cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The significance of febrile seizures in patients with partial seizures operated on because of therapy resistance: Clinical findings in comparison with a control group

Twenty-four (22.4%) out of 107 patients with partial seizures, operated on because of therapy resistance, had suffered from febrile seizures (FS). Of these patients, 66.7% were adults at the date of surgery. In the first year of life, 45.8% suffered their first FS. Only one FS was observed in one-half of the patients and >six FS in three patients. Seizures of >15 minutes duration occurred in 11 of 16 patients, from whom information was available. A duration of >30 minutes was seen in eight patients. Localized or lateralized seizures were observed in seven of 16 patients. Summarizing the various findings, two-thirds of our patients had complicated FS. A family history of epileptic or FS was found in 21.4%, febrile and epileptic convulsions being present in 50% each. Perinatal risk factors were reported in 55%. Three patients attended a special kindergarten and four a school for retarded children. The occupational development was not always without complications. Seven patients showed a mostly slight intellectual deficit, eleven a likewise mostly slight behavior disorder, and five patients mostly slight neurologic deficits. The first epileptic seizure occurred in more than one-third of the patients up to the fifth year of life, in two-thirds up to the 10th year of life. The interval to the last FS was in one-third of the patients up to one half, in approximately two-thirds up to five years. Twenty-three X temporal lobe seizures, 1 X frontal lobe seizures, and 1 X a Rasmussen syndrome (with temporal lobe seizures) were diagnosed. After surgery, 38.1% of the patients became completely seizure free, including also those with only isolated auras 52.4%. Comparing the findings of patients with and without FS, the former appeared more benign in many aspects. The relationship between complicated FS and complex partial seizures is discussed in detail. Three etiologic possi- bilities are presented: complicated FS are the direct cause of complex partial seizures; birth disorders lead to complicated FS as well—later on—complex partial seizures, the complicated FS possibly causing an additional brain disorder; or prenatal disorders can be followed by birth disorders or not and can later on cause FS and subsequent complex partial seizures. Possibly all factors can play a role. In some cases additional effects might be responsible.
The practice of corporate social performance in minority- versus nonminority-owned small businesses

This study compares corporate social performance in terms of charitable contributions of minority-owned and nonminority-owned small businesses. In this sample, minority-owned small businesses are younger, have less full-time employees, and lower annual sales. Minority-owned small businesses donate more funds to religious organizations than nonminority-owned small businesses. When annual sales are accounted for, minority-owned businesses contribute more total dollars to all charitable organizations than nonminority-owned firms. Suggestions for future research in this area are delineated.
Cloning of interferon-stimulated gene 17: the promoter and nuclear proteins that regulate transcription.

A member of the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) family encodes a 17-kDa ubiquitin homolog called ISG17 that is induced in the bovine uterine endometrium by interferon-t (IFN-t) during early pregnancy. The bovine (b) ISG17 cDNA shares 30% identity with a tandem ubiquitin repeat and 70% identity with human (h) ISG15. The present experiments were designed to sequence the bISG17 gene, compare general structure with the hISG15 gene, and to identify transcription factors that were induced by IFN-t in bovine endometrial (BEND) cells. The promoter of the bISG17 gene was similar to the hISG15 gene in placement of a tandem IFN-stimulatory response element (ISRE) at position 290, but unique in the presence of three additional ISREs at positions 2123, 2332, and 2525. IFN-t (25 nM) induced nuclear proteins in BEND cells that interacted with a tandem bISG17 ISRE in electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). IFN-regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) bound to this ISRE based upon supershift EMSA using antiserum against IRF-1. IFN-t activated STAT-1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-1) and -2 by 0.5 h, and IRF-1 b y2hi nBEND cells. It is concluded that the bISG17 gene is similar to the hISG15 gene, retains an ISRE that interacts with IRF-1, and is possibly induced initially by the STATs and later by IRF-1 in response to IFN-t during early pregnancy. (Molecular Endocrinology 13:
Controllability and observability of a time-varying linear system using the block-pulse functions

A linear time-varying system has been analyzed using the operational properties of block-pulse functions. This method permits the calculation of the controllability and observability matrices at a series of sampling times. Digital algorithms are formulated and the method is illustrated for a chemical reaction system.
Purification and partial characterization of analogous 26-kDa rat submandibular and parotid gland integral membrane phosphoproteins that may have a role in exocytosis.

Abstract Rat submandibular and parotid gland exocytosis is primarily controlled by β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Although its precise role in the regulation of salivary gland exocytosis is not fully understood, protein phosphorylation, mediated by the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, may be directly involved. Previous studies suggest that analogous 26-kDa integral membrane phosphoproteins may play a direct role in regulating exocytosis. Studies were here undertaken to purify and partially characterize both phosphoproteins. After endogeneous phosphorylation with 32 P, subcellular fraction and solubilization of the microsomal fraction in n -octyl β-glucopyranoside, the 26-kDa integral membrane phosphoproteins were purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), followed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electroelution of the proteins. Amino acid analysis indicated a significant number of serine amino acids: N -terminal sequence data demonstrated a high level of homology; and trypsin digestion followed by reversed-phase HPLC indicated the possibility of multiple phosphorylation sites.
EconLit: Light on the Dismal Science?

