cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of ionic compositions in nasal irrigations on human olfactory thresholds

Objectives/Hypothesis Nasal irrigations are commonly employed to promote nasal hygiene in the treatment of various sinonasal conditions. Few studies have evaluated how the ionic composition of irrigation solutions affects olfactory performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the dose responsiveness of human olfactory thresholds for each of the following ions: potassium, sodium, and calcium. Study Design Prospective translational study. Methods Irrigation solutions with variable potassium, sodium, and calcium were tested in 25 healthy human participants. Six potassium concentrations (range, 2–10 mM), six sodium concentrations (range, 73.7–113.7 mM), and three calcium concentrations (range, 0.44–0.64 mM) were used. Before and immediately following irrigations, olfactory thresholds were determined using the Sniffin' Sticks test. Differences in olfactory threshold scores before and after irrigations were compared to assess the effect of ionic composition on olfactory sensitivity. Results Physiologic concentrations of potassium, sodium, and calcium at 5.7, 89.5, and 0.54 mM, respectively, did not significantly change olfactory thresholds. Variations in both potassium and sodium concentrations demonstrated statistically significant dose-dependent elevations in olfactory thresholds (P < .05). Only the calcium concentration that was lower than the physiologic level led to significant elevations in olfactory thresholds. Conclusions Different potassium and sodium concentrations in irrigation solutions provide distinctive dose-dependent shifts in olfactory thresholds. Calcium concentrations also elevate olfactory thresholds, but calcium plays a less significant role than potassium and sodium in modulating olfactory thresholds. These results highlight the importance of the intranasal ionic microenvironment in olfactory physiology and suggest that optimal ionic concentrations in irrigation solutions exist to preserve olfactory function. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:E50–E56, 2015
Mapping Long Non-Coding RNA Structures with Fragmentation and Next-Generation Sequencing

Recent years have seen an explosion in our appreciation of the myriad roles that RNA plays in the cell, including the discovery of new classes of regulatory RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The three-dimensional folded structure of many coding and non-coding RNAs plays a key role in determining their function and fate in the cell. Obtaining high quality structural information on large numbers of RNAs is therefore essential, but traditional methods such as crystallography and NMR have been limited due to RNA's rugged folding landscape, charged backbone, and the large size of many RNAs of interest. Chemical mapping, in which folded RNAs are reacted with structure-sensitive chemical probes, provides nucleotide-level resolution mapping of base pairing and backbone flexibility, and can be applied both in vitro and in living cells. Chemical mapping data can be combined with thermodynamics-based structure models to predict RNAs’ folded structure, but the confidence of these predictions decreases rapidly with increasing RNA size. Measuring the structure of both the full length RNA and multiple shorter fragments in vitro has been proposed as a route to obtaining high-confidence structures, but applying this approach to longer RNAs requires high-throughput techniques for readout. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is well suited to this task, as the large number of reads allows simultaneous analysis of multiple sequences and fragments with multiple chemical agents and the sequencing readout avoids length-dependent inaccuracies associated with gel and capillary electrophoresis. I will present results from applying rational fragmentation with NGS readout to map the structure of the 2.4 kb trans-acting lncRNA HOTAIR and discuss implications for folding pathways of large RNAs and possibilities for in vivo measurement.
Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the western Sierra Nevada, California

Prebatholithic rocks of Mesozoic age in the Sierra Nevada can be interpreted as remnants of ancient volcanic arcs, subduction complexes, and sequences of oceanic lithosphere. Two partly coeval subparallel volcanic arcs, one in the western foothills and the other in the northern and eastern Sierra Nevada, are juxtaposed. The western arc was an east-facing island-arc complex that evolved through a series of steps including formation of a remnant arc and interarc basin. The eastern arc was a west-facing marginal arc that was constructed on the edge of North America. Both arc-subduction complexes consumed intervening oceanic lithosphere and collided during the Late Jurassic Nevadan orogeny. Generation of magmas in both arcs apparently ceased at about this time, and renewed subduction was initiated west of the island arc in latest Jurassic time, giving birth to the Franciscan-Sierran arc-trench complex. Fault zones and melanges in the western Sierra Nevada reflect the complex suturing at the collision boundary. Pre-Tithonian ophiolite at the base of the Great Valley sequence in the Coast Ranges originated in a back-arc or marginal basin setting with respect to the coeval Sierran foothills arc.
The effect of rotator cuff tears on reaction forces at the glenohumeral joint.

