cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulation and inhibition of membrane-dependent ATP synthesis in chloroplasts by artificially induced K+ gradients.

The imposition of a potassium ion gradient simultaneous with a pH transition of Valinomycin treated spinach chloroplasts results in a modulation of ATP synthesis elicited by the acid-base transition. A gradient from the outside to the interior of the granum results in a stimulation of ATP synthesis. Under these conditions the synthesis of ATP is sensitive to the addition of dinitrophenol. A gradient of the opposite sense results in an inhibition of ATP synthesis and the yield is not further reduced by the addition of dinitrophenol. The data support the concept that ion imbalance caused by Valinomycin facilitated K+ movement across the energy conserving membrane of the chloroplast can lead to membrane potential differences of sufficient magnitude to influence the yield of ATP in a membrane-dependent energy conserving system.
Importance of product/reactant equilibration in the kinetics of the phosphoglucose isomerization reaction by differential stopped flow microcalorimetry.

Abstract The kinetics for the isomerization of fructose-6-phosphate to glucose-6-phosphate (F6P → G6P) by baker’s yeast phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) with regard to kcat and Km were determined from analysis of differential stopped flow microcalorimeter measurements using the integrated form of the Michaelis–Menten rate equation. Values for Km (F6P → G6P) that were determined at pH 8.0 and ionic strength 0.1 M at 293.4, 298.4, 303.4, and 311.5 K exhibited a linear dependence on the substrate concentration at each temperature because of the substrate–product equilibrium. The minimum values for Km ranged from 2.62 ± 0.55 mM at 293.4 K to 7.8 ± 4.8 mM at 311.5 K and were the same as the minimum values for the reverse reaction (G6P → F6P) at 293.4 K and 298.4 K. Minimum values for kcat increased with temperature, from 2.78 ± 0.34 s−1 at 293.4 K to 11.4 ± 1.0 s−1 at 311.5 K, and for the reverse reaction, G6P → F6P, from 0.852 ± 0.086 s−1 at 293.4 K to 1.46 ± 0.06 s−1 at 298.4 K. The enzyme efficiency at 311.5 K is close to the collision rate for a diffusion-controlled process in solution. The [F6P]/[G6P] equilibrium constants were determined from comparison of the values of kcat in both directions and were 0.307 ± 0.053 at 293.4 K and 0.395 ± 0.033 at 298.4 K. The heats of reaction in the F6P → G6P direction increased from −8.96 ± 0.26 kJ mol−1 at 311.5 K to −8.27 ± 0.40 kJ mol−1 at 293.4 K, a value in fair agreement with 7.01 ± 0.32 kJ mol−1 in the opposite G6P → F6P direction.
The pathophysiologic role of myocardial depressant factor as a mediator of circulatory shock.

Myocardial Depressant Factor (MDF) is a small peptide circulating in the blood of all mammalian species tested in a variety of shock states including endotoxic, hemorrhagic, cardiogenic, bowel ischemic, acute pancreatitis, burn, and traumatic shock. MDF is produced by the action of proteolytic enzymes released by the ischemic pancreas. MDF acts to depress myocardial contractility, constrict the splanchnic arteries and impair reticuloendothelial system phagocytosis. Several pharmacologic agents prevent the formation of MDF including membrane stabilizers (e.g., glucocorticoids), protease inhibitors (e.g., aprotinin), converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., captopril), prostaglandins (e.g., PGE1 and PGI2), thromboxane synthetase inhibitors (e.g., imidazole, PTA2) and local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine). Prevention of MDF formation or action improves survival. Thus, MDF is an important mediator of shock pathophysiology and should be considered in the therapy of circulatory shock states.
Plantar fasciitis: etiology and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common pathological condition of the foot and can often be a challenge for clinicians to successfully treat. The purpose of this article is to present and discuss selected literature on the etiology and clinical outcome of treating plantar fasciitis. Surgical and nonsurgical techniques have been used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Nonsurgical management for the treatment of the symptoms and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis can be classified into 3 broad categories: reducing pain and inflammation, reducing tissue stress to a tolerable level, and restoring muscle strength and flexibility of involved tissues. Each of these treatments has demonstrated some level of effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Previous studies have grouped all forms of nonsurgical therapy together. It is, therefore, difficult to determine if one type of treatment is more effective compared with another. Until such research is available, the clinician would be wise t...
Genomic insights into tuberculosis

Prevalent since pre-history, human tuberculosis - caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis - remains a major source of death worldwide. Moreover, increasing drug resistance poses the threat of disease resurgence. However, the expanding application of genomic techniques is providing new avenues for combating this old foe. Whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics and systems biology are generating new insights into the origins and ongoing evolution of M. tuberculosis, as well as the molecular basis for its pathogenicity. These have important implications for our perspective of the disease, development of new drugs and vaccines, and treatment of patients using existing therapeutics.
Charge-transfer-induced changes in the electronic and lattice vibrational properties of acceptor-type GICs

