cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of the leadzyme at 1.8 A resolution: metal ion binding and the implications for catalytic mechanism and allo site ion regulation.

The leadzyme is a small ribozyme, derived from in vitro selection, which catalyzes site specific, Pb2+-dependent RNA cleavage. Pb2+ is required for activity; Mg2+ inhibits activity, while many divalent and trivalent ions enhance it. The leadzyme structure consists of an RNA duplex interrupted by a trinucleotide bulge. Here, crystal structures determined to 1.8 A resolution, both with Mg2+ as the sole divalent counterion and with Mg2+ and Sr2+ (which mimics Pb2+ with respect to binding but not catalysis), reveal the metal ion interactions with both the ground state and precatalytic conformations of the leadzyme. Mg(H2O)62+ ions bridge complementary strands of the duplex at multiple locations by binding tandem purines of one RNA strand in the major groove. At one site, Mg(H2O)62+ ligates the phosphodiester backbone of the trinucleotide bulge in the ground state conformation, but not in the precatalytic conformation, suggesting (a) Mg2+ may inhibit leadzyme activity by stabilizing the ground state and (b) me...
Identification of SH2B1β as a focal adhesion protein that regulates focal adhesion size and number

The adaptor protein SH2B1β participates in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton during processes such as cell migration and differentiation. Here, we identify SH2B1β as a new focal adhesion protein. We provide evidence that SH2B1β is phosphorylated in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation and show that PMA induces a rapid redistribution of SH2B1β out of focal adhesions. We also show that growth hormone (GH) increases cycling of SH2B1β into and out of focal adhesions. Ser161 and Ser165 in SH2B1β fall within consensus PKC substrate motifs. Mutating these two serine residues into alanine residues abrogates PMA-induced redistribution of SH2B1β out of focal adhesions, decreases SH2B1β cycling into and out of focal adhesions in control and GH-stimulated cells, and increases the size of focal adhesions. By contrast, mutating Ser165 into a glutamate residue decreases the amount of SH2B1β in focal adhesions and increases the number of focal adhesions per cell. These results suggest that activation of PKC regulates SH2B1β focal adhesion localization through phosphorylation of Ser161 and/or Ser165. The finding that phosphorylation of SH2B1β increases the number of focal adhesions suggests a mechanism for the stimulatory effect on cell motility of SH2B1β.
Oxygen isotopes in an oolitic ironstone and the determination of goethite δ18O values by selective dissolution of impurities: The 5M NaOH method

Treatment of iron (III) oxides with hot 5 M NaOH solution can selectively dissolve silicate impurities (Kampf and Schwertmann, 1982). In the current work 5M NaOH solutions enriched in {sup 18}O (+670 {per thousand}) were employed to determine if this method could be used to purify goethites for {delta}{sup 18}O analysis. These experiments suggest that the structural stoichiometric oxygen in well-crystallized goethites does not exchange with hot 5 M NaOH solution. Therefore, this selective dissolution method appears to be isotopically viable. {sup 18}O- normal' 5 M NaOH treatments were applied to goethite-dominated ooids of the Upper Ordovician Neda Fm. ironstone. While not completely removed by successive NaOH treatments, the impurities were incrementally dissolved in constant elemental proportions (within analytical error). Consequently, the {delta}{sup 18}O value of the endmember goethite could be determined by material balance calculations. This goethite {delta}{sup 18} value is {minus}1.0{per thousand} for all analyzed samples of Neda Fm. ooids, including those from occurrences about 200 km apart. The spatial uniformity of the oolitic goethite {delta}{sup 18}O values suggest uniform conditions of goethite formation. The conditions might have been those of a low latitude continental weathering environment.
Fractional commensurate, composition, and adding schemes

Abstract A case study of two 5th-Grade children, Jason and Laura, is presented who participated in the teaching experiment, Children’s Construction of the Rational Numbers of Arithmetic . The case study begins on the 29th of November of their 5th-Grade in school and ends on the 5th of April of the same school year. Two basic problems were of interest in the case study. The first was to provide an analysis of the concepts and operations that are involved in the construction of three fractional schemes: a commensurate fractional scheme, a fractional composition scheme, and a fractional adding scheme. The second was to provide an analysis of the contribution of interactive mathematical activity in the construction of these schemes. The phrase, “commensurate factional scheme” refers to the concepts and operations that are involved in transforming a given fraction into another fraction that are both measures of an identical quantity. Likewise, “fractional composition scheme” refers to the concepts and operations that are involved in finding how much, say, 1/3 of 1/4 of a quantity is of the whole quantity, and “fractional adding scheme” refers to the concepts and operations involved in finding how much, say, 1/3 of a quantity joined to 1/4 of a quantity is of the whole quantity. Critical protocols were abstracted from the teaching episodes with the two children that illustrate what is meant by the schemes, changes in the children’s concepts and operations, and the interactive mathematical activity that was involved. The body of the case study consists of an on-going analysis of the children’s interactive mathematical activity and changes in that activity. The last section of the case study consists of an analysis of the constitutive aspects of the children’s constructive activity, including the role of social interaction and nonverbal interactions of the children with each other and with the computer software we used in teaching the children.
A linear programming alternative to discriminant analysis in credit scoring

