cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taming the Brain Weasels: Reducing Self-Criticism Through Externalization and Compassion

ABSTRACTSelf-criticism is a natural process occurring across mental health disorders. When self-criticism is excessive, vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety incre...
Analysis of six trace elements in blood in hyperactivity children in Guangzhou city

Objective To investigate the contents of the trace elements in the whole blood of hyperactivity children in Guangzhou, and the relationship between the trace elements and hyperactivity. Methods Randomly selected 478 children being hospitalized in our hospital who have the hyperactivity of the 2-year-old children to 13, and divided into 4 groups by ages, G1 group, 35 cases infant(1 to 3 years),G2 group, pre-school period 180 cases (4 to 6 years), School-age were divided into two groups, G3 group, 228 cases (7 to 10 years), G4 group, 35 cases (≥ 10 years).Levels of Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu、Mg and Pb were measured by BH7100 and BH2100 atomic absorption spectrometer from 478 cases of children blood Levels of trace elements analyzed by SPSS 13.0 statistical package. Results Among the different ages, the content of Zn and Ca was different(P 0.05).The deficiency rate of Zn is very high among hyperactivity children. The deficiency rate of Zn is G1 40.0%, G2 59.4%, G3 65.4%, G4 54.3%. The deficiency rate of Ca ranked second. The exceeding rate of Pb is above 22% in different groups. Conclusions The deficiency of Zn might be an important factor for child hyperactivity, and the deficiency of Calcium and lower lead exposure may be another factors. Key words: Hyperactivity: Trace elements: Deficiency of Zn: Lower blood lead level
Comparison of Cloud Architectures for Mobile Sensor Optimization Problem Implementation

The field of swarm robotics has continued to grow in recent years, branching into new fields that require more complex algorithms to solve and faster response times to control. Fields such as cloud and fog computing have been used to counter this first issue, allowing agents to use a network to access systems with much higher computational abilities, but this comes at the cost of increased latency. New architectures such as the Lambda and Kappa architectures have been developed to remedy this issue, allowing for cloud computers to be used while not sacrificing response times. This paper focuses on comparing three different architectures to assess their performance on a simulated robotic swam to solve the mobile sensor optimization problem. These three architectures are a traditional robot, the Lambda architecture, and the Kappa architecture. These systems are compared based off their latency and the runtimes of different algorithms in each implementation.
Ustekinumab for the treatment of paradoxical skin reactions and cutaneous manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases

Ustekinumab (STELARA), a human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-12 and IL-23, is FDA-approved to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Increasing recognition of paradoxical skin reactions induced by older biologic therapies used for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as, adalimumab and infliximab, has led to the investigation of ustekinumab for the treatment of the cutaneous and gastrointestinal manifestations of IBD. In addition, ustekinumab may show efficacy in treating paradoxical cutaneous reactions to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. A search of the Medline/PubMed database, with additional citations obtained from the references section of relevant articles, yielded 22 articles that were included in this review. Ustekinumab is a safe and effective option for treating the cutaneous manifestations of IBD, such as, metastatic Crohn's disease and pyoderma gangrenosum. It is also an effective treatment for TNF-α inhibitor-induced paradoxical skin reactions, such as, psoriasis that do not remit spontaneously or with conventional treatment. Additional studies should focus on the optimal dosing of ustekinumab for dermatologic conditions beyond psoriasis.
Application of Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks for Mental Workload Assessment Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Mental workload assessment is a core element of designing complex high-precision human machine interfaces with industrial and medical applications, from aviation to robotic neurosurgery. High accuracy and continuous mental state decoding play an essential role for keeping the operator’s mental workload on a moderate level to prevent cognitive tunneling and improve the safety and performance of complex machine use. Monitoring brain activity using wearable and increasingly portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors enable measurement in realistic and real-world conditions. While a variety of machine learning techniques have been evaluated for this application, Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks (R-CNN) have received only minimal attention. A significant advantage of R-CNN compared to other classification methods is that it can capture temporal and spatial patterns of brain activity simultaneously without requiring prior feature selection or computationally demanding preprocessing or denoising. This study represents an investigation on designing a hybrid deep learning architecture combining CNN and RNN (Long Short Term Memory-LSTM). The proposed architecture is evaluated for mental workload memory (n-Back) tasks from an open-source dataset. Proposed architecture demonstrates higher performance than both Fully Connected Deep Neural Network and Support Vector Machine methods, showing a high capacity for simultaneous spatio-temporal pattern recognition. We obtained improvements of 15% and 11% in average subject accuracy with deoxy-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) in R-CNN compared to SVM and DNN methods, respectively.
Surgery for Cervicofacial Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Adenitis in Children: An Update

