cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the genotoxicity of produced water discharges associated with oil and gas production using a fish embryo and larval test

Abstract Widespread discharge of produced waters (PW) into brackish and marine waters of the northwest Gulf of Mexico, which serve as spawning grounds for many commercially important species of fish, has raised concern over the potential impact that these complex mixtures may have on aquatic life. In the present study, the results of investigations which assess the clastogenic effects of production water discharged as the result of oil and gas production activity at two coastal sites are reported. In order to assess the impact of the PW discharges on spawning populations of aquatic organisms, chromosome aberration analysis was performed on Cyprinodon variegatus embryos 4–7 days old, which were exposed directly to varying dilutions of PW collected at Pass Fourchon and Timbalier Island for a period of 5 days. Metaphase chromosomes were scored (percentage aberration per 100 metaphases) for aberrations at a magnification of 1000 ×. When compared to the control treatment, higher levels of chromosomal aberrations were observed for treatments (2 and 4% PW) in which embryos were exposed to PW from Pass Fourchon or Timbalier Island. A maximum frequency of 13% was found to occur at the highest test concentration (4% PW), with most of these expressed as breaks (chromatid and chromosome). In contrast, exposure to water from the enclosed canal at Fourchon resulted in the formation of chromosome breaks and changes in ploidy.
Service Utilization Patterns as Predictors of Response to Trauma-Informed Integrated Treatment for Women With Co-occurring Disorders.

Objective: The current study examined whether clinical responses to an integrated treatment intervention among women with co-occurring disorders and histories of abuse varied according to their service use patterns at baseline. Methods: Data were from a national multisite integrated treatment intervention study conducted 1998 to 2003. Analyses included 999 study participants assigned to the integrated treatment group who were symptomatic at baseline. Participants’ baseline service use was characterized according to five distinct baseline service use clusters. Logistic regression models estimated study participants’ odds of having good clinical responses to integrated treatment at 12 months across the five service clusters. Results: Participants with high levels of psychotropic medication and medical care use at baseline had significantly lower odds than low-intensity service users of having a good response to integrated treatment at 12 months on mental health, alcohol addiction, and posttraumatic stress m...
Too much of a good thing: adenosine overload in adenosine-deaminase-deficient mice

Chronic lung diseases are associated with persistent lung inflammation and damage. The mechanisms that govern the chronic nature of these disorders are not known. Adenosine is a signaling nucleoside that is generated in hypoxic environments such as that found in the inflamed lung, which suggests that it might serve a regulatory role in chronic lung diseases. Support for this hypothesis comes from studies in adenosine-deaminase-deficient mice where lung adenosine levels accumulate in association with increased lung inflammation and damage. Furthermore, lowering adenosine levels or antagonizing adenosine receptors can reverse pulmonary phenotypes in this model, suggesting that chronic adenosine elevations can affect signaling pathways that mediate aspects of chronic lung disease.
Comparative study of the neurohypophyseal hormone [8-arginine]vasopressin and its analog [7-(3,4-dehydroproline), 8-arginine]vasopressin in aqueous solution. An examination of the nonlabile protons by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

[7-(3, 4-Dehydroproline), 8-arginine]vasopressin ([Δ3-Pro7]AVP), an active analog of the naturally occurring neurohypophyseal hormone [8-arginine]vasopressin (AVP), was studied in D2O at pD 3.3 and 23° by 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy, and chemical shifts (SdLs) and some of the coupling constants for the nonlabile protons (1Hs) were determined and compared to those previously reported by us for AVP in D2O at pD 3.8 and 20° (Wyssbrod et al., 7979a, b). Double- resonance difference spectroscopy (Gibbons et al., 1975) was used to reveal positions of certain resonances obscured by overlap with resonances of other 1Hs. Values of δ of corresponding protons in [Δ3-Pro7]AVP and AVP are quite similar, and the small differences that are observed can be explained on the basis of (a) magnetic anisotropy from the double bond in the Δ3 -prolyl residue, (b) a slight difference in acidity of the samples in the two studies, or (c) uncertainty in the experimentally determined value of δ. Values of δ for the 1Hs in the Δ3-prolyl and prolyl residues in the two peptides are reported. Our tentative conclusion is that the differences in reported biological activities of [Δ3-Pro7]AVP and AVP (Botos et al., 1979) are probably not [Δ3-PRO7, ARG8] VASOPRESSIN related to a perturbation in the conformational state of the backbone, but that they might be explained, in part, by a change in the conformation of the five- membered ring of residue 7 and, in part, by π-π interaction between the 3-pyrroline ring of the Δ3-prolyl residue of [Δ3-Pro7]AVP and the receptor involved in the antidiuretic response but not the receptor involved in the pressor response, in accordance with the suggestion of Walter (1977) that π-π interactions might, in some cases, be involved in binding of a peptide to its receptor.
The filamentous phage (Ff) as vectors for recombinant DNA— a review