The typical technique used to construct credit scoring models is discriminant analysis. This paper presents a descriptive example and empirical analysis to illustrate how linear programming might be used to solve discriminant type problems. Results of the analysis indicated that the linear programming procedure performs well in solving the example credit scoring problem. In addition, the structure of the linear programming model was such that changes could be readily made to reflect either conservative or liberal lending policies.
Potato chip color, specific gravity and fertilization of potatoes with N−P−K

The effects of fertilizers on potato chip color were studied over a period of 11 years. Yield and specific gravity data also were taken. Single element and compete fertilizers were used in randomized block and split plot experiments. Most of the work was done with the Russet Burbank variety but in some experiments the Kennebec, White Rose, Norgold Russet and Cascade varieties were also included. Specific gravity and chip color data were taken immediately after harvest. Effects of storage and reconditioning on chip color were recorded in some cases.
Use of the MoCA in Detecting Early Alzheimer's Disease in a Spanish-Speaking Population with Varied Levels of Education

Background/Aims: Performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been demonstrated to be dependent on the educational level. The purpose of this study was to identify how to best adjust MoCA scores and to identify MoCA items most sensitive to cognitive decline in incipient Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Spanish-speaking population with varied levels of education. Methods: We analyzed data from 50 Spanish-speaking participants. We examined the pattern of diagnosis-adjusted MoCA residuals in relation to education and compared four alternative score adjustments using bootstrap sampling. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for the raw and each adjusted score. The interval reliability of the MoCA as well as item discrimination and item validity were examined. Results: We found that with progressive compensation added for those with lower education, unexplained residuals decreased and education-residual association moved to zero, suggesting that more compensation was necessary to better adjust MoCA scores in those with a lower educational level. Cube copying, sentence repetition, delayed recall, and orientation were most sensitive to cognitive impairment due to AD. Conclusion: A compensation of 3-4 points was needed for
Profitability of Korean banks: Test of market structure versus efficient structure

Abstract This paper identifies the major determinants of profitability in the Korean banking sector for the period of 1992–2002 by testing the market structure hypothesis against the efficient structure hypothesis. The unique feature of this paper is the estimation of technical inefficiency by the directional distance function and the use of this estimate in explaining bank performance. The results indicate that bank efficiency has a significant effect on bank profitability and support the efficient structure hypothesis. We also find that the major determinants of bank profitability in Korea changed between pre- and post-Asian financial crisis periods.
Anal Cancer: Current and Future Methodology

Despite the small number of patients affected by carcinoma of the anal canal it remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat. For although it is one of the few malignancies that may be cured with chemoradiation alone, the use of combined modality therapy may result in significant treatment-related morbidity. Novel approaches currently are underway in this select patient population and will be addressed for the purposes of this manuscript.
Assembly of bioinspired helical protein fibers

Advances in protein and peptide technologies not only enable the study of basic folding and function of natural structures but also the design of novel scaffolds with the ability to form assemblies of varied shapes and sizes. Tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of α-helices in nature especially in the context of the coiled-coil. The information gleaned from investigating coiled- coils has been used to design novel α-helical fibers with prescribed morphology and dimensions. This review focuses on the lessons learned from the assembly of natural coiled-coils and how this knowledge can be used to tailor helical fibers as novel bioinspired materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymes of Methionine Metabolism in Regenerating Rat Liver

AbstractSignificant changes in the activities of the enzymes of methionine metabolism occur in the regenerating rat liver. We found that the levels of methionine adenosyl-transferase and cystathionine synthase increased immediately after partial hepatectomy. A secondary peak of activity was noted on the eighth postoperative day. In contrast, activities of both 5-methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase declined. This pattern of changes suggests that transsulfuration, rather than methionine conservation, is a major metabolic response in hepatic regeneration.
Characterization of the disulfide bonds and free cysteine residues of the Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis major outer membrane protein.

Members of the genus Chlamydia lack a peptidoglycan layer. As a substitute for peptidoglycan, it has been proposed that several cysteine rich proteins, including the major outer membrane protein (MOMP), form disulfide bonds to provide rigidity to the cell wall. Alignment of the amino acids sequences of the MOMP from various serovars of Chlamydia showed that they have from 7 to 10 cysteine residues and seven of them are highly conserved. Which of these are free cysteine residues and which are involved in disulfide bonds is unknown. The complexity of the outer membrane of Chlamydia precludes at this point the characterization of the structure of the cysteines directly in the bacteria. Therefore, mass spectrometric analysis of a purified and refolded MOMP was used in this study. Characterization of the structure of this preparation of the MOMP is critical because it has been shown, in an animal model, to be a very effective vaccine against respiratory and genital infections. Here, we demonstrated that in thi...
U.S. adolescents receive suboptimal preventive counseling during ambulatory care.

