cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Environmentally Friendly Polymers by Inverse Gas Chromatography: II, Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)

The surface thermodynamics of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHBA) as a biodegradable polymer, was characterized using the inverse gas chromatography method. Gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry method was also used to measure the molar mass, polydispersity, glass and melting temperatures. Twenty-seven solutes (solvents) with different families having a variety of chemical natures were used to measure the strength of the interaction forces of these solutes with PHBA. All these solutes showed an endothermic interactions which varied from one family to another. All families showed a chemical dependence on the interaction coefficients, a successful correction was used to eliminate the chemical dependence which resulted in exothermic interactions. Retention diagrams of all solvents showed no crystallinity occurred at the temperature range used. The molar heat of sorption of all solutes was measured from the retention diagrams ranged from − 19.41 for acetone to − 90.38 kJ/mol for cyclohexane. The dispersive component of the surface energy of PHBA was measured using alkanes which ranged from 24.42 mJ/m2 at 80 °C to 13.94 mJ/m2 at 120 °C. The decrease in surface energy attributed to the weakening of the surface at a higher temperature due to the melt and expansion of the surface.
A learning approach for incorporation of imperfect knowledge in decision support system design

This paper discusses the decision support system design problem with a finite set of multiattributed alternatives and imperfect knowledge about: the decision situation structural model, about the impacts of alternative courses of action, and about the value perspectives of the decisionmakers. "Imperfect" knowledge refers to available information that may be imprecise relative to the degree of refinement with which the assessment is made, ambiguous in the sense of giving rise to inconsistencies with principles and laws of an assumed decision situation model, and incomplete in that otherwise needed elements are missing. Principles for analyzing decision problems with imprecise and incomplete information are presented for the case of outcome certainty. Extensions of this, for cases involving risk, are proposed. A procedure based on these results is developed to rank the set of alternatives. It can be formulated as a set of linear programming problems. Knowledge of the functional form of the utility function such as whether it is multilinear or additive, or equivalent independence conditions on the set of attributes such as preferential independence or mutual preferential independence, are not necessary for implementation of the resulting algorithms. The amount of information needed is reduced when some knowledge of these conditions is available. These results are analogous to well known results in multiattribute utility theory in which precise and complete information is required. A decision support systems design methodology, that has implications for the knowledge base management subsystem and the model base management subsystem, results. The decision support design problem is formulated as a learning process in which the decisionmaker is encouraged to successively improve understanding of the decision situation, and adopt value judgements accordingly. Inconsistencies in the knowledge base are, for the most, the result of biases and inadequate heuristics that are used in the acquisition and representation of information. Extensions of existing methods and new approaches to identify, avoid, and resolve inconsistencies are discussed.
Comprehensive behavioral and biochemical outcomes of novel murine models of GM1-gangliosidosis and Morquio syndrome type B.

Abstract Deficiencies in the lysosomal hydrolase β-galactosidase (β-gal) lead to two distinct diseases: the skeletal disease Morquio syndrome type B, and the neurodegenerative disease GM1-gangliosidosis. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, the mouse β-gal encoding gene, Glb1, was targeted to generate both models of β-gal deficiency in a single experiment. For Morquio syndrome type B, the common human missense mutation W273L (position 274 in mice) was introduced into the Glb1 gene (Glb1W274L), while for GM1-gangliosidosis, a 20 bp mutation was generated to remove the catalytic nucleophile of β-gal (β-gal−/−). Glb1W274L mice showed a significant reduction in β-gal enzyme activity (8.4–13.3% of wildtype), but displayed no marked phenotype after one year. In contrast, β-gal−/− mice were devoid of β-gal enzyme activity (≤1% of wildtype), resulting in ganglioside accumulation and severe cellular vacuolation throughout the central nervous system (CNS). β-gal−/− mice also displayed severe neuromotor and neurocognitive dysfunction, and as the disease progressed, the mice became emaciated and succumbed to the disease by 10 months of age. Overall, in addition to generating a novel murine model that phenotypically resembles GM1-gangliosidosis, the first model of β-galactosidase deficiency with residual enzyme activity has been developed.
Myotomy-First Approach to Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticula.

Introduction: Epiphrenic esophageal diverticula are typically treated with concurrent cardiomyotomy and diverticulectomy. However, resection of these diverticula can be technically difficult and associated with significant morbidity with a staple line leak rate ranging up to 27%. For this reason, and because the diverticulum is secondary to a primary esophageal motility disorder such as achalasia, we decided to adopt a laparoscopic myotomy-first strategy, reserving the diverticulectomy for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms. Methods: From 2004 to 2018, 22 patients with epiphrenic diverticula were treated by laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication alone, with the plan to add the diverticulectomy as a second stage if needed. There were 13 women and 9 women, with a mean age of 68 years. Results: Patients had been symptomatic for an average of 36 months. The most common presenting symptom was dysphagia (91%), followed by regurgitation (77%). More than half of the diverticula were solitary and on the right side. Esogphagoscopy ruled out cancer. Esophageal manometry (18 patients) showed achalasia in 14 patients, nutcracker esophagus in 3 patients, and nonspecific motility disorder in 1 patient. There were no perioperative complications, and average length of stay was 2.5 days. At a mean follow-up of 68 months, dysphagia resolved in 77% and regurgitation in 86% of patients. Three patients had persistent symptoms: 2 patients underwent a transthoracic diverticulectomy (1 patient with resolution of symptoms and 1 patient with no improvement). Another patient had per oral endoscopic myotomy, but his dysphagia persisted. Conclusions: The laparoscopic myotomy-first approach reduces risk and unnecessary surgery. A laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication provide excellent resolution of symptoms for most, whereasonly a few will need a staged resection of the diverticulum.
Effects of Transparency and Controller Type on Performance in A Multi-Layer Display:

