cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acid-Base Disorders in Total Parenteral Nutrition

Patients undergoing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have several underlying systemic illnesses such as infection, surgical operations, cachexia, malnutrition, and malfunctioning gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, these patients are subject to both acidotic and alkalotic conditions. In addition, the composition of TPN solutions such as amino acids and glucose can predispose them to these acid-base disturbances. Let us discuss each one of the four primary acid-base disorders in detail.
Analysis of SLC25A13 gene mutations in five infants with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency

Objective To identify potential mutations in five infants with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD). Methods The SLC25A13 gene was analyzed by next generation sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing in the probands and their parents. Impact of novel mutations was predicted with PolyPhen-2 software. Results All neonates have harbored mutations of the SLC25A13 gene. Eight mutations were discovered, which included two novel mutations (c.1357A>G and c. 1663dup23). All parents were found to be carriers of the mutations. Conclusion Mutations of the SLC25A13 gene probably underlie the NICCD among the five patients, among which 851del4 and 1638-1660dup were the most common ones. This has enriched the spectrum of SLC25A13 mutation in association with NICCD. Key words: Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency; SLC25A13 gene; Next generation sequencing
Improving seed size, seed weight and seedling emergence in Camelina sativa by overexpressing the Atsob3 - 6 gene variant

Seedling stand establishment is a critical factor affecting crop yield in low-precipitation agricultural regions. This is especially true for small seeded crops, such as Camelina (Camelina sativa) and canola (Brassica napus), that need to be planted shallow. Deeper planting would be desirable so that seeds can access soil moisture and bigger seeds could improve emergence and stand establishment by providing the energy necessary for seedling elongation. AHL (AT-Hook Containing, Nuclear Localized) genes play an important role in seedling growth and development. AHL proteins contain two structural units, the DNA-binding AT-hook motif and the Plant and Prokaryote Conserved (PPC) domain, required for protein-protein interactions. Our previous studies demonstrate that AtAHL29/SOB3 (Suppressor of phytochrome B-4 #3) regulates seedling development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Activation-tagged overexpression of AtSOB3 (Atsob3-D) represses the long-hypocotyl phenotype of an Arabidopsis phytochrome B mutant. In contrast, overexpression of the Atsob3-6 variant (Atsob3-6-OX), with a non-functional AT-hook, confers a long-hypocotyl phenotype. In this study, we demonstrate the role of Atsob3-D and Atsob3-6-OX in modulating seed size and hypocotyl length in the brassicas Arabidopsis and Camelina. In Arabidopsis, Atsob3-D reduces seed weight whereas Atsob3-6-OX increases seed weight and size when compared to the wild type. Similarly, Atsob3-6-OX transgenic Camelina seedlings are taller than the wild type, and produce larger and heavier seeds. These larger Atsob3-6-OX Camelina seeds also confer better emergence in deep-soil planting when compared to the wild type. Taken together, Atsob3-6-OX increases seed size, seed weight, seedling hypocotyl length and stand establishment in the oilseed crop Camelina.
Penumbras and Separation of Convex Sets

The concept of penumbra of a convex set with respect to another convex set was introduced by Rockafellar (1970). We study various geometric and topological properties of penumbras, their role in proper and strong separation of convex sets, and their relation to polyhedra and M-decomposable sets.
Anticancer potential of nitric oxide (NO) in neuroblastoma treatment

The most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, paediatric neuroblastoma, is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and identified as high risk. High risk neuroblastoma is aggressive and unpredictable, resulting in poor prognosis and only ∼40% five-year survival rates. Herein, nitric oxide (NO) delivered via the S-nitrosothiol, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), is explored as an anticancer therapeutic in various neuroblastoma lines. After 24 h of treatment with GSNO, cell viability assays, as assessed by resazurin and MTT ((3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphyltetrazolium bromide), consistently identified a moderate, ∼13–29%, decrease in metabolic activity, colony formation assays revealed notably significant reduction of clonogenic activity, and cytotoxicity assays revealed a visibly significant reduction of total number of cells and live cells as well as an increase in number of dead cells in treated cells versus untreated cells. Thrillingly, RNA-sequence analysis provided highly valuable information regarding the differentially expressed genes in treated samples versus control samples as well as insight into the mechanism of action of NO as an anticancer therapeutic. Favorably, the collective results from these analyses exhibited tumoricidal, non-tumour promoting, and discriminatory characteristics, illuminating the feasibility and significance of NO as a cytotoxic adjuvant in neuroblastoma treatment.
Revision septoplasty: A prospective disease‐specific outcome study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS 1) Study outcomes of revision septoplasty using a validated disease-specific questionnaire and a patient satisfaction survey; 2) assess the effect of surgery on the use of medication to treat nasal congestion; and 3) report on sites of persistent septal deviation identified at revision septoplasty. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, single-center outcome study of patients with symptomatic nasal obstruction and persisting septal deviation despite prior septal surgery. METHODS The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months following revision surgery. Patients were also questioned regarding ease of breathing and medication use preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Anatomic site(s) of residual septal deviation were recorded intraoperatively. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients completed the study. Mean NOSE scores decreased significantly from 75.9 preoperatively to 14.9 3 months after revision surgery. Mean Ease-of-Breathing scores over this interval improved from 3/10 preoperatively to 8.5/10. Both results were sustained at 6 months (P <0.0001). Patient satisfaction was very high, and many patients required less medication to treat symptoms of nasal congestion postoperatively. Deviations persisting from prior surgery most commonly involved the dorsal or caudal septum. CONCLUSION In patients who experience ongoing nasal obstruction with a persistent septal deviation despite prior septoplasty, revision surgery significantly improves disease-specific quality of life, results in high patient satisfaction, and may diminish the need for nasal medications postoperatively. Caudal or dorsal deflections may be more difficult to correct, leading to the need for revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2C.
Inherent Variability Among Measures of Fertility of Rats and Its Implications in the Design of Mating Trials

