cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Von Hippel-Lindau disease simulating polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease and the renal manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease have much in common. Making the distinction between these two diseases is important. There is a strong association of renal cell carcinoma with von Hippel-Lindau disease, whereas renal cell carcinoma is rare in polycystic kidney disease. Furthermore, the many extrarenal manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease are serious and can be fatal while those of polycystic kidney disease are generally benign. Early diagnosis of the lesions of von Hippel-Lindau disease could lead to effective surgical treatment and prevent death. A case of von Hippel-Lindau disease is presented which was incorrectly diagnosed as polycystic kidney disease for sixteen years. The case is instructive in that the possibility of making the correct diagnosis prior to the patient's terminal illness was only through careful assessment of the family. The case is also remarkable in that the patient suffered from progressive renal failure requiring hemodialysis, which has not been associated previously with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
A Diverging Trend in Marital Dissolution by Income Status

Was the divorce plateau of the 1980s experienced by people of all incomes? Using the 2001 and 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation, this study (N = 13,131) examined if there was a significant income class difference in marital dissolution within 10 years of first marriage and if this difference increased from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. The findings indicated that there was a significant income class difference in marital dissolution and that the difference was growing during the study period. Whereas the dissolution rates of higher income women had gone down, the rates for women with the lowest incomes had significantly increased, especially for Black women after the 1980s, indicating a diverging trend in marital dissolution by income status.
Unique odd-chain polyenoic phospholipid fatty acids present in chytrid fungi.

Chytrid fungi are ubiquitous components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems yet they remain understudied. To investigate the use of phospholipid fatty acids as phenotypic characteristics in taxonomic studies and biomarkers for ecological studies, 18 chytrid fungi isolated from soil to freshwater samples were grown in defined media and their phospholipid fatty acid profile determined. Gas chromatographic/mass spectral analysis indicated the presence of fatty acids typically associated with fungi, such as 16:1(n-7), 16:0, 18:2(n-6), 18:3(n-3) 18:1(n-9), and 18:0, as well as, a number of odd-chain length fatty acids, including two polyunsaturated C-17 fatty acids. Conversion to their 3-pyridylcarbinol ester facilitated GC–MS determination of double-bond positions and these fatty acid were identified as 6,9-17:2 [17:2(n-8)] and 6,9,12-17:3 [17:3(n-5)]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of polyunsaturated C-17 fatty acids isolated from the phospholipids of chytrid fungi. Cluster analysis of PLFA profiles showed sufficient correlation with chytrid phylogeny to warrant inclusion of lipid analysis in species descriptions and the presence of several phospholipid fatty acids of restricted phylogenetic distributions suggests their usefulness as biomarkers for ecological studies.
Second order averaging and bifurcations to subharmonics in duffing's equation

Periodic motions near and equilibrium solution of Duffing's equation with negative linear stiffness can evolve, lose their stability, and undergo period doubling bifurcations as excitation amplitude, frequency and damping are varied. For bifurcations to period two it is shown that these can be either sub- or supercritical, depending upon the excitation frequency. The analysis is carried out by the averaging method, and, to retain important non-linear effects, averaging must be taken to second order. Some remarks on higher order subharmonics are made.
Expression of wild-type and mutant simian virus 40 large tumor antigens in villus-associated enterocytes of transgenic mice

The four principal gut epithelial cell lineages undergo continuous and rapid renewal during a geographically well-organized migration along the crypt-to-villus axis. The molecules that regulate their proliferation and differentiation programs are largely unknown. The large tumor antigen (TAg) of wild-type (wt) simian virus 40 (SV40) and its mutant derivatives represent tools for describing the contributions of regulators of the cell cycle to the proliferative state of each lineage. Expression of SV40 TAgwt in postmitotic, villus-associated enterocytes of transgenic mice causes them to reenter the cell cycle without an apparent effect on their state of differentiation. When human KRAS with a Val-12 substitution ([Val12]KRAS) is coexpressed with SV40 TAgwt in villus enterocytes of bitransgenic animals, the two oncoproteins cooperate to produce dedifferentiation (dysplasia). SV40 mutant d11137 expresses a TAg that is unable to complex with p53 but retains N-terminal transforming functions, including the ability to complex pRB, p107, and p300. When SV40 TAgd11137 is expressed in villus enterocytes, they reenter into the cell cycle. However, coexpression of SV40 TAgd11137 and [Val12]KRAS does not produce dysplastic changes. Thus, the N-terminal 121 residues of TAg are sufficient to perturb the proliferative state of the enterocyte but not to produce detectable changes in the state of differentiation when coexpressed with [Val12]KRAS.
A multicompartmental model which simulates the Thallium-201 exercise stress test

Thallium-201 exercise stress testing is a standard method of identifiying ischemia of coronary artery disease, but no model exists for simulating the test. We have developed such a model using comp...
The role of simulation in neurosurgical education: a survey of 99 United States neurosurgery program directors.

