cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of laser scanning confocal and two-photon FRET microscopy to image and quantify the co-localization of fluorophore-labeled ligands in MDCK epithelial cells

Here, we use fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging techniques to assay and study the organization and dynamics of endosomes in epithelial cells. We use polarized epithelial MDCK cells stably transfected with polymeric IgA-receptor (pIgA-R) to analyze the co-localization, within 10 -100A of pIgA-R-ligand complexes labeled with different fluorophores in the apical endosome. When internalized at 17 degree(s)C for four hours, these complexes co-localize in the apical endosome, which is located underneath the apical plasma membrane. While the transport pathways crossing are thought to be understood, the actual morphology of this endosome has not been completely characterized. Here, we compare the ability of laser scanning confocal and Two-Photon FRET microscopy to image the co-localization of differently labeled (donor: Alexa488, acceptor: Cy3) receptor-ligand complexes in the apical endosome. While the preliminary results are broadly similar, we have found that Two-Photon FRET microscopy possesses significant advantages over laser confocal microscopy FRET. In confocal microscopy FRET, the actual FRET signal in the acceptor channel, following donor excitation, is contaminated by the excitation of the acceptor molecule by the donor wavelength as well as by the cross-talk between donor and acceptor emissions in the acceptor channel. We are in the process of testing an algorithm that will correct this problem. In Two-Photon microscopy, we were able to prevent the excitation of the acceptor molecule by the donor wavelength. Furthermore, we have developed a method to manipulate the Two-Photon FRET data post-acquisition to remove the remaining contaminating signal, i.e. the cross-talk between donor and acceptor emissions in the acceptor channel. Since Two-Photon microscopy avoids out-of-focus bleaching which allows repeated scanning in multiple focal planes, a more detailed picture of intracellular events can be obtained. Therefore, we should be able to use this technology to assay the FRET signal along the vertical axis of polarized epithelial cells, such as MDCK cells. In summary, our results indicate that the Two-Photon FRET microscopy is a powerful tool to assay intracellular protein-protein co-localization/interaction events.
The Politics and Perils of Peoplehood

Boundaries and Belonging: States and Societies in the Struggle to Shape Identities and Local Practices. Edited by Joel S. Migdal. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. 374 pp., $80.00 (ISBN: 0-521-83566-6). Mestizo Democracy: The Politics of Crossing Borders. By John Francis Burke. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2004. 320 pp., $19.95 (ISBN: 1-58544-346-8). Stories of Peoplehood: The Politics and Morals of Political Membership. By Rogers Smith. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 248 pp., $65.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-521-81303-4), $23.99 paper (ISBN: 0-521-52003-7). Toward Assimilation and Citizenship: Immigrants in Liberal Nation-States. Edited by Christian Joppke, Ewa Morawska. New York: Palgrave-Macmillan, 2003. 272 pp., $90.00 (ISBN: 1-4039-0491-X). Who Are We: The Challenges to America's National Identity. By Samuel Huntington. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004. 448 pp., $27.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-684-87053-3), $16.00 paper (ISBN: 0-684-87054-1). Who are we ? How did we come to be or to see ourselves as “we” and others as “they?” What or who else could, or should, “we” become? In today's world, few questions carry greater political weight than these. These are the questions that have and continue to fuel bloody clashes between clans, tribes, ethnic groups, regions, nations, and states around the globe. In less bloody but no less significant terms, these are the questions that underlie policy debates in the United States and elsewhere on topics ranging from immigration policy and affirmative action to dual citizenship, bilingual education, and the war on terror. These are also the questions that Europeans are debating as they continue down the rocky path of unification—a path made challenging not only by the persistent attachment to distinct national identities among and within member states, but also by the growing cultural diversity of those states as a result of migration into Europe. None of these questions is new, but various circumstances and events have catapulted these issues of “peoplehood” into political and academic prominence. These circumstances include the ending of the Cold War, which, despite predictions to the contrary, ushered in an era of global instability as existing constructions of peoplehood gave way to new configurations or reconfigurations of political and sociocultural belonging. Meanwhile, unprecedented migration of people across state borders has created diverse societies throughout the world and given rise to the politics of multiculturalism that accompany them. Advances in communications and transportation technology have facilitated the fostering and maintenance of transnational attachments and ties. A plethora of global organizations and linkages, from the European Union and an emergent international human rights regime to the countless groups and institutions that make up transnational civil society, provides new levels of attachment and identification. For …
Automatic tissue segmentation algorithm for ultrasonic transmission tomography using active contours segmentation and unsupervised clustering

This paper presents an automatic tissue segmentation methodology for High-Resolution Ultrasonic Transmission Tomography (HUTT) imagery of biological organs. This method combines a recent segmentation approach: the L-level set active contours algorithm with unsupervised clustering using the agglomerative hierarchical k-means algorithm. The active contours algorithm has been recently explored as a powerful tool for image segmentation since it automatically decomposes a given image into 2L segment classes by utilizing L level set functions and finding the optimal boundaries of the 2L segment classes so that the pixel feature values of each segment are as homogeneous as possible. Unfortunately, the algorithm is often trapped at local minima due to the intrinsic non-convexity of the cost function, especially for noisy data. To overcome this problem, we introduce a multi-stage multi-resolution analysis that optimizes the active contours at successive resolutions of the image data. The resulting segments are then re-clustered by subsequent agglomerative hierarchical k-means clustering that seeks the optimal clusters yielding the minimum within-cluster distance in the feature space. The preliminary studies reported here indicate that this proposed methodology can enhance the accuracy of soft tissue segmentation and provide fully automatic tissue differentiation without any user intervention except for specifying the number of level set functions L.
CCAST: A Model-Based Gating Strategy to Isolate Homogeneous Subpopulations in a Heterogeneous Population of Single Cells