Objective To assess optimal surgical treatment with excision or curettage techniques in children with cervicofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) adenitis. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary university-based pediatric referral center. Patients Patients younger than 18 years diagnosed as having cervicofacial NTM adenitis by positive mycobacterial cultures or stains, or by histopathologic evaluation. Interventions Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for diagnosis, surgical excision and/or curettage of head and neck lesions for treatment. Main Outcome Measures Number of procedures per patient, complications, resolution of mass. Results A total of 32 surgical procedures were performed in 25 children with cervicofacial NTM adenitis (mean, 1.3 procedures per patient; range, 1-3): 19 excisional and 13 curettage procedures. The 14 children who had excision as an initial procedure required no additional surgery. Of 11 children who had curettage as an initial procedure, 6 (55%) required additional procedures. Three of these children had additional surgery as planned staged procedures. Excisional surgery after initial curettage (5 patients) was simplified by initial debridement and secondary healing. No complications of curettage were noted. Transient marginal mandibular nerve weakness was seen in 4 patients who had excision. Fourteen of 16 fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens were diagnostic for NTM adenitis. Conclusions Cervicofacial NTM adenitis can be treated with excision or curettage. Excision remains the treatment of choice because of the high cure rate with a single procedure. We now consider curettage as a staged procedure for lesions in proximity to the facial nerve or with extensive skin necrosis, with initial curettage simplifying subsequent excision and wound closure. Preoperative counseling should include discussion of planned or unplanned revision surgery after curettage. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy allows early diagnosis of NTM adenitis.
Multi-exposure interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy

We present multi-exposure interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy (MiDWS), which measures brain blood flow index (BFI) continuously and non-invasively. MiDWS employs interferometry to detect low light levels, probing the optical field autocorrelation indirectly by varying the sensor exposure time. Here MiDWS is compared with conventional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy and speckle contrast optical spectroscopy in phantoms. Notably, the MiDWS approach enables the use of low frame rate, two-dimensional complementary metal–oxide semiconductor cameras in a short exposure time regime, where detector noise greatly exceeds the sample photon count. Finally, we show that MiDWS can monitor the BFI simultaneously at two source-collector separations (1 and 3 cm) on the adult human head on a single camera, enabling the use of superficial signal regression techniques to improve brain specificity.
Multimedia Open Educational Resource Materials for Teaching-Online Diversity and Leadership: Aligning Bloom’s Taxonomy and Studio Habits of Mind

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore, develop, test, and refine processes to incorporate meaningful and equitable use of open educational resources (OER) in online classrooms. Method: The intent of this qualitative study was to use an action research process of interactive discussions between higher education practitioners to shape collective understanding of how to teach in an online learning environment using OER. Results: The study resulted in the identification six exemplar learning opportunities which could be incorporated into the blended pedagogical model. Each exemplar OER included all four types of knowledge as defined by Bloom's taxonomy and required skills of observe and envision as defined in the Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM). A second criteria for our purposive selection was that each exemplar could be used to teach in multiple contexts for multiple purposes across a spectrum of higher education online courses. Conclusion: This study reminds us that educators need a new mindset to work with multimedia and visual resources. The blended pedagogical model provides scaffold teaching and learning opportunities that were not visible in either Bloom's taxonomy or SHoM alone. This blended pedagogical model scaffolds the “how” when using a visual approach to curriculum development that may enrich the learning experiences of students when presented in online higher education classrooms. Implication for Practice: Educators might replicate this study or transfer findings for purposes of comparing and testing further the use of OER in their online higher education classes to further engage student learning. Applying new understanding in a project that is shared with the larger learning group is essential as students understand and begin to own new skills and insights. The blended pedagogical model presented in this paper could be helpful to educators to maximize the benefits from the integration of technology and OERs to support online higher education.
A conceptual framework for dynamic extension of the red clearance interval as a countermeasure for red-light-running.

This manuscript describes the development and evaluation of a conceptual framework for real-time operation of dynamic on-demand extension of the red clearance interval as a countermeasure for red-light-running. The framework includes a decision process for determining, based on the real-time status of vehicles arriving at the intersection, when extension of the red clearance interval should occur and the duration of each extension. A zonal classification scheme was devised to assess whether an approaching vehicle requires additional time to safely clear the intersection based on the remaining phase time, type of vehicle, current speed, and current distance from the intersection. Expected performance of the conceptual framework was evaluated through modeling of replicated field operations using vehicular event data collected as part of this research. The results showed highly accurate classification of red-light-running vehicles needing additional clearance time and relatively few false extension calls from stopping vehicles, thereby minimizing the expected impacts to signal and traffic operations. Based on the recommended parameters, extension calls were predicted to occur once every 26.5cycles. Assuming a 90scycle, 1.5 extensions per hour were expected per approach, with an estimated extension time of 2.30s/h. Although field implementation was not performed, it is anticipated that long-term reductions in targeted red-light-running conflicts and crashes will likely occur if red clearance interval extension systems are implemented at locations where start-up delay on the conflicting approach is generally minimal, such as intersections with lag left-turn phasing. Language: en
A technique for optimizing the selection of quantized coefficients in digital controllers

