cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of 8-azaguanine on growth and viability of Bacillus megaterium.

Mangalo, R. (University of Illinois, Urbana) and J. T. Wachsman. Effect of 8-azaguanine on growth and viability of Bacillus megaterium. J. Bacteriol. 83:27–34. 1962.—The addition of 8-azaguanine to exponentially growing cells of Bacillus megaterium results in an inhibition of growth after a lag of approximately 30 min. However, 8-azaguanine-2-C14 is incorporated into the nucleic acids in a linear fashion without a detectable lag. The inhibitory action is reversed by purines and their derivatives, but not by uridine, thymidine, or cytidine. 8-Azaguanine is bactericidal, especially under conditions where growth (ribonucleic acid synthesis) is possible. Growth in the presence of a complete amino acid mixture, either before or during exposure to 8-azaguanine, increases the rate of killing. Chloramphenicol has little or no effect on the bactericidal action of the analogue.
Health-related quality of life in subjects with HCV/HIV coinfection: results from ACTG 5178 study

Although health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is diminished in HCV/HIV, the relationship between virologic response and maintenance therapy with HRQOL in this population is unknown. ACTG 5178 was a phase 2, randomized trial, with three steps - Step 1: all subjects received pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)/ribavirin (P/R) for 12 weeks. Step 2: subjects who failed to achieve early viral response (EVR) were randomized to PEG-IFN or observational control for an additional 72 weeks. Step 3: subjects with EVR from step 1 continued on P/R for a total of 72 weeks with 24 weeks follow-up off-therapy. HRQOL, symptom distress and depression levels were measured at multiple time points. In step 1 (n = 329), there was a significant decline in HRQOL in all dimensions. In step 3 (n = 169), the overall HRQOL and three of its eight dimensions (general health, role function and pain score) were increased, and achievement of sustained virologic response was associated with increased general health and cognitive function. In step 2 (n = 85), there was no significant change in HRQOL and no significant difference between groups (PEG-IFN vs observational control). There was a significant decline in HRQOL during the initial 12 weeks of therapy. Thereafter, the HRQOL profile differed for subjects with EVR vs without EVR. Maintenance therapy with PEG-IFN had no impact on the HRQOL.
Technology demonstration for the DARHT Linear Induction Accelerators

The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamics Test (DARHT) facility will employ two 16-MeV, 3-kA Linear Induction Accelerators to produce intense, bremsstrahlung x-ray pulses for flash radiography. Technology demonstration of the key accelerator sub-systems is underway at the DARHT Integrated Test Stand (ITS), which will produce a 6-MeV, 3-kA, 60-ns flattop electron beam. We will summarize measurements of ITS injector, pulsed-power, and accelerator cell performance. Time-resolved measurements of the electron beam parameters will also be presented. These measurements indicate that the DARHT accelerator design is sufficiently advanced to provide the high quality electron beams required for radiography with sub-millimeter spatial resolution.
Meiotic Behavior and Effects of B Chromosomes in Tall Fescue

Chromosome pairing and chiasma frequency were studied in seven genotypes of allohexaploid tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb., 2n = 6x = 42) from the Swiss Alps
Esophageal cancer. Facts, figures, and screening.

Over the last 25 years, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has increased 350%, faster than any other malignancy in the western world. This increase is largely due to gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. While the current incidence of esophageal cancer is relatively low in comparison to other cancers in the United States, this may rapidly change. A cost-effective screening technique is needed for populations at risk for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Using unsedated esophagoscopy, gastroenterology nurses may be in the best position to coordinate and perform esophageal cancer screening for the U.S. population. This article provides an overview of esophageal cancer, including types, etiology, symptoms, and diagnosis. In addition to an overview of esophageal cancer, this article provides a look at non-physician, unsedated esophagoscopy as a future direction for esophageal cancer screening.
Measurement of Tidal Volume during High- Frequency Jet Ventilation1

The measurement of tidal volume during high-frequency jet ventilation is difficult due to the high- frequency components of the inspiratory flow. To validate tidal volume measured with a screen pneumotachograph placed on the expiratory limb, we simultaneously deter- mined tidal volume with a body plethysmograph in seven anesthetized normal adult New Zealand rabbits before and after saline lung lavage. Four to six comparisons of tidal volume were obtained by varying peak inspiratory pres- sures at each combination of frequency (120,240, and 4801 min) and inspiratory to expiratory time ratio (1:1,1:3, 1:5, 1:9). Overall, 90% of the tidal volumes measured with the pneurnotachograph were within 10% of 1 ml of the volumes determined with the plethysmograph, independent of fre- quency, inspiratory to expiratory time ratio, and lung com- pliance. There was unidirectional outward flow at the pneu- motachograph during inspiration when both normal and saline lavaged lungs were being ventilated, suggesting a lack of gas entrainment. We conclude that a pneumotach- ograph on the expiratory limb may be used to measure tidal volume and gas entrainment in vivo during high- frequency jet ventilation. Determination of tidal volume may serve to optimize ventilator settings during high- frequency jet ventilation and facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms involved in gas exchange. (Pediatr Res 20: 45-48,1986) Abbreviations
CHARACTERIZATTON OF HUMAN FETAL INTESTINAL LYMPHOCYTES