Abstract The rotator cuff muscles maintain glenohumeral stability by compressing the humeral head into the glenoid. Disruption of the rotator cuff compromises concavity compression and can directly affect the loads on the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of rotator cuff tears on the magnitude and direction of glenohumeral joint reaction forces during active shoulder abduction in the scapular plane using nine cadaveric upper extremities. Motion of the full upper extremity was simulated using a dynamic shoulder testing apparatus. Glenohumeral joint reaction forces were measured by a universal force–moment sensor. Five conditions of rotator cuff tears were tested: Intact , Incomplete Supraspinatus Tear , Complete Supraspinatus Tear , Supraspinatus/Infraspinatus Tear , and Global Tear . Reaction forces at the glenohumeral joint were found to steadily increase throughout abduction and peaked at maximum abduction for all conditions tested. There were no significant differences in reaction force magnitude for the intact condition (337±88 N ) or those involving an isolated incomplete tear (296±83 N ) or complete tear (300±85 N ) of the supraspinatus tendon. Extension of tears beyond the supraspinatus tendon into the anterior and posterior aspect of the rotator cuff led to a significant decrease in the magnitude of joint reaction force (126±31 N ) . Similarly, such tears resulted in a significant change in the direction of the reaction force at the glenohumeral joint. These results suggest that joint reaction forces are significantly affected by the integrity of the rotator cuff, specifically, by the transverse force couple formed by the anterior and posterior aspects of the cuff. The quantitative data obtained in this study on the effect of rotator cuff tears on magnitude and direction of the reaction force at the glenohumeral joint helps clarify the relationship between joint motion, joint compression and stability.
The effect of equivalent weight, temperature, cationic forms, sorbates, and nanoinorganic additives on the sorption behavior of Nafion ®

Abstract A novel experimental technique, namely tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) is utilized to study the effect of equivalent weights (960–1200), temperature (30–90 °C), various cationic forms (H + , Li + , Na + , K + and Cs + ), sorbates (water, methanol, ethanol and propanol), and inorganic additives on sorption behavior of Nafion ® membrane. It is observed that water sorption increases with a decrease in EW and an increase in the sorption temperature. This is due to the increase in acid sites for sorption and a decrease in the Young's modulus of the membrane with the increase in temperature. Further, sorption decreases with the increase in size of the counter ion due to a corresponding decrease in ion hydration capacity due to a decrease in the ionization equilibrium constant constant. Also, it is observed that the incorporation of acidic inorganic additives (ZrO 2 , TiO 2 and SiO 2 ) via sol gel methods provides higher water sorption amount at 90 °C, which is crucial for higher temperature operations of fuel cells.
Outcomes for patients with high-grade prostate cancer treated with a combination of brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.

OBJECTIVE To assess the outcomes for patients with Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer treated with brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and hormonal therapy (HT). PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 181 patients with Gleason scores 8–10 prostate cancer were treated from 1994 to 2006 with a 103Pd implant (prescription dose 100 Gy), 45 Gy of EBRT and 9 months of HT. The median (range) follow-up was 65 (24–150) months; freedom from biochemical failure (FBF) rates were calculated using the Phoenix definition. RESULTS The 8-year actuarial FBF, freedom from distant metastases, prostate-cancer specific survival and overall survival were 73%, 80%, 87% and 79%, respectively. The pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level significantly affected FBF, with 8-year rates of 72%, 82% and 58% for patients with PSA level of ≤10, >10–20 and >20 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.006). The PSA level had no significant effect on rates of distant metastases. The Gleason score had the most significant affect on FBF in a multivariate analysis, and was the only factor to significantly affect rates of distant metastases; the 8-year FBF rates were 84%, 55% and 30% for scores of 8, 9 and 10, respectively (P = 0.003). The corresponding freedom from distant metastases and prostate-cancer specific survival rates were 86%, 76%, 30% (P < 0.001) and 92%, 80%, 62.5% (P = 0.003), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 8-year outcomes after this regimen showed favourable biochemical and distant control, as well disease-specific survival rates for patients with Gleason scores of 8–10. This treatment approach should be considered as a viable option for this subset of patients with high-risk disease.
Wealth Effects on Self-Insurance and Self-Protection against Monetary and Nonmonetary Losses

This paper considers the wealth effects on self-insurance and self-protection activities against possible losses of monetary wealth such as properties and nonmonetary wealth such as health. Increased initial income or monetary wealth decreases the demand for self-insurance against monetary wealth loss under the decreasing absolute risk aversion assumption, and has an ambiguous effect on self-protection. However, increased initial monetary wealth increases both self-insurance and self-protection against health loss, explaining empirical trends, if wealth and health are complements. When multiple self-insurance activities against both types of losses are considered, the effect of an increase in initial monetary wealth on self-insurance against health loss remains the same, but the effect on self-insurance against wealth loss depends on the preferences.
A Review of Recent Developments in Fiber Optic Sensor Technology

Abstract Some of the significant developments in fiber optic sensor technology which have occurred over the past 5 to 10 years are reviewed. Particular emphasis is given to advances in interferometric sensors, intrinsic distributed sensors, and Bragg grating based systems.
Miriam Plieninger on language learning with Babbel

Babbel's Director of Didactics, Miriam Plieninger, weighs in on how mobile apps are rapidly changing the way we approach language learning.
Predominance of a single μ chain subclass in cold agglutinin heavy chains

Abstract Fourteen purified monoclonal IgM cold agglutinins were reduced and alkylated and separated into heavy and light chains. Two dimensional peptide mapping was performed on tryptic digests of the μ chains. Thirteen of the 14 μ chains lacked a peptide, present in 40 per cent of μ chains prepared from Waldenstrom macroglobulins, which has been previously correlated with one of two μ chain subclasses, defined antigenically. In addition, some of the maps from different anti-I cold agglutinins were very similar.
Administrative Leadership: Effective and Responsive Decision Making in Higher Education