Augmented reality application development faces the challenge of balancing key information visualization with user’s cognitive constraints. Virtual Reality Rehab, Inc. is developing an application ...
PENAFSIRAN TEKS MAZMUR 91 YANG BENAR DALAM MEREFLEKSIKAN PERISTIWA PANDEMI COVID-19

ABSTRAK - Mazmur 91 sering dipilih sebagai salah satu rujukan orang percaya untuk memohon perlindungan kepada Allah terhadap Covid-19. Mazmur 91 memang menggaungkan perlindungan dan keselamatan total kepada mereka yang mengikuti syarat yang terkandung di dalam pasal tersebut. Permasalahan timbul ketika cara penafsiran teks Mazmur 91 yang tidak tepat. Penafsiran yang keliru dapat membuat orang percaya merasa diri kebal terhadap sakit- penyakit maupun menjadi tidak percaya atau ragu terhadap janji Tuhan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan metode grounded theory. Penelitian ini membandingkan penafsiran receptive history , struktural dan kanonikal serta Kristologis untuk menghasilkan penafsiran Mazmur 91 yang tepat. Penelitian ini berhasil menemukan penafsiran Mazmur 91 harus diarahkan kepada kebergantungan kepada Tuhan yang mengizinkan masa sulit terjadi. Dengan demikian, Mazmur 91 dapat menjadi rujukan dalam doa pada masa pandemi Covid-19. Kata kunci: Mazmur 91, Penafsiran, COVID-19 ABSTRACT – Psalm 91 is often chosen as one of the references of believers to seek God's protection against Covid-19. Psalm 91 often being choosen by believer to ask for protection from Covid-19. Psalm 91 truly offered promises of protection, safety, and assurance to the people who follow the rule in the teks. The problem arose when Psalm 91 intrepreted in a wrong way. Wrong interpretation from Psalm 91 could make believer feels invincible from disease or doubt to the promise the promises did not match with the reality around them: believers and even pastors contracted the disease and some of them passed away due to the disease. This could create a form of distrust and doubt God’s promise. This research used a qualitative approach and grounded theory method. This research compared receptive history intrepretation, structural and canonic interpretation, also Christological interpretation. This reseach found that the correct way to interpret Psalm 91 is directed to dependency on God who allow this hard time happen. Thus, Psalm 91 can be reference in pray on Covid-19 pandemic period. Keyword :, Psalm 91, Interpretation, COVID-19.
COX-2 Overexpression in Schneiderian Papillomas:

BackgroundSchneiderian papillomas (SP) are aggressive sinonasal tumors that occasionally extend into areas that are surgically unresectable.Objectiveevaluate the signifcance of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (C...
Shoulder adhesive capsulitis in cancer patients undergoing positron emission tomography - computed tomography and the association with shoulder pain

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis in cancer patients undergoing positron emission tomography - computed tomography and the association with shoulder pain
Religious and Spiritual Experiences

Preface Acknowledgements 1. Exploring a strange yet familiar landscape: a strategy for interpreting religious and spiritual experiences 2. Spirituality and the brain: a revolutionary scientific approach to religious and spiritual experiences 3. A smorgasbord of dangers and delights: the phenomenology of religious and spiritual experiences 4. Gateway to ultimacy: the importance of intense experiences 5. Can you trust your instincts? The cognitive reliability of religious and spiritual experiences 6. The brain-group nexus: the social power of religious and spiritual experiences 7. Make it start, make it stop! Religious and spiritual experiences in the future 8. Brains in bodies, persons in groups, and religion in nature: an integrative interpretation of religious and spiritual experiences Glossary of key terms Works cited.
Abdominoperineale Proktosigmoidektomie bei Karzinom

Rektumkarzinom, invasives Karzinoid im unteren Rektum von uber 1,8 em Durchmesser, Analkarzinom nahe der Dentatalinie, groser als 1 cm im Durchmesser.
Cardiac Sympathetic Afferent Activation Provoked by Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion

Cardiac sympathetic afferents are known to reflexly activate the cardiovascular system, leading to increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and myocardial contractile function. During myocardial ischemia, these sensory nerves also transmit the sensation of pain (angina pectoris) and cause tachyarrhythmias. The authors' laboratory has been interested in defining the mechanisms of activation of this neural system during ischemia and reperfusion. During these periods, reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl radicals, are produced from the breakdown of purine metabolites and lead to stimulation of sympathetic (and vagal) ventricular chemosensitive nerve endings. For example, stimulation with hydrogen peroxide leads to a small reflex increase in blood pressure from the predominant sympathetic afferent activation that is reduced by simultaneous activation of cardiac vagal afferents (known to exert predominantly depressor reflexes). Central integration of these two opposing reflexes likely occurs at several regions of the brain stem, including the nucleus tractus solitarii, where neural occlusion occurs during simultaneous cardiac sympathetic and vagal-afferent stimulation. Activation of platelets also appears to play a role during myocardial ischemia, leading to local release of serotonin (5HT), which, through a 5HT3 mechanism, stimulates sympathetic afferents. Finally, regional changes in pH from lactic acid (but not hypercapnia), stimulate ventricular afferents and may activate kallikrein to increase bradykinin (BK), which, in turn, breaks down arachidonic acid to form prostaglandins. Prostaglandins sensitize cardiac sympathetic afferents to BK. Thus, stimulation of cardiac sympathetic afferents during ischemia and reperfusion and the resulting reflex events form a multifactorial process resulting from activation of a number of chemical pathways in the myocardium.
Inferring pathway dysregulation in cancers from multiple types of omic data

Although in some cases individual genomic aberrations may drive disease development in isolation, a complex interplay among multiple aberrations is common. Accordingly, we developed Gene Set Omic Analysis (GSOA), a bioinformatics tool that can evaluate multiple types and combinations of omic data at the pathway level. GSOA uses machine learning to identify dysregulated pathways and improves upon other methods because of its ability to decipher complex, multigene patterns. We compare GSOA to alternative methods and demonstrate its ability to identify pathways known to play a role in various cancer phenotypes. Software implementing the GSOA method is freely available from https://bitbucket.org/srp33/gsoa.
Isoform-specific induction of nuclear free calcium oscillations by platelet-derived growth factor

Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to analyze alterations in nuclear free calcium (Ca2+n) levels induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms in BALB/c3T3 fibroblasts loaded with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent indicator Fluo-3. Both AA-PDGF and BB-PDGF caused a transient increase in Ca2+n. Analysis of PDGF-induced Ca2+n alterations as a function of time revealed that BB-PDGF stimulation resulted in the generation of Ca2+n oscillations that diminished over time. The frequency of BB-PDGF-stimulated oscillations was modulated by extracellular Ca2+ and could not be mimicked by increasing intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate levels in the absence of growth factor stimulation. Caffeine alone had no effect on Ca2+n levels, but exposure of cells to caffeine after BB-PDGF stimulation augmented Ca2+n oscillations, either by increasing the frequency or reinitiating preexisting oscillations. The genesis of these oscillations in Ca2+n appears to be in the region just outside of the nucleus, as perinuclear cytoplasmic free calcium (Ca2+i) increased just prior to Ca2+n. In contrast, AA-PDGF stimulation resulted in the generation of one or two irregular, transient Ca2+n spikes. Caffeine pretreatment followed by AA-PDGF stimulation resulted in Ca2+n oscillations very similar to those produced by BB-PDGF alone. Additionally, the AA-PDGF and BB-PDGF isoforms appeared to modulate distinct pools of cellular Ca2+, as BB-PDGF was still capable of inducing Ca2+n oscillations subsequent to prior induction of oscillations by AA-PDGF/caffeine. These PDGF isoform-specific changes in nuclear free Ca2+ could serve as a mechanism by which isoform-specific cellular signaling pathways may be manifested by the growth factors.
A realistic, gradual and economical approach to fusion power

This article describes, in broad outline, a nuclear power plant that generates power by means of repetitive, low-yield explosions in an underground chamber. Such a plant can be built in the near future by using modest extensions of existing technology, and it could be economically competitive if certain parts of the cost are controlled. This is in contrast to magnetic and inertial confinement fusion, of which the technical and economic feasibility will remain highly uncertain for the foreseeable future. Technical improvements of the envisioned plant can be introduced gradually with corresponding reductions in cost of power production. With advancing technology, an increasingly larger fraction of the power can be extracted from fusion reactions, thus providing a smooth transition to a fusion-based economy. Eventually, pure (inertial) fusion schemes could be incorporated into the power plant in a natural way, thereby shortening the time required to achieve large-scale use of fusion power--possibly by decades. This article considers both the technical aspects of this route to fusion power and the relevant issues of public policy. 42 refs., 6 figs.
Spectroscopic studies of lewis acid--base complexes : IV. An infrared study of oriented single crystals and normal coordinate analyses of trimethylamine--boron halide adducts

