cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How an enzyme surmounts the activation energy barrier.

The action of chorismate mutase is a paradigm of enzyme catalysis, because the enzyme is a structurally simple protein that accelerates a straightforward unimolecular reaction: a concerted, intramolecular rearrangement of chorismate to prephenate in which one carbon–carbon bond is formed and one carbon–oxygen bond is broken (Fig. 1). The reaction itself is a vital step in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, lending the enzyme a biological importance equal to its importance in understanding mechanisms of catalysis. In this issue of PNAS, Hur and Bruice (1) have applied the near-attack conformation (NAC) concept, which Bruice and coworkers have been developing for several years (2, 3), to the accelerations produced by several different chorismate mutases, developing thereby what might be called a microhistory of the catalytic process for these enzymes, tracing events between reactant state and transition state. The findings are illuminating and likely to generate considerable surprise. Fig. 1. Chorismate rearranges to prephenate: the reaction catalyzed by chorismate mutases. Very roughly and schematically, the structures represent reactive conformers. Explaining enzyme catalysis has always posed an adequate challenge. Enzymes are powerful catalysts, some accelerating their target reactions by factors that can exceed 1020 (4). Chorismate mutases accelerate their target reaction by ≈106- to 107-fold. The details of how such accelerations are orchestrated in the course of a process in which the enzyme encounters reactant molecules, may, in some cases, shepherd them through various intermediate states to the product molecule(s), and then releases the latter before launching a new catalytic cycle, have been a subject of research, speculation, and debate since the discovery of enzymes. One of the main conceptual tools for organizing the findings has been Pauling's insight (5) that an enzyme is a biomolecule that specifically binds and thus stabilizes the transition state of the target …
Alcohol and drug use among patients presenting to an inner-city emergency department: a latent class analysis.

Abstract The inner city Emergency Department (ED) provides a window of opportunity for screening for alcohol and other drug misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs), in order to facilitate linkage for individuals who are in need of services targeting such issues. The majority of prior work in this area has focused on alcohol use. This study used latent class analyses to characterize substance use/SUDs among adults presenting to the ED for medical complaints or injuries. Participants (n = 14,557; 77% participation; 45% male; 54% African–American) completed a computerized survey assessing demographics, health functioning, and substance use/SUDs. Although injured patients were significantly more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, and were more likely to have an alcohol use disorder, presenting complaint was not related to other drug use/diagnoses. Five latent classes were identified: (1) low users/SUDs (65.9%) (2) binge drinkers (24.3%), (3) marijuana users/SUD (3.5%), (4) cocaine users/SUD (2.9%), and (5) poly-drug users (3.3%). Compared to class 1, participants in the other classes were younger, male, without health insurance, with poor mental health functioning, tobacco users, and had prior substance use treatment. African–Americans were most likely to be in classes 3 or 4 and employed participants were most likely to be in class 2. In comparison to class 1, classes 2 and 3 reported better physical health; class 2 was more likely to present for injury whereas class 5 was more likely to present for a medical complaint. ED-based screening and interventions approaches need to address the co-occurrence of alcohol, illicit drug, and psychoactive prescription drug use.
Reversal of the Cry-Wolf Effect: An Investigation of Two Methods to Increase Alarm Response Rates

In complex task environments, false alarms have been associated with less frequent and slower alarm responses. This research attempted to improve alarm responses using a hearsay method, in which participants were told that false alarms would be less frequent than they actually were, and an urgency method, in which the urgency of alarms was increased. Response frequency, speed, and accuracy of three groups of 20 students (Urgency, Hearsay, and Control) were compared across groups and sessions using analyses of variance and t tests. Both methods were successful; hearsay participants increased their response rates across sessions, and urgency participants decreased their response times. The results are discussed with regard to design of alarm systems and theory of human performance.
Penetrating intrapericardial wounds: Clinical experience with a surgical protocol

Background. From 1972 to 1977, a treatment protocol was developed at our institution for patients with suspected penetrating intrapericardial wounds. It consists of immediate transport to the operating room, pericardial decompression by subxiphoid pericardial window under local or light general anesthesia in patients in stable condition, and median sternotomy and operative repair with limited use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods. The records of 79 consecutive patients with acute penetrating intrapericardial injury who underwent operation from March 1978 to July 1991 were reviewed. There were 59 patients (75%) with stab wounds and 20 (25%) with gunshot wounds. Wound location was as follows: right ventricle, 33 (42%); left ventricle, 28 (35%); multiple sites, 8 (10%); atrium, 5 (6%); and great vessels, 5 (6%). Results. Subxiphoid pericardial window was performed under local or light general anesthesia in 53 patients (67%). Cardiopulmonary bypass was required in only 4 patients. Overall mortality was 6%. Conclusion. Approach to a trauma victim must be systematic. We believe one treatment protocol for patients with suspected penetrating intrapericardial wounds is effective.
Computation of a practical method to restore power flow solvability