Objective With the reduction of resident work hours and the increasing focus on patient safety, it has become evident that simulation has a growing role to play in surgical education. We surveyed the program directors of 99 U.S. Neurosurgery programs in an effort to better understand how simulation can be implemented in Neurosurgery and to gain insight into key issues that are currently being discussed amongst Neurosurgical educators. Methods A 14-item questionnaire was emailed to 99 Neurosurgery residency program directors. Questions assessed the clinical impact of simulation, the role of simulation in academia, the investments required in time and money, and the model best suited for simulation. Results The survey response rate was 53.5%. Seventy-two percent of respondents believed that simulation would improve patient outcome, 74% that it could supplement conventional training, but only 25% that it could replace it. The majority strongly believed that it could help preparing complex cases and could be of use to attending faculty. Forty-five percent thought that residents should achieve pre-defined levels of proficiency on simulators before working on patients. Seventy-four percent of respondents declared they would make simulator practice mandatory if available, and the majority was willing to invest daily time and considerable funds on simulators. Cadavers were the least preferred models to use compared to virtual simulation and noncadaveric physical models. Conclusions Simulation should be integrated in Neurosurgery training curricula. The validation of available tools is the next step that will enable the training, acquisition, and testing of neurosurgical skills.
Redox regulatory mechanisms in cellular stress responses.

• Background Reactive oxygen species are produced in a highly localized and specific pattern in biological stress responses. The present review examines the redox regulatory aspects of a number of molecular stress response mechanisms in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. • Scope The present review provides examples representing both the cytoplasmic stress response, often studied as the heat shock response, as well as the stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum, known as the unfolded protein response. The examples have been selected to illustrate the variety of ways that redox signals mediate and affect stress responses. • Conclusions Redox regulatory mechanisms are intricately embedded in both the cytoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses at multiple levels. Many different stimuli, both internal and external, activate endogenous production of reactive oxygen species as a necessary part of the intracellular communication system that activates stress responses.
Critical Evaluation of the Ability of Sequential Extraction Procedures To Quantify Discrete Forms of Selenium in Sediments and Soils

Sequential extraction procedures (SEPs) have been widely used to characterize the mobility, bioavailibility, and potential toxicity of trace elements in soils and sediments. Although oft-criticized, these methods may perform best with redox-labile elements (As, Hg, Se) for which more discrete biogeochemical phases may arise from variations in oxidation number. We critically evaluated two published SEPs for Se for their specificity and precision by applying them to four discrete components in an inert silica matrix: soluble Se(VI) (selenate), Se(IV) (selenite) adsorbed onto goethite, elemental Se, and a metal selenide (FeSe; achavalite). These were extracted both individually and in a mixed model sediment. The more selective of the two procedures was modified to further improve its selectivity (SEP 2M). Both SEP 1 and SEP 2M quantitatively recovered soluble selenate but yielded incomplete recoveries of adsorbed selenite (64% and 81%, respectively). SEP 1 utilizes 0.1 M K2S2O8 to target “organically associ...
Conservative at the Crossroads ‘Ironic’ vs. ‘Revolutionary’ Conservatism in Thomas Mann’s Reflections of a Non-Political Man

This essay addresses the question of whether Thomas Mann and his major political work, Reflections of a Non-Political Man (1918), have a place in the intellectual heritage of the movement commonly known as the ‘Conservative Revolution’. It describes how Thomas Mann, during the Great War and the ensuing German revolution, found himself in a dilemma characteristic of the bourgeois conservatism of that time. Whilst many of his contemporaries increasingly radicalized their position, this essay argues that Mann’s irony was not only a literary device, but led him towards a moderate political position which, although it was not fully articulated until after the war, can be traced to Reflections. Drawing on Reflections and Mann’s correspondence and diaries of that period, as well as on previous scholarship both on Mann and on German conservatism, this essay argues that not only was and is Mann unsuitable for appropriation by the extreme right, but that the very concept of the ‘Conservative Revolution’ should be r...
Making choices about choice: House support for abortion funding.

Abstract This study delineates the impact of a member′s personal attributes, constituency characteristics, and party affiliation on willingness to support public funding of abortions in select instances for economically disadvantaged women. Our analysis of roll-call voting on H.R. 2990 (101st Congress) demonstrates that, while party is an important cue for vote choice, personal attributes and constituency characteristics also shape a legislator′s position on this particular policy issue. We find that a member′s gender, religion, and own degree of social conservatism are especially salient factors influencing that decision. For controversial issues, this suggests that legislators may function primarily as trustees when public opinion is polarized.
Distinguishing automatic and controlled components of attitudes from direct and indirect measurement methods

