cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Droplet evaporation of pure water and protein solution on nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces of varying heights.

Evaporation of liquids on substrates is important for many applications including lab-on-a-chip, especially when they are in droplets. Unlike on planar substrates, droplet evaporation on micropatterned substrates has been studied only recently and none so far on nanopatterns. Driven by the applicability of nanostructured surfaces to biomaterials and tissue engineering, we report on the evaporative process of sessile droplets of pure water and a protein solution on superhydrophobic surfaces of sharp-tip post structures in a submicrometer pitch (230 nm) and varying heights (100−500 nm). We find that the nanotopographical three-dimensionalities such as structural height and sidewall profile affect the surface superhydrophobicity in such a way that only tall and slender nanostructures provide the surface with great superhydrophobicity (a contact angle more than 170°). The evaporation process was different between the pure water and the protein solution; unlike pure water, a significant contact-line spreading ...
New segment synthesis of α-inhibin-92 by the acyl disulfide method

The thiocarboxyl group reacts with diaryl disulfides to give an unsymmetrical acyl disulfide in dimethylformamide (DMF) and a symmetrical diacyl disulfide in aqueous DMF. Both acyl disulfides react with the alpha-amino group to form the peptide bond. The method was used in a new segment synthesis of alpha-inhibin-92 (alpha-IB-92) with use of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide as activator. Thiocarboxyl peptides were synthesized by the solid-phase method on 4-[alpha-(Boc-Gly-S)benzyl]phenoxyacetamidomethyl-resin. The segments alpha-IB-92-(1-34)SH (I), Msc-alpha-IB-92-(35-65)SH (II), Msc-alpha-IB-92(66-92)OH (III), and Msc-alpha-IB-92-(35-92)OH (VI) were prepared in yields of 33, 36, 41, and 25%, respectively, with use of crystalline symmetrical anhydrides in double and triple coupling protocols. Segments I, II, and III were used in a 3-segment synthesis of alpha-IB-92 with an overall yield based on starting resin of about 8% while a 2-segment synthesis using I and IV gave 11%. An all stepwise synthesis of alpha-IB-92 gave 4.5%.
Radiation of Ion Acoustic Waves from Finite Sources

ABSTRACT The radiation characteristics of a longitudinal ion acoustic wave in a plasma from several different sources are experimentally measured. Results are Interpreted in terms of the solution of an appropriate scalar-Helmholtz equation or where appropriate, in terms of the germane plasma physics phenomena.
Torsional Actuator and Stepper Motor Based on Piezoelectric d15 Shear Response

Two novel devices, torsional actuator and torsional stepper motor, are described and their performance is investigated in detail. Both devices were designed to produce large angular displacement and large torque output from the piezoelectric d15 shear response. In the torsional actuator, the large displacement can be achieved due to built-in amplification of piezoelectric strain using the aspect ratio of a piezoelectric tube. It is shown that the displacement can be controlled by changing the length of the tube, and that the blocking torque developed is independent of the length. It is also shown that the performance of the actuator does not change under external torque load, and that the prestress in radial direction improves the mechanical strength of the actuator without affecting the produced displacement. In the stepper motor, the unlimited angular displacement of the rotor is produced by accumulating the piezoelectric strain by using a direct coupling mechanism between the stator and the rotor, wher...
Driven to Autoimmunity: The Nod Mouse

In the lymphoid system, T cells respond to space or under-crowding by dividing to maintain their numbers. In this issue of Cell, evidence is provided that this homeostatic proliferation, coupled with excess production of a cytokine, IL-21, is a key factor in susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes.
Bladder trauma: multidetector computed tomography cystography

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cystography is rapidly becoming the most recommended study for evaluation of the bladder for suspected trauma. This article reviews the bladder trauma with emphasis on the application of MDCT cystography to traumatic bladder injuries using a pictorial essay based on images collected in our level I trauma center.
ENHANCED PHOTOREACTIVITY OF RIBOFLAVIN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION IN THE PRESENCE OF MACROMOLECULES.

THE photoreduction of riboflavin in aqueous buffered solutions illuminated with visible light is considerably enhanced when colloidal substances such as micellar sodium decyl sulphate, the non-ionic surface-active agent polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitanmono-oleate, and the non-ionic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone are present. Although a part of the catalysis produced by the non-ionic surfactant and the polyvinylpyrrolidone might be attributed to the presence of residual reducing groups, the effect of micellar sodium decyl sulphate appears to be wholly a result of its colloidal nature. Non-micellar sodium decyl sulphate has no effect on the photolysis of riboflavin as illustrated in Fig. 1.
Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in college students.

