cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ASSAY OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT, POTASSIUM SALICYLATE, IN DIURETIC TABLETS AND CAPSULES BY HPTLC WITH ULTRAVIOLET ABSORPTION DENSITOMETRY

A new quantitative method using preadsorbent, channeled silica gel HPTLC plates with fluorescent indicator, automated sample application, double development with ethyl acetate-methanol-concentrated ammonia (80:15:5) mobile phase, and ultraviolet absorption densitometry is reported for the determination of potassium salicylate in diuretic pharmaceutical preparations. Tablet and capsule products containing potassium salicylate, acetaminophen, caffeine, and salicylamide as the active ingredients were analyzed to test the applicability of the new method, and precision and accuracy were validated. The milligrams of potassium salicylate in each tablet analyzed, ranged from 72.9 to 79.4, and the milligrams in each capsule from 26.5 to 28.3. Precision was 1.11% and 1.45% relative standard deviation for samples analyzed with six replicates, and the errors from spiked blank and standard addition analyses averaged 1.01% and 1.65%, respectively, compared to the fortification levels. The limit of detection was 1.50 μg...
Collaborative Human Decision Making With Random Local Thresholds

This paper considers a collaborative human decision making framework in which local decisions made at the individual agents are combined at a moderator to make the final decision. More specifically, we consider a binary hypothesis testing problem in which a group of $n$ people makes individual decisions on which hypothesis is true based on a threshold based scheme and the thresholds are modeled as random variables. We assume that, in general, the decisions are not received by the moderator perfectly and the communication errors are modeled via a binary asymmetric channel. Assuming that the moderator does not have the knowledge of exact values of thresholds used by the individual decision makers but has probabilistic information, the performance in terms of the probability of error of the likelihood ratio based decision fusion scheme is derived when there are two agents in the decision making system. We show that the statistical parameters of the threshold distributions have optimal set of values which result in the minimum probability of error and we analytically derive these optimal values under certain conditions. We further provide detailed performance comparison to the case where the likelihood ratio based decision fusion is performed at the moderator with exact knowledge of the thresholds used by individual agents. For an arbitrary number of human agents $n(> 2)$ , we derive the performance of decision fusion with majority rule using certain approximations when the individual thresholds are modeled as random variables.
The Impact of Family Obligations on Young Women’s Decisions During the Transition to College: A Comparison of Latina, European American, and Asian American Students

In this study, we hypothesized that (1) Latina and Asian American undergraduate women would report more frequently fulfilling family obligations than would European Americans, and (2) fulfillment of family obligations would predict students’ residential and working plans for their first semester of college. Results of an online survey completed by 296 American first-year students showed that Latinas more frequently fulfilled family obligations than did Asian Americans and European Americans, although fulfilling family obligations did not influence Latinas’ residential or working plans. European American students who more frequently fulfilled family obligations were more likely to plan to live at home, and Asian American students who more frequently fulfilled family obligations planned to work fewer hours during their first semester at college.
Sleep-wake disturbances in cancer patients: narrative review of literature focusing on improving quality of life outcomes.

Purpose Evidence suggests a high prevalence of sleep–wake disturbances in patients with cancer, occurring at diagnosis, during treatment, and continuing to survivorship. Yet associations between sleep–wake disturbances and the impact on quality of life outcomes is less clear. The purpose of this narrative review of the literature is to evaluate sleep–wake disturbances in patients with cancer, to describe the influence of poor sleep on quality of life as an outcome, and to evaluate the evidence to recommend future interventions.
Estimation of three-class ideal observer decision functions with a Bayesian artificial neural network

We are using Bayesian artificial neural networks (BANNs) to eliminate false-positive detections in our computer-aided diagnosis schemes. In the present work, we investigated whether BANNs can be used to estimate likelihood ratio, or ideal observer, decision functions for distinguishing observations which are drawn from three classes. Three univariate normal distributions were chosen representing three classes. We sampled 3,000 values of x for each of 10 training datasets, and 3,000 values of x for a single testing dataset. A BANN was trained on each training dataset, and the two outputs from each trained BANN, which estimate p(class 1x) and p(class 2x), were recorded for each value of x in the testing dataset. The mean BANN output and its standard error were calculated using the ten sets of BANN output. We repeated the above procedure to estimate the means and standard errors of the two likelihood ratio decision functions p(xclass 1)/p(xclass 3)/p(xclass 2)/p(xclass 3). We found that the BANN can estimate the a posteriori class probabilities quite accurately, except in regions of data space where outcomes are unlikely. Estimation of the likelihood ratios is more problematic, which we attribute to error amplification caused by taking the ratio of two imprecise estimates. We hope to improve these estimates by constraining the BANN training procedure.
Radical dearomatization of benzene leading to phenanthridine and phenanthridinone derivatives related to (±)-pancratistatin

