cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular hydrogen adsorption and dissociation on the plutonium (111) surface

Hydrogen molecule adsorption and the reaction barrier for dissociation on the plutonium (111) surface have been studied in detail using the generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory. All calculations have been performed at both non-spin-polarized and spin-polarized levels of the theory. Weak molecular adsorptions with a layer by layer alternate spin arrangement of the plutonium atoms were observed. Horizontal approaches on the top site both without and with spin polarization were found to be the most favorable molecular adsorption sites. For dissociative adsorption it was found that the most favorable dissociation channel needs activation energies of 0.216 and $0.305\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ at the non-spin-polarized and spin-polarized levels, respectively, with considerably higher adsorption energies than those of the molecular cases. Compared to dissociation on the (100) surface, hydrogen molecule dissociation on the (111) surface is easier because the activation energies are much lower in the later case. In general the adsorption of hydrogen molecule pushes the Pu $5f$ band away from the Fermi level, except for spin-polarized dissociative adsorption, where $5f$ orbitals come closer to the Fermi level. Charge transfer to the hydrogen atoms for dissociative adsorption is larger than that of molecular adsorption due to the reduced distances of hydrogen atoms to the plutonium surface. In that case, the ionic part of $\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Pu}$ bonding contributes along with the covalent part due to Pu $5f--\mathrm{H}$ $1s$ hybridization.
Death-associated protein 5 (DAP5/p97/NAT1) contributes to retinoic acid-induced granulocytic differentiation and arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) induce differentiation and apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. Here we investigated the role and regulation of death-associated protein-5 (DAP5/p97/NAT1), a novel inhibitor of translational initiation, in APL cell differentiation and apoptosis. We found that ATRA markedly induced DAP5/p97 protein and gene expression and nuclear translocation during terminal differentiation of APL (NB4) and HL60 cells but not differentiation-resistant cells (NB4.R1 and HL60R), which express very low levels of DAP5/p97. At the differentiation inducing concentrations, ATO (<0.5 μM), dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3, and phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate also significantly induced DAP5/p97 expression in NB4 cells. However, ATO administered at apoptotic doses (1–2 μM) induced expression of DAP5/p86, a proapoptotic derivative of DAP5/p97. ATRA and ATO-induced expression of DAP5/p97 was associated with inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Furthermore, DAP5/p97 expression was upregulated by inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway via LY294002 and via rapamycin. Finally, knockdown of DAP5/p97 expression by small interfering RNA inhibited ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation and ATO-induced apoptosis. Together, our data reveal new roles for DAP5/p97 in ATRA-induced differentiation and ATO-induced apoptosis in APL and suggest a novel regulatory mechanism by which PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition mediates ATRA- and ATO-induced expression of DAP5/p97.
Residential Segregation and the Health of African-American Infants: Does the Effect Vary by Prevalence?

Segregation effects may vary between areas (e.g., counties) of low and high low birth weight (LBW; <2,500 g) and preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) rates due to interactions with area differences in risks and resources. We assess whether the effects of residential segregation on county-level LBW and PTB rates for African-American infants vary by the prevalence of these conditions. The study sample includes 368 counties of 100,000 or more residents and at least 50 African-American live births in 2000. Residentially segregated counties are identified alternatively by county-level dissimilarity and isolation indices. Quantile regression is used to assess how residential segregation affects the entire distributions of county-level LBW and PTB rates (i.e. by prevalence). Residential segregation increases LBW and PTB rates significantly in areas of low prevalence, but has no such effects for areas of high prevalence. As a sensitivity analysis, we use metropolitan statistical area level data and obtain similar results. Our findings suggest that residential segregation has adverse effects mainly in areas of low prevalence of LBW and preterm birth, which are expected overall to have fewer risk factors and more resources for infant health, but not in high prevalence areas, which are expected to have more risk factors and fewer resources. Residential policies aimed at area resource improvements may be more effective.
Regulation of ion channel function by the host lipid bilayer examined by a stopped-flow spectrofluorometric assay.

To examine the function of ligand-gated ion channels in a defined membrane environment, we developed a robust sequential-mixing fluorescence-based stopped-flow assay. Channel activity is determined using a channel-permeable quencher (e.g., thallium, Tl+) of a water-soluble fluorophore (8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid) encapsulated in large unilamellar vesicles in which the channel of interest has been reconstituted, which allows for rapid solution changes. To validate the method, we explored the activation of wild-type KcsA channel, as well as it's noninactivating (E71A) KcsA mutant, by extravesicular protons (H+). For both channel types, the day-to-day variability in the reconstitution yield (as judged from the time course of fluorescence quenching) is 0.25) in the bilayer-forming phospholipid mixture, alters KcsA H+ gating. The bilayer-thickness-dependent shift in the activation curve is suggestive of a decrease in an apparent H+ affinity and cooperativity. The control over bilayer environment and time resolution makes this method a powerful assay for exploring ligand activation and inactivation of ion channels, and how channel gating varies with changes in the channels’ lipid bilayer environment or other regulatory processes.
Combined MRI-EEG techniques for correlation of anatomy and function in human somatosensory cortex