College obesity is increasing, but to the authors' knowledge, no researchers to date have evaluated risk factors in this population. Objective: The authors assessed whether abnormal eating perceptions and behaviors were associated with overweight in college students. Participants and Methods: A sample of undergraduates (N = 4,201) completed an online survey containing demographic questions and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaire. The authors stratified participants into normal-weight and overweight/obese groups and evaluated physical activity, EAT-26 score, purging behaviors, and answers to selected overweight screening questions on the basis of body mass index. A modified EAT-26 score of ≥ 11 was associated with overweight (p = .016). Results: Compared with normal-weight peers, overweight participants displayed an increased fear of bingeing, preoccupation with food, desire to be thinner, and engagement in dieting behavior. Mean body mass index also increased with age and physical inactivi...
Crystal structures of ferricyanide-oxidized [Fe-S] clusters in Azotobacter vinelandii ferredoxin I

Crystals of Azotobacter vinelandii ferredoxin I (FdI) have been soaked in solutions containing K3Fe(CN)6 in order to study the oxidation of the [3Fe-4S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters in the protein. Ferricyanide treatment results in partial loss of Fe and S from each cluster accompanied by alteration of Fe-S bonds. The effects of oxidation can be quantitated by crystallographic refinement when each [Fe-S] cluster is modeled as having a single, average structure with non-standard geometry. The oxidized clusters refined at 2.1-A resolution display statistically significant deviations from geometric ideality. If interpreted in terms of atomic shifts these deviations indicate that each cluster first loses an inorganic S atom. In each case an Fe atom bonded to this S separates from the remaining atoms of the cluster such that the [3Fe-4S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters partially decompose into a single Fe plus 2Fe and 3Fe fragments. The extent of structural changes observed are essentially the same in crystals soaked at 3 : 1, 9 : 1 and 30 : 1 mole ratio of K3 Fe(CN)6 : FdI, suggesting that the crystal lattice permits limited oxidation reactions to occur at a low mole ratio but restricts conformational changes from occurring that may be required for more extensive oxidative reactions at higher mole ratio. The results are relevant to understanding the transformations which may take place when [Fe-S] proteins are deliberately oxidized with ferricyanide.
Reasons, practical reason, and practical reasoning

The concepts of reasons as supporting elements, of practical reason as a capacity, and of practical reasoning as a process are central in the theory of action. This paper provides a brief account of each. Several kinds of reason for action are distinguished. Practical reason is characterized both as a capacity whose exercise is largely constituted by a kind of responsiveness to reasons and as governed by certain normative principles; and practical reasoning is described as a kind of mental process in which reasons figure as premises and, from those premises, a practical conclusion is drawn. Much of the paper undertakes two related tasks: to distinguish the main kinds of practical reasoning and the associated criteria of assessment and to formulate some important substantive principles of practical reason. These principles yield criteria of several sorts: logical, inferential, epistemic, and material. On the theory presented, although any (non-basic) intentional act can be grounded in practical reasoning, the same acts can be performed for the relevant reason(s) without being so grounded, and in either case their rationality depends on adequate support by the reason(s). One kind of reason is commonly thought to be captured by Kantian hypothetical imperatives. The final sections explore what constitutes a hypothetical imperative and what other principles are needed to account for practical rationality. A major conclusion is that in the domain of practical reason, if there are no categorical imperatives, there are no hypothetical imperatives either.
The mechanism of crazing in polystyrene

Abstract Under tensile strain the inhomogeneous surface microstructure of thin polystyrene films gave rise to the formation of ∼300 A nuclei in which large strains were localized even at the glass transition. At lower temperatures these nuclei coalesced into disk-shaped microneck zones. Fibril formation within these zones and a stable craze structure was possible only with molecular weights higher than 10,000 to 37,500.
Foreword: Special TLC Issue

This is the eighth special issue on thin layer chromatography (TLC) that we have guest edited by invitation of the Editor, Dr. Jack Cazes, beginning in 1999. The authors of the submitted papers are...
Chromosomal interchange in mature oocytes of Drosophila.

Abstract Detachments of a reversed acrocentric compound-X chromosome ( C ( I ) RA ) resulting from interchange with a doubly-marked Y chromosome ( y + Yy + ) were induced by irradiating mature, stage-14 oocytes in 5-day-old, adult virgin females of Drosophila melanogaster . The period of egg laying after irradiation was limited to 12 h to prevent inclusion in the sample of eggs that were irradiated in immature stages. It was confirmed that some rearrangements must be completed prior to the completion of division I, since chromosomes that regularly assort apart at division I — C ( I ) RA and y + Yy + —have been able to interchange parts to permit the recovery of half-translocations. Further evidence is afforded by the higher recovery of proximal ( capped ) that of distal ( captured ) X's, from which can be inferred nonrandom segregation of heteromorphic dyads. The absence of fractionation effects in mature oocytes has been accounted for in previous publications by postulating delayed repair, but the delay cannot extend beyond the initiation of chromosome movement in division I of meiosis. Our data, however, do not exclude the possibility that some interchanges might be completed postmeootically, but neither do they suggest it. It is argued that the kinds of data that have been derived from mature Drosophila oocytes are not yet adequate to form a basis for choosing between breakage-first and exchange models of interchange. The significance of these findings in relation to the kinds of aberrations that can be recovered from irradiated mature oocytes is briefly discussed.
Cosmopolitanism and the National Opera: Weber's Der Freischutz

Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischutz reflects competing definitions of national identity at a crossroads in German history. The historiography of the opera reveals a contrast between the opera's reception as quintessentially German and its interpretation as an example of cosmopolitanism, particularly in its dependence on French operatic models. Weber's own ideas about German opera represent a cosmopolitanism typical of the German Enlightenment, defining Germany's cultural mission as a universalist endeavor. For Weber, the “German” and the “cosmopolitan” were practically identical. The realization of these ideals in Der Freischutz supports multiple, even contradictory, intepretations of its status as “national opera.”
Electrodisintegration of He-3

The continuum spectra of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ have been measured up to excitation energies of 40 MeV by means of inelastic electron scattering. Incident electron beam energies between 60 and 120 MeV were used, corresponding to a momentum transfer range of 0.3 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ to 1.1 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Scattered electrons were observed at two angles, 92.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 127.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The radiation corrected spectra and the form factors are presented, and compared with calculations based on a zero-range approximation. In this model, the sharp rise from the $p+d$ threshold previously reported may be identified as a $^{2}S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}S$ Coulomb monopole transition.
Bilateral ectopic pregnancy after transfer of two embryos

Abstract Objective: To report a case of bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) after the transfer of two embryos. Design: Case report. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): A 43-year-old multigravida with bilateral tubal pregnancy. Intervention(s): Operative laparoscopy with right linear salpingostomy and left salpingectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Laparoscopy revealed an unruptured left isthmic tubal EP and an unruptured right ampullary tubal EP. Result(s): Pathology confirmed immature placental villi in the right tube and placental tissue in the left tube. The patient was discharged home without incident on the day after surgery. Conclusion(s): This is a rare case of bilateral tubal pregnancy after the transfer of only two embryos. It is critical to perform a close inspection of the abdomen, pelvis, and contralateral tube after surgery for EP.
Large scale geostrophic winds with a full representation of the Coriolis force: application to IR observations of the Upper Jovian troposhpere

The diagnostics of large scale geostrophy in a stratified atmosphere are revisited using a full Coriolis force.
Dynamics of a model of two delay-coupled relaxation oscillators

Abstract This paper investigates the dynamics of a new model of two coupled relaxation oscillators. The model replaces the usual DDE (differential-delay equation) formulation with a discrete-time approach with jumps. Existence, bifurcation and stability of in-phase periodic motions is studied. Simple periodic motions, which involve exactly two jumps per period, are found to have large plateaus in parameter space. These plateaus are separated by regions of complicated dynamics, reminiscent of the Devil’s Staircase. Stability of motions in the in-phase manifold are contrasted with stability of motions in the full phase space.
Photoreflectance and X-ray studies of silicon films on sapphire

Abstract Photoreflectance was used for the first time to study silicon films on sapphire (SOS). The film thicknesses ranged from 150 to 40 000 A. The 3.4 eV structure was monitored with bulk silicon as a standard. A shift of this structure toward lower energies was observed for the thinner films. As the film thickness increased from 1000 to 40000 A, the energy shift appeared to oscillate about the energy value associated with the bulk silicon sample. The energy shift with thickness of the photoreflectance structure is consistent with that calculated from the X-ray measured strain for the thicker films. The short optical penetration depth at 3.4 eV (≈ 100 A) is essential to allowing photoreflectance investigation of films of this order of thickness.
Chemical modification of human aldehyde dehydrogenase by physiological substrate

Employing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (dopal) as a substrate for human aldehyde dehydrogenase (aldehyde:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.3) in anaerobic conditions, inactivation of both cytoplasmic E1 and mitochondrial E2 isozymes during catalysis has been observed. Incorporation of 14C-labelled dopal has been demonstrated by retention of label following denaturation and exhaustive dialysis and by peptide mapping following tryptic digestion. Incorporation of label gave linear plots vs. activity remaining with up to two molecules incorporated per molecule of enzyme and 30% activity remaining. Further incorporation (up to 16 molecules) occurred, but was non-linear when plotted vs. activity remaining. Protection against activity loss during incorporation of the first two molecules was afforded by NAD, NADH, chloral, and by chloral and NAD together, the last being the most effective. Saturation kinetics gave y-axis intercepts, suggesting interaction at a specific point on the enzyme surface. The Ki value from saturation kinetics was the same as that from the slope replot in catalytic reaction. Peptide mapping of tryptic digests showed that a single peptide was labelled, confirming specificity of interaction. Even in the absence of complete inactivation, the results suggest that reaction with the first two molecules occurs at some point on the enzyme surface important for enzyme activity. The possibility of such a reaction occurring in vivo is discussed.
Predicting participation in meaningful activity for older adults with cancer