Coefficient quantization in digital continuous time process controllers, applying results to nominal transfer function approximation
Chapter 18 The Isolation of Nuclei with Citric Acid and the Analysis of Proteins by Two-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the isolation of nuclei with citric acid and the analysis of proteins by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The recent studies compare the acid-soluble nuclear protein complement obtained from rat liver nuclei isolated in sucrose medium containing 3.3 m M Ca 2+ and those isolated in 0.025 M citric acid. The citric acid procedure was chosen for the comparison studies on the 0.4 N sulfuric acid extracts and the chromatin fractions in normal and tumor cell nuclei. The absence of contaminating outer nuclear envelope elements, the low pH (2.5) of the 0.025 M citric acid medium, and the ease of cytoplasmic tag removal from the tumor cell nuclei were the reasons for the use of a citric acid procedure. One way to determine the quality of nuclear isolation products is light microscope examination of the preparation. In addition, electron microscopic evaluation provides information that cannot be obtained by light microscopy. Another level of study is evaluation of the proteins in the preparation. The application of high resolution and high sensitivity two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis provides further evaluation of nuclear isolation methods. This approach can supplement cytoplasmic enzyme assays which would, however, not detect noncatalytic cytoplasmic contaminants or nuclear protein losses. With two-dimensional methods, the protein constituents of nuclei and nucleoli can be evaluated at various stages of nuclear isolations and nuclear fractionations.
Field application of a genetically engineered microorganism for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioremediation process monitoring and control

This research has demonstrated that GEMs can be introduced and maintained in environmental soils for at least 18 months and that the population dynamics can be affected by nutrient augmentation. For example, the presence of naphthalene can be used to enrich for P. fluorescens HK44 in soils and the lack of naphthalene causes the GEM population to decline. Furthermore, this study has provided evidence that bioluminescence from GEMs can be used as a tool for monitoring and controlling the bioremediation process. A GEM can bioluminesce and report conditions that are favorable for bioremediation. In the case where a GEM is present and not bioluminescing, unfavorable environmental or physiological conditions are revealed. If unfavorable conditions are detected, analytical and microbiological assays as well as localized treatments can be used to diagnose and correct the existing problem. This strategy can lead to rapid responses and eliminate the need for expensive microcosm studies that may or may not be amenable to scale-up.
Diminishing Marginal Utility

As consumption of any good increases within a specific period of time, additional units of the good will yield less satisfaction. Keywords: total utility; marginal utility; indifference curves
USER LOSSES IN EARTHQUAKE-DAMAGED ROADWAY NETWORKS

Network analysis of an earthquake-damaged arterial system is performed using a highly efficient traffic assignment algorithm. The reduced trip volume and increased average trip time can be obtained for any simulated earthquake; the (hourly) loss in total net user benefit is obtained, and is labelled the user loss. The analysis is repeated for a set of discrete earthquakes which model the seismic hazard. The end result is the annual expected user loss; this is a direct measure of "seismic risk." In one example the user loss increases more rapidly with intensity than does the repair-replacement costs.
Recurrent cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection and the efficacy of reusing infected ventricular entry sites

Object The objective of this investigation was to review the clinical characteristics of recurrent CSF shunt infections in a large pediatric neurosurgical practice and to assess the safety and efficacy of reusing original ventricular entry sites for external ventricular drainage during treatment of infections and for subsequent reinsertion of shunts. Methods Prospectively accrued clinical data on all patients treated at Children's Hospital Colorado for CSF shunt infections within a 10.5-year span were retrospectively investigated. Results One hundred twenty-one consecutive cases of CSF shunt infection met inclusion criteria. Recurrent shunt infection attributable to the management of these infections occurred in 14 cases (11.6%). Three recurrent infections were with their original organisms, 7 were organisms different from the original organisms, and 4 were indeterminate. Conclusions Half or more of recurrent shunt infections were with organisms different from the original organism, and hence were new-typ...
Nonlinear Processes in the Infrared and Ultraviolet

The field of nonlinear optics, which began with the seminal work of FRANKEN, HILL, PETERS, and WEINREICH [1] in 1961, has now grown to a mature technology. The earlier work centered on the use of ruby (694.3 nm) and Nd (1.06 μm) lasers, since these sources readily provided the optical intensities necessary for the observation of nonlinear phenomena in a wide variety of materials. These effects included second harmonic generation [2], self-focusing [3], and coherent effects [4]. In addition, new spectroscopic advances with dye lasers have extended nonlinear techniques to high resolution spectroscopic studies [5].
Human P450scc gene transcription is induced by cyclic AMP and repressed by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and A23187 through independent cis elements.