Abstract Purpose To examine U.S. adolescents’ (age 13–18) utilization of ambulatory care and the likelihood of receiving preventive counseling from 1993 through 2000. Methods The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey provided visit-based data on counseling services that occurred in private physician offices and hospital outpatient departments. Main outcome measures included adolescents’ use of outpatient care and their likelihood of being counseled on 3 health promotion topics (i.e., diet, exercise, and growth/development) and 5 risk reduction topics (i.e., tobacco use/exposure, skin cancer prevention, injury prevention, family planning/contraception, and HIV/STD transmission). Results Adolescents had the lowest rates of outpatient visits among all age groups, with particularly low rates among boys and ethnic minorities. Most frequently, adolescent visits were for upper respiratory tract conditions, acne, routine medical or physical examinations, and, for girls, prenatal care. In 1997–2000, counseling services were documented for 39% (99% CI: 32–46%) of all adolescent general medical/physical examination (GME) visits. Diet [26% of GME visits (20–32%)] and exercise [22% (17–28%)] were the most frequent counseling topics. The counseling rates of the other six topics ranged from as low as 3 to 20%, with skin cancer prevention, HIV/STD transmission, and family planning/contraception ranking the lowest. These rates represented minimal improvements from 1993–1996 both in absolute term and in relation to the gaps between practices and recommendations. Conclusions Adolescents underutilize primary care, and even those who do receive care are underserved for their health counseling needs. The noted lack of change over time suggests that satisfactory improvement is unlikely unless substantial interventions are undertaken.
Cavity nucleation at grain boundary ledges

Abstract The kinetics of cavity nucleation at grain-boundary ledges is examined for ceramics subjected to compressive loads. By considering grain boundary sliding and diffusion as concurrent processes, the analysis shows that sliding of faceted grain boundaries can induce time-dependent stress concentrations of sufficient magnitude to cause cavity nucleation at the ledges. The transient stress concentration has been found to depend on the ledge height and spacing, and to decrease rapidly with time and with distance from the ledge. Whether or not cavity nucleation occurs at the ledge depends on the local stress, the shape of the critical nucleus, and the characteristic time for cavity formation. The theoretical results are discussed in conjunction with nucleation rate measurements obtained for a sintered alumina using small-angle neutron scattering.
Interpretation and Hobbes's political philosophy

The continuing debate over Hobbes's views may be explained by the fact that scholars come to his text with different Networks of Beliefs, which include beliefs that vary in their tenacity. These differences are not overcome by some of the properties of a good interpretation, for example, conservatism, frugality, palpability, and generality. Other such properties, consistency, completeness, connectedness and defensibility, are more successful in this regard, and I refer to them to defend my interpretation of Hobbes as a theist.
Electrothermal stress in conducting particulate composites

Electrothermal–mechanical interaction plays an important role in controlling the performance of electromechanical structures and field-assisted processes. The understanding of electrothermal–mechanical behavior of a material requires the analyses of Joule heating and thermomechanical deformation. In this study, we analyze the current-induced thermal stress in a conducting composite consisting of conducting spherical inclusions at dilute concentration. Assuming that there is no interaction among conducting inclusions, we obtain closed-form solutions of local temperature and thermal stress. The thermal stress created by Joule heating is proportional to the square of electric current density (electric field intensity) and the von-Mises stress reaches the maximum value at the interface between the spherical inclusion and the matrix. Large electric current will likely cause local delamination along the interface.
New Source Compounds For Fabrication Of Doped Optical Waveguide Fibers

Raw materials used for the fabrication of high purity Si02-Ge02 glasses are typically volatile metal halides. The use of non-halides has been reported but have not been extensively utilized. New compositions for optical fibers have been proposed to extend optical performance and fabrication efficiency but these are often unattainable due to lack of suitably volatile high purity source compounds compatable with CVD systems. A recent approach to obtain waveguides more resistant to detrimental radiation effects is the addition of metal oxides such as cerium oxide that are widely used in specialty glasses to minimize induced absorptions caused by ionizing radiation by creation of hole and electron traps. Optical Waveguide fibers in the Si02-Ge02-Ce02 system have been fabricated by conventional OVD processes utilizing newly developed cerium source compounds. These new compounds are transported from bubblers using argon carrier gas to the burner where methane-oxygen combustion in the presence of SiCl4 and GeCl4 produces ceria containing glass of optical waveguide quality. Cerium (III) and Ce (IV) are observed at 260 and 320nm, respectively, in transmission curves of bulk pieces of glass and also optical fibers. Ceria concentrations over 0.4% (wt) induce phase separation so attenuation measurements have been on fiber containing less Ce02. No deleterous effects of absorption due to CeO2 occur beyond 850nm based upon comparisons of control and doped fibers. Results of preliminary radiation exposure will also be presented.
How women's sexual orientation guides accuracy of interpersonal judgements of other women