As power systems become more heavily loaded, system operation will be increasingly constrained by contingent cases where the power flow equations have no real solutions. Since such cases often represent the most severe threat to power system operation, it is critical that a computationally efficient method be developed to provide optimal control recommendations to mitigate these cases. Such an algorithm is developed in this paper. The degree of unsolvability is quantified using the distance in parameter space between the desired operating point and the closest solvable point. The sensitivity of this measure to different system controls is then calculated. These sensitivities are used to determine the best way to mitigate the contingency. The dynamic consequences of loss of solution are also discussed. The method is demonstrated on a small system and the IEEE 118 bus case. >
Viscosity Evaluation of Drum Contents by Torsional Vibration

An oscillatory system was devised to nondestructively monitor the viscosity of the contents of 55 gallon drums. The damping rate of the system obeyed a decay function in the form θ(t) =θo (exp (-bt) where θO and θ(t) are the initial amplitude and its magnitude after time t respectively, and b, an empirical decay factor. Tests of the system with contents having a large range of apparent viscosities (corn syrup, CMC, and agar solutions) showed that the parameter b and, to a lesser extent, the system's natural frequency, were sensitive indices of the content viscosity. When gelling occurred there was a drastic change in the system's natural frequency and the oscillation's duration.
A global relationship between the ocean water cycle and near-surface salinity

[1] Ocean evaporation (E) and precipitation (P) are the fundamental components of the global water cycle. They are also the freshwater flux forcing (i.e., E-P) for the open ocean salinity. The apparent connection between ocean salinity and the global water cycle leads to the proposition of using the oceans as a rain gauge. However, the exact relationship between E-P and salinity is governed by complex upper ocean dynamics, which may complicate the inference of the water cycle from salinity observations. To gain a better understanding of the ocean rain gauge concept, here we address a fundamental issue as to how E-P and salinity are related on the seasonal timescales. A global map that outlines the dominant process for the mixed-layer salinity (MLS) in different regions is thus derived, using a lower-order MLS dynamics that allows key balance terms (i.e., E-P, the Ekman and geostrophic advection, vertical entrainment, and horizontal diffusion) to be computed from satellite-derived data sets and a salinity climatology. Major E-P control on seasonal MLS variability is found in two regions: the tropical convergence zones featuring heavy rainfall and the western North Pacific and Atlantic under the influence of high evaporation. Within this regime, E-P accounts for 40–70% MLS variance with peak correlations occurring at 2–4 month lead time. Outside of the tropics, the MLS variations are governed predominantly by the Ekman advection, and then vertical entrainment. The study suggests that the E-P regime could serve as a window of opportunity for testing the ocean rain gauge concept once satellite salinity observations are available.
The rate of calcium hydroxide precipitation measured by electrical conductance

The rates of calcium hydroxide precipitation from supersaturated solutions were measured. The times of onset of precipitation were shorter for the solutions seeded with Ca(OH)2 or with CSH, than for unseeded solutions. Calorimetric measurements indicated the presence of solid Ca(OH)2 added at the time of mixing to be ineffective in promoting the onset of the acceleratory period of C3S hydration. This suggests that Ca(OH)2 precipitation is not the principal factor which determines the end of the induction period in C3S hudration.
Prognostic value of the syntax score in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for three-vessel coronary artery disease†

Background: The Syntax score prognostic value has recently been highlighted in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), however its prognostic value in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for multivessel CAD is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the Syntax score in patients undergoing CABG for 3-vessel CAD. Methods: A cohort of 320 consecutive patients with multivessel (3-vessel) CAD who were subjected for CABG were included in this study and divided into tertiles according to the Syntax score ( 34). During the 1-year follow-up, cardiovascular events including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke were systematically indexed. The primary end point was the composite criteria death/MI/stroke. Results: The Syntax score ranged from 11–74 with a mean of 31.2 ± 12.6 and a median of 28.5 [22–38]. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar among the tertiles. No statistical difference was found for the composite criteria death/MI/stroke: 9.4% versus 7.5% versus 10.4% in the groups with a Syntax score 34, respectively (P = 0.754). Conclusion: Unlike for PCI, the Syntax score has a poor prognostic value for severe cardiovascular events in patients undergoing CABG for 3-vessel CAD. Other risk scores should be used to predict the outcome of this population. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and antifungal activity of (-)-(Z)-dysidazirine.

