positional frequencies of occurrence of amino acid residues along the chain, and (ii) the diffusion equation method that smoothes out the potential surface, leaving only the potential well containing the global minimum.
Double heterozygosity for hemoglobin Camden (beta131 Gln replaced by Glu) and alpha thalassemia.

During the course o f screening for abnormal hemoglobins in the City of New York, an abnormal hemoglobin with fast electrophoretic mobility was discovered in an asymptomatic 16-year-old Black female high school student. Structural studies, performed on the variant hemoglobin, demonstrated an amino acid substitution (B131 Gln → Glu) which has been described previously as hemoglobin Camden (1,2,3). studies were indicated by the observation of approximately 45% Hb Camden in association with mild microcytosis and hypochromia, perhaps the suggestion of α-thalassemia.
SYM-2081 a kainate receptor antagonist reduces allodynia and hyperalgesia in a freeze injury model of neuropathic pain.

Cold-freeze injury at −4°C to the rat sciatic nerve produces mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia [M.A. Kleive, P.S. Jungbluth, J.A. Uhlenkamp, K.C. Kajander, Cold injury to rat sciatic nerve induces thermal hyperalgesia or analgesia, 8th World Congress on Pain, Vancouver, BC, Canada, August 1996 (Abstract).]. The NMDA receptor, an excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor, appears to be involved in the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia following nerve injury. The role, if any, of the kainate receptor, another EAA receptor, remains unknown. In the current study, we evaluated whether (2S,4R)-4-methylglutamic acid (SYM-2081), a recently developed kainate receptor antagonist, attenuates increased responsiveness following cold injury to the sciatic nerve. During baseline testing, Sprague–Dawley rats were evaluated for frequency of withdrawal from von Frey filaments and latency of withdrawal from a radiant thermal source. Animals were then anesthetized, the left sciatic nerve was exposed, and the nerve was cooled to −4°C for 15 min (n=24). For control rats (n=24), all procedures were identical except that the nerve was maintained at 37°C. Testing resumed on the third day following surgery. On the fifth post-operative day, SYM-2081 (150 or 100 mg/kg), fentanyl citrate (0.04 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally. Injury to the rat sciatic nerve induced a significant increase in withdrawal frequency and a significant decrease in withdrawal latency (ANOVA, p<0.05). SYM-2081 and fentanyl significantly reduced these responses (p<0.05). These results suggest that kainate and opioid receptors are involved in the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia that develop following cold injury to the sciatic nerve.
SU‐FF‐J‐58: DMLC Leaf‐Pair Optimal Control for Mobile, Deforming Target

Purpose: Tumors in the lung and abdomen tend to move and deform during the course of respiratory cycle. To deliver the intensity modulated therapy, in which intensity map dynamically shifts and deforms in conjunction with the target motion, algorithms have to be developed that control appropriately leaf progression in DMLC IMRT. Description of such algorithms is the purpose of this presentation. Method and Materials: Target motions and deformations are simulated by analytic, periodic functions dependent on position and time. Derived infinitesimal relationships between leaf velocities at all leaf positions assure delivery of the predetermined intensity map. Derived formulas lead to a system of interdependent ordinary, differential equations. When minimization of time of DMLC IMRT delivery is required equations are uniquely defined by scalar fields that are determined by intensity function, target local velocities and target local parameters of deformation, together with constraints on maximum leaf speeds. Integration of differential equations provides trajectories for MLC leaves and thus determines the algorithm for relevant DMLC motion controls. Results: A representative example of DMLC IMRT delivery to deforming target is presented. The example shows the delivery of analytically defined double parabolic intensity function to target undergoing oscillatory type deformation. Target deformation is assumed to be spatially uniform. Deformation of the target, as well as trajectories of leading and following leaves, are calculated and graphically represented for this example. The snapshots of leaf positions at various stages of intensity delivery are also shown. Conclusion: Algorithms are developed for the control of MLC leaf motions that make possible delivery of DMLC IMRT to targets experiencing deforming motions. These realizations of IMRT therapies to deforming targets prevent any discrepancies, rooted in target's dynamic distortions during treatment, between intended and actual intensities delivered to the target.
Global rate expression for nitric oxide reburning. Part 2

