cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Molecule Investigation of Ag+ Interactions with Single Cytosine-, Methylcytosine- and Hydroxymethylcytosine-Cytosine Mismatches in a Nanopore

Both cytosine-Ag-cytosine interactions and cytosine modifications in a DNA duplex have attracted great interest for research. Cytosine (C) modifications such as methylcytosine (mC) and hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC) are associated with tumorigenesis. However, a method for directly discriminating C, mC and hmC bases without labeling, modification and amplification is still missing. Additionally, the nature of coordination of Ag+ with cytosine-cytosine (C-C) mismatches is not clearly understood. Utilizing the alpha-hemolysin nanopore, we show that in the presence of Ag+, duplex stability is most increased for the cytosine-cytosine (C-C) pair, followed by the cytosine-methylcytosine (C-mC) pair, and the cytosine-hydroxymethylcytosine (C-hmC) pair, which has no observable Ag+ induced stabilization. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the hydrogen-bond-mediated paring of a C-C mismatch results in a binding site for Ag+. Cytosine modifications (such as mC and hmC) disrupted the hydrogen bond, resulting in disruption of the Ag+ binding site. Our experimental method provides a novel platform to study the metal ion-DNA interactions and could also serve as a direct detection method for nucleobase modifications.
Numerical investigation of laminar nanofluid developing flow and heat transfer in a circular channel

Abstract This study presents numerical investigations of developing laminar forced convection flow of alumina−water nanofluid in a circular tube subjected to a uniform wall heat flux. The effects of particle diameter, Reynolds number and volume fraction of the particles are investigated on the average heat transfer coefficient. The present study uses discrete phase modeling (DPM) that is a Euler–Lagrangian approach. The fluid is treated as a continuous media and the flow field is solved based on Navier–Stokes equations. The nanoparticles are individually tracked in a Lagrangian reference frame and their trajectories are determined using particle force balance. Using this approach, a good match was obtained between our numerical model and the experimental results reported in literature. The validated numerical model is used for formulating a three-factorial design matrix with each of the three independent variables considered at three different levels. The matrix considers the particles size (of 50 nm, 75 nm and 100 nm), the Reynolds number (250, 750 and 1250), and the particle volume fraction (1, 2.5 and 4 percent). The results from 27 simulation runs (for three-level three-factorial design) were then used in multiple regression analysis to develop a prediction equation that illustrates the effects of the independent variables on the average heat transfer coefficient. Based on statistical analysis, it was seen that almost all of the variation in the heat transfer coefficient can be explained due to changes in the three independent variables. The Reynolds number is the most significant variable impacting the heat transfer coefficient, while volume fraction is the least significant. The heat transfer coefficient linearly increases with both Reynolds number and volume fraction, but shows non-linear parabolic decrease with increase in particle size. Also, the three variables are only weakly interacting with each other in terms of their impact on the average heat transfer coefficient.
Librarians as Agents of Change: Working with Curriculum Committees Using Change Agency Theory.

To sustain integration of information literacy into the university curriculum, librarians and faculty need to investigate theories of change. This chapter examines change agency theory as both a planning tool and an implementation process for integrating information literacy into the general education curriculum at CSULB.
Global modeling of nitrate and ammonium: Interaction of aerosols and tropospheric chemistry

[1] Global radiative forcing of nitrate and ammonium aerosols has mostly been estimated from aerosol concentrations calculated at thermodynamic equilibrium or using approximate treatments for their uptake by aerosols. In this study, a more accurate hybrid dynamical approach (HDYN) was used to simulate the uptake of nitrate and ammonium by aerosols and the interaction with tropospheric reactive nitrogen chemistry in a three-dimensional global aerosol and chemistry model, Umich/IMPACT, which also treats sulfate, sea salt and mineral dust aerosol. The calculated sulfate, ammonium and nitrate aerosol concentrations show good agreement with the available ground-based measurements over both ocean and land areas. The global annual average nitrate aerosol burden is 0.16 Tg N, with 43% (i.e., 0.079 Tg N) in the fine mode (D < 1.25 μm) that scatters most efficiently. The global annual average ammonium burden is 0.29 Tg N with 92% in the fine mode. A sensitivity study with a thermodynamic equilibrium model underestimates the fine-mode nitrate aerosol burden by 25%, because of the excessive nitrate formation on coarse aerosols. These underpredictions are especially important in the remote continents or over the oceans, where the availability of the total nitrate is limited. We also examined two common approaches used to treat nitrate and ammonium aerosols in global models, including the first-order gas-to-particle approximation based on uptake coefficients (UPTAKE) and a simple hybrid method that combines the former with an equilibrium model (HYB). The two methods calculate higher nitrate aerosol burdens than HDYN by +106% and +47%, respectively. Both fine- and coarse-model nitrate aerosols are overestimated by UPTAKE, but the overestimation by HYB is mainly due to uptake of nitrate by the coarse aerosols. As a result, HYB calculates lower surface concentrations of the fine-mode nitrate aerosol by up to 50% over most continental areas, compared to HDYN. Surface HNO3 and NOx concentrations are underpredicted by HYB by up to 90% and 5%, respectively. Since the reaction of N2O5 on sulfate aerosols is not included in the UPTAKE method, the NOx burden and surface concentrations are overestimated by 56% and a factor of 2–5, respectively. These results suggest the importance of using the more accurate hybrid dynamical method in the estimates of both aerosol forcing and tropospheric ozone chemistry.
Lipoprotein e (P4) of Haemophilus influenzae: role in heme utilization and pathogenesis

