cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pure rotational spectrum and structural determination of 1,1-difluoro-1-silacyclopentane

Abstract The ground state, pure rotational spectrum of 1,1-difluoro-1-silacyclopentane has been studied using chirped-pulse, Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy and observed in the 6-20.3 GHz region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum was acquired leveraging the deep averaging capability of the technique. The parent species, 13C, 29Si, and 30Si singly substituted isotopologues were observed in natural abundance and are reported. Only one conformer, the C2 conformer (half-chair), was observed. This is confirmed with a determined CCCC dihedral angle of -48.1(11)°. The spectrum is comprised of entirely a-type transitions in accordance with quantum chemical calculations. Multiple split transitions are present in the spectrum which have been attributed to a ring-twisting of the carbon atoms attached to the silicon atom in the ring. This motion has the carbons crossing the a-axis in the bc-plane leading to an inversion potential. Potential energy surfaces for the ring-twisting motion were undertaken and the experimentally determined energy level difference observed in comparison to these surfaces is reasonable. A Kraitchman analysis of the experimentally determined, singly substituted isotopologues is in agreement with the optimized, twisted (nonplanar) equilibrium structure. This structure has been compared to other similar silicon-containing ring molecules using second moment arguments and these comparisons are discussed.
Identity of the Na Activation Sites in ATPase with the K Activation Sites in p-Nitrophenylphosphatase

Publisher Summary Na, K–ATPase has the capacity to catalyze the hydrolysis of a number of substrates in addition to ATP, including a series of substituted aromatic phosphates, such as p -nitrophenyl phosphate. The hydrolysis of these organic phosphates is strongly activated by K ions, leading many workers to compare the so-called “nitrophenylphosphatase reaction (NPPase)” to the K­dependent hydrolysis of the phosphoenzyme intermediate formed from reaction with ATP. However, there are some striking differences in the characteristics of these two reactions. This chapter discusses the characterization of the activation of ATPase activity by Na and K ions and the NPPase activity by K ions to resolve some of the conflicts remaining in the interpretation of these two reactions. A model is proposed in the chapter where, cations activate by stabilizing a catalytically active conformation of the enzyme but are not required for that conformation. The model requires two constants, one of which describes the equilibrium between catalytically active and inactive conformations in the absence of cations and the other of which describes the relative affinities of the two conformations for each of the cations.
H2O: building communities around ideas

This demonstration will showcase the H2O project at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society in general and the H2O Rotisserie discussion tool specifically. H2O is a nonprofit software development project that develops innovative educational tools designed not only to improve the academic educational experience but also to export the best parts of that experience outside of the academy. The Rotisserie is the most successful tool developed by the H2O project: a structured discussion tool that solves many of the problems of using an online discussion system to facilitate productive, meaningful discourse. The Berkman Center has successfully used H2O tools to promote productive civic discussion about pressing Internet and law issues.
High temperature fatigue in ceramic wall-flow diesel filters

Under certain operating conditions when the combined stresses in a ceramic wall-flow diesel filter from mechanical, thermal, and vibrational loads exceed its threshold strength, the fatigue effects become important. This paper reviews the theory of static and dynamic fatigue, and presents fatigue data for Corning's high efficiency filter composition (EX-47, 100/17) in the temperature range 25/sup 0/ - 400/sup 0/C which is representative of the stressed peripheral region during regeneration. The measurement and analysis of fatigue data, together with the implication on long-term durability of cordierite ceramic filters, is discussed.
Robust Computer Vision through Kernel Density Estimation

Two new techniques based on nonparametric estimation of probability densities are introduced which improve on the performance of equivalent robust methods currently employed in computer vision. The first technique draws from the projection pursuit paradigm in statistics, and carries out regression M-estimation with a weak dependence on the accuracy of the scale estimate. The second technique exploits the properties of the multivariate adaptive mean shift, and accomplishes the fusion of uncertain measurements arising from an unknown number of sources. As an example, the two techniques are extensively used in an algorithm for the recovery of multiple structures from heavily corrupted data.
An Urban Political Ecology of Climate Change Governance

This paper utilizes insights from urban political ecology (UPE) to highlight the importance of carbon in urban climate politics. Through an emphasis on the socio-material politics of urban climate governance, this analysis provides an explicit account of the performance of power within and over the urban landscape. Two specific efforts are reviewed here, including local greenhouse gas inventorying practices and urban educational and outreach efforts to create carbon conscious citizens. By considering these social and political processes in relation to ecological aspects of urban carbon cycling, it becomes evident that urban interventions into climate change do little to disrupt or restructure the ways in which carbon flows into or out of cities and instead operate at the level of carbon representation (via measurement) and subjection (via educational outreach). A UPE framework also helps highlight the ways in which urban carbon governance erases importance aspects of social and spatial difference among carbon emitters and how efforts to change individual behavior direct attention away from carbon intensive urban development. The review concludes with some thoughts on why social scientists should pay closer attention to the myriad ways that carbon is modeled, measured, and monitored as an ecological, technical, and political project in the world's cities.
Co‐expression of NaVβ subunits alters the kinetics of inhibition of voltage‐gated sodium channels by pore‐blocking μ‐conotoxins