Mating trials are used extensively to assess the effects of experimental treatments on the fertility of male or female subjects, Such trials are often insensitive because many measures of fertility are associated with large inherent variability, which makes it difficult to confirm, by statistical significance, that observed differences among treatment means are actually due to treatment rather than due to chance. Unfortunately, and despite this insensitivity, most researchers choose replication arbitrarily on the basis of cost, convenience, or conventional practice and interpret results without assessing the actual power and sensitivity of their experiments. This study was undertaken to characterize the relationship between the number of rats used in fertility trials and experimental power and sensitivity. The variables examined included pregnancy rates, numbers of fetuses per mated or per pregnant female, numbers of fetuses per corpus luteum, and numbers of fetal resorptions. The relationship between replication and experimental power and sensitivity was estimated via statistical approaches utilizing data from Sprague-Dawley rats used in a mating trial at 105-109 days of age. Tabular data are presented showing the numbers of rats needed per treatment group as a function of the minimal treatment differences to be detected and type II error probability selected. The application of these data in the planning of future studies and in interpreting their outcome is discussed.
Thermometry and cooling of a Bose gas to 0.02 times the condensation temperature

Despite the very low temperatures quantum gases are cooled to, the entropy per particle remains larger than that of the condensed-matter systems they are supposed to emulate. Using magnons one can produce low-temperature, low-entropy gases.
Structure of Ribosomal Silencing Factor Bound to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ribosome

The ribosomal silencing factor RsfS slows cell growth by inhibiting protein synthesis during periods of diminished nutrient availability. The crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) RsfS, together with the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structure of the large subunit 50S of Mtb ribosome, reveals how inhibition of protein synthesis by RsfS occurs. RsfS binds to the 50S at L14, which, when occupied, blocks the association of the small subunit 30S. Although Mtb RsfS is a dimer in solution, only a single subunit binds to 50S. The overlap between the dimer interface and the L14 binding interface confirms that the RsfS dimer must first dissociate to a monomer in order to bind to L14. RsfS interacts primarily through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding to L14. The EM structure shows extended rRNA density that it is not found in the Escherichia coli ribosome, the most striking of these being the extended RNA helix of H54a.
Using models of the myocyte for functional interpretation of cardiac proteomic data.

There has been significant progress towards the development of highly integrative computational models of the cardiac myocyte over the past decade. Models now incorporate descriptions of voltage-gated ionic currents and membrane transporters, mechanisms of calcium-induced calcium release and intracellular calcium cycling, mitochondrial ATP production and its coupling to energy-requiring membrane transport processes and mechanisms of force generation. There is an extensive literature documenting both the reconstructive and predictive abilities of these models and there is no question that an interplay between quantitative modelling and experimental investigation has become a central component of modern cardiovascular research. As data regarding the cardiovascular proteome in both health and disease emerge, integrative models of the myocyte are becoming useful tools for interpreting the functional significance of changes in protein expression and post-translational modifications (PTMs). Data of particular importance include information on: (a) changes of expressed protein level, (b) changes of protein PTMs, (c) protein localization, and (d) protein–protein interactions, as it is often possible to incorporate and interpret the functional significance of such findings using computational models. We provide two examples of how models may be used in this fashion. In the first example, we show how information on altered expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, when interpreted through the use of a computational model, has provided key insights into fundamental mechanisms regulating cardiac action potential duration. In the second example, we show how information on the effects of phosphorylation of L-type Ca2+ channels, when interpreted through the use of a model, provides insights on how this post-translational modification alters the properties of excitation–contraction coupling and risk for arrhythmia.
Susceptibility of human and murine Chlamydia trachomatis serovars to granulocyte- and epithelium-derived antimicrobial peptides.