Abstract The synthesis of the phenanthridinone nucleus common to the Amaryllidaceae series of natural products is achieved by a sequence involving tributylstannane-mediated, benzeneselenol-catalyzed addition of ortho-nitrogen functionalized aryl radicals to benzene, yielding aryl-substituted cyclohexadienes. These cyclohexadienes may be manipulated by oxidative ring closure sequences to generate functionalized phenanthridines. Beginning from 2-hydroxy-6-iodopiperonic acid a key intermediate in the Danishefsky synthesis of (±)-pancratistatin is achieved in two steps.
Peripheral tissue freezing in cryosurgery

The recently formulated bioheat equation of Weinbaum and Jiji which accounts for the vascular ultrastructure and blood perfusion was applied to the freezing of peripheral tissue. Using quasi-steady approximation the temperature distribution in the two-phase tissue and the motion of the frozen front were determined. Results are in good agreement with Pennes' bioheat equation.
Vibration-Based Method and Sensor for Monitoring of Bridge Scour

Scour is the major cause for many bridge failures and damage to piers and abutments. Scour is not easily discernible because it is hidden under the channel flow. Over the years, a number of sensors have been developed for detection of scour depth. Development, testing, and field implementation of a new and simple type of scour sensor is described in this paper. The scour depth detection concept is based on measuring the fundamental frequency of vibration of a rod embedded in the riverbed. The sensor uses a single fiber-optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for transduction of the vibration frequency. The inverse relationship between the fundamental frequency and the length of the sensor rod is used for detection of the scour depth. A computational approach is developed based on the Winkler spring reaction soil model for automated calibration of the scour sensor during installation in the riverbed. The scope of the research included development of the theoretical basis for the sensor, establishment of the computational methodology for detection of the riverbed foundation properties, proof-of-concept laboratory tests, small-scale field verification tests, and installation and remote monitoring of scour in a multispan scour critical bridge in Illinois. The results include laboratory test data from the measurements in soil, simulated scour tests in a hydraulic flume, and real-time data from remote monitoring of scour at the bridge site.
Evaluation of real-time hydrometeorological ensemble prediction on hydrologic scales in Northern California

Summary The paper presents an evaluation of real time ensemble forecasts produced during 2010–2012 by the demonstration project INFORM (Integrated Forecast and Reservoir Management) in Northern California. In addition, the innovative elements of the forecast component of the INFORM project are highlighted. The forecast component is designed to dynamically downscale operational multi-lead ensemble forecasts from the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and the Climate Forecast system (CFS) of the National Centers of Environmental Prediction (NCEP), and to use adaptations of the operational hydrologic models of the US National Weather Service California Nevada River Forecast Center to provide ensemble reservoir inflow forecasts in real time. A full-physics 10-km resolution (10 km on the side) mesoscale model was implemented for the ensemble prediction of surface precipitation and temperature over the domain of Northern California with lead times out to 16 days with 6-hourly temporal resolution. An intermediate complexity regional model with a 10 km resolution was implemented to downscale the NCEP CFS ensemble forecasts for lead times out to 41.5 days. Methodologies for precipitation and temperature model forecast adjustment to comply with the corresponding observations were formulated and tested as regards their effectiveness for improving the ensemble predictions of these two variables and also for improving reservoir inflow forecasts. The evaluation is done using the real time databases of INFORM and concerns the snow accumulation and melt seasons. Performance is measured by metrics that range from those that use forecast means to those that use the entire forecast ensemble. The results show very good skill in forecasting precipitation and temperature over the subcatchments of the INFORM domain out to a week in advance for all basins, models and seasons. For temperature, in some cases, non-negligible skill has been obtained out to four weeks for the melt season. Reservoir inflow forecasts exhibit also good skill for the shorter lead-times out to a week or so, and provide a good quantitative basis in support of reservoir management decisions pertaining to objectives with a short term horizon (e.g., flood control and energy production). For the northernmost basin of Trinity reservoir inflow forecasts exhibit good skill for lead times longer than 3 weeks in the snow melt season. Bias correction of the ensemble precipitation and temperature forecasts with fixed bias factors over the range of lead times improves forecast performance for almost all leads for precipitation and temperature and for the shorter lead times for reservoir inflow. The results constitute a first look at the performance of operational coupled hydrometeorological ensemble forecasts in support of reservoir management.
Chaos in the Heart: Implications for Clinical Cardiology

Mathematical “chaos” appears to occur in the heartbeat time-series. Low-dimensional chaos can be visualized as a geometric or spatial pattern in a temporal process. Several methods are available for representing these geometric patterns, including the mutual information content, the correlation dimension, and the type of pattern recurrences. Application of these methods to the heartbeat following coronary artery occlusion shows that prior to the initiation of lethal arrhythmogenesis the mutual information increases, the correlation dimension decreases, and the recurrence patterns shift from periodic clustering to local clustering. These observations not only have implications for new theoretical approaches to understanding how the heartbeat is generated and how arrhythmias occur, but also for the development of new biomedical tests and the manufacture of new devices for use in clinical cardiology.
α-Adrenergic activity of N,N-dimethyldopamine (DMDA)☆

