cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuels and chemicals from biomass

Abstract Increasing energy consumption, coupled with decreased petroleum supplies, has made development of alternate energy sources a pressing national problem. One of the alternatives presently being examined is obtaining fuels from biomass. Biomass, which is a form of stored solar energy (sunlight having been converted by photosynthesis to cellulosic materials) is an abundant, renewable, domestically available energy resource. Although techniques of converting cellulosic materials in biomass to sugars and then to alcohol have been available for over one hundred years, it is only recently that the efficiency of this type of process has been improved to the point where the economics look potentially attractive. A major processing step responsible for this improvement is the conversion of cellulose to glucose in high yield. While the yield of sugars from cellulose was on the order of 50% previously, this has been improved to 90% or greater by a process in which cellulosic material is solvent-pretreated to make it readily accessible to hydrolysis to sugars by either acid or enzyme. This approach to hydrolysis, together with the fermentation of the resulting sugars to alcohol, is known as the Purdue Process. This process is discussed in the context of prior work done in this field.
A boundary element analysis of flow in sheet molding compound

A new boundary element method has been developed for analyzing the flow of sheet molding compound (SMC) during compression molding. The boundary element equations can be used to determine the velocities on the perimeter of the charge. Successive flow front configurations are then generated by a simple explicit updating procedure. This approach was used to predict the flow front progression for elliptical, rectangular, and L-shaped charges. Comparisons with experimental data for elliptical and rectangular charges were encouraging. The fact that it was possible to obtain reasonable agreement for charges with different shapes and thicknesses lends support to the underlying flow model. Furthermore, valuable insight regarding knit line formation was acquired by analyzing the L-shaped charge. Results from the boundary element analysis showed that the initial thickness of the charge has a pronounced effect on knit line development. Even though there is considerable industrial experience in making SMC parts, the important role of charge thickness on knit line formation appears to have been largely overlooked. Prior analyses gave no indication of this effect because they were based on lubrication models that were independent of charge thickness.
Leads and Lags at the End of the Last Ice Age

Over the course of Earth history it is generally believed that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and climate are closely coupled ( 1 ). The most direct evidence comes from polar ice cores. Snow falling in Antarctica and Greenland gradually compacts to form solid ice and trap air. Polar ice also records past temperatures in the ratio of heavy to light isotopes in the water molecule. Ice core analyses have shown that Antarctic temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations are highly correlated over the large-scale climate cycles of the past 800,000 years ( 2 ). But which came first? Does CO2 drive climate cycles or is it a feedback in the system that contributes to warming? On page 1060 of this issue, Parrenin et al. ( 3 ) address this question in a study of CO2 concentrations and Antarctic temperatures during the last deglaciation.
Hepatic adenosine triphosphate levels during acute choline deficiency in the rat.

SummaryThe effect of feeding a choline-deficient diet on the level of hepatic ATP was studied. Groups of rats were fed a cho-line-deficient or a choline-supplemented diet for 15 and 24 hr, and the level of hepatic ATP was found to be similar in rats fed the two regimens. A deficit of ATP does not appear to be a factor in the delayed intracellular transport of albumin observed in rats fed a choline-deficient diet.
Air temperature transfer function of a convection oven

Abstract The effect on air temperature of variations in heater power for a forced convection oven were modelled. The transfer functions for five operating ranges, from 140 °C to 236 °C, were determined experimentally. The oven power control was excited using a pseudo-random binary signal and the resulting effect on the air temperature was measured. From this information, transfer functions in the ARMAX form were determined. It was found that while the denominator coefficients of the system do not vary for different ranges of air temperature, the numerator coefficients of the system do vary significantly.
Brain glucose metabolism in Rett Syndrome.

Abstract Rett syndrome is a progressive neurologic disorder affecting girls in early childhood with loss of achieved psychomotor abilities and mental retardation. Six sedated female patients (4 to 15 years of age) with a diagnosis of Rett syndrome were studied with [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and underwent positron emission tomography scanning of the brain. Relative tracer concentrations between different areas of the brain were assessed, and results were compared with 18 age-matched control subjects. Patients were divided into two age groups: 3 to 8 years of age and 9 to 15 years of age. A relative decrease in [ 18 F]FDG uptake in the lateral occipital areas in relation with the whole brain and a relative increase in the cerebellum was evident in both age groups ( P t test). A relative increase in frontal tracer uptake was observed in the younger group. Sensorimotor areas and relations between cortical and subcortical structures were preserved in all patients. Changes in glucose cerebral metabolism resemble the regional distribution of normal children less than 1 year of age, likely reflecting a maturational arrest. Changes in frontal areas parallel those in postmortem N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor densities and could correlate with different clinical stages of the disease. This pattern differs from those described in Down syndrome, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.
Release of acetylcholinesterase from rat hemidiaphragm preparations stimulated through the phrenic nerve