: Four antimicrobial peptides, protegrin-1, RTD-1, cryptdin-4, and indolicidin, were tested for their ability to inhibit the in vitro growth of Chlamydia trachomatis serovars E, L2, and mouse pneumonitis (MoPn). In general, protegrin-1 was found to have the strongest anti-chlamydial activity. Overall, of the three serovars tested, L2 was the most susceptible while MoPn was the most resistant to these peptides.
Microwave catheter ablation of myocardium in vitro : assessment of the characteristics of tissue heating and injury

BACKGROUNDRadiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation lesion size has been limited by the small volume of tissue directly heated by the RF electrode. Microwave (MW) energy has been proposed as an alternative energy source to generate larger lesions because of its increased volume of direct tissue heating. To further characterize MW ablation of myocardium, we studied the temperature-versus-distance profiles during MW ablation in an in vitro model of perfused and superfused porcine right ventricular free wall.METHODS AND RESULTSRadial tissue temperatures in 19 isolated porcine right ventricles were measured and recorded with four fluoroptic thermometry probes placed within the myocardium at 2.5-mm radial increments from the catheter. The MW antenna catheters used were monopolar and helical-coil antennas resonating at 915 and 2450 MHz. Durations of energy delivery for a 915-MHz MW monopolar antenna (60 to 600 seconds) and a 4-mm-tip RF electrode (60 and 300 seconds) were varied to compare time courses of lesion fo...
Broadleaved weed control in wide-row soybean (Glycine max) using conventional and glyphosate herbicide programmes

Abstract A field study was conducted in 2001 and 2002 at Blackville, SC, to evaluate broadleaved weed control and economics of conventional and glyphosate-containing herbicide programmes in glyphosate-resistant soybean planted in 97-cm-wide rows. Treatments included chlorimuron plus sulfentrazone or chlorimuron plus metribuzin applied pre-emergence followed by post-emergence applications of lactofen or glyphosate 4 wk after soybean emergence (WAE). Other treatments were glyphosate applied 4 WAE, sequential applications of low dose glyphosate applied 2 and 4 WAE, and a non-treated control. Pre-emergence herbicides followed by glyphosate, controlled Ipomoea lacunosa L. 8 WAE. I. hederacea var. integriuscula Gray control with pre-emergence herbicides followed by glyphosate was 100% with similar control from chlorimuron plus sulfentrazone followed by lactofen, whereas control following the single glyphosate application was 84%. Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. control 9 WAE was 100% following single or sequential glyphosate applications, while control ranged from 76% to 96% with pre-emergence herbicides followed by lactofen. However, early season weed interference when a single application of glyphosate was delayed until 4 WAE reduced soybean yields an average of 389 kg/ha compared to pre-emergence herbicides followed by glyphosate. Based on mean contrasts, pre-emergence herbicides followed by glyphosate had greater gross profit margins than a single glyphosate application alone, but were similar to sequential glyphosate applications. Gross profit margins from pre-emergence herbicides followed by lactofen were not different from glyphosate alone.
Memory for mode of input

Three experiments examined the retention of information about mode of input of familiar words. In Expt. I, input modes were vision vs. audition; in Expt. II, block vs. script letters (all visual); in Expt. III, male vs. female voices (all auditory). Eight 18-word lists were presented. Half the words in each list occurred in one input mode and half in the other, and each list was followed by immediate free recall. After the last recall test, an unexpected recognition test was administered in which the subject was to indicate the input mode of each recognized word. Although the between-modality distinction was more effective than the within-modality distinctions, all three studies produced similar results: free recall revealed clustering by mode of input, and the final test showed that input-mode information was retained for several minutes after presentation.
Vitamin E and β-carotene protect against ethanol combined with ischemia in an embryonic rat hippocampal culture model of fetal alcohol syndrome