The autonomic and cardiovacular acitivity of N,N-dimethyldopamine (DMDA) was studied in the dog and rabbit. DMDA appears to be a postganglionic sympathetic α-adrenoceptor agonist since it consistently caused vasoconstriction in several isolated vascular beds, even in the presence of ganglionic blockade. The pressor activity of DMDA was attenuated by the α-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine. Calculated pA2 values for phenotolamine against both DMDA and norepinephrine in isolated rabbit arteries were in close agreement. DMDA inhibits cardioaccelerator nerve stimulation induced chronotropic responses by a mechanism which appears to be α-adrenergic in the dog.
EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THE RATE OF 3H-THYMIDINE INCORPORATION OF EPIDIDYMAL PRINCIPAL CELLS IN ADULT SYRIAN HAMSTERS

Photoperiod-induced cycles of gonadal regression and recrudescence in the Syrian hamster were used to determine if epididymal growth in adults involves mitotic activity of principal cells. In Experiment 1, the following groups of adult hamsters were examined: induced recrudescing (5L:19D (5 hr light and 19 hr dark) for 13 wk followed by 14L:10D for at least 3 wk), spontaneous recrudescing (5L:19D for 25 wk), and active gonadal state (14:10D). In Experiment 2, adult hamsters were divided into the following groups: induced recrudescing, active, and regressed (5L:19D for 16 wk). Hamsters received subcutaneous injections of 0.5 microCi 3H-thymidine/g body weight three times/wk for 3 wk. The epididymis was fixed in a glutaraldehyde followed by osmium, embedded in Epon 812, and sectioned at 1 micron. Slides were dipped in Kodak NTB-3 emulsion, exposed for 2 or 3 months, developed, and evaluated for isotopic labeling of principal and basal cell nuclei by scoring 500 to 1,000 nuclei. In Experiment 1, the percentages of labeled principal cell nuclei for the induced recrudescing, spontaneous recrudescing, and active groups were 26 {plus minus} 2%, 23 {plus minus} 5%, and 9 {plus minus} 1%, respectively. Considering the intermittent availability of 3H-thymidine during 21 days, this represents dailymore » recruitment of 6.3%, 5.6%, and 2.2%, respectively. In Experiment 2, the percentages of labeled principal cell nuclei for induced recrudescing, active, and regressed groups were 12 {plus minus} 4%, 3 {plus minus} 1%, and 4 {plus minus} 1%, respectively. There was no effect of photoperiod on labeling pattern of basal cells (1.5 {plus minus} 0.6%, 1.2 {plus minus} 0.1%, 0.4 {plus minus} 0.1% for the three photoperiod groups, respectively).« less
Formation of insoluble oligomers correlates with ST6Gal I stable localization in the Golgi

The ST6Gal I is a sialyltransferase that functions in the late Golgi to modify the N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. The ST6Gal I is expressed as two isoforms with a single amino acid difference in their catalytic domains. The STcys isoform is stably retained in the cell and is predominantly found in the Golgi, whereas the STtyr isoform is only transiently localized in the Golgi and is cleaved and secreted from a post-Golgi compartment. These two ST6Gal I isoforms were used to explore the role of the bilayer thickness mechanism and oligomerization in Golgi localization. Analysis of STcys and STtyr proteins with longer transmembrane regions suggested that the bilayer thickness mechanism is not the predominant mechanism used for ST6Gal I Golgi localization. In contrast, the formation and quantity of Triton X-100-insoluble oligomers was correlated with the stable or transient localization of the ST6Gal I isoforms in the Golgi. Nearly 100% of the STcys and only 13% of the STtyr were found as Triton-insoluble oligomers when Golgi membranes of COS-1 cells expressing these proteins were solubilized at pH 6.3, the pH of the late Golgi. In contrast, both proteins were found in the soluble fraction when these membranes were solubilized at pH 8.0. Analysis of other mutants suggested that a conformational change in the catalytic domain rather than increased disulfide bond-based cross-linking is the basis for the increased ability of STcys protein to form oligomers and the stable localization of STcys protein in the Golgi.
Crystal and magnetic structure of Ce2Fe14B and Lu2Fe14B

Abstract We report Rietveld analyses of neutron powder diffraction data on Ce 2 Fe 14 B and Lu 2 Fe 14 B, two phases which form the tetragonal Nd 2 Fe 14 B crystal structure. The data for both compounds can be accommodated well with the assumption that only the iron sites support magnetic moments. This implies in particular that the cerium ions carry no 4f-derived moments and are thus essentially tetravalent in Ce 2 Fe 14 B. Our analyses demonstrate that all iron moments in each phase are parallel in the c -direction at 77 and 293 K; that is, the c -axis is the easy magnetization direction.
Fecal skatole and indole and breath methane and hydrogen in patients with large bowel polyps or cancer.