Abstract Long-term regulation of mammalian steroid hormone synthesis occurs principally by transcriptional regulation of the gene for the rate-limiting cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme P450scc. Adrenal steroidogenesis is regulated primarily by two hormones: adrenocorticotropin, which works via cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase A, and angiotensin II, which works via Ca2+ and protein kinase C. Forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP stimulated, while prolonged treatment with a phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate [TPA]) and a calcium ionophore (A23187) additively suppressed accumulation of endogenous P450scc mRNA in transformed murine adrenal Y1 cells. In Y1 cells transfected with 2,327 base pairs of the human P450scc promoter fused to the bacterial gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), forskolin increased CAT activity 900% while combined TPA plus A23187 reduced CAT activity to 15% of the control level. Forskolin induced the P450scc promoter as rapidly as a promoter containing two cAMP-responsive elements fused to a simian virus 40 promoter, a system known to respond directly to cAMP. Basal expression was increased by sequences between -89 and -152 and was increased further by sequences between -605 and -2327. This upstream region also conferred inducibility by cAMP. TPA plus A23187 transiently increased CAT activity before repressing it, reflecting the complex actions of angiotensin II in vivo. Repression by prolonged treatment with TPA plus A23187 was mediated by multiple elements between -89 and -343. Induction of CAT activity by forskolin was not diminished by treatment with TPA plus A23187, nor were the regions of the promoter responsible for regulation by the two pathways coisolated. Thus, the human gene for P450scc is repressed by TPA plus A23187 by mechanisms and sequences independent of those that mediate induction by cAMP.
The relationship between cleavage and blastocoel formation in Xenopus laevis. II. Electron microscopic observations.

Blastocoel formation in Xenopus laevis was investigated by light microscopy using serial sections of epoxy-embedded, staged embryos. The earliest manifestation of the blastocoel in the embryo appeared during the first cleavage as a modification in the animal pole furrow tip. This modification consisted of an expansion of a localized area of the furrow. As the blastocoel became a distinct entity, it remained stationary, while the furrow tip continued to advance inwardly. In contrast, no such furrow cavity was observed in the vegetal pole furrow during its formation. During subsequent cleavages, up to the late morula stage, furrows on opposite sides of any given blastomere had different morphologies. As further divisions occurred, the mode of furrow formation became identical regardless of location in the embryo. It is suggested that the cytokinetic pattern in early amphibian embryos is modified to allow for the formation of the blastocoel. After the blastocoel has formed, the cytokinetic pattern changes to one which is concerned solely with cell division.
Nonlinear adaptive observation of an exothermic stirred-tank reactor

Abstract Nonlinear control of an exothermic stirred-tank reactor has been previously demonstrated using a number of techniques, including nonlinear static state feedback and output feedback using observers. This paper considers the task of adaptive observation. It is shown that an adaptive observer for concentration can be constructed for an arbitrary order reaction system when only temperature measurements are available. An adaptive observer is constructed to identify the pre-exponential Arrhenius constant and to provide on-line estimation of the unmeasured reactant concentration for a global nonlinear state-feedback controller. The reaction system is transformed into a time-varying adaptive observer canonical form (AOCF) which is linear in the unknown observer states and adaptive parameters. The AOCF was proposed by Bastin and Gevers, who have provided sufficient conditions for its stability. It is shown that the sufficient conditions on the structure of the system and on the signals for global stability of the observer are satisfied by the reaction system, thereby admitting the construction of the adaptive observer for an arbitrary order reaction. Proper choice of observer gains is crucial for an acceptable rate of convergence. Simulations show that the combined observer/controller provides satisfactory closed-loop behavior when the observer time constant is approximately 4 times smaller than the closed-loop time constant. It is also shown why certain transformations result in better adaptive observers.
Spinal pain suppression mechanisms may differ for phasic and tonic pain

Abstract The dorsalateral funiculus (DLF) spinal pathway has previously been identified as a major pathway involved in descending modulation of pain. While bilateral lesions of the DLF attenuated systemic morphine analgesia as measured by the tail-flick test, they failed to attenuate analgesia as measured by the formalin test. These results suggest that phasic and tonic pain, modeled by the tail-flick and formalin tests, respectively, may utilize different pain suppression mechanisms.
Structural Basis for Carbapenemase Activity of the OXA-23 β-Lactamase from Acinetobacter baumannii

Dissemination of Acinetobacter baumannii strains harboring class D β-lactamases producing resistance to carbapenem antibiotics severely limits our ability to treat deadly Acinetobacter infections. Susceptibility determination in the A. baumannii background and kinetic studies with a homogeneous preparation of OXA-23 β-lactamase, the major carbapenemase present in A. baumannii, document the ability of this enzyme to manifest resistance to last-resort carbapenem antibiotics. We also report three X-ray structures of OXA-23: apo OXA-23 at two different pH values, and wild-type OXA-23 in complex with meropenem, a carbapenem substrate. The structures and dynamics simulations reveal an important role for Leu166, whose motion regulates the access of a hydrolytic water molecule to the acyl-enzyme species in imparting carbapenemase activity.
Feeding inhibition and death produced by glucose ingestion in the rat