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) is known to be transported rapidly within peripheral motor nerves, both towards and away from nerve cell bodies1–3. Of the total amount of neural AChE, approximately 15% is mobile, with about 10% moving towards the nerve terminals and about 5% returning towards cell bodies, the remaining 85% of the enzyme being stationary. Since the mean velocity of orthograde transport is about twice that of the retrograde flow, the total flux of enzyme is 3–4 times greater in the distal than in the proximal direction. Although the fate of this transported AChE is not entirely clear, it has recently been shown that some of the distally transported enzyme may never arrive at the nerve terminals, being incorporated into the axolemma at sites all along the neurone4,5. This axolemmal incorporation is slow, and it seems likely that AChE would accumulate in the terminals unless there were local mechanisms for its removal, such as proteolytic digestion or extrusion from the cell as has been demonstrated in non-neuronal tissue6,7. We now offer evidence that AChE is released from nerve terminals in response to nerve stimulation and suggest that this release may be parallel to, but separate from, release of neurotransmitter.
Effect of Short-Range Interactions on Polyelectrolyte Adsorption at Charged Surfaces†

We have studied the effect of short-range interactions on polyelectrolyte adsorption at oppositely and similarly charged surfaces. The properties of the adsorbed layer, such as polymer surface coverage, layer thickness, and surface overcharging (for adsorption at oppositely charged surfaces), are calculated as a function of the surface charge density, the strength of the short-range interactions, and the ionic strength of the solution. The properties of dilute and semidilute two-dimensional adsorbed layers are calculated in the framework of the strongly correlated Wigner liquid model. In these regimes, the surface overcharging by adsorbed polyelectrolyte chains increases as a function of the square root of the salt concentration. At higher surface charge densities, when adsorbed polyelectrolytes form a three-dimensional adsorbed layer, we use the self-consistent mean-field theory to calculate the layer properties. Here, the polymer surface coverage shows nonmonotonic dependence on the salt concentration; ...
Late Prehispanic Coquina Quarrying and Tomb Construction in Coastal Southern Peru

ABSTRACT We document the quarrying and source of coquina stone used in elite tomb construction at two late prehispanic sites in southern Peru. Excavations document tomb construction that includes coquina slabs for chamber walls, doorway lintel stones, and large slabs used to seal tomb openings. At the Inca site of Tacahuay Tambo, we uncovered two massive coquina slabs covering the opening of an extended familial tomb. Smaller coquina blocks were used to create the burial chamber. At the Late Horizon and earlier fishing village of Pueblo Picata we document a tomb chamber for a single elite individual constructed of large coquina slabs. A short distance from the village area at Pueblo Picata is a marine terrace outcrop with extensive evidence of prehispanic quarrying. Macroscopic petrographic comparisons of geological samples from the marine terrace and a sample of the archaeological tomb contexts indicate that coquina at both sites derive primarily from the Picata quarry while one tomb slab is from an unkn...
On the Relationships between $ATR_0$ And $\widehat{ID}_{< \omega}$

We show that the theory ATR0 is equivalent to a second-order generalization of the theory . As a result, ATR0 is conservative over for arithmetic sentences, though proofs in ATR0 can be much shorter than their counterparts.
Molten uranium dioxide structure and dynamics

Uranium dioxide (UO2) is the major nuclear fuel component of fission power reactors. A key concern during severe accidents is the melting and leakage of radioactive UO2 as it corrodes through its zirconium cladding and steel containment. Yet, the very high temperatures (>3140 kelvin) and chemical reactivity of molten UO2 have prevented structural studies. In this work, we combine laser heating, sample levitation, and synchrotron x-rays to obtain pair distribution function measurements of hot solid and molten UO2. The hot solid shows a substantial increase in oxygen disorder around the lambda transition (2670 K) but negligible U-O coordination change. On melting, the average U-O coordination drops from 8 to 6.7 ± 0.5. Molecular dynamics models refined to this structure predict higher U-U mobility than 8-coordinated melts.
Detection of antigens from gram-negative bacilli in urine of children with urinary tract infections. II. Thermostable bacterial proteins

An enzyme immunoassay for detection of bacterial antigens in urine specimens from urinary tract infections (UTI) was developed. The antigens detected in infections by Enterobacteriaceae: Esch
Sequence effect of irinotecan (CPT-11) and topoisomerase II inhibitors in vivo.

The DNA topoisomerases I and II are the target of several clinically important antineoplastic agents which produce DNA cleavage by stabilization of the covalent DNA-protein bond with resultant cell death after DNA synthesis is attempted. Depletion of the target topoisomerase and reciprocal changes in the other occur with drug treatment. Purpose and methods: To develop empiric treatment regimens of combinations and sequences of agents directed against topoisomerase I (irinotecan/CPT-11) and II (etoposide and doxorubicin), in vivo studies were performed in mice bearing the EMT-6 mammary tumor to assess efficacy, host tolerance and the resultant biochemical changes in topoisomerase mRNA and protein. Results: At 24 h after therapy, depletion of the target topoisomerase mRNA and protein with reciprocal increases in the alternate topoisomerase mRNA and, to a lesser extent, protein were noted. No therapeutic antagonism was found with any combination or sequence of agents, and therapeutic antagonism was noted with concurrent irinotecan/etoposide and sequential doxorubicin/irinotecan. Depletion of target topoisomerases by combined therapy beyond a threshold necessary for therapeutic efficacy produced no additional benefit. Conclusions: Antineoplastic therapy with combinations of topoisomerase I and II agents is feasible and may produce therapeutic synergy. The appropriate sequence may depend on the particular agents used. The rationale for such therapy, that topoisomerases I and II may have reciprocal and compensatory interactions, is supported by the biochemical data.
Pharmacodynamic modeling of the EEG effects of ketamine and its enantiomers in man