This research examines how women's sexual orientation guides the accuracy of judgements of other women. One hundred ten judges (67 straight and 43 lesbian women) watched videotapes of 9 targets (4 straight and 5 lesbian) and made judgements about the targets' thoughts, emotions, personality, and sexual orientation. Accuracy scores were created for each judge by comparing judgements to criterion data gathered about targets. Straight judges were significantly more accurate at judging thoughts and marginally more accurate at judging emotions compared to lesbian judges. There were no significant differences in judging personality. Straight targets' thoughts and personality were more easily assessed than lesbian targets' while lesbians' emotions were more easily judged than straight targets'. Lesbian judges were more accurate at judging sexual orientation regardless of their tendency to categorize women as lesbian compared to straight judges. Findings support past research on the accurate perception of sexual ...
Rostral-caudal differences in the effects of intra-VTA muscimol on cocaine self-administration.

We have found that dopamine (DA) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays an important role in cocaine self-administration. DA in the VTA acts at D1-type receptors on the terminals of GABA afferents causing release of this neurotransmitter. Thus, the neurochemical pathways whereby VTA DA might be involved in cocaine self-administration may include GABA neurotransmission. In the present study, we investigated this possibility. Rats were prepared with intravenous catheters and bilateral guide cannulae positioned to allow microinjections directly into the VTA or a site 1 mm dorsal to it. The rats were then trained to self-administer cocaine (1.0 mg/kg/injection) under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement and tested with microinjections of muscimol (0, 0.05 and 0.1 μg/0.25 μl) or picrotoxin (0, 0.025 and 0.05 μg/0.25 μl) or trained under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule and tested with vehicle and 0.05 μg/0.25 μl muscimol. Muscimol in the VTA, but not immediately dorsal to it, significantly reduced cocaine intake under the FR1 schedule. Furthermore, when analyzed by rostral/caudal site of injection, it was found that rostral injections of muscimol significantly reduced cocaine self-administration whereas caudal injections produced non-significant decreases in self-administration. Inspection of individual records revealed no signs of non-specific behavioral effects of the muscimol treatments. Muscimol in the rostral VTA also significantly increased break points in responding under the PR schedule. Intra-VTA picrotoxin did not significantly affect cocaine self-administration. These data suggest that stimulation of GABA-A receptors in the VTA is involved in cocaine self-administration and reward and that this involvement is more pronounced in the rostral than in the caudal VTA.
Group divisible designs with three groups and block size four

We present new constructions and results on GDDs with three groups and block size four and also obtain new GDDs with two groups of size nine. We say a GDD with three groups is even, odd, or mixed if the sizes of the non-empty intersections of any of its blocks with any of the three groups is always even, always odd, or always mixed. We give new necessary conditions for these families of GDDs and prove that they are sufficient for these three types and for all group sizes except for the minimal case of mixed designs for group size 5t(t>1). In particular, we prove that mixed GDDs allow a maximum difference between indices. We apply the constructions given to show that the necessary conditions are sufficient for all GDDs with three groups and group sizes two, three, and five, and also for group size four with two possible exceptions, a GDD(4,3,4;5,9) and a GDD(4,3,4;7,12).
The resistance of P. acnes–primed interferon γ–deficient mice to low-dose lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury

Endotoxin has been identified as a principal mediator of sepsis, often with resulting multiple organ failure. Although interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) has a central role in controlling bacterial infection through the activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes, it can also enhance the harmful effects of the inflammatory response. To examine the role of IFN-gamma in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, we administered LPS (20 or 800 microg/mouse) alone or as low-dose LPS (20 microg/mouse) 7 days after heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) injection into wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice or IFN-gamma-deficient (GKO) mice (B6 background). Although low-dose (20 microg) LPS alone had no effect on survival, the administration of 800 microg LPS alone resulted in 100% mortality in both B6 and GKO mice without significant hepatic mononuclear cellular infiltration or differences in elevated plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-12 levels. In contrast, mortality after low-dose (20 microg) LPS challenge in P. acnes-primed B6 mice was 100%, but 0% in GKO mice. In vivo plasma cytokine (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12) levels and in vitro cytokine production by hepatic mononuclear cells were significantly higher in B6 mice compared with GKO mice. Associated hepatic mononuclear cellular infiltration, multifocal liver necrosis, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly were found in B6 mice, but not in GKO mice. Finally, the anti-inflammatory NK1.1+CD4+ cell proportion of hepatic infiltrating mononuclear cell numbers 7 days after P. acnes administration was significantly reduced in B6 compared with GKO mice, whereas the proportion of inflammatory NK1.1+CD4- cells was increased. In conclusion, these data suggest that IFN-gamma mediates P. acnes-primed low-dose LPS injury through the hepatic infiltration of mononuclear cells and the subsequent elevation of inflammatory cytokines after LPS challenge, whereas the lethal effects of high-dose LPS alone does not depend on the presence of IFN-gamma.
Incidence and natural history of pure red cell aplasia in major ABO-mismatched haematopoietic cell transplantation