The characterization of human B and T cell subset development in the fetus has been limited mainly to thymus, liver, bone marrow and spleen. This study compares the lymphocyte subsets of human fetal intestine to that of the normal infant and adult. Monoclonal antibodies identifying T cells (Leu4+), helper/inducer (Leu3a+), cytotoxic/suppressor (Leu2a+), HIA-DR, and B cells were used with the immunoperoxidase technique to quantify cells in the thymus, spleen, liver, small bowel, cecum and colon of two 18-20 week fetuses and normal proximal jejunum of a six month old infant. RESULTS: Like adults, fetal thymus, spleen and intestinal lamina propria (LP) contain Leu3a+ and Leu2a+ lymphocytes, but in contrast to adults, rare intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were noted in the fetus and infant. IgM+ and IgD+ B cells were present in the LP of the infant, but were mostly restricted to lymphoid aggregates in fetal intestine. HIA-DR antigen was absent from the mucosal epithelium of the fetus but present in the infant. CONCLUSIONS: T cells in the LP precede B cell development. Leu3a+ cells predominate in the LP, but Leu2a+ IEL, prevalent in adults, are conspicuously rare in the fetus and infant. HIA-DR is absent from the fetal epithelium, but present in the infant and adult. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the presence of IEL and expression of HIA-DR by intestinal epithelial cells is possibly related to exposure to luminal antigenic stimulation.
Brain tissue oxygen tension response to induced hyperoxia reduced in hypoperfused brain.

Object Increasing PaO2 can increase brain tissue PO2 (PbtO2). Nevertheless, the small increase in arterial O2 content induced by hyperoxia does not increase O2 delivery much, especially when cerebral blood flow (CBF) is low, and the effectiveness of hyperoxia as a therapeutic intervention remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of regional (r)CBF at the site of the PO2 probe in determining the response of PbtO2 to induced hyperoxia. Methods The authors measured PaO2 and PbtO2 at baseline normoxic conditions and after increasing inspired O2 concentration to 100% on 111 occasions in 83 patients with severe traumatic brain injury in whom a stable xenon–enhanced computed tomography measurement of CBF was available. The O2 reactivity was calculated as the change in PbtO2 × 100/change in PaO2. Results The O2 reactivity was significantly different (p 40 ml/100 g/min). When rCBF was < 20 ml/100 g/min, the increase i...
Complete independence of clones in the ranked pairs rule

The “ranked pairs” voting rule introduced in Tideman [2] is independent of clones (not materially affected by the replication of a candidate) in all but a small domain of cases. Appending a particular tie-breaking rule to the ranked pairs rule generates a rule that is completely independent of clones.
Perinatal implications of motor vehicle accident trauma during pregnancy: identifying populations at risk

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the association between restraint use, race, and perinatal outcome after motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) during pregnancy. Study Design The Duke Trauma Registry and medical records were searched for information on pregnant women at >14 weeks' gestation who were involved in an MVA and who received care through the Emergency Department and the Obstetric Units. Between January 1994 and December 31, 2010, 126 women were identified. Variables that were collected included type of trauma, gestational age at presentation, and delivery outcomes. A prognostic study was performed that evaluated the associations between maternal demographics, details of the accident that included restraint use, and maternal treatment that was related to the accident in relationship to perinatal outcome. Results There was no difference in the mean age or median gravidity or parity by race among pregnant women who were cared for after an MVA. There was no difference in mean age or racial distribution between women who were restrained compared with women who were unrestrained; unrestrained women were more likely to be nulliparous. Unrestrained women were more likely to require nonobstetric surgery that was related to the trauma. The overall rate of placental abruption was 6%. There were 6 intrauterine fetal deaths, 3 each in the unrestrained (25%) and restrained groups (3.5%; P = .018). Airbags deployed in 17 accidents. Among the 7 women with placenta abruption, 4 women (57%) experienced air bag deployment. Conclusion Lack of restraint use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal death.
The effect of xenon pressure on the red rubidium-xenon satellite bands

Abstract Shifts, halfwidths, and relative intensities of the first four member doublets and their nearby red satellite bands of the rubidium principal series were observed when perturbed by a xenon pressure. The shifts and halfwidths of the lines and bands were found to behave nearly in the same manner under the xenon pressure. But the band intensities increase with increasing pressure, while line intensities decrease. Intensity ratios of the bands belonging to the same doublets are quite different from those of the doublets.
Theory-bashing and answer-improving in the study of social movements