The pharmacodynamics of a racemic mixture of ketamine R,S (±)-ketamine and of each enantiomer, S(+)-ketamine and R(−)-ketamine, were studied in five volunteers. The median frequency of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum, a continuous noninvasive measure of the degree of central nervous system (CNS) depression (pharmacodynamics), was related to measured serum concentrations of drug (pharmacokinetics). The concentration-effect relationship was described by an inhibitory sigmoid Emax pharmacodynamic model, yielding estimates of both maximal effect (Emax) and sensitivity (IC50) to the racemic and enantiomeric forms of ketamine. R(−)-ketamine was not as effective as R,S(±)-ketamine or S(+)-ketamine in causing EEG slowing. The maximal decrease (mean±SD) of the median frequency (Emax)for R(−)-ketamine was 4.4±0.5 Hz and was significantly different fromR,S (±)-ketamine (7.6 ±1.7 Hz) and S(+)-ketamine (8.3±1.9Hz). The ketamine serum concentration that caused one-half of the maximal median frequency decrease (IC50) was 1.8±0.5Μg/mL for R(−)-ketamine; 2.0±0.5 Μg/mL for R,S(±)-ketamine; and 0.8±0.4 Μg/mL for S(+)-ketamine. Because the maximal effect (Emax) of the R(−)-ketamine was different from that of S(+)-ketamine and R,S(±)-ketamine, it was not possible to directly compare the potency (i.e., IC50) of these compounds. Accordingly, a classical agonist/partial-agonist interaction model was examined, using the separate enantiomer results to predict racemate results. Although the model did not predict racemate results well, its failure was not so great as to provide clear evidence of synergism (or excess antagonism) of the enantiomers.
Degradation of salicylate by Aspergillus niger.

SALICYLATE continues to be a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States; in 1964 there were more than 16,000 cases of accidental aspirin ingestion among all age groups, accounting for 25.8 per cent of all accidental poisonings reported1. Existing methods for the treatment of salicylate poisoning are aimed at alkalinization of the urine and extrarenal removal of the drug2,3. The natural elimination of salicylate in man is a slow process. The average half-life of a single 1 g dose of aspirin is reported to be 6 h (ref. 4), and high doses have given half-life values up to 19 h (ref. 5). Administration of salicylate labelled with carbon-14 to man6 has given the following metabolites (here reported as average mean values): free salicylate 61 per cent; salicylic phenolic glucuronide 22 per cent; salicyluric acid 8 per cent; salicylic acyl glucuronide 5 per cent; and gentisic acid 1 per cent. The conjugates of salicylic acid are less diffusible across cell membranes and thus have given higher clearances7. Furthermore, the excretion of salicyluric acid after administration of acetylsalicylate or salicylate is limited by the ability to conjugate salicylate with glycine rather than the excretion capacity of the kidneys8.
Local anesthetics noncompetitively inhibit terbium binding to the exterior surface of nerve membrane vesicles

It has previously been shown that terbium binds to membrane vesicles prepared from the walking leg nerve of the lobster (Homarus americanus) with a high affinity Kd of 2.2 μM. Fluorescence of bound Tb3+ occurs via energy transfer from the aromatic residues of proteins (γex = 280 nm; γem = 546 nm), and calcium inhibits Tb3+ binding competitively with a Ki of 1.8 mM. Displacement studies with EDTA demonstrate that more than 95% of the bound Tb3+ is at the vesicle exterior and is not being taken up by the vesicles. To investigate the putative role of Ca2+ in the interaction of local anesthetics with axonal membranes, lidocaine and the analogs GX-HCl and QX-314 were tested as inhibitors of Tb3+ binding. Inhibition by lidocaine is seen only at considerably higher doses (25 mM) than are required for conduction block of intact nerves (5 mM). Inhibition by lidocaine and the primary amine analog GX-HCl is entirely noncompetitive, whereas the quaternary ammonium derivative QX-314 appears to be a mixed competitive-noncompetitive inhibitor of Tb3+ binding. These data are not compatible with the hypothesis that there is a functionally essential cation binding site on the axonal membrane surface for which Ca2+ and local anesthetics compete, although local anesthetic action may be modified indirectly by altered calcium concentrations. Evidence is presented for a mechanism by which local anesthetics indirectly displace Tb3+ by altering the physical state of the axonal membrane.
Abstract P2-05-07: Resveratrol blocks the protumorigenic effects of obesity in a postmenopausal breast cancer model