Abstract The ingestion of a 7% or 8% glucose solution by normal rats maintained on a one hr/day feeding schedule significantly suppressed food intake and body weight, and resulted in death. A 3.5% glucose solution did not have these effects, while a 21% glucose solution resulted in greater feeding and weight suppression, but no fatalities. The addition of saccharin to the glucose solutions enhanced their suppressive effects, although saccharin by itself did not reduce food intake or body weight. The results indicate that caloric depletion is not the sole cause of glucose-induced death, and some other factor(s), perhaps insulin hypersecretion, must also be responsible for this unusual effect.
Prediction of Light Gas Composition in Coal Devolatilization

The chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model describes the devolatilization behavior of rapidly heated coal based on the chemical structure of the coal. It predicts the overall char, tar, and light gas yields. This paper presents an improved CPD model with improved capability for predicting light gas composition. This is achieved by incorporating a kinetic model that simulates the release of various light gas species from their respective sources/functional groups in coal. The improved CPD model is validated using experiments with a wire mesh reactor and published experimental observations.
22.4 A 1GS/s 10b 18.9mW time-interleaved SAR ADC with background timing-skew calibration

SARs are one of the most energy-efficient ADC architectures for medium resolution and low-to-medium speed. To improve the limited bandwidth of SAR ADCs, the time-interleaved (TI) structure is often used [1,2]. However, TI ADCs have several issues caused by mismatches between channels, such as offset, gain, and timing-skew errors. Unlike the other errors, timing-skew causes errors that increase with input signal frequency. Considering that the TI structure is typically employed to increase bandwidth, timing-skew can be a dominant error source of TI ADCs. Recent works [1,3] have demonstrated a background timing-skew calibration using a dedicated additional channel as a timing reference. In this work, we present a TI SAR ADC that enables background timing-skew calibration without a separate timing reference channel and enhances the conversion speed of each channel.
Generalized lowness and highness and probabilistic complexity classes

We introduce generalized notions of low and high complexity classes and study their relation to structural questions concerning bounded probabilistic polynomial-time complexity classes. We show, for example, that for a bounded probabilistic polynomial-time complexity class\(C\) =BPΣkP,L\(C\)=H\(C\) implies that the polynomial hierarchy collapses to\(C\). This extends Schoning's result for\(C\)=ΣkP (L\(C\) andH\(C\) are the low and high sets defined by\(C\)). We also show, with one exception, that containment relations between the bounded probabilistic classes and the polynomial hierarchy are preserved by their low and high counterparts.LBPP andLBPNP are characterized asNP ∩BPP andNP ∩ co-BPNP, respectively. These characterizations are then used to recover Boppana, Hastad, and Zachos's result that if co-NP ⊂BPNP, then the polynomial hierarchy collapses toBPNP, and Ko's result that ifNP ⊂BPP, then the polynomial hierarchy collapses toBPP.
Fostering At-Risk Kindergarten Children's Number Sense

A 9-month training experiment evaluated whether computer-assisted discovery learning of arithmetic regularities can facilitate kindergartners’ fluency with the easiest sums. After a pretest, kindergartners with at least one risk factor (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either a structured add-0/1 training condition, which focused on recognizing the n + 0/0 + n = n and the n + 1/1 + n = the number-after-n rules, or an active control group. Using pretest fluency as the covariate, ANCOVAs revealed that the structured add-0/1 group significantly outperformed the control group on both practiced and unpracticed (transfer) n + 0/0 + n and n + 1/1 + n items at the delayed posttest and had significantly larger gains in mathematics achievement. Key instructional implications include: Early intervention that targets discovering rules for adding with 0 and 1 and family-specific developmental prerequisites is feasible and more effective than typical classroom instruction in promoting fluency with such basic sums. Suc...
Appetite awareness training: A cognitive behavioral intervention for binge eating

Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) is an 8-session intervention designed to increase eating in response to internal hunger and satiety cues and reduce eating in response to environmental and non-appetite internal cues such as negative affect and maladaptive dietary rules. Clients learn to identify 3 cycles that maintain problematic overeating and binge eating and to use strategies including problem solving, relapse prevention, and cognitive restructuring to interrupt those cycles. The major innovation is self-monitoring hunger and satiety rather than food intake; a visual cue prompts clients to keep both hunger and satiety at moderate levels. Three case studies of women meeting criteria for the proposed clinical diagnosis, Binge Eating Disorder, are described. Each client demonstrated substantial improvement on the indices that had been initially most problematic, and none met criteria for diagnosis at 6-month follow-up.
Interactions between a membrane sialoglycoprotein and planar lipid bilayers.