Distinct automatic and controlled processes are presumed to influence social evaluation. Most empirical approaches examine automatic processes using indirect methods, and controlled processes using direct methods. We distinguished processes from measurement methods to test whether a process distinction is more useful than a measurement distinction for taxonomies of attitudes. Results from two studies suggest that automatic components of attitudes can be measured directly. Direct measures of automatic attitudes were reports of gut reactions (Study 1) and behavioral performance in a speeded self-report task (Study 2). Confirmatory factor analyses comparing two-factor models revealed better fits when self-reports of gut reactions and speeded self-reports shared a factor with automatic measures versus sharing a factor with controlled self-report measures. Thus, distinguishing attitudes by the processes they are presumed to measure (automatic versus controlled) is more meaningful than distinguishing based on the directness of measurement.
Computer-Mediated Communication and Group Decision Making: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract A meta-analysis of research comparing decision making in face-to-face versus computer-mediated communication groups was conducted. Results suggest that computer-mediated communication leads to decreases in group effectiveness, increases in time required to complete tasks and decreases in member satisfaction compared to face-to-face groups. All of the moderators tested (anonymity in the group process, limited versus unlimited time to reach decisions, group size, and task type) were significant for at least one of the dependent variables. The article concludes with cautions about the unbridled rush by organizations to adopt computer-mediated communication as a medium for group decision making and implications of the present findings for theory and research on computer-mediated communication and group decision making.
Proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1) stimulate release of high mobility group protein-1 by pituicytes

Abstract Background: Cytokines mediate the metabolic and physiologic responses to injury and infection. Anterior pituitary cells express receptors for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 1 (IL-1), which can signal these cells to release corticotropin, growth hormone, and cytokines such as IL-1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. This interaction provides an important link between the immune system and the neuroendocrine system. We reasoned that pituicytes activated with TNF or IL-1 might release previously unrecognized factors that could participate in this signaling from the neuroendocrine to the immune system. Methods: Proteins released from rat pituicytes (GH3) after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines were identified by N-terminal amino acid sequencing. Polyclonal antibodies against a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal amino acid sequence were generated and used to determine the kinetics of protein release. Results: Cytokine stimulation induced the release of a 30-kd protein from rat pituicytes. After the protein was isolated and the N-terminal amino acid sequence determined, a protein database analysis revealed that it is high mobility group-1 (HMG-1) protein. TNF and IL-1 induced the release of HMG-1 from pituicytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interferon gamma alone did not induce the release of HMG-1, but it enhanced TNF-induced HMG-1 release. Conclusion: Stimulation of pituicytes by TNF or IL-1 induces the release of HMG-1, which may participate in the regulation of neuroendocrine and immune responses to infection or injury. (Surgery 1999;126:389-92.)
Effects of Three Anesthetic Regimens on Bioengineering Methods Conducted on Ventral Abdominal Skin of Weanling Swine

Background/Purpose: A weanling swine model was previously developed to study healing of cutaneous injuries induced by the blistering chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. Noninvasive bioengineering methods are used in the model to monitor the progress of wound healing and evaluate the efficacy of treatments. It is necessary to anesthetize the animals to facilitate bioengineering data collection from ventral abdominal wound sites. As anesthetic agents affect cardiac output and deep vascular and cutaneous microcirculation in many species, there was a need to identify an anesthetic regimen with minimal effects on baseline measurements. The effects of three anesthetic regimens on reflectance colorimetry, transepidermal water loss, and laser Doppler perfusion imaging were studied in unexposed control animals. Methods: The following regimens were tested on six female Yorkshire swine (weanlings, 8–11 kg): repeated, separate intramuscular (i.m.) injections of ketamine HCl and xylazine HCl (K/X, at 20 ± 2 mg/kg a...
Peers Versus National Culture: An Analysis of Antecedents to Ethical Decision-making

Given the recent ethics scandals in the United States, there has been a renewed focus on understanding the antecedents to ethical decision-making in the research literature. Since ethical norms and standards of behavior are not universally consistent, an individual’s choice of referent may exert a large influence on his/her ethical decision-making. This study used a social identity theory lens to empirically examine the relative influence of the macro- and micro-level variables of national culture and peers on an individual’s intention to behave ethically. Our sample consisted of respondents from Germany, Italy, and Japan. The results indicated that both national culture and peers were found to act as significant referents in ethical decision-making dilemmas. Although peers exerted a much stronger influence on an individual’s ethical decision-making, the impact of peers varied depending on the national culture levels of individualism and power distance.
Splenic artery embolization for Thrombocytopenia in Chemotherapy Recipients