The object of this study was to explore the use of fecal skatole and indole and breath methane and hydrogen as metabolic markers of the anaerobic colonic flora in patients with unresected large bowel cancer or polyps. Patients with descending or sigmoid colon cancer were more likely to be breath methane excretors than control subjects, patients with proximal colon cancer, and patients with rectal cancer. Control subjects excreting breath methane excreted less fecal skatole than breath methane excretors in the following groups: patients with adenomatous polyps, all patients with colorectal cancer, patients with proximal colon cancer, patients with descending and sigmoid colon cancer, and patients with rectal cancer. These data suggest that fecal skatole excretion equal to or greater than 100 μg/g feces might be useful to discriminate colorectal cancer patients from control subjects. Twenty-nine percent (8 of 28) of the cancer patients had both “high” skatole levels and breath methane excretion compared with only 2% (1 of 41) of the control subjects (P<0.01).
Arthrodesis of the wrist—Complications and their management

This report confirms the concept previously established in the literature that arthrodesis of the wrist is a technically demanding procedure with a significant incidence of postoperative complications. A series of 31 patients is presented in whom wrist arthrodesis was performed using three separate types of operative techniques, with emphasis on postoperative morbidity and complications. Major complications included: pseudarthrosis (six patients), deep wound infection (one patient), neuroma (one patient), fracture of healed fusion (two patients), and impingement of Steinmann pin on metacarpophalangeal joint (one patient). Minor complications occurred in 13 patients, with transient nerve palsy (four patients) and superficial skin necrosis (five patients) accounting for the majority. A technique is described for treating pseudarthrosis following fusion, which has been used successfully in four patients. In each case, an autogenous bone graft was taken from the ipsilateral proximal ulna, thus obviating the need for a second iliac bone graft.
Uniform Convergence of Lagrange Interpolation Based on the Jacobi Nodes

Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for a continuous function guaranteeing the uniform convergence on the whole interval ?1,1] of its Lagrange interpolant based on the Jacobi nodes. The conditions are in terms of?-variation,PHgr;-variation, the modulus of variation, and the Banach indicatrix of a function.
Strings from tachyons: the c = 1 matrix reloaded

We propose a new interpretation of the c = 1 matrix model as the world-line theory of N unstable D-particles, in which the hermitian matrix is provided by the non-abelian open string tachyon. For D-branes in 1+1-d string theory, we find a direct quantitative match between the closed string emission due to a rolling tachyon and that due to a rolling eigenvalue in the matrix model. We explain the origin of the double-scaling limit, and interpret it as an extreme representative of a large equivalence class of dual theories. Finally, we define a concrete decoupling limit of unstable D-particles in IIB string theory that reduces to the c = 1 matrix model, suggesting that 1+1-d string theory represents the near-horizon limit of an ultra-dense gas of IIB D-particles.
A study on the mechanism of phalloidin-induced tension changes in skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibres.

The time course of phalloidin induced changes in isometric tension of partially activated skinned rabbit psoas fibres was studied as a function of both phalloidin concentration and time of pre-incubation with phalloidin. Upon addition of phalloidin to non-pretreated (control) fibres there was a fall in tension folllowed by an increase in tension. The latency of both parts of the response was inversely related to the phalloidin concentration in the range 40–130 μm phalloidin. By pre-incubating the fibres with phalloidin for varying periods of time it was possible to obtain responses which appeared to represent later portions of the control response. Thus after pre-treatment with 40 μm phalloidin in either rigor or relaxing solution for 5 min (the time corresponding to minimal tension in the control response) the tension response resembled that of the control, beginning from the vicinity of the minimum. The pattern of staining of the fibres by rhodamine-phalloidin was analysed by laser confocal microscopy to relate the mechanical response to phalloidin localization. If fibres were treated with rhodamine-phalloidin for 20–25 min there was a labelling of the I-Z-I segment with intense peaks of fluorescence at the Z-line and the ends of the I filaments. If fibres were pre-incubated for 5 min with phalloidin and then labelled with rhodamine-phalloidin the fluorescence at the Z-line and at the ends of the I filaments was suppressed and the peak of the fluorescence intensity was shifted toward the middle part of the I filament. The data indicate that the decrease in tension caused by phalloidin was associated with binding of phalloidin to the pointed ends of actin filament and the Z-line region, whereas the increase in tension occurred when phalloidin was bound along entire length of the actin filament.
Pattern of peripheral deafferentation predicts reorganizational limits in adult primate somatosensory cortex.