Over the 1970s and 1980s, a “theory-bashing” mindset gained popularity among sociologists of social movements and, for a period, overshadowed the alternative mindset of seeking to improve answers to questions about social movements. Now on the wane, theory-bashing nonetheless retains a significant presence. This mindset has a number of attractions and virtues and it is, broadly speaking, legitimate. But, it also has negative features and consequences that I want to point out. I begin by showing how the theory-bashing differs from the answer-improving mindset and I then explain ways in which the former hinders the analysis of social movements even though it can also be helpful. Finally, I offer a sociological account of why theory-bashing has been so popular in movement studies.
Treatment strategies for patients with recurrent brain tumors

T he unavailability of effective surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic approaches for patients with recurrent brain tumors has made their treatment difficult. Perhaps more importantly, physicians have been reluctant to subject patients to secondary or tertiary therapies when the outcome was thought to be inevitable and the benefits shortlived. In patients with terminal illnesses, therapies that may increase the risk of toxicity were avoided because of their potential to reduce the quality of survival. Recently, however, newer strategies have emerged in radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, allowing successful treatment of patients with recurrent brain tumors, sometimes for many years. Much of the pessimism of the past can now be replaced by cautious optimism. To test new hypotheses in carefully designed clinical research trials, patient selection is important, as is patient motivation. The goal of therapy for these patients should be clearly defined before the initiation of treatment, with the participation of a well-informed patient and family. For some patients, the goal of therapy is to try anything, at any cost, in order to lengthen survival. For others, efforts to increase the quantity of survival time should not jeopardize the quality of their survival.
The morphologic effects of radiation administered therapeutically for intracranial gliomas.A Postmortem study of 25 cases

To investigate the pathologic consequences of therapeutic radiation, this morphologic study evaluated the brains of 25 patients with intracranial gliomas treated both with and without this form of therapy. Although beneficial effects such as the retardation of tumor growth were evident in these studies, among the seventeen patients who received from 5000--6000 rads for malignant gliomas, four developed "late delayed" radiation necrosis. The strong predilection of this tissue response for the white matter adjacent to the neoplasm suggests a local sensitivity which may have been engendered or enhanced by cerebral edema. A fifth case disclosed focal demyelination in the mid-brain suggesting "early delayed" radiation necrosis, and an additional case had distinctive foci of necrosis within the brain stem. Changes of diffuse cerebral edema were noted in many of the radiated brains. It is concluded that radiation therapy in commonly employed dosages for malignant gliomas carries a risk of injury to surrounding cerebral tissues.
Parallel Helical Domains in DNA Branched Junctions Containing 5‘,5‘ and 3‘,3‘ Linkages†

The Holliday junction is a central intermediate in genetic recombination. It contains four strands of DNA that are paired into four double helical arms that flank a branch point. In the presence of Mg2+, the four arms are known to stack in pairs forming two helical domains whose orientations are antiparallel but twisted by about 60°. The basis for the antiparallel orientation of the domains could be either junction structure or the effect of electrostatic repulsion between domains. To discriminate between these two possibilities, we have constructed and characterized an analogue, called a bowtie junction, in which one strand contains a 3‘,3‘ linkage at the branch point, the strand opposite it contains a 5‘,5‘ linkage, and the other two strands contain conventional 3‘,5‘ linkages. Electrostatic effects are expected to lead to an antiparallel structure in this system. We have characterized the molecule in comparison with a conventional immobile branched junction by Ferguson analysis and by observing its the...
Rapid Classical Conditioning of Odor Response in a Physiological Model for Olfactory Research, the Tiger Salamander

In recent years there have been a number of important advances in the understanding of cellular mechanisms related to olfactory function. Hypotheses regarding the complex relationships among odorant structure, physiological activity and behavioral outcome generated by these findings, however, remain largely untested due to a paucity of psychophysical data on stimulus discrimination in the same experimental species. Comparisons between behavioral and physiological responses are essential for elucidating the critical aspects of stimulus coding in sensory systems. We have developed a method for generating psychophysical data in one of the primary model species used in olfactory research, the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum. These psychophysical experiments are carried out under the same conditions as physiological experiments in our laboratory. Using classical conditioning, individual salamanders are trained over a period of 2-3 h to show skin potential responses to odor and not air. Failure to train using backward pairing demonstrates that the response is not due to sensitization or pseudoconditioning. The conditioned response is mediated by the olfactory pathway, as it is blocked by olfactory nerve section. We show that salamanders detect three odorants that are commonly used stimuli in physiological experiments (butyl alcohol, butyl acetate and amyl acetate), but cannot detect a fourth common experimental odorant, camphor. This method should be a powerful tool for studying olfactory information processing by providing data on discriminability of stimuli used in salamander physiological studies.
Large scale parameter estimation for nonlinear dynamic systems: Application on spike-in, spike-out neural models