Purpose Retrospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of splenic artery embolization (SAE) in 10 chemotherapy patients unable to proceed with treatment due to low platelet(PLT) counts. SAE has been demonstrated to improve thrombocytopenia associated with hypersplenism and cirrhosis. Certain chemotherapy regimens, most commonly the agent gemcitabine, cause severe thrombocytopenia which can delay or limit the use of this agent. Materials and Methods Between January 2011-July 2012, 10 patients (M-8, F-2, mean age 63±11.2 years) with a variety of malignancies underwent proximal coil SAE. Follow up included PLT counts, CBC, adverse events and volumetric splenic analysis. Comparison of the mean±SD was evaluated with paired/unpaired t-test analysis. Results Embolization was technically successful in all cases. 30 day mortality was 0. Optimal chemotherapy was restarted in 25.9±18.7 days (range 4-58) after the procedure in 9/10 pts. One patient declined chemotherapy. Mean PLT count increased from 87±21.6x103/mcL (range 49-118) pre-procedure to 175.6±79.3x103/mcL (range 53-280; p = 0.003) at one week and 164.6±66.7x103/mcL (range 65-306; p=0.004) at 1 month. Mean splenic volume decreased from 498.1±266.1cm3 (range 164.8-953.9) to 426.7±269.2cm3 (range 94.9-835.4; p=0.52) at 1 month. Mean infarction rate was 18.4% without fever or abscess formation. 4/10 patients reported LUQ pain, one requiring a 23 hour observation admission. Conclusion Thrombocytopenia can be a major challenge in oncology. This preliminary data suggests that proximal coil SAE is a straightforward procedure that appears safe, well tolerated and efficacious. It is believed to temporarily decrease blood flow to the spleen therefore decreasing PLT filtration while preservation of short gastric arteries decreases rate of infarction and infection. Although mean splenic volume reduction was only 18.4%, sufficient improvement in PLT count in all patients allowed reinstitution of optimal chemotherapy regimens. Continued follow up in a larger group of patients is indicated to confirm ongoing efficacy of these promising preliminary results.
An endo-exonuclease activity of yeast that requires a functional RAD52 gene

Extracts of Rad+ and radiation-sensitive (rad) mutants of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined for total Mg2+-dependent alkaline deoxyribonuclease activity and the presence of a nuclease that crossreacts immunologically with an antiserum raised against an endoexonuclease from Neurospora crassa, an enzyme exhibiting both deoxyribo- and ribonuclease activities. No significant differences were observed in total deoxyribonuclease activity between Rad+ and rad mutants. The antibody precipitable activity, however, was found to be 30%–40% of the total alkaline deoxyribonuclease activity in logarithmically growing Rad+ cells. Extracts of stationary phase cells were lacking in antibody precipitable activity. Using immunoblot methods, a 72 kDa crossreacting protein was identified from logarithmically growing cells that was absent from stationary phase cells. In all radiation-sensitive mutants examined, except rad52, at least 20% of total activity was precipitable. Extracts from logarithmically growing rad52 mutants, including a rad52::LEU2 insertion mutant, exhibited less than 10% of the Rad+ precipitable activity; however, some crossreacting material was detected. Although, the level of endo-exonuclease activity is influenced by the RAD52 gene, it is not the product of this gene. The total deoxyribonuclease and the antibody precipitable endo-exonuclease activities were also followed during meiosis. Unlike the Rad+ strain which had previously been shown to have increased levels of total and immunoprecipitable endo-exonuclease as cells underwent meiosis, the rad52 mutant exhibited no increases in either category of nuclease activity. Given the importance of the RAD52 gene in repair, recombination and mutagenesis, the endo-exonuclease may be a significant component of these processes.
The marketing concept, patient dumping and EMTALA

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that in the presence of the marketing concept something is fundamentally wrong in our national health care system where patients are denied emergency medical treatment or are prematurely transferred from one hospital to another because they cannot guarantee payment.Design/methodology/approach – A viewpoint is discussed citing supporting literature.Findings – The literature suggests an adverse relationship between the marketing concept and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) and further suggests that the two are failing indigent patients. The marketing concept as a driving business philosophy is too simplistic and commercially oriented to befit an emergency setting. At the same time, EMTALA suffers from serious shortcomings, shackles hospitals' freedom of contract and threatens the economics of health care.Research limitations/implications – The paper lacks quantitative research to back its position.Practical implications – It is not ...
In Situ Growth and Chemical Composition of the Giant Kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera: Response to Temporal Changes in Ambient Nutrient Availability

Temporal variations in growth of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera were examined in relation to ambient nutrient availability and chemical composition of mature blades, the primary site of nutrient and carbohydrate storage in M. pyrifera. The effect of nutrient availability on growth was well approximated by a Monod rectangular hyperbola, with growth saturating at ambient nitrate concentrations between 1 and 2 FM. M. pyrlfera was unable to generate nutrient reserves that would last beyond 30 d. Nitrogen reserves were stored as free amino acids, and generally constituted about 10 % of total tissue nitrogen. Total nitrogen content was never more than 2 .5% of dry weight. There was no significant corrc.lation between growth and tissue nitrogen. In contrast, carbohydrate levels were negatively correlated with growth rates, tissue nitrogen content, and ambient nutrient availability. Although concentrations of nitrogen and carbohydrate reserves showed familiar variations described for other kelps, the physical environment in southern California is probably not amenable to M. pyrifera making strategic use of these reserves. Nutrient availability appears to be too low to permit accumulation of more than 30 d reserve of nitrogen, and light levels are probably never low enough to make stored carbohydrate reserves necessary for survival.
Studies on resistance in snails: a specific tissue reaction to Echinostoma lindoense in Biomphalaria glabrata snails.