The article examines the weaknesses and strengths of the economics database, EconLit. Comparison is made with other social science databases with especial emphasis on the alphanumeric classification and indexing system unique to EconLit. The general conclusion is that, despite the high value of its information content, EconLit would benefit by adhering closer to the indexing practices of other mainline social science databases.
Lexical Processing in Second Language Learners: Papers and Perspectives in Honour of Paul Meara edited by FITZPATRICK, TESS, & ANDY BARFIELD

A review of the book "Lexical Processing in Second Language Learners: Papers and Perspectives in Honour of Paul Meara," edited by Tess Fitzpatrick and Andy Barfield is presented.
A Finite Element Assessment to Compare the Biomechanical Behaviour of Human, Sheep and Chagma Baboon Functional Spine Units

Ideal animal spine models have been used by researchers to compare and evaluate the biomechanical behavior of spine following surgery and implantation due to the growing difficulty in obtaining fresh human spine specimens. Availability and resemblance of sheep and baboon spines to human spine make them suitable for use in biomechanical studies; however the literature on biomechanics of baboon and sheep spine compared to human spine is sparse. In the present study finite element method was used to compare the load transfer and load-displacement characteristics of L3-L4 sheep, baboon and human spines.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Neurorestorative treatment of stroke: Cell and pharmacological approaches

There is a compelling need to develop cell and pharmacological therapeutic approaches to be administered beyond the hyperacute phase of stroke. These therapies capitalize on the capacity of the brain for neuroregeneration and neuroplasticity and are designed to reduce neurological deficits after stroke. This review provides an update of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and select pharmacological agents in clinical use for other indications that promote the recovery process in the subacute and chronic phases after stroke. Among these agents are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), erythropoietin (EPO), and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Both the MSCs and the pharmacologic agents potentiate brain plasticity and neurobehavioral recovery after stroke.
Role of Bcl‐2 in the Brain‐derived Neurotrophic Factor Survival Response

Developing neurons die if they fail to obtain an adequate supply of neurotrophins from their targets but how neurotrophins suppress cell death is not known. Although over-expression of exogenous Bcl-2 can prevent the death of cultured neurons deprived of members of the nerve growth factor family of neurotrophins it is not known if this effect is physiologically relevant. To determine if Bcl-2 participates in the neurotrophin survival response we used antisense bcl-2 RNA to inhibit endogenous Bcl-2 expression. Here we show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent neurons are killed by antisense bcl-2 RNA in the presence of BDNF. However, when these neurons were supported with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) their survival was not affected by antisense bcl-2 RNA. Likewise, the survival of CNTF-dependent ciliary neurons was not affected by antisense bcl-2 RNA. Our findings suggest that Bcl-2 is required for the BDNF survival response and that alternative, Bcl-2-independent survival mechanisms operate in sensory and parasympathetic neurons exposed to CNTF.
Porcelain-composite interface microleakage with various porcelain surface treatments☆

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of various porcelain surface treatments on the microleakage of the porcelain-composite interface. The experimental model isolated and evaluated only the porcelain-composite interface without the presence of a bond to tooth structure. Four types of porcelain were fired into circular porcelain tabs 1.0 mm thick by 8.5 mm in diameter. The groups of porcelain were divided into subgroups for treatment with hydrofluoric acid-etching and silane. A jig standardizing composite thickness to 0.2 mm was used to photopolymerize composite to porcelain. The margins were finished and polished with burs and disks. Samples were stored in 37°C water thermocycled 1000X, placed in AgNO3 solution, embedded in epoxy, and cross-sectioned every 90° for measurement of stain penetration at the composite-porcelain interface. Occasional crazing of porcelain from composite polymerization shrinkage was observed. Porcelain surface treatment significantly increased the specimens' ability to withstand water storage and thermal-cycling procedures. Porcelain surface treatment with silane alone did not reduce microleakage, but, in combination with etching, reduced microleakage significantly.
Structural changes accompanying the removal of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate from phosphorylase b.