Recent advances in high-resolution EEG imaging methods have made it advantageous to decrease inter-electrode distance to approximately 1 - 2 cm. To take full advantage of this increased recording density, it has become imperative to consider inter-subject anatomical variability and even intra-subject anatomical asymmetry. The present study used anatomical information from MRI to augment functional data obtained through EEG. Specifically, acrylic helmets made for each subject and normally used during EEG were utilized to orient NMR sample tubes filled with a marker medium (H2O(DOT)Cu2SO4) radially from the scalp at selected EEG recording sites during MRI. Using the software package AVS, the MRI data could then be volumetrically 3-D rendered, 3-D isosurface rendered, or arbitrarily sliced. The tubes appeared in the 3-D renderings as pointers from recording sites to underlying cortical anatomy. Our task was simplified by our focus on a limited area of the cortex. The renderings provide subject-specific anatomical templates for mapping of EEG topographic patterns and clearly reveal individual variations of cortical surface topography that are usually unaccounted for in EEG analysis.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lunx Is a Superior Molecular Marker for Detection of Non-Small Lung Cell Cancer in Peripheral Blood

The clinical management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) would benefit greatly by a test that was able to detect small amounts of NSCLC in the peripheral blood. In this report, we used a novel strategy to enrich tumor cells from the peripheral blood of 24 stage I to IV NSCLC patients and determined expression levels for six cancer-associated genes (lunx, muc1, KS1/4, CEA, CK19, and PSE). Using thresholds established at three standard deviations above the mean observed in 15 normal controls, we observed that lunx (10 of 24, 42%), muc1 (5 of 24, 21%), and CK19 (5 of 24, 21%) were overexpressed in 14 of 24 (58%) peripheral blood samples obtained from NSCLC patients. Patients who overexpressed either KS1/4 (n = 2) or PSE (n = 1) also overexpressed either lunx or muc1. Of patients with presumed curable and resectable stage I to II disease (n = 7), at least one marker was overexpressed in three (43%) patients. In advanced stage III to IV patients (n = 17), at least one marker was overexpressed in 11 patients (65%). These results provide evidence that circulating tumor cells can be detected in NSCLC patients by a high throughput molecular technique. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of gene overexpression.
Low-pressure microwave-induced helium plasma emission spectrometry: vaporization characteristics of metal chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates.

A low-pressure microwave-induced helium plasma serves as an excitation source for metal chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates vaporized from a filament, resulting in fractional vaporization and differential sensitivities of detection of the elements depending on the vapor pressures of their salts. The shapes of the single emission peaks, which are simple in the presence of potassium chloride, become complex and may double in number.
EMDR and Theoretical Orientation: A Qualitative Study of How Therapists Integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Into Their Approach to Psychotherapy

This study examined how 3 therapists from differing theoretical orientations (psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive–behavioral) integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) into their work with clients. The consensual qualitative research method was used to analyze interview responses from each of the therapists. All of the therapists deviated from the standard EMDR protocol to some degree, and their decisions to either add to or leave out various aspects of the protocol were greatly influenced by their theoretical orientation. They reported that the integration of EMDR into their usual therapy styles varied depending on their clients. The present study expands on previous psychotherapy integration research because it provides detailed descriptions as to how therapists actually use a specific method with clients. Findings may be particularly useful for researchers and therapists interested in the practice of EMDR, as well as the process of assimilative integration.
Differential Feeding in Relation to Local Distribution of Grasshoppers

Recent experiments show that a large percentage of North American Acrididae, which have been cage tested for food preferences, are associated with a restricted number of host plants (oligophagous). These researches demonstrate that a specific plant, or a very limited number of host plants, is essential as food for the optimum subsistence, fecundity, and longevity of each species (Criddle, '33; Isely, '38, '44). Hodge ('33) and Sanderson ('39) found that even Melanoplus differentialis (Thos.), a polyphagous pest grasshopper, has specific diet requirements. Recently Tatuber, Drake, and Decker (1945) have shown that egg production in the case of Melano plus bivitattus (Say) is strikingly correlated with different plants used as food by this economic species. In studies on the correlation between mandibular morphology and food specificity 89 North American species of Acrididae were found to be segregated into three major classes: 34 were found to be graminivorous; 37, forbivorous, and only 18 species were shown to be herbivorous, i.e., mixed feeders, either graminivorousforbivorous or forbivorous-graminivorous (Isely, '44, pp. 9 and 65). The writer is indebted to Prof. Gordon Alexander and Miss Katharine L. Maneval for reading the manuscript and making helpful suggestions. Thanks are due Mary N. Isely for assistance in all phases
On the bifurcation and postbifurcation analysis of elastic-plastic solids under general prebifurcation conditions