Derivatives of filamentous phage, f1, fd, and M13, useful as cloning vectors are listed, and procedures for their use are reviewed. Methods for growing phage, preparing single- and double-stranded DNA, and cloning are given in the "cook-book" form. These procedures minimize the practical problem often associated with filamentous-phage cloning, i.e., deletion of inserts.
Bounds on minimum mean squared error in ridge regression

The minimum MSE (mean squared error) of ridge regression coefficient estimates (for a given set of eigenvalues and variance) is a function of the transformed coefficient vector. In this paper, the authors prove that the minimum MSE is bounded, for a given coefficient vector length, by the two cases corresponding to the signal completely contained in the component associated with the smallest or largest eigenvalue. The implication for evaluating proposed estimators of the ridge regression biasing parameter is discussed.
Mapping the Domain of Career Decision Problems

Abstract The domain of career decision problems has not been adequately explored. Consequently, it is difficult to determine how well existing instruments sample the career indecision construct. The authors conducted a factor analysis of the Career Decision Scale, Career Factors Inventory, and Career Decision Difficulties Questionnaire with undecided college students to explore the indecision domain. They found six reliable factors: Lack of Information, Need for Information, Trait Indecision, Disagreement with Others, Identity Diffusion, and Choice Anxiety. They conducted a cluster analysis of these six factors to explore the structure of the indecision domain and found three clusters: Information Deficit/Identity Diffusion, Decision Process Inhibitors, and Choice Inhibitors. The authors propose a definition of the domain of career decision problems, discuss implications of the results for career counseling, and critique existing instruments on their coverage of the domain.
Self‐similar scaling of magnetic energy in the inertial range of solar wind turbulence

[1] Turbulent magnetic field fluctuations in the solar wind undergo an energy cascade in the inertial range with a characteristic Kolmogorov frequency spectrum f -5/3 . Using magnetic field measurements from the Wind and ACE spacecraft at 1 AU in the ecliptic plane, probability distributions (PDFs) of time-delayed differences of magnetic energy density B 2 (t) are shown to exhibit an approximate self-similar scaling for time lags T in the inertial range of the turbulence, that is, from approximately 10 to 1000 s. The scaling is characterized by a single scaling exponent γ, the Hurst exponent, and a universal PDF that is independent of scale for timescales in the inertial range. It is shown that the scaling exponent and the form of the universal PDF change with the 11-year solar cycle due to the changing nature of the turbulence. The timescale for these changes is roughly estimated to be on the order of 1 or 2 years. Studies of low-order structure functions are performed in an attempt to corroborate the self-similar scaling of the PDFs. It is found that the structure functions do not scale in a self-similar manner indicating that the PDFs are not truly self-similar. Therefore the claimed self-similar scaling of the PDFs is only a rough approximation.
Hypothesis linking the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in depression

A hypothesis is presented that attempts to describe the mechanism by which noradrenergic neurons in the brain influence dopaminergic neurons to produce behavioral changes seen in depression. The historical background pointing to a norepinephrine (NE)-dopamine (DA) interaction in depression is described. This interaction is suggested by numerous observations indicating that whereas NE is important in therapy and pathogenesis of depression, basic research implicates DA in depression-related behavioral responses (motor activity changes, hedonic response) much more so than NE. The hypothesized NE-DA interaction is introduced in relation to an animal model (stress-induced behavioral depression) that has traced depressive symptomatology to abnormal activity (hyperresponsivity) of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Based on recent data by Grenhoff et al. (1993; J Neural Transm 93:11–25), it is suggested that the augmented burst firing of LC neurons found in behavioral depression releases galanin from LC axon terminals, and this inhibits (hyper-polarizes) DA neurons in the ventral tegmentum (VTA) to mediate depression-related behavioral changes. Initial results showing that microinfusion of galanin into the VTA decreases spontaneous and swim-test motor activity of animals are described. Depression 3:225–245 (1995/1996). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Response-contingent CS termination as a factor in avoidance conditioning

Four groups of five dogs each underwent acquisition and extinction of a conditioned leg flexion avoidance response, The CS-US interval was 4.0 sec for all groups, but CS duration was either .3. 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 sec for each group. Responses occurring prior to CS offset terminated the CS. There was no evidence that CS termination facilitated acquisition of the avoidance response. There was slight evidence that the 4.0 sec group took longer to extinguish the avoidance response.
Electrogenerated IrOx nanoparticles as dissolved redox catalysts for water oxidation

We describe the first example of redox catalysis using a dissolved electroactive nanoparticle, based on the oxidation of water by electrogenerated IrOx nanoparticles containing IrVI states, in pH 13 solutions of 1.6 ± 0.6 nm (dia.) IrIVOx nanoparticles capped solely by hydroxide. At potentials (ca. +0.45 V) higher than the mass transport-controlled plateau of the nanoparticle IrV/IV wave, rising large redox catalytic currents reflect electrochemical generation of IrVI states, which by +0.55 V and onward to +1.0 V are shown by rotated ring disk electrode experiments to lead with 100% current efficiency to the oxidation of water to O2. O2 production at +0.55 V corresponds to an overpotential η of only 0.29 V, relative to thermodynamic expectations of the four electron H2O→O2 reaction. The Ir site turnover frequency (TO, mol O2/Ir sites/s) is 8−11 s−1. Controlled potential coulometry shows that all Ir sites in these nanoparticles (average 66 Ir each) are electroactive, meaning that the nanoparticles are smal...
Mechanisms responsible for dominant expression of human growth hormone gene mutations.