Purpose Participation in activity that is personally meaningful leads to improved emotional and physical well-being and quality of life. However, little is known about what predicts participation in meaningful activity by older adults with cancer.
The ACCORD-Lipid study: implications for treatment of dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia, comprised mainly of hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C, with either statin or fibrate monotherapy, is moderately effective at reversing the abnormal lipid levels, but does not completely reverse the risk of CVD. Combination therapy with a statin and fibrate more effectively treats diabetic dyslipidemia; however, neither the impact on CVD risk nor the safety profile of statin-fibrate combined treatment had been tested in a large randomized trial. The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD)-Lipid trial tested the hypothesis that combination therapy with a fibrate and statin would more effectively prevent major CVD events in a high-risk population of patients with T2DM compared with statin monotherapy. In ACCORD-Lipid, over 5000 patients were treated with fenofibrate plus simvastatin versus simvastatin alone. Although combination therapy did not significantly reduce CVD event rates in the ACCORD-Lipid cohort as a whole, a predefined subgroup of participants with the combination of significant hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C experienced a 31% lower event rate with combination therapy. Post hoc analyses conducted in similar subsets in previous fibrate monotherapy trials were concordant with these findings in ACCORD-Lipid. Combination therapy was well tolerated and safe, with no detectable increase in myopathy. The implications of the ACCORD-Lipid findings for the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with T2DM are discussed.
Phenomenological theory of impurity-induced spin-lattice relaxation in paramagnetic metals

We have calculated the low-temperature spin-lattice relaxation rate $\frac{1}{{T}_{2}}$ for conduction electrons by using a Boltzmann-like transport equation for the semiclassical density matrix. Collisions with nonmagnetic impurities are described by a collision integral containing a phenomenological rotationally invariant scattering matrix. The scattering matrix contains terms describing both spin-conserving (ordinary potential scattering) and spin-flip (spin-orbit scattering) collisions. The spin-orbit scattering term leads to a coupling of the transport equations for the transverse spin and particle distribution functions. The resulting coupled integral equations are solved self-consistently for $\frac{1}{{T}_{2}}$. Our calculation takes full account of the cyclotron motion of the electrons. We are able to express $\frac{1}{{T}_{2}}$ in terms of only two Legendre coefficients of the spin-dependent part of the scattering matrix and also to show that the relaxation rate is independent of the cyclotron motion without making any assumptions about the magnitude of ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$ (${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$ is an orbital relaxation time). Finally we have calculated the longitudinal spin-lattice relaxation rate $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$ and found that it is identical to $\frac{1}{{T}_{2}}$ in our model.
Comprehensive program to improve care leads to reduced ED use by patients with asthma: One hospital's experience

Summary Health care practitioners from many backgroundsrecognize the need to manage emergency health care resources effectively. Nurses, who represent the largest group of practitioners in emergency care, can play a key role in creating changes that benefit patient care and outcomes. No longer can emergency care be considered a "quick fix" for most illnesses. We must be involved in carefully reviewing every aspect of our care plans. Improvements, such as our department's, require energy and commitment. Nursing, with its holistic approach, has an important voice in the way we now give and conduct the comprehensive emergency care of the '90s.
2004 Job Lewis Smith acceptance address.

The late Fred Rogers taught me that, when someone thanks you for your work, gracious acceptance is a reciprocal gift. Many of you know Fred from his television program, Mr . Rogers' Neighborhood . So, with humility, I thank you for giving me the Job Lewis Smith Award. You have validated my work in community pediatrics. This award not only honors me but hopefully encourages others to pursue the goals that have guided my career as well. The award is named for Job Lewis Smith. Dr Smith was a 19th-century pediatrician and clinical professor of diseases of children at Bellevue Medical School in New York City. He was a community pediatrician who focused on reducing adverse child health outcomes that were the result of poverty and poor living conditions among working class families. In 1880, he helped form the American Medical Association Section on Pediatrics and, in 1888, was a founder of the American Pediatric Society. Like Dr Smith, I am a start-up person who has focused on preventive health needs for children and on engaging others in these efforts. Although I often used traditional approaches, my work with early education and child care has provided many more opportunities. When I was a young mother, I noted that many infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children spend much of their time in the care of someone other than their parents. Every day, tired young parents grab one last hug as they drop off their young children with bags of diapers, spare clothing, food, favorite toys, and nap blankets in early education and child care arrangements. Many of these young adults are stressed and needy. They are simultaneously learning the basics of parenting, keeping a foothold in the workplace, maintaining caring relationships with life partners and other family members, and searching for time … Address correspondence to Susan S. Aronson, MD, FAAP, 605 Moreno Rd, Narberth, PA 19072. E-mail: saronson{at}verizon.net
Internal waves in the Gulf of California: Observations from a spaceborne radar