Previous experiments have shown that the reorganization of the hand representations in areas 3b and 1 of somatosensory cortex of monkeys can be extensive or limited, depending on the pattern of peripheral sensory loss. After the loss of two or more digits, the deprived zones of cortex are not fully reactivated by remaining inputs from the hand (Merzenich et al., 1984). In contrast, after deafferentation of the entire glabrous surface of the hand, the deprived cortex becomes responsive throughout its extent to cutaneous stimulation of the dorsal hairy surface of the hand (Garraghty and Kaas, 1991). To test the hypothesis that it is the pattern of sensory loss and not the deprivation procedure that results in these differences, we mimicked multiple-digit amputation by deafferenting corresponding parts of the dorsal and ventral hand. We then recorded from areas 3b and 1 of 3 squirrel monkeys 3–11 months after the deafferentation. In each case, much of the cortex normally activated by the removed inputs remai...
Whistler regime reconnection rates

Based on whistler mode group velocity cones radiated by electromagnetic perturbations (EMPs) in the diffusion region, we predict the magnetic reconnection rates R as a function of the half-width w of the current sheet in the diffusion region. Since an EMP in the diffusion region has a finite width transverse to the ambient magnetic field, its perpendicular wave number (k⊥) spectrum also has a finite width. We first give the rates (R) for monochromatic (discrete) values of k⊥ proportional to w−1. Such rates are used to determine the rates averaged over the wave-number spectrum of a Gaussian-shaped EMP. We compare the predictions on R with results from numerical simulations and satellite observations, showing remarkable agreement.
Dissociative Experiences During Sexual Behavior Among a Sample of Adults Living with HIV Infection and a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Little attention has been given to the occurrence of dissociative symptoms during sexual behavior in adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA). For this study, 57 adults living with HIV infection who had experienced CSA and were entering a treatment study for traumatic stress completed study assessments and clinical interviews, including a 15-item scale of dissociative experiences during sexual behavior. Predictor variables included Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders, rape by an intimate partner, duration of CSA, number of perpetrators of CSA, and current sexual satisfaction. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify significant associations between predictors and dissociation during sex. Mean differences by clinical diagnosis were also examined. Results indicated that PTSD, dissociative disorders, rape by an intimate partner, duration of CSA, and number of perpetrators of CSA were associated with increased dissociation during sexual behavior. Dissociation during sex likely increases vulnerability to sexual revictimization and risky sexual behavior. Standard behavioral prevention interventions may be ineffective for sexual situations when dissociation occurs, and prevention efforts should be integrated with mental health care for those who have experienced CSA.
Evidence against association of the FE65 gene (APBB1) intron 13 polymorphism in Alzheimer's patients

Abstract A genetic polymorphism in intron 13 of the FE65 gene (APBB1) was reported to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our analyses of this polymorphism, both in a family-based or a case-control sample, fail to support the association between the FE65 intron 13 polymorphism and AD. We performed the sibship disequilibrium test (SDT, P=0.77) and the sib transmission/disequilibrium test (Sib-TDT, P=0.56) in a family-based study which included 526 subjects from 158 sibships. In addition, we compared the genotype and allele frequencies of this biallelic polymorphism in 311 AD patients to those of a control group consisting of 260 subjects and found no significant difference (χ2, P=0.847 and P=0.586, respectively). Furthermore, our two-point linkage analysis in a family-based sample was in agreement with a genome wide scan for linkage to AD and showed no evidence for linkage to the short arm of chromosome 11 where the FE65 gene is located. We conclude that the association of the FE65 intron 13 polymorphism with AD, if any, is smaller than previously reported.
Modification of Interface between Regulatory and Essential Light Chains Hampers Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of Smooth Muscle Myosin

We examined the regulatory importance of interactions between regulatory light chain (RLC), essential light chain (ELC), and adjacent heavy chain (HC) in the regulatory domain of smooth muscle heavy meromyosin. After mutating the HC, RLC, and/or ELC to disrupt their predicted interactions (using scallop myosin coordinates), we measured basal ATPase, V(max), and K(ATPase) of actin-activated ATPase, actin-sliding velocities, rigor binding to actin, and kinetics of ATP binding and ADP release. If unphosphorylated, all mutants were similar to wild type showing turned-off behaviors. In contrast, if phosphorylated, mutation of RLC residues smM129Q and smG130C in the F-G helix linker, which interact with the ELC (Ca(2+) binding in scallop), was sufficient to abolish motility and diminish ATPase activity, without altering other parameters. ELC mutations within this interacting ELC loop (smR20M and smK25A) were normal, but smM129Q/G130C-R20M or -K25A showed a partially recovered phenotype suggesting that interaction between the RLC and ELC is important. A molecular dynamics study suggested that breaking the RLC/ELC interface leads to increased flexibility at the interface and ELC-binding site of the HC. We hypothesize that this leads to hampered activation by allowing a pre-existing equilibrium between activated and inhibited structural distributions (Vileno, B., Chamoun, J., Liang, H., Brewer, P., Haldeman, B. D., Facemyer, K. C., Salzameda, B., Song, L., Li, H. C., Cremo, C. R., and Fajer, P. G. (2011) Broad disorder and the allosteric mechanism of myosin II regulation by phosphorylation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 108, 8218-8223) to be biased strongly toward the inhibited distribution even when the RLC is phosphorylated. We propose that an important structural function of RLC phosphorylation is to promote or assist in the maintenance of an intact RLC/ELC interface. If the RLC/ELC interface is broken, the off-state structures are no longer destabilized by phosphorylation.
High-resolution mass spectrometers.