Background: In the U.S., the prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with over two-thirds of the population being overweight and one-third being obese. Epidemiological data suggests that women who maintain a healthy weight have a lower risk of developing breast cancer and a better prognosis if diagnosed than those that are obese. Of the various breast cancer subtypes, claudin-low is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to standard chemotherapeutic regimens, Our lab has previously shown that a diet-induced obesity (DIO) regimen enhanced tumor progression and promoted the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and tumor–initiating cell (TIC)-associated markers in a murine claudin-low tumor model. Resveratrol is an antiinflammatory natural polyphenol that can decrease expression of markers indicative of stem cells and prevent EMT. Therefore, we hypothesized that resveratrol would impede the protumorigenic nature of obesity through its effects on EMT in a stem cell-enriched tumor model. The present study evaluated the effect of resveratrol supplementation on tumor growth in a DIO regimen in the murine M-Wnt breast cancer model. Methods: Eight-week-old ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice were randomized (n = 15 per group) to receive one of the following three dietary regimens: control diet (10%kcal from fat), DIO regimen (60% kcal from fat), or DIO regimen supplemented with resveratrol (0.5% wt/wt). Mice consumed the experimental diets ad libitum for 6 weeks prior to orthotopic injection of 2.5×105 GFP-luciferase labeled M-Wnt murine mammary tumor cells (derived from MMTV-Wnt-1 tumor). Transplanted tumors grew for five additional weeks while diets were continued. Tumors were measured weekly with calipers and in vivo growth was monitored by the In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS). Mice were killed, serum was collected and stored at -80C and tissues were either fixed in 10% neutral-buffered saline or or flash-frozen. Results: Using the M-Wnt model of claudin-low breast cancer, we found that resveratrol supplementation significantly reduced body weight (p<0.0001), caloric intake (p<0.05) and tumor burden (weight and volume)(p = 0.021 and p = 0.007, respectively) within the DIO regimen although it had no effect on fasting glucose. Control maintained a significantly lower body fat percentage (p<0.001) than DIO regardless of resveratrol supplementation. Despite weighing significantly more (p<0.0001), mice that consumed the resveratrol-supplemented diet had comparable tumor burden to the lower calorie, control diet. Discussion: We conclude that resveratrol supplementation circumvented the protumorigenic nature of the DIO regimen equivalent to the lower calorie, lower fat control diet. Thus, dietary supplementation with resveratrol in the high-risk, obese population could break the obesity-cancer link. Keywords: epithelial to mesenchymal transition, resveratrol, mammary tumor, diet-induced obesity, stem cells. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-05-07.
Characteristics of falls in the epilepsy monitoring unit: A retrospective study

Falls are an important adverse event in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). We identified patterns of falls in an EMU and compared them with risk factors for inpatient falls. Twenty-six patients with 26 falls (2.3% of admissions) in the EMU were compared with 50 general neurology inpatients with 56 falls over a 4-year period. In the EMU, the majority (62%) of falls happened during the first 3 days of admission, mostly in the bathroom (74%), in patients with a normal mental status (77%). Most general inpatients fell after the third day (64%), inside their rooms (68%), and had an altered mental status before the fall (68%). All 26 EMU patients were identified as high risk at admission, in spite of which falls were not prevented. We outline these differences between EMU patients and general inpatients and highlight the practice gap in preventing falls in an EMU.
The Use of Trade Association Disclosures by Investors and Analysts: Evidence from the Semiconductor Industry*

This paper investigates the relation between industry-wide information disclosures by the trade association for the semiconductor industry and both share prices and analyst forecasts. Such disclosures may have little impact on investors and analysts, since prior theoretical research suggests that trade associations may be unable to secure reliable data from firms in an industry. At the same time, such disclosures may be important, since prior empirical research suggests that share prices and analyst forecasts reflect industry-wide earnings effects earlier than firm-specific effects. We document significant stock price movements on release dates of industry Flash Reports by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) each month that contain aggregate industry data on new orders and shipments. The magnitude of the price revisions on Flash Report disclosure dates is positively associated with changes in the numbers disclosed and varies across sample firms in a manner associated with identifiable characteristics of the firms. Further tests indicate that the Flash Report provides mainly forward-looking information on new orders that is linked to firm-specific sales changes and has explanatory power for quarterly stock prices beyond firm-specific earnings. This information is used by security analysts mainly in assessing the persistence of firm-specific quarterly sales changes. Our findings support the hypothesis that the SIA is able to obtain data from firms, compile it into reliable aggregate statistics, and then distribute these statistics in a timely fashion.
Experiences with self‐managed learning in an undergraduate management science course

A one semester introduction to Management Science was presented recently by the author to a class of undergraduate students in the School of Management, Clarkson College, Potsdam, New York. The course format was after the self‐managed learning fashion. The present paper chronicles the course design and objectives, the experiences in conducting it, and the results. The results are analysed and discussed, and some simple statistical tests are applied to hypotheses generated from certain of the observations. Recommendations for modifications of the format and content are made and some discussion presented on the desirable content of such a course.
In the eye of the beholder: Reports of autism symptoms by Anglo and Latino mothers