Abstract Neurodevelopmental damage can occur as a result of in utero exposure to alcohol. Oxidative stress processes are one of many proposed mechanisms thought to contribute to nervous system dysfunction characterized in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Therefore, this study examined neuroprotective effects of antioxidant supplementation during ethanol (EtOH) treatment (0, 200, 400, 800 or 1600 mg/dl) combined with concomitants of EtOH exposure: acute (2-h) ischemia (aISCH) and chronic (16-h) hypoglycemia (cHG). The antioxidants vitamin E and β -carotene protected embryonic hippocampal cultures against 0–1600 mg/dl EtOH/aISCH/cHG treatments. In addition, neuronal viability, as measured by MTT ((3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; 5 mg/ml)), was equal to untreated cultures when supplemented with vitamin E or β -carotene at 0–800 mg/dl or 0–200 mg/dl EtOH/aISCH/cHG, respectively. These in vitro studies mirror potential in utero ethanol-exposed CNS conditions and may lead to therapeutic strategies targeted at attenuating neurodevelopmental FAS-related deficits.
Factors that influence properties of FOG deposits and their formation in sewer collection systems

Understanding the formation of Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) deposits in sewer systems is critical to the sustainability of sewer collection systems since they have been implicated in causing sewerage blockages that leads to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Recently, FOG deposits in sewer systems displayed strong similarities with calcium-based fatty acid salts as a result of a saponification reaction. The objective of this study was to quantify the factors that may affect the formation of FOG deposits and their chemical and rheological properties. These factors included the types of fats used in FSEs, environmental conditions (i.e. pH and temperature), and the source of calcium in sewer systems. The results of this study showed that calcium content in the calcium based salts seemed to depend on the solubility limit of the calcium source and influenced by pH and temperature conditions. The fatty acid profile of the calcium-based fatty acid salts produced under alkali driven hydrolysis were identical to the profile of the fat source and did not match the profile of field FOG deposits, which displayed a high fraction of palmitic, a long chain saturated fatty acid. It is hypothesized that selective microbial metabolism of fats and/or biologically induced hydrogenation may contribute to the FOG deposit makeup in sewer system. Therefore, selective removal of palmitic in pretreatment processes may be necessary prior to the discharge of FSE wastes into the sewer collection system.
In Search of Dead Time: Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily"

Gilles Deleuze discovers in Marcel Proust a mode of thinking about time specific to literature. Deleuze's analysis may be used as a framework for showing how William Faulkner's fiction induces readers to undertake a similar thinking process. Faulkner's story "A Rose for Emily" provides a fruitful example, because its enigmatic qualities in relation to chronology engender a deeper inquiry into the nature of time in the story. While Proust undertakes a search for lost time, Faulkner sends his reader in search of a dead time encrypted in the heart of his tale.
Controlling Chaos in a Simple Autonomous System: Chua's Circuit

The occasional proportional feedback (OPF) control technique has been successful in stabilizing periodic orbits in both periodically driven and autonomous systems undergoing chaotic behavior. By applying this technique to the well-known Chua’s circuit, we are able to control a variety of periodic orbits including single-correction, low-period orbits and multiple-correction, high-period orbits. Also, by employing two control circuits, we are able to stabilize orbits that visit both regions of Chua’s circuit’s double-scroll attractor, applying corrections in each of these regions during a single orbit.
The flare genesis project

Abstract The feasibility of a balloon-borne experiment to understand how the magnetic fields at the solar surface emerge, coalesce, unravel and erupt in solar flares was studied. A key component of the Flare Genesis instrument will be a solar telescope with an 0.8-meter-diameter lightweight mirror. Effects of pendulation and jitter, gravity and temperature on the images formed by the telescope were studied to determine whether it will maintain the desired resolution of ∼0.2 sec of arc at float altitude. The principal conclusions of the study are that (1)sufficient image stability can be maintained at the focal plane; (2) polarization sensitivity of 2 × 10−4 is achievable; and (3) the data system can store ∼ 2000 magnetograms on-board in the course of a 10-to-14-day Antarctic flight.
A Molecular Component of the Arterial Baroreceptor Mechanotransducer

Abstract Baroreceptor nerve endings detect acute fluctuations in arterial pressure. We tested the hypothesis that members of the DEG/ENaC family of cation channels, which are responsible for touch sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans , may be components of the baroreceptor mechanosensor. We found the γ subunit of ENaC localized to the site of mechanotransduction in baroreceptor nerve terminals innervating the aortic arch and carotid sinus. A functional role for DEG/ENaC members was suggested by blockade of baroreceptor nerve activity and baroreflex control of blood pressure by an amiloride analog that inhibits DEG/ENaC channels. These data suggest that ENaC subunits may be components of the baroreceptor mechanotransducer and pave the way to a better definition of mechanisms responsible for blood pressure regulation and hypertension.
LEPTIN AND ITS RECEPTORS: REGULATORS OF WHOLE-BODY ENERGY HOMEOSTASIS