A model-based gating strategy is developed for sorting cells and analyzing populations of single cells. The strategy, named CCAST, for Clustering, Classification and Sorting Tree, identifies a gating strategy for isolating homogeneous subpopulations from a heterogeneous population of single cells using a data-derived decision tree representation that can be applied to cell sorting. Because CCAST does not rely on expert knowledge, it removes human bias and variability when determining the gating strategy. It combines any clustering algorithm with silhouette measures to identify underlying homogeneous subpopulations, then applies recursive partitioning techniques to generate a decision tree that defines the gating strategy. CCAST produces an optimal strategy for cell sorting by automating the selection of gating markers, the corresponding gating thresholds and gating sequence; all of these parameters are typically manually defined. Even though CCAST is optimized for cell sorting, it can be applied for the identification and analysis of homogeneous subpopulations among heterogeneous single cell data. We apply CCAST on single cell data from both breast cancer cell lines and normal human bone marrow. On the SUM159 breast cancer cell line data, CCAST indicates at least five distinct cell states based on two surface markers (CD24 and EPCAM) and provides a gating sorting strategy that produces more homogeneous subpopulations than previously reported. When applied to normal bone marrow data, CCAST reveals an efficient strategy for gating T-cells without prior knowledge of the major T-cell subtypes and the markers that best define them. On the normal bone marrow data, CCAST also reveals two major mature B-cell subtypes, namely CD123+ and CD123- cells, which were not revealed by manual gating but show distinct intracellular signaling responses. More generally, the CCAST framework could be used on other biological and non-biological high dimensional data types that are mixtures of unknown homogeneous subpopulations.
Protein metabolism in the pectoralis muscle and liver of hibernating bats,Eptesicus fuscus

Seasonal variations in protein metabolism of the pectoralis muscle and liver of the big brown bat,Eptesicus fuscus, are examined in relation to seasonal changes in physiological status. A technique is described for the determination of protein synthetic rates in vivo in animals too small for conventional methods. The results indicate no detectable rates of protein synthesis in hibernating bats during torpor bouts (Table 2). Rates of synthesis in hibernating bats during periods of arousal are comparable to those of active summer bats (Table 2), despite the fact that the hibernating bats had not eaten in over 2 months. Rates of protein degradation were calculated from the rate of urea formation in torpid bats (Figs. 4, 5), the overall loss of pectoralis muscle and liver protein mass during hibernation (Table 3), the proportion of the total time of hibernation spent in torpor and arousal (Table 1), and the observed rates of protein synthesis (Table 2). These estimates (Table 4) indicate negligible rates of protein degradation in torpid bats. However, protein degradation during periodic arousals is comparable to that of summer bats after an overnight fast. These findings are consistent with earlier observations suggesting that significant gluconeogenesis from tissue protein occurs during spontaneous arousals from hibernation.
Anti-idiotypic T lymphocyte responsiveness in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni.

Abstract Pooled sera from CBA/J mice infected for ≥ 16 weeks with the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni were immunoaffinity purified using soluble schistosome egg antigens (SEA) coupled to Sepharose 4B. The bound and then eluted fraction was shown to contain only immunoglobulins and to have anti-SEA activity. These anti-SEA antibodies stimulated proliferation of lymph node cells from mice infected with S. mansoni for 8, 12, or ≥ 16 weeks but not from uninfected mice. The cells stimulated by anti-SEA antibodies were nylon wool adherent, Thy-1.2 + , L3T4 + , Lyt-2 − lymphocytes. Immunoglobulins without anti-SEA activity isolated from the sera of syngeneic uninfected mice were not stimulatory for cells from normal or infected animals. Thus the responding T cells appear to be stimulated by the idiotypes expressed on the syngenic anti-SEA antibodies. These data present evidence for anti-idiotypic cellular reactions in murine schistosomiasis that could play important immunoregulatory roles in this disease.
Accuracy of abbreviated indirect calorimetry protocols for energy expenditure measurement in critically ill children.