Abstract Latino children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are under-identified and under-diagnosed. Children suspected of ASD (28 Anglo and 55 Latino) were assessed via the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the mother Intake Form. A sub-sample of 40 children were assessed with the Autism Disagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). The primary objective was to determine whether Anglo and Latino mothers differed in their symptom reports, and whether their children differed in the professional classifications. Anglo mothers reported significantly more developmental concerns and ASD symptoms than Latino mothers, yet Latino children meeting diagnostic criteria for autism on the ADOS obtained higher ASD severity scores than Anglo children. The authors set forth three possible explanations for such discrepancies between parents and professionals in perceptions and reporting of autism symptoms: (1) Latino mothers are not as aware of the symptoms, and thus do not report them; and (2) Latino mothers are aware of general developmental delay but not as concerned as Anglo mothers until social communication deficits become more apparent. (3) Latino mothers’ parenting practices and cultural beliefs about child-rearing might mask both the ASD symptomatology exhibited by their children and their recognition of it.
Complexity classes for self-assembling flexible tiles

We present a theoretical model for self-assembling DNA tiles with flexible branches. We encode an instance of a ''problem'' as a pot of such tiles for which a ''solution'' is an assembled complete complex without any free sticky ends. Using the number of tiles in an assembled complex as a measure of complexity we show how NTIME classes (such as NP and NEXP) can be represented with corresponding classes of the model.
Development and implementation of a relative value scale for teaching in emergency medicine: the teaching value unit.

UNLABELLED Relative value units exist for measuring clinical productivity. Limited objective measures exist, however, for nonclinical activities, specifically teaching. OBJECTIVE To develop an objective measure of teaching productivity linked to a performance-based incentive plan. METHODS Teaching goals and objectives were identified before the 1998-1999 academic year. Teaching value units (TVUs), objective measures for quantifying teaching activities, were developed and assigned based on an estimation of time needed to complete each activity and weighted for importance to the teaching mission. Each physician was allocated teaching time based on past performance and future goals. Targeted TVUs necessary to meet expectations were proportionate to allocated teaching time. Teaching productivity was defined as a percentage of targeted TVUs achieved. Incentive dollars for teaching were distributed based on percentage of targeted TVUs achieved, weighted individually for teaching load. RESULTS Teaching productivity was evaluated over a three-year period. In year 1, mean TVUs allocated/physician were 181 units (range 25 to 449). Four of 18 physicians (22%) met expectations. The mean individual TVUs achieved were 54% of expected (range 0% to 114%). By year 3, mean TVUs allocated/physician were 179 (range 45 to 629). Twelve of 22 physicians (55%) met expectations. The mean individual TVUs achieved were 82% of expected (range 11% to 146%). Between year 1 and year 3, group productivity increased from 73% to 88%, and mean individual productivity increased from 54% to 82% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The development of a TVU-based system enabled objective quantification and monitoring of a broad range of teaching activities. The TVU-based system linked to an incentive plan helped to increase individual and group teaching productivity.
The role of a biostatistical and epidemiologic review for a clinical journal.

Dr Vahratian is the Statistical Consultant for the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (IJGO) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA. She received her bachelor's degree in statistics and women's studies from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in public health with a focus on reproductive and perinatal health from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctoral degree in maternal and child health epidemiology from theUniversity of North Carolina.During graduate school, Dr Vahratian completed an internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Her research area and publications focus on the health of women prior to pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcomes and maternal postpartum mental and physical health. In particular, she is interested in the effect of obesity and diabetes on contraceptive decision-making, pregnancy planning, andperinatal outcomes. She is committed to developing strategies to empower women to be proactive about their health during their childbearing years—pregnancy is a critical period for women and health during this period can have long-term effects on a woman's quality of life.
Covalent Modification of PML by the Sentrin Family of Ubiquitin-like Proteins

PML, a RING finger protein with tumor suppressor activity, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute promyelocytic leukemia that arises following a reciprocal chromosomal translocation that fuses the PML gene with the retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) gene. Immunocytochemical analysis has demonstrated that PML is co-localized with a novel ubiquitin-like protein in the nuclear bodies, which could be disrupted by the PML-RARα fusion protein. The physical nature of this co-localization is unknown. Using a COS cell expression system, we show that PML is covalently modified by all three members of the sentrin family of ubiquitin-like proteins. Covalent modification of PML requires the conserved Gly residue near the C termini of sentrin proteins. Sentrinization of PML is highly specific because neither NEDD8 nor ubiquitin could modify PML. Similar specificity is also observed for the covalent modification of RanGAP1 by the sentrin member of ubiquitin-like proteins. These observations highlight the fine substrate specificity of the sentrinization pathway. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, two forms of PML-RARα fusion proteins have been reported. Remarkably, both forms of PML-RARα fusion proteins could not be sentrinized. Thus differential sentrinization of PML and PML-RARα could play an important role in regulating the biological function of PML and in the pathogenesis of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Time-dependent Structure of Perturbed Relativistic Jets