Abstract The changes in physical properties accompanying the removal of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate from glycogen phosphorylase b have been examined. The apoenzyme retains a high degree of structural rigidity, as determined from the time decay of anisotropy. The bulk of the secondary structure remains intact, although a significant change in circular dichroism indicates some degree of alteration. The mobility of a sulfhydryl-linked spin label increases. The restoration of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate reverse this effect, with indication of interaction between subunits. One or more new binding sites for I-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate appear for the apoenzyme. The kinetics of the recombination of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate with the apoenzyme, as monitored by difference spectra, indicate a high activation energy for the process. The apoenzyme is a reversibly associating system at 20–30 °C, pH 7.0.
Eosinophils recruited to the lung by segmental antigen challenge show a reduced chemotactic response to leukotriene B4

Inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, are thought to be important in allergic airways disease. However, the mechanisms responsible for their recruitment to the lung have not been well established in humans, in vivo. In this report we demonstrate that eosinophils recruited to the lung of ragweed allergic volunteers by segmental antigen challenge have a decreased chemotactic response to leukotriene (LT) B4ex vivo, in comparison with eosinophils isolated from peripheral blood (80% inhibition at 10−8 M LTB4, the optimal concentration, p < 0.01). Their chemotactic response to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) was normal. Although the response to platelet activating factor also appeared to be reduced, this reduction was not statistically significant. These data suggest that lung eosinophils were exposed to LTB4in vivo and are consistent with the hypothesis that LTB4 is important in the recruitment of eosinophils to the lung during IgE-mediated reactions in the lung in humans.
Positron and electron channeling radiation from germanium

Abstract Channeling-radiation spectra have been obtained from a germanium crystal with ≈54.3 MeV positrons and electrons and with 16.9 MeV electrons. Theoretical calculations were performed and are found to agree reasonably well with the experimental results. When the emission spectra for (110) planar channeling in diamond, silicon, and germanium are compared, the corresponding lines for both positrons and electrons are found to be lowest in energy for silicon.
Contaminant Management Strategies for the Great Lakes: Optimal Solutions Under Uncertain Conditions

Optimization, uncertainty analysis, and mass balance modeling techniques were combined into a framework that can help decision makers identify cost-effective load reduction methods for achieving acceptable contaminant concentrations in the Great Lakes. The utility of the framework is demonstrated by deriving an optimal phosphorus load reduction plan for the Great Lakes. An optimal plan is defined as the least-cost approach that can achieve desired phosphorus concentrations in all Great Lakes basins under realistic, stochastic phosphorus loading and settling rates. The analysis suggests that implementation of phosphorus load reduction measures recommended in the U. S. - Canadian 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, its 1983 supplement, and other plans that do not account for environmental uncertainty may by sub-optimal. Compared with the load reduction strategies of the 1978 Water Quality Agreement and its supplement, implementation of the optimized load reduction strategy would lead to substantial annual cost savings and an increased probability of achieving desired phosphorus concentrations. Results emphasize the importance of quantitatively accounting for environmental uncertainty in management models.
Binding of the bacteriophage T4 transcriptional activator, MotA, to T4 middle promoter DNA: evidence for both major and minor groove contacts.

During infection, the bacteriophage T4 transcriptional activator MotA, the co-activator AsiA, and host RNA polymerase are needed to transcribe from T4 middle promoters. Middle promoters contain a -10 region recognized by the sigma(70)subunit of RNA polymerase and a MotA box centered at -30 that is bound by MotA. We have investigated how the loss or modification of base determinants within the MotA box sequence 5'TTTGCTTTA3' (positions -34 to -26 of a middle promoter) affects MotA function. Gel retardation assays with mutant MotA boxes are consistent with the idea that MotA uses minor groove contacts upstream and major groove contacts downstream of the center GC, and does not require any specific base feature at the C.G base-pair at position -30. In particular, the 5-methyl residue on the thymine residue at position -29, a major groove contact, contributes to MotA binding, while converting the T.A at -32 to a C. I base-pair, a change that affects the major but nor the minor groove, yields a MotA box that is similar to wild-type. However, methylation interference analyses indicate that neither the binding of MotA nor the binding of polymerase/MotA/AsiA to the middle promoter PuvsXis inhibited by premethylation of guanine and adenine residues, suggesting that binding does not require minor groove contact with any specific T.A base-pair. Using gel retardation analyses, we calculate an apparent dissociation constant of 130 nM for MotA binding to the wild-type MotA box. Previous work has shown that the N-terminal region of MotA is needed for an interaction between MotA and sigma(70). We suggest that this MotA-sigma(70)interaction helps to stabilize the relatively weak interaction of MotA with the -30 region of middle promoter DNA.
Responses of energy use to climate change: A climate modeling study

doubling. The low-DT scenario had acumulative (2003–2025) energy increase of 1.09quadrillion Btu (quads) for cooling/heating demand.Northeastern states had net energy reductions for cooling/heating over the entire period, but in most other regionsenergy increases for cooling outweighed energy decreasesfor heating. The high-DT scenario had significantlyincreased warming, especially in winter, so decreasedheating needs led to a cumulative (2003–2025) heating/cooling energy decrease of 0.82 quads. In both scenarios,CO
Einstein equation with quantum corrections reduced to second order.