Background and Purpose Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are assembled from two classes of subunits, a pore-bearing α-subunit (NaV1) and one or two accessory β-subunits (NaVβs). Neurons in mammals can express one or more of seven isoforms of NaV1 and one or more of four isoforms of NaVβ. The peptide μ-conotoxins, like the guanidinium alkaloids tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX), inhibit VGSCs by blocking the pore in NaV1. Hitherto, the effects of NaVβ-subunit co-expression on the activity of these toxins have not been comprehensively assessed.
Prevalence and correlates of obstructive sleep apnoea among patients with and without HIV infection.

Objectives In HIV-uninfected populations, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairment. These comorbidities are common in HIV-infected patients, but there are scarce data regarding OSA in HIV-infected patients. Therefore, we examined the prevalence and correlates of OSA in a cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Methods An observational cohort study was carried out. Electronic medical record and self-report data were examined in patients enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) between 2002 and 2008 and followed until 2010. The primary outcome was OSA diagnosis, determined using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes, in HIV-infected compared with uninfected individuals. We used regression analyses to determine the association between OSA diagnosis, symptoms and comorbidities in adjusted models. Results Of 3683 HIV-infected and 3641 uninfected patients, 143 (3.9%) and 453 (12.4%) had a diagnosis of OSA (p < 0.0001), respectively. HIV-infected patients were more likely to report symptoms associated with OSA such as tiredness and fatigue. Compared with uninfected patients with OSA, HIV-infected patients with OSA were younger, had lower body mass indexes (BMIs), and were less likely to have hypertension. In models adjusting for these traditional OSA risk factors, HIV infection was associated with markedly reduced odds of OSA diagnosis (odds ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.60). Conclusions HIV-infected patients are less likely to receive a diagnosis of OSA. Future studies are needed to determine whether the lower prevalence of OSA diagnoses in HIV-infected patients is attributable to decreased screening and detection or to a truly decreased likelihood of OSA in the setting of HIV infection.
Expanding global language education in public primary schools: the national English programme in Mexico

The paper examines the recent national programme of English language instruction in the Mexican public primary schools, called the Programa Nacional de Ingles en Educacion Basica (PNIEB). The programme, initiated in 2009 by the Ministry of Education as part of the national curriculum, represents the largest expansion of English teaching in Mexico's history, entailing the hiring of 98,000 new English teachers. It is the result of an explicit educational policy intended to prepare Mexicans for the twenty-first century by emphasising linguistic and digital abilities: meaning a massive increase of English and computer skills in public schools. The launch of the programme also coincides with a major reform of basic education, as well as the extension of compulsory education from 9 to 13 years. Nevertheless, implementing the English programme, nationally and simultaneously throughout Mexico's 32 states, presents considerable challenges for a public education system that is already under-resourced. The author de...
Problems in plutonium chemistry: Generalized proportional equations and polymer formation

This paper illustrates a generalized form of the method of proportional equations. It permits equilibrium calculations for Pu disproportionation reactions at any oxidation number and any pH by means of combining arbitrary proportions of tri- and hexavalent plutonium. Two methods for estimating the work of Pu polymer formation are illustrated. One method uses the work of disproportionation of tetravalent plutonium. The other method suggests the transition between hydrous Pu(IV) oxide and polymer is accompanied by a small change in free energy.
Dynamic Server Provisioning for Carbon-Neutral Data Centers

In light of the growing trend of data center carbon emission that has raised serious sustainability concerns, data center operators are aggressively seeking ways to minimize the overall energy consumption by using more on-site renewable energy and ultimately achieving carbon neutrality (or "net"). In this paper, we propose a dynamic server provisioning algorithm, called SPAN (Server Provisioning for carbon Neutrality), to control the number of active servers for minimizing the data center operational cost (defined as a weighted sum of electricity cost and delay cost) while achieving carbon neutrality without requiring long-term future information. Leveraging the recently-developed Lyapunov optimization technique, it is rigorously proved that SPAN achieves a close-to-minimum operational cost compared to the optimal offline algorithm with future information, while bounding the potential violation of carbon neutrality. The simulation result is also consistent with our analysis, showing that SPAN can reduce the average operational cost by 20% while maintaining a carbon neutral data center.
Expressed emotion and psychiatric illness: From empirical data to clinical practice

The diagnosis of major mental illness in a close relative presents most families with a serious challenge. Yet how the family adapts to psychopathology in a loved one is of crucial importance for the short-term course of the patient's illness. A central predictor variable in this area is the construct of expressed emotion (EE). This article highlights some of what we currently know about EE in an effort to provide information of relevance to those involved in the development and implementation of family-based approaches to the treatment of major mental disorders.
Effects of steroid and nonsteroid metabolites on enzyme conformation and pyridoxal phosphate binding.