IN THIS work we have studied the bifurcation and postbifurcation of elastic-plastic solids whose behavior near the critical point could not be idealized as hypoelastic and thus the “hypoelastic comparison solid” concept of R. Hill’s theory is no longer applicable. First a simple continuous model is considered in order to illustrate the different possibilities in the stability behavior of the structures considered here. Next, a general three-dimensional stability analysis for a broad class of rate independent elastic-plastic solids is presented. It is found that for all the constitutive theories considered and for all possible prebifurcation solutions, the bifurcation functional is a simple generalization of Hill’s. A completely different postbifurcation analysis is needed, however, in the case where the “hypoelastic comparison solid” concept cannot be used.
Recent progress in astrophysical MHD

Studying the multidimensional, time-dependent and/or highly nonlinear dynamics of astrophysical plasmas usually requires numerical methods, however, developing accurate and robust algorithms for compressible MHD and/or radiation MHD is still an active area of research. Recent advances in the development of numerical algorithms are described, and results from applications of the methods to the study of a variety of problems in astrophysics is discussed.
Proton-directed redox control of O-O bond activation by heme hydroperoxidase models

Hangman metalloporphyrin complexes poise an acid−base group over a redox-active metal center and in doing so allow the “pull” effect of the secondary coordination environment of the heme cofactor of hydroperoxidase enzymes to be modeled. Stopped-flow investigations have been performed to decipher the influence of a proton-donor group on O−O bond activation. Low-temperature reactions of tetramesitylporphyrin (TMP) and Hangman iron complexes containing acid (HPX−CO2H) and methyl ester (HPX−CO2Me) functional groups with peroxyacids generate high-valent FeO active sites. Reactions of peroxyacids with (TMP)FeIII(OH) and methyl ester Hangman (HPX−CO2Me)FeIII(OH) give both O−O heterolysis and homolysis products, Compound I (Cpd I) and Compound II (Cpd II), respectively. However, only the former is observed when the hanging group is the acid, (HPX−CO2H)FeIII(OH), because odd-electron homolytic O−O bond cleavage is inhibited. This proton-controlled, 2e- (heterolysis) vs 1e- (homolysis) redox specificity sheds ligh...
Identification and estimation of dopamine released from the anterior byssus retractor muscle of Mytilus californianus in response to nerve stimulation

Abstract 1. 1. Small quantities of sea water were recyclically perfused over the surface of paired anterior byssus retractor muscles of Mytilus californianus . 2. 2. Dopamine was identified in the perfusate by thin-layer chromatography. 3. 3. Stimulation of the pedal ganglion caused the dopamine content of the perfusate to increase. 4. 4. A significant increment of release of dopamine was detected at stimulation frequencies above 3 Hz and increased progressively with increase in stimulation frequency. 5. 5. The possibility of a role for dopamine as a relaxing or inhibitory neurotransmitter in Mytilus is considered in relation to the present and related evidence and to the actions of 5-HT, the probable relaxing transmitter.
Optimization of waveforms for pulsed amperometric detection (p.a.d.) of carbohydrates following separation by liquid chromatography

Abstract Pulsed amperometric detection (p.a.d.) has recently gained prominence as a sensitive detection system for polar aliphatic organic compounds separated by liquid chromatography (l.c.). P.a.d. is based on the application of triple-step potential waveforms to incorporate amperometric detection with alternated anodic and cathodic polarizations to clean and reactivate electrode surfaces. These polarization steps result in the maintenance of uniform electrode activity for detection of organic compounds that typically are observed to “foul” noble metal electrodes during extended periods of amperometric detection at constant (dc) applied potential. Carbohydrates are easily separated with anion-exchange chromatography using alkaline mobile phases, and these alkaline conditions are appropriate for the direct detection of all carbohydrates at Au electrodes by p.a.d. The voltammetric and chronoamperometric responses are described here for selected carbohydrates, and guidelines are given for selection of optimal potential and time parameters in the waveform to be used for l.c.-p.a.d.
Mechanistic Surprises in the Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation of Allenes