Major ABO mismatching is not considered a contraindication to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Modern reduced-intensity conditioning and reduced-toxicity regimens cause much less myeloablation than conventional myeloablative regimens, such as cyclophosphamide with busulfan or total body irradiation, which may affect the incidence of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). We estimated the incidence and described the natural history of PRCA in patients with major ABO-mismatched donor stem cells. Between 2007 and 2008, 161 (27% of all patients undergoing HSCT) underwent allogeneic HSCT with major ABO-mismatched stem cells and 12 (7·5%) of these patients developed PRCA. Thirty and ninety day T-cell and myeloid cell chimerism and neutrophil and platelet engraftment did not differ between patients who developed PRCA and those who did not. The only risk factor associated with PRCA was the use of a fludarabine/busulfan conditioning regimen. All patients with PRCA needed red cell transfusion for several months after HSCT resulting in significant iron overload. Pure red cell aplasia resolved spontaneously in the majority (seven patients) but only resolved after stopping tacrolimus in three patients. Hence, after major ABO-mismatched HSCT, the incidence of PRCA was 7·5% and it resolved spontaneously or after withdrawal of immunosuppression in the majority of patients.
Independence versus interference in the perceptual processing of letters

Several experiments are reported that help resolve the discrepancy between studies indicating that letters are perceived independently and studies showing perceptual interference between letters. Two variables were examined which, based on the existing literature, appeared to be important in distinguishing between the perceptual independence and perceptual interference studies. In Experiment 1, the amount of spatial separation between letters was varied. Surprisingly, the letters were perceived independently, regardless of the amount of separation or degree of similarity between them. Thus, it was concluded that the amount of interletter separation is not sufficient to account for the difference between studies demonstrating independence and those demonstrating interference. The results of Experiments 2 and 3 indicated that the type of perceptual limitation that is used to control response accuracy determines whether perceptual independence or interference is obtained. Specifically, perceptual interference was obtained only under masking conditions, whereas perceptual independence was obtained only under energy-limited (no-mask) conditions. Experiment 4 extended these results, indicating that perceptual interference is obtained under prestimulus as well as poststimulus masking conditions. Several interpretations of the perceptual interference data are considered, and it is concluded that the data can best be accounted for in terms of a model based on the principle of feature-specific inhibition.
Use of computer optimization programs for the enhancement of Nikon stepper throughput with defectivity reduction benefits

It is known that the wafer shot maps generated by the Nikon stepper software are not truly optimum, and if one can understand the uniqueness of the Nikon software, more die may be placed on the wafer. We have developed two software applications: WAFER OPT finds an optimum wafer shot layout, and GRAPH DRAW draws an existing wafer shot map generated by the Nikon stepper software for comparison to the optimized version. A `cleaner' shot map, with fewer clusters yet significantly more die on the wafer, can be achieved after assessing the validity of changing an existing wafer map to an optimum one. Hence, the two computer applications can result in greatly enhanced stepper throughput and reduced defectivity from the partial clusters often necessary in a nonoptimum wafer shot map. Given a set of parameters such as exposure field dimensions, die layout within a reticle, partial cluster criterion, wafer size, wafer flat length, wafer edge exclusion width, and wafer identification character size, the WAFER OPT program mathematically finds a shot map having the maximum number of complete die using the minimum number of shots and having the least sensitivity to map placement errors of the stepper stage. In addition, WAFER OPT calculates x and y map offsets, uniquely defined in the Nikon software, that can be directly entered in the stepper data file. Another software application called GRAPH DRAW can be used to draw an existing wafer shot map for comparison to the optimized version. A case that resulted in a significant increase in the number of die per wafer and a decrease in both the number of exposure fields and the number of partial die on the wafer is presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Retention of flexible intramedullary nails following treatment of pediatric femur fractures.