(1983). Administrative Leadership: Effective and Responsive Decision Making in Higher Education. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 209-212.
Trochlear Inclination Angles in Normal and Dysplastic Knees

Trochlear morphology impacts component position in patellofemoral arthroplasty. We devised a measurement of the trochlear inclination angle (TIA) and determined the average TIA in normal and dysplastic knees. Three hundred twenty-nine consecutive magnetic resonance imagings of normal and dysplastic knees were evaluated. The TIA was measured by 2 reviewers. The Student t test was used, and intraobserver reliability measurements were made. The mean TIA in normal and dysplastic knees was internally rotated 11.4° (range, 6°-20°) and 9.4° (range, 4°-15°), respectively. The mean TIA did not differ significantly by sex or age. Trochlear inclination angles in both normal and dysplastic knees tend toward internal rotation. Positioning a trochlear patellofemoral arthroplasty component flush with the articular surface of the native trochlea would result in internal rotation malposition.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of thermal denaturation in acyl carrier protein

The denaturation of Escherichia coli acyl carrier protein (ACP) in buffers containing both monovalent and divalent cations was followed by variable-temperature NMR and differential scanning calorimetry. Both high concentrations of monovalent salts (Na+) and moderate concentrations of divalent salts (Ca2+) raise the denaturation temperature, but calorimetry indicates that a significant increase in the enthalpy of denaturation is obtained only with the addition of a divalent salt. NMR experiments in both low ionic strength monovalent buffers and low ionic strength monovalent buffers containing calcium ions show exchange between native and denatured forms to be slow on the NMR time scale. However, in high ionic strength monovalent buffers, where the temperature of denaturation is elevated as it is in the presence of Ca2+, the transition is fast on the NMR time scale. These results suggest that monovalent and divalent cations may act to stabilize ACP in different ways. Monovalent ions may nonspecifically balance the intrinsic negative charge of this protein in a way that is similar for native, denatured, and intermediate forms. Divalent cations provide stability by binding to specific sites present only in the native state.
External validation of aminoglycoside models used in web calculators and clinical decision support systems after laboratory conversion to serum creatinine isotope dilution mass spectrometry assay.

Abstract Background Models to predict gentamicin t ½ from serum creatinine (SCr) estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) are currently being incorporated into smart-device applications and clinical decision support modules without external validation. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether such models remain viable after conversion to isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) SCr assay. Methods This study analyzed data from retrospective reviews of the medical records of nonobese adults receiving the aminoglycoside gentamicin and having ≥2 evaluable serum gentamicin concentrations after laboratory IDMS SCr conversion, from January 2008 to August 2009, at a tertiary care hospital in Florida. A literature search found a number of cited aminoglycoside models. This group of models was classified as group 1. The World Wide Web was also searched for the term aminoglycoside dosing calculators, with 6 models found and referred to as group 2. Predictive performance measures were used to compare the model results with the t ½ calculated from gentamicin concentrations using the Nelder-Mead algorithm. Results The records of 39 patients met the inclusion criteria (23 men, 16 women; age range, 18–86 years; range of estimated CrCl, 55–115 mL/min) and provided the "gold standard" aminoglycoside t ½ . A gentamicin t ½ was predicted from several published models (group 1) and from other models used in online smart-device applications (group 2) and clinical decision modules. The median (interquartile range) root mean square errors were 0.48 (0.44 to 0.65) and 0.48 (0.45 to 0.70) hours from group-1 and -2 models, respectively. The median mean relative prediction errors were 9% (−14% to +13%) and 11% (+1% to +21%) from groups 1 and 2. The median mean absolute prediction errors were 21% (19% to 28%) and 21% (20% to 30%) from groups 1 and 2. Adjusting SCr by +20% improved the predictive ability in 3 of 12 cited models and in 5 of 6 models used in applications. Conclusions Models to predict gentamicin t ½ should be externally validated at one's institution before use. The findings from the present study provide a framework for conducting external validation.
Isothermal titration calorimetry reveals differential binding thermodynamics of variable region-identical antibodies differing in constant region for a univalent ligand.

The classical view of immunoglobulin molecules posits two functional domains defined by the variable (V) and constant (C) regions, which are responsible for antigen binding and antibody effector functions, respectively. These two domains are thought to function independently. However, several lines of evidence strongly suggest that C region domains can affect the specificity and affinity of an antibody for its antigen (Ag), independent of avidity-type effects. In this study, we used isothermal titration calorimetry to investigate the thermodynamic properties of the interactions of four V region-identical monoclonal antibodies with a univalent peptide antigen. Comparison of the binding of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 with a 12-mer peptide mimetic of Cryptococcus neoformans polysaccharide revealed a stoichiometry of 1.9–2.0 with significant differences in thermodynamic binding parameters. Binding of this peptide to the antibodies was dominated by favorable entropy. The interaction of these antibodies with biotinylated peptides manifested greater enthalpy than for native peptides indicating that biotin labeling affected the types of Ag-Ab complexes formed. Our results provide unambiguous thermodynamic evidence for the notion that the C region can affect the interaction of the V region with an Ag.
Simulations of the millimeter-wave interferometric signature of walking humans