Gold(I)-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond forming reactions continue to fascinate the synthetic community but are less well investigated than many conventional metal catalysts.[1] In many cases a cationic gold(I)-species activates an unsaturated C-C bond and isomerizes or functionalizes it to build molecular complexity through reactive intermediates that include gold-π-complexes, gold-vinyls, and gold-carbenes. Support for these intermediates is mainly based on gold(I) organometallic chemistry, though computational studies and the isolation of proposed catalytic intermediates have been reported.[2–5]
Clinical predictors of prosthesis-patient mismatch after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE: We sought to ascertain predictors of Patient Prosthesis Mismatch, an independent predictor of mortality, in patients with aortic stenosis using bioprosthetic valves. METHOD: We analyzed 2,107 sequential surgeries. Patient Prosthesis Mismatch was calculated using the effective orifice area of the prosthesis divided by the patient's body surface area. We defined nonsignificant, moderate, and severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch as effective orifice area indexes of .0.85 cm²/m, 0.85-0.66 cm²/m², and <0.65 cm²/m², respectively. RESULTS: A total of 311 bioprosthetic patients were identified. The incidence of nonsignificant, moderate, and severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch was 41%, 42, and 16%, respectively. Severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch was significantly more prevalent in females (82%). In severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch, the perfusion and the crossclamp times were considerably lower when compared with nonsignificant Patient Prosthesis Mismatch and moderate Patient Prosthesis Mismatch. Patients with severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch had a significantly higher likelihood of spending time in the intensive care unit and a significantly longer length of stay in the hospital. Body surface area was not different in severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch when compared with nonsignificant Patient Prosthesis Mismatch. In-hospital mortality in patients with nonsignificant, moderate, and severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch was 2.3%, 6.1%, and 8%, respectively. Minimally invasive surgery was significantly associated with moderate Patient Prosthesis Mismatch in 49% of the patients, but not with severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch. CONCLUSION: Severe Patient Prosthesis Mismatch is more common in females, but not in those with minimal available body surface area. Though operative times were shorter in these patients, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were longer. Surgeons and cardiologists should be cognizant of these clinical predictors and complications prior to valve surgery.
On a type of photoelastic mottle in an epoxy resin

Prolonged stirring of Araldite 6020 and phthalic anhydride before casting has resulted in considerable reduction of mottle and minor improvements in clarity and figure of merit. Some care is required to avoid premature gelation and the inclusion of air bubbles and foreign particles.
SEPARATION OF SPIN SYNCHRONIZED SIGNALS

In the measurements of VLF electric fields with the Pioneer Venus spacecraft in sunlight, spin synchronized signals often dominate over the naturally generated emissions. We present a method to separate natural emissions from the several possible sources of noise. Our major objective by this method is not to remove all spin modulation, but to effectively subtract the background noise caused by the identifiable noise sources. Examination of the data shows that the background spin synchronized noise is quite sensitive to ϑ(n), the angle between the sense axis and the solar direction. We model the observed data asy(n)=w(n)t(n)f(ϑ(n))+x(n), wheref(ϑ) represents the phase response of the background noise andx(n) is the estimated natural emissions.t(n) andw(n) are the long-term trend component and time- and phase-independent component of the intensity of the background noise, respectively. The method to decomposey(n) is based on the Bayesian approach which has been recently applied to various inversion problems such as nonstationary time series modeling and image reconstruction. In this procedure, the estimated parametersw(n),t(n),f(ϑ), andx(n) can be determined automatically. We will describe the Bayesian scheme and its application to the Pioneer Venus VLF electric field data.
Effective strategies for population studies of acute air pollution health effects.

A series of field studies involving repetitive functional measurements in relatively small populations of healthy children and adults engaged in normal outdoor activities has shown that significant...
Visualizing coronary calcium is associated with improvements in adherence to statin therapy

Abstract Background Many patients lack motivation to control cardiovascular risk factors and clinicians have long sought ways to activate apathetic patients. Despite significant and consistent data on the benefits of lipid-lowering agents to reduce cardiovascular events, adherence and utilization of these agents remains low. We evaluated whether visualization of coronary calcium would positively affect patients’ adherence rates. Methods We evaluated patients who underwent electron beam tomography (EBT) coronary calcium evaluation at least 1 year prior with a survey questioning them about health behaviors. Patients filled out baseline and follow-up questionnaires relating to lifestyle modifications, including statin utilization, diet, exercise, tobacco cessation and vitamin/antioxidant utilization. Results The study population consisted of 505 individuals on statin therapy on baseline who were followed for a mean of 3 ± 2 years. Overall the statin compliance was lowest (44%) among those with CAC score in the first quartile (0–30), whereas 91% of individuals with baseline CAC score in the fourth quartile (≥526) adhered to statin therapy. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, age, and gender, higher baseline CAC scores were strongly associated with adherence to statin therapy. Conclusions In addition to risk stratification for the asymptomatic person, patients visualizing coronary artery calcium may improve utilization and adherence to lipid-lowering therapy. Outcome studies and randomized trials need to be done to quantify the true value and cost-effectiveness of this approach.
Prevalence of Barrett’s Esophagus in Asian Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background & Aims The prevalence and risk factors of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in Asian countries are unclear. Studies report a wide range of BE prevalence in Asian countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of BE and its temporal changes and risk factors in Asian countries. Methods Two investigators performed independent literature searches by using PubMed and EMBASE databases, and subsequent data abstraction for studies had to meet several set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pooled BE prevalence was calculated by using a random-effect model. Estimates of relative risk for possible risk or protective factors were also calculated. Results A total of 51 studies (N = 453,147), mainly from Eastern Asia, were included. The pooled prevalence of endoscopic BE was 7.8% (95% confidence interval, 5.0–12.1; 23 studies) and of histologically confirmed BE was 1.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.7–2.2; 28 studies). Most of histologic BE (82.1%) was short-segment BE ( Conclusions BE is not uncommon in Asian countries and seems to share similar risk factors and potential for neoplastic progression to those seen in Western countries.
Dysregulation of the Hypothalamus‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis in Male and Female, Genetically Obese (ob/ob) Mice