Point mutations of the donor splice site of intron 3 of the human GH-1 gene cause autosomal dominant inherited isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD II). The mechanism by which a defect in one GH-1 allele results in GH deficiency is obscure. Previously reported reverse transcription-nested PCR data suggested an overexpression of the mutant GH-1 allele. We employed alternative methods to determine the relative expression of mutant (C for G at +1 of intron 3) and normal GH-1 allele. The use of a second round PCR primer bridging exons 2 and 3 and specific for normal GH-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) indicated equal quantities in mutant and control cells. Large scale messenger RNA extraction from Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblasts permitted assay by ribonuclease protection. In normal pituitary, there were three GH-1 mRNA species. The variant lacking exon 3 comprised 5% of the total GH-1 mRNA. The proband's lymphoblasts contained equal amounts of mRNA with and without exon 3. Only normal GH-1 ...
Public Services in Metropolitan Areas of Australia

Local government in Australia accounts for only nine percent of domestic public expenditure, and has no responsibility for financing education, welfare, or public safety. Local expenditures in metropolitan areas vary widely, but city-suburban fiscal disparities are nonexistent. Multiple regression analysis is used to identify key determinants of local spending in the Sydney and Melbourne metropolitan areas. The Australian system of delivering public services to urban areas is examined in the context of its fiscal structure which, compared with the American structure, assigns a large role to state government and a minor role to local authorities.
Filopod Extension Requires MyTH4-Ferm Myosin Motor Activity

Filopodia are cellular protrusions composed of bundled parallel actin filaments that initiate from the cortex and have roles in cell adhesion and signaling during directed cell migration. MyTH4-FERM myosins (including Myosin 7, 10 and 15) localize to the distal tips of filopodia, stereocilia, and microvilli. Myo10 is required for filopod growth in mammalian cells while Myo7 is essential for filopod growth in Dictyostelium. We performed live cell imaging using GFP-tagged Myo7 in null cells. Myo7 rescued filopod formation and localized to filopodia tips and actin-based pseudopods. In pseudopods, enrichment at the leading edge near the cell membrane preceded the growth of filopodia. Tip extension velocity remained constant throughout the growing phase independent of Myo7 accumulation at the tip. A construct lacking MyTH4-FERM domains but including the putative SAH domain (Myo7 Motor) failed to rescue filopodia and did not localize with cortical actin. Neither of the two FERM domains was essential for rescue of filopod formation. Deletion of the C-terminal FERM led to increased production of substrate-adhered filopodia suggesting this domain might negatively regulate Myo7 activity in vivo. We tested this by mutating conserved residues implicated in auto-inhibition of Myo10 and expressing a mutated Myo7 (KK2333/2336AA) that also showed increased production of filopodia relative to wild type Myo7. Tip extension velocity in these mutants was similar to wild type despite the increased number of filopod tips. A mutant lacking the motor domain (Myo7 Tail) was enriched near the cell membrane but failed to rescue filopod formation. Neither FERM domain was essential for localization of the tail. These results suggest that normal formation of filopodia requires membrane-localized Myo7 with precisely regulated motor activity. (This work is supported by an NSF grant to MAT. KJP is supported by NIH grant T32 AR007612.)
Assessment of myocardial perfusion by novice and experienced observers: Does color scale make a difference?

Abstract Background: Myocardial perfusion images are traditionally reviewed in gray (GR) scale but various color scales are available, and popular with cardiology trainees. We examined differences in test sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for a nuclear cardiology trainee, and an experienced observer who used different color scales for myocardial perfusion image (MPI) interpretation. Methods: 30 patients (68±12 yrs; 19 male) who underwent clinically indicated rest TL-201/stress Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT and had coronary angiography within 30 days of MPI were studied. Post-stress images were scored based on a 5-point/17-segment model in GR and Cequal (CE) in random sequence by a nuclear cardiology trainee (1), and an experienced observer (2) independently. Both observers were blinded to the angiographic data. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement were compared by kappa statistic, and McNemar's test for statistical significance (p Results: (See table). Intraobserver kappa for GR vs. CE was 0.7 for (1), and 0.5 for (2). Interobserver kappa was 0.3 for GR, and 0.6 for CE. Conclusion: Both intraobserver and interobserver agreement was fair. There was a trend for increased sensitivity and accuracy for CE vs. GR for both observers. There was also a trend to increased specificity for an experienced observer with GR. The differences were greater for an experienced observer, resulting in higher accuracy. Sensitivity (1) Specificity (1) Accuracy (1) Sensitivity (2) Specificity (2) Accuracy (2) GR 85% 40% 70% 65% 80% 70% CE 95% 40% 76% 95% 60% 83%
Can Norms Account for Strategic Action? Information Management in Fishing as a Game of Legitimate Strategy