Lipoprotein e (P4) of Haemophilus influenzae is a phosphomonoesterase, encoded by the hel gene, that has been implicated in the acquisition of heme by this fastidious organism. However, lipoprotein e (P4) is also involved in the utilization of NAD and NMN. Some reports have concluded that the reported heme-related growth defect actually reflects a growth defect for NAD. In the current study, hel insertion mutants were constructed and a role for e (P4) in heme acquisition was demonstrated independent of its role in NAD or NMN acquisition. In addition, a rat model of infection demonstrated a role for e (P4) in the pathogenesis of invasive disease.
Skin-surface Temperature Gradients Correlate with Fingertip Blood Flow in Humans

Skin-surface temperature gradients (forearm temperature - fingertip temperature) have been used as an index of thermoregulatory peripheral vasoconstriction. However, they have not been specifically compared with total finger blood flow, nor is it known how long it takes fingertip temperature to fully reflect an abrupt change in finger blood flow. Steady-state skin-temperature gradients were compared with total fingertip blood flow in 19 healthy volunteers. There was an excellent correlation between steady-state skin-surface temperature gradients and total fingertip blood flow measured with venous-occlusion volume plethysmography: gradient = 0.2-5.7.log(flow), r = 0.98. The half-time for fingertip cooling after complete arterial obstruction (in 8 volunteers) was 6.6 +/- 1.2 min. The authors conclude that skin-temperature gradients are an accurate measure of thermoregulatory peripheral vasoconstriction.
Reversal of guanethidine blockade of sympathetic nerve terminals by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine.

Abstract 1 The effect of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on the inhibitory effect of guanethidine on noradrenaline (NA) release was investigated in the perfused spleen of the cat. 2 Guanethidine blocked the release of NA evoked by nerve stimulation. TEA and 4-AP readily reversed this inhibitory effect, and the NA output was nearly doubled after repeated stimulation of the nerves. On subsequent perfusion with Krebs solution without TEA or 4-AP, the inhibitory effect of guanethidine reappeared. 3 The reversal of guanethidine blockade of sympathetic nerves by TEA and 4-AP is discussed.
Protective effect of carbon monoxide inhalation for cold-preserved small intestinal grafts

Abstract Background. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 system has been shown to provide protection against oxidative stress through the degradation of heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). This study investigated cytoprotective efficacy of CO at a low concentration on cold ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of transplanted intestine. Methods. Lewis rat recipients of syngenic orthotopic small intestinal transplantation with 6 hours UW cold preservation were either kept in room air (air-treated control) or exposed to CO (250 ppm) for 1 hour before and 24 hours after surgery. Results. In air-treated grafts, mRNA levels for interleukin-6, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase promptly increased. Sequential histopathologic analysis of untreated grafts revealed initial rapid epithelial loss, subsequent recruitment of inflammatory infiltrates, and local hemorrhage in the lamina propria, which extended downward to the epithelial crypt and muscle layer with time. CO effectively blocked proinflammatory cascade during I/R injury, inhibited upregulation of inflammatory molecules and ameliorated intestinal tissue injuries. Beneficial effects of CO were associated with improved graft blood flow without inhibiting endogenous HO-1 activity. Recipient animal survival was significantly improved with CO to 100% versus 58% in air-treated controls. Conclusion. These results indicate a significant role for CO in protecting the intestine from cold I/R injury associating with small intestinal transplantation. (Surgery 2003;134:285-92.)
Long-term kidney transplant survival.

Abstract With improvements in short-term kidney graft survival, focus has shifted towards long-term survival. There has also been a substantial improvement in long-term survival as measured by kidney half-life. Long-term graft failure is secondary to chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), recurrent disease, and death with a functioning graft. CAN is secondary to a combination of chronic rejection, chronic cyclosporine toxicity, and/or donor kidney disease. Risk factors for chronic rejection have been attributed to both immunological and nonimmunological causes. With a marked reduction in acute rejection rates—an important risk factor for CAN—there is a substantial improvement in kidney half-life. There are still nonimmunological factors, such as donor age, that adversely affect long-term graft survival. In addition, African-American recipients continue to have a shorter graft half-life. Recurrent disease is becoming an important cause of late graft failure. Despite the introduction of various potent immunosuppressive agents, there has been little or no impact on the prevalence as well as progression of recurrent diasease. With the reduction of acute rejection rates and improved short- and long-term graft survival, further improvements of long-term graft survival will be an important focus in the 21st century.
Conformational fluctuations in deoxy hemoglobin revealed as a major contributor to anionic modulation of function through studies of the oxygenation and oxidation of hemoglobins A0 and Deer Lodge beta2(NA2)His --> Arg.