Leptin is the adipocyte-specific product of the ob gene. Expression of leptin in fully fed animals reflects adipocyte size and body-fat mass. Leptin signals the status of body energy stores to the brain, where signals emanate to regulate food intake and whole-body energy expenditure. The leptin gene was identified in the leptin-deficient, obese ob/ob mouse by positional cloning techniques. Recently, leptin has been cloned in domestic species including pigs, cattle, and chickens. The leptin receptor has at least five splice variants; the long form of the receptor is primarily expressed in the hypothalamus and is thought to be the predominant signaling isoform. Leptin receptors are members of the cytokine family of receptors and signal via janus-activated kinases (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Mutations in the leptin or leptin receptor genes results in morbid obesity, infertility, and insulin resistance in rodents and humans. Leptin regulates food intake and energy expenditure via central and peripheral mechanisms. Leptin receptors are expressed in most tissues, and in vitro evidence suggests that leptin may have direct effects on some tissues such as adipose tissue, the adrenal cortex, and the pancreatic beta-cell. Leptin is thought to influence whole-body glucose homeostasis and insulin action. Studies are underway to determine the role that leptin plays in the biology of domestic animals.
Effect of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation on improvement in left ventricular performance.

We have previously reported that intrinsic left ventricular (LV) contractility appears unaffected by cardioversion itself, and that increased stroke volume and ejection fraction immediately after cardioversion are related both to return of left atrial mechanical function and to increasing cycle length. The time course and duration of such improvement, however, remain the subjects of ongoing speculation. In the present study, we extend our initial observations to 3 months after cardioversion to further characterize the time course and extent of improvement in cardiac performance, and to analyze the interaction between variables likely to be responsible for such improvement.
Grain size and sorting effects on size-dependent responses by lotic crayfish to high flows

We examined how sediment grain size and sorting mediate flow-induced dislodgment, movement (i.e., time spent crawling), and postural changes of small (10.5–19.9 mm carapace length [CL]), medium (20–29.9 mm CL), and large (30–42.4 mm CL) crayfish (Orconectes obscurus) subjected to incrementally increased flows in a laboratory flume. We also compared size-specific distributions of O. obscurus among three habitat types (deep pools, shallow pools, and riffles) with different current velocities and grain properties in a 4th-order stream in northeastern Ohio, USA. Number of crayfish dislodged increased with current velocity and crayfish body size on all grain sizes (small pebble, large pebbles, and small cobbles) and all sorting treatments (well, moderately, and poorly sorted) in the flume. Small crayfish were dislodged at significantly higher average current velocities than medium and large crayfish on all grain sizes and sorting treatments, in part because they were small enough to crawl into stone interstices to avoid high hydraulic stress. Movement by all crayfish decreased as current velocity increased on all grain sizes and sorting treatments. However, activity responses differed in a size-specific fashion. Crayfish of all sizes flattened their bodies against grains, flattened or tucked their telson under their abdomen, and attempted to use their chelipeds to grasp grains to resist dislodgment or aid in movement on the grain patch at increased velocities. Field collections showed that small crayfish occupied riffle habitats characterized by faster current velocity and larger grain size, whereas larger crayfish occupied deep and shallow pools characterized by slow current velocity and smaller grain sizes. Our results imply that body size is a critical factor in determining crayfish habitat distributions and resistance to high-flows in streams with stony beds.
Basic assumptions of educational administration

It has been generally concluded that educational administration has lacked a definitive theory and has neglected conceptual research. Education, as a profession, and as a concept of personal growth, has appeared equated to a concept of democracy. Educational administration appeared weak in the formulation of principles of organization and procedure consistent with democratic dogma and administrative know-how. Assumptions or principles of educational administration were implied, but not always stated. This research study posited that public educational administration, public health administration, or public welfare administration would be related to certain basic assumptions of public administration. Indeed, some of the assumptions of public administration were acceptable in this study. Among these were: (1) Administration is an art, but there is an effort to utilize scientific method; (2) the study of administration might start from the base of management, but the foundation of law must remain foremost in administrative activity; and (3) Administration is a single process, substantially uniform in its essential characteristics, and therefore need not be studied as municipal, state, or federal administration. This latter assumption was of particular importance for the present study, inasmuch as no great effort was made to separate public school administration into state and local processes. The research was directed, therefore, toward an inquiry and interpretation of some of the basic assumptions of educational administration. An intensive survey of the professional literature, the opinions of several authorities in the field of educational administration, and a questionnaire response of members of the American Association of School Administrators were the means used to ascertain some of these basic assumptions.
SS Cygni as a hard X-ray source identified with the scanning modulation collimator on HEAO 1