Success in fishing depends upon knowledge of the whereabouts of fish, but fishermen are known to be secretive about this information, even when information exchange is mutually beneficial. Game-theoretical models offer explanations for this phenomenon, but also predict that making the most beneficial choices in terms of information-sharing is difficult. The ar ticle aims to demonstrate how a dialogue between traditional sociology and tools of rational choice theory can be established. It outlines practices of information management in Norwegian pelagic fisheries, arguing that a shared set of behavioural norms delimits the set of probable strategies, making a co-operative strategy emerge to the actors as the most beneficial choice. Social norms are integral par ts of the actors' strategic reasoning and facilitate rational adaptation.The ar ticle combines traditional concepts of norms and trust with game-theoretical reasoning in a model called `game of legitimate strategy'.
Epinephrine use results in 'stress' cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Epinephrine is a frequently used catecholamine, particularly in emergencies and during resuscitation attempts. It is not without side effects. We report a rare case of epinephrine-induced cardiomyopathy. Epinephrine was administered for bradycardia in our patient. He was treated conservatively and responded well to the treatment. Through our work we wish to highlight this adverse cardiac effect of epinephrine. We hope to increase awareness among residents and practicing physicians while using epinephrine. Learning objective: Epinephrine, although a lifesaving drug, has adverse side effects. Dosages and routes of administration determine its toxicity. Exogenous catecholamines can cause presentations similar to takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Management is supportive and the outcomes are good.>
Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in olfactory epithelium in vitro : Possible roles of caspase 1 (ICE), caspase 2 (ICH-1), and caspase 3 (CPP32)

Abstract We investigated the potential roles of three members of the interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE) protease family (caspases) in apoptosis in olfactory epithelium. By RT-PCR analysis, the mRNAs of caspase 1 (ICE), caspase 2 (ICH-1), and caspase 3 (CPP32) were detected in olfactory mucosa obtained from normal adults, E19 fetuses, and unilaterally bulbectomized rats. The transcript of caspase 2 disappeared in bulbectomized animals 3 and 5 days postoperatively, but reappeared 21 days postoperatively. This suggests that most of the caspase 2 transcript was in olfactory sensory neurons. We used TNF-α to induce cell death in organotypic cultures of E19 olfactory epithelium and assayed the ability of three caspase inhibitors to reverse the TNF-α effect. After 6 h of treatment with medium containing TNF-α, a 2.5-fold increase in apoptotic body number was observed throughout the olfactory epithelium. Pretreatment of the cultures with either of two irreversible caspase inhibitors (Z-VAD-fmk, Ac-YVAD-cmk) for 4 h, followed by a 6-h treatment with TNF-α plus an inhibitor, blocked TNF-α-induced cell death completely. Pretreatment with a third caspase inhibitor (Z-DEVD-fmk) in the same treatment schedule reduced the numbers of apoptotic cells significantly but not to the same extent as Z-VAD-fmk or Ac-YVAD-cmk. Increasing the dose of any of the inhibitors reduced the numbers of apoptotic figures below those of control cultures, indicating that the inhibitory response is dose dependent. Taken together, the results suggest that caspases 1, 2, and 3, and perhaps others that are blocked by the inhibitors we used, participate in TNF-α-induced cell death in vitro.
Chest pain after nontransmural infarction: The absence of remediable coronary vasospasm

To assess the contribution of coronary vasospasm to chest pain in patients with nontransmural myocardial infarction, we performed a controlled trial of prophylactic antivasospastic therapy. Fifty patients with nontransmural infarction received either nifedipine or placebo in a double-blind randomized trial. Chest pain occurred in 52% of treated patients (38 episodes on 35 days) compared to 48% of control patients (42 episodes on 33 days). Concurrent therapy was comparable in the two groups. Recurrent infarction occurred in 12% and was comparable between groups. Ejection fraction was similar and was unchanged throughout the study in both groups. Logistic regression failed to identify predictors for recurrent chest discomfort. These data indicate that potent antivasospastic therapy does not reduce the incidence of recurrent chest pain or infarction. Thus, remediable coronary vasospasm is not likely to be a major cause of post infarction ischemia in patients with nontransmural infarction.
A LARGE-SCALE, ASYNCHRONOUS, WEB-BASED MSW COMPREHENSIVE EXAM ADMINISTRATION: OUTCOMES AND LESSONS LEARNED

Described is the administration and outcomes of an asynchronous, Web-based, comprehensive exam covering MSW foundation curriculum. Over a 48-hour period of test availability, 198 students completed the 4-hour-long exam composed of 100 randomly generated questions. Significant differences in student performance across college locations were found. A post-examination survey found a large majority of students were able to easily access the online exam, found the testing tool easy to use, and were able to complete the comprehensive exam with little difficulty. The future use of online assessment for the comprehensive exam was supported by 87% of respondents.
Raman Spectroscopy as the Method of Detection for Constructing a Binary Liquid-Vapor Phase Diagram.