An investigation of a global reburning-NO reaction, ∑ijCiHj + NO → HCN + . . ., which is a reduction pathway of nitric oxide (NO) by reaction with gaseous hydrocarbons, was conducted. The global reburning-NO rate expression was deduced from a combination of elemental reactions. The global rate expression and its rate constants were then determined by correlating predicted species profiles from simple hydrocarbon flames. This global reburning-NO rate constant can be expressed as 2.7 × 106 exp(−18 800/RT) (gmol/cm3 s). This expression and constants are applicable to atmospheric pressure with an equivalence ratio range of 1.0−2.08 for light hydrocarbon reburning gases (CH4 and C2H4).
Assessing the Contribution of the Deinstitutionalization of the Mentally Ill to Growth in the U.S. Incarceration Rate

AbstractWe assess the degree to which the mentally ill who would have been in mental hospitals in years past have been transinstitutionalized to prisons and jails. We also assess the contribution of deinstitutionalization to growth in the U.S. prison population. We find no evidence of transinstitutionalization for any demographic groups for the period 1950–80. However, for the 20-year period 1980–2000, we find significant transinstitutionalization rates for all men and women, with a relatively large transinstitutionalization rate for men in comparison to women and the largest transinstitutionalization rate observed for white men. Our estimates suggest that 4–7 percent of incarceration growth between 1980 and 2000 is attributable to deinstitutionalization. While this is a relatively small contribution to prison growth overall, the results suggest that a sizable portion of the mentally ill behind bars would not have been incarcerated in years past.
What caused the recent worldwide increase of inflammatory bowel disease: should sucralose be added as a suspect?

Despiteextensive research, the cause of IBDremains unknown.About a decade ago a series ofaccidental ﬁndings led me to suspectthat the impaired inactivation of diges-tive protease and the resulting acceler-ated degradation of the mucus layerand underlying endothelium due to theinhibition of gut bacteria by dietarychemicals like saccharin may haveplayed a causative role in IBD.
Large-scale chromatin structure and function

Recent results in living cells have now established the existence of levels of chromatin folding above the 30 nm fiber within interphase chromosomes. We discuss the potential functional impact of this large-scale chromatin organization, including its possible role in regulating gene expression.
A special gift

Love is a funny thing. When you search for it, it can't be found, but when you abandon the search, it seems to find you. A guy is about to make the decision of his life and is nervous. Proposing to the girl of his dreams has him on edge. Should he ask her here? Should he ask? Is it too early? Is she ready? Is he ready? What if she doesn't love him? All questions that would make any person a wreck. And it does. So much in fact that popping the question is too much for him to handle. He is so nerve-racked that he loses the ring, leaving their fate in the hands of someone else.
Development and testing of a direct observation code training protocol for elementary aged students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Observational measures can add objective data to both research and clinical evaluations of children’s behavior in the classroom. However, they pose challenges for training and attaining high levels of interrater reliability between observers. The Behavioral Observation of Students in Schools (BOSS) is a commonly used school-based observation instrument that is well adapted to measure symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the classroom setting. Reliable use of the BOSS for clinical or research purposes requires training to reach reliable standards (kappa ≥ 0.80). The current study conducted training observations in one suburban and one urban elementary school in the Greater Boston area. To enhance interrater reliability and reduce training time, supplemental guidelines, including 30 additional rules to follow, were developed over two consecutive school years. The complete protocol was then used for training in the third school year. To reach sufficient interrater reliability (kappa ≥ 0.80) during training, 45 training observations were required in the first year while, in the third year, only 17 observations were required. High interrater reliability was sustained after training across all three school years, accumulating a total of 1,001 post-training observations. It is estimated that clinicians or researchers following this proposed protocol, who are naive to the BOSS, will require approximately 30 training observations to reach proficient reliability. We believe this protocol will make the BOSS more accessible for clinical and research usage, and the procedures used to obtain high interrater reliability using the BOSS are broadly applicable to a variety of observational measures.
Spectral narrowing and stabilization of thulium fiber lasers using guided-mode resonance filters