Hard X-ray emission from a 15 min by 1.5 deg area containing SS Cygni had previously been reported and identified with SS Cygni. This paper reports a 0.4 sq arc min measurement of the position of the X-ray source with the HEAO 1 modulation collimator experiment which leads to an unequivocal identification of SS Cygni as an X-ray emitter in the 2-10 keV energy range. The historical light curve in hard X-rays was also investigated by analyzing relevant Uhuru data, and two instances of possible source detection in the 2-6 keV band were noted. From Ariel 5 observations it is calculated that the X-ray luminosity of SS Cygni in the 2-10 keV energy range is of the order of 10 to the 33rd erg/sec in the optical low state and probably at least an order of magnitude less in the high state. By contrast, the soft X-ray luminosity increases by an order of magnitude between the optical low and high states. A coronal model or accretion onto the white dwarf can account for the inverse correlation of the soft and hard X-rays.
Activation of Glycosylasparaginase: FORMATION OF ACTIVE N-TERMINAL THREONINE BY INTRAMOLECULAR AUTOPROTEOLYSIS (∗)

The activation mechanism of glycosylasparaginase of Flavobacterium meningosepticum has been analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis and activation of purified precursors in vitro. Mutation of Thr-152 to Ser or Cys leads to gene products that are not activated in vivo but are activated in vitro because processing of the mutant precursors is inhibited by certain amino acids in the cell. Kinetic studies reveal that activation is an intramolecular autoproteolytic process. The involvement of His-150 and Thr/Ser/Cys-152 in activation suggests that autoproteolysis resembles proteolysis by serine/cysteine proteases. Multiple functions of the highly conserved active threonine residue are implicated.
Aggression with mixed age-sex groups of bolivian squirrel monkeys following single animal introductions and new group formations

The social organization of the Bolivian squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) is thought to be sexually segregated, with males and females forming separate social groups during the nonbreeding season. To investigate the influence of this social order on patterns of aggression, controlled single animal introductions within established groups and establishment of new groups were studied in a systematic manner. Behavioral observations were made using an all-occurrences technique to sample all agonistic interactions. In study I, 4 animals of each age-sex class (adult males and females, juvenile males and females) were introduced one at a time into 4 different social groups composed of 1 adult male and 8 to 10 adult females. Behavioral observations were made prior to and after the introductions. Newly introduced adult males received significantly more contact aggression than other age classes. Only the adult females increased aggression after the introduction of new animals. In study II, new social groups were formed and behavioral observations were made following formation. One group was formed from 7 pairs of familiar females and an unfamiliar adult male. This group had a high frequency of aggression during the first half hour, with contact aggression rising to peaks at 3 and 5 h. The second group consisted of 10 familiar females, 2 pairs of familiar females and an unfamiliar male. There was a significant peak in contact aggression 3 h into the observation.
Graph partitioning using annealed neural networks

A new algorithm, called mean field annealing (MFA), is applied to the graph partitioning problem. The MFA algorithm combines characteristics of the simulated annealing algorithm and the Hopfield neural network. MFA exhibits the rapid convergence of the neural network while preserving the solution quality afforded by stochastic simulated annealing (SSA). The MFA algorithm is developed in the context of the graph partitioning problem. The rate of convergence of MFA on graph bipartitioning problems is as much as 50 times that of SSA, yet does not degrade the quality of the final solution. The temperature behavior of MFA during bipartitioning is analyzed and shown to have an impact on the tuning of neural networks for improved performance. Also presented is a new modification to MFA that supports partitioning of random or structured graphs into three or more bins-a problem that has previously shown resistance to solution by neural networks. >
Enzymatically degradable nitric oxide releasing S-nitrosated dextran thiomers for biomedical applications

Herein we report the development and evaluation of enzymatically degradable nitric oxide (NO) releasing S-nitrosated dextran thiomers as potent biomedical materials. These materials are characterized by their specificity to release NO under arterial blood conditions, followed by their susceptibility to undergo enzymatic degradation by dextranase. The very specific conjugation chemistries we employed for the thiol incorporation resulted in characteristic stabilization of the resulting S-nitrosothiol moieties, and consequently yielded stable pro-drugs for the storage and controlled delivery of NO. We evaluated the extent of NO loading and release kinetics using multiple and independent analytical techniques, and related these to the structure and environment associated with the thiol moiety incorporated onto the dextran backbone. Finally, the enzymatic degradation kinetics was followed by monitoring the molecular weight profile using gel permeation chromatography, and the results were interpreted using well-established model predictions.
Scale changes in electronics: Implications for nanostructure devices for logic and memory and beyond