This paper presents a general method of parameter estimation for large-scale non-linear dynamic models a with particular focus on parameter estimation for spike-in, spike-out neural models. The aim is to provide a convex optimization algorithm for tuning parameters of such a model which enables solving large-scale estimation problem in a linear time. Parameter estimation for a single layer neural network containing hundreds of synapses is addressed and efficiency/performance of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by solving a few examples. It will be also demonstrated that parameters of the model for mapping CA3 output of hippocampus cell into CA1 output, under patch clamp experiment, can be successfully estimated by utilizing the methodology of this paper.
Genes Record a Prehistoric Volcano Eruption in the Galapagos

Volcanic islands provide notable examples of the parallel between a changing geographic area and its changing biota. This is particularly true for young islands where volcanic activity is known to dictate the rate of population extinction and recolonization and to influence evolutionary
Cancer and pregnancy: an overview for obstetricians and gynecologists

A relatively rare occurrence, pregnancy-associated cancer affects approximately 1 in 1000 pregnancies. Optimizing treatment of the cancer and minimizing harm to the fetus are often dependent on the extent of disease, treatment options required, and the impact on the pregnancy as well as the gestational age of pregnancy. When malignancy is diagnosed, the obstetrician-gynecologist plays a key role in the diagnosis, initial evaluation, and coordination of patient care. Furthermore, the obstetrician-gynecologist may be asked to assist in fertility planning for young women with a new diagnosis of cancer and may be responsible for addressing questions about family-planning needs and the safety of future pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to provide the obstetrician-gynecologist with a relevant overview of the current literature regarding concurrent pregnancy and cancer diagnoses, management options, including maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as the future needs of young women diagnosed with cancer who desire fertility preservation.
Normal stress and stress relaxation data for sand asphalt undergoing torsional flow

Abstract Normal stress and stress relaxation of sand asphalt mixtures are measured using a torsional rheometer. The description and the operating principle of the torsional rheometer and the measurement procedure are presented. The raw data obtained, namely the torque and the normal force, are documented for different rotation rates and loading times. Repeated experiments exhibit remarkable consistency and show that the normal force and the torque decrease with the decrease in rotation rate. The results show the necessity for developing non-linear constitutive models for asphalt mixtures.
Comparison of Nonprecious Metal Cathode Materials for Methane Production by Electromethanogenesis

In methanogenic microbial electrolysis cells (MMCs), CO2 is reduced to methane using a methanogenic biofilm on the cathode by either direct electron transfer or evolved hydrogen. To optimize methane generation, we examined several cathode materials: plain graphite blocks, graphite blocks coated with carbon black or carbon black containing metals (platinum, stainless steel or nickel) or insoluble minerals (ferrihydrite, magnetite, iron sulfide, or molybdenum disulfide), and carbon fiber brushes. Assuming a stoichiometric ratio of hydrogen (abiotic):methane (biotic) of 4:1, methane production with platinum could be explained solely by hydrogen production. For most other materials, however, abiotic hydrogen production rates were insufficient to explain methane production. At −600 mV, platinum on carbon black had the highest abiotic hydrogen gas formation rate (1600 ± 200 nmol cm–3 d–1) and the highest biotic methane production rate (250 ± 90 nmol cm–3 d–1). At −550 mV, plain graphite (76 nmol cm–3 d–1) perfo...
The three-phase linear model of bacterial growth: a response

Buchanan et al. compare a three-phase linear model of bacterial growth with the Gompertz and Baranyi nonlinear models. The three-phase linear model imposes horizontal line fits on the lag and stationary periods and uses least squares regression to allocate observations to the three phases, as well as to the coordinates of the three lines themselves. This extension of the early graphical methods of microbiologists is mechanistic and very simple, and appears fully adequate for use as a primary model to support multi-parameter environmental modeling of bacterial growth.
Three-Dimensional Multiple Scattering of Elastic Waves by Spherical Inclusions

Aircraft Design and Manufacturing Research Center (ADMRC); National Science Foundation (NSF).
Protein tyrosine phosphatase PtpA is not required for Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in mice.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) alters the host response to infection by secreting protein factors. Mtb produces two secreted protein tyrosine phosphatases, PtpA and PtpB, which are thought to interfere with host signaling. Deletion of ptpA or ptpB attenuates bacterial growth in activated macrophages. To address the in vivo function of PtpA, we generated a genetic deletion mutant, ΔptpA. The mutant was not defective when grown in vitro, consistent with the presumed role of PtpA in the host. The ptpA mutant, however, also showed no growth defect in a mouse infection model. The absence of a growth defect in mice suggests that the requirement for PtpA differs in mouse and human infections, and that mice are not a suitable infection model for the study of PtpA.
Atherosclerosis: An update

CHD remains the leading cause of death in most developed countries; therefore, elucidation of risk factors and associated mechanisms for atherosclerosis and development of CHD has been a high priority. Data from the Framingham Heart Study and other large-scale epidemiologic studies have identified major risk factors associated with CHD, demonstrating the adverse effects of increased total and LDL-C levels and the protective effect of HDL-C. Other endogenous and exogenous risk factors have been identified and are discussed in this review. In addition, we address known mechanisms involved in the atherosclerotic process.
Management of Septic Skin Necroses