The internal structures found in a set of relativistic axisymmetric jet simulations are analyzed. The structures are induced by a conical pressure wave associated with the jet inlet on the computational grid and by cocoon vortices around the propagating jet. The observed structures and differences between structure in the different simulations are found to be fully understandable in terms of the structure and growth or damping of the normal axisymmetric Fourier modes of a cylindrical jet. Differences in detailed internal structure are largely the result of differences in the wavelength of perturbations applied by the conical pressure wave at the inlet and by cocoon turbulence. In some cases the perturbations can strongly couple to a normal mode of the jet. In other cases strong damping occurs when the perturbations cannot easily couple to a normal mode of the jet. In particular, the relative stability and lack of strong internal structure in the highly relativistic numerical simulations performed by Duncan & Hughes is a result of weak coupling to a normal mode of the jet.
Consumer usage of unit pricing

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree to which shoppers use unit price as a conventional piece of information to compare sizes and/or brands in supermarkets. Three-hundred and seventy-five shoppers were interviewed in a Kroger supermarket in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. About two-thirds of all respondents said they used the unit price information while shopping. Slightly over 84% of those who understand how the unit price information can be used to make more economical choices said they used it. Shoppers with lower levels of education used unit price less than those with higher levels of education. The same pattern was observed between low-income and high-income shoppers as well as between blacks and whites. The number of shoppers who recalled using unit price to compare sizes was about the same as the number of people who recalled using it to compare brands.
Results of ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation.

Objective We sought to describe the results of ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve (ansa-RLN) reinnervation for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Study design A chart review was performed on patients undergoing ansa-RLN reinnervation for unilateral vocal cord paralysis at a tertiary care center. Patient perceptions of preoperative and postoperative voice quality was surveyed. Acoustic and visual parameters were assessed from videostroboscopy. Results From a total of 25 study patients, 15 patients underwent both preoperative and postoperativ video stroboscopies. In stroboscopies within 6 months, the average improvement in overall severity, roughness, and breathiness was 69, 79, and 100 percent, respectively. In stroboscopies after 6 months, the average improvement in overall severity, roughness, and breathiness was 63, 66, and 100 percent, respectively. Postoperatively, all patients had reinnervation of the vocal fold. Conclusions Voice outcomes were improved in patients with preoperative and postoperative stroboscopies. Significance Ansa-RLN reinnervation should be considered as a treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Neuroelectrical disturbance as indicator of chronic chlordane toxicity.

Abstract Adult male rats equipped with chronically implanted electrodes were treated with chlordane ip to examine its influence on spontaneous electrocortical activity. Injections of 350 mg/kg resulted in characteristic signs of organochlorine poisoning, culminating in death within 1 hr. Neurotoxic effects of lethal exposure were seen as high-amplitude episodes (400–630 μV) with secondary respiratory waves leading to isoelectric tracings; respiratory depression was therefore implicated in chlordane-induced mortality. EEGs monitored from unanesthetized rats subjected to daily, low-level injections (0.15, 1.75, and 25.0 mg/kg) revealed dose-dependent alterations of brain potentials without behavioral signs of chronic toxicity. Mean spontaneous activity from all montages was significantly increased after 42 days (47–80% above predosage and control values.) Changes included a progressive shift toward fast beta rhythms (>25 Hz), reduction of delta (0.5-3 Hz) and theta (4–7 Hz) frequencies, elevation of amplitude, and replacement of sinusoidal waves by sharp, complex discharges. These changes were directly related to length of exposure, thus implying that chlordane is a cumulative neurotoxin. Starvation and concurrent chlordane treatment interacted synergistically to produce abnormal high-voltage potentials suggestive of lethal cerebral patterns. We interpreted appearance of these slow-wave spikes as evidence of chlordane mobilization from storage depots and subsequent neuroconcentration. Removal of chlordane failed to stimulate recovery of the EEG. Instead, significant deviations from controls continued after 60 days withdrawal. It may be concluded, therefore, that chlordane is a persistent neurotoxin and that electrocerebral disturbance is an early and sensitive indicator of chlordane intoxication.
Second-order semiclassical calculations for diatomic molecules

Abstract The second-order WKB quantization condition is used to derive expressions for the second-order contributions to the vibrational energy levels and the rotational and centrifugal constants of a diatomic molecule. The second-order corrections to the RKR (Rydberg-Klein-Rees) turning points are also calculated. These second-order quantities are related to the quantities calculated from Kaiser's modified first-order quantization condition. Numerical calculations for the ground electronic state of carbon monoxide are compared with quantum-mechanical values obtained by numerical solution of the Schrodinger equation. In general, the second-order semiclassical values are in good agreement with the quantum-mechanical values, and can be computed by the present methods in a small fraction of the time.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Complications and Management