Abstract We report on several charge-transfer-induced changes in the electronic and phonon properties of stage 1 and 2 graphite-H2SO4: c-axis LO and LA phonon dispersion, E2g (q = 0) intralayer graphitic phonon frequency, and resonant Raman scattering from the E2g modes. The data are discussed in terms of microscopic models.
Phytosterol unsuitability as a factor mediating food aversion learning in the grasshopper Schistocerca americana

Sixth stadium nymphs of the grasshopper Schistocerca americana (Drury) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) were presented with spinach with or without added cholesterol or β-sitosterol, and the lengths of the first four meals were monitored. Spinach alone evoked a typical aversion learning pattern in which successive meals were of decreasing duration; however, when cholesterol or β-sitosterol was added the spinach remained acceptable. Nymphs fed spinach for 24h preferred glass-fibre discs with added cholesterol in a choice test, but nymphs fed wheat (an acceptable food) did not prefer cholesterol-treated or control discs. Nymphs pretreated with spinach did not distinguish between discs treated with stigmasterol (an unsuitable phytosterol for grasshoppers) and control discs. In no-choice tests, nymphs pretreated with spinach also fed significantly longer on discs with added 10% cholesterol or 1%β-sitosterol, compared to meals on discs with stigmasterol or sucrose controls. Detection of appropriate sterols is likely to involve a post-ingestive feedback mechanism, as significantly longer meals on discs treated with only sucrose resulted when spinach-fed nymphs, were force-fed gelatin capsules packed with β-sitosterol or cholesterol, compared with stigmasterol. Contact chemoreception is unlikely to play a role in this behaviour, as discs (lacking sucrose) treated with cholesterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, or a chloroform control, all required similar numbers of contacts before feeding was initiated.
Breathlessness in the older patient with repaired Fallot's Tetralogy: not always the heart.

A 58-year-old obese farmer (BMI=31.4 kg/m2) presented with increasing breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance for 2 years associated with discomfort after meals, increased snoring and daytime sleepiness. Past medical history included multiple repairs for Fallot'sTetralogy (TOF), asthma and kyphosis. Blood tests were normal. ECG showed RBBB (QRSd=154msecs). Echocardiogram revealed normal left ventricle, and mildly dilated well-contracting right ventricle (RV). Chest X-ray (CXR) showed …
Synthesis and Morphological Behavior of Model 6-Miktoarm Star Copolymers, PS(P2MP)5, of Styrene (S) and 2-Methyl-1,3-Pentadiene (P2MP)

Three 6-miktoarm star (6μ-star) copolymers [PS(P2MP)5] of styrene (S) and 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (2MP) were synthesized by anionic polymerization and controlled chlorosilane chemistry, using high vacuum techniques. In all cases [Mw = 103 kg/mol, [S] = 44% (v/v); Mw = 91.1 kg/mol, [S] = 53% (v/v); Mw = 224 kg/mol, [S] = 92% (v/v)] the P2MP exhibited high 1,4-microstructure (∼99%). Molecular characterization (size-exclusion chromatography, membrane osmometry, low-angle laser light scattering, and NMR) revealed high molecular weight/composition homogeneity, and structural analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering) showed highly ordered patterns. The deviations from predictions based on Milner's morphological model are much more pronounced than that of PS(P2MP)2 and PS(P2MP)3 miktoarm stars, which we attribute to greater crowding of the arms for these highly branched molecules.
Applied Anthropology: From the Classroom to the Community

An important part of training in applied anthropology is the experience of participating in applied research projects. Over the past nine years the principal author has experimented with a variety of class projects in the context of graduate courses in "Nutritional Anthropology" and in "Ethnicity and Health Care." This article discusses the general mechanics of such projects, as well as the methodology and results of one project in particular, carried out in west central Florida.
Optical Simulations of the Effects of Transparent Conducting Oxide Interface Layers on Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell Performance

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) analysis of so-called “specular” (macroscopically smooth) and “textured” (macroscopically rough) thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) based solar cell structures demonstrates the need to incorporate interface layers into the multilayer stack in order to simulate the observed Stokes vector of the specularly-reflected beam. In most cases, these layers can be attributed to microscopic roughness (e.g., at the SnO 2 /p-layer/i-layer interface in a-Si:H p-i-n solar cells), as verified by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In limited cases, the layers may include regions wherein chemical intermixing also occurs (e.g., at the ZnO/Ag interface in back-reflectors), particularly for overlying films prepared by sputtering. In spite of the clear evidence for the existence of interface layers, they have been neglected in previous simulations of the optical quantum efficiency (QE) of the solar cells. In this study, we incorporate the experimentally- observed characteristics of interface layers as input into optical models for the p-i-n solar cell structure. In this way, we demonstrate the beneficial effects of SnO 2 /p/i interface microroughness as an anti-reflector and the detrimental effects of the ZnO/Ag interlayer as a parasitic absorber.
Prediction of Wind Farm Power Ramp Rates: A Data-Mining Approach