Background: Accurate measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE) using indirect calorimetry (IC) facilitates optimal energy prescription. Steady-state (SS) REE obtained using a 5-minute protocol (SS5) has been used as a surrogate for 24-hour REE measurement. However, SS5 conditions are difficult to achieve in critically ill children on mechanical ventilatory support. Methods: The authors prospectively examined factors associated with successful IC testing using the standard SS5 protocol in mechanically ventilated children. They examined the agreement of REE between SS5 and 2 abbreviated SS protocols: 4-minute (SS4) and 3-minute (SS3) protocols as well as the Schofield prediction equation, using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: IC testing (n = 45) was completed in 34 children. SS was achieved during 25 (56%), 31 (69%), and 42 (93%) tests, using the SS5, SS4, and SS3 protocols, respectively. Intratest variability in respiratory rate, endotracheal tube leak, and inspiratory time was associated with failed...
On a conjecture of R.A. Brualdi

Brualdi's conjecture on the minimum permanent in the set of doubly stochastic n × n matrices with n − 1 zeros on a diagonal is shown to be false for n ⩾ 5. The minimum is determined in a subset of such matrices.
Subglottic nerve sheath tumor in a pediatric patient: Case report and literature review

Background Although nerve sheath tumors (neurilemmoma and neurofibroma) can occur on any nerve with Schwann cells, laryngeal involvement is very uncommon. The vast majority of reported laryngeal nerve sheath tumors have been located in the supraglottic area. Our case report involves the diagnosis and management of a subglottic nerve sheath tumor in a pediatric patient. Only two previous reports of such a lesion appear in the world literature. Methods A 12–year–old girl was initially seen by her allergist for evaluation of a 2–month history of wheezing and nocturnal dyspnea. Therapy with bronchodilators and steroids had limited success. Flow–volume loop studies suggested a fixed upper airway obstruction, and an office laryngoscopy identified a cherry red, submucosal subglottic lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan verified the presence of a smooth, homogeneous subglottic mass. Results An endoscopic CO2 laser excision of the lesion was performed using jet ventilation technique. Histopathology determined the lesion to be a nerve sheath tumor (neurilemmoma versus neurofibroma). Postoperatively, the patient has been asymptomatic without evidence of recurrence. Conclusions A subglottic nerve sheath tumor in a pediatric patient is very rare. Although endoscopic and open approaches have been advocated, CO2 laser with jet ventilation provided an excellent modality for resecting this lesion. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck19: 440–444, 1997.
The influence of naturalistic experience on plasticity markers in somatosensory cortex and hippocampus: Effects of whisker use

We have previously demonstrated that exposure of adult rat to a type of enriched environment, known as 'naturalistic habitat' (NH), induces extensive functional plasticity in the whiskers' representations within the primary somatosensory cortex. Here we have investigated the molecular basis for such functional plasticity involved in this model. Based on the role of BDNF on synaptic plasticity and neuronal growth, the focus of this study is on BDNF and its downstream effectors CREB, synapsin I, and GAP-43. In particular, we determined the effects of natural whisker use during 2, 7 or 28 days exposure to a NH on barrel cortex and hippocampus, as compared to standard cage controls. Naturalistic whisker use resulted in increased levels of mRNAs and proteins for BDNF and its downstream effectors. Level changes for these markers were already detected after 2 days in the naturalistic habitat and grew larger over longer exposures (7 and 28 days). The cerebral cortex was found to be sensitive to the naturalistic habitat exposure at all time points, and more sensitive than the hippocampus to the trimming of the whiskers. Trimming of the whiskers decreased the level of most of the markers under study, suggesting that whiskers exert a tonic influence on plasticity markers that can be further enhanced by naturalistic use. These results implicate BDNF and its downstream effectors in the plasticity induced by the naturalistic habitat. The critical action of experience on molecular substrates of plasticity seems to provide molecular basis for the design of experienced-based rehabilitative strategies to enhance brain function.
Effect of chemical vapor deposition process parameters on the growth aspects of titanium carbide whiskers

Abstract The advent of SiC-whisker-reinforced ceramic cutting tools in the past few years has had a dramatic impact in the machining of hard abrasive superalloys and other difficult-to-machine metals. These advances have led to investigation of alternative whisker materials in terms of chemical compatibility with the matrix, and improved mechanical properties of the composite, which are quality, purity, morphology and aspect ratio of whiskers. These aspects are closely linked with the process of making whiskers. Chemical vapor depoaition (CVD) is a versatile technique for controlling the critical properties of whiskers. In this paper, we discuss the effects of various CVD process parameters, such as reactive gas concentrations, total flow, temperature and reactor configuration on the growth morphology, yield and purity of titanium carbide whiskers, which are deposited in a conventional atmospheric pressure CVD reactor. The effect of nickel catalyst on the size and yield of whiskers, and the role of the limiting reactant species, are also briefly discussed. It is suggested that the growth of high quality whiskers of TiC can be achieved by a due consideration of process parameters and reactor configuration.
PETINIA total phenytoin assay on the vista 1500 analyzer is not suitable for monitoring free phenytoin concentration if ultrafiltration is performed at room temperature.