Organisms rely on regulation at the molecular level, such as the allosteric regulation of hemoglobin (Hb) function by anions, to meet challenges presented by changing environmental and physiological conditions. A comparison of the effects of anions on oxygenation, oxidation, and sulfhydryl reactivity of Hb leads us to suggest that a large and significant part of the shift in oxygen affinity brought about by anion binding occurs as a result of increased conformational rigidity of the T state of deoxy Hb. As conformational rigidity increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for subunits in the deoxygenated T-state tetramer to assume higher oxygen affinity forms (T', T", T"'...) with less steric hindrance. The oxygen affinity reflects the average of the rapidly equilibrating conformations within the T state and is correspondingly decreased when anion levels are increased. The initial stage of the oxidation of Hb is relatively insensitive to steric alterations and thus reflects, primarily, the electronic aspects of the quaternary (T, T', T", T"'...) equilibrium. We show that the reactivity of the sterically obscured sulfhydryl of beta93 Cys in deoxy Hb is much greater in chloride-free buffers than in buffers with added chloride. Anion-induced decreases in the extent and frequency of conformational fluctuations of subunits within the T-quaternary state thus reduce sulfhydryl reactivity as well as oxygen affinity. This parallel in anionic control of function allowed us to test, and disprove, the possibility that uncompensated positive charges in the central cavity of Hb Deer Lodge increase the frequency and extent of conformational fluctuations in its deoxy structure. This Hb variant exhibits increased anion sensitivity, increased oxygen affinity, and increased ease of oxidation, but without increased reactivity of its sulfhydryl groups, indicating that active-site alterations in deoxy Hb Deer Lodge are primarily electronic and not associated with increased conformational fluctuations within its T state. The restoration of normal properties in Hb Deer Lodge by addition of anions reinforces our conclusion that anionic control can be exerted through both steric and electronic alterations. The anionic control of fluctuations within the T state of Hb illustrates an important principle of macromolecular structure-function relationships: that functional regulation can be achieved by alterations in conformational rigidity.
Stability of Antibiotics in Wilkins-Chalgren Anaerobic Susceptibility Testing Medium After Prolonged Storage

Wilkins-Chalgren medium, when prepared in advance and stored over a 14-day period under various conditions, supported the growth of anaerobic bacteria. When antibiotics were incorporated into the medium and held under the same storage conditions, there was no detectable change in activity of the antibiotics.
Voluntary movement and excitability of cutaneous eyeblink reflexes

Reflex responses from eyelid muscles were evaluated when subjects prepared to or made brief or sustained voluntary contractions of eyelid or forearm muscles in a signaled reaction time task. The eyeblink reflex consists of an early and unilateral response, R1, and a longer latency bilateral response, R2. A similar pattern of reflex excitability was observed for all phasic movements. The R1 was transiently potentiated by the warning stimulus, increased again at the end of the preparatory period, increased more in the reaction interval and immediately after movement onset, and finally declined to control levels by 500 ms after onset of voluntary movement. The R2 responses were typically depressed at the same times that R1 responses were enhanced. When sustained contractions were performed and reflexes were elicited after movement eyelid onset, the patterns of early R1 enhancement and R2 depression occurred, both for about 500 ms, and gave way to continued R1 and also R2 enhancement as long as eyelid movement continued. The different behavioral responses of R1 and R2 reflect differences in the physiological properties of the separable neuroanatomical pathways for the two eyelid reflex responses.
Pitfalls, Errors, and Unintended Consequences in Musculoskeletal Oncology: How They Occur and How They Can Be Avoided

➢ Inappropriate biopsy and treatment have profound implications for subsequent definitive treatment and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the potential medicolegal implications of inappropriate diagnosis or treatment and delayed referral of musculoskeletal oncology patients are substantial. ➢ With knowledge of and adherence to specific tumor principles, non-tumor surgeons can avoid diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls while appropriately treating many patients who have benign or metastatic disease. Benign soft-tissue tumors, benign bone lesions, and metastatic disease of the skeleton are far more common than primary malignant lesions of bone and soft tissue1-3. As such, many non-tumor surgeons treat impending or overt pathologic fractures that are due to metastatic disease, osteomyelitis, and benign bone and soft-tissue tumors. The orthopaedic literature is replete with reports documenting treatment errors, cautionary case reports, and reports outlining the complications of inappropriate treatment of musculoskeletal oncology patients, with the general conclusion being that primary malignant tumors of bone and soft tissue should be treated at a specialty center4-7. Perhaps as a consequence of these all-too-frequent errors and complications, annual orthopaedic in-training and written board certification examinations place emphasis on musculoskeletal oncology (representing approximately 10% of the questions) that is disproportionate to the frequency with which sarcomas are encountered in general orthopaedic clinical practice8. Despite these prevalent educational efforts, management errors, inappropriate biopsies, and unplanned excisions continue unabated4-7,9-22. Acknowledging that many management errors are made by non-orthopaedic surgeons4,23, it is nonetheless clear that this educational emphasis has done little to benefit individual patients or to facilitate the necessary paradigm shift among extremity surgeons as a whole. The purpose of this …
Potassium Buffering Characteristics of Three Soils Low in Exchangeable Potassium