Therapeutic plasma exchange is a treatment modality used in a variety of disease states, some of which are characterized by renal involvement (ie, Goodpasture's syndrome, multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). To investigate the safety of this procedure we evaluated all patients receiving plasma-pheresis at the University of Connecticut from January 1988 to June 1991. Sixty-eight adverse reactions occurred in 699 treatments, resulting in an incidence of 9.7%. The most frequent complications were symptoms of hypocalcemia, hypovolemia, and anaphylactoid reactions. The incidence of hypocalcemic symptoms was lowered with the prophylactic administration of calcium. Without calcium prophylaxis the incidence of symptoms was 9.1% (six in 66 treatments), whereas with calcium prophylaxis the incidence was reduced to 1% (six in 633 treatments) (P < 0.01). Treatments in which albumin was administered as volume replacement were associated with fewer adverse reactions when compared with those using fresh-frozen plasma (1.4% v 20%). Our experience, combined with the 15,658 procedures reported in the literature, reveals that serious complications do not commonly occur. These are characterized by cardiovascular events (0.2%), respiratory events (0.2%), and anaphylactoid reactions (0.25%). Hemorrhage and infection are rare, each occurring at a rate of 0.02%. Death was reported in eight of 15,658 procedures (0.05%). We conclude that therapeutic plasma exchange is relatively safe and alterations in plasma proteins generally are well tolerated. Prophylactic calcium administration lowers the incidence of hypocalcemic symptoms. Adverse reactions are associated more commonly with the administration of fresh-frozen plasma.
Planar GaAs And GaAs/A10.3GaolAs Schottky Barrier Photodiodes With High-Speed And High-Sensitivity

Planar GaAs and GaAs/A103Ga0.7As Schottky barrier photodiodes with high-speed and high-sensitivity have been fabricated and characterized. In order to improves the sensitivity of photo-diodes, surface passivation and antireflection coatings have been performed using various dielectric films, such as Si02, Si3N4, and polyimide. The internal quantum efficiency of 60% to 77% and the responsivity of 0.47 A/W to 0.6 A/W were measured for the wavelength range of 0.5 μm to 0.84 μm. A rise time of 8.5 ps and a 3-dB cutoff frequency of 42 GHz were measured for the GaAs/A10.3Ga0.7As photodiode, whereas 15 ps and 24 GHz were measured for the GaAs photodiode.
Conceptions of Alcoholism among Koreans and Americans

Ethnographic research has occasionally reported the presence (or absence) of the disease concept of alcoholism in non-Western cultures. But the problem of differences in the nature of the concept of alcoholism between cultures in which it exists has not been seriously investigated. This study contrasts beliefs about alcoholism among samples of Koreans and Americans at a university in the United States. The findings suggest that the concept of alcoholism is present in both cultures, but Koreans tend to restrict their disease to the physiological consequences of long-term alcohol use, while Americans accept a definition which is couched largely in social and behavioral terms. It thus appears that, in contrast to America, alcohol consumption in Korea is relatively high, but alcoholism is rare. The implications of these findings for drinking behaviors, and the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism, are discussed.
On establishing primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes for analysis over long periods.

Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocyte Cultures. Introduction: Primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes include a population of rapidly dividing nonmyocardial cells that can alter the properties of myocytes and complicate experimental interpretations. Without any intervention, nonmyocyte proliferation restricts the utility of primary cultures in biochemical and electrophysiologic studies to 4–5 days. However, with the recent interest in regulation of cardiac gene expression and the effects of growth factors on cardiac function, long-term studies with stable heart cultures are warranted. Methods and Results: In the present study an immunohistochemical staining strategy was developed that allowed for reliable quantitation of myocytes and nonmyocytes in cultures maintained for extended periods under different culture conditions. Density gradient purification of myocytes was found valuable in limiting nonmyocyte levels to < 20% at early times. Further treatment of cultures with a mitotic inhibitor, 0.1 mM bromodeoxyuridine, or 3500 rads of γ-irradiation effectively blocked the proliferation of nonmyocardial cells, while it had no effect on cardiocyte levels. However, bromodeoxyuridine displayed side effects on the myocytes; the spontaneous beating rate and intracellular glycogen content were markedly depressed. In contrast, a systematic investigation of the properties of the irradiated myocytes, including spontaneous beating rates, dihydropyridinc receptors, glycogen content, sarcoplasmic reticulum function, and phosphoinositide signaling, revealed that irradiation did not alter cardiac cell function. Although ionizing radiation can stimulate gene expression in some cell types, γ-irradiation did not evoke c-fos expression or cause sarcomere formation, responses seen in cardiac cells to several trophic factors. Conclusion: This study establishes a system of stable, functional, primary cultured cardiac cells that can be used in long-term molecular and electrophysiologic studies of at least 2 weeks.
AVERAGE PERIOSTEAL STRESS OF THE PROXIMAL FEMUR BEFORE AND AFTER CEMENTLESS TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a standard surgical technique for the treatment of several types of joint diseases and damages including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture [1]. An estimated one half to one million total hip replacements are performed each year [2]. Two drawbacks to THA are (1): micromotions as a result of improper implant fit in the bone cavity [1], and (2): stress shielding due to unnatural stress concentrations near the implant [3]. The latter causes bone resorption in other areas found in the bone-implant interface [1]. Therefore, the geometry and size of the implant is a major factor in determining cortical stress distributions and stress shielding [4].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The serotonin autoreceptor: Antagonism by quipazine