BACKGROUND Phenytoin is a strongly protein-bound anticonvulsant requiring free drug monitoring for certain patients. Recently, free phenytoin assay on the TDx analyzer was discontinued by the Abbott Laboratories, but Roche Diagnostics has an assay for the determination of free phenytoin. METHODS Because a clinical laboratory may not have an instrument for using Roche free phenytoin assay, we studied the possibility of determining free phenytoin using particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) total phenytoin assay on the Vista 1500 analyzer by comparing free phenytoin values obtained by Roche assay and Hitachi 917 analyzer with values obtained by using PETINIA assay. RESULTS When protein-free ultrafiltrates were prepared at room temperature from 41 different patients taking phenytoin, using Roche assay (x axis) and PETINIA (y axis) assay, the following regression equation was observed: y = 0.8526x + 0.0661 (r = 0.85, n = 41). The regression equation indicated significant negative bias with the reference method. However, when additional 30 specimens were studied where ultrafiltration was performed at 37°C, lesser negative bias was observed as revealed by the regression equation: y = 0.922x - 0.117 (r = 0.90, n = 30). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that PETINIA assay on the Vista 1500 analyzer is not suitable for monitoring free phenytoin concentration if ultrafiltration is performed at room temperature but may be used with caution if ultrafiltration is performed at physiological temperature of 37°C, which is the desirable temperature for preparation of ultrafiltrate.
Unsaturated organometallic compounds of the main group elements. Dicyclopentadienylcalcium

Abstract Dicyclopentadienylcalcium, (C5H5)2Ca, has been isolated and characterized by mass spectroscopic and single X-ray crystallographic diffraction studies. The mass spectrum of (C5H5)2Ca shows some surprising similarities to the mass spectra of (C5H5)2Fe and (C5H5)2Ni in that the molecular ions, (C5H5)Ca+, (C5H5)2Ca+ and (C5H5)3Ca2+, are all present. Crystals of both (C5H5)2Ca · (THF)2 and (C5H5)2Ca were prepared by the reaction of calcium metal with cyclopentadiene in THF. (C5H5)2Ca crystallizes as parallelopipeds in the space group C2/c with a = 13.922(3), b = 8.641(2) and c = 15.374(4) »; β 112.25(1)°; ρcalc = 1.321 g cm-3 for Z = 8. X-ray data to 2θ = 60° (Mo-Kα radiation) were collected with a Picker Facs 1-Diffractometer. All atoms, including hydrogen atoms, were refined by full matrix least squares to final discrepancy factors of Rf = 0.034 and RwF = 0.036 for 2489 reflections. The coordination sphere about the calcium atom consists of two h5-C5H5 rings, one h3-C5H5 ring and one h1-C5H5 ring. Three of the rings are disposed about the calcium atom in a roughly trigonal manner. The fourth (h1-C5H5) ring is positioned so that a line from its calcium atom to the closest carbon atom is approximately perpendicular to the plane formed by the centroids of the other three rings. CaC distances are 2.75(1) » (h5-C5H5); 2.85(1) » (h5-C5H5); 2.701(1); 2.789(2) and 2.951(2)» (h3-C5H5) and 3.100(2) » (h1-C5H5). The structure is the first example of a cyclopentadienyl compound with the h5-C5H5, h5-C5H5, h3-C5H5, h1-C5H5 configuration.
Performance of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Cultivars in Southern Mississippi

The oriental persimmon is native to China and is best adapted to areas with moderate winters and relatively mild summers. However, because of its low chilling requirement, persimmons will break dormancy during early warm periods only to be damaged by spring frosts later. This study was initiated to determine suitable cultivars for the gulf coast region. ‘Hana Fuyu’ was greatly affected by a freeze event. ‘Fuyu Imoto’ and ‘Matsumoto’ had numerous smaller fruit and were less affected by freeze events. Results indicated that persimmon cultivars are available that would be a good addition to growers who would like to diversify their fruit selection in the southern U.S.
Performance and design analysis of tubular-shaped passive direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract To achieve the maximum performance from a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), one must not only investigate the materials and configuration of the MEA layers, but also consider alternative cell geometries that produce a higher instantaneous power while occupying the same cell volume. In this work, a two-dimensional, two-phase, non-isothermal model was developed to investigate the steady-state performance and design characteristics of a tubular-shaped, passive DMFC. Under certain geometric conditions, it was found that a tubular DMFC can produce a higher instantaneous Volumetric Power Density than a planar DMFC. Increasing the ambient temperature from 20 to 40 °C increases the peak power density produced by the fuel cell by 11.3 mW cm −2 with 1 M, 16.3 mW cm −2 with 2 M, but by only 8.4 mW cm −2 with 3 M methanol. The poor performance with 3 M methanol at a higher ambient temperature is caused by increased methanol crossover and significant oxygen depletion along the Cathode Transport Layer (CTL). For a 5 cm long tubular DMFC to maintain sufficient Oxygen transport, the thickness of the CTL must be greater than 1 mm for 1 M operation, greater than 5 mm for 2 M operation, and greater than 10 mm for 3 M or higher operation.
The Effects of Epoprostenol on Drug Disposition II: A Pilot Study of the Pharmacokinetics of Furosemide with and without Epoprostenol in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

The effect of epoprostenol on the pharmacokinetics of furosemide was investigated in 23 patients with end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) receiving conventional therapy alone or conventional therapy plus epoprostenol. Estimates of the apparent oral clearance, volume of distribution, and absorption rate constant for furosemide were generated from 198 serum furosemide concentrations using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM). Univariate analyses were performed to assess the effects of patient factors on the apparent oral clearance of furosemide. The final multivariate model determined by backwards elimination included concomitant digoxin therapy. When concomitant epoprostenol therapy was included in the final model, there was a 13% decrease in the apparent oral clearance of furosemide in response to short-term administration of epoprostenol. However, the effect of concomitant epoprostenol therapy was not statistically significant and was no longer apparent by the end of the 12-week study. These data suggest that epoprostenol may have a slight short-term effect on the pharmacokinetics of furosemide; the interaction between epoprostenol and furosemide is not clinically significant, however.
The Influence of Political Culture on State Budgets Another Look at Elazar’s Formulation