We consider the Einstein equation with first-order (semiclassical) quantum corrections. Although the quantum corrections contain up to fourth-order derivatives of the metric, the solutions which are physically relevant satisfy reduced equations which contain derivatives no higher than second order. We obtain the reduced equations for a range of stress-energy tensors. These reduced equations are suitable for a numerical solution, are expected to contain fewer numerical instabilities than the original fourth-order equations, and yield only physically relevant solutions. We give analytic and numerical solutions or reduced equations for particular examples, including Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre universes with a cosmological constant, a spherical body of constant density, and more general conformally flat metrics.
Ply cracking and property degradations of symmetric balanced laminates under general in-plane loading

Abstract The authors have previously proposed a method of using a resistance curve to characterize transverse crack multiplication in balanced symmetric laminates. The method was based on the concept of a through-the-thickness inherent flaw and energy balance principle. In the present paper, this model is further extended to shear and general in-plane loading conditions. The corresponding mechanical property degradations due to transverse ply cracking are also investigated. The effective longitudinal modulus and Poisson's ratio depend not only on the crack density but also on the thermal residual and applied stresses. The reason is that the cracks do not close tightly even upon unloading due to the residual stress. Experimental results for the mechanical property degradations correlate well with the analysis except for the shear modulus. The nonlinear behavior of the shear modulus should be considered for better correlation.
Interferometric study of mixing layer development in a laboratory simulation of solar pond conditions

Abstract Events that induce or inhibit mixing layer development in a thermohaline system are simulated in laboratory experiments involving salt-stratified solutions heated from below, cooled from above and/or irradiated from above. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used to visualize mixing layer development and to infer salt concentration and mass density distributions in stable regions of the solution. In experiments involving cooling from above by means of an isothermal boundary, the development of a top mixing layer is strongly influenced by the cooling rate. While the formation of a secondary mixed layer is associated with large cooling rates ( ≳ 103 W/m2), no such layer is associated with lower rates (≈100 W/m2). Secondary mixed layer development is also observed to occur in experiments involving heating from below. Experiments involving irradiation of the solution reveal the strong effect which infrared radiation absorption in the upper layers can have on inhibiting the development of both top and bottom mixed layers.
Management of Major Depression in the Workplace

Background and Objective: A growing body of literature on the economics of depression concludes that this illness has an enormous impact on workplace performance. In addition to work cutback and sporadic absenteeism, the symptoms of depression also result in elevated rates of chronic absenteeism that manifest in the form of workplace disability. Design and Setting: Using a unique data source that contains the medical, pharmaceutical and disability claims of a national US manufacturer, we measured the extent of disability before and after initial treatment for major depression. Participants: 1260 employees with at least one medical or disability claim for major depression based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes in 1996 or 1997. Results: We estimate that the decreased disability payments in the first 30 days following initial treatment for major depression results in employer savings totalling $US93 per patient, which can exceed the cost of treatment for a similar period of time. These disability savings do not incorporate several additional sources of likely cost savings to the employer, and thereby underestimate the workplace offsets associated with depression treatment. Additional benefits to the employer from the treatment of depression include reduced work cutback and decreased sporadic absenteeism of treated employees, reductions in some types of medical and prescription drug expenditures following appropriate depression treatment, and productivity improvements by employees serving as caregivers for treated spouses and children. Furthermore, to the extent that new pharmaceutical products offer advantages in the workplace over existing treatments for depression, the first month of such treatment will be associated with workplace savings that exceed per-patient estimates reported here for current treatment modalities. Conclusions: The findings from this analysis imply that the workplace benefits from improved functioning are substantial and may in fact exceed the usual costs of depression treatment. Thus, purely on economic rather than clinical or quality-of-life grounds, this argues in favour of more aggressive outreach to employees with symptomatic disease that results in initiation of treatment before their symptoms are allowed to persist and result in a disability claim. In this light, detection and treatment of depression in the workplace can be seen as important components of community-based disease management programmes.
General Slowing or Decreased Inhibition? Mathematical Models of Age Differences in Cognitive Functioning

Researchers have attempted to explain age-related decrements in cognitive performance in terms of reduced processing speed or decreased ability to inhibit irrelevant thoughts. We present these ideas in the context of a dynamic model derived from extensions of the classical predator-prey equation. Reduced processing speed among older adults is represented by use of delays in the dynamic model, whereas the interference imposed by distractors is captured by use of the predator-prey interaction term. We demonstrate the versatility of this modeling approach, and its pertinence to age-related behavioral change, by means of numerical simulations. In showing the applicability of these models, we identify several unresolved methodological and measurement issues that have to be addressed.
Molecular and Functional Properties of Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes

Abstract Identification of the ligand binding domains of the somatostatin (SRIF) receptors may facilitate the rational development of new SRIF ligands. To identify ligand-binding domains of sst1 and sst2, we tested a series of chimeras. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that to bind with high affinity to sst2, the sst2 agonists MK678 and SMS-201-995 require a four amino acid sequence (FDFV) at the border of the third extracellular loop and transmembrane 7. Transference of residue 294 in msst2 to sst1 conferred onto sst1 the ability to bind SMS-201-995 and other octapeptides. Cyclic peptides with a phenylalanine adjacent to the d -Trp appear to interact with Phe294 of sst2, whereas hexapeptides with a tyrosine adjacent to the d -Trp, such as MK 678 and BIM 23027, did not interact with the Phe294. We have recently identified a peptide that selectively binds to human (h)sst1 with 100-fold higher affinity than for the other cloned SRIF receptor subtypes. The second extracellular loop of sst1 is critical for this peptide to bind. This contrasts with the sites involved in binding of sst2 agonists and indicates that the two receptors have distinct ligand-binding domains. G proteins couple SRIF receptors to multiple cellular effector systems, including adenylyl cyclase and ionic conductance channels. A critical cellular action of SRIF is the inhibition of Ca2+ influx, which may be responsible for its blockade of hormone and neurotransmitter release. Various studies suggest that both sst2 and sst5 endogenously expressed in AtT-20 cells can couple to L-type Ca2+ channels; the coupling was pertussis toxin—sensitive. The coupling of sst2 to the Ca2+ channels was relatively resistant to desensitisation; 5 hours of pretreatment with MK 678 did not attenuate MK 678 inhibition of the Ca2+ current. In contrast, the sst5 receptors were desensitised by 1 hour of pretreatment with BIM 23052. Thus, the coupling of the two receptors to the Ca2+ channel could be differentially regulated. The SRIF receptor subtype coupling to the Ca2+ channel could also be distinguished by a unique antagonist, the peptide L362,855, which binds with high affinity to cloned sst5.
Measurement of Electronic and Resonance Raman Spectra from the Same Gas Matrix or Thin Film Sample

A new method is described to measure effective electronic absorption spectra by means of the Raman spectrometer. The spectra originate from the same sample spot of a gas matrix or thin film that was used for the Raman measurement. The influence of the substrate material and the angle of incidence was investigated. Octaethylporphinatocobalt(II) was used to demonstrate the method. It was observed that the α and β absorption bands shift as much as 700 cm−1 depending on sample preparation, thermal treatment, and the resulting physical state. A variation of the angle of incidence from α = 45° to α = 20° had no influence on the position of the α and β bands. Five significantly different resonance Raman spectra were recorded with 514.5 nm excitation. It was found that the relative intensities of the Raman bands were dependent on the position of the β band with respect to the frequency of the exciting radiation. This result led to the conclusion that Raman band intensities should only be correlated with an effective electronic absorption spectrum obtained from the same sample spot.
Data selection for speech recognition

This paper presents a strategy for efficiently selecting informative data from large corpora of transcribed speech. We propose to choose data uniformly according to the distribution of some target speech unit (phoneme, word, character, etc). In our experiment, in contrast to the common belief that "there is no data like more data", we found it possible to select a highly informative subset of data that produces recognition performance comparable to a system that makes use of a much larger amount of data. At the same time, our selection process is efficient and fast.
Solid-phase synthesis of indolines via palladium-catalyzed cyclization

Abstract The solid-phase synthesis of indolines from resin-bound 2-bromophenylacetylated amino acids is described. The exhaustive reduction of solid-support bound amides with borane afforded the requisite secondary amines that, following the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization and cleavage, provided the corresponding disubstituted indolines.
CYTOPROTECTION AGAINST MEROCYANINE 540-SENSITIZED PHOTOINACTIVATION OF THE Na+,K+-ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE IN LEUKEMIA CELLS: GLUTATHIONE AND SELENOPEROXIDASE INVOLVEMENT

When irradiated with broad-band visible light in the presence of merocyanine 540 (MC540), murine leukemia L1210 cells grown under selenium-deficient conditions (Se(-) cells) accumulated lipid hydroperoxides and lost viability more rapidly than selenium-satisfied (Se(+) cells). These findings suggest that cytoprotection against photoperoxidation and photokilling is mediated at least in part by selenoperoxidase (SePX) action. Similar protection against photoinactivation of an intrinsic membrane enzyme, the Na+,K(+)-ATPase, has been observed. Thus, irradiation of MC540-sensitized Se(-) cells resulted in an immediate and progressive inactivation of ouabain-sensitive Na+,K(+)-ATPase; by contrast, activity loss in Se(+) cells was preceded by a prominent lag. Enzyme photo-inactivation in Se(-) cells was inhibited by ebselen, an SePX mimetic, confirming that SePX(s) is (are) involved in natural protection. Desferrioxamine treatment (iron sequestration/inactivation) resulted in higher hydroperoxide levels and slower Na+,K(+)-ATPase inactivation during MC540/light exposure, whereas ferric-8-hydroxyquinoline treatment (iron supplementation) had the opposite effect. Thus, iron appears to play an important role in both of these processes. In contrast, photoinactivation of another intrinsic enzyme in L1210 cells, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was unaffected by selenium or iron manipulation. On the basis of these findings, we propose that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the photoinactivation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, but not AChE. This is consistent with the fact that Na+,K(+)-ATPase's active site lies within the membrane bilayer, whereas AChE's active site lies outside the bilayer.
Systematic revision of the genus Deleonia (Acari: Tarsonemidae)