This paper presents simulated responses of a millimeter-wave interferometric sensor to a walking human. The sensor measures the angular velocity of moving objects and can provide detection and measurement capability in cases when the radial velocity of an object is low. Coupled with a radar micro-Doppler measurement, the interferometric sensor allows the measurement of the signature of a moving human regardless of the trajectory. Simulated signatures from a 30 GHz sensor of a walking human are shown, and the responses due to the arms and legs are isolated. The signatures have similar characteristics to micro-Doppler signatures, and may provide a method of detection and classification of humans.
El abordaje ecoguiado disminuye la tasa de complicaciones locales en el tratamiento percutáneo de los aneurismas aórticos

La experiencia previa en la correccion percutanea de aneurismas aorticos ha identificado la obesidad morbida y el empleo de introductores de gran tamano (≥ 20F) como factores asociados a complicaciones del cierre del abordaje percutaneo. Tratamos de evaluar el impacto del abordaje femoral ecoguiado mediante el calculo de las tasas de exito tecnico, conversion a correccion femoral abierta y de complicaciones relacionadas con el abordaje. Se realizo una revision retrospectiva de una base de datos formada de forma prospectiva. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes consecutivos sometidos al cierre percutaneo mediante un dispositivo de cierre con suturas de un abordaje con introductores de gran calibre (> 12F). La cohorte se estratifico en dos grupos en funcion de la tecnica de abordaje, abordaje femoral percutaneo estandar y abordaje femoral ecoguiado. Se evaluaron las variables de los pacientes, y la valoracion de los resultados incluyo el exito tecnico, la necesidad de conversion a correccion abierta, y las complicaciones relacionadas con el abordaje. Se registraron solamente las conversiones relacionadas con la tecnica de cierre del abordaje. Durante el periodo del estudio, 88 pacientes consecutivos fueron sometidos al cierre percutaneo de 152 abordajes con introductores de gran calibre tras el tratamiento endovascular de un aneurisma. No se observaron diferencias en la proporcion de pacientes con obesidad morbida (indice de masa corporal > 35 kg/m2) entre ambas cohortes. Las complicaciones relacionadas con el abordaje se redujeron de forma significativa en el grupo de pacientes con abordaje ecoguiado. A pesar del bajo perfil de complicaciones con la guia ecografica, el abordaje se realizo con introductores ≥ 20F en 24 casos (41%) en comparacion con solamente 21 (24%) en el grupo de abordaje estandar (p
Cancer chemoprevention by aliphatic selenocyanates: effect of chain length on inhibition of mammary tumors and DMBA adducts

The objective of this study was to examine the anticarcinogenic activity of a series of aliphatic selenocyanates with increasing length of the carbon side chain, CH3-(CH2)n-SeCN, in which n = 0, 2, 4 or 6. Their ability to prevent mammary cancer was evaluated during the initiation phase using the rat 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) model. Each compound was added to the diet at a final concentration of 2 p.p.m. Se and was given from 2 weeks before to 1 week after DMBA administration. Analysis of the tumor data suggested the following order of chemopreventive potency for this series of aliphatic selenocyanates: heptyl approximately pentyl > propyl > methyl. Thus it appears that the length of the carbon side chain is a determinant in modulating the efficacy of these selenium homologs. In vivo results of total DMBA binding and adduct formation in the mammary cells showed a similar trend of progressive reductions following treatment by selenocyanates with increasing length of the alkyl side chain. These studies strongly indicate that aliphatic selenocyanates are effective blocking agents in the DMBA model and are capable of modulating events in the initiation phase of mammary carcinogenesis.
GRAND ROUNDS IN CHILD PSYCHIATRY: Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity and the Dopamine Hypothesis: Case Presentations With Theoretical Background

Stimulant medication has been used for a longer period and more frequently by far than any other psychoactive drug in childhood psychiatric disorders. Its efficacy and many of its side effects are well documented and part of the clinical experience of most if not all child and adolescent psychiatrists. However, there is always more to learn, and this is the first report in the literature of self-mutilating biting behavior as an adverse effect of therapeutic, albeit high-side, dosage levels of methylphenidate in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADDH). The presentation of these four cases provides a springboard for the discussion of the theories of the pathophysiology of ADDH with a particular emphasis on the dopamine hypothesis. Although the major focus is on evidence in support of the hypothesis, the discussants make it clear that the hypothesis is controversial, far from agreed upon, and that there are alternative theories. These cases and their clinical and theoretical implications bear careful attention by all those who evaluate and treat children with ADDH.
KINETICS OF DIESEL NANOPARTICLE OXIDATION