Studies on the effects of steroid and nonsteroid metabolites on enzy me conformation and pyridoxal phosphate binding were reviewed. The results indicate that conjugated steroids can cooperate with or oppose the actions of specific nonsteroid effectors in determining enzyme conformation activity stability and coenzyme binding. Evidence is presented that these actions of steroid and nonsteroid metabolites can cause a redistribution of pyridoxal phosphate between apoenzymes. It was considered that similar actions may account for the ability of estrogens to cause changes in tryptophan metabolism resembling those occurring during pyridoxine deficiency. Effects of estrogen-treatment and of dietary pyridoxine deficiency on the kynurenine transaminase levels in liver and kidneys of male rats were compared. Pyridoxine deficiency resulted in a moderate decline of the % saturation of the renal supernatant enzyme with pyridoxal phosphate but also caused an apparent decline in apoenzyme levels. Renal mitrochondrial apotransaminase levels decreased slightly during pyridoxine deficiency but were markedly decreased by estrogen treatment. Female rats displayed similar results to those of estrogen-treated males. These results indicate that the estrogens influence kynurenine transaminase in vivo in a way similar to that observed in vitro but also demonstrate that they do not cause the same pattern of change in apoenzyme levels and pyridoxal phosphate distribution as the dietary pyridoxine deficiency.
The endoscopic treatment of incontinence in children

The achievement of urinary continence in children may be very difficult with some congenital malformations of the lower urinary tract, such as bladder exstrophy, or in some neurogenic dysfunctions, such as neuropathic bladder. Endoscopic injection of bulging substances into the bladder neck or posterior urethra may be regarded as a minimally invasive procedure that may provide a better dry interval in these patients. Endoscopic treatment can be performed as either a primary or adjunctive procedure after open bladder neck surgery. It is also of use to increase the functional bladder capacity in some children. Although longer follow-up is wise, results so far are encouraging. The search for a safe and reliable substance to use is still ongoing, and the new available biodegradable implants seem adequate.
Does handgun legislation change firearm fatalities

When comparing firearm fatalities for children under 16 years of age before and after handgun legislation enactment in Maryland, firearm fatalities increased overall. A decrease in accidental deaths in the home perhaps reflects a response to public education and awareness. More aggressive handgun legislation is imperative to reverse this public health trend.
Analytic Wavelet-Based Ultrasonic Pulse Differentiation for Injection Mold Cavity Pressure Measurement

A new signal processing technique has been developed for detecting and differentiating timely overlapped ultrasonic pulse trains that carry spatially distributed pressure information across an injection mold cavity. The new technique is based on wavelet transform using analytic wavelets. Compared to conventional wavelets that have a constant relative bandwidth at all the scales, the analytic wavelets investigated in this paper feature variable relative bandwidth, making it possible to simultaneously match the frequency characteristics of the ultrasonic pulse trains transmitted from the mold-embedded pressure sensors. As a result, more accurate detection and differentiation of the temporal and spectral information embedded within the ultrasonic pulse trains could be achieved. A theoretical framework for the analytic wavelet transform was established, and the performance of three analytic wavelets was comparatively studied. Subsequently, a multi-channel ultrasonic pulse detector based on the complex Morlet wavelet was designed and experimentally investigated. The results have confirmed the effectiveness of the new signal processing technique for on-line pressure sensing in injection molding process monitoring.
Color aftereffects contingent on perceptual organization

The present experiment demonstrated that (a) cognitive organizational factors influence an orientation-contingent color (McCollugh) aftereffect, and (b) adaptation to colored gratings affected the perceptual organization of a reversible figure. Following adaptation to colored gratings, color aftereffects were reported in only one of two organizations of a reversible figure, and the colors conformed to the subjective contours of the test pattern rather than exclusively to the regions defined by horizontal and vertical pattern elements. In addition, an organization of the reversible figure that segregated vertical and horizontal pattern elements was dominant subsequent to adaptation.
Child care services and public policy: a new perspective

Abstract A new view of early experience is emerging in the literature. The implications of this new view on public policy for early childhood services and the possible consequence of misinterpreting this new view of early experience are discussed. The paper reviews the present justifications for providing early child care services to families, the origins of these justifications and the limits they impose for providing quality early child care. The author offers a proposal for more appropriate foundation to ensure the maintenance of quality early child care programs for families.
Average evoked potential correlates of two-flash perceptual discrimination in cats.