Pronounced signatures of internal waves were detected repeatedly in the Gulf of California by the Seasat synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A series of nine images with exactly repeating ground coverage was used to study the temporal variability of the internal wave field in the area. It was found that the number of observed wave groups was highly correlated with the strength of the local tides: the maximum number occurred during spring tides and the minimum number occurred during neap tides, indicating that the internal waves were tidally forced. Most of the wave activity was found to the north of 28 deg N where the tides were the strongest in the Gulf. The application of a simple, nonlinear internal wave model to the observations indicated that the peak-to-peak amplitude of the observed waves was about 50 m with an uncertainty of a factor of 2. The estimated upper bound for the rate of the loss of tidal energy to internal waves was about 5 x 10 to the 15th erg/s, representing only 10 percent of the rate of the dissipation of the dominant M2 tide in the Gulf.
THE EXTRACTION OF Am(III) FROM NITRIC ACID BY OCTYL(PHENYL)-N,N-DIISOBUTYLCARBAMOYLMETHYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE - TRI-n-BUTYL PHOSPHATE MIXTURES

Abstract The extraction behavior of Am(III) from nitric acid by octy1(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoyl methyphosphine oxides, OOD[IB]CMPO, in the presence of tributylphosphate, TBP, has been studied using diethylbenzene, decalin, and normal aliphatic hydrocarbon diluents. Relative to OD[IB]CMPO alone, mixtures of TBP and OOD[IB]CMPO show a slight enhancement in the extraction of Am(III) from nitric acid solution above 2 M and a moderate decrease in extraction for lower acid concentrations. The net effect of TBP addition to OOD[IB]CMPO (as well as other selected carbamoyl methylphosphoryl extractants) is a relative insensitivity of the distribution ratio of Am(III) to HNO3 concentration in the range of 0.5 M to 6 M and facilitated stripping of Am(III) with dilute acid. Since a continuous variation study of Am(III) extraction using mixtures of OOD[IB]CMPO and TBP at a fixed total concentration revealed no evidence of a mixed complex, the TBP appears to be behaving primarily as a phase modifier The most signi...
High levels of transglutaminase expression in doxorubicin-resistant human breast carcinoma cells

Tissue type II transglutaminase (TGase) is a member of the TGase family that catalyzes Ca(2+)-dependent covalent cross-linking of several amines to the gamma-carboxamide group of protein-bound glutamine residues. The degree of therapeutic efficacy or toxicity of drugs may be related to their ability to serve as a substrate for TGase and their covalent linkage to glutamine residues of regulatory proteins through the catalytic action of this enzyme. Here, doxorubicin (adriamycin)-resistant human breast carcinoma MCF-7ADR cells exhibited 40- to 6C-fold higher TGase activity than control drug-sensitive MCF-7WT cells. The same was observed in vivo: a small proportion of tumor cells became positive for TGase after administration of adriamycin-based chemotherapy to patients with breast carcinoma. Similarly, continuous culture of MCF-7WT cells in the presence of adriamycin led to the appearance of the drug-resistant phenotype that was in turn associated with increased expression of TGase. This increase in TGase was specific for adriamycin resistance. Like most known TGase, MCF-7ADR TGase was completely dependent on the presence of Ca2+ for its catalytic activity. Based on its immunoreactivity, the TGase in MCF-7ADR cells was identified as an 85-kDa tissue-type TGase and was present only in the soluble form. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the increase in TGase activity was due to accumulation of the protein. Two cytosolic proteins of approximately 20 and 30 kDa in MCF-7 cells served as suitable acyl donor substrates in TGase-catalyzed reactions.
Increased MECP2 gene copy number as the result of genomic duplication in neurodevelopmentally delayed males

Purpose: Mutations in the MECP2 gene are associated with Rett syndrome, an X-linked mental retardation disorder in females. Mutations also cause variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes in rare affected males. Recent clinical testing for MECP2 gene rearrangements revealed that entire MECP2 gene duplication occurs in some males manifesting a progressive neurodevelopmental syndrome. Methods: Clinical testing through quantitative DNA methods and chromosomal microarray analysis in our laboratories identified seven male patients with increased MECP2 gene copy number. Results: Duplication of the entire MECP2 gene was found in six patients, and MECP2 triplication was found in one patient with the most severe phenotype. The Xq28 duplications observed in these males are unique and vary in size from approximately 200 kb to 2.2 Mb. Three of the mothers who were tested were asymptomatic duplication carriers with skewed X-inactivation. In silico analysis of the Xq28 flanking region showed numerous low-copy repeats with potential roles in recombination. Conclusions: These collective data suggest that increased MECP2 gene copy number is mainly responsible for the neurodevelopmental phenotypes in these males. These findings underscore the allelic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the MECP2 gene and highlight the value of molecular analysis for patient diagnosis, family members at risk, and genetic counseling.
Effect of surface recombination and channel on P-N junction and transistor characteristics