The autosomal, recessive obesity of ob/ob mice is associated with hypercorticosteronemia and amelioration of most symptoms of obesity following adrenalectomy. Increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion has been hypothesized on the basis of several reports of higher pituitary ACTH content in ob/ob mice compared to lean littermates. However, the only measurement of ACTH blood concentration found lower levels in ob/ob mice than in leans suggesting that hypercorticosteronemia might result solely from an enhanced adrenal response to ACTH and also suggesting that the ob/ob's elevated pituitary ACTH content might be due to decreased ACTH secretion rather than increased ACTH synthesis. In our study, basal serum ACTH levels were higher in ob/ob males and females compared to sex-matched lean littermates. Anterior pituitary ACTH synthesis was also elevated as indicated by increased content of ACTH and proopiomelanocortin mRNA in obese mice of both sexes; however hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor content was not different in lean and obese mice. Basal serum ACTH and corticosterone (CS) levels showed normal circadian rhythm in both phenotypes and sexes, but the circadian increase in CS level was much greater in obese mice than in leans despite equal serum ACTH increases in the two phenotypes. Ether stress at both peak and trough of the circadian rhythm also stimulated much larger serum CS increases in obese mice even though ACTH increases were again equal in the two phenotypes. Taken together, these results strongly indicate that ob/ob mice have increased synthesis and secretion of pituitary ACTH despite the presence of chronically elevated serum CS. This hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis appears to be most pronounced in ob/ob females since pituitary ACTH content was equal in obese males and females despite much higher circulating CS levels in the females. Furthermore, the results also indicate an enhanced response to ACTH by the adrenal cortex of the obese mouse. Thus, ob/ob mice exhibit abnormal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function with hyperactivity occurring at the level of pituitary ACTH synthesis/secretion as well as at the level of adrenocortical response to ACTH.
Automatic Brain Image Segmentation for Evaluation of Experimental Ischemic Stroke Using Gradient vector flow and kernel annealing

Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent catastrophic disease of the brain. Various animal models have been used to study the disease. The majority of the models are based on induction of focal ischemic cerebral necrosis, followed by exhaustive morphometric analysis of the tissues. Despite recent advances in machine learning and image processing, neurological damage evaluations are still based on tedious manual or semi-automatic segmentation of brain images. We demonstrate a method that uses active contours combined with a kernel annealing approach to automatically segment the brain organs of interest, as well as a simple feature that highlights the contrast between normal and infarct brain tissue for automated analysis. The automated segmentation and analysis solution will be useful for increasing the productivity of experimentation and removing investigator bias from the data analysis.
A self-healing conductive ink.

Dr. S. A. Odom , O. Zhao , Prof. J. S. Moore Department of ChemistryBeckman Institute for Advanced Science & TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign405 N. Mathews Ave. Urbana, IL 61801, USA E-mail: jsmoore@illinois.edu S. Chayanupatkul , B. J. Blaiszik , A. C. Jackson , Prof. P. Braun , . V Prof. N. R. Sottos Department of Materials Science & EngineeringBeckman Institute for Advanced Science & TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign405 N. Mathews Ave. Urbana, IL 61801, USA Prof. S. R. White Department of Aerospace EngineeringBeckman Institute for Advanced Science & TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign405 N. Mathews Ave. Urbana, IL 61801, USAE-mail: swhite@illinois.edu
Altered gene expression in the Werner and Bloom syndromes is associated with sequences having G-quadruplex forming potential