The technique of high-temperature oxidation tandem differential mobility analysis has been applied to the study of diesel nanoparticle oxidation. The oxidation rates in air of diesel nanoparticles sampled directly from the exhaust stream of a medium-duty diesel engine were measured over the temperature range of 800−1140 °C using online aerosol techniques. Three particle sizes (40, 90, and 130 nm mobility diameter) generated under engine load conditions of 10, 50, and 75% were investigated. The results show significant differences in the behavior of the 10% load particles as compared to the 50 and 75% load particles. The 10% load particles show greater size decrease at temperatures below 500 °C and significant size decrease at temperatures between 500 and 1000 °C in a non-oxidative environment, indicating release of adsorbed volatile material or thermally induced rearrangement of the agglomerate structure. Activation energies determined are 114, 109, and 108 kJ mol-1 for the 10, 50, and 75% load particles,...
Leadership qualities of occupational therapy department program directors and the organizational health of their departments.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the leadership of occupational therapy program directors, the organizational health of their departments, and the relationships between them. METHOD The Organizational Health Assessment was used to determine how 65 directors of accredited occupational therapy programs and 185 members of occupational therapy faculties perceived their departments' organizational health. Additionally, faculty members were surveyed for their perceptions of their program directors' leadership via the Leader Behavior Questionnaire. RESULTS Both director and faculty respondents rated their departments high in organizational health. Faculty respondents rated the overall leadership of directors as average. The overall relationship between leadership and organizational health was strong (r = .97). CONCLUSION Both leadership and organizational health are evident in academic occupational therapy programs. Their relationship suggests that the programs have the components that are needed for the achievement of organizational goals, which, in turn, should positively affect occupation therapy education.
Functional preference of the constituent amino acid residues in a phage-library-based nonphosphorylated inhibitor of the Grb2-SH2 domain.

A nonphosphorylated disulfide-bridged peptide, cyclo(Cys-Glu1-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Asn-Val-Gly-Met-Tyr9-Cys)-amide (termed G1) has been identified, by phage library, that binds to the Grb2-SH2 domain but not the src SH2 domain. Synthetic G1 blocks the Grb2-SH2 domain association (IC50 of 15.5 microM) with natural phosphopeptide ligands. As a new structural motif that binds to the Grb2-SH2 domain in a pTyr-independent manner, the binding affinity of G1 is contributed by the highly favored interactions of its structural elements interacting with the binding pocket of the protein. These interactions involve side-chains of amino acids Glu1, Tyr3, Glu4, Asn5, and Met8. Also a specific conformation is required for the cyclic peptide when bound to the protein. Ala scanning within G1 and molecular modeling analysis suggest a promising model in which G1 peptide binds in the phosphotyrosine binding site of the Grb2-SH2 domain in a beta-turn-like conformation. Replacement of Tyr3 or Asn5 with Ala abrogates the inhibitory activity of the peptide, indicating that G1 requires a Y-X-N consensus sequence similar to that found in natural pTyr-containing ligands, but without Tyr phosphorylation. Significantly, the Ala mutant of Glu1, i.e. the amino acid N-terminal to Y3, remarkably reduces the binding affinity. The position of the Glu1 side-chain is confirmed to provide a complementary role for pTyr3, as demonstrated by the low micromolar inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.02 microM) of the nonphosphorylated peptide 11, G1(Gla1), in which Glu1 was replaced by gamma-carboxy-glutamic acid (Gla).
Radical prostatectomy: Positive surgical margins matter

Abstract Objective A positive surgical margin (PSM) in the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen is associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and the need for adjuvant radiation therapy, and is a surrogate for surgical quality. We review the available data describing the identification, anatomy, and management of PSM after RP. Methods A PubMed search (using English language as a filter) was performed to identify factors affecting PSMs and their management. Results PSMs are associated with an increased likelihood of BCR after RP. The most common location for a PSM is the apex, followed by the posterolateral edge of the prostate. The risk of recurrence in a patient with a PSM is associated with the location, length, and Gleason score of the PSM. The management of a patient with a PSM remains controversial, with some recommending adjuvant radiation therapy for all PSMs and others suggesting only salvage radiation therapy for men who experience BCR. Conclusions PSMs are associated with an increased likelihood of BCR and often result in initiation of adjuvant treatment. Therefore, the goal of surgery should be to minimize the likelihood of a PSM.
Iron Mössbauer spectra of lava from Jeju island and its similarities to Moon basalts

We report the result of measurements of the57Fe Mossbauer spectrum for powder samples of lava taken from four widely separated sites on Jeju island. The spectra consist of well defined quadrupole doublets having a 2+ charge state and indicate the presence of olivine, clinopyroxene, and ilmenite. In addition we find a six line magnetically split hyperfine pattern characteristic of impure hematite, with considerable line broadening and reduced internal field. The observed spectra have a remarkable similarity to those found for moon basalts. A recently popularized “collision ejection” model for the moon formation would be consistent with our observations. The data is a particularly simple and direct illustration of the well-known fact that the iron silicates and ilmenite found on the moon are very similar in composition and relative abundance to that found on earth.
Retroviral Vector Targeting to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Cells by Receptor Pseudotyping