The current flowing in a semiconductor junction may be divided into four components according to the location of the recombination and generation of electrons and holes. These are: 1) the bulk recombination-generation or the diffusion current, 2) the bulk recombination-generation current in the transition region, 3) the surface recombination-generation current in the transition region, and 4) the surface channel current. The current-voltage relationship for these four current components may be approximated by I = I_{s} \exp (qV/mkT) , if V > 4kT/q . Analysis shows that the reciprocal slope m for the current components 1) to 3) lies between 1 and 2, while for the surface channel current component 4) m is greater than 2 for silicon junctions and may be more than 4 for large channels. The theoretical expressions for these four current components are tested with extensive experimental data taken on silicon junctions and found to account for all of the observed current-voltage characteristics. The importance of surface recombinations and surface channels on the current gain of silicon transistor is also demonstrated experimentally. The experimental data are in accord with the theoretical prediction based on the transistor current equations which include the carrier recombination in the emitter junction and the carrier generation in the collector junction.
Crystal structures of the Helicobacter pylori MTAN enzyme reveal specific interactions between S-adenosylhomocysteine and the 5'-alkylthio binding subsite.

The bacterial 5'-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTAN) enzyme is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-ribosidic bond of at least four different adenosine-based metabolites: S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), 5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA), 5'-deoxyadenosine (5'-DOA), and 6-amino-6-deoxyfutalosine. These activities place the enzyme at the hub of seven fundamental bacterial metabolic pathways: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) utilization, polyamine biosynthesis, the purine salvage pathway, the methionine salvage pathway, the SAM radical pathways, autoinducer-2 biosynthesis, and menaquinone biosynthesis. The last pathway makes MTAN essential for Helicobacter pylori viability. Although structures of various bacterial and plant MTANs have been described, the interactions between the homocysteine moiety of SAH and the 5'-alkylthiol binding site of MTAN have never been resolved. We have determined crystal structures of an inactive mutant form of H. pylori MTAN bound to MTA and SAH to 1.63 and 1.20 A, respectively. The active form of MTAN was also crystallized in the presence of SAH, allowing the determination of the structure of a ternary enzyme-product complex resolved at 1.50 A. These structures identify interactions between the homocysteine moiety and the 5'-alkylthiol binding site of the enzyme. This information can be leveraged for the development of species-specific MTAN inhibitors that prevent the growth of H. pylori.
Transvenous Atrial and Ventricular Pacing from the Coronary Sinus Complicated by Perforation and Cardiac Tamponade

Abstract The use of transvenous atrial pacing from a coronary sinus site in a patient with a refractory ventricular arrhythmia is reported. The advantages of this site for atrial pacing are stability of the electrode catheter position and low threshold for stimulation. The complication of perforation of the coronary sinus with a subsequent infusion-induced cardiac tamponade is noted, and measures to prevent this complication are discussed. It is suggested that pacing from the coronary sinus, with proper safety precautions, may be useful in clinical situations where atrial pacing is to be preferred to ventricular pacing.
Malaria Drug Resistance: The Impact of Human Movement and Spatial Heterogeneity

Human habitat connectivity, movement rates, and spatial heterogeneity have tremendous impact on malaria transmission. In this paper, a deterministic system of differential equations for malaria transmission incorporating human movements and the development of drug resistance malaria in an \(n\) patch system is presented. The disease-free equilibrium of the model is globally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number is less than unity. For a two patch case, the boundary equilibria (drug sensitive-only and drug resistance-only boundary equilibria) when there is no movement between the patches are shown to be locally asymptotically stable when they exist; the co-existence equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable whenever the reproduction number for the drug sensitive malaria is greater than the reproduction number for the resistance malaria. Furthermore, numerical simulations of the connected two patch model (when there is movement between the patches) suggest that co-existence or competitive exclusion of the two strains can occur when the respective reproduction numbers of the two strains exceed unity. With slow movement (or low migration) between the patches, the drug sensitive strain dominates the drug resistance strain. However, with fast movement (or high migration) between the patches, the drug resistance strain dominates the drug sensitive strain.
Efficient closed-loop schemes for MIMO-OFDM-based WLANs

The single-input single-output (SISO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems for wireless local area networks (WLAN) defined by the IEEE 802.11a standard can support data rates up to 54 Mbps. In this paper, we consider deploying two transmit and two receive antennas to increase the data rate up to 108 Mbps. Applying our recent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver designs, that is, the geometric mean decomposition (GMD) and the uniform channel decomposition (UCD) schemes, we propose simple and efficient closed-loop MIMO-OFDM designs for much improved performance, compared to the standard singular value decomposition (SVD) based schemes as well as the open-loop V-BLAST (vertical Bell Labs layered space-time) based counterparts. In the explicit feedback mode, precoder feedback is needed for the proposed schemes. We show that the overhead of feedback can be made very moderate by using a vector quantization method. In the time-division duplex (TDD) mode where the channel reciprocity is exploited, our schemes turn out to be robust against the mismatch between the uplink and downlink channels. The advantages of our schemes are demonstrated via extensive numerical examples.
Improving the accuracy of template-based predictions by mixing and matching between initial models

Background Comparative modeling is a technique to predict the three dimensional structure of a given protein sequence based primarily on its alignment to one or more proteins with experimentally determined structures. A major bottleneck of current comparative modeling methods is the lack of methods to accurately refine a starting initial model so that it approaches the resolution of the corresponding experimental structure. We investigate the effectiveness of a graph-theoretic clique finding approach to solve this problem.
Synaptic membrane domains in photoreceptors of chick retina: a thin-section and a freeze-fracture study.