Abstract The genus Deleonia Lindquist is revised. Two previously named species (D. filifer De Leon and D. floridanus Attiah) and four additional species (D. aguilari n. sp., D. paniaguae n. sp., D. laselva n. sp. and D. walteri n. sp.) are described and illustrated. The species were associated with trees and bushes of the families Apocynaceae, Capparidaceae, Cycadaceae, Fabaceae, Melastomataceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Myristicaceae, Ochnaceae, Rubiaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Sterculiaceae, Simaroubaceae and Theaceae from arboreal habitats in tropical and agricultural ecosystems. Deleonia citri Attiah is synonymized with D. floridanus, and Tarsonemus rakowiensis Kropczynska is retained in the genus Tarsonemus.
The Priority of Privacy for Medical Information

Individuals care about and guard their privacy intensely in many areas. With respect to patient medical records, people are exceedingly concerned about privacy protection, because they recognize that health care generates the most sensitive sorts of personal information. In an age of advancing technology, with the switch from paper medical files to massive computer databases, privacy protection for medical information poses a dramatic challenge. Given high-speed computers and Internet capabilities, as well as other advanced communications technologies, the potential for abuse is much greater than ever before. At every stage in the process of collection and storage, dangers can arise, including entry errors, improper access, exploitation, and unauthorized disclosure. Secondary use and aggregation of data are all far easier, faster, and less expensive, and thus pose additional threats to an individual's control over the disposition of medical information.
Gradient estimates for a class of elliptic systems

Gradient bounds are proved for solutions to a class of second order elliptic systems in divergence form. The main condition on this class is a generalization of the assumption that the system be the Euler-Lagrange system of equations for a functional depending only on the modulus of the gradient of the solution.
A novel formulation of oxygen-carrying matrix enhances liver-specific function of cultured hepatocytes

Oxygen is an important component of the cellular microenvironment, mediating cell survival, differentiation, and function. Oxygen supply is a limiting factor during culture of highly metabolic cells such as hepatocytes. Here we present a simple formulation of a fluorocarbon-based oxygen carrier embedded in collagen gel that increases oxygen concentration in culture 6-fold. Rat hepatocytes cultured on oxygen carrier-collagen showed a significant increase in viability and function. Cytochrome P450IA1 activity was increased by 140% in serum-free cultures and by 820% in serum-containing cultures. The significantly higher hepatocellular function on oxygen carrier-collagen matrix persisted and increased during long-term culture. Long-term albumin secretion was increased by 350% in serum-free cultures and by 166% in serum-containing culture. Long-term urea secretion was increased by 79% in serum-free cultures and by 76% in serum-containing cultures. We conclude that oxygen supply may limit hepatocyte function in vitro. This limitation can be overcome by addition of an oxygen carrier to the extracellular matrix. Culture of hepatocytes on oxygen-carrying matrix mimics the oxygen-rich environment of the liver and provides a simple method for enhanced long-term function.
Coordinate expression of ribosomal protein genes during Xenopus development

The expression of ribosomal protein and rRNA genes during Xenopus oogenesis results in the synthesis of sufficient ribosomes to support development of the swimming tadpole. cDNA clones for ribosomal proteins L13, L15, L23, and S22 have been isolated and used as probes to examine ribosomal protein gene transcripts during oogenesis and embryogenesis. Our results show that ribosomal protein mRNAs attain maximal steady-state levels in stage II oocytes concomitant with the onset of vitellogenesis. Approximately 50% of ribosomal protein mRNAs are associated with polysomes throughout oogenesis, resulting in a constant rate of ribosomal protein synthesis in stage III through stage VI oocytes. In contrast, the polysomal to nonpolysomal distribution of bulk poly(A)+ RNA increases during oogenesis, resulting in a five- to eightfold stimulation in the rate of overall protein synthesis. Following fertilization, maternal ribosomal protein mRNAs are degraded. Accumulation of de novo ribosomal protein transcripts is first detectable during gastrulation, but ribosomal protein mRNAs do not enter polysomes until stage 30 tailbud embryos. We find no discernible structural or functional differences between ribosomal protein transcripts in the polysomal and the nonpolysomal fractions for the observed stages of oocytes and embryos. These results are consistent with a model in which control of ribosomal protein synthesis is regulated at the translational level during Xenopus development.
Transport of Heat between Electrons and Phonons in Copper below 0.2 K

The thermal resistance between phonons and electrons has been measured in thin copper samples at temperatures from 0.03 to 0.2 K. The measurements are in qualitative agreement with a calculation based on the free-electron model, except the temperature dependence changes to T-3 from the expected T-4 as the electron mean free path becomes limited by sample boundaries. In dunnen Kupferproben wird der thcrmische Widerstand zwischen Phononen und Elek-tronen im Temperaturbercich von 0,03 bis 0,2 K gemessen. Qualitativ stimmen die Ergeb-nisse mit dem freien Elektronenmodell uberein. Der therniische Widerstand zeigt jedoch eine T-3-Temperaturabhangigkeit statt des erwartetm T-−4 Verlaufs, wenn die freie Weg-Iiinge der Elektronen durcli die Probenoberfliiche begrenzt wird.
Identification of Antibiotic-Resistance-Gene Molecular Signatures Suitable as Tracers of Pristine River, Urban, and Agricultural Sources