We report the generation of retroviral vectors based on Moloney murine leukemia virus that specifically transduce cells infected with T-cell-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This vector was pseudotyped with T-cell-tropic HIV-1 receptors CD4 and CXCR4. We demonstrate that transduction is contingent upon HIV-1 gp120 and gp41 expression.
Quantitative video microscopy of patch clamped membranes stress, strain, capacitance, and stretch channel activation

Membrane patches from chick skeletal muscle were stretched by applying controlled suction or pressure to the pipette. From images of the patch, the patch dimensions (area and radius of curvature) were computed by nonlinear regression of the images to a geometric model. With no applied pressure, patch membranes are nearly planar and normal to the wall of the pipette. With increasing pressure gradients, the patch bulges, the radius of curvature decreases, and the area increases. The patch capacitance changes in exact proportion to the change in area at a rate of 0.7 microF/cm2. The increase in area is due to a flow of lipid (with perhaps small amounts of diffusible protein) along the walls of the pipette into the patch. The flow is reversible with a relaxation of the pressure gradient. The area elastic constant of the membrane is approximately 50 dyn/cm, insensitive to cytochalasin B and probably represents the elasticity of the underlying spectrin/dystrophin network. Simultaneous measurements of stretch activated (SA) ion channel activity in the patch showed that the sensitivity of channels from different patches, although different when calculated as a function of applied pressure, was the same when calculated as a function of tension. Because patch lipid is free to flow, and hence stress-free in the steady state, SA channels must be activated by tension in the cytoskeleton.
Near-field flow and flame dynamics of LOX/methane shear-coaxial injector under supercritical conditions

Abstract The mixing and combustion of liquid oxygen (LOX) and gaseous methane of a shear coaxial injector operating under supercritical pressures have been numerically investigated. The near-field flow and flame dynamics are examined in depth, with emphasis placed on the flame-stabilization mechanisms. The model accommodates the full conservation laws and real-fluid thermodynamics and transport phenomena over the entire range of fluid states of concern. The injector flowfield is characterized by the evolution of the three mixing layers originating from the trailing edges of the two concentric tubes of the injector. As a consequence of the strong inertia of the oxygen stream and light density of methane, a diffusion-dominated flame is anchored in the wake of the LOX post and propagates downstream along the boundary of the oxygen stream. The large-scale vortices shedding from the outer rim of the LOX postengulf methane into the wake recirculation region to react with gasified oxygen. The frequencies of vortex shedding match closely those of the flow over a rear-facing step, mainly due to the large density disparity between LOX and gaseous methane. The effects of the momentum-flux ratio of the two streams are also examined. A higher-momentum methane stream enhances mixing and shortens the potential cores of both the LOX and methane jets.
A Chemical and Biological Study of Acylated Egg White

Egg white treated with acetic and succinic anhydride was evaluated chemically and biologically. Lyophilized albumen contained 4.9% moisture and 82.0–85.8% protein. Acetylation blocked 64 and 68% total and epsilon amino groups while sucdnylatkm blocked 52% total and 55% epsilon amino groups, respectively. The in vitro multi-enzyme technique for evaluating protein digestibility indicated that untreated and treated egg white both were about 80% digestible. Weight gain of chicks fed acylated egg white as the sole source of dietary protein was significantly less than that of chicks fed the control. Chick mortaility observed during the bioassays was attributed to a sodium and chloride imbalance in the diets.
Mediators of a smoking cessation intervention for persons living with HIV/AIDS

Background Cigarette smoking among persons living with HIV (PLWH) is a pressing public health concern, and efforts to evaluate cessation treatments are needed. The purpose of the present study was to assess potential mechanisms of a cell phone-delivered intervention for HIV-positive smokers.
Ceramics models in the MESA codes

Abstract We have implemented two ceramics models into the MESA Eulerian finite difference hydrocodes and evaluated them by comparing code predictions of the free surface velocity as a function of time to data for one-dimensional flyer plate impacts and to free surface velocity data for the penetration of subscale tungsten rods into ceramic plates. Results were obtained for silicon carbide, boron carbide, alumina, titanium diboride, and for a base calculation using a steel plate
Three dimensional interactive graphic display program for Michigan SAP (MSAP)

Abstract To extend the usefulness of the Michigan Structural Analysis Program (MSAP), a computer graphics program called MSAPLOT has been developed. Using MSAP input data it plots line, plane and 3-D objects in isometric form as well as their orthotropic projection. MSAPLOT allows the user of MSAP to accomplish the following: (1) Check visually on the screen the correctness of the input data of the model being studied. (2) View the deformed structure. (3) Produce an ink drawing through the CalComp plotter. (4) Draw pictures of any object following input format of MSAP. Note that MSAPLOT is equally applicable to all input data of SOLID SAP and to most of SAP IV. Static analysis mode and cartesian coordinates are needed for the latter.
Intergenotypic chimeric hepatitis E viruses (HEVs) with the genotype 4 human HEV capsid gene in the backbone of genotype 3 swine HEV are infectious in pigs.