Over the past decade, mass spectrometry has been revolutionized by access to instruments of increasingly high mass-resolving power. For small molecules up to ∼400 Da (e.g., drugs, metabolites, and various natural organic mixtures ranging from foods to petroleum), it is possible to determine elemental compositions (CcHhNnOoSsPp…) of thousands of chemical components simultaneously from accurate mass measurements (the same can be done up to 1000 Da if additional information is included). At higher mass, it becomes possible to identify proteins (including posttranslational modifications) from proteolytic peptides, as well as lipids, glycoconjugates, and other biological components. At even higher mass (∼100,000 Da or higher), it is possible to characterize posttranslational modifications of intact proteins and to map the binding surfaces of large biomolecule complexes. Here we review the principles and techniques of the highest-resolution analytical mass spectrometers (time-of-flight and Fourier transform ion...
Two simple questions to assess neurologic outcomes at 3 months after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Experience from the Public Access Defibrillation Trial

Background Two simple questions have been used to classify neurologic outcome in patients with stroke. Could they be similarly applied to patients with cardiac arrest?
DNA binding alters coactivator interaction surfaces of the intact VDR–RXR complex

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) functions as an obligate heterodimer in complex with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). These nuclear receptors are multidomain proteins, and it is unclear how various domains interact with one another within the nuclear receptor heterodimer. Here, we show that binding of intact heterodimer to DNA alters the receptor dynamics in regions remote from the DNA-binding domains (DBDs), including the coactivator binding surfaces of both co-receptors, and that the sequence of the DNA response element can determine these dynamics. Furthermore, agonist binding to the heterodimer results in changes in the stability of the VDR DBD, indicating that the ligand itself may play a role in DNA recognition. These data suggest a mechanism by which nuclear receptors show promoter specificity and have differential effects on various target genes, providing insight into the function of selective nuclear receptor modulators.
Loss-of-Function Screen Reveals Novel Regulators Required for Drosophila Germline Stem Cell Self-Renewal.

The germline stem cells (GSCs) of Drosophila melanogaster ovary provide an excellent model system to study the molecular mechanisms of stem cell self-renewal. To reveal novel factors required for Drosophila female GSC maintenance and/or division, we performed a loss-of-function screen in GSCs by using a collection of P-element–induced alleles of essential genes. Mutations in genes of various functional groups were identified to cause defects in GSC self-renewal. Here we report that a group of mutations affecting various ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes cause significant GSCs loss, including Plenty of SH3s (POSH), Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 10 (UbcD10), and pineapple eye (pie). Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation plays a variety of roles in the regulation of many developmental processes, including mediating stem cell division through degradation of cell cycle regulators. We demonstrated that pie, sharing highly conserved RING domains with human E3 ubiquitin ligase G2E3 that are critical for early embryonic development, is specifically required for GSC maintenance, possibly through regulation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway. Despite the previously reported role in imaginal disc cell survival, pie loss-of-function induced GSC loss is not to the result of caspase-involved cell death. Further efforts are needed to elucidate the functions of ubiquitin ligases in GSC maintenance, which will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of how the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes regulate stem cell biology in mammalian systems.
Suppression of reverse biased diode leakage by MeV ion implantation

MeV Ion implantation has proven useful for many applications, such as latch-up suppression, SER reduction, and buried layer formation. MeV ion implantation can also be used to form a minority carrier diffusion barrier to reduce reverse bias diode leakage, particularly at high temperatures. The reduction in diode leakage has applications in DRAMs, CCDs, etc. The use of a MeV implanted diffusion barrier improves the ability to scale DRAM cell capacitance. >
Why do so few women work in New York (and so many in Minneapolis)? Labor supply of married women across US cities

This paper documents a little-noticed feature of US labor markets—very large variation in the labor supply of married women across cities. We focus on cross-city differences in commuting times as a potential explanation for this variation. We start with a model in which commuting times introduce non-convexities into the budget set. Empirical evidence is consistent with the model’s predictions: Labor force participation rates of married women are negatively correlated with the metropolitan area commuting time. Also, metropolitan areas with larger increases in average commuting time in 1980–2000 had slower growth in the labor force participation of married women.
A simple technique for covering bilateral IMA.

A method of covering mammary grafts with pleura, thymus, and pericardium to separate them from the sternum is described.
Impact of program review on community colleges

Results of a study of program review among community colleges nationwide point to the importance of key leadership support, organizational communication, a clear understanding of the purposes of program review, and frequent action on program review recommendations at all organizational levels.
Diet breadth of mammalian herbivores: nutrient versus detoxification constraints.