In this paper, multivariate time series models were built to predict the power ramp rates of a wind farm. The power changes were predicted at 10 min intervals. Multivariate time series models were built with data-mining algorithms. Five different data-mining algorithms were tested using data collected at a wind farm. The support vector machine regression algorithm performed best out of the five algorithms studied in this research. It provided predictions of the power ramp rate for a time horizon of 10-60 min. The boosting tree algorithm selects parameters for enhancement of the prediction accuracy of the power ramp rate. The data used in this research originated at a wind farm of 100 turbines. The test results of multivariate time series models were presented in this paper. Suggestions for future research were provided.
Minimal free resolutions of linear edge ideals

Abstract We construct minimal free resolutions for all edge ideals which have a linear free resolution.
Elastic Scattering of Muons in Nuclear Emulsion

Mesons mu /sup +/ and mu /sup -/, at maximum energies of 43 and 60 Mev respectively, are elastically scattered by emulsion nuclei. For the mu /sup +/ scattering, only 14 to 40 Mev muons that are scattered between 80 and 180 deg are considered. The calculated and observed number of mu /sup +/ events having a momentum transfer greater than q, and the average differential scattering cross sections for Ag and Br, are given as functions of q. Oniy preliminary results are given for mu /sup -/ scattering. No indication of an anomalous mu -nucleus interaction is found. (T.F.H.)
Evolution of volatile sulfur compounds from soils treated with sulfur-containing organic materials

Abstract Release of volatile S compounds from soils treated with S-containing organic materials was studied by sensitive gas chromatographic techniques. Methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide were identified as gaseous products of decomposition of animal manures, sewage sludges and plant materials in soils under aerobic or waterlogged conditions. No release of hydrogen sulfide was detected. Most of the S volatilized from soils treated with sludges was in the form of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide. whereas most of the S volatilized from soils treated with manures and plant materials was in the form of methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. More S compounds were released, and more S was volatilized, by decomposition of manures, sludges or plant materials in soils under waterlogged conditions than by decomposition under aerobic conditions. When calculated as a percentage of the S added as organic material, the average amount of S volatilized under aerobic or waterlogged conditions was
Sand waves and other bedforms in lower Cook Inlet, Alaska

Abstract Lower Cook Inlet in Alaska has high‐ tidal currents that average 3–4 knots and normally reach a peak of 6–8 knots. The bottom has an average depth of about 60–70 m in the central part of the inlet that deepens toward the south. Several types of bedforms, such as sand waves, dunes, ripples, sand ribbons, and lag deposits form a microtopography on the otherwise smooth seafloor. Each bedform type covers a small field, normally a few hundred to a few thousand meters wide, and usually several kilometers long parallel to the tidal flow. High‐resolution seismic systems, side‐scan sonar and bottom television were used to study these bedforms. Large sand waves with wavelengths over 300 m and wave heights up to 10 m were observed. Fields of ebb‐oriented or flood‐oriented asymmetric bedforms commonly grade into more symmetric shapes. Several orders of smaller sand waves and dunes cover the flanks of the very large bedforms. The crest directions of both size groups are normally parallel, but deviations of up...
Predictive guidance for interceptors with time delays

Predictive guidance equations for systems with time delays are developed using optimal control theory to obtain interceptor steering gains. Previously, predictive guidance and proportional navigation, which are essentially the same, employed a steering policy based on instantaneous interceptor response. In this paper the time response of the interceptor is approximated by a linear first order time lag, and the optimal steering gain is evaluated using a quadratic penalty function. The optimal control for interception is determined to be a linear function of the predicted position error and the acceleration error. The gains are functions of only the time-to-go and the interceptor time constant. An application with computer simulations is included for interception of a non-maneuvering target. The simulations demonstrate a significant improvement of interceptor performance using the optimum gains in comparison to the conventional gain of proportional navigation.
Book Review: THE EARLY GREEK CONCEPT OF THE SOUL by Jan Bremmer

While at first glance this study may not seem germane to modern Hellenic polytheists, those particularly interested in reconstructing this ancient religion should find it of particular interest, as Bremmer notes that the ancient Hellenes viewed both the soul (psyche) and human psychological makeup entirely differently than we, here in the West, do today.
My adventure in tRNA biology, so far

Article and publication date are at http://www.rnajournal.org/cgi/doi/10.1261/rna.049833.115. Freely available online through the RNA Open Access option.
D-optimal design of artifacts used in-machine software error compensation