Plant availability of soil K is controlled by dynamic interactions among its different pools. Misunderstanding of these dynamics leads to mismanagement of soil fertility. This study was conducted to evaluate buffering characteristics of low exchangeable-K soils that showed different sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) responses to K amendment. Three silt loams, Crowley (fine, smectitic, hyperthermic Typic Albaqualfs), Dundee (fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Typic Endoaqualfs), and Norwood (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, hyperthermic Fluventic Eutrudepts), were evaluated by using a modified quantity/intensity (Q/I) approach, which allows partitioning of K changes in the soil-solution system into exchangeable and nonexchangeable pools. Total potential buffering capacity (PBC,) was found to correlate significantly (r = 0.97, P < 0.01) with the buffering capacity due to nonexchangeable K (PBC n ) rather with that due to exchangeable K (PBC e ). Impact factor (β), a measure of effect of added K on nonexchangeable K, was inversely correlated with a soil's conversion magnitude (a) of converting added K to exchangeable K (r = 0.95, P < 0.01). Of the three soils, Dundee exhibited much smaller β values than Crowley and Norwood but the soil converted much of added K to exchangeable K (60-65%) throughout its surface and subsurface soils. Both Crowley and Norwood possessed higher PBC, as well as higher PBC, and PBC e than Dundee, but Crowley required relatively lower critical exchangeable K (EK,) and solution K (CK,) levels below which release of nonexchangeable K was initiated. The overall results indicated that the partitioned Q/I approach could be used to explicitly evaluate short-term K dynamics in soil-solution systems. The nonexchangeable K buffering characteristics along with the differences between critical levels (EK, or CK, and EK 0 or CK 0 ) have important implications in assessing the likelihood of nonexchangeable K release and could be calibrated for soil fertility management.
Prevalence, severity, and impact of foraminal and canal stenosis among adults with degenerative scoliosis.

BACKGROUND Management approaches for adult scoliosis are primarily based on adults with idiopathic scoliosis and extrapolated to adults with degenerative scoliosis. However, the often substantially, but poorly defined, greater degenerative changes present in degenerative scoliosis impact the management of these patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence, severity, and impact of canal and foraminal stenosis in adults with degenerative scoliosis seeking operative treatment. METHODS A prospectively collected database of adult patients with deformity was reviewed for consecutive patients with degenerative scoliosis seeking surgical treatment, without prior corrective surgery. Patients completed the Oswestry Disability Index, SF-12, Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire, and a pain numeric rating scale (0-10). Based on MRI or CT myelogram, the central canal and foraminae from T6 to S1 were graded for stenosis (normal or minimal/mild/moderate/severe). RESULTS Thirty-six patients were included (mean age, 68.9 years; range, 51-85). The mean leg pain numeric rating scale was 6.5, and the mean Oswestry Disability Index score was 53.2. At least 1 level of severe foraminal stenosis was identified in 97% of patients; 83% had maximum foraminal stenosis in the curve concavity. All but 1 patient reported significant radicular pain, including 78% with discrete and 19% with multiple radiculopathies. Of those with discrete radiculopathies, 76% had pain corresponding to areas of the most severe foraminal stenosis, and 24% had pain corresponding to areas of moderate stenosis. CONCLUSION Significant foraminal stenosis was prevalent in patients with degenerative scoliosis, and the distribution of leg pain corresponded to levels of moderate or severe foraminal stenosis. Failure to address symptomatic foraminal stenosis when surgically treating adult degenerative scoliosis may negatively impact clinical outcomes.
The consequences of parental abduction: a pilot study with a retrospective view from the victim

This descriptive pilot study examined parental abductions through a retrospective view from the abductee. The purpose of this pilot study was to help mental health professionals better understand the psychological consequences that result from a parental abduction in order to help the victims when they return home. A multiple choice and short answer questionnaire was developed for this pilot study and administered through phone interviews. A total of 13 people participated in the study. Effects identified in this study by the abductees included loss of trust with the opposite sex, trouble making and keeping friends, feeling like they were in a dream-like world, trouble recalling important aspects of the abduction, and trouble sleeping and concentrating after the abduction. Language: en
TCR expression; quantitative easing by CD3

In this issue of Blood , Ahmadi et al show that the expression of a transgenic TCR can be increased 10-fold or more by cotransfer of CD3 cDNA, thereby augmenting antitumor activity.[1][1] Genetically modifying T cells to express transgenic TCR α and β chains of high affinity or a synthetic
Radiofrequency Catheter Modification of the Sinus Node for “Inappropriate” Sinus Tachycardia

Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation is the treatment of choice for patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias refractory to medical therapy. However, in symptomatic patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia resistant to drug therapy, catheter ablation of the His’ bundle with permanent pacemaker insertion is currently applied. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency modification of the sinus node as alternative therapy for patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Methods and Results Sixteen patients with disabling episodes of inappropriate sinus tachycardia refractory to drug therapy (4.2±0.3 drug trials) underwent either total sinus node ablation or sinus node modification. The region of the sinus node was identified as the region of earliest atrial activation in sinus rhythm during electrophysiological study. This region was further defined by use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in 9 patients, in whom it was found that an ablation catheter could be guid...
Effect of alkaline cleaning and activation on aluminum alloy 7075-T6

Abstract The effect of alkaline cleaning and activation on the composition and thickness of the oxide layer on aluminum alloy 7075-T6 was studied. E–pH diagrams were developed to predict the effect of alkaline cleaning and activation solutions on the stability of the oxide surface layers. The thickness of the native oxide layer was determined to be ∼30 nm by Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiling analysis. The outer ∼20 nm was rich in magnesium while the remaining ∼10 nm was rich in aluminum. Cleaning in a 9.1 pH alkaline solution was found to remove the magnesium-rich layer and leave behind an aluminum-rich oxide layer ∼10 nm thick. Activation in alkaline solutions of NaOH (pH > 12.9) or Na2CO3 (pH > 11.5) produced an oxide that was ∼20 to 60 nm thick and rich in magnesium. Alkaline cleaning and activation altered the oxide composition and thickness making it possible for deposition of thicker cerium-based conversion coatings (∼100 to 250 nm) compared to only alkaline cleaning (∼30 nm), with application of one spray cycle of deposition solution.
The Role of Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) in Asthma Management through Parent and Practitioner Education

ABSTRACTThe objective of this project is to create awareness among parents and healthcare providers on asthma and asthma management through a model of centers for excellence, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU). PEHSUs are centers for education and community outreach on child health and the environment located in every federal region. Although the exact program of each PEHSU differs, they are all mandated to provide educational programs to parents and health practitioners. We describe activities of a representative PEHSU, the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment (MACCHE), and the compatibility and potential of PEHSU activities for asthma education. Since its inception, MACCHE has educated physicians in over 20 hospitals during grand rounds on asthma and molds. MACCHE obtained 80% participation at its first conference on Children's Health and the Environment in 2002, Washington, D.C. PEHSUs, in partnership with practitioners treating asthma, can help identify tri...
Vortex Stability and Persistent Currents in Trapped Bose Gases

We consider the stability of vortices in trapped dilute Bose gases. For weak coupling the vortex is unstable to single-particle excitations: the Bose condensate cannot support persistent currents, and the gas is not superfluid. For stronger coupling the azimuthal symmetry of the rotating condensate is spontaneously broken, resulting in an off-center vortex that eventually spirals out of the trap. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Exploring Relationships Between Normative Aging, Technology, and Communication

Semistructured interviews with an educated sample explored normative aging processes and computer ownership regarding change in communication patterns over a decade among older adults as they progressed through events of the life course. Findings indicated that many of the changes concerned normative aging processes: living arrangements, physical limitations, retirement, and aging of communication partners. Changes in communication mediums aided by technology and how technology affected medium of preference for use, frequency, and quantity of communication also were found. Participant responses indicated computer ownership and Internet access increased the total social network, frequency of communication, quality of relationships, and helped reinstate distant/past friendships.
Transport of [125I]transferrin through the rat blood-brain barrier

Abstract Transferrin receptors are present in the plasma membrane of brain endothelial cells but it is unclear if these receptors mediate transport of transferrin across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the present study, the transport of rat holo-transferrin (rTf) across the BBB in vivo was evaluated in ketamine anesthetized rats (250–300 g) both by in situ brain perfusion coupled with capillary depletion analysis and by thaw-mount autoradiography. [125I]rTf was infused through the right internal carotid artery at a rate of 3.65 ml/min for 2.5–5 min. After a 5 min perfusion, the volume of distribution (VD) of [125I]rTf in the brain homogenate, the postvascular supernatant, or the vascular pellet was 55.8 ± 4.5, 43.5 ± 4.8, and 8.7 ± 2.3 μl/g, respectively. Co-infusion of [125I]rTf with unlabeled rTf or with a high dose of OX26 monoclonal antibody to the rat transferrin receptor significantly reduced the [125I]rTf transport, and in the presence of 10% rat serum [125I]rTf transport was nearly entirely abolished. The transport of [125I]rTf across the BBB in vivo was demonstrated by thaw-mount autoradiography, which showed silver grains well within brain parenchyma following a 5 min internal carotid artery perfusion. These studies are consistent with the following conclusions: (a) in the absence of competing plasma transferrin, [125I]holotransferrin is transported through the BBB at a rate comparable to the OX26 monoclonal antibody; and (b) the ability to detect measurable transport of perfused [125I]transferrin is greatly inhibited by a small contamination of the perfusate by rat serum, which contains high concentrations of competing transferrin.
Transversals in Row-Latin Rectangles