Flexible intramedullary nails are commonly used for the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children. Although, their removal after fracture healing is advocated by some, there are no definitive studies to support the routine removal of these implants. The purpose of this study is to determine the natural history of children with diaphyseal fractures of the femur treated with flexible intramedullary nails and no scheduled nail removal. We performed a retrospective case series of 24 consecutive children treated at our tertiary pediatric referral center for closed diaphyseal femur fractures. All children had intramedullary fixation with flexible titanium nails. The main outcomes measured are fracture healing, incidence of hardware removal, and pain assessment with the use of a follow-up telephone questionnaire. All the patients healed their fractures. The average follow-up time was 3.6 years. A total of six patients had removal of nails for any reason at an average of 15 months post-injury. The survivorship free of revision due to persistent pain was 72% at 5 years of follow-up. Twenty-two patients were reached by phone for a final follow-up questionnaire. There was no difference in reports of residual symptoms of pain among those who did have nails removed and those who did not (P = 0.626). Among children with femur fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nailing without scheduled implant removal, about a quarter may ultimately require a second procedure for nail removal due to persistent discomfort. Moreover, up to half of patients can have residual non-debilitating pain at 2–5 years post-injury regardless of presence or absence of the implant. Whether this is a previously unrecognized adverse outcome of this injury or treatment approach, or due to routinely leaving nails in will have to be assessed in future controlled trials.
Important Anatomical and Physiological Considerations in Performance of Complex Mammary–Coronary Artery Operations

Abstract One or more internal mammary artery (IMA) anastomoses were performed in 87% of 692 consecutive coronary artery bypass operations performed over a 20-month period. One IMA was used in 68% (N = 469) and both IMAs were used in 19% (N = 130). Only saphenous vein grafts were used in 13% (N = 93). The mean number of anastomoses (all types) was 3.5. Fifty-seven patients were having a reoperation; bilateral IMA grafting was performed in 23% (N = 13). In 60 patients, 3 or more IMA anastomoses were performed: 3 IMA anastomoses, 50 patients; 4, 9 patients; and 5, 1 patient. In 27 patients, repeat coronary arteriography was performed within 30 days of operation to evaluate dynamics of IMA, saphenous vein, and native coronary artery flow. Major flow or all flow was through the graft (vs. the native coronary artery) in 62% of in situ IMA bypass grafts, 86% of free IMA grafts and 94% of saphenous vein grafts. Hospital mortality excluding patients having reoperation was 1.7% (11/635); it was less than 1% for patients having either single IMA grafting procedures (4/437) or bilateral IMA grafting procedures (1/117). Hospital mortality for patients receiving only saphenous vein grafts was surprisingly high, 7.4% (6/81). Major determinants of flow through the in situ IMA sequential graft are the size and flow of the IMA, the degree of proximal native coronary artery narrowing, the distally grafted to proximally grafted coronary artery size ratio, and probably the size of the side-to-side anastomosis. Technical factors important for multiple IMA grafts are the length and diameter of the IMA, use of the diamond anastomosis, absence of coronary artery disease at side-to-side anastomoses, epicardial location of the coronary artery, and no angulation distal to the sites of sequential anastomoses. Unless ideal conditions of IMA flow and size are met, an IMA graft supplying more than two coronary arteries might better be done with a free IMA graft.
Free circulating soluble CD52 as a tumor marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its implication in therapy with anti-CD52 antibodies.

BACKGROUND The CD52 antigen is a glycoprotein anchored on the cell membrane of mature B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H; anti-CD52) is currently approved for the treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The authors investigated the possibility that CD52 may be shed from cells and, once soluble, may bind to injected alemtuzumab, forming immune complexes. METHODS The authors used Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay to investigate the presence of soluble CD52 (sCD52) in the plasma specimens of 117 patients with CLL. They also used in vitro mixing experiments to examine the ability of sCD52 to compete with cells and sequester therapeutic alemtuzumab. RESULTS The authors detected high levels of sCD52 in the plasma specimens of patients with CLL. sCD52 can compete with cells in vitro for binding to alemtuzumab, and can form complexes in patients receiving alemtuzumab. Plasma levels of sCD52 were found to be correlated (r)with Rai stage (P = 0.0001), β-2-microglobulin (β-2M) levels (P = 0.00002), soluble CD23 levels (r = 0.42, P 2336 nM/L had a nearly 4-fold increase in risk of death. Higher levels of plasma alemtuzumab were achieved when levels of sCD52 were lower. CONCLUSIONS These data not only demonstrated that sCD52 was detectable and useful in the staging and monitoring of patients with CLL, but also showed that sCD52 formed immune complexes with alemtuzumab and may influence the efficacy and toxicity of alemtuzumab therapy. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Fourier-wavelet restoration in PET/CT brain studies