We used guided-mode resonance filters (GMRFs), fabricated using thin-film deposition and chemical etching, as intracavity feedback elements to stabilize and narrow the output spectrum in thulium-doped fiber oscillators operating in the 2 μm wavelength regime, producing linewidths of <700 pm up to 10 W power levels. A Tm fiber-based amplified spontaneous emission source was used to characterize the reflective properties of the GMRFs. Linewidths of 500 pm and a 7.3 dB reduction in transmission were measured on resonances.
Prehistoric Fauna From Shanidar, Iraq

A comparative analysis of the faunal material from Shanidar Cave and the nearby proto-Neolithic site of Zawi Chemi Shanidar indicates that sheep were domesticated at Zawi Chemi Shanidar at the beginning of the 9th millennium B.C., more than 1000 years earlier than the earliest known evidence of animal husbandry.
MECHANIZATION, LIBRARIANSHIP, AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHIC ENTERPRISE

‘Are you for or against microfilm?’ Alfred North Whitehead was once asked, and after a moment of reflection he replied in his high‐pitched voice, ‘What a curious question. Why should anyone be either for or against a tool?’ One is not for or against a hammer or a spade. The only question is, will the tool do whatever needs to be done effectively and efficiently? Yet, a mechanical innovation can become a cause celebre, and an emotional battle is joined between antagonist and protagonist, each with his own band of ardent followers.
Observations on the Aggregative Behavior of Mysidium columbiae, the Mangrove Mysid

. The mangrove mysid Mysidium columbine (Zimmer) occurs in aggregations of tens to millions of individuals. Few indepth studies on the aggregative behavior of this species have examined structural composition, response to light intensity changes, and its ability to reduce prcdation. Snorkel and SCUBA observations, as well as aquarium experimentation on shoals/ schools of this species in shallow waters around a mangrove archipelago were made at irregular intervals to determine their structure, dynamics, and influence on prcdation. In summer, aggregations occurred as large cylindrical shoals, in winter as small ovoid schools. In daylight, shoals/schools were very sensitive to changes in light intensity. At night the smallest juveniles formed compact swarms, while larger individuals became solitary. At sunrise a definite rc-shoaling behavior existed. Shoals/schools were stratified by life stages. A hypothesis stating that conspecific schools in winter did not mix was tested. Mysidium shoals/schools seemed to discourage prcdation by fishes.
Energetics of sodium transport in frog skin. I. Oxygen consumption in the short-circuited state.

Sodium transport and oxygen consumption were studied simultaneously in the short-circuited frog skin. Sodium transport was evaluated from Io/F, where Io is the short-circuit current measured with standard Ringer's solution bathing each surface and F is the Faraday constant. Oxygen tension was measured polarographically. Under a variety of circumstances the rate of oxygen consumption from the outer solution exceeded that from the inner solution, the ratio being constant (0.57 ± 0.09 SD). Both Io and the associated rate of oxygen consumption Jro declined nonlinearly with time, but the relationship between them was linear, suggesting that the basal oxygen consumption was constant. For each skin numerous experimental points were fitted by the best straight line. The intercept (Jro)Io=0 then gave the basal oxygen consumption, and the slope dNa/dO2 gave an apparent stoichiometric ratio for a given skin. The basal oxygen consumption was about one-half the total oxygen consumption in a representative untreated short-circuited skin. Values of dNa/dO2 in 10 skins varied significantly, ranging from 7.1 to 30.9 (as compared with Zerahn's and Leaf and Renshaw's values of about 18). KCN abolished both Io and Jro. 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) depressed Io while increasing Jro four- to fivefold. Anti-diuretic hormone stimulated and ouabain depressed both Io and Jro; in both cases apparent stoichiometric ratios were preserved.
Another face of RIPK1

Receptor‐interacting protein kinase‐1 (RIPK1) sits at a signaling node controlling a number of functional pathways. These include both positive and negative control of apoptosis and necroptosis (a form of regulated necrosis). In this issue of EMBO Reports, Yonekawa and colleagues describe another function for RIPK1, the inhibition of autophagy via ERK‐mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor, TFEB [1]. Their findings are considered in the context of RIPK1 signaling, and how it is engaged.
Effect of tritium labeling of cortisol on its physical-chemical properties and on its metabolism in man.