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in rivers and/or antibiotics that may select for ARGs in native river bacteria. This study aimed to identify ARG distribution patterns that unambiguously distinguish putative sources of ARG from a native river environment. Such molecular signatures may then be used as tracers of specific anthropogenic sources. Three WWTPs, six AFO lagoons, and three sites along a pristine region of the Cache la Poudre (Poudre) River were compared with respect to the frequency of detection (FOD) of 11 sulfonamide and tetracycline ARGs. Principle-component and correspondence analyses aided in identifying the association of tet(H), tet(Q), tet(S), and tet(T) (tet group HQST) with AFO environments and tet(C), tet(E), and tet(O) (tet group CEO) with WWTPs. Discriminant analysis indicated that both tet group HQST and tet group CEO correctly classified the environments, but only the tet group HQST provided a significant difference in FOD among the environments (p < 0.05). Sul(I) was detected in 100% of the source environments but just once in the pristine Poudre River, which was dominated by tet(M) and tet(W). Tet(W) libraries generated from the pristine Poudre River, WWTPs, and AFO lagoons were also discernible based on restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis. Thus, a novel approach was developed and demonstrated to be effective for the model river system, taking an important step in advancing the fundamental understanding of ARG transport in the environment.
Reduction of soft tissue deposition in normal triplets

In a previous study, birth weight projections obtained with Rossavik growth models were systematically greater than actual birth weights in triplets but not in singletons. To investigate the cause of this overestimation, average mean percent deviations for head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), thigh circumference (ThC), and weight (WT) at different times in the third trimester were studied in 13 normal triplet and 20 normal singleton fetuses using individual growth curve standards. Average mean percent deviation values for HC in both singletons and triplets were close to zero throughout the third trimester. Average mean percent deviation values for AC in both singletons and triplets were similar, and remained relatively constant. Average mean percent deviation values for ThC in triplets decreased toward the end of the third trimester, but those for singletons increased. Average mean percent deviation values for estimated weight did not change during the third trimester in singletons whereas those in triplets decreased. The difference in average mean percent deviation values for estimated weight between singletons and triplets in the 32- to 36-week interval was statistically significant. There were no significant differences between actual and predicted measurements for HC in both singletons and triplets at birth. However, actual birth measurements were systematically less than predicted birth measurements for AC and ThC in singletons, and for AC, ThC, and WT for triplets. These systematic differences were significantly larger in triplets for ThC and WT. Nutrition Score values, direct measures of subcutaneous tissue, were significantly lower in triplets compared to singletons. These results suggest that the deposition of soft tissue seen in normal singletons during the third trimester occurs to a much lesser extent in normal triplets.
Individual-level niche specialization within populations: emerging areas of study

Bolnick et al. (2003) defined an “individual specialist” as an individual whose niche is substantially narrower than its population’s niche for reasons not attributable to its sex, age, or discrete morphological group. This specific definition served to exclude obvious categorical classifications where intraspecific diet variation would be likely, such as in cases of extreme sexual dimorphism. But papers in this issue illustrate how subtle differences between sexes or morphological variants may fall within the original scope of the IS definition. For instance, Elliott Smith et al. (2015) show that in sea otters, differences in reproductive effort between sexes are an important determinant in the strength of IS. Snowberg et al. (2015) show that morphological variation among individuals can be related to diet; yet the morphological differences do not amount to discrete morphological sub-groups.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thin Film Dry-Out for Liquid-Protected Divertors

Recent studies performed by the ALPS and APEX programs on liquid-protected plasma-facing components have established guidelines for the maximum allowable liquid surface temperature to limit plasma impurities to an acceptable level. Similar guidelines for the maximum allowable surface temperature gradient are also required to prevent film dry-out due to thermocapillary effects. The expected spatial variations in wall loading and the resulting liquid surface temperature gradients can lead to significant thermocapillary forces that draw the liquid film away from relatively high temperature regions. A numerical model using the level contour reconstruction method was used to establish generalized charts for the maximum allowable spatial gradients in the incident heat flux (or surface temperature) as a function of the governing non-dimensional parameters. The numerical model tracks the axisymmetric evolution of the liquid free surface above a non-isothermal solid surface for several candidate coolants including lithium, Flibe, lithium-lead, gallium, and tin. Experimental studies of thin circular films of silicone oil on a stainless steel surface were used to validate this numerical model. Radial temperature gradients were imposed on the steel surface using a resistance heater at the center and a cooling channel at the edge of the surface. Radial profiles of the steady-state film thickness were measured using a needle contact technique. The effects of imposed surface temperature gradient and initial film thickness were investigated and compared to numerical simulations for similar material properties and surface temperature gradients on a "non-flowing" thin liquid film. Good agreement was obtained between the model and the data
Absolute absorption measurements of polymer films for optical waveguide applications by photothermal deflection spectroscopy