Two hypotheses, nutrient constraints and detoxification limitation, have been proposed to explain the lack of specialists among mammalian herbivores. The nutrient constraint hypothesis proposes that dietary specialization in mammalian herbivores is rare because no one plant can provide all requisite nutrients. The detoxification limitation hypothesis suggests that the mammalian detoxification system is incapable of detoxifying high doses of similar secondary compounds present in a diet of a single plant species. We experimentally tested these hypotheses by comparing the performance of specialist and generalist woodrats (Neotoma) on a variety of dietary challenges. Neotoma stephensi is a narrow dietary specialist with a single species, one-seeded juniper, Juniperus monosperma, comprising 85–95% of its diet. Compared with other plants available in the habitat, juniper is low in nitrogen and high in fiber, phenolics, and monoterpenes. The generalist woodrat, N. albigula, also consumes one-seeded juniper, but to a lesser degree. The nutrient constraint hypothesis was examined by feeding both species of woodrats a low-nitrogen, high-fiber diet similar to that found in juniper. We found no differences in body mass change, or apparent digestibility of dry matter or nitrogen between the two species of woodrats after 35 days on this diet. Moreover, both species were in positive nitrogen balance. We tested the detoxification limitation hypothesis by comparing the performance of the generalist and specialist on diets with and without juniper leaves, the preferred foliage of the specialist, as well as on diets with and without α-pinene, the predominant monoterpene in juniper. We found that on the juniper diet, compared with the specialist, the generalist consumed less juniper and lost more mass. Urine pH, a general indicator of overall detoxification processes, declined in both groups on the juniper diet. The generalist consumed half the toxin load of the specialist yet its urine pH was slightly lower. Moreover, the generalist consumed significantly less of the treatment with high concentrations of α-pinene compared to the control treatment, while the specialist consumed the same amount of food regardless of α-pinene concentration. For both groups, urine pH declined as levels of α-pinene in the diet increased. The generalist produced a significantly more acidic urine than the specialist on the treatment with the highest α-pinene concentration. Our results suggest that in this system, specialists detoxify plant secondary compounds differently than generalists and plant secondary compounds may be more important than low nutrient levels in maintaining dietary diversity in generalist herbivores.
Phenome-wide Association Study Relating Pretreatment Laboratory Parameters With Human Genetic Variants in AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocols

Methods. Data from 4 AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) studies were split into 2 datasets: Dataset I (1181 individuals from protocol A5202) and Dataset II (1366 from protocols A5095, ACTG 384, and A5142). Final analyses involved 2547 individuals and 5 954 294 imputed polymorphisms. We calculated comprehensive associations between these polymorphisms and 27 baseline laboratory phenotypes. Results. A total of 10 584 (0.17%) polymorphisms had associations with P< .01 in both datasets and with the same direction of association. Twenty polymorphisms replicated associations with identical or related phenotypes reported in the Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies, including several not previously reported in HIV-positive cohorts. We also identified several possibly novel associations. Conclusions. These analyses define PheWAS properties and principles with baseline laboratory data from HIV clinical trials. This approach may be useful for evaluating on-treatment HIV clinical trials data for associations with various clinical phenotypes.
Practical Object-Oriented Development in C++ and Java

Objects and Classes. A Crash Course in Basic C++. Implementing Classes. Interfaces. Object-Oriented Design. Programming by Contract. Inheritance. Polymorphism. A Crash Course in Java. The Object Models in C++ and Java. Names: Scope, Access, and Conflict Control. Operator Overloading. Streams and Persistence. Memory Management. Parameterized Classes. Exception Handling. Class Library Design. Multiple Inheritance. Frameworks. References. Index.
"Diffusion-clinical mismatch" is associated with potential for early recovery of aphasia.

Background: Diffusion-perfusion mismatch (perfusion-weighted imaging [PWI] abnormality minus diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI] abnormality) can identify candidates for acute stroke intervention, but PWI is often not obtainable. The authors hypothesized that language tests can predict volume of hypoperfusion, and thus mismatch, in acute left hemisphere stroke, and that the estimated mismatch can predict potential for early recovery of language. Methods: A consecutive series of 81 patients with acute left hemisphere ischemic stroke underwent language testing within 1 day of MRI scans. Volumes of abnormality on PWI and DWI were measured without knowledge of language scores. Using tests that correlated well with PWI abnormality (oral naming and repetition), the authors computed an estimated PWI abnormality (ePWI) for each patient from a linear regression model and derived a diffusion-clinical percent mismatch ([ePWI−DWI/ePWI] × 100). The authors then tested the hypothesis that patients with ≥20% diffusion-clinical mismatch have a greater chance of short-term improvement in language by examining scores of the 23 patients with repeat testing within 1 week. Results: Within-group comparisons: patients with ≥20% diffusion-clinical mismatch showed improvement in total language score within 1 week (Wilcoxon signed rank: p U : p Conclusions: Tests of oral naming or repetition can be used in patients with acute left hemisphere stroke to estimate perfusion-weighted imaging abnormality and compute a diffusion-clinical mismatch that may predict potential for short-term language improvement.
Pur α binds to rCGG repeats and modulates repeat-mediated neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Fragile X Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a recently recognized neurodegenerative disorder in fragile X premutation carriers with FMR1 alleles containing 55-200 CGG repeats. Previously, we developed a Drosophila model of FXTAS and demonstrated that transcribed premutation repeats alone are sufficient to cause neurodegeneration, suggesting that rCGG-repeat-binding proteins (RBPs) may be sequestered from their normal function by rCGG binding. Here, we identify Pur alpha and hnRNP A2/B1 as RBPs. We show that Pur alpha and rCGG repeats interact in a sequence-specific fashion that is conserved between mammals and Drosophila. Overexpression of Pur alpha in Drosophila could suppress rCGG-mediated neurodegeneration in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Pur alpha is also present in the inclusions of FXTAS patient brains. These findings support the disease mechanism of FXTAS of rCGG repeat sequestration of specific RBPs, leading to neuronal cell death, and implicate that Pur alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of FXTAS.
The Association and Nuclear Translocation of the PIAS3-STAT3 Complex Is Ligand and Time Dependent