Bilayer membranes formed from lipids dissolved in decane were exposed to glycophorin, a sialoglycoprotein which had been extracted from human red cell membranes. The interaction with the bilayer produced an increase in the steady state electrical conductance of the membrane proportional to the amount added. Fluctuations in membrane current when the electrical potential difference was constant were observed concommitantly with this increase in membrane conductance. The minimum size of the fluctuations corresponds to a conductance of 10−10 mho. The increase in conductance as well as the current fluctuations persisted after extensive washout of the chamber containing the protein (cisside). Subsequent addition of lectins (wheat germ agglutinin and phytohemoagglutinin) to the cis-side produced rupture of the membranes, whilst these hemoagglutinins added to the trans-side failed to produce an effect. Measurements of changes in surface potential using K+ nonactin as a probe indicated that glycophorin induces a negative surface charge. At high protein concentrations, the magnitude of the induced surface potential became independent of glycophorin concentration. The maximum number of charges introduced onto the membrane under these conditions was 1.4×105/μm2. Cis (but not trans)-side addition of neuraminidase abolished these charges, indicating that they can be ascribed to the sialic acid residues that the protein bears. These results suggest that glycophorin incorporates into bilayer membranes with its N-terminal end (where the sialic acid and carbohydrates are located) facing the cis-side. Spectrin reversibly lowered the glycophorin-induced membrane conductance when added to the trans-side. Cis-side additions failed to produce an effect. Trypsin present on the trans-side irreversibly lowered the membrane conductance. These results indicate that parts of the glycophorin molecule, probably the C-terminal end, are accessible to reagents in the solution bathing the trans-side of the membrane. Thus glycophorin spans the planar bilayer in much the same way as it spans the red cell membrane.
PVT Properties for 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane (R-143a)

Densities of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a) have been measured using a vibrating-tube densitometer over a density range from 41 kg·m-3 to 1113 kg·m-3 along 15 isotherms between 263 K and 403 K and at pressures between 1.5 MPa and 15 MPa. The experimental uncertainties of the measurements are estimated to be ±5 kPa in pressure, ±11 mK in temperature, and ±0.3% to ±2% in density.
SU‐E‐T‐708: The Role of Small Bowel in Cervical Cancer Brachytherapy

Purpose: Small bowel (SB) is the organ at risk (OAR) that has the highest rate of radiation induced late toxicity in brachytherapy of cervical cancer. Historically, however, its dose has not been systematically reported as other OARs even during image guided brachytherapy (IGBT). This study aims to evaluate the effect of including SB in BT plan optimization and to propose a possible reporting schema. Methods: Thirteen patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy of 45Gy in 25 fractions followed by high dose rate (HDR)‐BT of 28Gy in 4 fractions/2 implants using tandem/ring applicator. MRI and CTs were obtained to define the GTV and HR‐CTV, and OARs. Treatment plans were generated for each patient without considering small bowel dose constraint, and revised for those with D2cc of SB >5Gy. Results: Six of 13 cases required plan revision due to high D2cc for SB. By sparing the SB with an average reduction of 19% in D2cc, only 2 of the 6 replanned cases resulted in less optimal target coverage, i.e. D90 of HR‐CTV less than 77Gy. However, one of them already had difficulty in achieving the coverage in the first plan due to other OAR dose restriction. On the other hand, SB mobility was noticed in the CT images, which could help in SB tolerance. Conclusion: Although SB is typically mobile compared to other OARs, it is strongly recommended that it be used as an OAR for plan optimization. Prospective reporting of D2cc index will help to better define its potential association with late complications in the future.
Spirituality, Marriage, and Family.

Whether viewved as part of culture, a subset of belief systems, or a constructivist languaging system, spirituality is gaining increased attention among marriage and family therapists. This researc...
A method for determining drift cell wire tensions using conventional front-end electronics

Abstract We describe a technique to determine drift cell wire tensions that uses conventional chamber amplifiers and data acquisition electronics. The mechanical resonance of the wire is excited by a swept ac high voltage applied to the wire or cathode, and modulation of pulses picked up by the amplifier is detected. The method is practical for in situ determination of wire tensions in large completed drift cell detector systems.
The Governance of Economies and the Economics of Governance

Nearly all fractions within the political, economic, and social spheres gave responses to the recent financial crisis. In broad terms, both left-leaning and right-leaning scholars and commentators presented their explanations for the crisis, with confident agendas defining ‘what is wrong’ and how to deal with it. However, as intellectual history shows us, most of those explanations were no less fascinating precisely because they shared more that they acknowledged. A major divide has been over the role of governments in coordinating markets, or, in the case of Roberts’s The Logic of Discipline, the role of markets in coordinating governments. In this essay, I offer an overview of Alasdair Roberts’s arguments in The Logic of Discipline. Gradually, I extend the examined issues beyond the state-market dichotomy, arguing that only in understanding the interactive force of the two can a systemic analysis of capitalism hope to be plausible.
Positive Response to Oral Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) in Patients With Spasticity and Pain