The separation of tritium-labeled from nonlabeled or 14C-labeled steroids on paper partition chromatograms has been described and its implications have been discussed. In addition, cortisol-1, 2-3H and cortisol-4-14C were administered simultaneously to a normal man, and labeled steroids from urine and plasma, collected at intervals during the first 24 hr, were isolated by paper chromatographic procedures. All metabolites exhibited chromatographic separation of the 3H-containing moiety from the nonlabeled or 14Clabeled compounds. However, no isotope effect was discernible for the in vivo metabolism of cortisol-1, 2-3H. When care was taken to analyze the total chromatographic peak areas, the proportions of 3H:14C in the isolated metabolites (cortisol, cortisone, 3α, 11β,17,21-tetrahydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one, 3α,11β,17,21-tetrahydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one,3α, 17, 21-trihydroxy-5 β-pregnane-11,20-dione and a mixture of the cortolones were identical with that in the administered steroids.
Effects of Whey Protein and Resistance Exercise on Body Composition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of whey protein (WP), with or without resistance exercise, on body weight and body composition in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in generally healthy adult study populations. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify RCTs that investigated WP (concentrate, isolate, or hydrolystate) and body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, lean body mass (LBM), fat-free mass (FFM), and waist circumference. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate weighted group mean differences (WGMD) for between-group comparisons (WP vs other protein sources or carbohydrates) and within-WP group comparisons (i.e., differences from baseline to trial end). Studies were classified into 2 distinct groups—WP as a supplement without dietary modification (WPS) and WP as a replacement for other sources of calories (WPR)—and were meta-analyzed separately. Subgroup analyses included examining the effect ...
CRACK PROPAGATION AND FRACTURE IN CONTACTING BODIES

When a body subject to contact loads develops a crack, the origin, orientation, and tendency to propagate or not depend on fabrication details and maintenance history as well as the service environment. Research over the past twenty years has led to better characterization of crack behavior in some contacting bodies (railroad rail and wheels). Computational methods in solid mechanics provide the basis for quantitative results, but true understanding also requires application of materials science principles. The two disciplines are being brought to bear in combination; quantitative assessments of potential manufacturing improvements and prediction of effects on performance in service are now within reach.
Energy use and management of energy reserves in hatchling turtles (Chrysemys picta) exposed to variable winter conditions

The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is an especially useful organism in the study of metabolic regulation during dormancy because it is sustained by finite energy reserves from hatching until emerging from its nest, about nine months later. In this study we subjected overwintering C. picta hatchlings to 4, 10, or 15 1C, temperatures simulating cold, mild, and warm winters, respectively, to investigate how various energy reserves are impacted by differential metabolic demands. An energy budget based on seasonal changes in caloric content showed that these turtles consumed an average of 0.39, 0.75, or 1.21 kJ g �1 , respectively, during the 6-month period of simulated hibernation. These estimates of energy use agreed reasonably well with estimates based solely on respirometric data. Unexpectedly, turtles in autumn contained little residual yolk, none of which was consumed by turtles in the cold- and mild-winter groups, this finding contradicting the widely held belief that residual yolk plays an important, direct role in the survival of turtles that overwinter inside their natal nest. By contrast, a marked reduction in dry mass of both liver and carcass attested to their importance in fueling metabolism and, indeed, catabolism of substrates from these components accounted for 31–52 and 35–63%, respectively, of the energetic cost of overwintering. The greater dependence on carcass reserves and relatively poor physiological condition of turtles in the mild- and warm-winter groups implies that metabolic demands imposed by high environmental temperatures would likely constrain post-emergence fitness.