In addition to deepening the understanding of factors that influence budget outputs, this study also seeks to contribute to the larger discussion concerning the administrative implications of polit...
Vibrational spectra of thionyl tetrafluoride, SF4O

Abstract The i.r. spectra of gaseous, solid, and matrix-isolated SF 4 O and the Raman spectra of gaseous, liquid and solid SF 4 O are reported. It is shown that several bands previously attributed to SF 4 O belong to impurities, and 8 of the 12 fundamentals of SF 4 O were reassigned. A normal coordinate analysis was carried out and indicates for SF 4 O a structural model with significantly longer axial than equatorial SF bonds, in disagreement with Gundersen and Hedberg's favored Model A . Thermodynamic properties are also reported for SF 4 O.
Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Liberal Versus Selective Drug-Eluting Stent Use Insights From Temporal Analysis of the Multicenter Evaluation of Drug Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events (EVENT) Registry

Background—Although the benefits of drug-eluting stents (DES) for reducing restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention are well established, the impact of alternative rates of DES use on population-level outcomes is unknown. Methods and Results—We used data from the Evaluation of Drug Eluting Stents and Ischemic Events (EVENT) registry to examine the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of varying DES use rates in routine care. Between 2004 and 2007, 10 144 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in the EVENT registry at 55 US centers. Clinical outcomes and cardiovascular-specific costs were assessed prospectively over 1 year of follow-up. Use of DES decreased from 92 in 2004 to 2006 (liberal use era; n=7587) to 68 in 2007 (selective use era; n=2557; P<0.001). One-year rates of death or myocardial infarction were similar in both eras. Over this time period, the incidence of target lesion revascularization increased from 4.1 to 5.1, an absolute increase of 1.0 (95 con...
ISOTOPIC SPIN IMPURITY. II. SHELL MODEL

The isotopic spin impurity introduced into nuclear states by the Coulomb interaction is calculated with $\mathrm{jj}$-coupling shell-model wave functions. Upper limits on the impurity present in $N=Z$ nuclei for $4\ensuremath{\le}A\ensuremath{\le}16$ are given and shown to be in agreement with the experimental work of Wilkinson on the isotopic spin selection rule for $E1$ transitions.
Nonuniform angular dose distribution in digital breast tomosynthesis for increased conspicuity of small high contrast objects

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been shown to decrease breast structural noise thus improving the detection of masses. However decreased detectability of microcalcifications was observed, and several studies have been performed to investigate the benefit of taking an additional central projection view after a DBT scan. Our study investigates the effect of variable angular dose distribution within a single DBT scan. Using a prototype DBT system with uniform angular dose distribution, several DBT scans (25 projection views over 40 degree angular range) were performed using different glandular doses. A subset of projection images was selected from each scan to form composite DBT scans (25 views each) with different angular dose distribution schemes (ADS). Two examples of ADS were: 1) seven central views with four times the dose of periphery; and 2) five central projections with six times the dose of periphery. The total dose for each ADS was the same as a reference scan with uniform dose distribution (1.5 mGy). They also had the same number of views and angular range, and were reconstructed using identical reconstruction filter settings. The detectability of calcifications, the 3D MTF and NPS of the system, and the ideal observer object detectability index for all cases were compared. The results showed that higher dose for the central views improve the detectability of calcifications. However magnitude of improvement depends on the reconstruction method and the size of the object.
Key amino acid residues in the regulation of soluble methane monooxygenase catalysis by component B.

The regulatory component MMOB of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) has been hypothesized to control access of substrates into the active site of the hydroxylase component (MMOH) through formation of a size specific channel or region of increased structural flexibility tuned to methane and O2. Accordingly, a decrease in the size of four MMOB residues (N107G/S109A/S110A/T111A, the Quad mutant) was shown to accelerate the reaction of substrates larger than methane with the reactive MMOH intermediate Q [Wallar, B. J., and Lipscomb, J. D. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 2220−2233]. Here, this hypothesis is tested by construction of single and double mutations involving the residues of the Quad mutant. It is shown that mutations of residues that extend into the core structure of MMOB alter many aspects of the MMOH catalyzed reaction but do not mimic the effects of the Quad mutant. In contrast, the MMOB residues that are thought to form part of the interface in the MMOH−MMOB complex increase active site accessibility...
Bronchoplasty in the Management of Low-Grade Airway Neoplasms and Benign Bronchial Stenoses