The physical chemistry laboratory is sometimes constrained to one semester, resulting in pedagogical deficiencies for the students taking the course. The use of a multidimensional laboratory exercise offers students the opportunity to encounter multiple experimental techniques and physical chemistry concepts while not sacrificing a significant amount of time. Here, we show that the classic binary liquid–vapor phase diagram experiment can be modified to incorporate both molecular spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. Using Raman spectroscopy as a means of detection and quantum chemistry to investigate the resulting vibrational spectra, students can explore three important subject areas in one laboratory exercise.
Changes in collagen birefringence: a quantitative histologic marker of thermal damage in skin

Quantitative histologic markers of thermal damage in collagen include changes of intensity and color shifts of birefringent images and hyalinization of collagen fibers using transmission polarizing microscopy (TPM) and light microscopy (LM). These changes are seen in routinely prepared paraffin histologic sections stained with dyes readily available in most pathology and histology laboratories. The quantitative histologic markers of thermal damage have been used to map extent of thermal injury and promise to be useful for investigations of the mechanisms of photothermal laser-tissue interactions.
Dietary Supplement Use by Women at Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence

Abstract Objective To develop a method of collecting, organizing, and analyzing information on nutrient and nonnutrient dietary supplement use by women at risk for breast cancer recurrence as a component of nutrition assessment and monitoring, and to describe the characteristics associated with dietary supplement use in this population at enrollment in a clinical trial to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Design Cross-sectional descriptive study design. Subjects Women diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous 4 years (n=435). Analysis Dietary supplements reported in four 24-hour dietary recalls were categorized according to primary nutrient and nonnutrient contents. Prevalence of dietary supplement use is described. Associations between supplement use and demographic and participant characteristics were examined using χ 2 analysis and logistic regression. Results Dietary supplement use was reported by 80.9% of the women. Increased likelihood of supplement use was associated with demographic (eg, older age, higher level of education, white race vs other ethnic groups) and personal (eg, lower body mass index, moderate alcohol consumption) characteristics. Use of vitamin C and related compounds, other nutrients (eg, n-3 fatty acids, evening primrose oil), and herbal products was inversely associated with months since diagnosis; use of miscellaneous supplements (eg, shark cartilage) was directly associated with more advanced stage at diagnosis. Applications Monitoring dietary supplement use is an important aspect of nutrition assessment, especially in populations with chronic health conditions or medical diagnoses. Demographic and personal characteristics, time passed since diagnosis, and stage of cancer at diagnosis are predictive of dietary supplement use by women at risk for breast cancer recurrence. Associations in this population may be present in other groups that are the object of nutrition intervention efforts. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:285-292.
The psychological subject and predicate

Abstract The present study is a demonstration of the independence of the psychological subject-predicate (topic-comment) distinction from the notions of grammatical and logical subject and predicate. Two hundred and eighty college students were given the task of selecting one of two pictures to go with a sentence in an ambiguous situation. The ambiguity was created by the fact that neither picture actually represented the content of the sentence; however, one picture or the other will be selected depending on which aspect of the sentence (the agent or the object) is selected as the psychological subject. The results clearly indicate that the psychological subject and predicate cannot be equated with the logical subject and predicate. Although the results for some sentence types can be accounted for by the role of word order, it is clear that the superficial subject is not consistently selected as the psychological subject. These results are a partial confirmation of the Prague School approach to the notion of topic and comment, in which this distinction involves a separate level of analysis from the logical or grammatical organization of the sentence.
The Tarsal Complex of Afro-Malagasy Tenrecoidea: A Search for Phylogenetically Meaningful Characters

Morphological characters should be assessed in an ecological and evolutionary framework before their use in phylogenetic analyses. We have attempted such an assessment for the tarsal complex of the Tenrecoidea. The 30+/− extant species of these small mammals live in a diverse range of microhabitats. They exhibit markedly different positional behaviors, encompassing four basic locomotor repertoires: terrestrial running and walking, scansorial climbing, digging, and swimming. Articular surfaces from the upper, middle, and lower ankle joints in 10 Malagasy tenrecid, 1 potamogalid, 1 solenodontid, and 1 macroscelidid species were compared. The results were tested against published data on the correlation between function and morphology in other therian locomotor specialists. Descriptive accounts, supported by quantitative analyses, demonstrate significant differences in many aspects of tarsal morphology that may be explained by function-based hypotheses within the context of the tenrecoid heritage. Three closely related tenrecines (Hemicentetes, Setifer, and Echinops) show divergences in form that are consistent with their respective semifossorial, terrestrial, and scansorial/arboreal modes of locomotion. In addition to functional–adaptive considerations, we propose several synapomorphies for the tenrecine and oryzorictine clades that appear to corroborate their monophyly. There are apparent convergences between the habitual diggers from different subfamilies (Hemicentetes and Oryzorictes), and there are adaptive differences within subfamilies (e.g. arboreal Echinops vs. terrestrial Setifer). The few likenesses between Potamogale and Limnogale cannot be supported as homologies, and the proposal of a recent phylogenetic affiliation between them is therefore rejected here. Manifest differences in tarsal form between Geogale and the oryzorictines support recognition of the subfamily Geogalinae. As expected, the tarsal complex of Solenodon is fundamentally unlike that of the tenrecoids. Finally, the similarities in detail between Macroscelididae and Potamogalidae reflect the stabilization of UAJ during plantarflexion, and therefore such attributes are rejected as synapomorphies. Traits with clear species-specific adaptations are a potential interference in cladistic analyses and cannot be meaningfully used without ecology-based character assessment. While this practice may ultimately reduce the size of a database, it will nonetheless result in taxonomic properties with lasting value against which phylogenetic hypotheses may be tested with confidence.
Dynamic cyanobacterial response to hydration and dehydration in a desert biological soil crust