It is shown that anm×nrow-latin rectangle with symbols in {1,2,?,k},k?n, has a transversal wheneverm?2n?1, and that this lower bound formis sharp. Several applications are given. One is the construction of mappings which are generalizations of complete mappings. Another is the proof of a conjecture of Dillon on the existence of difference sets in groups of order 22s+2with elementary abelian normal subgroups of order 2s+1.
Use of the Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation in the Detection of Mild Dementia Among Spanish and English-Speaking Groups

It is increasingly important that assessments for dementia do not introduce bias against different cultural/language groups. In this study the authors investigated the usefulness of the Fuld Object-Memory Evaluation (OME) as a culture-fair screen for dementia. Because the OME uses common and familiar household objects, the authors hypothesized that it would retain minimal cultural/language bias, an issue that has been addressed in few other investigations. Results indicate that the OME has a high degree of sensitivity, 95.9%, for mildly impaired Spanish-speaking patients and 95.5% for English-speaking patients diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease. The specificity for Spanish-speaking and English-speaking control subjects was 100% and 96.7%, respectively. Sensitivities and specificities were reduced when only one trial of the OME was used. Sensitivity of the OME greatly exceeded that of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam in this mildly impaired dementia group. Therefore the OME may serve as a brief, reliable, culture-fair test when screening patients for possible dementia.
Transmission Line Condition Monitoring Based on Internet of Things in Smart Grid

In order to meet the demand for real-time monitoring of transmission line state in the construction of the smart grid, this paper adopt the transmission line condition monitoring system that is based on the Internet of Things technology, PON technology and the fuzzy expert diagnostic technology; with a large number of experiments and field pilots, we get ideal results. It can get real-time the state of the transmission line and make accurate judgments, which verify the accuracy and implementability of the system; This system has many advantages, such as comprehensive collection of information, stable network, high output accuracy, simple to deploy, and so on.
EXPERIMENTAL INFECTIONS OF ANAPLASMA OVIS IN PRONGHORN ANTELOPE

Anaplasma ovis was experimentally transmitted from sheep to pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) and back to sheep. Anaplasma ovis was recovered in splenectomized sheep, from two of three spleen-intact pronghorns following their inoculation with blood from known A. ovis carrier sheep. These two pronghorns exhibited a 0.5% or higher A. ovis parasitemia within 48 days after exposure, and an anaplasmosis-positive serological response 91 days after exposure. Clinical signs of illness were not observed. Blood from the infected pronghorns produced disease in four splenectomized sheep.
Stress proteins and immunology.

Article de synthese sur les roles des proteines de stress dans l'immunite. Une variete de cellules T sont capables de reconnai←tre a la fois des proteines de stress etrangeres et des proteines de stress du soi. Les proteines de stress ne sont pas seulement des cibles de la reponse immune mais peuvent aussi jouer un role dans la presentation de l'antigene
Nutrition risk screening in acute care: a survey of practice

The Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals are required to screen patients for nutrition risk, but criteria and procedures in use have not been described. The purpose of this study was to survey managers of clinical nutrition services in acute care hospitals regarding procedures for screening for nutrition risk. Members of the Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group were surveyed using an e-mailed link to an electronic survey. Of 1668 members contacted, 522 usable surveys were completed (31%). Most respondents (84%) reported that nursing staff had primary responsibility for nutrition screening; 10% used nutrition services staff; 4% used a computerized system. Where nursing staff did nutrition screening (n=441), 57% (n=252) said that nutrition services staff do a secondary admission screen. Dietitians most often performed secondary screens (70%), followed by dietetic technicians (16%), 4-year-degreed staff (4%), and clerks (3%). Most nutrition services staff screens (61%) used different data than nursing staff screens; 12% collected the same data as nursing staff. Screening criteria most often used by nursing staff were a history of weight loss (95%), poor intake prior to admission (81%), nutrition support (79%), chewing/swallowing issues (75%), and skin breakdown (72%). Criteria most commonly used by nutrition services staff were diagnosis (90%), nutrition support (81%), nothing by mouth (NPO)/clear liquid diet order (78%), visceral proteins (71%), and specific diet orders (68%). Most respondents had not formally evaluated their screening systems for sensitivity or specificity. There is a need to further evaluate the nutrition screening systems used in acute care hospitals in the U.S.
Simultaneous parameter estimation and model structure determination in FTIR spectroscopy by global MINLP optimization