Divalproex sodium (DVS; Depakote) is a commonly used antiepileptic agent that increases the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid. Spasticity from different causes may be due to a deficiency of inhibitory transmitters like gamma aminobutyric acid or an excess of excitatory neurotransmitters. Spasticity also may be accompanied by pain. The authors administered DVS orally for pain and spasticity in three patients with a history of spinal cord injury and one patient with a history of head injury. Three patients had marked improvement in spasticity and pain. One patient, who had some symptomatic improvement in spasticity, could not tolerate DVS because of gastric irritation. In contrast to the side effects of sedation and increased motor weakness associated with antispasticity drugs commonly used, no such side effects were detected with DVS. It is suggested that a possible enhancement by DVS of gamma aminobutyric acid-ergic postsynaptic inhibition of motor reflex arc in the spinal cord may represent a new nonsedating, management approach for spasticity as a result of traumatic spinal cord and head injuries.
Dietary retinoic acid induces hindlimb and eye deformities in Xenopus laevis

This study investigated the effects of dietary retinoic acid (RA) on frog hindlimb development. Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) tadpoles were fed a diet supplemented with 0, 1, 10, or 100 μg of RA/g of food for 2 or 5 d at different stages of metamorphosis. Hindlimb deformities were induced in the group fed 100 μg of RA/g of diet for 5 d. Exposures beginning at mid-hindlimb bud development induced bilaterally bent tibiafibula (bony triangles), while exposures later in hindlimb development induced deformities of the feet, including fusion of the 1st and 2nd clawed digits and reduced length of the 4th and 5th digits (due to reduced, missing, or misplaced phalanges). There were also cases of extra phalanges in the 5th digit. The eye was another target of RA exposure. In one experiment, 58% of the tadpoles fed 10 μg of RA/g had a smaller or absent right eye. Additionally, 11% of the tadpoles fed 100 μg of RA/g of diet developed a smaller or absent left eye. Waterborne heavy metals (Zn or Cu) modified RA ...
Isolation of 2,5-anhydro-1,3-O-isopropylidene-6-O-trityl-D-glucitol and conformations of its 4-O-substituted and deprotected, acylated derivatives☆☆☆

Abstract Acidic dehydration of D -mannitol ( 1 ) gave a mixture of anhydrides ( 2 ) that was isopropylidenated and subsequently tritylated. A single component crystallized from the resulting mixture and was shown to be the novel 2,5-anhydro-1,3- O -isopropylidene-6- O -trityl- D -glucitol ( 4 ) by chemical and physical analysis and by comparison of its deprotected, dibenzoylated derivative ( 10 ) with authentic 2,5-anhydro-1,6-di- O -benzoyl- D -glucitol. Acid hydrolysis of 4 afforded pure 2,5-anhydro- D -glucitol ( 9 ) in better yield than by the previously reported route. The 4- O -acetyl ( 5 ), 4- O -chloro-acetyl ( 6 ), 4- O -methyl ( 7 ), and 4- O -(methylsulfonyl) ( 8 ) derivatives of 4 , the tetra- O -acetyl ( 11 ) derivative of 9 , and the 3,4-di- O -acetyl ( 12 ) derivative of 10 , have been prepared and spectrally characterized. Complete proton-n.m.r. analysis yields first-order coupling constants that indicate the E 1 ( D ) conformation for the tetrahydrofuran ring and the chair conformation for the 1,3-dioxane ring of 4-2-8 . Obtainable coupling constants suggest that 11 and 12 exist in the o E and/or o T 1 , conformations.
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for long-term urethroplasty outcome.

Purpose: We studied the patient risk factors that promote urethroplasty failure.Materials and Methods: Records of patients who underwent urethroplasty at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify multivariate predictors of urethroplasty outcome.Results: Between 1995 and 2004, 443 patients of 495 who underwent urethroplasty had complete comorbidity data and were included in analysis. Median patient age was 41 years (range 18 to 90). Median followup was 5.8 years (range 1 month to 10 years). Stricture recurred in 93 patients (21%). Primary estimated stricture-free survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 88%, 82% and 79%. After multivariate analysis smoking (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.1, p = 0.05), prior direct vision internal urethrotomy (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.0, p = 0.04) and prior urethroplasty (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, p = 0.03) were predictive of treatment failure. On multivariate analysis diabetes m...
A modification of the Hynes method for estimating secondary production with particular significance for multivoltine populations