In this freeze-fracture study of synaptic terminals of chick photoreceptors, three regions of synaptic terminal plasmalemma can be distinguished on the basis of intramembrane characteristics. The first region is the synaptic vesicle fusion region in which rows of P-face depressions and E-face mounds are observed. In the absence of exocytotic figures this zone is relatively free of P-face particles and E-face pits. Adjacent to this, a second region is seen, rich in P-face particles and complementary E-face pits. This second region waxes and wanes in size during dark and light stimulation ( Cooper and McLaughlin, 1982 ) and may correspond to similar expansions and contractions of synaptic plasmalemma induced by less physiological modes of stimulation, as observed in other synaptic terminals ( Ceccarelli et al. , 1979b ; Model et al. , 1975 ; Boyne and McLeod, 1979 ). During the waxing period, P-face particles and E-face pits are present in this membrane, and its expansion gives rise to diverticula of the synaptic terminal. During the warning period when the diverticula begin to disappear, aggregates of P-face particles and complementary patches of E-face pits are seen in the diverticular membrane. The third region, the nonsynaptic plasmalemma enclosing the terminal, contains a high density of P-face particles but does not contain E-face pits. Serial sections of vacuoles within the cytoplasm demonstrate that some vacuoles retain connections with this nonsynaptic plasmalemma. Vacuoles that are connected in this way are depleted of intramembrane particles. Such regions appear to represent separate domains within the photoreceptor terminal and are discussed in the context of membrane addition and retrieval.
Re-entry programs, from an anti-unconventional ex-offender

The purpose of this article seeks to question the relationship of higher levels of educational attainment and the ability for successful reintegration into mainstream society for the formerly incarcerated. Specifically this article highlights societal negligence for individual success of the formerly incarcerated, opting for a corporatized exploitation of those in the reentry process premised on the socially constructed label “ex-con.” Research surrounding labeling and reentry suggests once individuals are released from prison the social stigma experienced in society is a recipe for failure and reoffending. One way this emerges is in the form of hiring policies in corporate occupations, prohibiting the hiring of individual s convicted of a felony. Critical criminology suggests the class structure is in place for those in power to stay in power and keep those who are inferior in inferior social positions. Using both points of view as a framework, with the idea of corporate monopoly as a lens, allows for an untraditional critical perspective of the reentry process as a capitalist, for-profit industry. Questioning the role and intentions of reentry initiatives provides a general discussion for increasing success rates of those in the reentry process and reducing capital costs spent for incarceration. The specific focus of this article presents my experience of the reentry process.
Overview of experimental investigations of laser bandwidth effects in nonlinear optics

A number of experimental investigations have been carried out over the past fifteen years which have been used to study the effect of the bandwidth of the laser on various nonlinear optical interactions. These are useful and interesting for a number of reasons. On the technical side laser bandwidth effects can limit the accuracy of measurements of the frequency of atomic transitions as well as the determination of the strength of the interaction. Of a more fundamental interest is the question of the behavior of the nonlinear atomic system when interacting with the non-monochromatic field. In the first experiments carried out to investigate these effects lasers were used which could be operated on a single longitudinal mode or on multiple modes corresponding to the presence or absence of an intra-cavity etalon. Following this a number of techniques were developed to modulate the amplitude phase and/or frequency of the output of a stabilized cw laser with a random (but well-characterized) signal. In this way laser fields could be generated in the laboratory which closely approximate models of laser fields on which theorists have based calculations of laser bandwidth effects. These works allow direct quantitative comparison of results with theory. A number of these field models which can now be generated in the laboratory will be discussed as well as measurements of the role they play in nonlinear interactions.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simultaneous determination of enrofloxacin and its primary metabolite ciprofloxacin in bovine milk and plasma by ion-pairing liquid chromatography

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in bovine milk and plasma. Sample preparation consisted of mixing equal volumes of milk or plasma with acetonitrile—0.1 M sodium hydroxide (1:1, v/v), followed by ultrafiltration through 3000 Da molecular mass cut-off filters. Separation of these two fluoroquinolones in milk or plasma ultrafiltrate was accomplished by ion-pairing liquid chromatography using a reversed-phase analytical column eluted with acetonitrile—methanol—water. Ultraviolet absorbance of the column effluent was monitored over the 230–350 nm range with a photodiode-array detector (λmax 278 nm). Recoveries of enrofloxacin from bovine milk and plasma were 92–107% and 80–84%, respectively. Recoveries of ciprofloxacin from bovine milk and plasma were 92–105% and 73–75%, respectively. The limit of detection for the two compounds was 5 ng/ml. Enrofloxacin was administered intravenously to a lactating cow at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Enrofloxacin was detected in milk within 15 min after injection and the metabolite ciprofloxacin rapidly appeared in plasma and milk. Both enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were below the limit of detection (5 ng/ml) by 48 h after drug administration.
Alternative size and lifetime measurements for high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Two-particle correlations based on the interference of identical particles have provided the chief means for determining the shape and lifetime of sources in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Here, strong and Coulomb induced correlations are shown to provide similar information.
Telephone monitoring and support for veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study