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and purpura fulminans (PF) are conditions with extensive septic skin necroses that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. NF is caused by fulminant bacterial spread on the superficial muscle fascia, Group A streptococcus being the main microorganism responsible for it. The major challenge NF poses is timely recognition. Although crucial for patient survival, early diagnosis is difficult because paucity of specific early findings does not allow setting NF apart from other, less severe, differential diagnoses. Surgical therapy consists of early and aggressive debridement of all affected tissue, even if large disfiguring wounds are left back. The responsible microorganism for PF in children is predominantly Neisseira meningitidis. Endotoxin triggered misbalance of anticoagulant and procoagulant activities of endothelial cells leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) followed by microvascular thrombosis and bleeding, resulting in hemorrhagic skin infarction and limb ischemia. Although survival in PF is not dependent on surgery, and surgery plays not a key role in the early phase of the disease, early surgical consult to assess if limb perfusion can be improved to achieve limb salvage is still absolutely necessary. Debridement should be postponed until clear demarcation has established. Large defects after NF and PF can be successfully reconstructed with vacuum-assisted fixation of Integra (Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States) artificial skin before split-thickness skin grafting. This provides good functional and cosmetic results as well as good stump coverage in case of amputation in PF.
Effects of recombinant human thrombopoietin on megakaryocyte colony formation and megakaryocyte ploidy by human CD34+ cells in a serum‐free system

In serum-free cultures of human CD34 cells, recombinant human thrombopoietin (TPO) induced megakaryocyte colony formation in a dose-dependent fashion that was further enhanced by the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and stem cell factor (SCF), but not by IL-6, IL-11 or erythropoietin. TPO gave rise to much smaller colonies and at an earlier time than IL-3, indicating that TPO affects predominantly more mature megakaryocytic progenitors. In liquid cultures, TPO increased the percentage and the absolute number of ≥8N megakaryocytes, but it did not shift their modal ploidy from 2N. TPO-induced endomitosis was totally inhibited by the presence of, or previous exposure of cells to, IL-3 and/or SCF. The mechanism by which TPO overcomes in vivo the negative effects of IL-3 and SCF on megakaryocyte ploidy remains unknown.
Delphinidin, an Anthocyanidin in Pigmented Fruits and Vegetables, Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells

Because of unsatisfactory treatment options for colon cancer, there is a need to develop novel preventive approaches for this malignancy. One such strategy is through chemoprevention by the use of non-toxic dietary substances and botanical products. Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin in pigmented fruits and vegetables, possesses strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of delphinidin in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. We found that treatment of cells with delphinidin (30-240 microM; 48 h) resulted in (i) decrease in cell viability (ii) induction of apoptosis, (iii) cleavage of PARP, (iv) activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, (v) increase in Bax with a concomitant decrease in Bcl-2 protein, and (vi) G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. NF-kappaB provides a mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer, and is a major factor controlling the ability of both pre-neoplastic and malignant cells to resist apoptosis-based tumor surveillance mechanisms. We therefore, determined the effect of delphinidin on NF-kappaB signaling pathway. The immunoblot, ELISA and EMSA analysis demonstrated that the treatment of HCT116 cells with delphinidin resulted in the inhibition of (i) IKKalpha, (ii) phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha, (iii) phosphorylation of NF-kappaB/p65 at Ser(536), (iv) nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB/p65, (v) NF-kappaB/p65 DNA binding activity, and (vi) transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB. Our results suggest that delphinidin treatment of HCT116 cells suppressed NF-kappaB pathway, resulting in G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. We suggest that delphinidin could have potential in inhibiting colon cancer growth.
Volterra series modeling of spatial light modulators

We present a multiple-input, single-output, weakly nonlinear model of spatial light modulators by use of a second-order Volterra series and describe an experimental method to measure the nonlinear transfer functions by means of sinusoidal perturbation and synchronous detection with a lock-in amplifier. We also present an application of this method to a liquid-crystal light valve.
The importance of pediatric injury prevention to trauma care

Abstract Injury is currently the primary cause of death and disability in children. The field of injury consists of treatment and prevention. This article describes why prevention is the most important component of trauma care for the reduction of injury morbidity and mortality. The recognized prevention strategies are the “3 Es” of education, engineering, and enforcement. A comprehensive injury prevention program should include multiple strategies that have been shown to be effective in well-designed evaluations. The emergency medicine physician has a number of opportunities through clinical practice, education, and research to be effectively involved in injury prevention.
Collisional damping of ETG-mode-driven zonal flows.