A methodology for the design of artifacts used in software error compensation of rapid prototyping (RP) machines is presented. In software error compensation, an artifact is frequently utilized for measuring parametric errors of the machine axes. In the past, different artifacts have been used and designed in an ad hoc way. To date, no method is available to evaluate the design of an artifact based on its effect on the precision of the fitted models estimated using the artifact. This paper proposes a method to evaluate and improve the design of an artifact using design of experiments (DOE) techniques and numerical optimization. As demonstrated by the results, a D-optimality criterion optimized using simulated annealing techniques can be used to evaluate and improve the design of an artifact so that the components of the volumetric error are predicted more precisely, with the benefit of better error compensation over repeated use of the error models. Although in this paper the concept is only demonstrated ...
The design and implementation of a software system for clinical studies: an illustration based on the needs of a comprehensive cancer center

A computerized system for the management of a clinical research database has been developed with several attractive features. This relational database management system allows for screen-driven data entry, data checking, system security, and report generation in a timely manner. In addition, the system is cost-effective in a number of ways: (1) development time is considerably reduced due to the inherent programming features of the software, (2) once developed the system can be maintained by nontechnical personnel thereby reducing personnel costs, (3) the system can be developed and maintained on a microcomputer system, and (4) the commercial software used in our system is periodically updated thereby assuring the user of state-of-the-art technology. Beyond the initial expenditures for hardware and software, no additional system costs are incurred. While this system, currently adopted by the Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, represents an effective approach to handling the data-management needs of a large, single-institution cancer research center, the design and programming methodology can be readily adapted to other research settings.
Regulatory Federalism: EU Environmental Regulation in Comparative Perspective

This article analyzes the development of environmental regulation in the European Union from the perspective of comparative federalism. It presents a theory of regulatory federalism that explains how the basic institutional structures of federal-type polities shape the development of regulatory policy. The article assesses the theory by systematically comparing the development of environmental regulation in the EU, the US, Canada and Australia. The analysis suggests that the EU's institutional structure encourages the development of a US-style pattern of regulation, characterized by detailed, non-discretionary rules and a litigious approach to enforcement.
Ultrastructural analysis of sporoderm development in megaspores ofSelaginella galeottii (Lycophyta)

Structural members within the exospore ofSelaginella galeottii suggestive of those present at maturity are first detectable when the exospore is approximately 5 µm in thickness. Subsequent changes in successively larger sporangia involve a gradual size increase of the component units simultaneously throughout the exospore. Concomitantly, non-membrane bound material present at the inner surface of the tapetum (and the persistent megasporocytes) and throughout the sporangium locule changes from primarily droplets and weftlike material (including beaded wefts) to coarse fibrous material. The taxa which possess this unusual wall pattern cut across presently accepted taxonomic schemes. This is not the case with the other wall ultrastructural types in the genus. The possibility exists that this megaspore wall type defines a separate lineage within the genus which, by virtue of its large megaspores, was able to compete well and radiate to produce a variety of life forms.
Synthesis of Poly (L-Lactic Acid) Scaffolds Under Controlled Freezing Conditions

Poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds for bone grafts were prepared by using Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) method. Solutions of PLLA-dioxane was formed by dissolving a pre-determined value of PLLA in dioxane (3, 7 and 10% wt/vol) at 323K. These solutions were frozen at controlled cooling rates (1, 10 and 40°C/min) in cylindrical capsules. The frozen solutions were freeze-dried for a period of 48 hours for the frozen dioxane to completely sublimate, leaving the porous PLLA scaffold. The scaffolds which were formed under different processing conditions were characterized in terms of porosity, pore sizes and compressive moduli.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Pathological speech deformation degree assessment based on integrating feature and neural network

In tasks related to the analysis and recognition of pathological speech it is often more important to provide the respective person (e.g. physician) with guidelines for a deformation degree assessment of speech signal than to achieve a very accurate automated recognition. By ear it is easy to judge whether the speech is regular or deformed, but any attempt of a deformation degree evaluation is not satisfactory. According to above status, we presented a deformation degree assessment system of speech signal based on integrating feature and neural network. The system is comprised of four main sections, a pre-processing section, a feature extracting section, a neural network processing section and assessment value calculation section. And also this paper integrates different speech features to calculate the perceptual distance vector to improve assessment ratio, the perceptual distance between the pathological speech and the normal speech under test is used as input to the neural network. The simulation results demonstrate that a classification accuracy of 95% is obtained with database of 80 speech signals (40 normal and 40 pathological cases).
Determination of daughter ion formulas by multiple stages of mass spectrometry.