Abstract In juvenile albino Biomphalaria glabrata snails exposed for the first time to Echinostoma lindoense miracidia, and observed to be resistant, the sporocysts migrated to the heart at the same speed as they did in susceptible snails. However, in resistant snails the sporocysts were soon destroyed in the heart by amebocyte clumps. When these snails were then re-exposed to miracidia of the same species of trematode, the sporocysts were quickly destroyed soon after miracidial penetration, chiefly in the head-foot region. This strongly accelerated tissue reaction appears to have been induced by the previous contact with the same parasite. The sensitization of the snail tissues was highly specific: the hosts remained susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni and Paryphostomum segregation (Echinostomatidae), although partial resistance was observed against Echinostoma paraensei and E. liei , which are closely related to E. lindoense .
Inclusion compounds formed between cyclodextrins and nylon 6

Abstract High performance properties are increasingly needed in fibers for industrial applications. Such properties have been achieved in both flexible and intrinsically stiff polymers, but only through specialized and expensive spinning methods. In this work, the potential of achieving high performance mechanical behavior in nylon 6 using a conventional spinning process was explored. We report the formation of high-molecular-weight polymer inclusion compounds (ICs) between α- and β-cyclodextrins (α- and β-CDs) and nylon 6 (Mn=12 kg mol−1). Both high-molecular-weight polymer ICs were successfully made by a heating technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been utilized to observe the nylon 6 polymer chains included inside the channels formed by the cyclodextrins. DSC and TGA scans showed the high-temperature stable nylon 6-CD-IC samples contain no free crystalline nylon 6 polymer, and the much higher decomposition temperatures observed for these nylon-CD-ICs may imply that polymer chains included inside the polymer CD-IC channels can greatly improve cyclodextrins' stabilities. The nylon 6-α-CD-IC and nylon 6-β-CD-IC X-ray diffraction patterns were very similar to those of valeric acid-α-CD-IC and 1-propanol-β-CD-IC, which were confirmed to be channel crystal structures by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A new band which was absent from the pure cyclodextrin spectrum appeared at 1729 cm−1 for nylon 6-CD-ICs in their FTIR spectra and may be characteristic for CDs in their channel-forming ICs.
Recovering three-dimensional shape from a single image of curved objects

An algorithm to recover three-dimensional shape, i.e., surface orientation and relative depth from a single segmented image is presented. It is assumed that the scene is composed of opaque regular solid objects bounded by piecewise smooth surfaces with no markings or textures. It is also assumed that the reflectance map R(n) is known. For the canonical case of Lambertian surfaces illuminated by a point light source, this implies knowing the light-source direction. A variational formulation of line drawing and shading constraints in a common framework is developed. The global constraints are partitioned into constraint sets corresponding to the faces, edges and vertices in the scene. For a face, the constraints are given by Horn's image irradiance equation. A variational formulation of the constraints at an edge both from the known direction of the image curve corresponding to the edge and shading is developed. At a vertex, the constraints are modeled by a system of nonlinear equations. An algorithm is presented to solve this system of constraints. >
The relationship between part type demand and FMS loading policies

In this paper, the resilience of loading policies to changes in part type demand is analysed. Two loading policies are compared: the maximum production rate policy and the minimum cost policy. The loading policies’ resilience is measured by the operational flexibility that is imparted to the FMS by the policy when the FMS is faced with changes in the part type demand distributions. Results show that changes in part type demand do not statistically affect the resulting FMS makespan. However, as demand increases, the minimum cost policy imparts more routeing flexibility to the FMS than the maximum production rate policy. Likewise, as the demand decreases, the minimum cost policy results in a larger capacity flexibility measure than the maximum production rate policy. In summary, the minimum cost policy, while lowering inventory by as much as 48%, is found to increase system routeing flexibility by as much as 17% and capacity flexibility by 7% without statistically affecting planned makespan.
Missions and Conversion Theory

In this article, author Scot McKnight offers an adequate (i.e. biblical) and comprehensive (the experience of Christ and the gospel in the history of the church) model of conversion. In constructing this model, McKnight proposes that conversion has six dimensions: context, crisis, quest, encounter, commitment, and consequences-each of which he develops at some length. His aim is to help women and men more deeply understand contemporary stories and experiences of conversion.
Benzoic acid determination through competitive inhibition of mediated bioelectrocatalysis