Average evoked potentials (AEPs) were recorded from the optic tract, lateral geniculate nucleus, and visual cortex of cats trained to discriminate between two successive flashes of light at various interflash intervals (IFI) and a single flash. The percent of correct responses to two-flash stimuli decreased sharply as IFI decreased from 100 to 20 msec. This behavioral response decrement was paralleled by a progressive overlapping of the AEPs to the two flashes and at 20 msec the AEPs resembled those to a single flash at all levels of the visual pathways. Implications for the coding of the information relevant to the discrimination of two flashes are discussed.
Are Changes in Breathing Pattern on Exposure to Ozone Related to Changes in Pulmonary Surfactant

AbstractRats respond to the inhalation of ozone with changes in breathing pattern during the exposure and the development of a pulmonary inflammatory response 24–48 h postexposure. We report experiments designed to investigate the relationships between changes in breathing pattern and the composition and surface tension-reducing properties of pulmonary surfactant immediately after the exposure. A total of 64 male Fischer 344 rats were exposed to 0.8 ppm O3 for 4 h in 4 replicate exposures with matched purified air control exposures and 8 rats per exposure group. Those exposed to O3 developed the rapid-shallow breathing pattern characteristic of oxidant pulmonary irritation during exposure. The rats were sacrificed immediately following the exposure, and pulmonary surfactant was isolated from samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid pooled from groups of eight rats. After esterification, the fatty acid methyl ester composition was measured using GC-MS. in the ozone-exposed animals, the decreases in unsatura...
Effects of cascade energy density on radiation induced segregation and ion beam mixing

Abstract The effects of cascade energy density on two ion-beam induced phenomena, radiation-induced-segregation (RIS) in near-surface regions and ion-beam mixing of thin surface layers, were investigated. RIS of Si to external surfaces of Ni-12.7 at.% Si alloys was measured for 2.57 MeV Kr and 1.5 MeV He bombardments. The Kr irradiation produces defects mostly in energetically dense displacement cascades, whereas the He irradiation produces most of the defects in low energy recoils. Thin Pt and Ni layers deposited on 〈111〉 oriented Si surfaces were ion-beam mixed using 80 keV Ne and 280 keV Kr irradiations. Dense cascades were found to inhibit RIS, but to enhance ion-beam mixing.
Improvising consciousness: the Davian Turn

Improvising Consciousness: The Davian Turn is an experimental work of intermedia performance: a cognitive science fiction which addresses questions of situated consciousness, pre- & post-human identity, and creativity. The core of Improvising Consciousness: The Davian Turn project is a performative lecture by Jennifer Arnstay, Professor of Material and Analogical Eco-Cognition visiting from an unspecified time and place. The lecture purports to be a scholarly account of the history and future of the human mind. With incredible technical sophistry, Professor Arnstay and her team have fabricated a habitat for a real life extraterrestrial alien intelligence. After the lecture and questions, attendees are invited to plumb the depths of this alien mind by playing the mysterious Davian Bead Game. The creative team are members of The Intermedia Performance Studio which has a track record of producing innovative syntheses of computer-based technology and live performance.
Nonparaxial propagation of ultrashort laser pulses in plasma channels

The propagation characteristics of an ultrashort laser pulse in a preformed plasma channel are analyzed. The plasma channel is assumed to be parabolic and unperturbed by the laser pulse. Solutions to the wave equation beyond the paraxial approximation are derived that include finite pulse length effects and group velocity dispersion. When the laser pulse is mismatched within the channel, betatron oscillations arise in the laser pulse envelope. A finite pulse length leads to a spread in the laser wave number and consequently a spread in betatron wave number. This results in phase mixing and damping of the betatron oscillation. The damping distance characterizing the phase mixing of the betatron oscillation is derived, as is the dispersion distance characterizing the longitudinal spreading of the pulse.
Hole intersubband transitions in the p-type Hg 1-x Zn x Te/CdTe semiconductor superlattice

We have developed a reflectivity technique to enhance hole intersubband optical transitions in the p-type ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te/CdTe superlattice. The strong absorption observed at \ensuremath{\simeq}570 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ showing a remarkable polarization dependence and temperature broadening is associated with the hole intersubband transition hh1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}hh2. Considering the compensating effect of quantum confinement and strain on the positions of hole subbands, this observation gives direct experimental evidence for a large value (\ensuremath{\simeq}500 meV) of the valence-band offset \ensuremath{\Lambda}, and resolves the long-standing ambiguity in determining \ensuremath{\Lambda} by magneto-optical measurements.
Ionization of tyrosine residues in horse-heart ferricytochrome c and its guanidinated and acetylated-guanidinated derivatives

Spectrophotometric titration curves were obtained at 242 nm for native and fully guanidinated horse-heart ferricytochrome c. The cytochrome c data were fit over the pH range 9-12 (I = 0.35) by a theoretical curve with pK' values of 10.35 and 11.70. The slope of the experimental data increases sharply above pH 12.5 suggesting that two tyrosine residues with pK' values greater than 12.5 are exposed by conformation change. The guanidinated cytochrome c data after correction for the alkaline spin-state transition were fit over the entire pH range 9-13.6 (I = 0.35) by a theoretical curve with pK' values 10.37, 10.78, 11.50, and 13.60. These results along with viscosity measurements indicate that the unfolding transition occurs at higher pH in the guanidinated derivative. N-Acetylimidazole was used to acetylate specific tyrosyl groups of guanidinated cytochrome c. Assignments of acetylated tyrosine residues were confirmed by peptide mapping of 14C-labelled derivatives. Spectrophotometric titrations with rapid data acquisition of two monoacetylated derivatives allowed assignments of pK'1 (10.37) to Tyr-67 and pK'4 (13.60) to Tyr-97. The basis for the large differences in acidity and chemical reactivity of these two residues is not obvious from the crystallographic structure and may arise from differences in solvent access due to motions of the polypeptide chain.
Immunohistochemical distribution of protein kinase C isozymes is differentially altered in ischemic gerbil hippocampus.