A self-contained experimental technique is proposed for measuring the absolute optical absorption spectra, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity of polymer thin films. The technique is based on photothermal deflection spectroscopy and provides sensitivity that is high enough to quantify the very small optical absorption losses in polymer films used for optical waveguide applications. The capabilities of the technique are demonstrated with measurements performed on thin films of poly(methyl methacrylate) and a fluorinated polymer (CYTOP). An error analysis is presented, and the factors are discussed that influence the accuracy of the technique. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2717–2726, 2001
Reverse serosal demucosalized gastrocystoplasty

A novel technique of augmentation cystoplasty is suggested. The patch which is advocated is less likely to cause eletrolyte imbalance, is autologous and easily available. It will avoid all the gut-mucosa-related early and late postoperative complications.
Rewiring the Niche: Sympathetic Neuropathy Drives Malignant Niche Transformation

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that hematological malignancies can alter their microenvironment, but the therapeutic implications of these changes and potential targets have not been well characterized. Recent findings now describe how sympathetic neuropathy can drive malignant transformation of the hematopoietic stem cell niche in hematopoietic malignancies.
Weight Training Experience and Psychological Well-Being:

The Tennessee Self-concept Scale, Body Cathexis Scale, and Eysenck Personality Inventory were administered to 113 university males who were also asked to report the total number of months they had ...
Replication of fly eyes by the conformal-evaporated-film-by-rotation technique

We replicated a biological template, namely the eye of a fruit fly, at the micro- and nanoscales by implementing the conformal-evaporated-film-by-rotation (CEFR) technique, which allows the replication of even curved biotemplates. Chalcogenide glasses were used for replication due to their infrared optical properties, combined with good chemical and mechanical durability. Microscopy, together with optical characterization in the visible and near-infrared ranges, indicates high-fidelity replication of the original biotemplate. The CEFR technique could be useful for the development of highly efficient, biomimetic optical devices.
Resveratrol inhibits the mevalonate pathway and potentiates the antiproliferative effects of simvastatin in rat theca-interstitial cells

Objective To examine the mechanisms of action of resveratrol and its interaction with simvastatin on growth and the mevalonate pathway in rat theca-interstitial cells. Design In vitro study. Setting Research laboratory. Animal(s) Immature Sprague-Dawley female rats. Intervention(s) Theca-interstitial cells were cultured in the absence or presence of resveratrol, simvastatin, mevalonic acid, farnesyl pyrophosphate, and/or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Main Outcome Measure(s) DNA synthesis was assessed by thymidine incorporation assay; 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) expression and activity were evaluated with the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and HMGCR activity assay. Cholesterol synthesis was determined by the conversion of [ 14 C]-acetate to [ 14 C]-cholesterol. Result(s) Resveratrol potentiated the simvastatin-induced inhibition on cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibitory effects of resveratrol were partly abrogated by the addition of mevalonic acid, farnesyl pyrophosphate, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Resveratrol reduced HMGCR expression and activity, and decreased cholesterol synthesis. In contrast, simvastatin inhibited HMGCR activity with a compensatory increase in HMGCR expression. Resveratrol counteracted this effect of simvastatin on HMGCR expression but augmented the simvastatin-induced inhibition on HMGCR activity and cholesterol synthesis. Conclusion(s) Resveratrol inhibits the mevalonate pathway via distinctly different mechanisms than statins. These observations demonstrate a novel mechanism of action of resveratrol and underscore the potential translational/clinical relevance of resveratrol interactions with simvastatin.
In vivo tissue-level thresholds for spinal cord injury

Traumatic loading conditions, such as those experienced during car accidents or falls, can lead to spinal cord injury (SCI), resulting in permanent functional damage [1]. A better understanding of the biomechanical causes of SCI and knowledge of the tolerance of spinal cord tissue to mechanical loading is critical in understanding how mechanisms of injury lead to neurologic deficits, as well as designing methods to prevent SCI. Finite element analysis (FEA) has become an important and cost effective tool to investigate the biomechanics of trauma. FEA has been used to study a variety of biomechanical analyses of trauma, including brain injury and spine injury biomechanics, but there have been limited analyses on spinal cord injury (SCI) [2–5]. In fact, despite the prevalence of small animal models in the neuroscience community used to study SCI, there have been no published analyses of in vivo models of SCI.© 2007 ASME
At the End of Nature: Cyborgs, ‘Humachines’, and Environments in Postmodernity

In this paper I rethink some of the premises in industrial-era social ontologies by rethinking how hybridized agencies, like cyborgs, actor networks, or humachines, decenter anthropocentric moderni...