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor activation of downstream signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. STAT3 transcriptional activity can be negatively regulated by protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3). We investigated the time-dependent PIAS3 shuffling and binding to STAT3 in an EGF-dependent model in lung cancer by using confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and protein analysis of segregated cellular components. We also explored the role of phosphorylation at Tyr705 of STAT3 in the formation and intracellular shuffling of the PIAS3-STAT3 complex. In a growth factor–free state, PIAS3 was localized to the cytoplasm and unbound to STAT3 in both H520 and A549 cells. On exposure to EGF, we observed STAT3 phosphorylation and rapid formation of the PIAS3-STAT3 complex. Within 5 minutes, there was a progressive translocation of the complex to the nucleus, and by 10 minutes, PIAS3 was uniquely localized to the nuclear compartment. After 30 minutes, PIAS3 returned to the cytoplasm. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we substituted Tyr705 of STAT3 with a phenylalanine. Despite EGF stimulation, we observed a significant decrease in PIAS3-STAT3 binding and a significant reduction in nuclear translocation of PIAS3. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the capacity of PIAS3 to reduce STAT3-mediated gene transcription. In wild-type STAT3 cells, increasing concentrations of PIAS3 resulted in a proportional decrease in STAT3 phosphorylation. These data suggest an important role for the negative regulatory effect of PIAS3 on STAT3 in EGF-driven tumors. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(11):1854–60)
A Rogerian Theoretical Tapestry

A five-level analytical framework is employed in order to critically analyze Martha E. Rogers' science of unitary human beings. Philosophical and epistemological threads are followed in an attempt to evaluate the coherence and comprehensiveness of her theoretical work. The interconnectedness between the five levels is demonstrated, and areas of debate and concern are elucidated. The philosophical and epistemological tapestry emerging from Rogers' theoretical thinking is found to reflect coherence in her philosophical and epistemological positions and beauty in the pattern found therein. The challenge lies in finding innovative methods of inquiry congruent with Rogers' view.
Resource-constrained rate control for Motion JPEG2000

With the increasing importance of heterogeneous networks and time-varying communication channels, fine scalability has become a highly desirable feature in both image and video coders. A single highly scalable bitstream can provide precise rate control for constant bitrate (CBR) traffic and accurate quality control for variable bitrate (VBR) traffic. We first propose two leaky-bucket rate allocation methods that provide constant quality video under buffer constraints. These methods can be used with all scalable coders. Moreover, we make use of one of these methods (DBRC) and extend it so that it can be used when multiple sequences are multiplexed over a single communications channel. The goal is to allocate the capacity of the channel between sequences to achieve constant quality across all sequences. Experimental results using Motion JPEG2000 demonstrate substantial benefits.
Insight as a common and specific impact of psychotherapy: therapist-reported exploratory, directive, and common factor interventions.

The facilitation of insight—broadly defined as forming new connections about one’s self, others, and emotions—is viewed as a key process in many forms of psychotherapy. However, relatively little empirical work has addressed what types of therapeutic techniques may facilitate or hinder insight, especially in applied settings. In this practice-research network study, 31 clients and 16 therapists completed questionnaires after 401 sessions of psychotherapy. Multilevel linear modeling was used to explore whether insights are associated with various types of treatments and therapist-reported interventions, while taking into account differences between clients, therapists, and sessions. The results indicate that the types of treatment, as defined by the theoretical orientation of therapists’ supervision, were not related to client-rated insight, although this analysis requires more statistical power. However, sessions that included more therapist-reported exploratory interventions than usual for a given client were found to be lower in insight than other sessions for the same client. Similarly, therapists who reported using more exploratory interventions than other therapists had clients who reported experiencing less insight after sessions than other clients. In contrast, therapists who reported using more directive interventions than other therapists, on average, had clients who reported more insight. However, interaction effects revealed that a more complex interpretation of the data was necessary. Specifically, therapists who reported using more directive interventions than their peers, on average, had clients who reported more insight only if the therapists did not also report using high levels of exploratory interventions. Furthermore, directive interventions were associated with insight only when they were used in sessions that also had high levels of common factors. Overall, this study shows that there are both treatment-specific interventions and common factors that are associated with insight, suggesting that understanding differences between types of psychotherapy may require more nuanced analyses within and between treatments.