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) cover extensive portions of the earth’s deserts. In order to survive desiccation cycles and utilize short periods of activity during infrequent precipitation, crust microorganisms must rely on the unique capabilities of vegetative cells to enter a dormant state and be poised for rapid resuscitation upon wetting. To elucidate the key events involved in the exit from dormancy, we performed a wetting experiment of a BSC and followed the response of the dominant cyanobacterium, Microcoleus vaginatus, in situ using a whole-genome transcriptional time course that included two diel cycles. Immediate, but transient, induction of DNA repair and regulatory genes signaled the hydration event. Recovery of photosynthesis occurred within 1 h, accompanied by upregulation of anabolic pathways. Onset of desiccation was characterized by the induction of genes for oxidative and photo-oxidative stress responses, osmotic stress response and the synthesis of C and N storage polymers. Early expression of genes for the production of exopolysaccharides, additional storage molecules and genes for membrane unsaturation occurred before drying and hints at preparedness for desiccation. We also observed signatures of preparation for future precipitation, notably the expression of genes for anaplerotic reactions in drying crusts, and the stable maintenance of mRNA through dormancy. These data shed light on possible synchronization between this cyanobacterium and its environment, and provides key mechanistic insights into its metabolism in situ that may be used to predict its response to climate, and or, land-use driven perturbations.
Extracellular proteins in pea root tip and border cell exudates.

Newly generated plant tissue is inherently sensitive to infection. Yet, when pea (Pisum sativum) roots are inoculated with the pea pathogen, Nectria haematococca, most newly generated root tips remain uninfected even though most roots develop lesions just behind the tip in the region of elongation. The resistance mechanism is unknown but is correlated spatially with the presence of border cells on the cap periphery. Previously, an array of >100 extracellular proteins was found to be released while border cell separation proceeds. Here we report that protein secretion from pea root caps is induced in correlation with border cell separation. When this root cap secretome was proteolytically degraded during inoculation of pea roots with N. haematococca, the percentage of infected root tips increased from 4% ± 3% to 100%. In control experiments, protease treatment of conidia or roots had no effect on growth and development of the fungus or the plant. A complex of >100 extracellular proteins was confirmed, by multidimensional protein identification technology, to comprise the root cap secretome. In addition to defense-related and signaling enzymes known to be present in the plant apoplast were ribosomal proteins, 14-3-3 proteins, and others typically associated with intracellular localization but recently shown to be extracellular components of microbial biofilms. We conclude that the root cap, long known to release a high molecular weight polysaccharide mucilage and thousands of living cells into the incipient rhizosphere, also secretes a complex mixture of proteins that appear to function in protection of the root tip from infection.
Synthesis and characterization of diblock copolymers of styrene and N-tert-butylacrylamide and gelation evidenced by rheology

The self-assembly of block copolymers in melt and in solution states is of current interest for the design of hierarchical materials. In this contribution, we report the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers of styrene and N-tert-butylacrylamide (SmNtBAMn) with narrow molecular weight distributions by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique. Block copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (for distribution width), 1H NMR spectroscopy (for molar mass and composition), thermal analysis and transmission electron microscopy (morphology investigation). These diblock copolymers in 1-octanol, a selective solvent for the N-tert-butylacrylamide block, self assemble to form micelles. At higher concentrations, these diblock copolymers in 1-octanol form glass-clear gels. Dynamic viscoelastic properties of a diblock copolymer, S278NtBAM517, in 1-octanol have been studied as a function of copolymer concentration. Scaling relations for the micelles and gels have been established in the terminal frequency range. Critical gelation concentration (cg) was determined by frequency independence of loss tangent in the vicinity of gel point. The cg, viscoelastic exponent, n and front factor, S were determined to be 11.3 wt%, 0.677 and 0.55 Pa-s0.677, respectively.
Conformational statistics of a polybenzoxazine