We study collisional damping of electron zonal flows in toroidal electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence due to the friction between trapped and untrapped electrons. With the assumption of adiabatic ions, the collisional damping is shown to occur on fast time scales � 0:24� 1=2 � e .T he comparison with the growth rate of electron zonal flows indicates that the shearing by electron zonal flows is unlikely to be a robust mechanism for regulating ETG turbulence. This finding vitiates the claims of several simulation studies that have ignored the effects of collisional damping of electron zonal flows and offers a possible partial explanation of the high levels of electron thermal transport observed in the National Spherical Torus Experiment.
Tandem mass spectrometry of alkali cationized polysaccharides in a quadrupole ion trap

Quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry is used to study the linkage type dependent dissociation pathways of alkali-cationized disaccharides, mostly of the type glucosyl(1 → X)glucose (X = 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6). The reaction mechanisms of a set of disaccharides containing all possible α anomeric linkage types and some β anomers are probed with tandem mass spectrometry, MSn, and double resonance experiments. Tandem mass spectrometry experiments on an 18O-labeled disaccharide show that the dissociation paths for Li and Na cationized species are the same. Experiments on three trisaccharides (isomaltotriose, maltotriose, and panose), a tetrasaccharide (isomaltotetraose), and a pentasaccharide (maltopentaose) show that tandem mass spectrometry provides all available linkage information and MSn can provide selected linkage information. The mode of alkali binding is examined via semiempirical calculations and by measuring alkali-carbohydrate relative cation affinities.
Exact stiffness matrix for a beam element with axial force and shear deformation

The exact stiffness matrix for a beam element of arbitrarily shaped cross section, with axial force and shear deformation, is determined. This new matrix is needed because shear deflections in the two perpendicular planes of a beam cannot be treated as uncoupled for arbitrary cross sections even if the coordinate system is aligned with principal bending axes. Numerical examples are included.
Improving conceptual database design through feedback

Design aids can improve the quality of systems developed by end-users and non-expert designers. This paper reports a study undertaken to establish the concept validation of a design aid that is based on feedback to improve the quality of conceptual and logical relational databases. We describe the design of SERFER (Simulated ER based FEedback system for R elational databases) and test its effectiveness in a laboratory experiment using the "hidden operator" method. The results show that feedback can help users detect and correct certain types of database design errors in modeling ternary relationships. However, no improvement seems possible in the case of unary relationships. The experiment could not determine whether errors can be corrected in modeling binary relationships, since the subjects were reasonably adept and rarely committed serious errors in this case.
On Ulam's Problem of Path Planning, and “How to Move Heavy Furniture”

Abstract Using a combination of geometric insight and the minimum principle, a more concise solution to a problem posed by Ulam is given. This problem concerns the path planning of a rod in such a way that the sum of the distances traveled by both endpoints is minimized. It belongs to the class of scalable optimal control (SOC) problems. As time plays no role it is invariant with respect to time scaling, so that impulsive arguments can be used. The following result is obtained: Any optimal bi-path consists of either a glide, a rotation, a combination of the two, or – at most -, a glide sandwiched between two rotations or a rotation sandwiched between two glides related by permutation of their glide angles. A glide-ellipse characterizes the solution. One manifestation of this problem is in moving objects against static friction forces, hence the subtitle.
Comparative dissolution rates of enamel, dentin, and bone. I. Effect of the organic matter.

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUARAPIDITATES COMPARATIVE DEL DISSOLUTION DE ADAMANTE, DENTINA, E OSSO. I. EFFECTO DEL MATERIA ORGANIC.—Le rapiditate del dissolution de adamante, dentina, e osso varia con le pH del medio discalcificatori. A pH 5,0, le dissolution de osso esseva le plus rapide, sequite per illo de dentina e, postea, de adamante. A pH 3,5, le dissolution de adamante esseva le plus rapide e illo de osso le plus lente. Iste observationes contrastava con illos notate quando le tissus studiate esseva isolate ab substantia organic. Alora-intra le gamma de valores de pH includite in le studio-osso se dissolveva semper le plus rapidemente, sequite semper de dentina e, alora, de adamante. Le materia organic de osso e de dentina retardava le dissolution de iste tissus. In plus, il pareva que iste effecto retardatori cresceva con un declino del pH. Le materia organic de adamante, del altere latere, habeva pauc effecto super le rapiditate de dissolution.
Single quantum well strained InGaAs/GaAs lasers with large modulation bandwidth and low damping

Strained In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As/GaAs single quantum well polyimide buried ridge waveguide lasers with 3 dB modulation bandwidths of 15 GHz and gain compression factors in as small as 9.98*10/sup -18/cm/sup -3/ have been fabricated. The authors have also observed that the gain compression factor is not larger than in lasers with bulk active areas, and is lower for structures with a smaller number of wells and shorter cavity lengths.
Coordinated blind calibration for time interleaved ADCS

This paper presents a novel digital blind calibration method for time interleaved analog to digital converters (TIADCs). A simple cost function based on the cross-correlation of channel statistics is used to derive a steepest descent algorithm for the compensation of timing mismatch errors. Instead of calibrating the timing mismatches independently for each channel, only one adaptation channel needs to be calibrated within a closed loop. The calibration of the rest of the channels can be coordinated according to a scaling relationship established during an initialization stage. As a result, both the computational complexity and convergence speed of the proposed algorithm can be improved significantly with little loss in calibration performance.
Comparison of different variable selection methods for partial least squares soft sensor development