The human Werner and Bloom syndromes (WS and BS) are caused by deficiencies in the WRN and BLM RecQ helicases, respectively. WRN, BLM and their Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue Sgs1, are particularly active in vitro in unwinding G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA), a family of non-canonical nucleic acid structures formed by certain G-rich sequences. Recently, mRNA levels from loci containing potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) were found to be preferentially altered in sgs1Delta mutants, suggesting that G4-DNA targeting by Sgs1 directly affects gene expression. Here, we extend these findings to human cells. Using microarrays to measure mRNAs obtained from human fibroblasts deficient for various RecQ family helicases, we observe significant associations between loci that are upregulated in WS or BS cells and loci that have PQS. No such PQS associations were observed for control expression datasets, however. Furthermore, upregulated genes in WS and BS showed no or dramatically reduced associations with sequences similar to PQS but that have considerably reduced potential to form intramolecular G4-DNA. These findings indicate that, like Sgs1, WRN and BLM can regulate transcription globally by targeting G4-DNA.
Evolutionary conservation of the egr‐1 immediate‐early gene response in a teleost

Immediate-early gene expression is a key part of a neuron’s response to behaviorally relevant stimuli and, as a result, localization of immediate-early gene expression can be a useful marker for neural activity. We characterized the immediate-early gene egr-1 (also called zif268, NGFI-A, krox-24, ZENK) in the teleost Astatotilapia (Haplochromis) burtoni. We compared the A. burtoni egr-1 predicted protein sequence to that of other vertebrates, characterized its gene expression time course, and localized its induced expression throughout the brain. The A. burtoni egr-1 predicted protein shared putative functional domains with egr-1 of other vertebrates and shared 81% sequence similarity with zebrafish and 66% with mouse. We identified distinct mammalian and teleost inserts rich in serine residues within one activation domain, suggesting convergent responses to selection pressures to increase the number of serine residues in this region. Functionally, we found that A. burtoni egr-1 gene expression peaked near 30 minutes after pharmacological stimulation and thereby displayed the transient expression above basal levels characteristic of egr-1 expression in birds and mammals. Finally, we observed distinct patterns of egr-1 gene induction in the brain by natural and pharmacological stimuli. Unstimulated males had very low expression levels of egr-1, whereas males stimulated by their normal environment showed higher levels of expression specific to particular brain regions. Males injected with a glutamate receptor agonist also had region-specific induction of egr-1 expression. We conclude that the egr-1 immediate-early gene response is evolutionarily conserved and will, therefore, be useful for identifying functional neural responses in nontraditional model species. J. Comp. Neurol. 481:220 –232, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accurate transfer of peri-implant soft tissue emergence profile from the provisional crown to the final prosthesis using an emergence profile cast.

Background: The use of impression copings to make the final impression results in a master cast in which the soft tissue configuration around the implant platform is circular. Therefore, any soft tissue sculpting developed clinically by the provisional restoration is squandered. Purpose: The purpose of this report was to present a method for the precise transfer of the peri-implant soft-tissue developed by a customized provisional restoration to an emergence profile cast. Materials and Methods: The emergence profile cast is obtained from an impression of the implant-supported provisional restoration and poured with a soft tissue model material. It is used for the fabrication of the emergence profile of the implant abutment and the cervical section of the crown. Conclusion: The technique described is simple, accurate, predictable, and does not require additional chair time for the customization of the impression coping or the fabrication of a new provisional restoration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This article describes a technique that results in an implant restoration that mimics accurately in its emergence profile that of the carefully crafted and customized provisional restoration. The reproduction of the soft tissue contour from the provisional to the final restoration results in an improved esthetic outcome of the final restoration. (J Esthet Restor Dent 19:306-315, 2007)
Under-Actuated Kinematic Structures for Miniature Climbing Robots

This paper presents two biped designs for miniature climbing robots. The designs use underactuation to satisfy space and weight constraints. In the first design, one actuator provides steering and another two propel the robot in a cartwheel style gait. The cartwheel gait is quite effective but space required for the maneuver precludes certain applications. The limitation is overcome in the second design, which uses under-actuation to provide two different forms of locomotion. It uses a crawling stride in confined environments and a faster pivoting gait in open environments. Such adaptability is achieved without increasing the number of actuators. Both robots have been built and have successfully demonstrated their mobility and maneuverability.
Traditionality of College Major and Attitudes Towards Work-Family Balance: Vocational Correlates:

This article will present data on two studies investigating vocational correlates of attitudes towards work/family balance. The first study was designed to measure the relationship between attitude toward balancing work and family (Gilbert, Dancer, Rossman, & Thorn, 1991), and two variables: college major and vocational aspirations. Two hundred forty-nine women from six college majors participated in Study 1 (engineering, chemistry, communication, sociology, education, and nursing). The second study investigated whether women who are in a traditional college major (education, N = 39) are less congruent than those in a non- traditional major (engineering, N = 24) or a neutral field (communication, N = 9 and sociology, N = 7), and if they differ in their intentions to balance work and family. Results indicated that women in traditional majors were more likely to endorse traditional plans to combine work and family than gender-neutral majors, and had relatively lower levels of vocational aspiration and caree...
Late reactions and complications in patients treated with high energy neutrons p (66MeV)Be(49MeV)