Abstract After six decades of device size reduction and its efficient use through hierarchical design, semiconductor electronics and its use in integrated digital processing encounters two major conflicting constraints. From size reduction and their small collective behavior, i.e., from the bottom, these constraints include quantum effects, stochastic effects arising from discreteness and noise, and other probabilistic effects. From the large scale integration and their large ensemble behavior, i.e., from the top, these include thermodynamic consequences in the inefficiencies of the data engine as a large numbers of devices are assembled together hierarchically. These conflicting currents are the central intellectual challenge when discussing the future of nanostructure devices and their use in data processing machines. We discuss the conceptual fundamentals of the small and the large that ties these scale changes that exist in time, size, energy, and other dimensions of the machinery. From this, we derive ideas for devices, robustness, data manipulation efficiency, and performance under practical constraints so that the next six decades are as fruitful and useful for the society as the past six have been.
The Age–IPV Curve: Changes in the Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence During Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) has evolved over the last decade with increasing interest in how IPV develops over adolescence and young adulthood. Studies examining patterns of IPV over time have generally focused on victimization with less attention to temporal shifts in perpetration. While it is generally assumed that IPV peaks during young adulthood, this has not been empirically verified and documented. Additionally, prior longitudinal analyses of IPV have focused on identifying trajectories and their accompanying risk factors, with less attention given to within-individual change in IPV experiences across and within relationships. Drawing on five waves of data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study, we examined patterns of the perpetration of IPV among a diverse sample of adolescents and young adults (51.1% female, 63.9% non-Hispanic White, 24.6% non-Hispanic Black, 11.5% Hispanic) spanning the ages of 13-28 years (N = 1,164). Analyses demonstrated that IPV patterns deviate from the age-crime curve, with women's involvement in IPV increasing, while their involvement in other antisocial behaviors is decreasing. Traditional behavioral and psychological risk factors (delinquency, alcohol and drug use, depressive symptoms) accounted for some of the age variation in IPV for men, but these factors did not account for age variation in IPV among women. Relationship risk factors including frequency of disagreements, trust, jealousy, validation and self-disclosure, however, accounted for substantial portions of the age-IPV perpetration relationship for male and female youth. These findings reinforce recent calls for prevention efforts that focus on the development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
Deciduous incisor teeth of the mouse (Mus musculus).

Abstract A vestigial tooth, apparently a deciduous incisor, was found in the maxilla of all mice of 4 strains (AKR, Swiss-Webster, Hale-Stoner and an albino strain of unknown origin) ranging in age from 12 1 2 - day - embryos to 15 days after birth. This tooth reaches its maximum development in 15 1 2 - day - foetuses , and consists of a cup-like shell of dentine with a maximum diameter of 40–60 μm, with some small, irregular masses of dentine between the odontoblastic cells. No enamel organ is formed and no enamel. The odontoblasts degenerate at the time of birth, and the internal dentine disappears. The tooth does not erupt, but sinks deeply into the connective tissue. It disappears, presumably by resorption, about the fifteenth day after birth. A mandibular counterpart is occasionally formed in the Swiss-Webster and the mice of unknown origin, but was never seen in the other strains and never develops to the extent of the maxillary deciduous incisor. There is clear differentiation of the adjacent epithelial cells, forming a single layer of columnar epithelial cells in which the nuclei migrate as in ameloblasts of normally developing teeth. The mesenchymal cells are irregular in shape, and only rarely is dentine formation seen. This deciduous tooth resembles, in many ways, some very primitive teeth seen in Ornithorhynchus and some reptiles.
1017-74 Length of Hospital Stay After Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty: Clinical and Angiographic Predictors

Although several studies have shown that the complications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are related to baseline clinical and angiographic variables, it is uncertain whether the utilization of hospital resources after PTCA also depends on the same characteristics. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors responsible f·or prolonged hospital stay ILOS) after PTCA. In 591 consecutive patients undergoing PTCA at nine centers in North America, major or minor complications occurred in 91 patients (15.4%1 and were found to be related to the presence of multivessel disease (p = 0.02). unstable angina (p = 0.02). and advanced age (p = 0.002) on multivariable logistic regression analysis. As compared with a median length of stay of 2.0 days (2.0, 4.0 [25th, 75th percentiles]) for 500 patients (84.6%) after uncomplicated PTCA, the length of stay was 9.0 days (8.0, 18.01 for 19 patients (3.2%) requiring emergency bypass surgery (P l 0.001), and 6.0 days (3.0,10.5) for 65 patients 111.0%) with established or threatened abrupt closure (P l 0.0011. On stepwise multilinear regression analysis, however, no significant relation was found between LOS and baseline variables; instead, LOS was increased only by PTCA complications: Variable Increase Increase in LOS (days ± SEM) P Emergency CABG 9.5 ± 1.1 l 0.001 Death 7.7 ± 1.4 l 0.001 Myocardial infarction 29 ± 09 l 0.001 Abrupt closure 29 ± 06 l 0.001 Age 0.04 0.32 Female sex -0.01 0.99 Unstable angina 0.60 0.15 Multivessel disease 0.08 0.17 Complex lesion 0.29 0.2 In conclusion, efforts directed at reducing resource utilization after PTCA should focus on the development of new techniques to lower PTCA complications rather than limit the access of patients with advanced age and complex lesions to PTCA.
Use of surgical pass trays to reduce intraoperative glove perforations.