Background Parenchyma-sparing bronchoplastic procedures have altered the management of benign bronchial stenoses and low-grade neoplasms of the airway. Reliable techniques are available to allow sleeve resection of any lobe or the main bronchus and thus maximize preservation of lung parenchyma. Methods Between 1972 and 1995 we performed 100 bronchoplastic procedures on 99 patients. Seventy-eight patients had low-grade or benign tumors including carcinoid, mucoepidermoid, and fibrous histiocytomas. Seven patients had inflammatory lesions including histoplasmosis and tuberculosis. Two patients had idiopathic stenosis. Thirteen patients had stenoses due to prior trauma or previous operation. Resection involved the bronchus alone in 51 cases. Sleeve lobectomies were done in 49 patients. Results There were two postoperative deaths in complicated patients. Major complications occurred in 3 patients. Sixteen patients presented preoperatively with postobstructive pneumonia but had no major postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (mean, 88 months) reveals only one instance of tumor recurrence (adenoidcystic carcinoma) and progressive stenosis in 1 patient with idiopathic stenosis. Conclusions Lung-sparing bronchoplastic operations are the procedures of choice in anatomically suited patients with low-grade malignant tumors of the airway and benign bronchial stenosis.
DSM-III and DSM-III-R diagnosis of autism and pervasive developmental disorder in nursery school children

DSM-III and DSM-III-R diagnoses of 112 developmentally disordered preschool children were compared. There was no significant difference between the DSM-III and DSM-III-R diagnosis of the inclusive category of pervasive developmental disorder, but nearly twice as many cases (58) were diagnosed as autistic disorder by DSM-III-R criteria as were diagnosed as infantile autism (31) by DSM-III. Thirty children met both DSM-III and DSM-III-R criteria for autism (IA/AD) and 23 received a DSM-III diagnosis of atypical PDD (A-PDD) and a DSM-III-R diagnosis of AD (A-PDD/AD). All of the IA/AD children and none of the A-PDD/AD group displayed a marked lack of awareness of others. DSM-III-R criteria have specifically broadened the concept of autism to include children who, although socially impaired, are not pervasively unresponsive to others.
Primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding

Gastroesophageal varices are present in almost half of patients with cirrhosis at the time of initial diagnosis. Variceal bleeding occurs in 25% to 35% of patients with cirrhosis. Effective and timely care can prevent variceal bleeding (primary prophylaxis). For example, clinical studies demonstrate that both beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation are effective in preventing a first episode of variceal bleeding. The major challenge is to screen patients in a timely manner and institute a form of therapy that has the highest chance of success in terms of patient compliance and effectiveness.
Lipoprotein lipase and glycerophosphate acyltransferase in ovine tissues are influenced by growth and energy intake regimen

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of energy intake regimen on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in muscle and adipose tissue, and on glycerophosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) activity in adipose tissue and liver of sheep. Six ewe lambs (31.3 ± 1.0 kg) per treatment consumed either a low- (LOW, 12.1 Mjoules ME/day) or a high-energy diet (HI, 19.2 Mjoules ME/day). Treatments LOW1 and HI were fed diets for 120 days. Treatment LOW2 was fed the low-energy diet until ewes attained the 120-day weight of HI ewes. Treatment CG (compensatory gain) was fed low-energy for 120 days and then fed high-energy for 30 more days. Growth rates and back fat thicknesses were consistent with energy intake regimen. Adipose tissue LPL activity was greater (P
Differential effects of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy on external carotid artery patency.

Purpose:To determine the effect of stent coverage of the external carotid artery (ECA) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared to eversion endarterectomy of the ECA after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).Methods:The records of 101 CAS and 165 CEA procedures performed over 2 years were reviewed. Duplex velocities and history and physical examinations were taken prior to the procedure, at 1 month, and at 6-month intervals subsequently. CAS was performed by extending the stent across the internal carotid artery (ICA) lesion into the common carotid artery (CCA) thereby covering the ECA. CEA was performed with eversion endarterectomy of the ECA.Results:The mean peak systolic velocities (PSV) in the ICA pre-CAS and pre-CEA were 361 and 352 cm/s, respectively. In terms of CAS, there was a significant increase in ECA velocities versus baseline at 12 (p=0.009), 18 (p=0.00001), and 24 (p=0.005) months. In the CEA group, there was a significant decrease in ECA velocities versus baseline at 1 (p=0.01) and 6 (p=0.004...
Identifying the Intellectual Contours of a Historical Specialty: Geographical, Temporal, and Subject Emphases of the Journal of the History of Ideas

ABSTRACT The Journal of the History of Ideas was analyzed using the descriptors and subject headings for the articles as indexed in Historical Abstracts. A bibliometric approach was used to investigate the evolution and intellectual core of the history of ideas as they revealed disciplinary orientations characteristic of a specialized, yet highly interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, historical subfield. Unlike other areas of historical research, intellectual history is both extremely fluid and dynamic, often incorporating aspects of other fields and melding them into new syntheses and disciplinary configurations.
Specific heat studies of lanthanum and yttrium sesquicarbides

The specific heats of the sesquicarbides LaC1.35 and La0.9Th0.1C1.6 (prepared by arc melting) and YC1.35 (prepared by a high-pressure technique) have been measured for the first time. No bulk specific heat anomaly appears in either lanthanum compound, even though (1) inductively measured super-conducting transition temperatures are respectively high (11.0 K for LaC1.35 and 12.7 K for La0.9Th0.1C1.6) and (2) YC1.35 is a bulk superconductor with aT c =10.5 K and Y0.7Th0.3C1.58 (also prepared by high pressure) was previously reported to be a bulk superconductor with aT c =17.1 K. The apparent correlation with preparation technique is discussed.
Bd0—Bd0 Mixing, Flavor‐Changing Rare Processes, and the Electric Dipole Moment of the Neutrona