Abstract A total of 19 isotopic species of various (CH 3 ) 3 NBX 3 complexes have been prepared and their IR spectra studied in the solid state in the region 40–4000 cm −1 . The isotopes involved are deuterium, boron-10, boron-11, and nitrogen-15 with X = F, CI, Br and I. C 3v symmetry has been preserved in all cases. Symmetry classifications of the fundamental molecular frequencies have been derived from polarized IR measurements on oriented single crystals in the range 250–4000 cm −1 . Errors and inconsistencies in previous studies have been resolved and revised vibrational assignments are proposed on the basis of the new data. Normal coordinate analyses have been carried out utilizing symmetry compliance constants without the assumption of point mass methyl groups. A common potential function containing 22 parameters for the A 1 class and 26 for the E class was utilized. The results support the proposed frequency assignments. B-N force constants obtained by inversion of the compliance matrices vary systematically from the chloro to the iodo complex. However, the B-N force constant for the fluoro complex falls between that for the chloro and bromo species; no systematic trend appears for the B-N compliance constants.
Intracerebral Inoculation of Rhesus Monkeys with a Strain of Measles Virus Isolated from a Case of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Measles virus isolated from the brain of a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis was injected intracerebrally (ic) into 34 rhesus monkeys. Groups of these animals were injected with measles antigen in Freund's complete adjuvant or treated by schedules used for suppression of the general or cell-mediated immune responsiveness. In another group of animals, experimental allergic encephalitis was induced parallel with measles infection. Measles virus was isolated from the brains of monkeys up to 13 days after ic inoculation. No virus was detected in the central nervous system after 3 to 4 weeks, the longest postinoculation period examined. It was concluded that the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis-derived virus either lost its neurotropic properties at the passage level at which it was used or that it submerged into a silent stage and escaped detection. Neither immunosuppression nor concomitant autoimmune encephalitis had an effect on the survival of measles virus in the central nervous system. The histology of the nervous tissue was basically normal except for characteristic lesions of experimental allergic encephalitis in animals receiving the respective treatment.
A fast time domain simulator for power electronic systems

A new power electronics circuit simulator is described. The simulator features a number of novel mathematical routines which result in fast and reliable operation. The simulator runs under DOS and uses extended and virtual memory management so that large circuits and/or long simulation runs can be handled. Integrated with the simulator are schematic capture and plotting facilities. A number of example power electronic circuits are simulated to demonstrate the capabilities of the simulator. >
Planning in India: Lessons from four decades of development experience

Abstract This paper argues that planning as practiced in India has in many respects failed to achieve national development objectives over the long term. Four different sets of factors can be identified as probably having contributed to this failure: (1) faulty premises and development strategies, (2) problematic and counterproductive implementation mechanisms, (3) the emergence of powerful interest groups that appropriate public resources and blocked needed policy reforms, and (4) the slowness to learn from experience and consequent lack of flexibility and adaptation. These forces were not mutually independent, and hence their relative importance is difficult to gauge precisely.
Analysis of accrual randomized clinical trials with balanced groups in strata

Abstract A frequent objective of treatment allocation in an accrual clinical trial is periodic balancing by means of group randomization (‘permuted blocks’) of the number of patients receiving each treatment within a stratum. For this design, data analysis based upon finite model randomization theory is formulated. A normal theory approximation of the exact randomization distribution is also proposed. Finally, the validity of this analysis is contrasted with that of a data analysis, apparently in common use, which ignores the periodic balance in the design.
Copyright protection of a work of industrial design

The Court of Florence retained jurisdiction over a case of industrial design infringement in which a cross-border injunction was granted to restrain the defendants from further distribution and sale of a work of design, including exporting, publishing, selling online, and abroad.
Calculation of the diffusion length, diffusion coefficient and lifetime of triplet excitons in crystalline tetracene

Abstract The recombination, or fusion, of triplet excitons (which are efficiently produced by singlet exciton fission at 300 °K) leads to an enhancement in the fluorescence quantum efficiency Φ at excitation light intensities I ≳ 1015 quanta-cm-2-sec-1 (366 and 436 nm wavelength). It is possible to fit a calculated Φ (I) curve to the experimental data if values of the triplet exciton lifetime τ = 4.6 × 10-6 sec, diffusion coefficient perpendicular to ab plane D⊥ab = 2.0 × 10-4cm2-sec-1, and diffusion length l⊥ >ab = 4.2 × 10-5 cm are used.
Science overview and status of the SIM project

This paper describes the broad goals and the current status of the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). SIM was endorsed in the 1990 decadal report of the Astronomy and Astrophysics survey committee of the National Research Council. The SIM mission would be the first long baseline interferometer in space. The goals of SIM represent not factors of two or three improvement in astronometric accuracy, but two to three orders of magnitude improvement. The current most accurate astrometric measurements are from the Hipparcos satellite launched by ESA in 1990. Hipparchos achieved slightly better than 1 milliarcsec global astrometric accuracy. SIM's goal is 4 microarcsec accuracy for global astrometry (for a nominal 5 yr mission) and 1 microarcsec for single measurement narrow angle accuracy. The narrow angle precision translates to the ability to measure the "wobble" of stars with an error of 0.14 uas, if the target is observed 50 times during the 5 year mission. The paper gives an overview of the type of scientific questions SIM will address, concentrating on the planet detection aspects of SIM.
Design of duplex Fe/X/0.1C steels for improved mechanical properties