Genotypes 1 and 2 hepatitis E virus (HEV) infect only humans whereas genotypes 3 and 4 HEV infect both humans and pigs. To evaluate the mechanism of cross-species HEV infection between humans and swine, in this study we constructed five intergenotypic chimeric viruses and tested for their infectivity in vitro and in pigs. We demonstrated that chimeric viruses containing the ORF2 capsid gene either alone or in combination with its adjacent 5′ junction region (JR) and 3′ noncoding region (NCR) from a genotype 4 human HEV in the backbone of a genotype 3 swine HEV are replication-competent in Huh7 cells and infectious in HepG2/C3A cells and in pigs, and thus supporting the hypothesis that genotypes 3 and 4 human HEV are of swine origin. However, chimeric viruses containing the JR+ORF2+3′ NCR of genotypes 3 or 4 HEV in the backbone of genotype 1 human HEV failed to infect pigs, suggesting that other genomic regions such as 5′ NCR and ORF1 may also be involved in HEV cross-species infection. The results from this study provide the first experimental evidence of the exchangeability of the capsid gene between genotype 3 swine HEV and genotype 4 human HEV, and have important implications for understanding the mechanism of HEV cross-species infection.
A Catheter Flow Probe for Measurement of Left Ventricular Source Parameters

A balloon-tip electromagnetic velocity flow probe was used to measure source pressure Pg and zero-load aortic flow Qs in seven mongrel dogs before and after coronary artery ligation, where Qs is the expected aortic flow at zero aortic input impedance and Pg is the expected left ventricular pressure for the open-circuit condition of the equivalent model of the left ventricle. The source parameters Pg and Qs were measured by two types of flow probes (cuff-type and catheter-tip flow probe). The source parameters measured by the cuff-type flow probe are designated by Pg and Qs, and Pgv and Vs are source parameters measured by the catheter probe. The correlation coefficient between the mean values of Pg and Pgv was 0.83 in 47 measurements, and correlation between Q5 and Vs was 0.64. After coronary artery ligation, Qs, Pg, Pgj,, and Vs decreased by 35.9, 19.87, 16.67, and 2.6 percent, respectively. A change of 10 to 30 percent in aortic input resistance could be produced by balloon inflation in two consecutive heartbeats. This paper presents a new application of a catheter flow probe for diagnosis of cardiac pump performance during catheterization procedures.
Oxidation of phenylpyruvate by sweetclover peroxidase

Abstract Sweetclover (Melilotus alba Desr.) contains a soluble enzyme which oxidizes phenylpyruvate with the addition of either a natural cofactor or Mn2+ and dichlorophenol. The final product of oxidation has not been identified. Phenylpyruvate oxidation is catalyzed also by horseradish peroxidase, and the oxidation is enhanced by the natural cofactor from sweetclover or Mn2+ and dichlorophenol. After fractionation of sweetclover homogenates by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, two peaks of peroxidase activity (pyrogallol as substrate) are apparent; both peaks also oxidize phenyl[yruvate. A third peak, specific for phenylpyruvate oxidation, also is apparent. The Cu/cu and B/b allelic pairs, which influence phenolic metabolism in sweetclover have little, if any, influence on peroxidase activity. An autoxidation of phenylpyruvate occurs at high Mn2+ concentrations.
Photochemical Triggering of the Bergman and Myers–Saito Cyclizations

Two strategies for the photochemical generation of reactive enediyne compounds and their subsequent cycloaromatization to p-benzyne or α,3-didehydrotoluene derivatives are discussed in this account. The first method employs a photo-Wolff reaction of stable 11- or 12-membered ring precursor enediynes containing the 2-diazo-1,3-diketone moiety. Irradiation of these compounds results in ring contraction and the formation of two isomeric enediynes possessing an enolized β-ketoester fragment. One of the isomers undergoes the conventional Bergman cyclization, whereas the other isomerizes into the enyne-allene tautomer, which rapidly cyclizes via a Myers–Saito mechanism. The second strategy consists of replacing the triple bond in a cyclic enediyne or enyne-allene structure with a cyclopropenone group, rendering them thermally stable. Photolysis of cyclopropenones results in efficient decarbonylation and the regeneration of a triple bond, restoring the enediyne π-system. The generation of reactive enediynes by non-resonant two-photon excitation using wavelengths within a ‘phototherapeutic window’ was also demonstrated. Photogenerated enediynes show significant nuclease activity, efficiently inducing single-strand dDNA cleavage.
Anomalous shear ultrasonic attenuation peak at 95.5°K in holmium†☆

Abstract An anomalous attenuation peak at 95.5°K has been observed for shear ultrasonic waves transmitted along the c -axis of two holmium single crystals. The velocity change across this temperature is on the order of 10 −4 . In the presence of an external magnetic field, the peak moves toward high temperatures for both H ∥ a and H ∥ c . A rotation of the field in the basal plane produces a two-fold symmetry pattern in the attenuation. A double peak structure centered at the c -plane has also been observed when the field is rotated away from the a -axis. A considerable fraction of the attenuation peak appears to go as sin 2 θ where θ is the angle between the shear wave polarization and the external field.
CpG oligonucleotides partially inhibit growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but not Salmonella or Listeria, in human monocyte-derived macrophages