Abstract We used monoclonal antibodies to examine the immunohistochemical distribution of the three major Ca 2+ -dependent protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes (I, II, and III) in ischemic gerbil hippocampus. Groups of four animals were sacrificed at 15 min, 4 h, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 7 days after a 10-min episode of gloval forebrain ischemia. In control animals, PKC-1 immunoreactivity was greater in CA1 neurons than in CA3-4. Terminal-like staining was not evident. PKC-II immunoreactivity was observed in all CA fields and in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. PKC-III staining was present in the CA fields, the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the subiculum. Dentate granule cells and mossy fibers were not stained with any of the PKC antibodies. Fifteen minutes and 4 h after ischemia, PCK-I, -II and -III immunoreactivity were all increased in CA1 neurons and PKC-III immunoreactivity alone was visualized in granule cells and mossy fibers. Staining patterns returned to baseline one day after ischemia. PKC-II and -III terminal-like staining were preserved in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare for 3 days and 2 days after ischemia respectively and then disappeared. The altered patterns of PKC staining in the hippocampus may reflect activation and/or down-regulation of PKC isozymes. Ca 2+ -dependent PKC isozymes may, therefore, potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of delayed ischemic neuronal death.
Manganese neurotoxicity presenting with depression, psychosis and catatonia.

Locura manganica or “manganese madness” is a discrete Parkinson-like syndrome documented in the last century that occurs with chronic exposure to manganese (Mn), an essential element abundant in the Earth’s crust. It is especially well known in Latin America, where the majority of Mn is mined. Acute Mn toxicity in the form of acute psychosis was documented as early as 1837 in the United States, produced by rapid inhalation of dust containing high concentrations of Mn. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are varied and include emotional lability, visual and auditory hallucinations, nervousness, irritability, and compulsive acts, which subside after several weeks and are replaced by muscular weakness and rigidity, postural tremor, dysarthria, gait disorders, and headaches. The primary route of toxic exposure is inhalation of Mn-containing aerosols or transport of particulate matter by the olfactory bulb. Onset is insidious, progression is chronic, and the severity of symptoms is modulated by individual susceptibilities as well as by the length and dose of exposure. Symptoms can continue to progress more than 10 years after exposure has stopped and Mn has been cleared from hair, skin and blood cells. Mn is normally absorbed in the GI tract and excreted in bile. It is utilized in trivalent and divalent oxidation reactions by a variety of enzymes. Most relevant neuropsychiatrically is Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (found in mitochondria) and glutamine synthetase (found in astrocytes). Transport occurs across the blood-brain barrier by a combination of active transport and facilitated diffusion via various highaffinity metal transporters. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is of particular interest as the caudate, putamen, and substantia nigra pars reticulata stain densely for the transporter, where Mn tends to deposit. We report here a case of presumed manganism in a South American former welder who presented with fea-
Wetting Properties of Patterned Silicon Microchannels With Tunable Surface Energy Using Layer-by-Layer Nano Self-Assembly

The wettability of patterned silicon microchannels with tunable surface free energy through coating hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles using layer-by-layer (LbL) nano self-assembly technique is presented in this paper. Wettability of microchannels is tested by measuring the contact angle of a water droplet on the substrate. The capillary rise rate is tested by measuring the front location of liquid on the silicon microchannel surface laid on a 45 degree inclined platform. It is found that the silicon microchannels with tunable surface free energy have super-hydrophilic wettability, and demonstrate powerful capillary. For the silicon microchannels 200 μm wide, the liquid front can move up 40 mm in approximately 3 second. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveal the generation of -OH radicals after coating TiO2 nanoparticals, verifying that the -OH radicals have a strong effect on the hydrophilicity. The super-hydrophilic patterned microchannels suggest potential applications to microfluidic systems and heat diffusion systems based on liquid surface tension.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Rotational excitation of NH3 and ND3 due to He atom collisions

Quantum close-coupling and coupled-states approximation scattering calculations for rotational energy transfer of rotationally excited NH3 and ND3 due to collisions with He are presented. Calculations were performed for collision energies between 10-5 and 10 000 cm-1 using the NH3-He potential of Hodges and Wheatley [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 8836 (2001)]. State-to-state and total quenching cross sections from some selected initial states are presented. Rate coefficients for ortho-NH3 for the quenching 10+→00+ transition were obtained on potentials scaled to reproduce measurements of second virial coefficients with the results showing strong sensitivity to the potential, especially at low temperatures. Significant isotope effects are found in quenching cross sections in the cold to ultracold regime particularly in the region dominated by quasi-bound resonances, ~0.1 to 10 cm-1. As ammonia has been translationally cooled via Stark deceleration methods, it is a good candidate for experimental study of such effects at cold temperatures. Comparison of rate coefficients with available theoretical results are also presented.
The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p15INK4B and p21CIP1 are critical regulators of fibrillar collagen-induced tumor cell cycle arrest.