Abstract Eight of 22 patients who were followed for a year or more after neutron doses in excess of 20 Gy slowed significant late reactions. Late reactions were also observed in 6 of 20 patients who were treated with a neutron boost of 7.5 Gy following 50 Gy of photons for intraoral cancer, and in 5 of 9 ‘mixed beam’ patients who received 9 to 11 neutron Gy with 45 to 50 photon Gy concurrently over a seven week treatment period. Nine of 20 patients who were treated with curative doses of neutrons following recurrence after radical photon therapy had excessively severe late effects. In the neutron only group, a tentative isoeffect line (dose versus fractions) for cutaneous fibrosis could be drawn with an origin at 20 Gy and a slope of 0.04. A time-dose factors analysis of the whole series suggested that a TDF of 120 (±10) defined the threshold for severe stromal fibrosis and associated complications.
Substrate and enzyme profile of fast and slow skeletal muscle fibers in rhesus monkeys

Results from the Russian Cosmos program suggest that the rhesus monkey is an excellent model for studying weightlessness-induced changes in muscle function. Consequently, the purpose of this invest...
RISK FACTOR ASSESSMENT AND GLAUCOMA SCREENING

Glaucoma, a collection of diseases that affect the optic nerve head and are associated with visual field loss, may be broadly classified as follows: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), secondary angle-closure glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and juvenile glaucoma. All of these diseases are associated with irreversible blindness. Thus, the public health importance of detecting undiagnosed and treatable glaucoma is important, as blindness has economic and societal consequences for the rest of an individual's life. 97 In this review the main focus is on POAG and PACG; some of the information on risk factor assessment and screening of POAG and PACG is relevant to the secondary glaucomas. POAG is characterized by glaucomatous optic nerve damage and visual field loss in the presence of open and normal-appearing anterior chamber angles and the absence of other known causes of glaucoma. It has an adult onset, is usually bilateral, and has no symptoms until late in the disease when patients lose their central vision. 79 It is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide 107 and has an age-adjusted prevalence of 1.55%. 112 Extrapolations to the year 2000, using estimates of glaucoma prevalence from earlier population-based survey data, place the worldwide population of people with POAG at approximately 68 million. 81 In Olmsted County, Minnesota, 9% of subjects with a mean age of 66 years at the time of glaucoma diagnosis 40 were bilaterally blind at the 20 year follow-up, despite glaucoma treatment. Patients with PACG may or may not have optic nerve damage. PACG is defined as the closure of the anterior chamber angle by relative pupillary block, which is the obstruction of the trabecular meshwork by the peripheral iris. 79 The iris is bowed forward because of the inability of the aqueous humor to pass easily into the anterior chamber from the posterior chamber. Patients with PACG may present acutely with elevated intraocular pressures, a mid-dilated pupil, and a red eye and with nausea and vomiting. Not infrequently they may have no complaints or complain only of a nonspecific headache, eye pain, or halos around lights. 79 PACG is more prevalent in Asia, whereas POAG has a more even distribution throughout the world. 81 Because most patients with glaucoma, except for those with PACG attacks, are asymptomatic, screening for glaucoma is considered to be a worthwhile societal goal if the cost is not too great. 99 Because the prevalence of glaucoma is low in the general population, screening for glaucoma would be more cost effective in populations with risk factors for glaucoma as it would result in more cases of glaucoma being detected. Thus, prior to reviewing the issues of screening for glaucoma, the authors first define risk factors and then discuss the known risk factors for POAG and PACG.
Type A viral hepatitis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection occurs worldwide and is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in the US. In this review, I cover the epidemiology, course of infection, clinical manifestations, serological responses, and prevention of this infection. Although most patients completely recover from this disease, elderly patients have a substantial mortality risk. Recently licensed vaccines are highly efficacious.
The Economics and Politics of Health

This study analyzes the entire health scene, providing valuable insights into the working of the health care practices, and offering policy recommendations for more effective distribution. Although the study focuses mainly on cost containment, it also explores the relationship between health and medical care, the expansion of the demand for medical care and the over-regulated supply, and the economic differences between emergency and nonemergency care.Originally published in 1985. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
A Subsystem Crash Test Methodology for Retention of Convenience Organizer Equipment System in Rear Impact

Any equipment system or vehicle component like the Convenience Organizer storage system needs to be retained within the cargo compartment without intruding into the passenger compartment for occupant safety during a high speed impact. This paper outlines a test method to evaluate the retention of such a system in a rear impact environment. The method utilizes a low speed barrier to simulate a high speed RMB (Rear Moving Barrier) impact. The content of the low speed RMB impact test setup was developed utilizing DYNA3D analytical simulation results from a full vehicle model subjected to high-speed RMB impact. The retention of the equipment developed through this test method was confirmed on a full scale rear impact test.
Determination of optical properties using multi-pixel measurements of frequency domain photon migration