A bioelectrochemical system for the sensing of benzoic acid is described. An enzyme-based oxygen electrode is constructed where the enzymatic consumption of oxygen by tyrosinase is monitored electrochemically through the mediator 1,2 naphthoquinone, 4-sulfonate (NQS). The bioelectrocatalysis of oxygen can be electrochemically initiated and terminated and is sensitive to inhibition by benzoic acid in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of catalytic current results from a competitive interaction of benzoic acid at the enzymatic docking site of NQS. This inhibition of catalytic activity is reversible, and full catalytic activity can be reinstated following the removal of benzoic acid from solution. The sensing of benzoic acid is dependent on the nature of the mediator used, occurring with NQS but not with ferricyanide. These studies provide support for the possibility that analytes can be targeted for detection in such inhibition-based sensing through the proper selection of mediator.
Organizing for Influence: Developing Countries, Non-Traditional Intellectual Property Rights and the World Intellectual Property Organization

This article has the aim of showing how institutions, in this case WIPO, can serve as the hub in a network of developing countries that helps them learn more about their options, build stronger coalitions, and produce specific policy recommendations that collectively strengthen their ability to resist new trade rules that are not in their development interests, in light of ongoing research by development economists that challenges the causal relationship of free trade and institutional harmonization to economic development.
Effects of Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 and cyclo (Leu-Gly) on the binding of 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate to striatal cholinergic muscarinic receptors

Abstract The effects of Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (melanotropin release inhibiting factor, MIF) and its analog, cyclo (Leu-Gly) on the mouse and rat striatal cholinergic muscarinic receptors labeled with 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) were investigated. 3H-QNB bound to the rat striatal muscarinic receptors at a single high affinity site with receptor density (Bmax value) of 1200 fmol per mg protein and an apparent dissociation constant (Kd value) of 53.5 pM. At 140 pM concentration of 3H-QNB, the specific binding to the receptors was 724 fmol per mg protein. MIF in a concentration range of 10−9 to 10−4 M did not alter the binding of 3H-QNB but at 10−3 M decreased the binding by 25%. Cyclo (Leu-Gly), on the other hand, in the concentration range of 10−9 to 10−3 M had no effect on the binding of 3H-QNB. A single injection of MIF (3 or 10 mg/kg IP) to rats did not alter the Bmax or the Kd value of 3H-QNB to bind to the striatal membranes. 3H-QNB bound to the mouse striatal muscarinic receptors at a single high affinity site with a Bmax value of 991 fmol/per mg protein and a Kd value of 21 pM. Neither acute administration of MIF (3 or 10 mg/kg IP) nor chronic treatment of the peptide (2, 8 or 32 mg/kg IP, daily for 5 days) to mice could influence the binding of 3H-QNB to the striatal muscarinic receptors. Although oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg) given IP 1 hr prior to sacrifice decreased the Bmax value of 3H-QNB binding in mouse striatum, prior chronic treatment with MIF had no effect on the decreased receptor density (Bmax) during oxotremorine treatment. It is concluded that the previously reported anticholinergic activity of MIF may involve mechanisms other than its direct effect on the brain cholinergic muscarinic receptors.
Design, synthesis, and preliminary SAR study of 3- and 6-side-chain-extended tetrahydro-pyran analogues of cis- and trans-(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydropyran-3-yl)-benzylamine.

Abstract In our effort to further understand interaction of novel pyran derivatives with monoamine transporters, we have designed, synthesized, and biologically characterized side-chain-extended derivatives of our earlier developed cis - and trans -(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydro-pyran-3-yl)-benzylamine derivatives. Both 3- and 6-position extensions were explored. All synthesized derivatives were tested for their affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain by measuring their potency in inhibiting the uptake of [ 3 H]DA, [ 3 H]5-HT, and [ 3 H]NE, respectively. Compounds were also tested for their binding affinity at the DAT by their ability to inhibit binding of [ 3 H]WIN 35, 428. The results indicated that extension at the 3-position resulted in loss of activity compared to the original compound I . On the other hand, extension at the 6-position resulted in improvement of activity in the compound cis - 12 by 2-fold over the parent compound I indicating favorable interaction. In addition, two glycoside derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically characterized. The glycosidic trans -isomer 24 exhibited highest potency for the NET in the current series of compounds.
Structural analysis of large-scale systems for distributed state estimation and control applications