The extracellular matrix is a crucial component in determining cell fate. Fibrillar collagen in its native form inhibits cell proliferation, whereas in its monomeric form it stimulates proliferation. The observation of elevated levels of p27KIP1 in cells plated in the presence of fibrillar collagen has led to the assumption that this kinase inhibitor was responsible for cell cycle arrest on fibrillar collagen. Here we provide evidence that p15INK4b, rather than p27KIP1, is the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor responsible for G0/G1 arrest of human melanoma cells grown on fibrillar collagen. Additionally, we demonstrate that fibrillar collagen can also arrest cells at the G2 phase, which is mediated in part by p21CIP1. Our data, in addition to identifying cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors important in cell cycle arrest mediated by fibrillar collagen, demonstrate the complexity of cell cycle regulation and indicate that modulating a single cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor does not disrupt cell proliferation in the presence of fibrillar collagen.
Patient Specific Modeling of a Stage II Flatfoot Population

Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD) is a degenerative disease characterized by chronic changes in the joint alignment of the bones of the foot leading to significant pain and dysfunction. The hallmark of this disease is the functional loss in posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) strength though mechanical degradation of passive support structures of the foot have also been implicated, namely the spring ligament, talocalcaneal interosseous ligaments, fibers of the anterior deltoid, and the long and short plantar ligaments. [1] Clinically, AAFD patients present with midfoot collapse, forefoot abduction, and valgus tilting of the hindfoot and the magnitudes of these deformities are most often graded using plane radiographs in the mediolateral (ML), oblique anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) views. [1–3] The objective of this study was to develop a population of patient-matched rigid-body kinematic models using a standardized methodology that can be used to predict pathologic foot function with agreement between patient and model assessed through clinically relevant radiographic joint angles.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A re-evaluation of split-course technique for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract Therapeutic results of split-course vs. continuous-course external beam irradiation were analyzed retrospectively in 468 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and supraglottic larynx who were treated with curative intent at the University of Florida between September 1964 and August 1976. 214 patients received split-course treatment and 254 were treated by the continuous-course method. Except for the planned 14–16 day interruption after 2820–3000 rad in the split-course group, the techniques and total doses of irradiation did not differ. Local control was poorer for all T-stages in patients who were treated by the split-course technique. Control of neck disease by irradiation alone was also poorer among split-course irradiation patients. For each stage of disease, patients who received continuous-course irradiation had approximately 10% higher 5-year survival rates than patients who were treated by the split-course technique. The rate of development of late radiation complications was similar for the 2 treatment techniques. Routine use of the split-course technique has been discontinued since the dose required to compensate for the rest interval is unknown.
Unusual Complication of Retrograde Coronary Sinus Perfusion With Pulmonary Artery Catheter

A balloon-tipped catheter placed in the coronary sinus is used during cardiac surgery for retrograde cardioplegia and is secured by a purse string suture placed proximal to the atrioventricular groove in the lower right atrium. We report a complication of this procedure where a pulmonary artery catheter was sutured to the wall of the right atrium by the purse string suture in a patient scheduled for aortocoronary bypass grafting. Pulsatile resistance was noted when we attempted to withdraw the catheter indicating an attachment to the heart. The pulmonary artery catheter within the vascular space after atrial cannulation should be checked since the sheath-protected cannula will enable free mobility.
Erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase and deoxynucleotidase isozymes: metallosensitivity and kinetics.

ABSTRACTErythrocytes from a subject with classical pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (P5N) deficiency (PND) possessed typically low nucleotidase activity with uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP) and cytidine 5′-monophosphate (CMP) as the substrates with subnormal dephosphorylation of 2′-deoxy thymidine 5′-monophosphate (dTMP) and 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-monophosphate (dUMP) and intermediate activity with 2′-deoxycytidine 5′-monophosphate (dCMP). Contrary to previously reported data, there was enzyme activity with all five substrates. The metallosensitivities of the P5N isozymes using UMP, dUMP, dCMP and dTMP as the substrates were defined. Nucleotidase (P5N) is slightly more sensitive than 2′-deoxy-pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (dP5N) to inhibition by lead, copper and mercury. Chromium stimulated more enzyme activity with dCMP than other substrates. Apparent Michaelis constants (Km) were calculated for UMP, CMP, dUMP, dCMP, and dTMP for PND and control subjects. Optimal activity was at pH 7.0–7.8 when using UMP and CMP as th...
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid binding sites: Evidence for coupling to a chloride anion channel