Abstract We address the problem of simultaneous model structure determination and parameter estimation in infrared spectroscopy. For given measurements of concentrations ( C ) and absorbances ( A ), we seek to find the constant of analogy (Θ) in reverse Beer's law ( C =Θ A ). Two approaches are described and compared in this paper. Both utilize Akaike's information criterion (AIC) to obtain an estimate of the constant. The first method is frequently used in practice and requires the iterative solution of mixed-integer convex quadratic optimization problems. The second method is a novel one that requires the solution of a single mixed-integer nonconvex nonlinear program for which we develop a global optimization algorithm. Computational results demonstrate that the latter approach provides better solutions for all of the eleven problems solved in this paper. Our computational experiments also reveal the importance of bounding the errors and number of model parameters when minimizing AIC.
Influence on Flax Fibers of Components in Enzyme Retting Formulations

A series of formulations with varying enzyme and chelator components is tested for flax fiber yield and properties using a recently developed enzyme retting system on Ariane flax grown as a winter crop in southeastern South Carolina. The levels of Viscozyme L, a commercial pectinase-rich enzyme mixture, and Mayoquest 200, a commercial chelator containing 38% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as tetrasodium salt, are varied. Enzyme retted flax straw is hand-carded and passed one time through a Shirley Analyzer for cleaning. The chelator level determines the fine fiber (i.e., Shirley cleaned) yield. Fiber strength measured by Stelometer is inversely proportional to enzyme level and not affected by chelator level. Fiber fineness measured by air flow methods is better with higher enzyme levels, and within enzyme levels the higher chelator levels tend to produce fibers with the highest degree of fineness. Relative cost calculations, taking into account fiber yield with costs of enzyme and chelators, provi...
"Key Moments" as Pedagogical Windows into the Video Production Process.

In this article, we trace learning across the digital video production process through case studies with four youth media arts organizations (YMAOs) across the United States. We hypothesize that what these organizations share is a series of key moments throughout the production process in which youth must articulate the relationship between the idea they intend to represent in their video and the tools of the digital video medium that afford representation. By highlighting these key moments, we can both describe the core features of the YMAO organizational process and offer a mechanism for tracing participant learning over time. We conclude with implications for teachers and leaders who may be interested in how to support the inclusion of digital production processes into formal instructional spaces.
Telephone group intervention for older stroke caregivers.

AbstractPurpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of telephone groups for older, spousal caregivers of stroke survivors. Method: The 88 caregivers were mostly white females who were 70 years old on average and who had been providing care for an average of 3 years. Participants were randomized to treatment or control conditions, followed for 6 months, and assessed for depression, burden, loneliness, stress, and competence. Treatment participants engaged in an eight-session psychoeducational telephone group. Results: Treatment participants showed decreased stress over time but were not significantly different from control participants in the amount of change in stress. Control participants showed a significant increase in burden during the study; treatment participants showed a significant increase in competence.
U.S. subsidy effects on production of solar technology research: Using a new measure to assess policy impacts

Solar technology has advanced substantially in recent years, and policymakers interested in reducing climate change hope these improvements will continue. Nevertheless, only one measure, patent counts, has been widely used to identify the rate of improvement, and scant research has assessed the effectiveness of efforts to increase it. In this paper, the number of articles published on solar energy during each month in 1986-2009 is calculated to create a more detailed supplement to patent counts, and these article counts are used to assess certain relevant subsidies. A combination of counting articles manually and naive Bayesian classification is used to overcome the difficulties of identifying which articles are relevant. The resulting monthly article counts are modeled as a function of two major subsidy types. The largest U.S. subsidy for renewable energy, the Production Tax Credit, appears to be as much as half as effective at encouraging solar technology research as federal solar research subsidies, despite the fact that the tax credit is given to electricity producers rather than to researchers and goes mostly to non-solar energy sources. This finding may be considered a preliminary example of the use of monthly solar article counts.
Predicting the J–V Curve in Organic Photovoltaics Using Impedance Spectroscopy

Impedance spectroscopy is used as a method to predict the current–voltage curve in organic photovoltaic devices. This technique allows the quantification of the recombination rate, series resistance, carrier density, and lifetime very close to normal operating conditions. The current density is reconstructed from the generation and recombination rates. Excellent agreement with measured results is observed using this simple model. The order of recombination is found to be strongly bias dependent, displaying a shift in the dominant form of recombination from trap-mediated at low carrier densities to bimolecular at high carrier densities. Mobility is shown for a range of intensities and is found to vary significantly with fabrication conditions.
Ion-Molecule Reactions and Ion Kinetics in DC Townsend Discharges in Dielectric Gases

The transport of positive and negative ions plays an important role in the initiation and behavior of discharges in gaseous dielectrics. in many cases, the identities, intensities, and kinetic energies of ions are determined by ion-molecule collisions experienced by ions while they are accelerated through the discharge. to help delineate the role of various collisional processes, such as charge-exchange collisions, collisional detachment, and ion conversion, we have measured the kinetic-energy distributions (KEDs) of positive and negative ions formed in dc Townsend discharges generated in O2 and SF6 at high electric field-to-gas density ratios (E/N). the relative abundances and mean energies of the ions are obtained from these measurements, and the effective cross sections for the ion-molecule reactions, in some cases, may be calculated. the availability of ion-molecule collision cross sections for the negative ions formed in O2 and SF6 enable a reasonable understanding of the KED data. However, attempts to analyze the positive ion KED data for these two gases highlight the lack of fundamental ion-molecule cross section data for positive ions formed in these discharges.
Archive-based cooperative coevolutionary algorithms