Abstract A structural analysis of plantwide processes for application of multi-rate distributed estimation and control is presented. The methodology is demonstrated in two separate case studies involving a simulated industrial reaction-separation system and a pulp mill process. In both cases, the internodal transformation analysis is employed to examine various distributed control network topologies. The partitioning of the process model into interacting subsystems is semi-automatic: it is guided by the mathematical model and phenomenological information about plant flowsheet. Distributed model and internodal communication structure are obtained from global state–space matrices, thus combining the topology of plant flowsheet and the interaction dynamics across the plant subunits. Heuristic guidelines are proposed to balance the computational load and communication overhead across the distributed control network.
Effect of the Cigarette Smoke Component, 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanone (NNK), on Physiological and Molecular Parameters of Thiamin Uptake by Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Thiamin is indispensable for the normal function of pancreatic acinar cells. These cells take up thiamin via specific carrier-mediated process that involves thiamin transporter-1 and -2 (THTR-1 and THTR-2; products of SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 genes, respectively). In this study we examined the effect of chronic exposure of pancreatic acinar cells in vitro (pancreatic acinar 266-6 cells) and in vivo (wild-type and transgenic mice carrying the SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 promoters) to the cigarette smoke component 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) on physiological and molecular parameters of the thiamin uptake process. The results show that chronic exposure of 266-6 cells to NNK (3 µM, 24 h) leads to a significant inhibition in thiamin uptake. The inhibition was associated with a significant decrease in the level of expression of THTR-1 and -2 at the protein and mRNA levels as well as in the activity of SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 promoters. Similarly chronic exposure of mice to NNK (IP 10 mg/100 g body weight, three times/week for 2 weeks) leads to a significant inhibition in thiamin uptake by freshly isolated pancreatic acinar cells, as well as in the level of expression of THTR-1 and -2 protein and mRNA. Furthermore, activity of the SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 promoters expressed in transgenic mice were significantly suppressed by chronic exposure to NNK. The effect of NNK on the activity of the SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 promoters was not mediated via changes in their methylation profile, rather it appears to be exerted via an SP1/GG and SP1/GC cis-regulatory elements in these promoters, respectively. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that chronic exposure of pancreatic acinar cells to NNK negatively impacts the physiological and molecular parameters of thiamin uptake by pancreatic acinar cells and that this effect is exerted, at least in part, at the level of transcription of the SLC19A2 and SLC19A3 genes.
Phase variation in ECHO virus type 6.

Abstract Strains of ECHO virus type 6 isolated during an epidemic of aseptic meningitis in 1955 were shown to react poorly in neutralization test with homologous or heterologous ECHO 6 antisera (virus in S phase). However, after passage in monkey kidney tissue culture, the strains reacted very well with such sera (virus in B phase). Alteration in other biologic characteristics accompanied this change in phase.
A density theorem for purely iterative zero finding methods

In this paper a wide class of purely iterative root finding methods is proved to work for all complex valued polynomials with a positive probability depending only, on the method and the degree of the polynomial. More precisely, if the set of polynomials with roots in the knit ball is considered, then for fixed degree the area of convergent points in the ball of radius 2 is bounded below by some constant for any purely iterative method $z_{i + 1} \leftarrow T_f (z_i )$ where $T_f (z)$ is a rational function of z and $f_{i}$ and its derivatives, for which (1) $\infty $ is repelling fixed point for all f of degree greater than 1 and (2) $T_f (z)$ depends only on z and f’s roots and commutes with linear maps on the complex plane.
BRCA1 promotes unloading of the CMG helicase from a stalled DNA replication fork

The tumor suppressor protein BRCA1 promotes homologous recombination (HR), a high-fidelity mechanism to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that arise during normal replication and in response to DNA-damaging agents. Recent genetic experiments indicate that BRCA1 also performs an HR-independent function during the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Here we show that BRCA1 is required to unload the CMG helicase complex from chromatin after replication forks collide with an ICL. Eviction of the stalled helicase allows leading strands to be extended toward the ICL, followed by endonucleolytic processing of the crosslink, lesion bypass, and DSB repair. Our results identify BRCA1-dependent helicase unloading as a critical, early event in ICL repair.
1435 Frequency and indicators of wholly compensatory mouth care for Belgian hospitalized oncology patients

The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the actual administration of mouth care for Belgian hospitalized oncology patients. Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory was used to analyze the performance of mouth care for cancer patients. Mouth care is indicated when patient's self-care demands are increased or when their self-care capabilities are limited The method used was a secondary data-analysis of the Nursing Minimum Data set of the Belgian hospitalized oncology patients. The randomized sample accounted to 88,000 observations on 35,000 patients. Wholly compensatory mouth care was administered to 10% of the oncology patients. Indicators for mouth care for cancer patients were ventilation 71%, nasogastic tube 55%, endotracheal tube 43%, isolation 41%, malignant neoplasms of lip. cavity and pharynx 40%, age younger than 8 years 37%, disorientation 31%, malignant neoplasms of nose cavities, middle ear, sinus paranasales and larynx 27%, malignant neoplasms of the brains 22% and Hodgkin's disease and leukemia 17% Mouth care was more frequently carried out by higher qualified staff. Results can be used for nursing protocols, textbooks and additional research.
Processing of repeated letters in search and matching tasks