Author(s): SHIN, M; BANDER, M; SILVERMAN, D | Abstract: In our present understanding of the weak interaction sector, there is one potentially important piece of experimental data whose explanation may require new physics beyond the standard model (SM). It is the surprisingly large Bd0—Bd0 mixing, first reported here at this conference two years ago by the ARGUS1 collaboration, which has been further confirmed by the CLEO2 collaboration. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Critical Imperfections for Beam Bracing Systems

Establishing the strength requirements for stability bracing generally requires large displacement analyses on imperfect systems. In computational studies on stability bracing, choosing the critical shape of the imperfection can be a difficult decision, particularly for beam bracing systems. There are a number of factors that affect the stability brace forces including the shape and magnitude of the imperfection, the distribution of the imperfection along the length, and the value of the moment at the location of the brace. To develop suitable bracing design provisions, it is necessary to determine the maximum brace forces that are likely to occur in typical applications. However, determining the shape and distribution of the imperfection that produces the largest brace forces can be complicated. This paper studies the effect of different imperfection schemes on the magnitude of the stability brace forces. Results are presented that demonstrate the impact of several imperfection parameters on the bracing behavior and recommendations are made for selecting the critical imperfection shape that maximizes the stability brace forces for beam bracing systems.
The Effects of a Nintendo Wii Exercise Intervention on Gait in Older Adults

Gait characteristics serve as indicators of fall risk. Exercise interventions have been shown to improve gait. However, the use of interactive video games with biofeedback to reduce fall risk has not been well explored. Eighty-two older adults were randomly assigned to either a traditional fitness or Wii group. Both 10-week interventions involved 45-minute exercise sessions (3 days per week). Pre- and post-testing gait measurements were taken. Both groups significantly improved velocity, stride length, cadence, swing time, and decreased double support time (p < .05). Interactive video games offer a promising alternative to traditional group exercise for older adults.
Pure-phase heteronuclear multiple-quantum spectroscopy using field gradient selection

The fundamental advantages of using pulsed field gradients to improve multidimensional NMR experiments are now well established. Unwanted resonances, such as that of water in spectra of biomolecules, can easily be eliminated ( I ) , and coherences belonging to groups of nuclei of particular interest can be efficiently selected (2). Many experiments also inherently provide quadrature detection in the indirectly detected dimension because of the selection of a single coherence pathway (+2wr -P ~2) as opposed to a linear combination of pathways that results in amplitude modulation of a single quadrature channel (3). Less frequently addressed are problems associated with maintaining optimum resolution of cross peaks in 2D plots (4). Straightforward implementation of quadrature detection in the indirect dimension often produces phase-twisted peaks. This results because of the direct correlation of phases of coherence in one dimension with phases of magnetization in the other dimension (phase modulation of signal by t, evolution). For non-gradient-enhanced versions of 2D and 3D experiments these problems have traditionally been addressed using hypercomplex data acquisition in a manner such as that described by States et al. (5)) or time-proportional phase incrementation in a manner such as that described by Marion and Wtithrich (6). Neither of these procedures is directly applicable to gradient-enhanced spectroscopy because of selection of a single coherence pathway. Here we take a lead from a recent paper by Hurd et al. ( 7) that employs changes in the sign of gradient pulses to retrieve both positive and negative coherence pathways in a single experiment. The procedure described in that paper places high demands on gradient pulse length and may not, at this stage of hardware development, be generally applicable. However, a procedure using gradient changes in alternate t, points provides a simple alternative. Here, we acquire hypercomplex data for a heteronuclear multiple-quantum-coherence (HMQC) experiment. The data show pure amplitude modulation in both channels and transform to give pure-absorption signals. Moderate efficiency of acquisition is retained as illustrated with a 13C‘H natural-abundance HMQC data set on the trisaccharide Lewisx glucal (galactosyl-& ( 1,4) [ CX( 1,3 )-fucosyl] ghtcal). These data required just 36 min on 10 mg of the trisaccharide. Suppression of 12C lines is complete with just two pulses per t, point.
Tapentadol extended-release: a recent addition to our analgesic armamentarium

SUMMARY In the never-ending process of providing therapy with diminishing side effects, pain medicine stands out as an important area of work. Ever since the introduction of opioids and elucidation of their mechanisms pharmaceutical researchers have sought a compound that provides long-term analgesia with none of the side effects that include somnolence, lethargy, tolerance, addiction, gastrointestinal symptoms and so on. This article reviews one of the latest improvements in analgesia, the formulation of tapentadol as an extended-release medication. Despite not claiming to have eliminated all the negatives of narcotics tapentadol extended-release seems to have made inroads to that goal.
Alterations in the liver cell transmembrane potential following CCl4 and bile salt treatment of rats