The incorporation of the strong phase martensite as a load carrying constituent in a ductile ferrite matrix can strengthen composite steel alloys. Such duplex ferritic-martensitic (DFM) structures offer good combinations of strength and ductility as a useful method of strengthening plain, low-carbon steels. Earlier experimental work on DFM steels has primarily been concerned with the influence of the volume fraction or strength of the second phase (martensite) on mechanical properties. From the viewpoint that the mechanical properties of two phase materials in general are determined by the shape, distribution and properties of the individual phases, this paper reports on the design considerations for desirable DFM structures which in turn result in desirable mechanical properties. This work is based on an earlier report in which improvements in 1010 steels by duplex heat treatments alone were achieved.
An n to 2 n embedding of incomplete idempotent latin squares for small values of n

In 1983, necessary and sucient conditions were obtained for an incomplete idempotent latin square of order n to be embedded in an idempotent latin square of order 2n, providing n>16. In this paper we consider the case where n616. c 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of minimal eye contact in the instruction period on impressions of the experimenter

28 male and 28 female Ss were randomly assigned to two male Es and to two conditions of visual attention. The Es were presented on videotape reading task instructions, either by not looking up or by glancing toward the Ss on two specific occasions. Ss then completed a set of 18 rating scales giving their impressions of the E. The impression scales were reduced to seven orthogonal factors and factor scores were analyzed for variance due to Es, visual behavior, and sex of the S. Glancing toward Ss produced ratings of Es as less nervous (p < .05) and as less formal (p < .05). Rated differences in status between Es (p < .001) were independent of the effects of differential glancing. No effects of sex of the S were apparent. The impressions that were mediated by variations in the E's glancing were similar to those that were associated with E bias in previous research.
Correlation of Gene Expression and Genome Mutation in Single B-Cells

High-throughput measurement of gene-expression and immune receptor repertoires have recently become powerful tools in the study of adaptive immune response. However, despite their now-widespread use, both tend to discard cell identity by treating cell populations in bulk, and therefore lose the correlation between genetic variability and gene-expression at the single cell level. In order to recover this information, we developed a method to simultaneously measure gene expression profiles and genome mutations in single cells. We applied this method by quantifying the relationships between gene expression and antibody mutation in ensembles of individual B-cells from immunized mice. The results reveal correlations reflecting the manner in which information propagates between a B-cell’s antigen receptors, its gene expression, and its mutagenic machinery, and demonstrate the power of this approach to illuminate both heterogeneity and physiology in cell populations.
Membrane NADPH oxidase activity and cell size in bovine neonatal and adult neutrophils.

ABSTRACT: Neutrophils (PMN) from newborn calves generate significantly less superoxide anion (O2-) than do their adult counterparts after stimulation with direct protein kinase C agonists. To better understand this observation, we compared the activity and kinetics of NADPH oxidase in membrane fractions from phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimnlated adult and newborn PMN. After phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation, PMN were sonicated and the membranes assayed for O2- production with increasing concentrations of NADPH. O2- production was calclated 1 and 2 min after the begianing of the reaction. At all concentrations of NADPH ased, there was no difference (p > 0.05) in O2- production between adult (n = 8) and newborn (n = 9) PMN membrane preparations. Enzyme kinetics calculations revealed no differences (p > 0.05) between age groups in Km and Vmax or in the velocity of the reactions. Determination of the protein content in the membrane pellet, however, showed that adlut PMN yielded significiantly (p higher amounts of protein (2.82 ± 0.14 mg/ml) than did newborn PMN (1.78 ± 0.07 mg/mL). This difference could be partly attributed to cell size; flow cytometric analysis showed that newborn PMN had a significiantly (p < 0.01) smaller diameter (10.94 ± 0.07 μm), than did adult PMN (11.65 ± 0.06 μm), and calculated rell volumen and surface area were also both significantly less (p < 0.01) in newborn PMN. These data collectively showed that the observed difference in O2- production between newborn and adult bovine PMN stimulated with protein kinase C agonists was not due to a difference in the activity or the kinetics of the enzyme NADPH oxidase, and that PMN from newborn calves had a significantly smaller diameter, volume, and surface area than did adnlt PMN. These size differences could play a role in the O2- generating deficit of newborn bovine PMN.
Isolation and characterization of a 30 kDa membrane glycoprotein from human stratum corneum.

Abstract Using iodinated concanavalin A in conjunction with gel electrophoresis, we have identified a 30 kDa glycoprotein in the stratum corneum of human skin. We isolated this glycoprotein by extraction in nonionic detergent, affinity chromatography and preparative gel electrophoresis. It binds to concanavalin A but not to three other lectins. The purified glycoprotein migrates at 30 kDa whether or not reducing agents are present. It is rich in histidine and lysine, but lacks arginine, proline, tyrosine and methionine. It is clearly distinct from fillaggrin. We prepared a monospecific polyclonal antibody to this glycoprotein and localized it by immuno-histochemistry exclusively to the cell membrane of corneocytes. We postulate that the glycoprotein may play a role in the cohesion and desquamation of corneocytes.
Weight change after myocardial infarction--the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease patients (ENRICHD) experience.