Archive-based cooperative coevolutionary algorithms attempt to retain a set of individuals which act as good collaborators for other coevolved individuals in the evolutionary system. We introduce a new archive-based algorithm, called iCCEA, which compares favorably with other cooperative coevolutionary algorithms. We explain the current problems with cooperative coevolution which have given rise to archive methods, detail the iCCEA algorithm, compare it against other traditional and archive-based methods on basic problem domains, and discuss the reasons behind the performance of various algorithms.
Recombinant murine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor protects against acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in nonneutropenic mice

The effect of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) on acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in nonneutropenic mice was investigated. Mice treated with a single dose of rG-CSF showed a significantly reduced mortality (28% vs. 90%; P < .001). The outgrowth of C. albicans from the kidneys, spleens, and livers of rG-CSF-treated mice was significantly reduced (log cfu/g of kidney, 5.54 vs. 7.13; P < .001), as were circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta. After rG-CSF, the kidneys showed fewer infectious infiltrates, enhanced granulocyte influx, and almost complete absence of hyphal outgrowth. During peritoneal C. albicans infection, rG-CSF enhanced influx of granulocytes to the site of infection, and exudate granulocytes showed increased oxygen radical production. These results indicate that rG-CSF enhances host resistance to disseminated candidiasis in nonneutropenic mice through activation of granulocytes and their recruitment to the site of infection.
Study of the ionization mechanism in hybrid laser based desorption techniques.

In order to study the ionization mechanism in MALDESI, the RASTIR source was implemented to separate in space the laser desorption event from the intersecting electrospray ionization beam. Deuterated solvents were electrosprayed from the RASTIR source which resulted in a near complete shift from [M + H+]1+ to [M + D+]1+ of the monoisotopic peak for reserpine. The purpose of these experiments is to test the hypothesis that the primary ionization pathway in MALDESI is through interaction of the laser-desorbed neutral species with the intersecting electrospray ionization beam. The combination of RASTIR coupled to MALDESI can be utilized to study small organic molecules as well as peptides and proteins. Moreover, the use of RASTIR combined with MALDESI lends itself to improve the overall efficiency of ionization.
Data structure specifications via local equality axioms

We describe a program verification methodology for specifying global shape properties of data structures by means of axioms involving predicates on scalar fields, pointer equalities, and pointer disequalities, in the neighborhood of a memory cell. We show that such local invariants are both natural and sufficient for describing a large class of data structures. We describe a complete decision procedure for axioms without disequalities, and practical heuristics for the full language. The procedure has the key advantage that it can be extended easily with reasoning for any decidable theory of scalar fields.
Banting Lecture 2009: An Unfinished Journey: Molecular Pathogenesis to Prevention of Type 1A Diabetes

The Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Award is the American Diabetes Association9s highest scientific award and honors an individual who has made significant, long-term contributions to the understanding of diabetes, its treatment, and/or prevention. The award is named after Nobel Prize winner Sir Frederick Banting, who codiscovered insulin treatment for diabetes. Dr. Eisenbarth received the American Diabetes Association9s Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement at the Association9s 69th Scientific Sessions, June 5–9, 2009, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He presented the Banting Lecture, An Unfinished Journey—Type 1 Diabetes—Molecular Pathogenesis to Prevention , on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
Sex Differences and Hormonal Influences on Acquisition of Cocaine Self-Administration in Rats

Men and women differ in their response to cocaine, and a woman's response varies with the menstrual cycle. For example, women have greater subjective responses to cocaine in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle when estradiol is predominant, than they do during the luteal phase when both estradiol and progesterone are elevated. Similarly, female rats show significantly more cocaine-induced locomotor behavior and cocaine self-administration during behavioral estrus, shortly after estradiol peaks, than during other stages of the cycle, and estradiol administration to ovariectomized (OVX) females enhances the acquisition of cocaine self-administration. The purpose of this study was to expand upon these findings by studying the effects of progesterone administration to females, and estradiol administration to males, on acquisition of cocaine self-administration. We report here that there are both sex differences in and effects of circulating ovarian hormones on acquisition of cocaine self-administration. We demonstrate that although estradiol administration enhances acquisition of cocaine self-administration in OVX female rats, concurrent administration of progesterone with estradiol inhibits this effect of estradiol. In a separate experiment, we demonstrate that estradiol administration does not enhance acquisition of cocaine self-administration in castrated male rats. We conclude that (1) there is a sex difference in the effects of estradiol on cocaine self-administration: it facilitates acquisition in female, but not male rats; and that (2) in females concurrent progesterone treatment counteracts the facilitory effect of estradiol on cocaine self-administration.