Dropout from outpatient mental health treatment may contribute to high rates of relapse and rehospitalization among veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a quasi-experimental cohort study, 87 male and 17 female veterans discharging from residential PTSD treatment received either standard referral to outpatient care (N = 77) or standard referrals supplemented by biweekly telephone calls (N = 27). Telephone monitoring and support was feasible and acceptable to 85% of clients. Compared to prior patient cohorts, clients receiving telephone support were twice as likely (88% vs. 43%) to complete an outpatient visit within 1 month of discharge and reported higher satisfaction with care.
Buffered lidocaine decreases the pain of digital anesthesia in the foot

The pain associated with injections for inducing digital anesthesia can be decreased by adding sodium bicarbonate to plain lidocaine. A randomized, double-blind study has demonstrated that 24 out of 30 participants indicated on a visual analogue scale that buffered lidocaine is less painful than plain lidocaine. The pain decreased by 50% or more for almost half of the participants. Practitioners can easily buffer lidocaine in the office by adding a small volume of sodium bicarbonate to plain lidocaine.
Use of an Electro-Optical-Mechanical Mooring Cable for Oceanographic Buoys: Modeling and Validation

This paper presents results of numerical modeling of an oceanographic mooring system and makes comparisons to loads measured on a deployed test mooring near Monterey Bay, California. The numerical modeling solves the non-linear equations of motion of the cable in the time-domain. The deployed system is instrumented to monitor environmental loading and the resulting tensions in the mooring cable below the buoy and above the anchor. Comparison of the numerical results to the measured results is useful to refine the accuracy of the model, allowing its use in determining fatigue life of the system and for designing similar systems to be deployed in new locations. This study is part of a project to develop and improve mooring systems for oceanographic use that include an electro-optical-mechanical mooring cable that delivers power and data communication to a network of sea-floor instrumentation. The modeling and test results highlight the engineering challenges associated with designing these systems for long lifetimes.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The tumorigenic and angiogenic effects of MGSA/GRO proteins in melanoma

Continuous expression of the MGSA/GROalpha, beta, or gamma chemokine bestows tumor-forming capacity to the immortalized murine melanocyte cell line, melan-a. The mechanism for this transformation is unclear, although both autocrine and paracrine processes are possible because melan-a cells as well as endothelial cells express a low level of the receptor for this ligand. To further define the role of MGSA/GRO proteins in melanocyte transformation, two types of experiments were designed to neutralize the biological effects of MGSA/GRO in the transfected melan-a clones: (1) the effect of neutralizing antiserum to MGSA/GRO proteins on melan-a tumor growth was assessed; (2) the tumor-forming capacity of melan-a clones expressing ELR motif-mutated forms of MGSA/GRO with compromised receptor affinity was compared to the tumor-forming capacity of clones expressing wild-type MGSA/GRO. These experiments revealed that SCID mice inoculated with MGSA/GROalpha- or gamma-expressing melan-a cells and subsequently treated with antiserum to the respective chemokine exhibited decreased tumor growth. This reduction in tumor growth was accompanied by declining angiogenic activity in MGSA/GROgamma-expressing tumors. Moreover, athymic nude mice injected with melan-a cells expressing ELR-mutant forms of MGSA/GROalpha exhibited markedly impaired tumor-forming capacity compared with those mice injected with melan-a clones expressing wild-type MGSA/GRO. These data suggest that continuous expression of MGSA/GRO proteins may facilitate tumor growth by stimulating the growth of microvessels into the tumor (paracrine) and by affecting melanocyte growth (autocrine).
A Prospective Study of Injury Patterns in Collegiate Pole Vaulters

Background:Although pole vaulting has been a sanctioned collegiate event since the 1920s, little is known about the injury patterns observed in the sport.Purpose:To describe injury incidence, patterns, and risks in collegiate pole vaulters.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study of collegiate athletes participating in pole vault over a single track-and-field season. Baseline athlete information was collected on study enrollment. Injuries were recorded in a standardized form to document diagnosis and event circumstances. A log of practice and competition exposures was maintained for each athlete. Injury incidence was reported as the proportion of injured vaulters and number of new injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. Regression analysis on baseline variables was performed to determine risks for injury.Results:A total of 135 vaulters from 15 universities took part in the study. There were 70 injury events reported during 8823 exposures. Forty-one percent of va...