A short, flexible synthesis of the marine natural product (2R)-(Z)-dysidazirine (−)-1 has been completed. (−)-1 shows significant antifungal activity across a panel of seven human pathogens, whereas the structural analogue (−)-2, featuring a terminal tert-butyl group, is essentially inactive.
Constructing management performance scripts using case‐based modeling

In this paper the instructional method, case‐based modeling, is presented and examined in practice. The model is built upon concepts and theories of constructivism and experiential learning. It represents an arrangement of instructional tasks and as the tasks are completed in an ordered sequence they help individuals learn how to shape and practice general and routine management skills. Case situations used with team research, study and practice provide the bases for skill identification and continuous improvement. The case‐based modeling approach may be adapted to many different topics or business disciplines in which decision situations can be embedded in case material. The instructional approach and a brief study of its influences are demonstrated in this paper.
The more things change the more they stay the same: a case report of neurology residency experiences

This study compared the neurology residency training experience for a single neurology resident at the University of Pennsylvania from the years 2002–2005. The prevalence of encounters seen during this residency was compared to the prevalence of neurological disorders typically observed by ambulatory neurologists in the United States (US). A total of 1,333 patients were evaluated during this residency. Ischemic stroke/transient ischemic accident, epilepsy, metabolic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis were the most common neurological disorders observed. The four most common reasons for an outpatient visit to a neurologist (i.e., headache/migraine, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy) typically account for approximately 49–55% of all appointments, but only contributed to approximately 40% of patient encounters during this neurology residency. While these results reflect the encounters of a single neurology resident, both the total number and distribution of neurological diagnoses were similar to previous experiences over two decades ago at US academic medical centers despite significant changes in health care delivery and policy. This case report demonstrates that neurology residency programs continue to overemphasize acute management of inpatient neurological disorders compared to outpatient care of more prevalent neurological complaints. Additional measures could be instituted to ensure a broader range of experiences during residency (i.e., online resident log). These methods could allow residency coordinators to identify certain areas of deficiency with regards to exposure to patients for a resident and ensure greater competency during residency.
Coordinating Parallel Processes on Networks of Workstations

The network of workstations (NOW) we consider for scheduling is heterogeneous and nondedicated, where computing power varies among the workstations and local and parallel jobs may interact with each other in execution. An effective NOW scheduling scheme needs sufficient information about system heterogeneity and job interactions. We use the measured power weight of each workstation to quantify the differences of computing capability in the system. Without a processing power usage agreement between parallel jobs and local user jobs in a workstation, job interactions are unpredictable, and performance of either type of jobs may not be guaranteed. Using the quantified and deterministic system information, we design a scheduling scheme calledself-coordinated local schedulingon a heterogeneous NOW. Based on a power usage agreement between local and parallel jobs, this scheme coordinates parallel processes independently in each workstation based on the coscheduling principle. We discuss its implementation on Unix System V Release 4 (SVR4). Our simulation results on a heterogeneous NOW show the effectiveness of the self-coordinated local scheduling scheme.
The Clinical Analgesic Efficacy of Oral Nefopam Hydrochloride

The analgesic efficacy of 60 and 120 mg nefopam hydrochloride was compared to 650 mg aspirin and placebo in a double-blind single-dose study. Oral doses were administered to 120 patients suffering from acute postsurgical or fracture pain. All active medications demonstrated analgesic activity in comparison to placebo. Patients on 120 mg nefopam obtained the greatest degree of analgesia. Side effects were minor and did not interfere with the course of therapy. The incidence of side effects (sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness) was greater on 120 mg nefopam than on 650 mg aspirin).
The effect of acute and chronic LY 277359, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on the number of spontaneously active midbrain dopamine neurons.

In this study, we have examined the effect of acute and chronic administration of LY 277359, a putative 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, on the number of spontaneously active dopamine cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC or A9) and ventral tegmental area (VTA or A10). This was accomplished using the standard extracellular single unit recording techniques. The acute administration of LY 277359 (0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg i.p.) produced a significant increase in the number of spontaneously active A10, but not A9, dopamine cells compared to saline controls. The acute administration of 10 mg/kg of LY 277359 did not significantly alter the number of spontaneously active dopamine cells in either area. In contrast to its acute effects, the administration of 0.1 mg/kg per day of LY 277359 for 21 days decreased the number of spontaneously active A9 and A10 dopamine cells. However, the i.v. administration of (+/-)-apomorphine (50 micrograms/kg) did not reverse LY 277359's action, suggesting that the chronic LY 277359-induced reduction of dopamine cells was not the result of depolarization block. To test whether chronic administration of LY 277359 at a high dose would induce depolarization block of dopamine cells, rats were treated with 1.0 or 10 mg/kg LY 277359. Interestingly, the chronic administration of 1.0 mg/kg LY 277359 increased the number of A10, but not A9 dopamine cells. In contrast, chronic treatment with 10 mg/kg selectively decreased the number of spontaneously active A10 dopamine cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Designing UML diagrams for technical documentation