Abstract A Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) model has been constructed for the polybenzoxazine with a repeating unit of [−C 6 H 2 (OH)(CH 3 )–CH 2 –N(CH 3 )–CH 2 −], with the four nonhydrogen substituents bonded to the aromatic ring arranged with the OH ortho to both CH 2 and para to the single CH 3 . The model was derived from the conformational analysis of a dimer, N−(5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)–N-(2–hydroxy-5-methyl benzyl)methylamine. This conformational analysis incorporates the two states that arise from inversion of the configuration at the tertiary amine. The analysis can be applied to any sequence of these two states, including the case where they have the same probability of occurrence, and are randomly distributed along the chain in accord with Bernoullian statistics. As expected, the calculated characteristic ratio, C ∞, for the physically relevant random distribution of equally probable states is smaller than the result obtained for hypothetical chains that have a preference for one state over the other. The analysis also incorporates the two preferred states for each of the two C(sp)–O bonds from the aromatic ring to the hydroxyl groups. The computed values of C ∞ are in the range 2.0–4.3, depending on the correlation between the states selected by neighboring C(sp)–O bonds. The most likely correlation of these states specifies a C ∞ of about 2.4. The small value of C ∞ signifies a rather compact average conformation for the chain. This conformation arises from compact states accessible to the spacer between consecutive aromatic rings and the participation of the hydroxyl groups in attractive intrachain interactions. These compact states produce a tendency for local order that is apparent in the scattering function calculated from the ensemble specified by the RIS model.
Liner wrinkling and collapse of bi-material pipe under axial compression

Abstract Lined pipe describes a product where a carbon steel pipe is lined internally with a thin layer of a corrosion resistant material in order to protect it from corrosive constituents in the hydrocarbons it carries. Most commonly the liner is brought into contact with the carrier pipe by mechanical expansion. Full-scale tests on this product have demonstrated that, under mechanical loads that plastically deform the composite structure, the thin liner can buckle and collapse inside an intact outer pipe making the structure unserviceable. This paper investigates the extent to which typical lined pipes can be axially compressed before liner collapse. Demonstration experiments on model lined systems illustrate that the liner, although supported by contact with the outer pipe, first buckles unilaterally into an axisymmetric wrinkling mode at a relatively low strain. The wrinkles grow stably with compression but yield to a non-axisymmetric diamond-type mode that results in the collapse of the liner at a higher strain. This process has been modeled numerically starting with simulation of the mechanical expansion through which the composite structure is manufactured. The sensitivity of the collapse strain to the various parameters of the problem is studied and amongst other findings it is shown to be very sensitive to small geometric imperfections in the liner. It is also demonstrated that even modest amounts of internal pressure can delay liner collapse up to strains at which the outer pipe collapses.
A Device for Proximal Anastomosis of Autologous Coronary Vein Grafts Report from the Meeting of the Circulatory System Devices Panel of the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiologic Health

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circulatory System Devices Advisory Panel was asked to make recommendations on the PAS-Port Proximal Anastomosis System (Cardica, Inc), a device intended to create an end-to-side anastomosis between the aorta and autologous vein graft during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Advisory panels make nonbinding recommendations to the FDA. Classically, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been performed with hypothermic cardiac arrest, aortic cross-clamping, and extracorporeal circulatory support to provide the “clean” field demanded by the challenge of suturing small vessels. These factors may contribute to the neurocognitive decline, strokes, and other adverse patient outcomes often observed after CABG. “Off-pump” and “beating-heart” bypass procedures have been developed in an effort to minimize the untoward effects of circulatory support and to permit faster postoperative recovery. Facilitation of vascular anastomoses may permit faster and less invasive CABG. Anastomotic devices may not only simplify the procedural mechanics for the operator but also potentially obviate the need for many of the factors that contribute to poor patient outcomes, including extracorporeal circulatory support, induced hypothermic cardiac arrest, and aortic cross-clamping. Ultimately, these devices may simplify beating-heart surgery and reduce complications, although this remains to be proved. In 2001, the Symmetry Bypass Aortic Connector (St Jude Medical, Inc) became the first automated vascular anastomotic device cleared for marketing in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After device clearance and marketing, and after tens of thousands of implantations in patients worldwide, a number of apparently device-related adverse events were reported to FDA. More than 180 injuries and 20 deaths were observed, apparently as a result of occlusion, thrombus, or stenosis at the connector site, aortic dissection associated with device deployment, graft kinking, and postoperative device detachment resulting in hemorrhagic shock and/or death. Ultimately, the Symmetry device was voluntarily …
Snake venom coagulopathy: Use and abuse of blood products in the treatment of pit viper envenomation