Abstract Our goal is to improve brain PET imaging through the application of a novel, hybrid Fourier-wavelet (WFT) restoration technique. The major limitation of PET studies is a relatively poor resolution in comparison with MRI and CT imaging and there is a need for improved PET imaging. A GE DLS PET/CT 16 slice system was used to acquire the studies. In order to create restoration filters the point source study was performed. The 6-fillable spheres and 3D Hoffman brain phantom studies were acquired and used to test and optimize the restoration approach. The patient data used in the study were acquired in a 3D PET mode, using the standard clinical protocol. Here, we have implemented Fourier-wavelet regularized restoration. In the Fourier domain, the inverse of modulation transfer function was multiplied by a Butterworth low-pass filter, order n =6 and cut-off frequency f =0.35 cycles/pixel. In addition, wavelet (Daubechies, order 2) noise suppression was applied by “hard threshold”. Hot spheres and 3D Hoffman brain studies showed that the restoration process not only improves resolution and contrast but also improves quantification in 3D PET/CT imaging. The average contrast increase was 19% and the quantification improved in the range 8−20% depending on sphere size. In the restored images, there was no significant increase in noise when compared with the original images. The clinical studies followed brain phantom findings, i.e., the restored images had better contrast and resolution properties, when compared with the original images. The results of the study demonstrate that the quality and quantification of 3D brain 18 F FDG PET images can be significantly improved by Fourier-wavelet (WFT) restoration filtering.
Exploring Transient Behavior at Startup of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

A two phase nonisothermal 3D unsteady model is used to study the transients at start-up of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The model is used to simulate start-up under different starting or initial conditions. The objective is to study the transient behavior of current and the phenomena affecting it. The transient current density obtained from simulation under purged and inflow/equilibrium initial conditions are plotted. The saturation and the temperature profile evolution within the gas diffusion layer under different conditions are also studied. The effect of gas diffusion layer thickness and reaction rate on the current density evolution is analyzed. It is found that the transient current density depends on the initial condition. Mass transport is the major phenomenon influencing the current density profile, and the mass transport transients are found to be subsecond in nature. The consumption and transport time scales are seen to affect the current undershoot at high loads. The liquid water evolution and distribution behaves very differently, under different initial conditions, as well as different inflow conditions. However, the total time taken by liquid water and temperature to reach steady state for different initial conditions is very close. It is also seen that the temperature transient is less than the liquid water transient, overall.
Transmission diversity for JPEG 2000

A scheme for improving the performance of JPEG 2000 over noisy channels is presented. The detailed operation of the decoder based on a set of rules is provided. It is observed that the worst-case peak signal-to-noise ratio improves significantly compared to the conventional JPEG 2000.
Ogallala Oases: Water Use, Population Redistribution, and Policy Implications in the High Plains of Western Kansas, 1980–1990

Abstract Contrary to recent literature that portrays the High Plains as an over-exploited region of economic and demographic decline and as place that should be deprivatized, abandoned, and resotred to a buffalo commons, this study suggests that the irrigated Ogallala region is not dying. It is experiencing, instead, a major redistribution of population into nucleated Ogallala oases sustained by the presence of ample groundwater for irrigation. Although more remote rural areas with irrigated agriculture are losing population, they endure nonetheless as important components of the cultural landscape in their role as hinterlands for the Ogallala oases. This paper examines the relationship between proximity to groundwater use and population change in the Ogallala aquifer region of Kansas during the 1980s. The analysis focuses on three levels; the county, incorporated and census designated places, and rural census county subdivisions. The association between proximity to groundwater and population change is s...
Using atomic layer deposited tungsten to increase thermal conductivity of a packed bed

This study investigated the effective thermal conductivity (keff) of packed-beds that contained porous particles with nanoscale tungsten (W) films of different thicknesses formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). A continuous film on the particles is vital towards increasing keff of the packed beds. For example, the keff of an alumina packed bed was increased by three times after an ∼8-nm continuous W film with 20 cycles of W ALD, whereas keff was decreased on a polymer packed bed with discontinuous, evenly dispersed W-islands due to nanoparticle scattering of phonons. For catalysts, understanding the thermal properties of these packed beds is essential for developing thermally conductive supports as alternatives to structured supports.
Studies on brain lesion by administration of monosodium L-glutamate to mice. I. Brain lesions in infant mice caused by administration of monosodium L-glutamae

Abstract Light-microscopic examiantion was perfomed on the brain inducted by monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) in neonatal and infant mice of ICR strain. Lesions characterized as cytoplasmic balooning, chromatin clumping, pyknosis and karyorrhexis of neurons were recognized in the arcuate nucleus (AN), subfornical organ, preoptic area, area postrema and cerebral cortex. The most vulnerable region was the AN in which the region near the root of the median eminence was easily damaged. The changes in the AN were severest in 7-day-old mice, but only slight in 20-day-old mice. Thresholds of inducing AN lesions in 10-day-old mice after intraperitoneal injection and force-tube feeding were 0.4 and 0.7–0.8 g/kg body weight, respectively. The threshold of retinal changes was about 2.5-fold that of AN in force-tube feeding. In neonatal mice injected daily with 4 mg MSG/kg body weight, the neurons of the AN disappeared almost completely by the 4th day of intraperitoneal administration.
Minireview: NAD+, a Circadian Metabolite with an Epigenetic Twist