This paper presents a framework for improving the presentation of Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams, as applied in technical documentation produced at the IBM Toronto Software Laboratory. UML diagrams are a key part of program design. They can enhance understanding of complex programming concepts, and assist in problem analysis and solution design. In turn, UML diagrams can add significant value to documentation, helping the user to understand not only the solution but also the reasons for using that particular solution. Too often, however, UML diagrams are created in isolation by a developer, with little or no thought as to how they will be presented in documentation, be it online, in a PDF file, or in a printed book. This compartmentalization does not allow for the possibility that a diagram that was useful in the design phase of a project will not necessarily bring value to documentation if its stated processes or goals are unclear. Poorly designed UML diagrams can also have a negative impact on both project scheduling and costs. For example, production delays can arise because of increased back-and-forth time among developers, writers, and designers, and translation costs can escalate if a diagram contains text that must be translated.This paper presents a method for ensuring a collaborative process for UML diagram design. It provides specific tasks for each of the three key roles in developing UML diagrams for documentation: program developer, technical writer, and graphic designer. It makes the program developer aware of design principles that might otherwise be overlooked. It shows the technical writer ways to improve the design of the diagram, and offers a method for converting files to a common format that can then be utilized by the graphic designer. Finally, it provides the graphic designer with a methodology for quickly producing a clear, error-free final image that is manageable in size. By following the guidelines presented here, developers, writers, and designers can work together to produce clean, concise UML diagrams that will bring value and clarity to technical information. This clearly defined process will help eliminate miscommunication, shorten development schedules, and reduce production and translation costs.
Interaction in information retrieval: trends over time

This review examines a sample of interactive information retrieval (IR) systems within the framework of a design challenge set forth by John Bennett in 1971. Bennett directed his challenge to a group of information scientists who attended The User Interface for Interactive Search of Bibliographic Data Bases Workshop. During the workshop, participants exchanged their insights and experiences on various aspects of user interface requirements for interactive IR systems and discussed system design features that could result in the design of more effective user interfaces for information retrieval. The main goals of this review are to characterize interactive IR design trends over time, examine the extent to which IR systems have responded to Bennett's design challenge, and to suggest potential future research directions and challenges.
Total intravenous anesthesia: advantages for intracranial surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Although volatile anesthetics have been widely accepted in anesthetic management for neurosurgery, they reduce vascular resistance, resulting in increased cerebral blood flow and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In patients with elevated ICP who undergo craniotomy, the increase in ICP during surgery from inhaled anesthetics can make the surgery more difficult, thereby increasing the risk of ischemic cerebral insults. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol and analgesic drugs (remifentanil or fentanyl) and excluding simultaneous administration of any inhaled drugs is being used in patients undergoing craniotomy because of its potential to reduce ICP and ease access to the operative site. METHODS: We reviewed the literature and describe our experience with TIVA, with emphasis on hemodynamic stability, effects on ICP, emergence from anesthesia, extubation times, and return of cognitive function in patients undergoing craniotomy for space-occupying lesions. RESULTS: TIVA with propofol is similar to inhaled anesthetics with regard to hemodynamic stability, emergence times, extubation times, early cognitive function, and adverse events. In several prospective, randomized clinical trials, evidence suggests that ICP is decreased and cerebral perfusion pressure is increased in patients receiving TIVA when compared with those receiving volatile anesthetics during elective craniotomy procedures. CONCLUSION: The impact of TIVA on ICP, brain swelling, and access to the operative site in patients with severely elevated ICP has yet to be evaluated and is the subject of a future study at our institution.
Nonlinear optical processes in organic and polymer structures.

Large, ultrafast second and third order nonlinear optical properties have been demonstrated in a large number of organic and polymer structures. Such advances are important to the fields of nonlinear optics and optical device technologies. The organic and polymer systems can be formed as organizable designed structures possessing a number of special primary properties that include wideband electronic polarizations whose microscopic origin resides in highly charge correlated virtual excitations. These ultrafast excitations occur on individual molecular, or polymer chain, sites whose condensed assemblies are described by their orientational distribution functions. In this regard, the results of two recent studies are reviewed.
Coherence Area Profiling in Multi-Spatial-Mode Squeezed States

Sub-shot-noise microcantilever displacement sensitivity achieved with multi-spatial-mode squeezed light requires unprecedented spatial control of the quantum-correlated modes. We demonstrate a simple approach to map these modes, enabling sub-shot noise microcantilever displacement measurements.
An Objective Technique for Loan Officer Evaluation