The ability to obtain daughter ion formulas via comparison of MSn spectra of parent ions containing only 12C with those of parent ions with one 13C (from the natural 13C abundance) is shown for cases in which isobaric interferences with the 13C-containing ion preclude the use of the conventional tandem mass spectrometric approach. This method allows the presence of isobaric daughter ions to be ascertained, and unexpected, complex dissociation pathways to be identified. A three-dimensional quadrupole ion trap is used for these experiments. Its high tandem mass spectrometry efficiency makes possible this type of experiment.
Judicial Approaches to Tobacco Control: The Third Wave of Tobacco Litigation as a Tobacco Control Mechanism

Tobacco products liability litigation is one of the most potentially effective means of controlling the sale and use of tobacco. Recent factual developments—concerning (1) the addictiveness of nicotine, (2) tobacco industry knowledge of this addictive-ness, and (3) the industry's efforts to conceal its knowledge from the public while making its products more addictive—make it unlikely that the tactics used successfully by the tobacco industry in the first (1954 to 1973) and second (1983 to 1992) waves of tobacco litigation will succeed in the third wave of tobacco litigation. Victory in any of these cases would result in a transfer of costs from injured states or individuals to the tobacco industry. Such a transfer of costs would likely have the immediate impact of raising cigarette prices and thereby lowering cigarette consumption. The long-term effects of a victory would probably be much more devastating to the industry.
Improving disease management through a mobile application for lymphedema patients

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE) is one type of incurable progressive chronic disease caused by cancer treatment or surgery that damages a patient's lymphatic system. Many patients are unaware of available treatment and places to seek for help with LE. This paper introduces a framework for a mobile application package for LE patients or patients at-risk to 1) locate available trained therapists using embedded Google Map technology; 2) monitor disease progression using profile match and rules mining; and 3) acquire up-to-date LE research findings based on patient characteristics. It aims to increase patients' accessibility to available resources and improve patient's quality of life by a mHealth-driven disease management approach.
Rural Mothers’ Use of Formal Programs and Informal Social Supports to Meet Family Food Needs: A Mixed Methods Study

Much of the research on low-income families, welfare, and self-sufficiency has focused on urban populations. Further, many of the studies on informal or social support available to and accessed by low-income families addressed needs such as childcare, transportation, money, or housing and did not focus on food issues. This paper focuses on how formal government food assistance programs and informal supports are utilized by rural low-income families as they work to meet their food needs. Drawing on interviews from the multi-state “Rural Families Speak” project, we examine food security in relation to the use of formal and informal supports. Additional analyses address how mothers view and describe their use of support to meet food needs.
Mass resolution and mass accuracy: how much is enough?

Accurate mass measurement requires the highest possible mass resolution, to ensure that only a single elemental composition contributes to the mass spectral peak in question. Although mass resolution is conventionally defined as the closest distinguishable separation between two peaks of equal height and width, the required mass resolving power can be ∼10× higher for equal width peaks whose peak height ratio is 100 : 1. Ergo, minimum resolving power requires specification of maximum dynamic range, and is thus 10-100× higher than the conventional definition. Mass resolving power also depends on mass-to-charge ratio. Mass accuracy depends on mass spectral signal-to-noise ratio and digital resolution. Finally, the reliability of elemental composition assignment can be improved by resolution of isotopic fine structure. Thus, the answer to the question of "how much is enough mass resolving power" requires that one first specify S/N ratio, dynamic range, digital resolution, mass-to-charge ratio, and (if available) isotopic fine structure. The highest available broadband mass resolving power and mass accuracy is from Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Over the past five years, FT-ICR MS mass accuracy has improved by about an order of magnitude, based on higher magnetic field strength, conditional averaging of time-domain transients, better mass calibration (spectral segmentation; inclusion of a space charge term); radially dispersed excitation; phase correction to yield absorption-mode display; and new ICR cell segmentation designs.
Delta opioid peptide [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin causes a near complete blockade of the neuronal damage induced by a single high dose of methamphetamine: Examining the role of p53

The delta opioid peptide [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) has been reported to block the neurotoxicity induced by multiple administrations of a moderate dose of methamphetamine (METH). We examined in this study if DADLE might block the neurotoxicity caused by a single high dose of METH in CD-1 mice. The levels of dopamine transporter (DAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), major biogenic amines including DA, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and their metabolites were examined. In addition, since the tumor suppressor p53 has been implicated in the neurotoxicity of METH, this study also examined the levels of p53 mRNA and protein affected by METH and DADLE. METH (25 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant losses of DAT, TH, DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and 5-HT in the striatum within 72 h. The administration of a single dose of DADLE (20 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min before METH) caused a complete blockade of all losses induced by METH except for that of the DA content (a approximately 50% blockade). DADLE did not affect the changes of rectal temperature induced by the administration of the high dose of METH. METH increased p53 mRNA in the striatum and the hippocampus of CD-1 mouse. DADLE abolished the p53 mRNA increase caused by METH. METH tended to increase the p53 protein level at earlier time points. However, METH significantly decreased the p53 protein level by about 30% at the 72-h time point. DADLE blocked both the increase of p53 mRNA and the decrease of p53 protein caused by METH. These results demonstrate a neuroprotective effect of DADLE against the neuronal damage and the alteration of p53 gene expression caused by a single high dose of METH. The results also indicate an apparent discordance between the protein level of p53 and the neurotoxicity caused by a high dose of METH. Synapse 39:305-312, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Soluble polyaniline co-doped with dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid and hydrochloric acid