Background The relationship of changes in weight to outcomes in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial. Methods From the ENRICHD trial data, we assessed weight change, and the associations of baseline weight and change at follow-up with outcomes and interactions between psychosocial factors. Results At baseline, 73.6% of patients (n = 1706) were overweight or obese; 134 patients had body mass index of ≥40. Underweight patients were more likely to die or have nonfatal recurrent MI. After controlling for covariates, overweight and obese patients had similar outcomes to normal-weight patients. Eighteen percent of patients gained >5%, 27% lost >5%, and 55% had ≤5% change in weight. Compared with weight loss of ≤5%, the risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.74, P = .01) and cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 1.79, P = .04) increased with weight loss of >5%. After propensity matching, weight loss of >5% remained as a significant risk factor for death and cardiovascular death. There was no interaction between weight change and depression and/or social support at baseline or follow-up. Weight change was not associated with recurrent MI or cardiovascular hospitalizations. Conclusions A large proportion of patients lose or gain >5% of body weight after an MI. The association between obesity and lower mortality is modulated by comorbidities. Weight loss after MI is associated with worse outcomes and is not related to depression or social support.
MOS resistor &#8212; A monolithic approach to high value resistance

The basic MOS structure can be utilized for designing resistors with resistivities in the range of 7 - 25 Kohm/square. The gate induced surface inversion layer is used for the resistor body, while the source and drain regions will be the end terminals. Device characteristics will depend on the biasing conditions. Various modes of operations are studied. Typical modes of operations are (a) constant source to bulk bias and (b) constant drain to bulk bias. Analytical expressions are generated to describe the current-voltage characteristics of these conditions. The analysis is extended to include more general situations of device operation.
The Use of Collagen Membranes to Guide Regeneration of New Connective Tissue Attachment in Dogs

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of collagen membrane placement in excluding gingival epithelium and connective tissue cells and guiding new attachment in surgical treatment of created defects in dogs. Sixty defects were chosen at random and balanced in regard to receiving the following treatments: 1) untreated control, 2) debrided control, and 3) collagen membrane placement over the defect (along the root surface and under the replaced flap). Histologie and histometric evaluation at 2–12 weeks post-operatively determined the healing responses of each treatment modality. Epithelium migration with no new attachment occurred in the untreated and debrided areas. Collagen membrane placement was effective in inhibiting epithelial migration and encouraging formation of new connective tissue attachment to root surface previously altered by plaque.
Modeling and optimization of printed spiral coils in air and muscle tissue environments

Printed spiral coils (PSC) are viable candidates for near field wireless power transmission to the next generation of prosthetic devices with extreme size constraints. Implantable devices need to be hermetically sealed in biocompatible materials and placed in conductive environment with high permittivity, which can affect the PSC characteristics. We have constructed a detailed model that includes the effects of surrounding environment on the PSC parasitic components and eventually on the power transfer efficiency. This model is combined with an iterative design method that starts with a set of realistic design constraints and ends with the optimal PSC geometries. This was applied to optimize the wireless link of a 1 cm2 implantable device operating at 13.56 MHz. Measurement results showed that optimized PSC pairs, coated with 0.3 mm of silicone, achieved 72.2% and 30.8% efficiencies at a face to face relative distance of 10 mm in the air and muscle environment respectively. The PSC which was optimized for air could only bear 21.8% efficiency in muscle, showing that considering the PSC surrounding environment in the design process can result in nearly 10% improvement in the power transfer efficiency.
Temperature dependence of C-terminal carboxylic group IR absorptions in the amide I' region.

Abstract Studies of structural changes in peptides and proteins using IR spectroscopy often rely on subtle changes in the amide I′ band as a function of temperature. However, these changes can be obscured by the overlap with other absorptions, namely the side-chain and terminal carboxylic groups. The former were the subject of our previous report (Anderson et al., 2014). In this paper we investigate the IR spectra of the asymmetric stretch of α-carboxylic groups for amino acids representing all major types (Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ser, Thr, Asp, Glu, Lys, Asn, His, Trp, Pro) as well as the C-terminal groups of three dipeptides (Gly–Gly, Gly–Ala, Ala–Gly) in D2O at neutral pH. Experimental temperature dependent IR spectra were analyzed by fitting of both symmetric and asymmetric pseudo-Voigt functions. Qualitatively the spectra exhibit shifts to higher frequency, loss in intensity and narrowing with increased temperature, similar to that observed previously for the side-chain carboxylic groups of Asp. The observed dependence of the band parameters (frequency, intensity, width and shape) on temperature is in all cases linear: simple linear regression is therefore used to describe the spectral changes. The spectral parameters vary between individual amino acids and show systematic differences between the free amino acids and dipeptides, particularly in the absolute peak frequencies, but the temperature variations are comparable. The relative variations between the dipeptide spectral parameters are most sensitive to the C-terminal amino acid, and follow the trends observed in the free amino acid spectra. General rules for modeling the α-carboxylic IR absorption bands in peptides and proteins as the function of temperature are proposed.
The Deactivation of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase by Redox-Active Agents,☆☆☆