The accepted procedure for de termining production of multivoltine invertebrates by use of the Hynes method is to multiply the Hynes value by the number of generations per year. For aquatic insects, if pupal, adult, or egg stages comprise a significant portion of total generation time, this procedure will underestimate production. For crustaceans, if reproduction occurs before attaining the final size class, the procedure, using generation time, will overestimate production. It is necessary to multiply the Hynes value by 365/CPI, where CPI is the cohort production interval (in days) from hatching to the attainment of the largest aquatic size class.
Reflections Continuity, Change, and the Way Forward

When Christine Flynn Saulnier and I started our tenure as the coeditors of Affilia in fall 2006, we declared our intention to build upon the vision of the founding mothers of Affilia within the context of global changes that were occurring during the first decade of the 21st century. That vision was a journal that would provide space for feminists in the academy to examine the serious challenges that women were facing. Women academicians found that they could not get their manuscripts on feminist issues, such as unequal pay, tenure, and promotion; the glass ceiling; and violence against women published in social work journals. The voices of feminist social work practitioners and academicians who examined the challenges that women face in their day-to-day lives at home and in the workplace and who interpreted their research from feminist perspectives were absent in professional journals. Therefore, the founding mothers developed their vision to encourage scholarship, to enable the publication of articles on social work practice and social welfare from feminist lenses, and to promote theories that helped gain an understanding of and advance women’s causes in racial, ethnic, professional, geographic, and sexual orientation matters. Christine and I noted in 2006 that although there had been changes in social work professional and publication networks in the first years of the 21st century, many of the problems that motivated the founders still remained. Thus, we made a commitment to publish articles that would reflect the vision of the founding mothers, including the first group that served on the editorial board of Affilia and the first five editors in chief (see Table 1). We also sought to foster a broader concept of globalization that seemed limited for social work to (1) international social work, (2) comparative analyses of social work practices and social welfare policies among nations, and (3) comparative analyses of women’s positions and women’s concerns in different nations. The emerging broader concept encompasses challenges that women and feminist practice face, including the impact of globalization on social work, transnational and multilateral social work, translocal networks, the impacts of global changes on women’s lives, the need for global regulation, and hybrid forms of practice that combine elements from the private and public sectors and result in opportunities as well as challenges for women. Transnational social work requires investments in research, practice, and analyses of institutional functions, as well as intricate connections of international and local organizations and advocacy at all levels. Transnational social work also calls for an understanding of the challenges facing women who migrate—within their
Metalloalkaline phosphatases from Bacillus subtilis: physicochemical and enzymatic properties.

The physicochemical, enzymatic, and metal-binding properties of the alkaline phosphatase from the gram positive organism, B. subtilis, are described. The native protein is a dimer of MW ∼100,000 containing 2.48±0.5 g atoms of zinc. The most active preparations of the homogeneous enzyme catalyze the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate at a maximum velocity of ∼8100 μmoles/hr/mg enzyme dimer, over twice the specific activity of the crystalline enzyme from the gram negative organism, E. coli. The metal-free apoenzyme prepared by removal of the metal atom with Chelex resin is inactive. Of the first transition and IIB metals only Zn(II) and Co(II) restore activity to the metal-free apoenzyme. Addition of Co(II) results in an enzyme with twice the activity of the reconstituted. Zn(II) enzyme. The enzyme activity is stimulated threefold by increasing the ionic strength from 0.1 to 1.0. The enzyme also catalyzes phosphoryl transfer from p-nitrophenylphosphate to Tris. The visible absorption spectrum of the Co(II) enzyme shows the metal coordination site to be almost identical to that present in the enzyme from E. coli. Visible absorption maxima of the Co(II) enzyme occur at 620 (ɛ=305), 596 (ɛ=335), 567 (ɛ=500), and 517 nm (ɛ=382).
Postnatal ventilatory response to CO2 in awake piglets

Abnormal ventilatory responses to increased levels of inspired CO2 during postnatal development may pose a risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, primarily during periods of vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in awake piglets the ventilatory response to hypercapnia would be attenuated between 10 and 15 days of age relative to younger and older ages. To test this hypothesis, we measured the ventilatory response to 5% inspired CO2 in piglets from postnatal (PN) days 1 through PN28. Piglets were divided into groups and exposed to 5% CO2 daily, every 3rd day or on and after PN20–21 only to avoid any plasticity that may result from repeated exposure to CO2. Room air ventilation normalized to body weight (V˙E, ml/min/kg) declined with postnatal age in piglets from all groups. The ventilatory response to 5% inspired CO2 (expressed as % change from control) was present at birth, and we did not find an age-dependent change from PN1 to PN28 (p > 0.1). In addition, we did not find that repeated exposure (daily or every 3rd day) to 5% inspired CO2 altered the ventilatory response during this period of development. We conclude that the previously documented apparent critical period of development in piglets between 10 and 15 days of age is not associated with attenuation of the ventilatory response to 5% inspired CO2.