Immunostimulatory DNA sequences and their synthetic oligonucleotide analogs (CpG-ODN) activate innate immunity and can stimulate antibacterial effects against numerous intracellular pathogens. While it has been shown previously that CpG-ODN inhibit growth of Mycobacterium avium in murine and human macrophages, we now report that Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth can be inhibited by CpG-ODN treatment of human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDM). This inhibitory effect was reversed by IFN-γ, which has been shown repeatedly to enhance the growth of virulent M. tuberculosis in cultured hMDM. The antibacterial effect of CpG-ODN in human macrophages was specific for M. tuberculosis when compared to other intracellular pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin. These data indicate that CpG-ODN can improve the ability of hMDM to contain growth of virulent M. tuberculosis.
Testing of the MESSENGER spacecraft phased-array antenna

The MESSENGER spacecraft, designed to orbit the planet Mercury, uses the first electronically scanned phased-array antenna for a deep-space telecommunication application. Two lightweight phased arrays, mounted on opposite sides of the spacecraft, provide the high-gain downlink coverage. Techniques for measurement of the phased-array antenna system include ambient temperature measurements in a compact antenna range, thermal vacuum testing, and spacecraft-level testing. There have been two novel developments in the characterization of the phased-array system. The first is a "gain envelope" response, which is a measurement of the gain of the array at the intended scan angle as the array is electrically scanned in 1/spl deg/ increments. This response was produced through a combination of hardware and test software to synchronize the gain measurement with the mechanical and electrical scanning. The second is a phase-steering verification test that utilizes couplers in each steered element in conjunction with previously measured element patterns to confirm that the antenna beam is steered property. This method allows functional verification of the phased-array system while radiating into an RF-absorber-lined hat during spacecraft-level tests.
The variation and evolution of selected species of solanum section basarthrum

A study of greenhouse-grown and field populations ofSolarium caripense Humboldt & Bonpland ex Dunal,S. tabanoense Correll, andS. trachycarpum Bitter & Sodiro, all diploid species (n = 12) of high altitudes of southern Central America and northern South America, revealed great morphological variation. Polygonographs utilizing seven characters (number of leaflets, leaf index, length of pubescence, number of flowers, anther length, corolla index, and pollen diameter) showed a wide range of variation and led to recognition of six morphologically distinct groups. Hybridizations with greenhouse populations showed that five of the morphological groups are reproductively isolated as well. A complex pattern of genetic variation involving various degrees and combinations of low crossing success, low seed set, lowered F1 pollen fertility, and nonreciprocal crossability was found. Examinations of meiotic figures from hybrids revealed no gross chromosomal structural differences. Evidence indicates that genetic differences, including gene-cytoplasm interactions, are significant isolating barriers. A key to the species studied plus appropriate taxonomic notes are provided.Solanum heiseri is described as new, andS. trachycarpum is placed inS. sect.Basarthrum seriesCaripensia.
Considerations in the comparison of cemented and cementless total hip prostheses

Abstract Based on conservative models of the revision rates for cemented and uncemented hip arthroplasties, the required number of patients for a study to show significant uncemented superiority was determined using standard statistical techniques. A review of the literature was done to ascertain the revision rates for cemented total hip arthroplasties. Patients with osteoarthritis who were older than 50 years had an average revision rate of 1% per year, while those younger than 50 years had revision rates in excess of 2% per year. Specific conditions of the hip were also associated with increased failure rates, most notably the implantation of a revision arthroplasty for a previously failed total hip arthroplasty. Assuming that the uncemented hip had a long-term revision rate of 0.5% per year and an early lack of biologic fixation in 1% of patients, it was found that a 5-year study would have to include at least 2,800 patients (1,400 in each group) if the study population had a cemented failure rate of 1% per year and a total of 230 patients in those having a cemented failure rate of 2% per year. The patients needed for a 10-year evaluation would be 700 and less than 100, respectively. Altering the long- or short-term revision rate for uncemented total hip arthroplasty had relatively little effect on the study size. This analysis indicates that a comparison study would be best done in patients who have high failure rates with cemented total hip arthroplasties. Multicenter trials involving younger patients or those undergoing revision surgery are ideally suited for such an investigation
Development of Vegetation and Surface Fuels Following Fire Hazard Reduction Treatment

In dry western Unites States forests where past resource management has altered the ecological role of fire and stand characteristics alike, mechanical thinning and prescribed burning are commonly applied in wildfire hazard abatement. The reduced surface fuel loads and stand structures resulting from fuels modifications are temporary, yet few studies have assessed the lifespan of treatment effects. We sampled forest fuels and vegetation following fuels reduction in a chronosequence of time since treatment in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade regions of California. Treatments altered overstory characteristics including stand density, basal area, and species composition. These effects were still present on the oldest treatment sites (8–15 years post-treatment). Other stand characteristics, particularly timelag fuel loads, seedling density, and shrub cover, exhibited substantial variability, and differences between treatment age classes and between treatment and control groups were not statistically significant.