Since most of the revenues of a bank are from interest on the loan portfolio, there is always considerable pressure to generate new loans. Certainly, the volume of new loans is an important statistic in the evaluation of lending officers. However, a major concern of senior management is that an increase in loan generation should not be accomplished by a decrease in credit standards. An objective framework for including loan loss experience in the evaluation of individual loan officers is provided.
Physiology of the Aerodigestive System and Aberrations in That System Resulting in Aspiration

Background: Aspiration pneumonia remains a significant and often devastating problem in critically ill patients. It is unclear whether aspiration pneumonia occurs because of problems in the handling of oropharyngeal secretions or if the reflux of gastric contents is the major etiological factor. Additionally, the obvious breakdown of upper aerodigestive protective mechanisms in the critically ill patient population is largely unstudied. Finally, the impact and contribution of tubes, both endotracheal and nasoenteral, on aspiration pneumonia is unclear. Methods: A Medline literature search on scientific and review articles concerning the normal physiology of the aerodigestive tract and factors that compromised normal physiology was undertaken. Readings were supplemented by expert outside opinion from researchers in these fields and from the combined expertise from a multidisciplinary panel of experts assembled at a recent summit on aspiration pneumonia. Results: Changes in the normal physiology of the aerodigestive tract are vast and varied and dependent on the response to injury, iatrogenic interventions, and the use of nasoenteral and endotracheal tubes. The effects on gastric and esophageal motility are likely dynamic and represent an ongoing but changing risk of reflux for the patient. Nasoenteral and endotracheal tubes likely compromise upper aerodigestive protective mechanisms. Conclusions: More research is needed on the functioning of the aerodigestive protective mechanisms in critically ill patients. Understanding of the dynamic changes in gastrointestinal motility will also be an important factor to decrease the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in this patient population.
The Role of Lexical Properties and Cohesive Devices in Text Integration and Their Effect on Human Ratings of Speaking Proficiency

There has been a growing interest in the use of integrated tasks in the field of second language testing to enhance the authenticity of language tests. However, the role of text integration in test takers’ performance has not been widely investigated. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effects of text-based relational (i.e., cohesion) and propositional-specific (i.e., lexical) features on subsequent source text integration in spoken responses. In addition, the current study investigates the effects of word integration on human ratings of speaking performance. Sixty test-takers’ speaking samples from the listen/speak section of the TOEFL-iBT were analyzed in terms of textual integration at the lexical and cohesion level and how this integration predicted human scores of speaking proficiency. The results indicate that the properties of the source text are strongly predicative of which words test takers will integrate into their response. Moreover, it was found that text integration is an imp...
Local distribution voltage control by reactive power injection from PV inverters enhanced with active power curtailment

Overvoltages in distribution network due to large-scale photovoltaic (PV) penetration can be overcome by controlling the real and/or reactive power injections from the PV inverter. The main objective of this work is to study the enhancement of a droop-based reactive power injection technique by active power curtailment with a purpose of local voltage control. At peak generation and low load scenario, voltage at the PV node can surpass the overvoltage limit. Active power injection curtailment can raise the reactive power output of the PV inverter and thus help to reduce the node voltage. Also, this technique aids the line voltage regulators, as curtailed active power injection requires less frequent tap-changing operations than uncontrolled real injection.
The relationship between the anatomic position of the heart and the electrocardiogram; a criticism of unipolar electrocardiography.

Using a method for identifying precisely the lie of the ventricular structures in the body at autopsy, the anatomic position of the heart was compared with the directions of the QRS electrical forces in a large number of subjects with and without heart disease. While the mean QRS axis varied through 180 degrees in these subjects, the anatomic position of the left ventricle varied less than 45 degrees. No instances of significant rotation of the heart around its long axis were encountered, and it is shown that the unipolar electrocardiographic criteria for position and rotation of the heart have little validity. An explanation for the axis deviations of ventricular hypertrophy is offered.
An analysis of bandwidth allocation strategies in multiservice networks

In this paper we consider calculating blocking probabilities for several bandwidth allocation policies in a multi rate multi class networks. A request can require multiple units of each resource (the multi-rate case) and it does not have to be the same for different requests of the same traffic type. We consider the standard complete-sharing policy, guaranteed-minimum sharing policies and a preemptive policy in a prioritized multi class system. The goal of this paper is to determine the probability of a new customer being admitted with a desired grade of service. We present approximate analytical tools to obtain blocking probabilities in a multi rate multi class system, where users of the same class can have different resource requirements. To validate our approach, we also develop a simulation of the system.
Genetic modulation of diabetic nephropathy among mouse strains with Ins2 Akita mutation