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), an enzyme involved in cGMP signal transduction, is activated by NO binding to the endogenous heme. The mechanism of deactivation is not known. In tissues, cGMP levels decrease within minutes, despite the fact that sGC is activated to levels above the phosphodiesterase activity. Simple dissociation of NO from the heme in sGC has been suggested as a possible deactivation mechanism; however, dissociation rates of NO from ferrous heme proteins are typically very slow. Since oxidants and reductants are known to affect sGC activity, we have tested the effect of a variety of redox-active agents on the activity of NO-activated sGC. All the redox-active compounds tested, covering a wide range of reduction potentials, selectively deactivated the NO-activated sGC while having little or no effect on the basal activity of the enzyme. Among the reagents studied in detail, deactivation of sGC by air occurred slowly, while deactivation by ferricyanide was faster and methylene blue was fastest. The mechanism of deactivation of sGC by dioxygen in the air is straightforward: the heme is oxidized to Fe(III)heme and nitrate is formed. This reaction is similar to that of dioxygen with NOHb and NOMb as occurs in cured meats. Methylene blue and ferricyanide deactivate sGC by a different, as yet undetermined, mechanism.
Protein kinase A and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulate D-[3H]aspartate release in auditory brain stem nuclei.

We noted previously that after unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in young adult guinea pigs, plastic changes in glutamatergic transmitter release in several brain stem auditory nuclei depended on protein kinase C. In this study, we assessed whether such changes depended on protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). The electrically-evoked release of D-[3H]aspartate (D-[3H]Asp) was quantified in vitro as an index of glutamatergic transmitter release in the major subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus (CN) and the main nuclei of the superior olivary complex (SOC). In tissues from intact animals, dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DBcAMP), a PKA activator, elevated D-[3H]Asp release by 1.9–3.7-fold. The PKA inhibitor, H-89 (2 μM), did not alter the evoked release but blocked the stimulatory effects of DBcAMP. These findings suggested that PKA could positively regulate glutamatergic transmitter release. Seven days after the ablation of one cochlea and its cochlear nerve, the stimulatory effect of DBcAMP remained evident. After 145 postablation days, H-89 blocked the plastic elevations of D-[3H]Asp release in the ipsilateral CN and lateral (LSO) and medial (MSO) superior olive. A CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93, produced similar blocks, suggesting that the postablation plasticities in these nuclei depended on PKA or CaMKII. Both H-89 and KN-93 elevated release in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the contralateral MSO, suggesting that either kinase could be used by endogenous mechanisms in these nuclei to downregulate glutamatergic release. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Navigating ligand–protein binding free energy landscapes: universality and diversity of protein folding and molecular recognition mechanisms

Abstract Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of ligand–protein binding are studied for the methotrexate–dihydrofolate reductase system from the binding free energy profile constructed as a function of the order parameter. Thermodynamic stability of the native complex and a cooperative transition to the unique native structure suggest the nucleation kinetic mechanism at the equilibrium transition temperature. Structural properties of the transition state ensemble and the ensemble of nucleation conformations are determined by kinetic simulations of the transmission coefficient and ligand–protein association pathways. Structural analysis of the transition states and the nucleation conformations reconciles different views on the nucleation mechanism in protein folding.
Activation of complement by monoclonal antibodies that target cell-associated β2-microglobulin: Implications for cancer immunotherapy

β2-Microglobulin (β2M), the light chain of the class I major histocompatibilty complex (MHC-I), is a promising tumor target for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in cancer immunotherapy. Several reports indicate that chelation of cell-associated β2M by specific mouse mAbs promotes tumor cell destruction by inducing apoptosis or other cytotoxic signaling pathways. Human mAbs employed in cancer therapy are usually IgG1, which mediates cell-killing by effector mechanisms including complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The analogous mouse IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes are similarly effective in activating complement. Therefore, we examined the complement-activating properties of anti-β2M mouse mAbs 1B749 (IgG2a) and HB28 (IgG2b) when either mAb was bound to tumor cell lines or normal cells; we compared these β2M-specific mAbs with mouse mAb W6/32 (IgG2a), specific for human leukocyte antigens in the MHC-I heavy chain. All three mAbs bind to most human cell lines and normal cells in approximately equal amounts, consistent with a 1:1 stoichiometry for the HLA heavy chain in association with β2M. The three mAbs promote rapid C3b deposition and substantial CDC of human cell lines, and mAbs 1B749 and W6/32 have robust cytotoxic activity on reaction with normal mononuclear cells and platelets. Curiously, mAb HB28 induces modest C3b deposition and little CDC of normal cells, and its weaker complement-fixing activity was confirmed by ELISA. Based on these findings, we suggest that human IgG mAbs that target β2M for cancer immunotherapy be selected or engineered so as not to activate complement, thus eliminating the potential adverse effects of complement-mediated lysis of normal cells.
Ignition Point: A Novel Parameter of Sinoatrial Nodal Cell (SANC) Diastolic Depolarization (DD) Reports the Onset of Spontaneous Local Subsarcolemmal Ca Release (LCR) and Predicts Cycle Length