Coagulopathies are commonly encountered in victims of pit viper envenomation. In the majority of patients these defects improve with administration of antivenin. However, blood products are often transfused based on arbitrary criteria and with significant risk to the patient. This article documents the effectiveness and risks of antivenin administration and the risks of blood product transfusion. We recommend that blood products not be used except for clearly defined clinical indications.
IMPAIRED SYSTEMIC OXYGEN EXTRACTION IN HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Exercise Capacity is similarly impaired in patients with heart failure with preserved LV ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF). However, relative contributions of cardiac output (CO) and arterio-mixed venous oxygen content difference (C(a-v)O2) to VO2 during exercise in HFpEF vs
AMINO ACID PROTONATION STATES DETERMINE BINDING SITES OF THE SECONDARY UBIQUINONE AND ITS ANION IN THE RHODOBACTER SPHAEROIDES PHOTOSYNTHETIC REACTION CENTER

Molecular dynamics simulations of native ubiquinone-10 binding in the photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodobacter sphaeroides are presented that support the theory that the neutral and radical anionic quinones QB and QB•- bind in different locations. The differences in binding are attributed to differing protonation states of the nearby amino acids GLU L212 and ASP L213. QB binding at the “dark-adapted” QB site observed by Stowell et al. is most consistent with protonation of GLU L212. QB•- binding at the experimentally observed “light-adapted” QB•- site is consistent only with protonation of both GLU L212 and ASP L213. The experimentally established pH dependence of electron-transfer rate, combined with our MD results, implies that protonation of ASP L213 must occur before electron transfer. Additionally, the molecular dynamics results suggest that movement of the semiquinone anion QB•- between sites (for different amino acid protonation states) is spontaneous near room temperature and cannot by itself...
Sensitive measurement of photon lifetime and true reflectances in an optical cavity by a phase-shift method

A simplified method for measuring the effective photon lifetime in an optical resonator was developed. The technique requires the passage of a modulated cw laser beam through the resonator and the measurement of the resultant shift in the phase of the transmitted intensity. The method not only permits a quick and precise measurement of the mirror reflectances, but also permits these measurements to be in situ. Such an on-the-spot evaluation capability should be extremely useful in applications ranging from the investigation of new laser systems to the development of improved optical coatings. The method is also sensitive to the effects of absorption, scattering, and transmission from elements in the cavity. Cavity losses <100 ppm were detected.
Factors associated with acute renal failure in children with rhabdomyolysis.

Pigment nephropathy accounts for approximately 3% of all cases of acute renal failure (ARF) in children. Studies of risk factors associated with ARF and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children with rhabdomyolysis-associated pigment nephropathy consist of retrospective case series with variable inclusion criteria. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, initial fluid therapy, prevalence of ARF and the requirement for RRT in pediatric patients with acute rhabdomyolysis. Twenty-eight patients (19 male) with a mean age of 11.1 ± 5.6 years were studied. Acute renal failure occurred in 11 patients (39%), seven of whom (64%) required RRT. Features associated with the need for RRT included history of fever, persistent oliguria, admission blood urea nitrogen level, creatinine, Ca2+, K+, bicarbonate and aspartate aminotransferase. Most of these factors are related to the level of renal insufficiency and degree of muscle injury. There was no difference in admission and peak creatine kinase (CK) levels between those who did or did not require RRT. However, all who required RRT had a peak CK level > 5000 U/L.
Methyl torsional barriers in the S0, T1, and S1 electronic states of 2-methylpyrazine

Abstract The laser-induced fluorescence and phosphorescence excitation spectra of 2-methylpyrazine are reported. Vibrational and methyl torsional assignments have been made. Methyl torsional parameters for the S 0 , T 1 and S 1 electronic states have been determined from these data and are discussed in terms of the local electronic distributions in each state.
Influence of chronic amphetamine treatment and acute withdrawal on serotonin synthesis and clearance mechanisms in the rat ventral hippocampus

Amphetamine withdrawal in both humans and rats is associated with increased anxiety states, which are thought to contribute to drug relapse. Serotonin in the ventral hippocampus mediates affective behaviors, and reduced serotonin levels in this region are observed in rat models of high anxiety, including during withdrawal from chronic amphetamine. This goal of this study was to understand the mechanisms by which reduced ventral hippocampus serotonergic neurotransmission occurs during amphetamine withdrawal. Serotonin synthesis (assessed by accumulation of serotonin precursor as a measure of the capacity of in vivo tryptophan hydroxylase activity), expression of serotonergic transporters, and in vivo serotonergic clearance using in vivo microdialysis, were assessed in the ventral hippocampus in adult male Sprague Dawley rats at 24 hours withdrawal from chronic amphetamine. Overall, results showed that diminished extracellular serotonin at 24 hours withdrawal from chronic amphetamine was not accompanied by a change in capacity for serotonin synthesis (in vivo tryptophan hydroxylase activity), nor serotonin transporter expression or function in the ventral hippocampus, but instead was associated with increased expression and function of organic cation transporters (low affinity, high capacity serotonin transporters). These findings suggest that 24 hours withdrawal from chronic amphetamine reduces the availability of extracellular serotonin in the ventral hippocampus by increasing organic cation transporter-mediated serotonin clearance, which may represent at future pharmacological target for reversing anxiety states during drug withdrawal.