This randomized prospective study evaluated the surgical pass tray to reduce intraoperative glove perforation during cesarean delivery. Surgical team members were assigned to employ normal instrument pass techniques or surgical pass tray during all cesarean deliveries. Surgical team members were asked to record their surgical role and level of training. Gloves were collected and tested using standard hydrosufflation techniques. Additional variables studied were patient weight, surgical indication, estimated blood loss, and length of surgery. A total of 192 cesarean sections were performed during the study period, for which 165 were studied. Data collection was considered adequate in 156 cases. Four hundred forty-four pairs of gloves were collected and tested, including 38 double glove sets. Seventy-eight perforations were noted in 444 pairs of gloves, including 11 in the double glove sets. Among surgeries assigned to use pass trays, 221 pairs of gloves were obtained with 42 (19.0%) perforations noted. Sur...
The use of pharmacologic pain sensitization in the treatment of repetitive hair-pulling

A significant problem for many individuals who engage in repetitive hair-pulling is the fact that they experience no discomfort associated with their behavior, and can thus carry on with hair-pulling outside of conscious awareness. The present case study was an attempt to address this problem through the use of a commercially available topical cream which enhances pain sensitivity. A 38-yr-old female applied the cream daily to two affected areas on her scalp. The increased pain sensitization, in conjunction with the habit reversal technique, resulted in markedly decreased hair-pulling.
Morphological and physiological properties of rat cerebellar neurons in mature and developing cultures

Abstract Immunohistochemical techniques and antibodies to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), parvalbumin, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase were used to identify populations of cerebellar neurons in culture that exhibit morphological features and immunoreactivity characteristic of neuronal types present in the cortical region of the cerebellum in vivo. The cultures were examined at 3 culture ages: 6–9, 12–15 and >15 days in vitro, reflecting early, intermediate and late periods in cerebellar development. Neurons identified as Purkinje neurons (PNs), granule cells or inhibitory interneurons (stellate, basket, Golgi and Lugaro cells) were present at all culture ages. The granule cells (GCs) and inhibitory interneurons (INs) were morphologically well developed at the youngest culture age studied; morphological features did not change dramatically during the culture period. In contrast, the PNs were morphologically immature at 6–9 DIV (DIV = days in vitro) and exhibited dramatic changes in morphological structure with culture age. Extracellular recordings from PNs, GCs and INs in living cultures revealed that all classes of neurons exhibited spontaneous activity, but that only a portion of the GCs and INs were spontaneously active. The spontaneously active GCs and INs exhibited variable patterns of activity and low firing rates (∼ 2–6 Hz) at all culture ages studied. At 6 DIV, PNs exhibited firing rates and patterns similar to that of the interneurons. At older culture ages, the firing rate and pattern of PNs was significantly different from the GCs and INs and was characterized by high frequency (>10 Hz) spike activity usually in a regular pattern. All cerebellar neurons were excited by the transmitter glutamate (Glu). The Glu response in the GCs and INs consisted of a brief burst of single spikes; in PNs, the response to Glu was prolonged and multiphasic. These data indicate that the cerebellar GCs and INs express morphological, physiological and developmental properties that are significantly different from the PN.
Assessment of drinking water filter microbial communities using taxonomic and metabolic profiles

Biofiltration is used in drinking water treatment to oxidize the biodegradable fraction of natural organic matter (NOM), thus controlling disinfection byproducts (DBP), DBP formation and microbial regrowth. Most work to date has focused on assessing drinking water biofilter performance; the microbial dynamics of biofilters have not been examined and are poorly understood. The objective of this research was to provide baseline information about the impact of design, operational and water quality parameters on NOM and DBP precursor removal, and microbial biomass and community structure profiles of biologically active drinking water rapid media filters. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles and the BIOLOG system for detecting the metabolism of sole carbon sources were found to be useful for characterizing the microbial communities in drinking water biofilters. Substrate removal was impacted most by ozonation, contact time, backwashing with water containing disinfectants, and low temperature. Using the PLFA technique, it was found that ozonation, contact time, and backwashing with water containing disinfectants had the greatest impact on microbial community structure. The BIOLOG system differentiated communities based on ozonation, contact time, pH, and temperature.