A wide variety of endocrine, physiological, and metabolic functions follow daily oscillations. Most of these regulations are controlled at the level of gene expression by the circadian clock and, a remarkably coordinated transcription-translation machinery that exerts its function in virtually all mammalian cells. A large fraction of the genome is under control of the circadian clock, a regulation that is achieved through dynamic changes in chromatin states. Recent findings have demonstrated intimate connections between the circadian clock and epigenetic control. The case of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which modulates the circadian activity of the deacetylase sirtuin 1, constitutes a paradigmatic example of the link between cyclic cellular metabolism and chromatin remodeling. Indeed, the clock transcriptional feedback loop is interlocked with the enzymatic loop of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway.
Multiple overcurrent relays using a single microprocessor

The implementation of a four-overcurrent-relay system using a single 8085 microprocessor is described. The implementation is based on the concept of multitasking in microprocessors. The relays are considered to be independent of each other. Each relay is realized by a separable counter and a look-up table in the memory. The software development and hardware testing are done using the HP-64000 UX Microprocessor Development System. The system does not depend on the 8085 microprocessor; other microprocessors can be used. The hardware and software are modular, and more relays can be added. >
Transureteroureterostomy. Experience in pediatric patient.

Abstract During the past two decades 74 patients have undergone transureteroureterostomy without cutaneous ureterostomy. The results have been especially encouraging in the 20 pediatric patients who have undergone the procedure. Indications were numerous but most were for failure of ureteroneocystostomy. All patients are currently alive and healthy with a mean follow-up period of more than five years. Only one postoperative complication was encountered, namely, prolonged urine leakage. Renal function and structure improved or stabilized in every patient, and in no instance has there been stricture of the “recipient” ureter. Results indicate that transureteroureterostomy is especially applicable to the pediatric patient with distal ureteral disease.
Effects of thioridazine on apomorphine-elicited stereotypic behavior and motor activity.

Abstract Bilaterally injected thioridazine (10 μg) into the striata of rats augmented the stereotypic behavior elicited by apomorphine. The enhancing effect was attenuated by pretreatment with α-methyl-p-tyrosine. At 48 hr postinjection of thioridazine (1.0 mg/kg, IP), motor suppression from a low dose of apomorphine (0.2 mg/kg, IP) was enhanced; however, motor response to a high dose of apomorphine (1 mg/kg, SC) was not affected. Possible mechanisms of action of thioridazine are discussed.
Benchmarking image fusion system design parameters

A clear and absolute method for discriminating between image fusion algorithm performances is presented. This method can effectively be used to assist in the design and modeling of image fusion systems. Specifically, it is postulated that quantifying human task performance using image fusion should be benchmarked to whether the fusion algorithm, at a minimum, retained the performance benefit achievable by each independent spectral band being fused. The established benchmark would then clearly represent the threshold that a fusion system should surpass to be considered beneficial to a particular task. A genetic algorithm is employed to characterize the fused system parameters using a Matlab® implementation of NVThermIP as the objective function. By setting the problem up as a mixed-integer constraint optimization problem, one can effectively look backwards through the image acquisition process: optimizing fused system parameters by minimizing the difference between modeled task difficulty measure and the benchmark task difficulty measure. The results of an identification perception experiment are presented, where human observers were asked to identify a standard set of military targets, and used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the benchmarking process.
Raman studies of silane coupling agents

Abstract Raman spectroscopy is used for the silane coupling agents to identify these organosilicon compounds. The organo functional groups exhibit unique, strong Raman lines and their reactions can be characterized. The chemical reactions of the -CSiO3 group can be followed easily and differences in chemical structure detected.
An algorithm for the numerical computation of the Voigt function

An algorithm is developed for the numerical computation of the Voigt line-broadening function V(x,y). The function is expressed as an integral over [0,~) of a meromorphic function that invloves a free parameter. A careful selection of this parameter enables V(x,y) to be computed efficiently through the use of a corrected trapezoidal rule that takes the simple poles of the integrand into account.
The ubiquity of deception and the ethics of deceptive research

Does the fact that deception is widely practised - even though there is a general prohibition against deception - provide insight into the ethics of deceptive methods in research, especially for social-behavioral research? I answer in the affirmative. The ubiquity of deception argument, as I will call it, points to the need for a concrete and nuanced understanding of the variety of deceptive practices, and thus promises an alternative route of analysis for why some deception may be permissible in social-behavioral research. As an alternative argument it also promises to break the stalemate that emerges in debates on the ethics of deceptive methods in social-behavioral research. In the current paper I (1) motivate and articulate the ubiquity argument in order to clarify the significance of ubiquity and discharge some initial objections. Then, on the recommendations of the ubiquity argument, I (2) highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships for understanding the ethics of deception. Following this insight I (3) provide an analysis of several features of the researcher-participant relationship relevant to the understanding of the ethics of deception in research. I then (4) conclude the argument with some recommendations for the ethical use of deceptive methods in social-behavioral research.