Abstract The purpose of this study was to attempt to reproduce previous findings regarding the antagonist specificity of the 5 HT autoreceptor and to find additional antagonists of this receptor. Crude synaptosomal preparations of the rat hypothalamus were loaded with [3H]5HT, placed on glass microfiber filters and superfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37°C. The release of [3H]5HT was stimulated by raising the buffer K+ concentration and was Ca2+-dependent. In the presence of 100 nM fluoxetine (a selective 5HT uptake inhibitor), exogenous 5HT inhibited the K+-induced release of [3H]5HT but did not affect basal [3H]5HT release. The K+-induced [3H]5HT release was maximally inhibited by 30 nM 5HT to a level of 66.4 ± 4.0% of control. The concentration of 5HT required to inhibit half-maximally K+-induced [3H]5HT release was approx. 7nM. Methiothepin and quipazine were found to block the inhibition of K+-induced [3H]5HT release by exogenous 5HT (30 nM). The IC50S for blockade of the effects of 5HT were approx. 3.8 and 670 nM for methiothepin and quipazine, respectively. Several other putative 5HT antagonists, the dopamine receptor antagonist, spiperone and the alpha receptor antagonist, phentolamine, were without effect. Thus, the 5HT autoreceptor appears to have a unique specificity for certain 5HT antagonists. In addition, blockade of 5HT autoreceptors may be one mechanism by which quipazine produces behavioral effects characteristic of a 5HT receptor agonist.
"O sangue da mocidade está correndo": a classe política e seus filhos enfrentam os militares em 1968

1968 in Brazil has long been remembered for the violent showdown between the student movement and military regime. This article argues that we cannot understand the crisis of 1968 without taking into account a group that most studies have ignored - the civilian politicians who were bound to university students by ties of social class and blood. As they grew increasingly frustrated after four years of authoritarian military rule that had taken away many of their prerogatives, many politicians were infuriated as the regime violently repressed protesting students, and they joined marches and defended the students with their actions and words. This support for leftist students, culminating in Marcio Moreira Alves's speeches attacking the military, created irreconcilable differences between politicians and the military, leading in December to the decree of Institutional Act no. 5.
Suicide ideation among a stratified sample of rural and urban adolescents

This study examined factors associated with sucidal ideation among a stratified sample of rural and urban adolescents. Data was collected on 1,728 eighth and tenth grade southern Nevada students from 23 schools. No overall differences were found between rural and urban adolescents, although results did indicate that grade, gender, and school achievement variations exist between rural and urban student populations. Implications for social workers and other youth service providers are discussed.
Formation of a prostaglandin A2-glutathione conjugate in L1210 mouse leukemia cells

Prostaglandins containing a cyclopentenone moiety are potent antiviral and antigrowth compounds. Some evidence indicates that these prostaglandins are conjugated to glutathione by cells. However, the metabolism of one group, the prostaglandins of the A type, is unclear due to conflicting reports. We studied the uptake and metabolism of prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) in mouse L1210 leukemia and L929 fibroblast cell lines in which this prostaglandin has antiviral and antigrowth effects. Both cell types took up the PGA2 and then metabolized it to a more polar compound. Inside L1210 cells, PGA2 was initially conjugated to glutathione and then reduced at the 9-keto position to form 9-OH-PGA2-GSH. The 9-OH-PGA2-GSH was then secreted from the cells and apparently degraded to form the CysGly and Cys derivatives. Intracellular glutathione was decreased markedly by the addition of the PGA2 in L1210 and L929 cells. This result confirms that conjugation of PGA2 to glutathione occurs in both cell types. Formation of the 9-OH-PGA2-GSH and other glutathione-related conjugates was prevented when glutathione was depleted by growth in buthionine sulfoximine. The glutathione-depleted cells were insensitive to the cytotoxicity of the PGA2, suggesting that one of the glutathione-related conjugates may be involved in the cytotoxicity of PGA2. These results end the controversy over the metabolism of PGA2 and suggest mechanisms for its antiviral and antigrowth actions.
An improved finite-element contact model for anatomical simulations

This work focuses on the simulation of mechanical contact between nonlinearly elastic objects, such as the components of the human body. In traditional methods, contact forces are often defined as discontinuous functions of deformations, which leads to poor convergence characteristics and high-frequency noises. We introduce a novel penalty method for finite-element simulation based on the concept of material depth, which is the distance between a particle inside an object and the object's boundary. By linearly interpolating precomputed material depths at node points, contact forces can be analytically integrated over contact surfaces without raising the computational cost. The continuity achieved by this formulation reduces oscillation and artificial acceleration, resulting in a more reliable simulation algorithm.