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. DN is characterized by changes in kidney structure and function but the underlying genetic and molecular factors are poorly understood. We used a mouse diversity panel to explore the genetic basis of DN traits in mice carrying the Ins2 Akita mutation. Twenty-eight Akita strains were generated by breeding this panel to DBA/2.Akita mice. Male F1 diabetic and nondiabetic littermates were evaluated for DN-related traits. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACRs), volume and cystatin C as well as blood urea nitrogen and lipoprotein levels varied significantly among the diabetic strains. For most Akita strains, ACR values increased 2- to 6-fold over euglycemic control values. However, six strains exhibited changes in ACR exceeding 10-fold with two strains (NOD/ShiLt and CBA) showing 50- to 83fold increases. These increases are larger than previously reported among available DN mouse models establishing these strains as useful for additional studies of renal function. ACRs correlated with cystatin C (P = 0.0286), a measure of hyperfiltration and an interstitial tubular marker associated with DN onset in humans suggesting that tubule damage as well as podocyte-stress contributed to reduced kidney function assessed by ACR. Although large changes were seen for ACRs, severe nephropathology was absent. However, glomerular hypertrophy and collagen IV content were found to vary significantly among strains suggesting a genetic basis for early onset features of DN. Our results define the range of DN phenotypes that occur among common inbred strains of mice.
The Body Keeps the Score: Memory and the Evolving Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress

Ever since people's responses to overwhelming experiences have been systematically explored, researchers have noted that a trauma is stored in somatic memory and expressed as changes in the biological stress response. Intense emotions at the time of the trauma initiate the long-term conditional responses to reminders of the event, which are associated both with chronic alterations in the physiological stress response and with the amnesias and hypermnesias characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Continued physiological hyperarousal and altered stress hormone secretion affect the ongoing evaluation of sensory stimuli as well. Although memory is ordinarily an active and constructive process, in PTSD failure of declarative memory may lead to organization of the trauma on a somatosensory level (as visual images or physical sensations) that is relatively impervious to change. The inability of people with PTSD to integrate traumatic experiences and their tendency, instead, to continuously relive ...
Charge Retention in Single Silicon Nanocrystal Layers

Silicon (Si) nanocrystals formed by controlled thermal crystallization of amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO2)/amorphous silicon (a-Si)/amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO2) layers hold considerable promise for application in non-volatile memory products and optoelectronic devices. The size of the nanocrystals is fixed by the thickness of the Si layer and strong quantum confinement is provided in the vertical (growth) direction by the insulating a-SiO2 layers. However, the extent of quantum confinement in the lateral dimensions remains to be established. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements performed within a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) indicate that the nanocrystals are laterally isolated by approximately 2nm of a-SiO2. The confinement potential provided by this barrier is insufficient to localize carriers within a nanocrystal for prolonged durations and can permit quantum mechanical tunneling via wave function overlap between adjacent nanocrystals. Charge leakage kinetics within a sheet of Si nanocrystals was studied using electric force microscopy. Approximately 750 electrons were injected within a 100nm radius circular patch with an atomic force microscope cantilever. The entire charge dissipated from this area in 70min via lateral conduction routes. With a goal of localizing the injected charge and enhancing its retention time, the samples were subjected to relatively low temperature dry oxidation at 750°C. After 20 min of oxidation, retention times above 400 minutes were observed.
Enhanced systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice immunized with recombinant Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (rPA) using a novel nanoemulsion adjuvant

Abstract Rationale New anthrax vaccines involve immunization with rPA, an immunologic target of antibodies that neutralize anthrax toxin. We have evaluated a non-toxic nanoemulsion as an adjuvant for intramuscular (IM) and intranasal (IN) immunization with rPA. Methods Balb/c mice were immunized with three monthly administrations of 2.5 and 25 ug rPA. The protein was given alone, in a solution of 1% nanoemulsion or with the nanoemulsion and CpG-rich oligonucleotides. Results IM injections of rPA with nanoemulsion resulted in higher titers of anti-PA IgG than IM administration of antigen alone, particularly with low doses of rPA. In contrast, nanoemulsion was absolutely required for the development of immunity after IN administration since anti-PA specific IgA (in bronchial lavage) and IgG (in serum) were observed only in animals receiving in rPA with nanoemulsion, whether or not CpG was present. No animal immunized IM with rPA developed a mucosal antibody response. rPA specific splenocyte activation was demonstrated by proliferative responses in vitro and was accompanied by markedly increased production of INFγ and TNFα, indicating that TH1 responses were induced by the nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsion increased in vitro binding of rPA to dendritic cells but not lymphocytes, suggesting dendritic cells participate in the induction of rPA mucosal immunity after IN immunization. Conclusions Nanoemulsions may serve as useful adjuvants for recombinant anthrax vaccines.
Loss of Kansas Water Rights for Non-Use