Data-driven soft sensors have been widely used in both academic research and industrial applications for predicting hard-to-measure variables or replacing physical sensors to reduce cost. It has been shown that the performance of these data-driven soft sensors can be greatly improved by selecting only the vital variables that strongly affect the primary variables, rather than using all the available process variables. In this work, a comprehensive evaluation of different variable selection methods for soft sensor development is presented. The following seven variable selection methods are considered: stepwise regression (SR), partial least squares with regression coefficients (PLS-BETA), PLS with variable importance in projection (PLS-VIP), uninformative variable elimination with PLS (UVE-PLS), genetic algorithm with PLS (GA-PLS), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling with PLS (CARS-PLS). Their strengths and limitations for soft sensor development are examined using a simulated case study and an industrial case study. Independent tuning datasets are used to optimize each method and to analyze the sensitivity of each method to its tuning parameters. Then independent test datasets are used to compare the prediction performances of PLS soft sensors developed based on different variable selection methods.
Novel Selective Inhibitors of the Interaction of Individual Nuclear Hormone Receptors with a Mutually Shared Steroid Receptor Coactivator 2

Nuclear hormone receptor (NR) signaling, currently a therapeutic target in multiple diseases, involves an ordered series of protein interactions to regulate transcription in response to changing hormone levels. Later steps in the process of ligand-dependent signaling are driven by a highly conserved interaction between the NRs and the steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) that is effected by a conserved interaction motif (L1XXL2L3), known as an NR box. Using computational design and combinatorial chemistry, we have produced novel alpha-helical proteomimetics of the second NR box of SRC2 that exploit structural differences between human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha), human estrogen receptor beta (hERbeta), and human thyroid hormone receptor beta (hTRbeta). The resulting library sequentially replaced each leucine with non-natural side chains. Screening this library using a quantitative competition assay revealed compounds that selectively inhibit the interaction of SRC2-2 with each individual NR in preference to its interaction with the other NR. This approach generated highly selective compounds from one that had no specificity for a particular family member. These compounds represent the first family-member-selective competitive inhibitors of the protein interactions of transcription factors.
Nuclear Export of Smad2 and Smad3 by RanBP3 Facilitates Termination of TGF-β Signaling

Smad2 and Smad3 (Smad2/3) are key intracellular signal transducers for TGF-β signaling, and their transcriptional activities are controlled through reversible phosphorylation and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. However, the precise mechanism underlying nuclear export of Smad2/3 remains elusive. Here we report the essential function of RanBP3 in selective nuclear export of Smad2/3 in the TGF-β pathway. RanBP3 directly recognizes dephosphorylated Smad2/3, which results from the activity of nuclear Smad phosphatases, and mediates nuclear export of Smad2/3 in a Ran-dependent manner. As a result, increased expression of RanBP3 inhibits TGF-β signaling in mammalian cells and Xenopus embryos. Conversely, depletion of RanBP3 expression or dominant-negative inhibition of RanBP3 enhances TGFβ-induced antiproliferative and transcriptional responses. In conclusion, our study supports a definitive role for RanBP3 in mediating Smad2/3 nuclear export and terminating TGF-β signaling.
Measurement of the Inclusive Neutron Production by Relativistic Neon Ions on Uranium

Inclusive double-differential cross sections for neutron production were measured at 337 MeV/nucleon in the reaction $\mathrm{Ne}+\mathrm{U}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+X$. Neutrons were detected with energies between \ensuremath{\sim} 12 and \ensuremath{\sim} 600 MeV at laboratory angles of 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The neutron spectra above \ensuremath{\sim} 30 MeV are comparable with the predictions of a "firestreak" calculation. The neutron spectra differ from proton spectra reported for U and Pb.
Finding the remnants of lost jets at RHIC

A fast parton propagating through partonic matter loses energy by medium-induced gluon radiation. We propose a method to detect the energy loss of jets and the final-state interaction of the radiated gluons and the jets with the partonic medium. By embedding jets and radiated energy into a parton cascade, we find that the fate of lost jets can be studied by analyzing the momentum distribution of soft hadrons relative to the jet axis.
straightjacket is required for the synaptic stabilization of cacophony, a voltage-gated calcium channel alpha1 subunit.