Abstract A chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (ANIDBSA) and aniline hydrochloric acid (ANIHCl) was performed in an aqueous solution because the former monomer stimulates the solubility and the latter the conductive structure of the synthesized polymer. A co-doped polyaniline (PANI) was thus obtained, which is soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform, and exhibits, without any additional doping, a higher conductivity than the insoluble HCl-doped PANI compressed pellet, and much higher conductivity than that prepared from pure ANIDBSA. The PANI doped with DBSA and HCl was characterized using FTIR, EDX and UV spectroscopies. At an ANIHCl/ANIDBSA molar ratio in the feed of 3:7 and no additional HCl, the polymer exhibited a maximum conductivity of 7.9 S/cm and a maximum yield of 30.8%. If additional HCl was introduced, the conductivity could reach a value as high as 14 S/cm.
Human tissue kallikrein gene delivery attenuates hypertension, renal injury, and cardiac remodeling in chronic renal failure

Human tissue kallikrein gene delivery attenuates hypertension, renal injury, and cardiac remodeling in chronic renal failure. Background Tissue kallikrein cleaves kininogen substrate to produce the potent vasodilating peptide kinin, which plays important roles in cardiovascular and renal function. To explore cardiac and renal potential protective effects of kallikrein gene delivery in chronic renal failure, we delivered adenovirus carrying the human tissue kallikrein cDNA (cHK) into rats with 5/6 reduction of renal mass. Methods Expression of human tissue kallikrein in rats was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)/Southern blotting. Physiological parameters monitored in rats included systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and urinary excretion of protein, albumin, kinin, cGMP, cAMP, and nitrate/nitrites. Systemic and regional hemodynamics were measured by fluorescent-labeled microspheres. Heart weight and myocyte diameter were used to assess left ventricular hypertrophy. Quantitative and qualitative morphological analyses were used to evaluate histologic changes in kidney and heart sections. Results Active tissue kallikrein reached a peak serum level of 463 ± 76 ng/mL following gene delivery and returned to control levels within 21 days. A maximal blood pressure reduction of 37 mm Hg was observed within one week in rats receiving kallikrein gene delivery as compared with control rats receiving adenovirus containing the luciferase gene (159 ± 5 vs. 196 ± 6 mm Hg, N = 15, P Conclusions These findings indicated that kallikrein gene delivery attenuates hypertension and protects against renal injury and cardiac remodeling in the rat remnant kidney model of chronic renal failure.
Evidence against a direct interaction between intracellular carbonic anhydrase II and pure C-terminal domains of SLC4 bicarbonate transporters

Based on solid-phase binding assays with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection, previous investigators suggested that intracellular carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) interacts at high affinity with the C-terminal (Ct) domains of SLC4 bicarbonate-transport proteins, expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, to form functional HCO3- metabolons. Here we re-evaluated this protein-protein interaction using two solid-phase binding assays. We first compared the ability of the Ct domain of three SLC4 transporters, SLC4-A1 (AE1), SLC4-A4 (NBCe1), and SLC4-A8 (NDCBE), to bind immobilized CA II, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection. We found that when expressed as GST fusion proteins, all three bind to CA II (Kd 300-600 nM) better than does pure GST. However, we detected no binding of pure SLC4-Ct peptides to immobilized CA II. Second, we reversed assay orientation by immobilizing the SLC4-Ct fusion proteins or peptides. We found that more CA II binds to GST than to any of the three GST-SLC4-Ct fusion proteins. Furthermore, we detected no binding of CA II to any of the immobilized pure SLC4-Ct peptides. Finally, we used surface plasmon resonance to detect possible rapid interactions between CA II and the pure peptides. Although we detected acetazolamide binding to immobilized CA II and specific antibodies binding to immobilized SLC4-Ct peptides, we detected no binding of CA II to immobilized SLC4-Ct or vice versa. Thus, although an HCO3 metabolon may exist, CA II cannot bind directly to pure SLC4-Ct peptides and can bind to GST-SLC4-Ct fusion proteins only when the CA II is immobilized and the fusion protein is soluble, and not vice versa.
Wa, Guanxi, and Inhwa: Managerial principles in Japan, China, and Korea

Persons doing business with those in Japan, China, and Korea must realize that the guiding principles of management in each country, while sharing some features, differ in others.
Effects of Chlorpromazine and Propranolol on in Vitro Thyroid Activation by Thyrotropin, Long-Acting Thyroid Stimulator and Dibutyryl Cyclic-AMP