The LCR period, the time from the prior action potential-triggered Ca release to spontaneous LCR occurrence, is a major determinant of the spontaneous cycle length (CL) of SANC. Based on prediction of LCR-activated diastolic inward Na/Ca exchanger current by a recent SANC model (MaltsevL2009:296;H594-615), we hypothesized that the DD rate change (dVm/dt) would manifest an abrupt transition, i.e. Ignition Point (IP), when LCRs begin to occur. Simultaneous confocal Ca imaging and Vm recordings of rabbit SANC showed that at optimal filtering (60Hz), a dVm/dt threshold (0.15 V/sec) detected an IP that faithfully reported LCR period (Fig.A) both prior to and during β-adrenergic receptor stimulation (ISO). Higher thresholds (e.g. 0.5 V/s, previously used to identify a take-off potential) failed to predict both LCR period and IP. Furthermore, the IP time shifts in response to carbachol (CCh,5 cells) or ISO (7 cells) form a continuum that predicts the concomitant CL (%control of 421±3ms) shifts (Fig.B). Conclusion:IP predicts both LCR period and CL, avoiding ambiguous terms e.g. early or late DD, and linear or nonlinear DD.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Treatment with and withdrawal from finasteride alter ethanol intake patterns in male C57BL/6J mice: Potential role of endogenous neurosteroids?

Exogenous administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) can increase ethanol intake in rats and mice. To determine the contribution of endogenous neurosteroids (i.e., ALLO and related pregnane steroids) in the regulation of established ethanol consumption patterns in male C57BL/6J (B6) mice, the 5alpha-reductase (5alpha-R) enzyme inhibitor, finasteride (FIN), was chronically administered and then subsequently withdrawn. Mice were provided daily 2-h limited access to a 10% vol/vol ethanol solution (10E) and water in lickometer chambers during the dark phase. Following the establishment of stable 10E intake patterns, mice were injected intraperitoneally with either vehicle (20% wt/vol 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin; n=8) or FIN (50 mg/kg; n=16) for 7 days. Effects of withdrawal from FIN treatment were subsequently assessed for an additional 7 days. Ethanol intakes were significantly decreased with acute FIN treatment (days 1-3) and during early withdrawal (days 1-3). Acute FIN treatment was also associated with an extended latency to first bout, reduced first bout size, and greatly attenuated sipper contact count during the initial 20-min interval of 10E access. These findings collectively indicated that acute FIN treatment markedly attenuated the initiation of 10E consumption during the limited access sessions. The influence of FIN on 10E intake patterns was largely dissipated with chronic treatment, suggesting that compensatory changes in neurosteroid modulation of inhibitory tone may have occurred. Thus, acute FIN treatment modulated ethanol intake patterns in a manner opposite to that previously demonstrated for a physiologically relevant, exogenous ALLO dose, consistent with the ability of a alpha-R inhibitor to block ALLO biosynthesis. Manipulation of endogenous neurosteroid activity via biosynthetic enzyme inhibition or antagonism of steroid binding to the GABA type A receptor may prove to be a beneficial pharmacotherapeutic strategy in the intervention of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
The Benefit of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and QRS Duration: A Meta-Analysis

CRT and QRS Duration. Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) because of reduced left ventricular systolic function and a wide QRS complex. Whether this benefit is consistent across all degrees of QRS widening is unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to evaluate the impact of QRS duration on the efficacy of CRT. Methods and Results: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies evaluating the efficacy of CRT in patients with HF. Only trials that reported subgroup data according to QRS duration were included. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Five trials involving 6,501 patients (4,437 with QRS ≥ 150 ms and 2,064 with QRS < 150 ms) were included. Three trials, enrolling patients with mild to moderate HF, compared CRT-implantable cardioverter defibrillator with CRT, whereas CRT versus medical therapy was compared in the other 2 trials, which included patients with advanced HF. Based on the pooled estimate across the 5 studies, CRT significantly decreased the primary endpoint of death or hospitalization for HF in patients with QRS ≥ 150 ms (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.50–0.68; P < 0.00001), but not in patients with QRS < 150 ms (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.83–1.10; P = 0.51). These results were consistent across all degrees of HF severity. Conclusions: The benefit of CRT seems to be dependent on QRS duration. Available data suggest a significant benefit associated with CRT in patients with QRS ≥ 150 ms, but not in patients with QRS < 150 ms. Further studies are needed to identify patients with QRS < 150 ms who might benefit from CRT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 163-168, February 2012)