In a screen to identify genes involved in synaptic function, we isolated mutations in Drosophila melanogaster straightjacket (stj), an α2δ subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel. stj mutant photoreceptors develop normal synaptic connections but display reduced “on–off” transients in electroretinogram recordings, indicating a failure to evoke postsynaptic responses and, thus, a defect in neurotransmission. stj is expressed in neurons but excluded from glia. Mutants exhibit endogenous seizure-like activity, indicating altered neuronal excitability. However, at the synaptic level, stj larval neuromuscular junctions exhibit approximately fourfold reduction in synaptic release compared with controls stemming from a reduced release probability at these synapses. These defects likely stem from destabilization of Cacophony (Cac), the primary presynaptic α1 subunit in D. melanogaster. Interestingly, neuronal overexpression of cac partially rescues the viability and physiological defects in stj mutants, indicating a role for the α2δ Ca2+ channel subunit in mediating the proper localization of an α1 subunit at synapses.
The use of 6-O-methylamylose as a substrate for amylases

Abstract A type of chemically modified amylose, in which a fraction of the primary hydroxyl groups is specifically methylated, has been prepared by the following sequence of reactions: amylose → 6- O -tritylamylose → 2,3-di- O -benzoyl-6- O -tritylamylose → 2,3-di- O -benzoylamylose → 2,3-di- O -benzoyl-6- O -methylamylose → 6- O -methylamylose. Two such preparations of 6- O -methylamylose, having D.S. 0.2 and D.S. 0.4, were examined as a model substrates for a number of starch-degrading enzymes. Neither was detectably attacked by sweet-potato β-amylase or potato phosphorylase. Some hydrolysis (much greater for the 6- O -methylamylose of D.S. 0.2 than for that of D.S. 0.4) did occur with crystalline α-amylase preparations from hog pancreas and Bacillus subtilis . Relatively extensive hydrolysis was effected by an Aspergillus niger enzyme preparation containing both α-amylase and amyloglucosidase. Products of the action of the pancreatic and Bacillus subtilis amylases included maltose and higher saccharides, but neither d -glucose nor 6- O -methyl- d -glucose was detected. Products obtained with the A. niger enzyme preparation included d -glucose and a saccharide tentatively identified as 4- O -(6- O -methyl-α- d -glucopyranosyl)- d -glucose; 6- O -methyl- d -glucose was not detected. The failure of the exo-enzymes to effect any hydrolysis, and the extent of hydrolysis and the nature of the products formed by the two crystalline α-amylases, demonstrate that hydrolysis is blocked in the vicinity of the methylated primary hydroxyl groups. The results suggest that those limitations on amylase action normally attributed to the bulky (1→6)- d -glucose branch are also imposed by a small group, namely, the methyl group.
Zernike polynomials and atmospheric turbulence

This paper discusses some general properties of Zernike polynomials, such as their Fourier transforms, integral representations, and derivatives. A Zernike representation of the Kolmogoroff spectrum of turbulence is given that provides a complete analytical description of the number of independent corrections required in a wave-front compensation system.
Effects of short-term solar uv variability on the stratosphere

Abstract Changes in solar ultraviolet flux produce changes in ozone concentration in the upper stratosphere with associated radiative and dynamical effects. At low latitudes, the response of ozone mixing ratio to solar UV variations on the time scale of the solar rotation period is well characterized observationally. In addition, there is some provisional evidence for an ozone response at intermediate periods of 60-80 days. Current two-dimensional stratospheric models simulate the observed 27-day response amplitudes and phase lags with reasonable accuracy in the upper stratosphere. The observed response of total ozone on the 27-day time scale is also in approximate agreement with the same models although observed ozone sensitivities and phase lags are slightly larger than expected theoretically. Future studies of the 27-day response at higher latitudes and altitudes are needed to test more completely our understanding of the direct effects of solar UV variability on the middle atmosphere.
Perception of pain among pediatric patients with sickle cell pain crisis.

Pain related to vasoocclusion is the most common reason for emergency department visits and hospital stays among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Using a prospective descriptive design, patients hospitalized with sickle cell pain were asked to complete the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool on each day of their hospital stay, providing data on the location, intensity, and quality of their pain. Data for 82 hospital stays were collected from 40 African American study participants. Mean age was 14.8 years, and mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.1 days. Mean LOS for 8 to 12 year olds (3.23 days; n = 22) was shorter than mean LOS for 13 to 19 year olds (5.85 days; n = 60). This LOS difference was significant (P = .004). Difference in LOS by gender was not significant. Higher initial number of body sites with pain was significantly associated with longer LOS (r = .39; P < .001). Higher initial pain intensity scores were significantly associated with longer LOS (r = .37; P = .001). Higher initial number of...
Bexarotene reduces network excitability in models of Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy

The nuclear retinoid X receptor agonist, bexarotene, has been implicated in recovery of cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since AD genetic mouse models also show abnormal neural hyperexcitability, which may play a destructive role in memory storage and retrieval, we studied whether bexarotene exerted dynamic network effects on electroencephalography cortical spike discharge rate and spectral frequency in an AD (hAPP J20 model) and non-AD (Kv1.1 null) mouse models of epilepsy. We find that oral treatment with bexarotene over 1 week acutely reduced spike discharges in both models and seizures in the Kv1.1 null mouse model without major alterations in the background frequency of brain rhythms. The effect was reversible and exhibited a similar rapid onset in hippocampal slices. While the exact mechanisms are unknown, bexarotene counteracts both amyloid-β-induced and amyloid-β-independent increases in cortical network hyperexcitability.