Like other Western states, Kansas follows the Prior Appropriation Doctrine for water rights allocation – “first in time, first in right.” Traditionally, these water rights must be used, or they can be declared abandoned. Loss of water rights for non-use is important, because over appropriation of Kansas’ water resources has led to the closure of much of the state to new water permits. Water users must thus make sure that their water rights remain active and legal. This article discusses loss of water rights in Kansas. Several questions are discussed. One question is whether Kansas is an “abandonment” state or a “forfeiture” state. Historically, abandonment has been a doctrine adopted by courts that allows the intent of the water user to be relevant on whether an abandonment has occurred. Forfeiture is the loss of a right for failure to use the right for the period of time, such as three or five years, expressly stated in a statute, the intent of the water right holder being irrelevant. Other issues covered in the article include whether vested rights (water rights pre-dating the Kansas Water Appropriation Act of 1945) are subject to abandonment; whether pre-1945 Act legislation dealing with loss of water rights for non-use is relevant in light of the 1945 Act; when a water right has sufficiently matured to be subject to abandonment; what constitutes “due and sufficient cause” for non-use, which can be a defense to an action by the state to declare a water right abandoned; whether partial abandonments are possible; who has the burden of proof in an abandonment hearing, the state or the water right holder; and whether a water right can be declared abandoned for unauthorized use as compared to non-use. The article attempts to answer these questions and points out several potential problems with current law.
The Structure of Oxygen-Implanted (111) Silicon Before and After Heat-Pulse Annealing

The structure of oxygen-implanted silicon (dose -7.3 x 10/sup 16/cm/sup -2/) has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-implanted material exhibited four structurally different layers: defect-free monocrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, monocrystalline silicon with a high defect density, and the perfect crystalline substrate. After heat-pulse annealing for 20 s at 800/sup 0/C, 900/sup 0/C, or 1000/sup 0/C, the amorphous layer recrystallized resulting in polycrystalline silicon rich in oxygen. The uniform insulator buried layer was not formed under these specific implantation and annealing conditions.
Steroidal Regulation of Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y Release and Gene Expression

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) readily stimulates the release of hypothalamic LHRH and pituitary LH release in intact and gonadal steroid-primed gonadectomized rats. We have now tested the hypothesis that the release and synthesis of hypothalamic NPY may be regulated by gonadal steroids. To measure the effects of gonadal hormones on NPY release, a permanent push-pull cannula was implanted in the anterior pituitary (AP) of sham castrated (controls) or castrated (CAST) male rats, and 1 week later, the AP was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid over a 3-4 h period. NPY concentrations in the perfusates collected at 10-min intervals were measured by RIAs. The NPY release pattern in the AP was episodic in both intact and CAST rats, and the frequency of NPY episodes was similar in two groups. However, the amount of NPY detected in the AP of CAST rats was significantly less than that of intact rats because the mean rate of release and the amplitude of NPY episodes in the perfusates of CAST rats were significantly reduced. This observation of attenuated hypothalamic NPY output in vivo and previous evidence of decreased hypothalamic NPY contents after CAST implied that the synthesis of hypothalamic NPY may be regulated by testicular secretions. Therefore, the effects of testosterone (T)-replacement on preproNPY messenger RNA (mRNA) in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was evaluated. Rats were CAST and received either empty or T-filled Silastic capsules sc. Two weeks later, the level of perproNPY mRNA in the MBH was determined by solution hybridization/ribonuclease protection assay using a complementary RNA probe complementary to the rat NPY precursor mRNA. We observed that the levels of preproNPY mRNA were 2-fold higher in the MBH of T-replaced CAST as compared to control CAST rats. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that gonadal steroids enhance the neurosecretory activity of hypothalamic NPYergic neurons, and for the first time reveal a coupling between the level of gene expression and the secretion of a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of hypothalamic LHRH and pituitary LH release.
United States Asthma Hospitalization Rates in the 21st Century Show a Peak Female Predominance in the 5th and 6th Decades of Life