Thyrotropin (TSH), long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS), and dibutyryl cyclic- AMP (DBcAMP) markedly stimulated intracellular colloid droplet formation (endocytosis) in canine thyroid slices. The addition of chlorpromazine (Cpz) or propranolol (Ppl) to the incubation medium inhibited or completely eliminated the response to each of the 2 stimulators. Isoproterenol did not induce endocytosis, nor did it potentiate the endocytotic effect of TSH. Cpz (2×10-4M) or Ppl (5×10-4M) also blocked TSH-induced or LATS-induced stimulation of the oxidation of glucose-l-14C to 14CO2. This concentration of Cpz also inhibited TSH-induced 32P incorporation into thyroid slice phospholipid, although causing mild stimulation of this process by itself. Ppl alone (5×10-4m) produced marked stimulation of phospholipogenesis; in lower concentration (10-4M) it caused mild stimulation and, when combined with TSH, it was neither fully additive nor inhibitory. These studies are interpreted as evidence that Ppl, chosen for study as an...
Managerial horizons in stock financed mergers

Abstract We examine managerial decision horizons for target and acquirer firms in stock financed mergers and acquisitions. We find that acquirer CEOs have longer decision horizons than target firm CEOs in stock financed mergers. Acquirer CEOs in cash financed mergers and acquisitions also have longer decision horizons than target CEOs. Acquirer CEOs in both stock and cash financed mergers have significantly higher proportions of equity based compensation and significantly lower proportions of cash based compensation than target CEOs. In logistic regressions, measures of decision horizons for target and acquirer CEOs are not significantly related to the odds of stock financing in mergers and acquisitions. Moreover, measures of managerial decision horizons are not uniformly higher for stock acquirers or uniformly lower for stock targets on comparison with CEOs of firms of similar size. Our results do not offer strong support to the implications from the Shleifer and Vishny theory on the rationale for stock financed acquisitions.
Making It Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness and Professional Status on Psychological Safety and Improvement Efforts in Health Care Teams

This chapter introduces the construct of “leader inclusiveness” – words and deeds exhibited by leaders that invite and appreciate others’ contributions. We propose that leader inclusiveness helps cross-disciplinary teams overcome the inhibiting effects of status differences, allowing members to collaborate in process improvement. The existence of a professional hierarchy in medicine and the differential status accorded to those in different disciplines are well established in the health care literature, as is the need for quality improvement. We build on this foundation to suggest that profession-derived status is positively associated with psychological safety (H1) – a key antecedent of speaking up and learning behaviour – in health care teams. We hypothesise that this effect varies across teams (H2), and furthermore, that leader inclusiveness predicts psychological safety (H3) and moderates the relationship between status and psychological safety (H4). Finally, we suggest psychological safety predicts “engagement in quality improvement work” (H5) and mediates the relationship between leader inclusiveness and engagement (H6). Survey data collected in 23 neonatal intensive care units involved in quality improvement projects support our hypotheses. These results provide insight into antecedents of and strategies for fostering improvement efforts in health care and other sectors in which cross-disciplinary teams engage in collaborative learning to improve products or services.
Little means or time: working‐class women and leisure in late Victorian and Edwardian England

(1998). Little means or time: working‐class women and leisure in late Victorian and Edwardian England. The International Journal of the History of Sport: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 22-53.
bmp2b and bmp4 are dispensable for zebrafish tooth development

Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling has been shown to play important roles in tooth development at virtually all stages from initiation to hard tissue formation. The specific ligands involved in these processes have not been directly tested by loss-of-function experiments, however. We used morpholino antisense oligonucleotides and mutant analysis in the zebrafish to reduce or eliminate the function of bmp2b and bmp4, two ligands known to be expressed in zebrafish teeth and whose mammalian orthologs are thought to play important roles in tooth development. Surprisingly, we found that elimination of function of these two genes singly and in combination did not prevent the formation of mature, attached teeth. The mostly likely explanation for this result is functional redundancy with other Bmp ligands, which may differ between the zebrafish and the mouse.
Uveitis associated with varicella virus vaccine

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of uveitis associated with the live attenuated varicella virus vaccine (Varivax; Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, Pennsylvania) in a young, otherwise healthy girl. METHODS: The time of onset of uveitis in relation to vaccination and the number and the pattern of distribution of vesicles were noted. The patient received oral acyclovir and topical steroids and cycloplegic drops. RESULTS: The uveitis and vesicular rash improved significantly after 7 days of treatment. A literature review and communications with the drug’s manufacturer disclosed no identifiable previous cases of uveitis associated with Varivax. CONCLUSIONS: Uveitis should be recognized as a possible adverse side effect of the varicella vaccine.
Calculation of a safe reentry time into an orchard treated with a pesticide chemical which produces a measurable physiological response

A mathematical equation is presented for the calculation of a safe reentry time into an orange orchard which has been treated with a pesticide chemical, the residues of which produce a dose—dependent response in humans. The equation relates the kinetics of the rate of loss of pesticide residues, which remain on the foliage of pesticide—treated trees, and the kinetics of the rate of change in a measurable physiological response (blood cholinesterase activity), brought about by exposure of humans to the decreasing residue levels, to the time of reentry of workers into the orchard.
In-house trauma attendings: a new financial benefit for hospitals.