This report describes a method used to determine the optical properties characteristic of a turbid medium using frequency-domain photon migration measurements acquired with an intensified charge-coupled device homodyne detection system. A comparison of the optical properties to those obtained with a well-characterized single-pixel detection system indicates accurate determination.
Temperature varying photoconductivity of GeSn alloys grown by chemical vapor deposition with Sn concentrations from 4% to 11%

Pseudomorphic GeSn layers with Sn atomic percentages between 4.5% and 11.3% were grown by chemical vapor deposition using digermane and SnCl4 precursors on Ge virtual substrates grown on Si. The layers were characterized by x-ray diffraction rocking curves and reciprocal space maps. Photoconductive devices were fabricated, and the dark current was found to increase with Sn concentration. The responsivity of the photoconductors was measured at a wavelength of 1.55 μm using calibrated laser illumination at room temperature and a maximum value of 2.7 mA/W was measured for a 4.5% Sn device. Moreover, the responsivity for higher Sn concentration was found to increase with decreasing temperature. Spectral photoconductivity was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The photoconductive absorption edge continually increased in wavelength with increasing tin percentage, out to approximately 2.4 μm for an 11.3% Sn device. The direct band gap was extracted using Tauc plots and was fit to a bandgap model accounting for layer strain and Sn concentration. This direct bandgap was attributed to absorption from the heavy-hole band to the conduction band. Higher energy absorption was also observed, which was thought to be likely from absorption in the light-hole band. The band gaps for these alloys were plotted as a function of temperature. These experiments show the promise of GeSn alloys for CMOS compatible short wave infrared detectors.
Alterations of hippocampal secreted N-CAM in bipolar disorder and synaptophysin in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have both been linked to structural abnormalities of the hippocampus, which is consistent with a neurodevelopmental anomaly. One isoform of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) protein, cytosolic N-CAM 105-115 kDa, was previously shown to be increased in schizophrenia in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Another isoform of N-CAM, the variable alternative spliced exon of N-CAM, was also increased in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of bipolar disorder patients. In the present study, the secreted isoform of N-CAM (SEC N-CAM), synaptophysin, and actin proteins were measured in the hippocampus of controls, suicide victims, and patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia by quantitative Western immunoblotting. Previous measurements of cytosolic N-CAM (105-115 kDa) protein, from the same hippocampus samples, were used to calculate the N-CAM (105-115 kDa)/synaptophysin ratio. An affinity purified antibody to SEC N-CAM recognized SEC N-CAM (108 kDa and 115 kDa) in brain but SEC N-CAM was not detectable in CSF. In bipolar disorder, but not in schizophrenia, an increased SEC N-CAM 115 kDa/108 kDa ratio was found as compared to controls (P = 0.03). The synaptophysin/actin ratio was significantly decreased in schizophrenia (P = 0.014) as compared to controls. The cytosolic N-CAM 105-115 kDa/synaptophysin ratio was increased in patients with schizophrenia (P= 0.017), but not in bipolar disorder. Thus, bipolar disorder patients show altered expression of SEC N-CAM in the hippocampus. Patients with schizophrenia show a decrease in synaptophysin and an increase in the cytosolic N-CAM 105-115 kDa/synaptophysin ratio. The results offer further evidence of differences in protein expression between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in the hippocampus, which is consistent with a distinct neuropathology for each neuropsychiatric disorder.
‘Attention, Shoppers — Family Being Constructed on Aisle Six!’: Grocery Shopping and the Accomplishment of Family

Trading recipes with family members. Scanning the newspaper and clipping food coupons from store supplements. Making a grocery list. Deciding who will do the shopping. Noticing a billboard ad for a store’s fresh produce on the way to get enough gas to drive to that store. Remembering a newscast about the dangers of food additives. Placing an apple from New Zealand in the cart. Negotiating snack purchases with the oldest of the kids. Allowing a younger child, sitting in the grocery cart, to eat a free cookie from the in-store bakery while the shopping gets done. Managing the emotions of a child’s temper tantrum at the checkout lane. Noticing that the person first in line is (also) using food stamps. Unloading the groceries and putting them in specific places. Fixing and serving a meal from the food just purchased, then cleaning the dishes. Baking a cake for a family member, with the kids helping. Making a payment on the refrigerator. Weighing whether the family can afford a new microwave.
Erratum to: γ ∗ γ ∗ cross section at NLO and properties of the BFKL evolution at higher orders

This is the erratum to [1]. Equation and figure numbers below refer to those in the original paper unless explicitly specified otherwise.