Abstract The effect of eight anions, including chloride, on the binding of γ-hydroxy [2,3- 3 H]butyric acid (GHB) to synaptosomal membranes of rat and human brain was ascertained, as was the effect of a number of other allosteric modulators of the GABA/benzodiazepine/picrotoxin complex. All ions which were active at the chloride ion channel, inhibited the binding of [ 3 H]GHB in a dose-dependent manner, with maximum inhibition of binding being 60% of 300 mM concentration of anion. Inactive ions in this binding system included sulfate, acetate and fluoride, all impermeable to the chloride ion channel. The inhibition of binding was temperature-dependent, being abolished at 37°C and was independent of the cation used. The binding of [ 3 H]GHB was also enhanced by pentobarbital, picrotoxin and diazepam but unchanged in the presence of GABA, muscimol, bicuculline, baclofen or strychnine. These data raise the possibility that the epileptogenic effect of GHB may be modulated by an action on the chloride ion channel, that is tightly coupled to the GABA/benzodiazepine/picrotoxin and/or GHB receptor complex.
Cheyne–Stokes respiration, periodic circulation, and pulsus alternans in spinal cord injury patients

Case reports. To describe Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) and associated circulatory abnormalities in three patients with spinal cord lesions. Veterans Administration Hospital, USA. One paraplegic patient with coronary artery disease in congestive heart failure, one tetraplegic patient with alcoholic cardiomyopathy and postural hypotension, and one tetraplegic complete patient with cardiomegaly, severe aortic atherosclerosis, and postural hypotension. Breathing activity was measured with a nasal thermistor or abdominal stretch transducer. Cardiac activity was estimated with a photoelectric sensor for cutaneous blood flow placed on the forehead or a piezoelectric transducer for pressure positioned over an artery or the cardiac apex. Tracings were drawn on a strip chart recorder. The subjects were at rest in semireclining positions. Survey times were 17–21 min, and cycling periods were 41–72 s. Periodic changes in the depth of breathing were accompanied by periodic changes in amplitude of forehead cutaneous pulse, blood pressure, or apical cardiac impulse in all patients. Peak circulation occurred at or following peak respiration. In addition, cyclical pulsus alternans occurred in two patients. Three spinal cord injury patients sustained CSR and circulatory periodicity associated with cardiac disease and postural hypotension.
The use of acetylated factor X to prevent feedback activation of factor VIII during factor X activation: a tool for kinetic studies.

The modification of human factor X by 2-sulfo-N-succinimidyl acetate was investigated and shown to produce a factor X species which, when activated, has no activity toward factor VIII. Acylation of factor X (0.9 μm) was carried out in the presence of 1 mm calcium at different reagent concentrations and pH values at 22°C for time courses up to 1 h. Optimal modification was achieved using 0.3 mm reagent at pH 8.0 for 30 min. The modified zymogen, acetylated factor X, is activated at full rates by factor IXaVIIIa and by the factor X-activating protein of Russell's viper venom. The activated product, acetylated Xa, has an enhanced amidolytic activity (110%) but has almost no detectable clotting activity (0.1%). More importantly, we have shown that acetylated Xa, in contrast to native Xa, does not activate factor VIII. This allows accurate quantitation of factor VIII activation without complications due to positive feedback reactions. We have demonstrated this in an examination of the activation of factor VIII by factor IXa.
Chest pain in chronic sputum production: a neglected symptom

One hundred and fifteen patients (80 with bronchiectasis and 35 with mucus hypersecretion alone) who produced sputum on a daily basis were asked if they had suffered chest pain unassociated with an acute exacerbation of their chest symptoms during the last six months. Those with bronchiectasis complained of 28 separate pains of which 18 were considered to be of respiratory origin. Seventeen of these 18 pains were in an area associated with a bronchiectatic lobe(s). Only six chest pains (three considered to be of respiratory origin) were found among the 35 patients with mucus hypersecretion.
Heterospecific pollen receipt affects self pollen more than outcross pollen: implications for mixed-mating plants

Flowering plants often occur in mixed-species groups where interactions between them can occur both pre- and post-pollination. In post-pollination interactions, conspecific (CP) and heterospecific pollen (HP) interact on the style and previous work indicates that these interactions, often, but not always, lead to reduced fitness. However, over half of insect-pollinated species display a mixed mating system, where both self and outcross CP could interact with HP, yet no study has evaluated the effects on both types of CP. We present and test hypotheses for the differential effects of HP depending on CP source and timing of HP arrival with a mixed-mating plant, Mimulus guttatus, and one of its HP donors (Helianthus exilis). We found H. exilis pollen reduced tube growth and fertilization success of M. guttatus self pollen to a greater degree than outcross pollen, but only when CP and HP were applied simultaneously. Our results indicate that for mixed-mating plants the fitness consequences of HP receipt can b...
Tomato spotted wilt virus Found in Five Species of the genus Tragopogon in a Florida Greenhouse.