S U N D A Y 451 Circumstances of Medically Unadvised Purposeful Exposure to Food Allergens in an Observational Study (Consortium of Food Allergy Research, COFAR) Kim E. Mudd, RNMSN CCRP, Jill Ellingson, Phyllis Mayfield, Lisa P. Talarico, RN, MS, Janet S. Kamilaris, RN, Scott H. Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Arkansas, Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, Division of Pediatric Allergy and ImmunologyUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. RATIONALE: To determine motivational factors accounting for allergic reactions when young children with known food allergies were fed an allergen against medical advice. METHODS: Families (n5512) participating in an observational study on the natural history of food allergy (CoFAR) were queried about purposeful exposures to foods that resulted in a reaction. The motivational factors resulting in the purposeful exposures were categorized using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty of the 512 families (8%) described 52 purposeful exposures that were medically unadvised. Multiple motivational circumstances were recorded per reaction so categories total to> 100% as follows : 46% belief that small exposures would not cause symptoms; 42% to see if allergy resolved; 38% child tolerated food in baked or processed form; 29% prior exposure to the food produced no symptoms; 25% belief that small exposures would speed allergy resolution; 24% past reactions were not perceived as severe; 15% thought the food allergy diagnosis was not accurate;14% thought decreased IgE measurement meant food allergy resolved; 8% to test severity of food allergy reaction; 4% read something that influenced their decision; and 2% tried the food while waiting for a scheduled food challenge. Reactions were attributed to purposeful exposures by mothers (33/64%), fathers (11/21%), grandmothers (7/14%) and (1/2%) by a caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: Families expose food allergic children to known food allergens despite receiving avoidance recommendations. These purposeful exposures to food reflect potentially dangerous misconceptions about food allergy among parents and other caretakers and present an opportunity for anticipatory guidance.
Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, by John G. Turner, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA, 2012, viii + 500 pp. ISBN 978 0 674 04967 3, US$35.00 (cloth)

Students of Mormon and US history have needed this book for a long time. Up until now, the best full-length treatment of Brigham Young's life, published in 1986, has been Leonard J. Arrington's boo...
Losing Lear, Finding Ageism

Some of the startling “novelties” in directing King Lear in recent years come from directors and actors making ageist changes in the interpretation, staging, and acting of the play. The nineteenth-century's “archetypal” “good old father, much put upon” is coming to be considered a “sentimental” extreme. By making Lear seem essentially disagreeable—“cranky,” angry rather than driven to anger, bullying, or close to senile—and sometimes by making his knights quarrelsome, or putting him (or her) in a nursing home, the evil daughters' “hard-heartedness” is made more understandable. This is the new ageism. This historically-enhanced ageism, not feminism, is the underlying source of the alterations one can find in some productions and reviews of Lear. When Lear is less, Lear is lesser. How do we keep King Lear a tragedy in today's world of contrived intergenerational rivalries? And how do contemporary playwrights defy ageism today? August Wilson finds ways in many of his Pittsburgh plays, including The Piano Les...
Modulation of corticospinal excitability by transcranial magnetic stimulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

The developmental pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is currently not fully understood. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the behavioral phenotype may result from dysfunctional inhibitory control over excitatory synaptic plasticity. Consistent with this claim, previous studies indicate that adults with Asperger’s Syndrome show an abnormally extended modulation of corticospinal excitability following a train of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). As ASD is a developmental disorder, the current study aimed to explore the effect of development on the duration of modulation of corticospinal excitability in children and adolescents with ASD. Additionally, as the application of rTMS to the understanding and treatment of pediatric neurological and psychiatric disorders is an emerging field, this study further sought to provide evidence for the safety and tolerability of rTMS in children and adolescents with ASD. Corticospinal excitability was measured by applying single pulses of TMS to the primary motor cortex both before and following a 40 s train of continuous theta burst stimulation. 19 highfunctioning males ages 9–18 with ASD participated in this study. Results from this study reveal a positive linear relationship between age and duration of modulation of rTMS aftereffects. Specifically we found that the older participants had a longer lasting response. Furthermore, though the specific protocol employed typically suppresses corticospinal excitability in adults, more than one third of our sample had a paradoxical facilitatory response to the stimulation. Results support the safety and tolerability of rTMS in pediatric clinical populations. Data also support published theories implicating aberrant plasticity and GABAergic dysfunction in this population.
Rapid software development through team collocation

In a field study conducted at a leading Fortune 100 company, we examined how having development teams reside in their own large room (an arrangement called radical collocation) affected system development. The collocated projects had significantly higher productivity and shorter schedules than both the industry benchmarks and the performance of past similar projects within the firm. The teams reported high satisfaction about their process, and both customers and project sponsors were similarly highly satisfied. The analysis of questionnaire, interview and observational data from these teams showed that being "at hand," i.e. both visible and available, helped them to coordinate their work better and learn from each other. Radical collocation seems to be one of the factors leading to high productivity in these teams.
Molecular recollision interferometry in high harmonic generation

Using extreme-ultraviolet interferometry, we measure pi phase shifts in high harmonics generated from transiently aligned molecules. This data directly reflects the quantum interferences in the electron wavepacket due to the two-center molecular structure.