Background: There is an intuitive belief that in-house trauma attendings benefit patient outcome, although multiple studies have failed to prove this. However, no studies investigate the financial advantage for hospitals by having the attendings also perform urgent general surgery cases (GSC) during nights and weekends. The purpose of this study is to identify how an in-house attending program was used for urgent GSC and to see if it provided a financial benefit to the hospital. Methods: The in-house program began in October 2007. A retrospective study reviewed all cholecystectomies performed from October 2006 to September 2007 and October 2007 to September 2008. Total length of stay (LOS) was calculated. Total LOS for each group was multiplied by the daily cost for a medical-surgical bed ($2,530.00). The cost difference was calculated for the pre- and post-in-house groups. Results: Two hundred sixty-four cholecystectomies were performed before instituting an in-house attending program compared with 291 cases in the period after a 9% increase. Total LOS for cholecystectomies performed before the program was 6.4 days translating to $16,192.00 in room costs versus 5.24 days after and $13,257.20 in room costs. This translated to a savings of $2,934.80 per patient and $854,026.80 savings in total because of reduced LOS, which subsidized the cost of the program, which was $750,000.00. Conclusion: In-house attendings are beneficial in decreasing overall LOS for urgent GSC. This study demonstrates that in-house attendings can perform urgent GSCs and realize a savings for a hospital that can be used to fully subsidize the cost of the program.
Theoretical aspects of the 5 f delocalization of americium under pressure

Americium is the first element of the actinide series with localized and chemically inert 5f electrons. It has earlier been demonstrated that with applied pressure the 5f electrons in Am become itinerant, and therefore bonding. The crystal structure of americium has been experimentally determined to change with increasing pressure; it changes from double hcp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}fcc\ensuremath{\rightarrow}monoclinic or distorted fcc\ensuremath{\rightarrow}the \ensuremath{\alpha}-uranium structure (orthorhombic), or a related structure. The experimentally observed volume collapse associated with 5f delocalization is very small. In contrast, previous theoretical calculations have predicted a volume collapse between 25% and 40%. We present the total energy versus volume of americium in the fcc and in the experimentally reported \ensuremath{\alpha}-uranium structure obtained from fully relativistic, full-potential, linear-muffin-tin-orbital calculations based on the local-density approximation. In combination with previous calculations for the low-pressure phase, our calculations predict that 2 the delocalization of the 5f electrons in americium is accompanied by a \ensuremath{\sim}34% volume collapse.
Robust molecular sex identification of beaver ( Castor canadensis ) from non-destructive samples

Beaver (Castor canadensis) are currently the focus of many wetland restoration projects as a keystone species and an ecosystem engineer. This species forms multi-season pair bonds, making sex ratio an especially important consideration for restoration projects. However, beavers lack external sexual dimorphism (with the exception of lactation) and current methods of sex identification have error rates ≥10%. We improved on previous methods of genetic sex identification for beaver by developing a test that uses a short nuclear fragment in addition to an established Y chromosome-specific sex-determining region (SRY) marker. This method had 100% accuracy with 28 known-sex samples and 95% PCR success with no inconsistencies for 42 hair samples from beavers of unknown sex. We used this test to inform a beaver restoration study and increase the probability of population establishment from translocated animals.
The equations of reduced magnetohydrodynamics

The equations of high- and low-beta reduced magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD) are considered anew in order to elucidate the relationship between compressible MHD and RMHD and also to distinguish RMHD from recently developed models of nearly incompressible MHD. Our results, summarized in two theorems, provide the conditions under which RMHD represents a valid reduction of compressible MHD. The equations for low-beta RMHD and high-beta RMHD are shown to be identical. Furthermore, as a direct consequence of our analysis, the conditions under which both two-dimensional incompressible MHD (in terms of the spatial co-ordinates as well as the fluid variables) and 2½ dimensional incompressible MHD (i.e. only two-dimensional in the spatial co-ordinates) represent a valid reduction of three-dimensional compressible MHD are also formulated. It is found that the elimination of all high-frequency and long-wavelength modes from the magneto-fluid reduces the fully compressible MHD equations to either two-dimensional incompressible MHD in the plasma beta (β) limit β ≪ 1, or 2½-dimensional incompressible MHD for β ≈ 1. Our approach clarifies several inconsistencies to be found in previous investigations in that the reduction is exact. Our results and analysis are expected to be of interest for plasma fusion and space and solar physics.
Antisense-RNA-mediated decreased synthesis of small, acid-soluble spore proteins leads to decreased resistance of clostridium perfringens spores to moist heat and UV radiation.

Previous work has suggested that a group of α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) is involved in the resistance of Clostridium perfringens spores to moist heat. However, this suggestion is based on the analysis of C. perfringens spores lacking only one of the three genes encoding α/β-type SASP in this organism. We have now used antisense RNA to decrease levels of α/β-type SASP in C. perfringens spores by ∼90%. These spores had significantly reduced resistance to both moist heat and UV radiation but not to dry heat. These results clearly demonstrate the important role of α/β-type SASP in the resistance of C. perfringens spores.