An obviously unhealthy plant identified as Tragopogon mirus Ownbey (remarkable goatsbeard) was sent for diagnosis to the Division of Plant Industry (DPI), Gainesville, FL in May of 2008. T. mirus is a recently formed allotetraploid that has T. dubius Scop. and T. porrifolius L. (goatsbeard or salsify) as parents. The parents (family Asteraceae) are diploid and originate from Eurasia. They were introduced to the northwest United States in the early 1900s. The allotetraploid T. mirus, which does not occur in Eurasia, was discovered in 1949 and named in 1950. It has been found in the northwest states of Washington and Idaho. It has also been found in Arizona (4). The plant sent to the DPI was grown in a greenhouse for research purposes at the Botany Department of the University of Florida (Alachua County). Symptoms exhibited on the leaves included mottling, chlorotic and necrotic spots, and mild distortion. Epidermal leaf strips from a mottled leaf were stained with the Orange-Green protein stain and Azure A...
The Polyol Domain of Amphidinol 3. A Stereoselective Synthesis of the Entire C(1)−C(30) Sector

The richly oxygenated C(1)−C(30) polyol segment of amphidinol 3 has been synthesized in protected form. Incorporated in this long chain are 10 of the 25 stereogenic centers housed in the target. Th...
Simulation of polymer melt processing

Polymer melt processing requires an integration of fluid mechanics and heat transfer, with unique issues regarding boundary conditions, phase change, stability and sensitivity, and melt rheology. Simulation has been useful in industrial melt processing applications. This brief overview is a personal perspective on some of the issues that arise and how they have been addressed.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Stereochemical Isomerization of an Arene−Ruthenium Complex of the Atropisomeric Ligand 1,1‘-Biphenyl-2,2‘-diamine

(η6-Benzene)(δ/λ-1,1‘-biphenyl-2,2‘-diamine)chlorometal(II) hexafluorophosphate (1; metal = ruthenium, osmium) have been synthesized. The rigid nature of the seven-membered chelate ring formed by the 1,1‘-biphenyl-2,2‘-diamine (dabp) ligand renders the complexes chiral. The resulting C1 molecular symmetry of 1(M=Ru) that we have observed in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray crystallography is preserved in solution on the NMR time scale. The four N−H protons of 1(M=Ru,Os) are chemically inequivalent in the 1H NMR spectrum at 20 °C. Spin-perturbation NMR experiments in acetone solutions reveal pairwise exchange of the resonances that correspond to the N−H protons on the spin-relaxation time scale. The three mechanisms that would account for such an exchange (atropisomerization of the dabp ligand, inversion of stereochemistry at the metal center, and simultaneous inversion of the stereochemistry at the metal and the ligand) are distinguishable, provided a proper assignment of the four N−H protons can b...
Molecular dissection of arginyltransferases guided by similarity to bacterial peptidoglycan synthases.

Post-translational protein arginylation is essential for cardiovascular development and angiogenesis in mice and is mediated by arginyl-transfer RNA-protein transferases Ate1—a functionally conserved but poorly understood class of enzymes. Here, we used sequence analysis to detect the evolutionary relationship between the Ate1 family and bacterial FemABX family of aminoacyl-tRNA-peptide transferases, and to predict the functionally important residues in arginyltransferases, which were then used to construct a panel of mutants for further molecular dissection of mouse Ate1. Point mutations of the residues in the predicted regions of functional importance resulted in changes in enzymatic activity, including complete inactivation of mouse Ate1; other mutations altered its substrate specificity. Our results provide the first insights into the mechanisms of Ate1-mediated arginyl transfer reaction and substrate recognition, and define a new protein superfamily called Dupli-GNAT to reflect its origin by the duplication of the GNAT acetyltransferase domain.
Physician process and patient outcome measures for diabetes care: Relationships to organizational characteristics

Background: Optimal diabetes management relies on providers adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines in the processes of care delivery and patients adhering to self-management recommendations to maximize patient outcomes. Purpose: To explore: (1) the degree to which providers adhere to the guidelines; (2) the extent of glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure control in patients with diabetes; and (3) the roles of organizational and patient population characteristics in affecting both provider adherence and patient outcome measures for diabetes. Design: Secondary data analysis of provider adherence and patient outcome measures from chart reviews, along with surveys of facility quality managers. Sample: We sampled 109 Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs). Results: Analyses indicated that provider adherence to diabetes guidelines (ie, hemoglobin A1c, foot, eye, renal, and lipid screens) and patient outcome measures (ie, glycemic, lipid, and hypertension control plus nonsmoking status) are comparable or better in VAMCs than reported elsewhere. VAMCs with higher levels of provider adherence to diabetes guidelines had distinguishing organizational characteristics, including more frequent feedback on diabetes quality of care, designation of a guideline champion, timely implementation of quality-of-care changes, and greater acceptance of guideline applicability. VAMCs with better patient outcome measures for diabetes had more effective communication between physicians and nurses, used educational programs and Grand Rounds presentations to implement the diabetes guidelines, and had an overall patient population that was older and with a smaller percentage of black patients. Conclusions: Healthcare organizations can adopt many of the identified organizational characteristics to enhance the delivery of care in their settings.