Abstract The liver cell transmembrane potential was measured in anesthetized, artificially ventilated rats. A 24 hour pretreatment of rats with CCl 4 produced a dose dependent depolarization from the control potential of −47.5 ± 1.2 mV (mean ± S.E.M.). A depolarization of a smaller magnitude was also observed several minutes following a treatment with taurocholate. In contrast to these alterations, taurolithocholate treatment produced a hyperpolarization in the liver cell transmembrane potential. These results suggets the liver cell membrane potential may reflect the functional integrity of the hepatocyte. The specific mechanism(s) responsible for these drug induced changes remains unknown although altered membrane permeability or altered Na + -K + pump action could play some role.
Non‐Newtonian and isothermal analysis of flow of poly(methyl methacrylate) in a model twin screw extruder. Part I

The flow analysis network (FAN) method was modified to analyze the flow of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in a model counter-rotating nonintermeshing screw extruder. The numerical prediction of the pressure profiles was compared with the experimental results. Flow patterns in the screw elements of the model counter-rotating nonintermeshing twin screw extruder were also predicted. A new flow path method was developed to calculate the residence time distribution. This result will be applied to analyze the flow during the reaction in the model twin screw extruder.
Board Review Series: Emergency Medicine

By Latha Stead. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000, 673 pp, including index, $28.95 (softcover).
In situ X-ray diffraction studies of dense hydrous magnesium silicates at mantle conditions

Lizardite was pressurized up to about 28 and 20 GPa and heated at 1310 (±50) and 1100 (±100)°C; antigorite was pressurized at about 25 and 22 GPa and heated at ∼1000°C, with a Nd:YAG laser using the double-side laser heating technique. Samples were then examined in situ by energy dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Our results show that phase E, superhydrous phase B, and phase D are indeed dense silicate phases that are stable at high P–T conditions and quenchable to ambient conditions. Some unidentified peaks observed in our runs indicate the existence of unknown hydrous phases. The lattice parameter and bulk modulus of phase E are in good agreement with previous measurements. The linear moduli of the three axes of superhydrous phase B are kao=482 (±36) GPa, kbo=544 (±62) GPa, and kco=472 (±66) GPa and the bulk modulus of superhydrous phase B is 156 (±2) GPa. The linear moduli of the three axes of Fe-bearing phase D (phase Dant) are kao=422 (±8) GPa and kco=404 (±4) GPa and the bulk modulus is 134 (±5) GPa, which is ∼19% smaller than the Fe-free phase D reported previously. Our results indicate that phase E, superhydrous phase B, and phase D are indeed thermodynamically stable phases at mantle conditions.
Response of SiC-coated carbon/carbon composites to tensile loading at ambient and elevated temperatures—An experimental and finite element study

Abstract Response of SiC-coated carbon/carbon composites has been investigated inder tensile loading at various temperatures. Elevated-temperature tests have been carried out in an inert atmosphere to eliminate the effect of oxidation on the strength of the laminate. Extensive post-failure analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) have been performed to reveal the failure mechanisms. A shift in the failure mechanisms with the rise in test temperatures has been observed. This change in failure modes was found to be responsible for increase in strength at 1093°C (2000°F). Ultrasonic C-scanning has shown excessive delamination at room temperatures, while complete fiber-bundle failure with minimum delamination was identified as the final failure event at elevated temperatures. Analyses of the stress/strain behavior and an investigation of the damage growth at various temperatures are presented. Ultrasonic C-scans of fractured specimens have been performed, and the growth of delamination at ambient and elevated temperatures is discussed. Isoparametric layered shell elements developed on the basis of the first-order shear deformation theory have been used to model the thin laminates of C/C under tensile loading. Both large deformations and plastic strain behavior have been considered in the finite element analysis to account for the non-linearities encountered during the actual test. Finite element results are presented to corroborate the experimental findings, and a comparison in respect to displacement and stress/strain behavior is given to check the accuracy of the finite element analysis. Reasonably good correlation between the experimental and finite element results has been established.
The Influence of Myosin Converter and Relay Domains on Cross-Bridge Kinetics of Drosophila Indirect Flight Muscle

We are investigating the influence of the converter and relay domains on elementary rate constants of the actomyosin cross-bridge cycle. The converter and relay domains vary between Drosophila myosin heavy chain isoforms due to alternative mRNA splicing. Previously, we found that separate insertions of embryonic myosin isoform (EMB) versions of these domains into the indirect flight muscle (IFM) myosin isoform (IFI) both decreased Drosophila IFM power and slowed muscle kinetics. To determine cross-bridge mechanisms behind the changes, we employed sinusoidal analysis while varying phosphate and MgATP concentrations in skinned Drosophila IFM fibers. Based on a six-state cross-bridge model, the EMB converter decreased myosin rate constants associated with actin attachment and work production, k4, but increased rates related to cross-bridge detachment and work absorption, k2. In contrast, the EMB relay domain had little influence on kinetics, because only k4 decreased. The main alteration was mechanical, in that work production amplitude decreased. That both domains decreased k4 supports the hypothesis that these domains are critical to lever-arm-mediated force generation. Neither domain significantly influenced MgATP affinity. Our modeling suggests the converter domain is responsible for the difference in rate-limiting cross-bridge steps between EMB and IFI myosin—i.e., a myosin isomerization associated with MgADP release for EMB and Pi release for IFI.