Several published experiments have used a variant of the matching or “same”-“different” paradigm in which the subject indicates whether or not all of the items in a visual array are the same. Contrary to the results of most paradigms in which subjects process multiple items, reaction time (RT) in this matching task is independent of the number of items in the display (N). One possible explanation of this independence holds that subjects respond to some overall property of the display, such as its general symmetry, and not to the individual items. I tested this hypothesis with a visual search task in which subjects searched a circular display of N=2, 4, or 6 letters for a specified target letter under three stimulus conditions. In the varied condition, the nontarget letters were all different from each other. In the repeated condition, the nontargets were repetitions of the same letter, but a single discrepant letter was always present in the display. The uniform condition also used repeated nontargets, but the negative (target-absent) displays contained N repetitions of a single nontarget item. I found that RT increased at a rate of 27 msec/item for the varied condition, but at only 13 and 8 msec/item in the repeated and uniform conditions, respectively. The slopes in the latter conditions were significantly lower than the slope for the varied condition, and they also differed significantly from each other. Hence, there was some advantage attributable to properties of the overall patterns associated with positive and negative responses, suggesting that at least some responses were based on these properties. There was a much larger advantage, however, attributable to the use of repeated nontargets, regardless of whether the overall patterns differed. This latter observation implies that the flat RT functions observed in matching studies must be interpreted primarily in terms of responses to individual items rather than to the pattern as a whole.
Comparison of biodistribution of 3H,32P and 99mTc labeled Gpp(NH)p in tumor bearing hamsters

Abstract Biodistribution and tumor uptake studies were carried out with intravenously injected tracer doses of Gpp(NH)p labeled with 3 H, 32 P or 99m Tc. Syrian golden hamsters with cheek pouch carcinomas, induced by repeated topical applications of DMBA, were used as a tumor model. The biodistributions of these three radionuclides were different, indicating significant molecular cleavage of this nucleotide analog. It was also apparent that this compound labeled with 99m Tc may not be useful for tumor imaging due to low tumor-to-blood specific activity ratio. The cheek pouch carcinoma tumor model may be valuable for the evaluation of tumor localizing radiopharmaceuticals.
A periodic shear-heating mechanism for intermediate-depth earthquakes in the mantle

Intermediate-depth earthquakes, at depths of 50-300 km in subduction zones, occur below the brittle-ductile transition, where high pressures render frictional failure unlikely. Their location approximately coincides with 600 to 800 degrees C isotherms in thermal models, suggesting a thermally activated mechanism for their origin. Some earthquakes may occur by frictional failure owing to high pore pressure that might result from metamorphic dehydration. Because some intermediate-depth earthquakes occur approximately 30 to 50 km below the palaeo-sea floor, however, the hydrous minerals required for the dehydration mechanism may not be present. Here we present an alternative mechanism to explain such earthquakes, involving the onset of highly localized viscous creep in pre-existing, fine-grained shear zones. Our numerical model uses olivine flow laws for a fine-grained, viscous shear zone in a coarse-grained, elastic half space, with initial temperatures from 600-800 degrees C and background strain rates of 10(-12) to 10(-15) s(-1). When shear heating becomes important, strain rate and temperature increase rapidly to over 1 s(-1) and 1,400 degrees C. The stress then drops dramatically, followed by low strain rates and cooling. Continued far-field deformation produces a quasi-periodic series of such instabilities.
Storage Accelerator Bending Magnet without Median Plane Symmetry

An H-magnet with no median plane symmetry, in which all the current carrying coils lie below the median plane, has been studied using the GRACY magnet program. This magnet was suggested by A. vanSteenbergen and has several possible advantages for use in a super-conducting storage accelerator. The field multipoles violating median plane symmetry were found to be small, and correctable with small correction coils. In addition, it was found possible to reduce these undesired multipoles considerably by shaping the iron pole face.
Synthesis of Si(N,C) nanostructured powders from an organometallic aerosol using a hot-wall reactor

Current studies show that nanostructured Si(N,C) powders are readily synthesized by rapid condensation of a pyrolytically decomposed silazane precursor, namely [CH3SiHNH]n,n−3 or 4. Basically, the process involves ultrasonic conversion of the liquid-phase precursor to an aerosol, followed by thermal decomposition in a hot reactor. This was followed by the rapid condensation of the gaseous product exiting the reactor, to form ceramic particles of nanoscale dimension. Thermal decomposition was performed at a temperature of 1000 °C, near ambient pressure with a flow rate of ∼ 150 standard cm3 min−1 for NH3. One critical feature examined in this process was the rapidity of the powder synthesis, in a reaction which involves (i) elimination of ligand groups, (ii) formation of ceramic species, and (iii) condensation of ceramic species into ultrafine ceramic particles. These features have been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photo-electron and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Additionally, a model is formulated to determine the effect of process parameters on particle size.